4.5 Help From the Sanctuary

Read Psalm 3:5; 14:7; 20:2–4; 27:5; 36:9; 61:5; and 68:6.36. Where does help come from in these verses?

The verses emphasize the help and refuge that come from the sanctuary. Here are some thoughts on each verse:

1. Psalm 3:5:

   • The psalmist expresses confidence in God’s help, even during sleep. The sanctuary is a place where God’s protection is experienced.

2. Psalm 14:7:

   • Zion is presented as the source of help and redemption. Deliverance comes from God, who resides in the sanctuary.

3. Psalm 20:2–4:

   • This blessing invokes God’s help from the sanctuary. The request is heard from the sanctuary, and God responds.

4. Psalm 27:5:

   • The imagery of God as a refuge in the sanctuary is vividly portrayed. It is a place of safety and security.

5. Psalm 36:9:

   • The sanctuary is depicted as a source of living water and light. In God’s presence in the sanctuary, believers find true life and understanding.

6. Psalm 61:5:

   • The psalmist longs to find refuge in God’s sanctuary. The imagery of God’s wings symbolizes protection and care.

7. Psalm 68:6.36:

   • These verses emphasize that God in the sanctuary provides refuge and help for the needy, prisoners, and lonely.

In Hebrews 4:15–16, it is highlighted that we have a High Priest (Jesus Christ) who has been tempted like us but without sin. The reference to the throne of grace as a place of help and mercy aligns with the concept that help comes from the sanctuary. The sanctuary represents God’s grace through which we can experience deliverance and redemption.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-the-lord-hears-and-delivers-4-5-help-from-the-sanctuary/

4.4 Defender and Deliverer

Read 1 Corinthians 10:1–4. How does Paul describe the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt? What spiritual lesson is he trying to convey?

In 1 Corinthians 10:1–4, Paul writes about the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and uses it as a spiritual lesson for the Corinthian church.

Paul symbolically describes the events of the Israelites’ exodus:

1. Under the cloud: Refers to the pillar of cloud that led the Israelites during their Exodus—an evident sign of God’s presence.

2. Passed through the sea: Reminds of the miracle where God parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape their Egyptian pursuers.

3. Baptized into Moses: Symbolic baptism in the cloud and sea during their passage, signifying identification with Moses as their leader.

4. Same spiritual food and drink: Refers to the provision of manna (spiritual food) and water from the rock (spiritual drink) during their journey.

5. The Rock was Christ: Paul indicates that the rock providing water was a representation of Christ, the source of spiritual refreshment.

The spiritual lesson Paul intends to convey is that the Israelites experienced spiritual realities in these events that pointed to Christ. Through their experiences, they were guided by God, baptized, and provided with spiritual nourishment and drink. Paul uses this to exhort the Corinthian church to remain faithful to God, resist temptation, and beware of idolatry, drawing attention to the consequences the Israelites faced when they deviated from God.

Read Psalm 114. How is the divine liberation of the people of Israel from Egypt described poetically?

The poetic description in Psalm 114 vividly portrays the divine liberation of the people of Israel from Egypt. Here is a summary:

1. Nature Obeys God:

   • The psalm begins by noting that the sea and the Jordan River responded to Israel’s exodus by fleeing and turning back, respectively. These are marvelous depictions of natural forces obeying God as He led His people.

2. Mountains and Hills as Witnesses:

   • The psalm describes the mountains and hills as lively witnesses to God’s power. They reacted to God’s presence as if alive, acknowledging the Creator’s sovereignty.

3. Earth Trembles Before the Lord:

   • The trembling of the earth signifies the awe and recognition of the entire creation in the face of the Almighty. It poetically suggests that the earth itself quakes in reverence.

4. Call to Awe and Worship:

   • The psalm concludes with a call for the earth to tremble before the Lord, acknowledging the God of Jacob. It encourages worshipful awe and reverence for the Creator.

The poetic depiction in Psalm 114 emphasizes God’s power and sovereignty over nature, with the entire creation responding to His presence. This psalm encourages recognizing God’s greatness and trembling in awe before Him. These themes align with the New Testament teachings, especially concerning liberation through Jesus Christ and the salvation of believers.

What are some of the spiritual dangers that we, as believers, are exposed to? How can we learn to rely on the power of God to guard us against these dangers, which are just as real for us today as they were for the psalmist?

As believers, we can face various spiritual dangers. Here are some of them and approaches on how we can learn to rely on God’s power to guard against these dangers, which are as real for us today as they were for the psalmist:

1. Temptations and Sins:

   • Danger: The temptation to engage in sinful paths is prevalent.

   • God’s Power: Relying on God’s Word to equip us against temptations (Psalm 119:11), along with consistent prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers, strengthens us.

2. Doubt and Unbelief:

   • Danger: Doubting God’s existence, love, or power can impact our spiritual journey.

