RENEW CHURCH SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE

"Blessed: The Choice That Changes Everything"

Based on Psalm 1 | Summer Psalms Series, Week 1

A Note to Facilitators: Welcome! This guide is designed to help you lead a meaningful 60–90 minute conversation. You don't need to be a Bible expert — your job is to create a safe space for honest discussion and help people connect God's Word to their real lives. Feel free to skip questions that don't fit your group or spend more time on ones that spark great conversation. The estimated times are suggestions, not rules.

SERMON OVERVIEW

In the opening message of the Summer Psalms series, Pastor Charles walked through Psalm 1 and challenged us with a simple but powerful truth: being blessed isn't an accident — it's a choice. The blessed life begins with choosing who we walk with, what we delight in, and whether we stay connected to Jesus, the true vine and source of all living water. Like a tree planted by a stream, people who root themselves in God's Word and relationship with Christ will flourish — not because they've earned it, but because they've stayed connected to the only One who can make things grow.

SCRIPTURE FOR THIS WEEK

Primary Passage: Psalm 1:1–6 (ESV)

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."

Supporting Passages Referenced in the Sermon:

John 15:4–5 (ESV)

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

SECTION 1: ICEBREAKER

(5–10 minutes)

Choose one of the following to open your time together:

Option A (lighter, fun): Think about a time you tried to build or put something together without reading the instructions. What happened? How did you feel when you finally looked at the manual?

Option B (a little more personal): Who is someone — a mentor, family member, coach, or friend — whose example or advice has genuinely shaped the way you live? What made their influence so powerful?

[Leader Tip]: Icebreakers work best when you answer first. Your willingness to share something real or funny gives everyone else permission to do the same. Keep this section light and fun — you're warming up the room, not diving deep yet.

SECTION 2: OPENING THE CONVERSATION

(5–10 minutes)

Before jumping into the discussion questions, take a moment to re-read Psalm 1:1–6 together as a group. You can ask one person to read it aloud, or read it in unison.

Opening Question: What is one word, phrase, or image from Psalm 1 that stood out to you — either from Sunday's message or just now as we read it together? Why does that particular thing catch your attention?

SECTION 3: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(30–45 minutes)

Work through as many of these questions as time allows. They're organized to move from observation (what does it say?) to interpretation (what does it mean?) to application (what do I do with it?). You don't need to cover every question — choose the ones that best fit your group.

THEME 1: THE PATH WE CHOOSE

Questions 1–3

1. Psalm 1 opens with a picture of three postures — walking, standing, and sitting — and three kinds of people — the wicked, sinners, and scoffers. In your own words, what do you think the psalmist is describing with this progression? What does it look like when someone moves from "walking" with the wrong crowd to eventually "sitting" with scoffers?

[Leader Tip]: This is an observational question to get people thinking about the text. If the group is quiet, try asking: "Have you ever seen this pattern play out — in your own life or someone you know — where a small compromise gradually became something bigger?" You don't need people to name names; the goal is to make the progression feel real and recognizable.

2. Pastor Charles made a bold statement: "We can't expect God's blessings if we're not doing it God's way." At the same time, he also said that doing things God's way doesn't guarantee the blessings we're expecting. How do you hold both of those truths together? Does that tension feel encouraging or frustrating to you, and why?

3. The sermon pointed out that "blessed" doesn't necessarily mean financially prosperous or free from hardship. It might mean joy in the middle of a trial, or strength to endure. How does your own definition of "blessed" compare to the way the Bible describes it? Has your understanding of blessing changed over time?

[Leader Tip]: This question can surface some deep personal experiences, especially for people who have gone through hard seasons while trying to follow God faithfully. Be sensitive and leave space for honest answers. There's no need to "fix" anyone's theology here — let the conversation breathe.

THEME 2: DELIGHTING IN GOD'S WORD

Questions 4–6

4. Verse 2 says the blessed person's "delight" is in God's Word — not just their duty or discipline. Pastor Charles said that being in God's Word should move from a "have to" to a "get to." Be honest: Where would you say you are on that spectrum right now, and what do you think makes the difference between those two experiences?

5. Hebrews 4:12 says God's Word is "living and active" and that it discerns "the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Pastor Charles described it this way: "It's less about you reading the Word and more about the Word reading you." When have you experienced that — a moment where Scripture felt like it was speaking directly into your situation or exposing something in you that needed to change?

[Leader Tip]: This is a great question for both new and mature believers. Newer Christians may have a fresh, recent story to share; longer-tenured believers may have a powerful testimony from years past. Encourage both. If the group is quiet, share your own experience first.

6. Pastor Charles said that God's Word is the most accessible it has ever been in all of history — we have apps, free Bibles, devotionals, and podcasts — yet many of us still struggle to engage with it consistently. What do you think are the real barriers that keep people (including you) from spending time in Scripture regularly? What has helped you get past those barriers, even briefly?

THEME 3: CONNECTED TO THE VINE

Questions 7–9

7. In John 15, Jesus shifts the metaphor from Psalm 1 — instead of us being like a tree near water, He says He IS the vine and we are the branches. What's the significance of that shift? What does it change about how we think about spiritual growth and fruitfulness?

[Leader Tip]: Help the group see the key difference: in Psalm 1, the blessing comes from proximity to water (God's Word). In John 15, Jesus says He IS the source — it's relational, not just positional. You might ask: "What's the difference between standing near a water source and being organically connected to it?"

8. Pastor Charles said, "We never look more like Jesus than when we're serving others." He connected discipleship to service — pointing to the volunteers at the Family Fun Day as an example of people growing by giving. How have you personally experienced growth through serving others? What did that teach you about yourself or about God?

