The Goodness of God in Scripture

Observation: What do these passages say?

1) Read the Psalm 23:1–6 aloud as a group. Let group members share observations. Try not to move into interpretation of the passage or application of what you read quite yet. Simply share what you observe.

• • What do you see about God in verses 1-6?
  • What do you notice about man in verses 1-6? 
  • What is God’s responsibility in verses 1-6, and what is man’s responsibility?
  • How would you summarize verses 1-6 in your own words?

Interpretation: What do these passages mean?

1) Read Exodus 3:14–15.

• • What does it mean that God is “I AM?”
  • How does God shepherd His people?
  • What does it mean that the Lord is “MY shepherd?”
  • Why do God’s people need God as their shepherd?

2) Read Deuteronomy 2:7, Exodus 15:13, Genesis 2:15, Deuteronomy 12:9–10, and Psalm 78:52–54.

• • What does it mean to “lack nothing?”
  • How does having God as shepherd ensure that God’s people will “lack nothing?”
  • How does God’s steadfast love for the people He has redeemed guide us, by His strength, to His  holy abode?
  • How and why does God give His people provision and rest?

3) Read Mark 6:31, Mark 6:34, Mark 6:39-43, John 10:10-11, John 10:27 and Revelation 7:17.

• • How is Jesus our Shepherd?
  • How does Jesus provide for us?
  • How do you feel Jesus protecting and providing for you personally?

4) Read Psalm 119:162 and Psalm 19:7–11.

• • Why is God’s Word worthy of our joy and how does He show you mercy?
  • How is God’s Word good and “sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb?”

Application: How can we apply these passages to our lives?

1) The Lord is my shepherd 

• • How diligently are you following the Great I AM?
  • How does it feel when you know that you are truly following the Lord?
  • Where might you rely on yourself or others, rather than on the Lord?
  • How can your Church Group help you to rely more fully on the Lord?

2) God is my provider and guide

• • As you look at your life right now, what do you lack?
  • In what concrete ways do you see God providing for you?
  • How do you feel God guiding you toward heaven?
  • How can your Church Group pray for your needs?

3) God’s rod and staff guide me to protection and rest

• • How do you feel God’s protection over you?
  • How is God pulling (urging) you toward “green pastures and still waters?” 
  • Where might you be getting caught up in the ‘busy-ness’ of the world, and missing the goodness of God?
  • How can your Church Group support you to focus more on God than on the world?

4) God’s Word is my portion

• • How does your life demonstrate your love for God’s Word?
  • How do you see the goodness of God in His Word?
  • How can you be more diligent with your time in God’s Word?
  • How can your Church Group pray for your spiritual growth in the coming days? 

Psalm 23:1-6

1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Sermon Recap

• People who read the Bible thrive more when it comes to life satisfaction, physical and mental health, meaning, purpose, character, and relationship.
• Reading this book is statistically shown to lead you to peace, joy, comfort, strength, wisdom, hope, and life.
• More than anything in the world that you could read, listen to, or watch, the Bible provides you with all the things you want no matter what comes your way this year in this world – this Word is that good!