Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Psalm 4), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [1-3] In what ways are you prone to react when others distort the truth about you? Can you think of any specific examples when this has happened? Do you ever respond with prayer? What might those prayers look like? What does “relief” look like?

• [4] Paul quotes this in Ephesians 4:26: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger…” Is it always a sin to be angry? What might be sinful about our anger? What might be good about our anger? (Think especially of anger in the face of false accusations, considering the context of this Psalm…)

• [5] Literally this says, “Sacrifice sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in Yahweh.” This has to do with living a Godward life, rather than living to acquire a favorable judgment from others. How can we know what “sacrifices of righteousness” are? What are they? What does it mean to trust Yahweh when others are slandering you?

• [6-7] (Read 2 Corinthians 4:6.) What are some ways you’re searching for others to do you good? Have you found your ultimate good in God looking favorably upon you in Christ? Do you have the incomparable joy of the Lord in your heart because of the Gospel? If so, how can this change the way you interact with others (if you’re no longer searching for your own good from them)?

• [8] Sleep is a vulnerable place to be when people are looking to do you harm. How does someone who trusts in God for their good make themselves “vulnerable” before their enemies? Are we really vulnerable before them? Can they actually do us harm? Why or why not?