Psalms – Lesson 4: The Lord Hears and Delivers | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 4.The Lord Hears and Delivers |
In Lesson 4, the powerful message of the Psalms about God’s power, presence, and care is thoroughly explored. Psalm 139 vividly conveys that God’s knowledge of us is profound and unique. In contrast to human help, which is limited, God has the means to assist us. The assurance of God’s care, especially emphasized in Psalm 121, reveals that God secures our life’s path and provides comprehensive protection. In times of trouble, the Lord is a refuge, as illustrated in Psalms 17, 31, and 91, encouraging believers to trust in God’s proven care. The Psalms also illustrate God’s sovereignty over natural forces, particularly in Psalm 114, which views the liberation from Egypt as a symbol of God’s power. The help from the sanctuary is depicted as superior refuge and redemption, emphasizing the holiness of the sanctuary and inviting believers to trust in the heavenly throne of grace. The worship in the sanctuary becomes an impressive representation of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Memory Text: Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.”
Content:
4.1 My Frame Was Not Hidden From You
Psalm 139 eloquently describes God’s power, presence, and goodness. The poetic depiction emphasizes that God’s knowledge of us is profound and unique. Unlike human help, which is often limited, God knows us intimately and has the means to help us. This awareness should not frighten us but lead us into the embrace of Jesus. God’s presence is emphasized by showing that there is no place beyond His reach. The greatness of God invites us to burst into joy and to fully trust in His help and deliverance.
4.2 Assurance of God’s Care
The Bible reveals God as the living caretaker involved in our daily affairs. The Psalms, especially Psalm 121, show that God secures our life’s path, is constantly vigilant, and provides physical and spiritual protection. His closeness is emphasized by the image of the right hand, and poetic images of the sun, moon, coming and going underscore God’s comprehensive care. The psalmist relied on this loving care of God, and so should we place our trust in His protective hand.
4.3 The Lord Is a Refuge in Adversity
The psalmist reveals in Psalms 17, 31, and 91 that the Lord is a refuge in times of trouble. In the midst of difficulties, the psalmist turns confidently to God, his secure fortress and shield. The image of the shadow of God’s wings provides comfort and security, similar to the protection offered by a bird mother or a hen. These metaphysical images underscore the psalmist’s trust in God’s proven care, rooted in his past experience and strengthening his faith for the future. Trust in God is the conscious decision to acknowledge God’s sovereignty over one’s life under all circumstances.
4.4 Defender and Deliverer
The poetic depiction of God’s marvelous deliverance in Psalm 114 vividly illustrates His sovereignty over natural forces and human powers. This deliverance from Egypt is seen in the Old and New Testaments as a symbol of God’s power to save His people. Paul interprets the Exodus from Egypt in 1 Corinthians 10:1–4 as a spiritual lesson, considering the story as a metaphor for salvation through Jesus Christ. Amid the dangers on the way to the heavenly Jerusalem, the Psalms encourage believers to trust in the Creator of heaven and earth. Jesus himself echoes the spirit of Psalm 114 by calming the storm and declaring that the Church has nothing to fear, as he has overcome the world. The great deeds of the Lord should make the earth tremble in His presence, not out of fear, but in acknowledgment and worship. With God by their side, believers have nothing to fear.
4.5 Help From the Sanctuary
In the mentioned Psalms, help is primarily associated with the sanctuary. The sanctuary serves as a place of refuge, security, and redemption. God defends the oppressed, gives strength from His sanctuary, and proclaims righteous judgments. The refuge in the sanctuary surpasses the safety of other places, as God personally dwells in His presence. This aspect finds parallels in the New Testament, where Jesus is mentioned as the High Priest who empathizes with our weaknesses, and believers are encouraged to boldly approach the throne of grace, the heavenly sanctuary. The holiness of the sanctuary requires humility and acknowledgment of one’s sinfulness, while also emphasizing God’s grace and faithfulness, leading to a right relationship with God through repentance and acceptance of forgiveness. The worship in the sanctuary thus becomes a representation of the redemption found through Jesus.
