Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table
In this session we begin our journey through the book by Louie Giglio, titled “Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table”. There are a variety of ways to read along. With the physical book, audio book and e-editions.
The book is a fresh approach to study through the 23rd Psalm. This week we begin by getting reacquainted with Psalm 23.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
What image or description stands out the most to you in this psalm, today? Why?
How do you feel about being compared to sheep in this psalm (see also Matthew 18:12–14; Luke 15:4–7; 1 Peter 2:25)? In what ways does this comparison ring true based on your life experience? In what ways do you struggle to accept this comparison?
What are some of the “bad” shepherds in your life? Why is it often so tempting to follow after them? In what ways are you tempted to be your own shepherd?
David didn’t always get what he wanted every day of his life. But he never lacked what he needed any day of his life. How would you define the difference between the two?
David didn’t always get what he wanted every day of his life. But he never lacked what he needed any day of his life. How would you define the difference between the two?
What comes to mind when you imagine the Good Shepherd preparing a table for you in the presence of your enemies? What does your “battlefield” look like at the moment? Why is it important that your enemies are present but not invited to sit at your table?
ASSIGNMENT: Read chapters 1 and 2 this week.
ADDITIONALLY: There is a study guide you can get, which is the guide we are following, and in that guide there are personal studies to go deeper if you desire. Also you can find some of the videos online to give you insight and hope.
Giglio, Louie. Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table. HarperChristian Resources. Kindle Edition.