9. The sermon closed with a call to "surrender" — and Pastor Charles named some specific things that might mean: getting up earlier to spend time with God, walking away from a harmful relationship or influence, or letting go of a comfort that's become a hindrance. What does surrender look like for you right now, in this season of your life?

[Leader Tip]: This is a vulnerable question. Don't rush past it. You might give people 30 seconds of quiet to think before asking anyone to share. Remind the group that what's shared here stays here — confidentiality builds trust.

SECTION 4: PERSONAL APPLICATION

(10–15 minutes)

These questions are designed for honest self-reflection. You may want to give people a minute of quiet before discussing, or invite people to share only what they're comfortable with.

1. If someone who knew you well watched how you spent your time, money, and energy this past week, what would they conclude you truly "delight" in? What does that reveal to you?

2. Think about the "walking, standing, sitting" progression in Psalm 1. Is there any area of your life right now where you've moved further down that path than you intended — a relationship, a habit, a mindset, or a pattern of thinking? What would it look like to take a step back?

3. The image of a tree planted by a stream is one of constant, steady nourishment — not just occasional watering. What would "daily connection" to God and His Word look like practically in your life? What's one small, specific step you could take this week?

4. Robert's story — going from John 3:16 Ministries, to a transition house, to reading Scripture at the front of the church — was a powerful picture of what God can do when someone stays connected to Him and His people. Who in your life needs to hear a story like that? How might God be calling you to share it?

SECTION 5: THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

(Read aloud to close the Application section)

Choose one of the following to practice this week:

• 🌱 Plant yourself. Commit to 10–15 minutes in God's Word every day this week. Use a Bible app, a devotional, or simply open to Psalm 1 and read it again slowly each morning. Notice what speaks to you differently each day.

• 🌿 Examine your roots. Take an honest look at the voices you're listening to most — the podcasts, social media accounts, friends, or entertainment you spend the most time with. Do they draw you closer to God or pull you away? Consider one small change.

• 🍃 Serve someone. Look for one opportunity this week to serve someone with no expectation of anything in return. It might be a neighbor, a coworker, a family member, or a stranger. Afterward, reflect: How did it feel? What did it teach you?

• 🌊 Find a stream. If you're not yet connected to a small group, Bible study, or ministry, take one step toward that this week — attend Wednesday night Bible study, text the church about young adults ministry, or reach out to someone in your group to pray together.

SECTION 6: PRAYER FOCUS

(5–10 minutes)

Close your time together in prayer. Here are some suggested focuses based on this week's message:

Praise: Thank God that He is the vine — the source of everything we need for life and fruitfulness. Thank Him that His Word is living, active, and available to us.

Confession: Ask God to reveal any area where we've been walking, standing, or sitting in places that don't reflect who He's called us to be. Ask for the courage to take a step back.

Petition: Pray for a genuine delight in God's Word — that it would move from obligation to joy. Pray for wisdom to know what surrender looks like in each person's specific situation this week.

For One Another: Take a moment for group members to share one specific prayer request. Pray for each other by name.

For the Lost: Pray for people in your community — neighbors, coworkers, family members — who need to hear the gospel and find a church family. Ask God to use your group as an instrument of grace and welcome.

[Leader Tip]: If your group isn't used to praying aloud together, you can invite people to pray silently while you pray aloud on behalf of the group. Or go around the circle and let each person say one sentence. There's no wrong way to pray — just make it real.

OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE

For groups wanting to explore further — or for a second session

Deep Dive 1: Read Isaiah 58:1–7 (referenced in the sermon). God tells His people that their worship means nothing if their hands aren't serving the oppressed and the poor during the week. How does this passage challenge or reshape the way you think about Sunday worship? What does "integrated faith" — faith that connects Sunday to Monday — look like in your daily life?

Deep Dive 2: Compare Psalm 1:3 (the blessed person as a fruitful tree) with John 15:1–8 (Jesus as the vine and us as branches). What are the similarities? What does Jesus add to the picture? What does it mean practically to "abide" in Christ — and how is that different from just trying harder to be a good person?

Deep Dive 3: In 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Paul says Scripture is "profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness." Think about each of those four purposes individually. Can you think of a time God's Word served each of those functions in your life? Which of the four do you feel you most need from Scripture right now, and why?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For Further Reading:

• Psalm 19 — A beautiful companion to Psalm 1 on the value of God's Word
• Psalm 119 — The longest chapter in the Bible, entirely devoted to the love of God's Word
• James 1:22–25 — On being "doers" of the Word, not just hearers

For Personal Devotion This Week: Try reading Psalm 1 in a different translation each day (ESV, NIV, NLT, The Message). Notice what words or phrases stand out differently. Write down one thing you sense God saying to you through the passage each day.

To Stay Connected at Renew:

• Wednesday nights at 6 PM — Bible study (Romans series resuming)
• Young Adults (ages 17–20s) — Thursday nights this summer; text "YA" to the church number
• Home small groups — Resuming in September; watch for details
• Website: renewalliancechurch.com

QUICK-REFERENCE GUIDE FOR FACILITATORS

If you only have time for a few questions, prioritize:

• Question 4 (delight vs. duty in God's Word)
• Question 7 (the vine and branches)
• Application Question 3 (one small step this week)

If someone shares something heavy or painful: You don't need to fix it. Simply say, "Thank you for trusting us with that," and invite the group to pray for them before moving on. You can follow up with them after the meeting.

If the group goes quiet: That's okay. Silence often means people are thinking. Count to ten before jumping in. If it continues, try: "What was the one thing from Sunday's message that you're still thinking about?"

This guide was prepared for Renew Church small groups. Permission granted to print and distribute freely within the congregation.

Next week: We continue in the Summer Psalms series. Watch for next week's guide!