4.6 Summary
The lesson emphasizes the impressive power, presence, and goodness of God, poetically described in Psalm 139. It illustrates that God not only knows us intimately but also has the means to help us. The assurance of God’s care is emphasized through Psalms like 121, highlighting the safety and protection of the sanctuary. In times of trouble, the Lord is a refuge, as shown in Psalms 17, 31, and 91, and believers are encouraged to build their trust confidently on God. The Psalms also illustrate God’s sovereignty over natural forces, particularly in Psalm 114, which considers the liberation from Egypt as a symbol of God’s power. Help from the sanctuary is portrayed in the Psalms as superior refuge and redemption, emphasizing the holiness of the sanctuary and inviting believers to trust in the heavenly throne of grace. The worship in the sanctuary becomes a representation of redemption found through Jesus Christ.
Psalms – Lesson 3: The Lord Reigns | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 3. The Lord Reigns |
This lesson explores various facets of God’s sovereignty and rule through Psalms such as 8, 97, 75, and 105, emphasizing the importance of God’s faithfulness to His covenant and the reliability of His testimonies, as outlined in Psalms 19, 93, and 119. The Psalms illustrate God’s love for creation, His role as a just judge, and the connection to His people through an eternal covenant. The reliability of God’s laws is highlighted as a foundation for security and stability, with believers trusting in God’s sovereign rule and anticipating the coming of His kingdom.
Memory Text: Psalm 93:1 – “The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.”
Content:
3.1 The Lord Has Made Us
Psalms 8 and 100 underscore creation as an expression of God’s sovereignty and love. These texts clarify God’s dominion over nature, revealing His power and dignity. The Psalms depict God not only as the Creator of the world but also desiring a close relationship with His people, expressing His love and care. Ultimately, the Psalms emphasize the uniqueness of God as the only worthy object of worship and trust.
3.2 The Lord Reigns
The Psalm texts, especially Psalm 97, highlight God’s sovereign rule, clothed in honor, majesty, and power. Metaphors of clouds and darkness illustrate the sublime power and brilliance of the divine kingship. God’s rule is manifested in creation, salvation, and judgment, extending His kingdom over the entire world. Despite constant challenges from evildoers, the psalmist trusts in God’s sovereign rule and rejoices in faith for the coming of God’s kingdom through the redemptive work of Christ and its completion at His return.
3.3 God Is the Judge
The Lord, as a sovereign King, is not only the Creator but also the legislator and judge. Psalm 75 emphasizes the futility of the boasting of the wicked, as the Lord will judge the world and end the rule of evil. Images of a foaming cup and cutting off the horns of the wicked portray the irrevocable destruction of the evildoers. God’s judgment involves an examination of the hearts of people, with the righteous being freed and the wicked being permanently destroyed. While God is a forgiving God, He holds His people accountable for their actions.
3.4 Ever Mindful of His Covenant
God’s people find peace and assurance of redemption in times of judgment through God’s faithfulness to His eternal covenant. The Lord has established His dwelling in Zion and entered into a precious covenant with His people, actively maintained through God’s actions. Psalm 105 highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant in the history of Israel, emphasizing that God was present in both good and bad times, leading His people through various challenges. Remembering God’s covenant requires not only awareness but also actions, with God’s people honoring Him, following His laws, and telling others about Him to manifest God’s protective covenant for the entire world.
3.5 Your Testimonies Are Very Sure
The Psalms, especially Psalm 19, 93, 119, 1, 18, and 25, emphasize the reliability of God’s testimonies. These testimonies refer to the laws and regulations governing religious and social life, known for being “very reliable.” The stability of God’s throne and the world is reflected in His laws, considered unchangeable and indestructible. God’s faithfulness to His promises and commandments is both reassuring and demanding, requiring trust and obedience. Those who adhere to God’s law find stability, security, and protection amid life’s challenges.
