psalms

MEMORY VERSE: “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.” – Psalms 22:26

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 5:5-6

INTRODUCTION:

The beatitudes describe the ideal disciple and his rewards, both present and future. Having discovered that the beatitudes are a series of eight blessings spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5, we shall do some exposition on verses 5 and 6 in this study.

LESSON OUTLINES:

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST

1. BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

‘Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth’ (Matthew 5:5).

The word ‘meek, from the original Greek language ‘praus’ refers to mildness, gentleness of spirit or humility. It was used to describe ‘reining in a stallion’. It is the idea of a horse being controlled by a bit and bridle. The horse is choosing to submit to authority.

This is meekness. It is power under constraint. “Meekness” is a humble attitude that expresses itself in the patient endurance of offences. Meekness is humility toward God and toward others. In other words, it is having the right or the power to do something but refraining for the benefit of someone else (Eph. 4:1-2). It is power under control.

Meekness is not weakness. A weak person cannot do anything but a meek person can do something but chooses not to (Prov.16:32; 25:28).

Being too hasty in word and deed are possibly two of the most frequent weaknesses in people. A meek person would consider his actions before he acts hastily (James 1:1 21: 3:13). The cultivation of this spirit is enjoined (Col.3:12; 1Tim. 6:11; Zeph. 2:3), and is exemplified in Christ (Matt.11:29), Abraham Gen.13:8-12: 16:5-6), Moses (Num.12:3), David (Zech. 12:8; 2 Sam. 16:10,12), and Paul (1Cor. 9:19)

Peculiar promises are made to the meek. (Matt. 5:5 Isa 66:5). The humble would receive far greater than the arrogant and prideful. Not only do the meek enjoy more of life on earth because of their ability to be content, but they will possess the earth after Jesus’ return and triumphant entry. The meek are blessed.

2. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled’ (Matt.5:6). An ardent desire for anything is often represented in the Scriptures by hunger and thirst (Ps.42:1). As the body has its natural appetites of hunger and thirst for the food and drink suited to its nourishment, so has the soul (Ps.63:1-2). When the soul be- gins to hunger and thirst after righteousness or holiness, which is its proper food, we know that it must be purified by the Holy Spirit, and be made a partaker of that living bread (John 7:37-32), or perish everlastingly.

A desire for the blessings of pardon and peace; a deep sense of sin, and want, and wretchedness, is also represented by thirsting (Isa.55:1-2). Those who hunger and thirst, after the full salvation of God, will be blessed, satisfied and well-fed.

Those that are lost sinners and strongly desire to be holy shall be filled. Christ has made provision to satisfy all who truly desire to be holy (John.4:14; John.6:35; Ps.17:15).

Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness are blessed.

CONCLUSION:

If you are meek, you will be satisfied with the blessings of God on earth and filled with heavenly blessings.

Sunday School Lesson 21

The God Chasers

MEMORY VERSE:  “My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” – Psalm 63:8

BIBLE PASSAGE:Psalms 63:1-8 KJV

INTRODUCTION: A God chaser is a person whose passion for God’s presence presses him to chase the impossible in the hope that the uncatchable might catch him. A child chases a loving parent until suddenly the strong arms of the father enfold the chaser (Gen. 5:24; Phil. 3:12).

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Examples Of God Chasers
2. The God Chaser’s Map

1. EXAMPLES OF GOD CHASERS

The Bible records examples of those who diligently sought after God and were found of Him. They include: Enoch (Genesis 5:22, 24); Moses (Exodus 33:13-23); Jacob (Genesis 32:24-30); Ezra (Ezra 7:10); Daniel (Daniel 6:10-22); David (Psalm 63:1-8); and Paul (Philippians 3:7-14). They were not chasing after God because of what they wanted for themselves alone, but whole-heartedly believed God (John 6:65-69). They also acknowledged their emptiness and nothingness without God (John 15:5).

2. THE GOD CHASER’S MAP

A map gives a representation of a location needed for navigation. Anyone chasing after God must understand His spiritual location. While God is omnipresent, His manifest presence is only for those who diligent chase after Him. Hence among others, the Lord will be found in the place of praise (Psalm 100:3-4; 22:3). He will be found in the place of prayer and fasting (2 Chronicles 20:3; Ezra 8:21; Daniel 9:1-3). You will also find the Lord when you strive to live in holiness (2 Chronicles 34:3; Ezra 6.21; Hebrews 12:14). Ultimately, the Lord will be found in His Word (John 5:39; Ezra 7:10; Psalm 34:4).

CONCLUSION: We require the Lord to help us and be on our side when seeking the Lord. We cannot do it by human efforts. Let us call on the Lord today to help us.

QUESTIONS:

1. Mention other examples of God chasers apart from those listed above.
2. Where can one find God and be found of Him?

FURTHER READING:

Monday; Psalm 119:63 (KJV)
63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

Tuesday: Psalm 119:115 (KJV)
115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

Wednesday: Proverbs 9:6 (KJV)
6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

Thursday: 1 Corinthians 15:33-35 (KJV)
33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

Friday: Luke 4:42 (KJV)
42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

Saturday: Genesis 32:24-27 (KJV)
24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

Sunday: 1 Samuel 30:1- 6 (KJV)
1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; 2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. 3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. 4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. 5 And David’s two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

Sunday School Lesson 20

The Fear Of The Lord

MEMORY VERSE: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 111:4-10 KJV

INTRODUCTION: The fear of the Lord is a reverential trust of God coupled with a hatred of evil. It is also an inward attitude of humble reverence toward God, in light of His self-revelation, that results in outward expression of Christ’s likeness. You cannot serve God or keep His commandments if His fear is not in you (Deut.6:13; Eccl.12:13; Prov.8:13). However, believers should not be scared of God but see the fear of God as respecting, obeying, submitting to His discipline and worshiping Him in awe.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Why Is It Necessary To Fear God?
2. What Are The Benefits Of Having The Fear Of God?

1. WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO FEAR GOD?

We are commanded to fear God (Psalm 33:8) because of God’s holiness (Revelation 15:4); greatness (2 Kings 17:36); goodness (1 Samuel 12:24) and his forgiveness without which we would all have ended up in hell (Psalm 130:4).

The fear of the Lord is also necessary for worship (Psalm 5:7); in service (Heb. 12:28); to keep us from sin (Exodus 20:20); for administration of justice (2 Chronicles 19:6-9); for good governance (2 Samuel 23:3); for the perfecting of holiness in our Christian lives (2 Corinthians 7:1); because of coming judgements against which there is no appeal (Revelation 14:7).

2. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING THE FEAR OF GOD?

The fear of God brings pleasure to the Lord which in turn brings blessings to man (Psalm 147:11; 112:1). It gives deep knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10). It is a unique weapon against sin (Proverbs 14:26)
It brings protection for believers and their loved ones (Proverbs 14:26). If you fear the Lord, His pity will increase upon you (Psalm 103:13). It makes a man acceptable to God (Acts 10:35). It brings down His mercy (Ps.103:17). It brings long life (Proverbs 10:27; 14:27). It brings answers to prayers (Ps.145:19). It brings separation from evil (Proverbs 16:6). It brings confidence (Proverbs 14.26). It guarantees true riches, honour and life (Proverbs 22:4).

CONCLUSION: Fear the Lord God Almighty.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why should you fear the Lord?
2. What are some of the outcomes of fearing the Lord?

FURTHER READING:

Monday: Exodus 14:13; And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Tuesday: Isaiah 43:1; But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Wednesday: Proverbs 29:25; The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Thursday: Proverbs 15:16; Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Friday: Malachi 3:16; Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

Saturday: Ecclesiastes 12:14; For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Sunday: Isaiah 11:12: And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Sunday School Lesson 10

The Lord’s Prayer

MEMORISE: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”- Hebrews 4:6

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 6:9-13

INTRODUCTION: Many people misunderstand the Lord’s prayer to be a prayer that we are to repeat word for word. It has been memorised by countless people throughout history and is often recited corporately. Rather, the Lord’s prayer should be understood as an example and as a
model, of how to pray. Not that we are tied up to the use of this only
l, or of this always; yet, without doubt, it gives us the “ingredients”
that should go into prayer.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. Petitions In Relation To God And His Honour
2. Petitions In Relation To Human Concerns

1. PETITIONS IN RELATION TO GOD AND HIS HONOUR

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matt. 6:9): Jesus begins His exemplary prayer by acknowledging God the Father. God is our Father, meaning He cares for us. God resides in Heaven, which implies He is above us (Isaiah 55:8-9) and He is the one to whom our prayers should be addressed to.
We hallow His name, meaning we declare that He is holy and praise Him for who He is.
This opening line, therefore recognises that God is both our Father and our King. He loves us, and He is far greater than us (Revelation 1:6).

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:10): is a reminder to us that we are to pray for God’s plan in our lives and the world, not our own plan. We are to pray for God’s will to be done, not our desires. That is, after acknowledging the character of God, we are to pray for His purposes. God cares for us and is greater than us. (Jeremiah 29:11), we are to submit our will to His (Matthew 26:39, 42; Acts 21:14).
We are to trust that His way is better and pray that His will be accomplished on earth. (Psalm 37:4-5)

2. PETITIONS IN RELATION TO HUMAN CONCERNS

“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matt. 6:11):
We do not only desire God’s will on a grand scale, but also on the smaller scale of our lives. (Prov. 30:8). We look to Him for our daily needs; – spiritual, practical, relational, emotional, and physical. (Matt. 6:33)

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matt. 6:12). Our biggest need is to be forgiven. Without God’s forgiveness we are dead in sin. (Ephesians 2:1). With His forgiveness, we are made alive in Christ. (Colossians 2:13). Because we are forgiven, we are called to forgive (Matt. 18:28-35, Mark 11:25). Forgiveness restores our fellowship with God and others. With forgiveness, we can obey the command to love God and love others. (Matt. 23:37-40).

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…” (Matthew 6:13a). This final request demonstrates a heart that is eager to please God. God will not lead us into temptation (James 1:13); He is not the author of evil.
This prayer is an agreement with God that we do not want to sin against Him (Luke 22:40).
It is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil (Psalm 141:4, 9). We pray to be aware of the evil that tempts us and to readily see the escape that He has provided us (1 Corinthians 10:13).Temptation in this verse may also refer to trails of our faith. (1 Peter 1:7; 4:12).

We can conclude our prayers with a remainder of God’s sovereign control, His great power and that our life is for His glory. “…..For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:13b).

CONCLUSION: The Lord’s Prayer is a model provided by Jesus for how to pray.

QUESTIONS:

1. How do we acknowledge and honour God in prayer?
2. How should believers petition God in acceptable manner?

FURTHER READING

MON: Ps. 23;

TUE: Phil. 4:6;

WED: 1Jn. 5:14;

THUR: 1Jn. 5:15;

FRI: 2 Chr. 7:14;

SAT: 2 Chr. 7:14;

SUN: Jer. 29:12.