Daily Readings (Page 327)

Practically, what does it mean to “walk in the light” and not “in darkness”?  What hope do 1:9 and 2:1-2 give as you face the ‘dark side’?  

If God were to address ORPC today through this psalm, what would He more likely attack: ‘mindless ritualism’ or ‘lip service’?  Why?  What forms of empty religion would He rail against?  What forms of hypocrisy?

What is important to God – sacrifice or obedience (vv.22-23)?  To you?  Wasn’t Saul obedient (v.20 cf. vv.1-11)?  Why not?     

What did God ignore when He chose David over his brothers?  What is really important to God (v.7)?  To you?

Do you think this passage is meant to be applied in all times and places, or was Paul dealing with a special problem at Ephesus (see 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:6-7)?  What reasons support your answer?     

What change/s do women (and men too) in the church today need to make to follow Paul’s emphasis on inner qualities of submission to and respect for Christ, rather than on exterior behaviour and dress?  And you?     

What does this doxology tell you about God’s nature (v20)?  How does this understanding help you in your prayer (v21)?  

Knowing that it pleases God (cf. 1 Timothy 2:3-4), how can we share with those around us the uniqueness of Jesus as the only “way…, truth and… life” (v6)?  What are some of the ways which we can do it with respect and sensitivity, and even with creativity, in a pluralistic society like ours?

Comparing this with Acts 5:27-32, what principles can you learn for helping you deal with authority?  What would Paul advise people who face injustice or living in countries which ban Christianity?                

What about Jesus’ priesthood is most encouraging to us (vv14-15 cf. 2:7-9; 3:1)?  What do we find at God’s “throne of grace” that will help us to approach Him with confidence (v16)?