8.4 Deceitfulness of the Wicked Way

Read Psalm 141. What does the psalmist pray for?

Psalm 141 is a heartfelt prayer for protection against internal and external temptations. The psalmist finds himself not only exposed to the schemes of the wicked (Psalm 141:9–10), but also feeling the temptation to behave like them. The first point of attack is control over one’s own speech, and the psalmist implores that the Lord may guard the door of his lips (Verse 3, ESV). This imagery refers to the guarding of city gates, which protected the city from intruders in biblical times.

The temptation also lies in whether the child of God follows the counsel of the righteous or is swept away by the allurements of the wicked (Verses 4–5). The psalmist describes his heart as the main battleground, for it is there that the actual struggle takes place. Only through persistent prayer, characterized by complete trust and devotion to God, can the child of God be preserved from temptation (Verses 1–2).

Psalm 141 reminds us that believers are engaged in a continual spiritual battle, both inwardly and outwardly. It underscores the importance of seeking God’s protection and guidance in the face of temptation, as well as the necessity of maintaining self-control and vigilance in our words and actions. Ultimately, it is through trust in God and persistent prayer that we can resist the allurements of sin and remain steadfast in our faith.

Read Psalm 1:1 and 141:4. How is the progressive and deceitful nature of temptation depicted here?

Psalm 141:4 and Psalm 1:1 offer insight into the progressive and deceitful nature of temptation. In Psalm 141:4, the progressive character of temptation is highlighted. First, the heart inclines toward evil, then it commits evil deeds, and finally it indulges in the allurements of the wicked by viewing their evil deeds as desirable. The language in Hebrew emphasizes the repetitive nature of this action, illustrating how temptation gradually gains strength and seduces the human heart.

Similarly, Psalm 1:1 depicts the progressive nature of temptation. It begins with someone associating with the wicked, then walking in the path of sinners, and finally sitting in the company of scoffers. The gradual progression from associating with the wicked to actively participating in their deeds illustrates how temptation is subtle and seductive, leading us to turn away from God’s path.

These Psalms emphasize the importance of being aware of the progressive nature of temptation and being careful not to fall into its trap. They remind us that only through complete dependence on God and the wisdom He provides can we resist the influence of temptation. Furthermore, they highlight the significance of the words we speak in the midst of temptation and the voices to which we listen.

It is important to recognize that the ultimate justification of the children of God is yet to come, as hinted at in both Psalms. Therefore, believers are called to patiently trust in God and wait for His wisdom as they resist the allurements of temptation.

The texts from Psalm 141 and Psalm 1 offer us a profound insight into the ongoing and cunning nature of temptation, which also manifests in our daily lives of faith.

1. Awareness of Temptations: The Psalms remind us that we are engaged in a constant spiritual battle, affecting us both internally and externally. It is important that we are aware of this fact and remain vigilant to resist the temptations that could lead us away from God’s path.

2. Self-Control and Vigilance: Our words, thoughts, and actions are constantly under the influence of temptation. Therefore, it is crucial that we exercise self-control and vigilance to resist the allurements of sin. By relying on God and surrendering to His guidance, we can combat temptation and remain steadfast in our faith.

3. Community and Support: We need the support and encouragement of our faith community to stand against temptations. Through collective prayer, reading the Bible, and mutual encouragement, we can be strengthened to resist the temptations of the evil path and stay on the path of righteousness.

4. Trust in God: Ultimately, we must trust in God and patiently wait for His wisdom as we confront temptations. God is our refuge and strong support in the midst of temptation, and through our dependence on Him, we can withstand the cunning attacks of the enemy.

Overall, these Psalms show us that the ongoing and cunning nature of temptation is also present in our daily lives of faith. However, through self-control, vigilance, community, and above all, our trust in God, we can resist temptations and remain steadfast in our faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-wisdom-for-righteous-living-8-4-deceitfulness-of-the-wicked-way/

8.3 The Lord’s Test

Read Psalm 81:8–9; 95:7–11, and 105:17–22. What does divine testing entail in these verses?

In the given Bible verses, we find various examples of divine testing that illuminate a central aspect of faith and the relationship between God and His people.

