Summer in the Psalms: Psalm 101
“A Psalm of David. 1 I will sing of lovingkindness and justice, To You, O Lord, I will sing praises. 2 I will give heed to the blameless way. When will You come to me? I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. 3 I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me. 4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know no evil. 5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure. 6 My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me. 7 He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me. 8 Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land, So as to cut off from the city of the Lord all those who do iniquity.â€â€”Psalm 101, NASB 95
What do you want to be when you grow up? The answer to that childhood question changes many times as we grow, but it’s a little more problematic for adults who have already “grown up.†Our development can only be fulfilling if we also ask, “Who has God called me to be?†In our lesson today, David’s voice in Psalm 101 is first worshipful and then intentional. The Psalm contains fifteen action statements about what he will or will not do to align his life with God’s purpose.
Like the prophet Micah, David’s heart is inclined toward justice and kindness. In other words, his love for God is directed toward his life in community and the integrity of his relationships with others.
Begin by reading Psalm 101 aloud.
What do you want to be when you grow up? The answer to that childhood question changes many times as we grow, but it’s a little more problematic for adults who have already “grown up.†Our development can only be fulfilling if we also ask, “Who has God called me to be?†In our lesson today, David’s voice in Psalm 101 is first worshipful and then intentional. The Psalm contains fifteen action statements about what he will or will not do to align his life with God’s purpose.
Like the prophet Micah, David’s heart is inclined toward justice and kindness. In other words, his love for God is directed toward his life in community and the integrity of his relationships with others.
Begin by reading Psalm 101 aloud.
Discussion Questions
1. Integrity & Blamelessness: David desires to “walk within my house in the integrity of my heart†(v. 2). How can we cultivate personal integrity in our daily lives, even in private spaces? (See also Proverbs 11:3)
2. Setting Standards (Proverbs 4:23): The Psalm says, “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes†(v. 3). What are some examples of this? How can we guard ourselves against influences that might lead us astray?
3. Perverted Hearts & Pride: The Psalmist speaks of those with “a perverse heart†(v. 4). How can we recognize these tendencies in ourselves and others? (See also Proverbs 8:13)
4. Truth & Deceit (Proverbs 12:22): The Psalmist declares, “He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me†(v. 7). How can we create and maintain authenticity in our relationships?
5. Moral High Ground? (Romans 2:1): The Psalm outlines the Psalmist’s desire for an integrity-based community. Does this create a sense of self-righteousness? How can we maintain lofty standards without judging others?
6. Challenges to Integrity: Can you share when upholding your integrity was difficult? How did you navigate that situation?
Challenge: Memorize Psalm 1 this summer. At the end of each group meeting, ask each member to recite the portion they have learned!
2. Setting Standards (Proverbs 4:23): The Psalm says, “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes†(v. 3). What are some examples of this? How can we guard ourselves against influences that might lead us astray?
3. Perverted Hearts & Pride: The Psalmist speaks of those with “a perverse heart†(v. 4). How can we recognize these tendencies in ourselves and others? (See also Proverbs 8:13)
4. Truth & Deceit (Proverbs 12:22): The Psalmist declares, “He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me†(v. 7). How can we create and maintain authenticity in our relationships?
5. Moral High Ground? (Romans 2:1): The Psalm outlines the Psalmist’s desire for an integrity-based community. Does this create a sense of self-righteousness? How can we maintain lofty standards without judging others?
6. Challenges to Integrity: Can you share when upholding your integrity was difficult? How did you navigate that situation?
Challenge: Memorize Psalm 1 this summer. At the end of each group meeting, ask each member to recite the portion they have learned!
Posted in Sermon Notes