Confidence (Psalm 57)

Confidence
Psalm 57

God is worthy of your fear and, therefore, your confidence and worship.

I.    Worship Shows Whom You Fear
    A.    Fear is Not a Bad Thing (Ecclesiastes 12:13; 1 Peter 2:17; Revelation 14:7; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10)
    B.    What Despair Demonstrates (1 John 4:18)

II.    True Worship Sees Beyond Circumstances
    A.    The Biblical Pattern of Affliction Before Deliverance (vv. 3-6)
    B.    Hope Comes from Heaven (v. 3)
    C.    Fear the One Who Cannot be Conquered by Death (vv. 4-6, 8-10)

III.    Worship is Helpful….
    A.    In Revealing Your Heart (v. 7; cf. vv. 1-3, 5, 8-11)
    B.    In Training Your Confidence (v. 6; cf. v. 1-3, 9-10)
    C.    In Learning to Boast in Weakness (vv. 4-6; cf. 2 Corinthians 11:30; 12:5, 9)

Discussion Starters

1.    Monday—Why does the Bible say that the disciples feared Jesus after he calmed the storm (Luke 8:25)? Is this contrary with their later reaction of worshipping him (Matthew 14:33)?
2.    Tuesday—If fear of God a bad thing? In what way does God command you to fear him? In what ways should you not fear him?
3.    Wednesday—What is the connection between fear and worship? What does it say when you fear enemies or dangers more than you fear God?
4.    Thursday—What should you fear more—death or the one who has conquered death? How can that fear give you comfort and confidence?
5.    Friday—What are some ways that worship is useful to you? Should you wait until you want to worship before you start? Why or why not?