In Psalm 81:8–9 and 95:7–11, reference is made to the event at Meribah, where the people of Israel tested God by doubting His faithfulness and power. This episode illustrates how human disobedience and doubt can strain the relationship with God. Although the people did not pass God’s test, God continues to show His grace and help, even when they are in trouble. This underscores the importance of trust and obedience to God in seeking His guidance and assistance.

Psalm 105:17–22 sheds light on a different type of divine testing, illustrated by the example of Joseph. Here, it becomes clear that God’s tests serve to strengthen and purify faith. Joseph’s trust in God’s promises was tested, but through the trial, his faith was cleansed and strengthened. This shows that God’s intention behind trials often lies in preparing us for the fulfillment of His promises and strengthening our faith.

It is important to emphasize that divine tests are not meant to punish us, but rather to shape and strengthen us. Through trials, we learn to trust our faith and rely on God’s guidance. However, persistent disobedience and doubt can lead to hardening of the heart and impair our relationship with God.

Ellen White highlights an important aspect in her quote from the “Testimonies for the Church”: Rejecting God’s instruction can not only harden the heart and conscience but also influence and corrupt the faith of others. This underscores the serious consequences of disobedience and doubt towards God.

Overall, these Bible passages show that divine tests play an important role in the life of a believer by strengthening faith, solidifying trust in God, and preparing us for the fulfillment of His promises. It is therefore crucial that we recognize the lessons from these trials and strengthen our faith through obedience and trust in God.

What experiences have you had with how sin hardens the heart? Why should this thought drive us to the cross, where we can find the power for obedience?

Experience shows that sin can harden the heart by initiating a gradual process of habituation and desensitization. If someone repeatedly violates God’s commandments or consciously persists in sinful behavior, this can lead to the dulling of the conscience and insensitivity of the heart to God’s voice. This process can result in a person becoming increasingly less receptive to the convincing power of the Holy Spirit and instead remaining in a state of spiritual numbness.

Sin can also lead to a state of self-righteousness, where a person elevates themselves above God and sets their own judgment above divine law. This leads to a hardening of the heart towards the truth and love of God.

The thought that sin hardens the heart should drive us to the cross because it is at the cross that we find the solution to our sins. Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins, offers us forgiveness, healing, and liberation from the power of sin. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He opens the way for us to reconcile with God and renew our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

By coming to the cross and confessing our sins, we can find the power for obedience that we need to lead a life that pleases God. Through faith in Jesus Christ and acceptance of His grace, we can open our hearts again to the love of God and overcome the hardening influences of sin.

The connection between the hardening of the heart by sin and our everyday life in faith is extremely significant and present in many aspects of our daily lives.

1. Decisions and Behavior: In our daily lives, we face countless decisions that influence our relationship with God and other people. If our heart is hardened by sin, we may tend to make decisions that align with our own selfish desires and needs, rather than following God’s will. Our actions and behavior may be characterized by selfishness, greed, pride, and other sinful inclinations, leading us away from God’s commandments.

2. Relationships: The hardening of the heart can also affect our interpersonal relationships. If we are hardened by sin, we may struggle to show love, forgiveness, and compassion. Our relationships may be characterized by mistrust, hostility, and unforgiveness, leading to conflicts and separations.

3. Spiritual Growth: The hardening of the heart can also hinder our spiritual growth and closeness to God. If we are blinded by sin, we may struggle to hear God’s voice and recognize His guidance in our lives. Our prayer time and Bible reading may become superficial, and we may isolate ourselves from fellowship with other believers.

4. Mercy and Grace: The realization that sin hardens the heart should lead us to appreciate even more the mercy and grace of God. We should be humble and recognize that we are all sinners in need of God’s grace. This should lead us to a life of gratitude and dedication to God, as we strive to live according to His will and free ourselves from the power of sin.

Overall, the connection between the hardening of the heart by sin and our everyday life in faith underscores the need for a constant struggle against sinful inclinations in our lives and a continuous pursuit of a deeper relationship with God and a life that aligns with His will.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-wisdom-for-righteous-living-8-3-the-lords-test/

8.2 Teach Us to Number Our Days

Read Psalm 90; 102:12 and 103:14–16. What is the human dilemma?

