The Ascent: Out of the Depths

Use this curriculum to help you further engage with the sermon, the scriptures, and each other. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring things up to encourage and guide you so that you are always growing in your faith. If the Spirit leads you away from these questions and into conversation and prayer that encourages and points you to Jesus, go for it.

scripture

Read the following scriptures together: Psalm 130.

overview

Psalm 130 starts with a cry from the Psalmist from the depths – the awareness of his own guilt of sin. He understands that if God kept a record of his sins, he would not be able to stand before him. The weight of our sin and shame can cause profound emotional, spiritual, and physical damage. It can lead to fear, isolation, feelings of unworthiness, anxiety, and depression while separating us from God and others through hiding, defensiveness, and self-loathing. This is why the Psalmist and all believers are dependent on God’s mercy to free us from this burden. We are dependent on God to pull us out of the depths, to reform and shape us.  

question 1

Some of our deepest soul work comes from our trials and utter dependence on God. How have you have been reshaped by your own mistakes and realignment with God’s ways?

discussion

Read Luke 18:9-14. “But with you there is forgiveness” (verse 4) holds the truth that sets us free from shame and reminds us that God does not keep a ledger of our wrongdoings. Because of God’s great love for us, we have hope and forgiveness through Jesus’ transforming work on the cross. This is too wonderful to fully grasp, but it’s a truth we can submit to and believe. Jesus did all the work, and we know we cannot earn our salvation; however, we do have one action that changes everything for us – humbling ourselves before the Lord. Admitting our own sin to God and asking for the forgiveness that is waiting for us. Daily we need to stand before God and grade our sins against God’s holy standards rather than how well we think we are doing in comparison to those around us. Luke 6:36: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

question 2

It’s easy to point out another person’s wrongdoing and ignore our own. Discuss the importance of keeping ourselves from criticizing and judging others. What are some things that help you take off that critical lens?

When someone repeats their words, we know that they want to emphasize something to us and the Psalmist repeats his posture of waiting on the Lord with hopeful expectation. To wait is one of our least favorite instructions because if we’re honest, we have things to do, places to go, and we don’t think we have time to just sit around. Our constant activity robs us of precious time before the Lord – space where we stop and humble ourselves before God, asking him to point out our wrongdoings, and receive his love, forgiveness, and hope. Our quiet times before the Lord can reshape our spiritual life and character; they can bring us hope, joy, and peace.    

question 3

Does rethinking the value of waiting on God inspire you to make time for it? If you already do, are you feeling stuck or needing encouragement?

Prayer Practice

As our community prepares for our upcoming move at the end of March, we are joining together in 8 weeks of prayer.

Week 7 – Remembering Who the Church Truly Is

Focus: The church as people, not a building.

Scripture: For where two or three gather in my name, there am I among them (Matthew 18:20).

Prayer Prompt: Lord, remind us that the church is not a building, but a people called by your name. Whether we gather in homes, schools, or new spaces, you are with us. Help us stay focused on loving you, loving one another, and making disciples wherever we are.

Daily Prayer Practice

As families, friends, roommates, and individuals, we commit to pray every day at dinner for our community of Branches.

Pray simply and faithfully: Lord, please bless your church, Branches. Lead us, protect us, unite us, and guide us into the future you have prepared for us.