The week of October 25

Read these four passages the week of October 25th:

Micah 3:5–12

Psalm 43

1 Thessalonians 2:9–20

Matthew 23:1–12

Reflection questions:

  1. In Micah 3, God (through the prophet Micah) exposes the false prophets of Israel for accepting bribes and for trying to get rich through their ministry. What is the consequence for their behavior? God wants the prophets to prophesy the truth, even if the truth sounds like bad news at the time. Can you think of a time you’ve been tempted to sugarcoat a hard truth, in order to benefit somehow?

  2. In Psalm 43, the author expresses his discouragement that his righteousness has been rewarded with rejection. This is an unfortunate human experience: we do what is right, and we suffer for it. In verses 3–5 he details his response. Can you identify the different ways he responds to this painful situation? Do any of them strike you as especially helpful to remember in times when you’re feeling the same way?

  3. In Psalm 43:5, the author names his honest feelings (“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?”) and then preaches to himself (“Put your hope in God!”). By his example, how does he teach us to respond when we feel like we’re in a dark place? What does this verse teach us about the roles of our feelings and thoughts, and the distinctions between the two?

  4. In 1 Thessalonians 2:9–20, Paul describes how he worked through challenging seasons. He then describes how the Christians in Thessalonica did the same. Where did Paul find hope? Where can you find hope when working through difficult seasons of life?

  5. Meditate on the phrase, “live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:12). Do you sense the Holy Spirit leading you to take any specific steps to further live a life worthy of God?

General questions:

  1. God: What does this teach about God?

  2. Us: What does this teach about ourselves/ humanity?

  3. Meaning: Why does God include this in his word?

  4. Values: What values are important to God, and what values does he want us to hold? (note: these are often at odds with our culture’s values)

  5. Attitude: How should I think and respond to things that happen around me or to me?

  6. Behavior: What is God calling me to obey?

  7. Share: What is God calling me to share?

  8. Surprise: Does anything in this reading surprise me? Confuse me?