Songs of Ascent - MSQ
Part of Psalms
April 14, 2024

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Songs of Ascent - Message Study Questions

Message Summary

Psalms of Ascent were songs sung by the pilgrims as they journeyed to, approached and entered the temple in Jerusalem for the various feasts. The Temple was the physical home of God’s presence to the nation of Israel. Today, when we approach God, these Psalms can speak about our connection to God. Like the psalmists, we too can sometimes react with fear and feel like an outsider to God. But when we realize He cares, watches over and protects us, we can approach His presence with joy.

As God’s brilliance comes into focus, we realize our need for mercy. Distractions and Satan’s snares will try to break our connection to God, but God is our help in life as well as worship.

Focused trust in God and His presence brings security and joy. Respect for God leads us to follow His ways, which bring effective living in every circumstance, including persecution. Approach God with a clean heart that only comes through honest confession of sins and submission to God’s will. This brings humility and leads to childlike trust and ultimately peace with God, our circumstances and with one another. Praise the Lord!

  1. At this time, what are your top priorities?

  2. How has your relationship with God affected your relationship with others?

Consider This

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life”
Psalm 139:23-24 NLT

  1. What is your biggest hindrance when you want to connect with God? How could you better worship God?

  2. Read Psalm 32:1-5. Why is it important to admit (confess) our sins to God? What does complete honesty with God look like to you? Is it possible to hide anything from God?

  3. Is there some physical process, body position, or action that helps you to prepare for the “journey” to connect with God?

  4. Why would someone find it difficult to confess their sin to God? How would you encourage them that it is necessary?

  5. What is the importance of gathering with other worshipers (believers) when connecting with God (read Matthew 18:20, Hebrews 10:25)?

  6. What part does being reconciled with others play in your relationship with God (see Matthew 5:23-24, 1 Peter 3:7)?

  7. Read Psalm 127: Who is the source of every single blessing of this life, even the things we accomplish?

    • How does this truth affect your planning for your future and that of your family?
    • How does this truth affect your daily attitude toward your work and efforts?

  8. How does God’s power compare to David’s power in Psalm 124? How can you apply this truth to your life?

Moving Forward – Application

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires”
Romans 13:14 ESV

Read Ephesians 4:22-31 and Galatians 5:19-21 this week and take note of areas in your life you can bring to God for forgiveness and dependence and strength to throw off your old sinful nature.

  1. How could you demonstrate your thankfulness to God this week?

  2. What could you do during the week to better prepare for church next week?

  3. How could you show more respect for God and His place of worship this week?

  4. In what area of your life could you depend more on God and less on yourself this week?