   • God’s Power: Holding onto God’s promises in the Bible, hearing the testimonies of other believers, and recalling past experiences of encountering God help strengthen our faith against doubt.

3. Pride and Self-Righteousness:

   • Danger: Pride can lead us to rely on our own abilities and distance ourselves from God.

   • God’s Power: Cultivating humility before God and acknowledging our dependence on Him are crucial. Praying for wisdom and being willing to follow God’s guidance help overcome pride.

4. Worldly Distractions:

   • Danger: The world offers many distractions that can divert us from our relationship with God.

   • God’s Power: Making a conscious decision to distance ourselves from worldly distractions and striving for a balanced lifestyle based on Christian principles help prevent succumbing to the world.

5. Spiritual Apathy:

   • Danger: Negligence in faith and spiritual apathy can lead to neglecting our relationship with God.

   • God’s Power: Regular spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship help maintain the flame of faith. Seeking God’s presence actively prevents spiritual apathy.

6. Divided Community:

   • Danger: Conflicts and divisions in the community of believers can pose spiritual dangers.

   • God’s Power: Applying Christian principles like love, forgiveness, and unity, coupled with prayer for the community, can help overcome these dangers.

7. Self-Righteous Religiosity:

   • Danger: Relying on external religiosity without a personal relationship with God.

   • God’s Power: Emphasizing a vibrant relationship with God characterized by love and devotion, over external rituals, helps counter self-righteous religiosity.

It’s important to realize that our strength is limited, but God’s power is boundless. Through prayer, Bible study, community, and humility, we can rely on God’s power to guard us against spiritual dangers.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-the-lord-hears-and-delivers-4-4-defender-and-deliverer/

This episode tells the story of the most important Adventist missionary most people have never heard of: George D. Keough. It covers the first ten years of his and his family’s mission experience in Egypt from 1908 to 1918, when he won extraordinary numbers of people to the Seventh-day Adventist message. It also examines how he achieved his remarkable success.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/mission-150-episode-32-an-extraordinary-mission-innovator-part-i/

4.3 The Lord Is a Refuge in Adversity

Read Psalm 17:7–9; 31:2–4; and 91:2–7. What does the psalmist do in difficult times?

The Psalms 17:7–9; 31:2–4; and 91:2–7 illustrate the psalmist’s response to difficult times and his conscious decision to seek refuge in God. Here are some thoughts on these passages:

Psalm 17:7–9: The psalmist prays to God, asking Him to listen to his prayer. He trusts that God is just and attentive to his plea. In the midst of difficulties, the psalmist turns to God as his only refuge.

Psalm 31:2–4: The psalmist asks God to stand by his side and be his rock of refuge. He calls out to God, who is his strength, capable of delivering him from the snares of the enemy. The psalmist places his trust in God and acknowledges the power of the Almighty in challenging times.

Psalm 91:2–7: The psalmist confesses his trust in God as a refuge. He uses imagery such as “shield,” “shadow,” “refuge,” “fortress,” “wings,” “faithfulness,” “shield,” and “buckler” to describe God’s protective and secure nature. The psalmist recalls God’s faithfulness in the past, deriving assurance that God will be a secure refuge in the future.

In difficult times, the psalmist does the following:

• Prayer and Communication with God: Actively turning to God, speaking to Him, and presenting concerns before Him.

• Emphasis on Trust: Emphasizing trust in God as a refuge and recognizing God’s power and faithfulness in difficult times.

• Remembrance of God’s Deeds: Recalling God’s actions in the past as a foundation for trust in the future.

The Psalms demonstrate that in challenging times, relying on God and consciously acknowledging Him as a refuge play a central role. This trust is built on the experience of a personal relationship with a powerful and loving God.

Read Psalm 17:8 and Matthew 23:37. What image is used, and what does it convey?

Psalm 17:8: 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Matthew 23:37: 37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

In Psalm 17:8, the image used is “under the shadow of your wings.” This metaphor conveys the idea of comfort, security, and protection. It draws a parallel between God’s protection and the image of a bird mother hiding her chicks under her wings.

In Matthew 23:37, Jesus uses the same imagery when speaking about Jerusalem. He compares Himself to a hen who desires to gather and protect her chicks under her wings. This image expresses Jesus’ love, care, and desire to shield and guard the people of Jerusalem.

Both uses of this metaphor emphasize the loving and protective character of God and Jesus. In nature, wings are often a symbol of shelter and safety. The idea of finding refuge under the wings of God or Jesus conveys a strong sense of security and love. It suggests that God’s protection is not merely theoretical but is actively and empathetically provided, similar to a mother caring for her offspring.

However, how do we deal with times when misfortune strikes, and we seemingly cannot recognize God’s protection? Why do these experiences not mean that God is not with us?

