Arriving at the Summit: Discussion Guide
Summary
In this sermon, Pastor Mike concludes the summer series on the Psalms of Ascent with Psalm 134, describing it as the summit of the journey of faith. Unlike worldly achievements that often leave people feeling empty (as illustrated by examples like Chuck Colson and others), the psalm reveals that the true destination of our faith journey is the joy of blessing God and receiving His blessing in return. The sermon emphasizes that worship isn't primarily about what we get but what we give to God in praise and adoration.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word today, we ask that You would open our hearts to understand the true summit of our faith journey. Help us to see beyond our consumer mindset and recognize the joy that comes from blessing You and receiving Your blessing. Guide our conversation and help each person here to encounter You in a fresh way. In Jesus' name, amen.
Ice Breaker
What was your favorite road trip destination as a child, and what made it special to you?
Key Verses
Psalm 134:1-3
1 Peter 2:5
Ephesians 1:3
Romans 5:8
Questions
The sermon begins by comparing reaching the summit of worldly ambitions with reaching the summit of faith. Have you ever achieved something you thought would bring fulfillment only to feel disappointed? What was that experience like?
What does it mean to 'bless the Lord' according to the sermon? How is this different from how we typically think about blessing?
Pastor Mike mentions that our worship services often begin with a call to worship and end with a benediction. How does this pattern reflect the message of Psalm 134?
How might our approach to Sunday worship change if we asked 'What did I give?' rather than 'What did I get?'
The sermon suggests that glorifying God and enjoying Him are not two separate pursuits but one and the same. How have you experienced this connection in your own life?
What are some ways our consumer culture has influenced how we approach church and worship? How can we resist these influences?
How does the message of Psalm 134 challenge or encourage you in your current season of life?
Life Application
This week, intentionally shift your perspective on worship, both in your personal devotions and as you prepare for next Sunday's service. Instead of focusing on what you hope to receive, prepare your heart to give praise and blessing to God. Each morning, begin by blessing the Lord for who He is and what He has done. Then, come to church next Sunday with the primary goal of blessing God rather than being blessed. Journal about how this shift in perspective affects your experience of worship and your awareness of God's presence.
Key Takeaways
The summit of the journey of faith is the joy of blessing God and enjoying His blessing forever.
When we gather for worship, our primary purpose should be to bless the Lord rather than seeking what we can get from the experience.
In Christ, all believers are priests called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. God's glory and our joy are bound together - we experience His blessing as we bless Him.
The blessing we receive from God is meant to flow through us to others as we share the good news of Christ.
Ending Prayer
Lord God, thank You for showing us that the destination of our faith journey is not disappointment but joy - the joy of blessing You and receiving Your blessing. Forgive us for the times we've approached worship with selfish motives, seeking only what we can get rather than what we can give. Help us to live as Your priests, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise that honor You. May we carry the blessing of Zion into our daily lives, sharing the joy we've found in You with those around us. Transform our worship, both personal and corporate, so that we might truly glorify You by enjoying You forever. In Jesus' name, amen.