Psalm 96 Peter Sharp

Home group questions:

What is the main message of Psalm 96? How would you summarize it in your own words?

How would you define the word “worship”? What does that definition mean for the way you live your daily life?

John Piper wrote: “Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man." What do you think he means by this? Why is missions/evangelism an outworking of worship?

According to verses 2-5, what are we to sing and declare among the nations? Do you sometimes find it hard to declare these things openly to people? Peter talked about “living out loud” for God, e.g., intentionally adding God into your conversation to see if the Holy Spirit is working in someone's life. How could you do this in your day-to-day life? Do you find this easy or difficult? Why do you think some Christians find this difficult? How could you help them overcome the fear of living out loud for God?

List the reasons the psalmist gives for worshipping God, i.e., His attributes and His actions. How does an increased understanding of these increase our worship of Him? (e.g., understanding His strength might bring you comfort and/or peace.)

The psalm speaks of God coming to judge the earth with righteousness and truth (v. 13). How should this affect our actions and attitudes in our personal and professional lives?