Experiencing misfortune, pain, or seemingly lacking recognition of divine protection is a deeply human experience. In such moments, questions may arise about why God doesn’t intervene or why His protection isn’t clearly discerned. Here are some considerations:

1. God’s Ways Are Higher:

   • The Bible teaches that God’s thoughts and actions often surpass our understanding (Isaiah 55:8–9). In times of misfortune, we may not have the full perspective on God’s plan.

2. Reality of a Broken World:

   • In the world we live in, there is suffering and injustice. This doesn’t mean God is absent but reflects the reality of a world marked by sin and brokenness (1 John 5:19).

3. Trials and Growth:

   • The Bible speaks of trials and challenging times that shape and strengthen us (James 1:2–4). In these moments, we might not immediately recognize God’s protection, but it could be an opportunity for deepening our faith.

4. God’s Presence Despite Feelings:

   • Our feelings are not always the most reliable indicator of God’s presence. Even if we can’t feel or recognize His protection, it doesn’t necessarily mean God isn’t there. God promises never to leave us (Hebrews 13:5).

5. God Acts Through Human Instruments:

   • Sometimes, God’s protection may come in the form of help and support from other people. In difficult times, we should be open to the possibility that God’s work is happening through others.

6. Faith Amidst Doubt:

   • Faith doesn’t always mean having all the answers. At times, we must move forward in trust, even when we don’t fully understand.

7. Eternal Perspective:

   • The Bible encourages us to adopt an eternal perspective (2 Corinthians 4:16–18). What we experience here is temporary, but God’s faithfulness and protection are eternal.

It’s crucial to emphasize that experiencing difficulties doesn’t necessarily mean that God has abandoned us. On the contrary, amid challenges, we can develop a deeper reliance on God and experience His faithfulness in new ways.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-the-lord-hears-and-delivers-4-3-the-lord-is-a-refuge-in-adversity/

4.2 Assurance of God’s Care

Read Psalm 40:2–4; 50:15; 55:23; and 121. How is God involved in our daily affairs?

These Psalms provide profound insights into God’s care for His people and His involvement in their daily affairs.

Psalm 40:2–4: The psalmist describes how the Lord lifted him from a deep pit and provided a firm foundation. This rescue signifies divine care in personal challenges. The psalmist emphasizes that true happiness comes not from worldly achievements but from a relationship with God.

Psalm 50:15: In this verse, God urges people to call upon Him in times of trouble. God’s willingness to listen and respond to the cries of His people demonstrates His involved care and interest in the daily concerns of individuals.

Psalm 55:23: The psalmist stresses the importance of casting one’s burdens on the Lord, as God cares for His people. This statement illustrates that the burdens of believers don’t need to be carried alone; God actively stands by their side.

Psalm 121: This psalm celebrates God’s all-encompassing power and care in the lives of believers. Various images, such as protection from stumbling, God’s constant vigilance, and comprehensive preservation from all evil, illustrate profound care from God. Metaphorical expressions like the shadow and the right hand of God emphasize His closeness and strength accompanying His people.

In summary, these Psalms highlight God’s loving care in all aspects of life. Believers are encouraged to trust in this care and to bring their concerns, joys, and sorrows to God in prayer. The essence is a deep confidence that God is present and lovingly cares for His people in every situation.

What can you do concretely to better experience the reality of God’s care? How can you better collaborate with God for Him to work in and for you?

1. Prayer and Communication:

   • Deepen your prayer time to consciously communicate with God. Share your thoughts, worries, joys, and gratitude with Him.

   • Take time to be still and listen for God’s response. This can happen through meditation, studying the Bible, or simply in moments of silence.

2. Trust and Faith:

   • Develop a profound trust in God’s love and care for you. Believe in His promises and His ability to work in all areas of your life.

   • Regularly reflect on past experiences where God’s care was evident, and remember His faithfulness.

3. Studying God’s Word:

   • Read the Bible regularly to better understand God’s character and His promises. Scripture is a crucial source for recognizing God’s love and care.

   • Look for Bible verses related to God’s care and meditate on them.

4. Practicing Gratitude:

   • Cultivate an attitude of gratitude toward God. Be thankful for His care in both small and significant aspects of life.

   • Keep a gratitude journal, recording things you’re thankful for daily.

5. Community with Believers:

   • Seek fellowship with other believers to strengthen faith and share experiences.

   • Pray together and share testimonies of God’s care with one another.

6. Self-Reflection and Humility:

   • Practice self-reflection and humility by acknowledging your dependence on God’s care.

   • Be willing to accept God’s guidance in your life, even if it differs from your own plans.

It’s important to note that the experience of God’s care is personal and individual. Each person may find different ways to deepen this experience and cultivate a more active collaboration with God.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-the-lord-hears-and-delivers-4-2-assurance-of-gods-care/