Psalm 90, along with verses from Psalms 102 and 103, offers a profound insight into the human dilemma, which lies in its transience and limitations. These passages reflect on the transience of human life in the face of eternity and present the quest for wisdom and significance in this context.

Initially, the image of human existence is presented as a fleeting breath compared to the eternity of God. A thousand years are like a brief watch in the night before Him, and even the longest human life passes quickly in comparison. This portrayal reminds us of how brief and fragile our life on this Earth is, and how important it is to wisely utilize our days.
The human dilemma is further elucidated by the description of how even the strongest among humans can be compared to the weakest plants. Our lifespan is limited and filled with toil and trouble. This reality leads to a deep yearning for meaning and fulfillment that transcends the transient.

However, within this dilemma lies hope. The Psalmist acknowledges God’s care for His people and calls for acquiring wisdom to number our days correctly. This wisdom entails not only intelligence but also reverence for God and an awareness of the limitations of our life. Through repentance and the grace of God, we can find hope and lead a righteous life.
Finally, in the verses from Psalm 103, the hope of redemption and forgiveness brought by Jesus Christ is emphasized. Despite our dilemma due to sin, we have found a way through Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross has given us hope for eternal life and freed us from the power of sin.

Overall, this passage shows us the urgency and significance of gaining wisdom and living a life in accordance with God’s will. Despite the transience and limitations of our lives, we can find hope and redemption through Jesus Christ.

No matter how quickly our life passes: What promise do we have in Jesus (see John 3:16)? What hope would we have without Him?

John 3:16 states: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This promise is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and offers boundless hope for every individual.

The promise in Jesus Christ is that through faith in Him, we will not perish but have eternal life. This promise means that we will not only have a life after death but that this life will be characterized by eternal joy, peace, and communion with God. It is a hope that transcends the transient and gives us comfort and confidence amidst the toils and troubles of life.

Without Jesus, we would not have such hope. Our existence would be characterized by the transience and limitations of our lives, with no prospect of life after death. Our sins would have separated us from God, and we would have been subject to eternal death.

However, thanks to Jesus, we have a hope that transcends all human limits and boundaries. His love and sacrifice on the cross have paved the way for our redemption and reconciliation with God. Through Him, we have access to eternal life and an unshakable hope in the glory of God.

In this promise, we find comfort, peace, and security, no matter how quickly our life passes or what challenges we face. It is the promise of God’s infinite love given to us through Jesus Christ, which holds us forever in His grace and mercy.

The promise in John 3:16 has a profound connection to our everyday life and faith. Here are some ways in which this connection can manifest:

1. Hope and comfort in difficult times: The promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ gives us hope and comfort when we are faced with challenges, suffering, or loss. It reminds us that our life has a deeper purpose and that God’s love and care for us are unwavering.

2. Guidance for decisions: The certainty of the promise in John 3:16 can guide us in our everyday decisions. By remembering God’s love and the hope of eternal life, we can make decisions that align with our faith and lead us on the path of love, grace, and forgiveness.

3. Change of perspective: The promise of eternal life reminds us that the things of this world are transient and that it is important to adopt an eternal perspective. This can help us focus less on material things and instead prioritize spiritual values such as love, kindness, and charity.

4. Motivation for gratitude and devotion: Recognizing the infinite love of God revealed in the promise of John 3:16 motivates us to gratitude and devotion. Our everyday life is permeated with deep gratitude for God’s grace and love, inspiring us to live our lives in service to Him and others.

5. Mission and testimony: The promise of eternal life motivates us to tell others about God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ. By sharing this hope with others, we can bring light into darkness and encourage people to believe in Jesus and receive eternal life.

Overall, the promise in John 3:16 has an immediate and profound impact on our daily lives and faith. It reminds us of God’s infinite love and gives us hope, comfort, guidance, and motivation in our pursuit to follow Him and proclaim His kingdom on earth.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-wisdom-for-righteous-living-8-2-teach-us-to-number-our-days/

8.1 Your Word I Have Hidden in My Heart

Read Psalm 119:1–16, 161–168. How are we to keep God’s commandments and what blessings arise from it?

