Text Study for Sunday, November 9, 2025.

Series Theme: Vision - Love with Generosity

Reading: Psalm 112:1-9

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell about a time when someone shared something with you.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Lord of light, you have looked upon your creation and affirmed its goodness. Sharpen our vision so that we may see the world with your eyes. With your eyes there will be no stranger only the children of God waiting to be welcomed. With your eyes we will not miss the exquisite beauty present all around us that stirs our hearts and gives glory to you, in Jesus' name, amen.

CONTEXT

This sermon series and generosity appeal, VISION, will dig deep into all five of Easter’s vision statements.

live in community,

care with compassion,

worship with joy,

learn with devotion,

love with generosity

Our vision board and pastors prayerfully curated the five vision statements to faithfully guide Easter in our mission (to grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ). Focusing on the many ways we express our generosity is how we live out our vision statements at Easter, in our community, and in the world. We are stewarding God’s good gifts to us all when practice each vision. How will you practice each in your life? Join us in exploring and living out our vision statements.

From Dr Nick Schnaser at EntertheBible.org:

The Psalter is now divided into five books, each ending with a doxology or utterance of praise. Most students understand this to correspond to the five books of Moses (the Torah or Pentateuch). An early Jewish commentary (Midrash Tehillim) says, “As Moses gave five books of laws to Israel, so David gave five books of Psalms to Israel.” Some modern readers have used the analogy of the sermon hymn: the Old Testament has five books of hymns to match its primary five books of sermons (Genesis through Deuteronomy). Some recent scholarship has suggested that the content of the five books of psalms relates to the main periods of Israel’s history, Books I-III (with many laments) corresponding to the failures that led to the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BCE and Books IV-V (with more hymns) proclaiming, in response, the hope of God’s reign.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Our new series is named “Vision.” What might it mean to you to “love with generosity?”
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Open to Psalm 112. How does it begin? What is “praise?”
Compare Psalm 112:1 to Psalm 1:1-2. What is the theme?
Torah, or the law, was central to understanding how to keep a right relationship with God. Why might following God’s law bring delight to our lives?
Even with over 600 laws, there was still room for interpretation that rabbis and leaders of Israel engaged in. Think about how the words “fear the Lord” have changed in English over the last 500 years. What do you think it means to “fear the Lord?”
What are the “benefits” or promises of those who delight in the law of the Lord? What do verses 2-4 list? Which one are you drawn to? Which one is puzzling?
Verses 5-6 entail financial realities. Why do you think lending is included?
Tell about a time you could not repay help. What was it like?
What are ways that the people of Easter—together—give generously?
Verses 7-8 are good news! What is being said? How might this work?
In verse 9, what group of people earn special attention from God? Why?
Where is a place you would like to grow in your “generosity”? Why?
From our vision statements: “we share our space, time, ability, energy, and finances here at Easter and throughout our lives.” What on this list are you drawn to? Why?
What is good news in this psalm for you? For our community?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Tell your most recent first gift (time, talent, money) to a neighbor or organization. Why did you choose to support them at this time? What did you see?

Sending Prayer

Loving God, by covenant promise and enduring mercy you have joined us to yourself forever, and you invite us to respond to your love with faithfulness. By your Spirit may we share your vision for the church as we share the good news of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Grow Guide | November 9, 2025