Home Group Study Questions // December 7th
O Holy Night Session 2: Make A Joyful Noise
Psalm 98:4 — “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!”
[Read Psalm 98]
- What are your favorite Christmas hymns and carols? For many people, “Joy To The World” is a favorite. [Published first as a poem in 1719, Isaac Watts based his writing on Psalm 98. In this study, we will look at Psalm 98.]
- What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about praise and worship? Would you agree that people have strong opinions and preferences about worship? What is worship? What role does singing have in worship?
- What is commanded of us in verse one? Why does God command us to sing? Why does God command us to sing a new song? How might this be relevant to our worship context?
- Our salvation in Jesus Christ is worthy of all our praise and worship. How does the Christmas season help us focus on the worship of Jesus?
- What aspects of Christmas (manger scene, presents) depict worship and praise?
- What does Psalm 98 teach us about corporate worship? What does it teach us about personal worship?
- How does worship in a church setting help us connect with God? Why might it be a challenge to engage in worship in a church setting? Does it matter? What does the Bible say?
- In verses 8-9, we read “Let the hills sing for joy…” followed by God coming to judge the world. Why is there an abrupt change in the Psalm? What does this mean? What judgment is it speaking of?