Psalm 119 is a remarkable chapter in the Bible that highlights the significance and blessings of obeying God’s commandments. In these verses, we are urged not only to superficially consider God’s Word but to deeply treasure it in our hearts and live by it. Firstly, our spiritual journey is described as a pilgrimage with God, where we are to walk in His light and follow His law. This entails not merely adhering to external actions but having an inner attitude of devotion and seeking God wholeheartedly. It’s a lifestyle that strives for integrity, untainted by love for sin, and sets a righteous course pleasing to God. Keeping God’s commandments doesn’t mean legalistically following them but rather having good discernment between right and wrong that encompasses the whole person. It’s about a deep connection with God and a way of life aimed at obeying His word and being faithful to Him. God’s commandments are not a burden but a revelation of His will for the world. They are a guide to wisdom, freedom, and peace. By loving and obeying them, we experience God’s faithfulness and find great peace. God’s Word is like a lamp that illuminates our steps and protects us from temptations. Overall, Psalm 119 shows us that keeping God’s commandments is not just an obligation but a source of joy, peace, and protection. It’s the path where we find true fulfillment and draw closer to God. Therefore, let us strive to treasure God’s Word in our hearts and walk in His light to reap the rich blessings that arise from it.

How did Christ demonstrate the power of God’s Word in His life (Matthew 4:1–11)? What does that tell us about the strength that emanates from a heart that obeys God’s law?

In Matthew 4:1–11, it is described how Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. During these temptations, Jesus demonstrated the power of God’s Word in His life in an impressive way. First, Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger. However, Jesus replied, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Here, Jesus shows that God’s words have greater significance than physical needs and that He obeys His Father by trusting in His words. Next, Satan tempted Jesus to throw Himself down from the temple and be saved by angels. But Jesus quoted Scripture again, saying, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7). Here, Jesus shows that true obedience to God means trusting Him and not acting recklessly, even when the temptation is great. Finally, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He would worship him. But Jesus rejected him again, saying, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve’” (Matthew 4:10). Jesus shows that true worship and loyalty belong only to God, and that one should not serve any other lord. The power of God’s Word in Jesus’ life shows that a heart that obeys God’s law is connected to a deep relationship of trust with God. It also shows that God’s Word is not just a collection of letters but a living power that strengthens and guides us when we obey it. Jesus’ obedience to the Word of God was the key that helped Him withstand the temptations of the devil and fulfill His divine mission. This demonstrates to us the strength and blessings that come from a heart that obeys God’s law: strength, clarity, and the ability to withstand the temptations of life and walk in God’s will.

The connection between Jesus’ demonstration of the power of God’s Word and our daily life in faith is profound and relevant. Here are some ways in which this connection can manifest:

1. Trust in God’s Word: In our daily lives, we can rely on God’s Word to guide and strengthen us. By reading and meditating on the Bible, we gain insight and wisdom for the challenges we face.

2. Steadfastness in Temptations: Like Jesus, we can overcome the temptations of life by obeying God’s commandments. By adhering to what the Bible teaches, we are better equipped to resist the allure of evil.

3. Worship and Dedication: Jesus taught us to worship God alone and serve Him. In our daily lives, this means aligning our lives with God’s will and honoring Him in all that we do.

4. Community and Testimony: By following Jesus’ example and practicing His Word in our lives, we can also provide a living testimony to others. Our steadfastness in faith can encourage others and inspire them to seek God’s ways as well.

5. Spiritual Strengthening: Regular meditation on God’s Word and obedience to His commandments strengthen our spiritual lives. It helps us to strengthen our faith and maintain an authentic relationship with God in our daily lives.

Ultimately, the connection between Jesus’ obedience to the Word of God and our daily lives in faith shows that God’s Word is relevant not only for spiritual questions but for every aspect of our lives. It serves as a guide that leads us through the highs and lows of life and helps us to grow and mature as Christians.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-wisdom-for-righteous-living-8-1-your-word-i-have-hidden-in-my-heart/