Month 22

Psalm 68

God arising in victory (Psalm 68:1-3)

1. What does “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered” tell us about God’s character and power?
2. How does this picture of God arising point forward to Christ’s victory in the resurrection and ascension?
3. In what areas of your life do you most need to remember that God is still rising to scatter opposition?

The procession of the King (Psalm 68:4-10, 18)

1. How does the imagery of God leading his people in procession relate to the ark’s journey and to Christ’s ascension?
2. What does “You ascended on high; you led captives in your train” suggest about Christ’s triumph over sin and death?
3. How can we worship God as King today, knowing he has already decisively won?

The ascension and the gift-giver (Psalm 68:18; Ephesians 4:8-12)

1. Why is it significant that Christ “ascended on high” only after he first descended (incarnated, suffered, died, rose)?
2. How do the “gifts” that Christ gives to the church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, etc. not just skills) shape our life together?
3. How are you using your own gifts to build up the body of Christ?

The presence of God among his people (Psalm 68:18b-20)

1. What does it mean that God desires to dwell among his people “that the LORD God may dwell there”?
2. How does Christ’s ascension secure both his reign in heaven and his presence with us by the Spirit?
3. Where do you most sense God’s presence in your daily routine, and where do you feel it is missing?

From the ascension to the next coming (Psalm 68:24-35)

1. How does this psalm move from God’s triumph in the past to the hope of his future glory?
2. In what sense does Christ’s ascension give us both present comfort and future expectation?
3. How should the reality that Christ is now seated at the Father’s right hand shape our prayer, suffering, and witness today?