Why Bother With Lent?
Lent is meant to be a time of discovery and personal and corporate preparation for the celebration of Easter.
KEY VERSES
Psalm 139:23-24 (NASB)
23 Search me, God, and know my heart; put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts; 24 and see if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.
Psalm 51:1-5 (NASB)
1 Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithfulness; according to the greatness of Your compassion, wipe out my wrongdoings. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my wrongdoings, and my sin is constantly before me. 4 Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in guilt, and in sin my mother conceived me.
Psalm 51:14-17 (NASB)
14 Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God, the God of my salvation; then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. 15 Lord, open my lips,so that my mouth may declare Your praise. 16 For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise.
UNDERSTANDING
You’ve probably heard someone say, “I gave it up for Lent.” What is the point in giving something up for Lent?
Have you ever participated in Lent? If so, what did you give up for Lent? Why?
Pastor Jeff said it this way: “Lent is preparation for Easter.” Why do we need to “prepare” for Easter?
In your own words, what did David ask of God in these verses? If God is everywhere all the time (vv 1-18), why was this a question that needed to be asked?
What does God know about you that you don’t know about yourself? Has God ever helped you to realize something about yourself you missed through self-examination?
Have you ever asked a question like this to God? If so, what motivated you to ask?
Read Galatians 6:1. How does God use other believers to point out “any offensive way” in you? How should Lent serve as an opportunity to engage in deeper community?
Read 2 Corinthians 13:5. What tools do we have at our disposal that God has given us to test ourselves in the manner God described here and lead us in the “everlasting way”?
How did God feel about what David had done? Why is His the perspective that always matters most?
What was David asking for in verses 1-5? How would you describe his attitude?
What different characteristics of God did David affirm?
Though it may seem obvious, what is forgiveness? Why do some people struggle with asking forgiveness from those they have wronged, or from God Himself?
How difficult is it for you to remember God’s grace and compassion when you are struggling with sin? How can you maintain a biblical view of God, even when you are mired in guilt or brokenness over your past?
When asking for forgiveness, why do you think it is important to be specific about that for which you are asking for forgiveness? What impact does that sort of specificity have on you spiritually?
What promises did David make to God in these verses? How were each of those promises connected to God’s grace and mercy in David’s life? Are these things part of your relationship with God?
What kinds of sacrifices does the Lord desire according to verses 16-17? In verse 19? What would these sacrifices look like in your life?
How would you explain the difference in your worship of God during seasons of faithfulness versus seasons of temptation or sinfulness? How does your desire for worship change?
APPLICATION
What is one thing you can do during these next 40 days to better prepare your heart to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus?
What is the hardest part of dealing squarely with your own sin? Who supports you and prays for you to be bold enough to do that? How does that accountability and love benefit you?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.