Guest preacher and pastor Paul Alexander preaches this Sunday (August 14, 2022) on Psalm 49. Pastor Paul explains the text and shows us how all die, whether rich or poor, wise or foolish, deceived or deceiver. We learn how we should not mistake material abundance for God’s approval. In keeping with our reminder of the gospel, Jesus Christ lives and dies Psalm 49, demonstrating verse 15 through God the Father’s ransom of His Son’s life from the power of death! The Scripture readings from our worship service were from Luke 12:13-21, Luke 11:13, and Philippians 4:19-20.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are fears that you have that you know not to fear? How do you fear like the psalmist?
2. Do you struggle with stating that you must be doing something right due to the amount of money you have?
3. How do you respond to the money that you have?
4. Do you struggle to think that your money will help you in your relationship with God?
5. How do you respond when others take your money?
6. What are your favorite sins that you struggle with and hold onto?
7. How is our ransom paid for our sins?
8. Are there ways that you grow your pomp and make yourself look better?
9. Do you put your confidence in your wealth?
10. Who are you allowing to be the shepherd of your life?
11. How have you seen resting in God and looking to eternity help you deal with the injustices of this world?
12. Why do we need not fear when other people get rich?
13. What makes us concern about others in our life getting rich?
14. How do you respond when you are blessed and receive more financially?
15. How do we know that wealth says nothing about God’s thoughts about Him who has it?
16. How do you get your soul ransomed by God?
17. Why should we not mistake abundance of wealth with God’s approval?
18. What happens to a person who trusts in their wealth?
19. How do we know whether or not we are trusting in material wealth more than God?
20. Are you more interested in making money more than being fruitful for the Lord?
21. How do we invest in the things of eternity?
22. Why would Christians suffer wrong done to them rather than trying to address the wrong done to them?
23. How do we become rich in God?
24. How does keeping our heart towards God impact how we interact with others?