Study Guide for

Tunes for the Road

God: Why Bother - Psalm 73

August 16, 2009

Open Up

Tell your group about someone famous who has made you think, “What did he (or she) do to deserve _____ (blank).” TRANSITION: Sometimes it seems like the people who don’t care at all about God have the good life.  Psalm 73 is honest about some of the frustrations and questions of people who do their best to please God, and yet get less from life than those who ignore God.

Dig In

1) Read Psalm 73:1-12 and Ecclesiastes 9:1-3. What do these verses seem to say about the questions, “Is the Christian life worth all the trouble? Is being good worth it?“ TRANSITION: Both Psalm 73 and Ecclesiastes honestly express the struggle of Christians who see sin and selfishness rewarded by modern day culture. What we need is a wake up call that changes our perspective – to help us see that we already have the absolute best thing in life– the nearness of a faithful God.

2) Read Psalm 73:13-17 and Psalm 37:1-9. How do the actions of Psalm 37 follow through on Psalm 73:17 by refocusing us on our relationship with God? OPTIONAL: Psalm 37:4,5,7 talk about delighting in God (worship), committing to God (serving), and being still before God (meditation and prayer). What are some ways you refocus on your relationship with God?

3) Read Psalm 73:18-28 and Psalm 49:10-13.What do these Psalms say about the long-term outcome for those who ignore God? OPTIONAL: Read Matthew 7:17-20 and 7:24-27. What does Jesus say about the long-term outcome for those who ignore him?

Work On

1) Have you ever had anything happen that made you question your faith? How did the Spirit help you renew your faith?

2) Were you ever envious of those who have worldly prosperity yet ignore God? What do you have that they don’t have?

Lift Up

Re-read Psalm 73:28 as a reminder of the priority of staying near to God through prayer.

Another Step – Advanced Study

Read Matthew 5:44-47. One reaction to seeing the prosperity of those who ignore God is to wish for their harm. What does Jesus say about our attitude towards those who ignore God?