Sunday Review: 10/25/20
On Sunday, October 25, 2020, Matthew Williams preached the message, “Never Thirst Again” as part of our current sermon series Life in the Son from John 4:15-29. To listen to this message again, click here. Please see below for Will Hagen’s Prayer of Praise and discussion questions for this Sunday’s message.
Prayer of Praise:
Psalm 31:19 says, “Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind.”
Lord, we praise you and revel in the goodness that you have shown us. We recount the ways in which you have provided for us, in showing your lovingkindness to us, in provision for our bodies, in rest for our souls, in placing us in families, giving us children, providing work for our hands to do. When the world around us asks, “Who will show us some good?” we wholeheartedly and without reservation point to you! You are always good in every age and in every situation, without exception.
And yet many of your people, including some of us, have suffered grievous wrong. Your word recounts how Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, who then lied and told his father he was dead. He was then falsely accused and thrown into prison and forgotten there. But then you raised him up, and through him you saved the very brothers who wronged him, and an entire nation, from famine. He was able to later tell his brothers, “God sent me before you to preserve life.”
Lord, we look to Jesus, who did no wrong, and yet he was falsely accused, betrayed, abandoned by his friends, brutally beaten and suffered a cruel execution. Yet now he is glorified and through him you have saved us. Through what man intended for evil, you brought us the ultimate good.Many of us here today have suffered wrong. We have been betrayed, we have been sinned against, yes, even some in heinous and heartbreaking ways……and we ourselves have also wronged others. Though we may not be able to see it yet, we praise you and can have confidence that you absolutely cause all things to work together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purpose. Thank you that there is not one wrong, not one heartbreak, not one betrayal, not one ounce of suffering that is wasted, but they are all woven into the marvelous tapestry of your goodness to your people and your redemptive work in our lives.
Your goodness is not grudging toward us, but as the psalm says, it is stored up for us. We praise you in anticipation of seeing more and more and more of your abundant goodness, that we do not deserve. For you are a good God, and greatly to be praised!
Discussion Questions:
What do you think you most need from Jesus?
Do you come to Jesus and ask him to change your heart and to fill you with his Spirit?
In what ways do you try to fix what is most broken inside of you?
Do you spend more time crying out to God or trying to make yourself look presentable?
What is the water jar that God is calling you to leave for the living water he provides?
Do you believe that Jesus is eager to satisfy your soul?