Theme: God Gives the Promise
This week’s lessons teach us that God’s plans cannot be thwarted.
Scripture: Genesis 3:15
Our focus this week is on Christmas, and I want to begin by saying that if the birth of Christ is the center of the Word of God, together with his death and resurrection, then we should expect to find it everywhere throughout the Bible.
Theme: A Gracious Prophecy
This week’s lessons teach us that God’s plans cannot be thwarted.
Scripture: Genesis 3:15
Theme: The Raging Battle
This week’s lessons teach us that God’s plans cannot be thwarted.
Scripture: Genesis 3:15
Theme: Salvation through the Cross
This week’s lessons teach us that God’s plans cannot be thwarted.
Scripture: Genesis 3:15
Theme: Delivered from Satan’s Power
This week’s lessons teach us that God’s plans cannot be thwarted.
Scripture: Genesis 3:15
Theme: Glory and Worship
From this week’s Christmas study, we look carefully at the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, and how it fulfills the Old Testament tabernacle.
Scripture: John 1:14
Theme: Resurrection in the Old Testament
In this week’s lessons, we look at the amazing trust that Job had in his coming Redeemer.
Scripture: Job 19:25-27
Theme: Job’s Faith in His Redeemer
In this week’s lessons, we look at the amazing trust that Job had in his coming Redeemer.
Scripture: Job 19:25-27
Theme: The Redeemer’s Appearing in the Flesh
In this week’s lessons, we look at the amazing trust that Job had in his coming Redeemer.
Scripture: Job 19:25-27
Theme: Job’s Belief in His Own Bodily Resurrection
In this week’s lessons, we look at the amazing trust that Job had in his coming Redeemer.
Scripture: Job 19:25-27
Theme: Hope and Praise
In this week’s lessons, we look at the amazing trust that Job had in his coming Redeemer.
Scripture: Job 19:25-27
Theme: Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake
In this week’s lessons, we look at various trials that befall Christians when we try to live a godly life, and also what our response ought to be as we come before God in prayer.
Scripture: Psalm 119:17-32
Theme: The Trials of Alienation and Slander
In this week’s lessons, we look at various trials that befall Christians when we try to live a godly life, and also what our response ought to be as we come before God in prayer.
Scripture: Psalm 119:17-32
Theme: The Trials of Humiliation and Sorrow
In this week’s lessons, we look at various trials that befall Christians when we try to live a godly life, and also what our response ought to be as we come before God in prayer.
Scripture: Psalm 119:17-32
In today’s study we continue our discussion of the persecutions that come to those who adhere to God’s Word. We have already looked at the trials of alienation and slander.
Theme: The Need for God’s Illumination and Teaching
In this week’s lessons, we look at various trials that befall Christians when we try to live a godly life, and also what our response ought to be as we come before God in prayer.
Scripture: Psalm 119:17-32
Theme: Living a Godly Life
In this week’s lessons, we look at various trials that befall Christians when we try to live a godly life, and also what our response ought to be as we come before God in prayer.
Scripture: Psalm 119:17-32
As we have already noted, the psalmist prays for four things in order to enable him to live by God’s law. In yesterday’s study we looked at the prayers to “open my eyes” and to “teach me your decrees.” Today we continue with two more petitions.
Theme: Praying for Instruction
This stanza of Psalm 119 tells us that studying God’s Word will bring delight in his decrees.
Scripture: Psalm 119:33-40
Theme: The Need for Understanding
This stanza of Psalm 119 tells us that studying God’s Word will bring delight in his decrees.
Scripture: Psalm 119:33-40
Theme: The Need for Direction
This stanza of Psalm 119 tells us that studying God’s Word will bring delight in his decrees.
Scripture: Psalm 119:33-40
John R. W. Stott’s book Your Mind Matters deals with six areas of Christian living. Each, he maintains, is impossible without a proper and energetic use of our minds. In yesterday’s study we looked at the first three areas: Christian worship, Christian faith, and Christian holiness. Today we continue with the remaining three areas of Christian living.
Theme: Turning toward God
This stanza of Psalm 119 tells us that studying God’s Word will bring delight in his decrees.
Scripture: Psalm 119:33-40
As we have previously noted, the best way to achieve a well-rounded education in God’s school is by keeping God’s Word before one’s mind, feet, heart and eyes.
Theme: Trusting in God’s Promise
This stanza of Psalm 119 tells us that studying God’s Word will bring delight in his decrees.
Scripture: Psalm 119:33-40
Faced by temptations and the dangers of life, the psalmist is aware that he needs help. But where is help to be found?
The only help is from God, and the only reason he can hope for God’s help is that God has promised to help him. That is the point of verse 38: “Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.”
Theme: God’s Love and Salvation
This stanza of Psalm 119 speaks of finding God, his love, and his comfort.
Scripture: Psalm 119:41-64
Bruce Waltke is Professor of Old Testament Studies at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia, and a former teacher at a number of evangelical schools, including Westminster and Dallas seminaries. He is an outstanding scholar, and he has written a book in which he testifies to the importance of prayer in getting to know God through Bible study.
