Pastor Brian Wilkie - A Tree Planted By Streams - November 1st, 2026 - Bible Study

Bible Reading

Psalm 1:1-3

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

[55:13]

Hosea 11:9

“I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.”

[01:03:02]

2 Timothy 3:16-17

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

[01:09:49]

Observation questions

1. In Psalm 1:1–3, what influences does the blessed person turn away from, and what takes their place?
2. What does God’s instruction include beyond commands, and what does it reveal about his purposes for people? [59:13]
3. In Hosea 11:9, how does God connect his decision not to come in wrath with who he is? [01:03:02]
4. In 2 Timothy 3:16–17, what purposes does Scripture serve, and what is it intended to equip believers to do?

Interpretation questions

1. How might understanding God’s instruction as promises, encouragement, and guidance—not merely rules—help a believer find the delight described in Psalm 1? [59:13]
2. Psalm 1 warns against scoffing. What distinguishes someone who merely complains about injustice from someone whose anger leads to wise and loving action? [57:18]
3. How does Hosea 11:9 challenge the idea that God’s holiness is a harsh side of his character opposed to his love? What difference could this make for someone struggling to trust his commands? [01:03:20]
4. How does the tree beside water in Psalm 1 help explain the difference between security in God and a trouble-free or wealthy life? What might fruitfulness look like for a believer facing ongoing hardship? [01:05:17]

Application questions

1. When you wish you spent more time with Jesus, does that desire usually bring hope, guilt, or something else? What might change if you received that hunger as evidence of God at work rather than simply proof of failure? [54:43]
2. Is there a problem you often complain about or ridicule, whether in conversation or online? What small, constructive step could you take to help someone affected by it? [58:06]
3. Is there an area where God’s guidance feels more like a restriction than an expression of love? How might considering whom it protects from harm help you respond differently? [01:03:30]
4. When you think about being secure, what do you tend to rely on most? What could generosity look like with the money, time, or resources you actually have right now? [01:07:29]
5. Scripture is meant to lead us to Jesus and equip us to do good. Can you recall something you have read recently that helped you recognize his character? What response might help you move from knowing about him to walking with him? [01:11:10]
6. Looking at prayer, fellowship, witness, and Scripture, which feels most nourishing in your life right now, and which feels neglected? What manageable change might help you grow, and how could this group support you without adding pressure? [01:12:53]