Psalm 34: 1-10, 22 – INGREDIENTS FOR A GOOD ATTITUDE
(A COMPLETE LESSON)
· Tell us about someone you met recently who had a good attitude.
· What are some of the characteristics of people with good attitudes?
· Why is it important that Christians have good attitudes?
· What are some of the negative activities of others that adversely affect our attitudes?
Attitude for Christians is important. In Psalm 34 we find some ingredients that, if put into practice in our lives, will positively affect our attitude. We should want to please the Lord with the best possible attitude available.
PRAISE – Vss. 1-2
· Notice that part of having a good attitude is making a decision. We need to decide that we want to have a good attitude, that we will have a good attitude, and that we are going to praise the Lord continually as one of the ingredients of that good attitude.
· Why is praising the Lord at all times so difficult to do?
· How will praising the Lord put our problems into perspective?
· What are some of the things we normally “boast” about, good and bad?
· How does bragging on the Lord help our attitude and the attitude of believers?
PARTNERSHIP – Vs. 3
· How does corporate worship positively affect one’s attitude?
· How does fellowship with other believers positively affect one’s attitude?
· What ever happened to Christian fellowship?
PRAYER – Vss. 4-6
· Vs. 4 – The place we go to seek the Lord is the “Throne of Grace”.
Hebrews 4:14-16 – Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. [15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
· Why is fear such a crippling thing?
· Philippians 4:6-7 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
· Vs. 5 – What individuals have made you radiant when you’ve looked at them?
· Why should looking at the Lord make us both radiant and confident?
Hebrews 12:2 – Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
· Vs. 6 – When we are saved out of troubles, do they always go away?
· 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
PROTECTION – Vs. 7
· What does it mean to fear the Lord?
· Have you seen or heard of any times when the Lord’s protection was clearly evident?
· How should the Lord’s protection of His children affect our attitude?
· Colossians 3:3 – For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
PARTICIPATION – Vs. 8
· How do we “taste and see” that the Lord is good?
· What blessings come to the trusting man?
· Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
· Psalm 71:1 – In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
· Psalm 56:11 – In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
PREFERENCE – Vss. 9-10
· Why does the Lord require fear of those who would receive His blessings?
· What are some of the “good things” that we won’t lack when we seek the Lord?
· 1 Chronicles 16:11 – Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.
PARDON – Vs. 22
· How should our redemption affect our attitude?
· 2 Corinthians 5:8-9 – We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. [9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Assignment – Please choose one of these specific ingredients to focus on this week.