Theme: Results of Knowing God’s Love
This stanza of Psalm 119 speaks of finding God, his love, and his comfort.
Scripture: Psalm 119:41-64
We have already discovered that the author of this psalm is a practical man in the matter of his religion. So at this point he does not dwell at length on God’s love itself but instead mentions two important results of getting to know God’s love personally.
Theme: Remember
This stanza of Psalm 119 speaks of finding God, his love, and his comfort.
Scripture: Psalm 119:41-64
Theme: The Believer’s Portion
This stanza of Psalm 119 speaks of finding God, his love, and his comfort.
Scripture: Psalm 119:41-64
Theme: Six Things We Need to Do
This stanza of Psalm 119 speaks of finding God, his love, and his comfort.
Scripture: Psalm 119:41-64
This idea of portion is what lies behind the key verse of this stanza. The writer is saying that, like the Levites, he wants his portion of divine blessing to be God himself, since nothing is better than that and nothing will ever fully satisfy his or anyone else’s heart but God himself. To possess God is truly to have everything.
Theme: When Christians Suffer
This week’s lessons from Psalm 119 show that suffering can bring us closer to God and his Word.
Scripture: Psalm 119:65-88
Theme: God’s Purposes
This week’s lessons from Psalm 119 show that suffering can bring us closer to God and his Word.
Scripture: Psalm 119:65-88
Theme: Blessings of Affliction
This week’s lessons from Psalm 119 show that suffering can bring us closer to God and his Word.
Scripture: Psalm 119:65-88
Theme: What We Learn about God
This week’s lessons from Psalm 119 show that suffering can bring us closer to God and his Word.
Scripture: Psalm 119:65-88
Theme: Holding out Our Hands
This week’s lessons from Psalm 119 show that suffering can bring us closer to God and his Word.
Scripture: Psalm 119:65-88
Theme: God’s Deliverance
In this week’s lessons from Psalm 119, we see the endurance of God’s Word and its saving power.
Scripture: Psalm 119:89-96
Theme: Never to Pass Away
In this week’s lessons from Psalm 119, we see the endurance of God’s Word and its saving power.
Scripture: Psalm 119:89-96
Theme: The Preserving Word
In this week’s lessons from Psalm 119, we see the endurance of God’s Word and its saving power.
Scripture: Psalm 119:89-96
Theme: What the Enduring Word Does
In this week’s lessons from Psalm 119, we see the endurance of God’s Word and its saving power.
Scripture: Psalm 119:89-96
Theme: Standing on the Rock
In this week’s lessons from Psalm 119, we see the endurance of God’s Word and its saving power.
Scripture: Psalm 119:89-96
The last verse of this section stands alone as a summary statement that links the truth that God’s law is eternal (vv. 89-91) with the salvation that is ours through believing and acting on God’s commands (vv. 92-95):
To all perfection I see a limit;but your commands are boundless (v. 96).
Theme: Delighting in God’s Laws
In this week’s lessons, we see that to love God’s Word is also to hate sin.
Scripture: Psalm 119:97-104
Theme: The Source of True Wisdom
In this week’s lessons, we see that to love God’s Word is also to hate sin.
Scripture: Psalm 119:97-104
The first of the psalmist’s reasons why he had learned to love God’s law is the one most emphasized, since it is repeated in parallel fashion three times in verses 98-100. It is that God’s Word is the source of true wisdom. This is repeated so often that many scholars regard wisdom, rather than love of God’s law, as the stanza’s actual theme.
Theme: Keeping Us on the Right Path
In this week’s lessons, we see that to love God’s Word is also to hate sin.
Scripture: Psalm 119:97-104
Theme: The Sweetness of God’s Law
In this week’s lessons, we see that to love God’s Word is also to hate sin.
Scripture: Psalm 119:97-104
Theme: Hating Every Wrong Path
In this week’s lessons, we see that to love God’s Word is also to hate sin.
Scripture: Psalm 119:97-104
What does it mean to think of the Bible as sweet? One place we might start in trying to get some understanding is by noting that what the psalmist says is sweet are the “promises” or “sayings” of God.
Theme: A Lamp and a Light
In this week’s lessons, this stanza of Psalm 119 tells us how we can shed light on the darkness of our lives.
Scripture: Psalm 119:105-112
Theme: Seeing How We Should Live
In this week’s lessons, this stanza of Psalm 119 tells us how we can shed light on the darkness of our lives.
Scripture: Psalm 119:105-112
Theme: The Bible’s Approach to Righteousness, Suffering, and Worship
In this week’s lessons, this stanza of Psalm 119 tells us how we can shed light on the darkness of our lives.
Scripture: Psalm 119:105-112
The Bible is not only clear itself; it is clarifying, which means that we see other things clearly by its light. What things do we see clearly? We looked at the first item yesterday, which is the way we should go. Today we continue with three other answers to the question.
Theme: Guarding Us from Dangers and Enemies
In this week’s lessons, this stanza of Psalm 119 tells us how we can shed light on the darkness of our lives.
