Firm Foundation
June 22, 2025
The Psalms are the hymns of ancient Israel. Jesus and His disciples sang them in worship as they traveled the dusty roads of ancient Palestine. Their words were even on Jesus' lips as He hung on the cross. The lyrics that brought so much hope and joy to Jesus continue to inspire His followers today. Join us each Sunday as we listen to a mixtape of Gospel Psalms that previewed Jesus’ life, mission, death, and resurrection hundreds of years before His birth.
Passage
Psalm 16
Why We Need a Foundation:
- The world has no ##physical## foundation.
- This world has no ##intellectual## foundations.
- This world has no ##emotional## foundations
How to find the Foundation
- You must recognize that the things you run after are ##unreliable##
- Make God your only ##foundation##.
- Find your eternal security in ##Jesus ## ##Christ##.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What is your favorite Psalm and why? Why do you think the Book of Psalms is so popular and widely read?
HEAR
Read Psalm 16:1-2
- Who wrote this Psalm? Can you think of examples from this author’s life that might have inspired verses 1-2?
- When have you felt the most secure? Have you ever realized that you were living with a sense of false security? What led you to recognize that fact?
- What does the author mean by saying he has no good thing apart from God? What would it mean for you to say to God, “Apart from you, I have no good thing.”
Read Psalm 16:3-6
- Who is being contrasted between verses 3 and 4? How does making this distinction contribute to being more secure and taking refuge in God? How do you do this without becoming judgmental or isolationist?
- What event in Israel’s history may have inspired the verse about boundary lines and territory? How does this event relate to the author of Psalm 16's message about finding refuge in God?
- Does the concept of God’s sovereignty disturb or comfort you, and why?
Read Psalm 16:7-11
- How does one receive counsel from the Lord? What does it mean to keep one’s eyes always on the Lord? What have you found helpful in staying focused on the Lord throughout your day?
- What are verses 9-10 about? How was this hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ?
- Verse 11 speaks of life, joy, and pleasure- three things everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, would want. Where are these things ultimately found? What are the consequences of seeking them from any other source?
HUDDLE
Where are you finding your security? Where are you finding life, joy, and pleasure? Discuss it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Psalms 1-3
- Day 2: Psalms 4 & 5
- Day 3: Psalms 6-8
- Day 4: Psalms 9 & 10
- Day 5: Psalms 11 & 12
- Day 6: Psalm 13 & 14
- Day 7: Psalm 15 & 16
Passage to Memorize: Psalm 16:6
Think Deeper
- Where are you seeking security?
- Are you satisfied with the boundaries God has set in your life? Why or why not?
- Where are you most likely to seek life, joy, and pleasure?
Suggested Resources
Reflections on the Psalms, by C. S. Lewis
The Songs of Jesus, by Tim Keller
Psalms (Kinder Classic Commentaries), by Derek Kinder
One Year Bible Book of Psalms, by William Petersen and Randy Petersen
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.