Falls Presbyterian Church (OPC)

Because Jesus went back up, it enabled the unusual way that we pray to God our Father. 1. Lord, save us, show Your power again, hurry! (v.1- 4) 2. Yes, we deserve anger and we were really bad. (v.5-7) 3. Lord save us anyway, because we are Your people! (v.8-12) What is uncommon about our prayer, and our God? What has God prepared for those who love Him? 1 Cor. 2:9-10. What is the source of our purity? Philippians 3:7-10 Why are we given mercy? 1 Peter 2:9-12

As Christians, we have been rescued by grace, and now we live a supported life, which is continually supplied by God's grace. 1. To grip God, we need God to grip us. (v.113-115) 2. To hold up, we need to be held up. (v.116-117) 3. To weigh God heavily, we must feel the weight of His Word. (v.118-120) In what ways are we in desperate need of God's grace? What does it mean to halt between two opinions? 1 Kings 18:21 How did Jesus command us to relate to enemies? Luke 6:27-28 What is the caution about having two minds? James 1:8

The Lord has revealed money principles for us that inform our giving. 1. Proportional. (v.6) 2. Personal. (v.7) 3. The Giver rewards givers. (v. 8-15) When do the principles apply? What happens when we give? Proverbs 11:24-25. How is God honored in giving? Luke 21:1-4. Who responds to our giving, and how? Luke 6:38.

Our Savior clarifies our uncertainties with His Word and Spirit, like headlights on a dark road. What are some areas of uncertainty, and the questions they raise? 1. Confusion. (v.105-106) How do we live upright in our dark situation? 2. Suffering. (v.107-108) How do we praise God through pain? 3. Dangers. (v.109-110) How can we watch our walk when in danger? 4. Future. (v.111-112) What is the secret to having joy about tomorrow? How do we get through times and places of darkness? What is our best source of light? John 8:12 1 Cor. 2:6-16 What are some ways that God guides us? Ex. 40:6-8, Heb. 1:1-2 Who delights to keep the law of God, and why? Gal. 5:13-26

Because Christ's giving is displayed in our giving, how we give is important.1. Honorably. (v.16-21)2. Carefully. (v.22-24)3. Willingly. (ch.9, v.1-5)How do we know there is a wrong way to give?What is a good motive to give? Gal. 2:10.How much do we trust the handlers of our gifts? 1 Thess 2:5-8.What accreditation must there be for leaders? 1 Cor. 16:1-4.

Meditating on The Bible gives us valuable understanding.What is gained? (v.97)1. We gain wisdom, insight, and understanding. (v.98-99)2. We grow in obedience to God. (v.100-102)3. We gain passion: for God's Word, against deception. (v.103-104)What is that true wisdom beyond what our teachers gave us?What sort of insights did the Bible give us? Eph. 1:8How is our understanding shown through obeying? Luke 2:51-52What things should a Christian hate? Is. 61:8 Rev. 2:6

Our Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself for us, so we will give ourselves to Him.1. Exemplary generosity. (v.1-7)2. Excelling in generosity. (v.8-12)3. Equalizing by generosity. (v.13-15)Where do we best see generosity displayed?What is the cure for being self-seeking? 1 Cor. 13:4.Who is the most generous giver? Phl.2:6-7.How do we respond if one has too little? Gal. 6:10.

God gives us the strength to move forward, beyond our affliction.What are we supposed to do after our suffering? 1. Stand on the enduring foundation of The Word. (v.89-91)2. Be refreshed by the preserving power of The Word. (v.92-95)3. Rejoice in the freeing nature of God's commands. (v.96)How do we move forward from here?What is the one thing of which we can be sure? Is. 40:8 Mt 5:17-18Where do we find renewal? 2 Timothy 3:16-17Who is at work in us, and what is the plan? Philippians 1:6

Our God gives us caring hearts, and then He comforts our caring hearts. 1. God gives us true repentance of heart. (v.8-10)2. God teaches us the clues and blessings of repentance. (v.11-13a)3. God comforts us, causing us to rejoice still more. (v.13b-16)Why do some people care so much?Who had bitter sorrow, but not true repentance? Hebrews 12:16-17What sort of mourning will be comforted? Matthew 5:4How many people must give an account to God? Hebrews 4:13

God helps us to hang onto His promises, while we wait for Him to fulfill them.What should we do while waiting for God?1. Stay focused on God's promises. (v.81-82)2. Talk to God and state our case. (v.83-85) 3. Remember God's love for us, and act accordingly. (v.86-88)How can we keep on hoping while we are waiting?When are we tempted to think God is slow? 2 Peter 3:9How is our memory of God's promises? Prov. 31:5, John 6:63,68What is God's promise about our enemies? Romans 12:19

Since our God comforts the downcast, we can move from turmoil to comfort and joy.1. Afflictions outside and inside. (v.5)2. God comforts His people. (v.6)3. Rejoicing still more. (v.7)What does being downcast look like?Where do we turn when the cares of our hearts are many? Ps. 94:19.Who has promised to comfort us? Isaiah 49:13How do we move from being low to rejoicing? James 1:9