The Culture of Christ
August 3, 2025
Mike Domke is the Team Leader for Church Planting with the IMB for Kyiv, Ukraine. Mile and his family have served with the IMB since 2008. Before that, he served on the staff at San Jose Baptist Church from 1992 to 2008. Mike married JuliAn Swartz in 1988. They have three children: Michael, a Senior at William Carey University; Andrea, a freshman starting at William Carey University in the fall; and Joseph, who is in 11th grade at International Christian School in Budapest.
Passage
John 12:20-26
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Today, we have a bonus track on the Summer Psalms Mixtape. Psalm 2 is a bold and prophetic song about rebellion, authority, and the reign of God’s chosen King. It’s often quoted in the New Testament and has strong connections to Jesus as the Messiah. Who’s someone in your life that you’ve seen lead with real authority or influence? What made their leadership feel secure, just, or inspiring?
HEAR
Read Psalm 2:1-3
- Why do the nations and rulers “rage” against the Lord? What do you think drives this kind of rebellion?
- What modern examples come to mind when you hear the phrase “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles”? How do people today resist God’s authority?
- Have you ever felt resistant to God’s guidance in your life? What was happening in your heart at that time?
Read Psalm 2:4-6
- How does God react to the rebellion of the nations? What do His laughter and derision signify?
- What do you think it signifies for God to have “installed His King on Zion”? How could this be both comforting and challenging to us?
- How does the image of God’s unshakable authority alter your perspective on current global or cultural chaos?
Read Psalm 2:7-9
- Verse 7 references a decree: “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” How is this fulfilled in Jesus (see Acts 13:33 or Hebrews 1:5)?
- What does it mean that the Son is given the nations as an inheritance and authority over the ends of the earth?
- Verse 9 uses powerful imagery of a rod of iron. How does this depiction of judgment align with our understanding of Jesus as gentle and humble (see Matthew 11:29)?
Read Psalm 2:10-12
- What does the Psalmist encourage kings and rulers to do in light of God’s authority? How might these instructions relate to everyday people like us?
- What does it mean to “serve the Lord with fear” and “celebrate His rule with trembling”? How can we hold onto both joy and reverence in our worship?
- The final line says, “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” What does it mean to take refuge in Christ? How is this connected to the gospel message?
HUDDLE
Where in your life are you still resisting Jesus’ authority? Is there an area where you’re tempted to trust your own wisdom or strength instead of surrendering to God’s rule? Invite accountability, pray for each other, and ask the Lord to help you find refuge in Him.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Psalm 126-129
- Day 2: Psalm 130-133
- Day 3: Psalm 134-137
- Day 4: Psalm 138-141
- Day 5: Psalm 142-145
- Day 6: Psalm 146-147
- Day 7: Psalm 148-150
Passage to Memorize: John 12:24
Think Deeper
- How has your culture influenced your beliefs about God and His Kingdom?
- How has your faith challenged your cultural beliefs?
- When did culture become a barrier to sharing the love of Christ? How can you overcome these barriers?
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.