3.6 Summary
In this lesson, the sovereign rule of God over creation, His role as Judge, His faithfulness to the eternal covenant, and the reliability of His testimonies are emphasized. The Psalms illustrate God’s power, love, and relationship with His people. Despite challenges, believers trust in God’s sovereign rule and look forward to the coming of His kingdom. God’s judgment is portrayed as inevitable for the wicked, while faithfulness to His covenant ensures security and peace for His people. The reliability of His testimonies provides confidence and protection amidst life’s uncertainties.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/psalms-lesson-3-the-lord-reigns-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/
Psalms – Lesson 2: Teach Us to Pray | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 2: Teach Us to Pray |
This lesson focuses on the transformative power of the Psalms, particularly how they enrich the prayer life and assist believers in expressing their emotions and experiences before God. From daily reading to the deliberate selection of appropriate Psalms for various life situations, it illustrates the diverse applications. The comments emphasize that Psalms are relevant not only in times of despair but also in joyful moments, providing a comprehensive insight into human experience and divine wisdom.
Memory Text: Luke 11:1 – “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples’.”
Content:
2.1 Fostering the Use of the Psalms in Prayer
The Psalms serve as a rich source for spiritual enrichment in prayer life. Their diversity allows individuals to express themselves in different life situations and address God in various ways. Through simple reading, reflection, and prayer on the Psalms, believers can gain deeper insights, correct false hopes, and discover new motives for prayer. The Psalms offer a timeless connection to human experience and divine wisdom.
2.2 Trust in Times of Trouble
Psalm 44 teaches us that it is okay to bring our deepest feelings of suffering and confusion before God. The selective use of Psalms in worship should not deter us from honestly confronting the dark realities of life. Praying the Psalms allows us to freely express our feelings and helps maintain trust in difficult times by looking back on the past and hoping in God’s goodness despite the suffering.
2.3 A Psalm of Despair
Psalm 22 teaches us that the Psalms not only serve to express our prayers openly but also to guide us according to God’s standards. The lamenting words of the Psalm of desperation allow suffering individuals to express their sorrow. Despite the darkness, the psalmist expresses faith in God and declares that he will always praise God, regardless of circumstances. The Psalms lead worshippers to new spiritual horizons, teaching them to look beyond the present situation and demonstrating the transformative power of prayer when suffering is turned into praise.
2.4 From Despair to Hope
Psalm 13 shows a way we can move from despair to hope. The Psalm begins with complaints and grievances that many of us can relate to when we feel forgotten by God. However, the crucial choice is to consciously reflect on God’s faithfulness and love. The Psalm urges us to choose trust in God’s redeeming power, transforming despair into hope. The Psalms are more than words; they are means of change and deepening the relationship with God when we ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to act according to their teachings.
2.5 Oh, Restore Us Again
Psalm 60 offers a prayer for difficult times, but even in good phases of our lives, we can benefit from it. The Psalm reminds us that suffering is a part of human life that affects everyone. In times of joy, lament Psalms like this can teach us compassion for the suffering and direct our focus to those going through tough times. These Psalms should inspire in us the desire to help the suffering by sharing the healing power that Jesus has exemplified.
2.6 Summary
This lesson emphasizes the significance of Psalms in prayer life. The focus is on the diverse use of Psalms, ranging from daily reading to selecting appropriate Psalms for personal situations. It explains how praying the Psalms can help express feelings and thoughts before God, from lament to praise. The commentary highlights that Psalms are valuable spiritual companions not only in difficult times but also in joyful phases of life, fostering the development of compassion for the suffering.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/psalms-lesson-2-teach-us-to-pray-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/
Psalms – Lesson 1: How to Read the Psalms | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series PSALMS with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 1: How to Read the Psalms |
The first lesson introduces us to the fascinating world of the Psalms, a collection of poetic expressions that represent the heart and soul of worship in ancient Israel. From their use in worship to their diverse themes and the inspired prayers and praises of the Psalmists, we will gain a deep insight into the meaning and timeless relevance of these biblical texts. This lesson will take us on a journey through the Psalms, exploring their cultural, emotional, and spiritual depth.
