7: Your Mercy Reaches Unto the Heavens – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: God’s mercy is everlasting as evident in Creation and the history of God’s people. He can take comfort that the Lord is faithful to His covenant. God’s grace and love can strengthen our resolve to worship and serve God.
February 17, 2024

1. Have a volunteer read Psalm 136.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What thoughts dominate in this Psalm? Where does he find evidence for his claim?
Personal Application: How does God’s mercy help us be free from anxiety, a guilty conscience, and the shadows of our past? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “.How can we reconcile God’s forgiveness of our sins with the idea of God’s judgment on sin? How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Psalm 51:1-5.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
Why does the Psalmist appeal to God’s mercy?
Personal Application: If God can forgive David for adultery, deception, and murder; what hope exists for us? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your friends states, “What is God’s goal of Divine forgiveness? Why does He look to forgive? Are there any requirements for His forgiveness?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Psalm 130.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
How is the gravity of sin and hope for sinners portrayed?
Personal Application: Where would you be if God marked, or kept track of your sins? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “If God’s mercy is everlasting for people’s salvation, why doesn’t this mean that one can continue on sinning, or does it?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Psalm 113, 123

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What two different aspects of God’s character are portrayed here?
Personal Application: What has Jesus saved you from? Why is it important to keep the cross foremost in your mind? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).