Memory Text: Luke 24:44.45 – “Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’ And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”
Content:
1.1 The Psalms in Ancient Israel’s Worship
Designed as hymns of praise, the Psalms served both private and communal worship in ancient Israel. In the temple, they were performed as hymns with instruments, melodies, and lead singers. Their use extended from temple dedications to religious festivals and pilgrimages to Jerusalem, with specific Psalms sung on festive occasions. The Psalms were not only an integral part of Israelite worship but also a source of inspiration for prayer and liturgy, as evident in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the early Church.
1.2 Meet the Psalmists
The Psalms provide insight into the diverse experiences of their authors, including King David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Heman, Ethan, Solomon, and Moses. The Holy Spirit inspired these Psalmists, who, despite deep faith, also faced discouragements and temptations. The timeless themes in the Psalms, from needs to joys, reflect human experiences and demonstrate that cries for deliverance and praises of divine faithfulness remain relevant to this day. The Psalms are not only historical testimonies but also sources of hope and expressions of God’s grace amid human challenges.
1.3 A Song for Every Season
The Psalms, as seen in examples like Psalm 3, 33:1–3, and 109:6–15, reflect the diversity of human experiences. From hymns praising God’s majesty to thanksgiving songs for His blessings and lament Psalms earnestly pleading for deliverance, they cover a broad spectrum. Wisdom Psalms offer practical life guidelines, royal Psalms point to Christ as the sovereign King, and historical Psalms recall Israel’s past. The poetic power of the Psalms is enhanced through devices like parallelism, imagery, merism, and wordplay, and the recurring element “Selah” invites reflection. Thus, the Psalms provide an expression of worship and reflection for every life situation and mood.
1.4 Inspired Prayers
The Psalms are not only inspired prayers and praises of Israel but also expressions of a vibrant interaction between God and His people. In personal invocations like “my God” and “LORD of hosts,” the Psalmists actively seek God’s presence. The beauty of the Psalms lies in representing God’s Word in the form of prayers and praises from believers. Romans 8:26–27 emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s help in prayer, a dynamic also reflected in the Psalms. The versatility of the Psalms, from hope to sorrow, makes them timeless and relevant to people of all cultures and ages. Jesus himself quoted from the Psalms, and their spiritual depth speaks to the diverse experiences and challenges people face in their lives.
1.5 The Words of the Psalms
The Psalms are infused with an oriented attitude toward God, who, as the sovereign Creator, King, and Judge, occupies the center of the Psalmists’ lives. Trust in God extends across all life experiences, and the Psalms emphasize His omnipresence and care. Even in difficult times, the Psalmists remain focused on calling upon and praising God. The worship in which the Psalms were used formed the center of the biblical community’s life, expressing everything within it. The Psalmists grasp the dual attributes of God, both distant and near, in His heaven and amid His people. They understand this tension as an inseparable part of spiritual reality, and their awareness of God’s goodness strengthens their hope for His intervention.
1.6 Summary
The first lesson on the Psalms highlights their diverse use in the worship of ancient Israel, both privately and communally. The Psalms reflect the experiences of various authors, including King David, and offer timeless themes from needs to joys. Their broad spectrum includes hymns, thanksgiving songs, lament Psalms, wisdom Psalms, royal Psalms, and historical Psalms. The Psalms are inspired prayers and expressions of a vibrant interaction with God, with the Holy Spirit playing a central role in prayer. The Psalms are infused with an oriented attitude toward God, who stands at the center of life, emphasizing His omnipresence and care, while the tension between closeness and distance is understood as an inseparable part of spiritual reality.
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