Scripture: Psalm 119:105-112
In the studies from the last two days, we have looked at some areas we see clearly by the light of the Bible. Today we continue with two more.
Theme: The Christian’s Heritage
In this week’s lessons, this stanza of Psalm 119 tells us how we can shed light on the darkness of our lives.
Scripture: Psalm 119:105-112
Theme: Walking as a Christian
In this week’s lessons, this portion of Psalm 119 shows that there are absolutes by which believers must live, which are contrary to what the world puts forth.
Scripture: Psalm 119:113-128
Theme: Right and Wrong Paths
In this week’s lessons, this portion of Psalm 119 shows that there are absolutes by which believers must live, which are contrary to what the world puts forth.
Scripture: Psalm 119:113-128
Theme: Prayer and Awe
In this week’s lessons, this portion of Psalm 119 shows that there are absolutes by which believers must live, which are contrary to what the world puts forth.
Scripture: Psalm 119:113-128
Theme: Looking to God Always
In this week’s lessons, this portion of Psalm 119 shows that there are absolutes by which believers must live, which are contrary to what the world puts forth.
Scripture: Psalm 119:113-128
Theme: Hating Wrong, Loving Good
In this week’s lessons, this portion of Psalm 119 shows that there are absolutes by which believers must live, which are contrary to what the world puts forth.
Scripture: Psalm 119:113-128
The last two verses of this section repeat a point we saw in verse 113, namely, hatred of what is wrong contrasted with a love of what is good. As these verses put it,
Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold,
Theme: Wonder and Obedience
In this section of Psalm 119, we learn of the wonder of God’s Word, and of the obedience that is a proper response to it.
Scripture: Psalm 119:129-144
Theme: Light and Understanding
In this section of Psalm 119, we learn of the wonder of God’s Word, and of the obedience that is a proper response to it.
Scripture: Psalm 119:129-144
How wonderful is God’s Word? There is a wonderful paragraph by the nineteenth-century Baptist preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon on how wonderful God’s Word is. It is
Theme: The Mercy of God in the Word of God
In this section of Psalm 119, we learn of the wonder of God’s Word, and of the obedience that is a proper response to it.
Scripture: Psalm 119:129-144
Theme: Seeing God in Scripture
In this section of Psalm 119, we learn of the wonder of God’s Word, and of the obedience that is a proper response to it.
Scripture: Psalm 119:129-144
Theme: True and Trustworthy
In this section of Psalm 119, we learn of the wonder of God’s Word, and of the obedience that is a proper response to it.
Scripture: Psalm 119:129-144
Theme: The Importance of Prayer
In this week’s lessons from Psalm 119, we learn how prayer and Bible study work together to increase our faith.
Scripture: Psalm 119:145-152
Theme: Earnest Prayer
In this week’s lessons from Psalm 119, we learn how prayer and Bible study work together to increase our faith.
Scripture: Psalm 119:145-152
Theme: Biblical Meditation
In this week’s lessons from Psalm 119, we learn how prayer and Bible study work together to increase our faith.
Scripture: Psalm 119:145-152
Theme: The Connection between Prayer and Bible Study
In this week’s lessons from Psalm 119, we learn how prayer and Bible study work together to increase our faith.
Scripture: Psalm 119:145-152
Theme: Praying in Faith
In this week’s lessons from Psalm 119, we learn how prayer and Bible study work together to increase our faith.
Scripture: Psalm 119:145-152
Theme: The Necessity of Profession and Practice
In this week’s lessons, we see that obedience, Bible study, and prayer lead to true freedom.
Scripture: Psalm 119:153-168
Theme: God’s Mercy and Truth
In this week’s lessons, we see that obedience, Bible study, and prayer lead to true freedom.
Scripture: Psalm 119:153-168
Apparently, the problem of profession without practice was present in the early Christian community, as proved by the epistle of James:
Theme: Peace and Security
In this week’s lessons, we see that obedience, Bible study, and prayer lead to true freedom.
Scripture: Psalm 119:153-168
The psalmist learned various things about God as he studied his Word. In yesterday’s study we looked at two things the psalmist learned, including that (1) God is merciful, and that (2) God’s Word is true. In today’s study we continue with two more points.
Theme: How to Study the Bible
In this week’s lessons, we see that obedience, Bible study, and prayer lead to true freedom.
Scripture: Psalm 119:153-168
Theme: Obedience Leading to Freedom
In this week’s lessons, we see that obedience, Bible study, and prayer lead to true freedom.
Scripture: Psalm 119:153-168
In yesterday’s study, we talked about the need to study the Bible daily, systematically, and comprehensively. Today we will look at two other necessary elements if you want to know God as he speaks to you through the Bible.
Theme: Our Constant Need for God’s Grace
In this last section of Psalm 119, we are reminded of our own need as poor sheep, and learn how the Lord will answer our prayers to supply what we lack.
Scripture: Psalm 119:169-176
Theme: Our Lack of Understanding
In this last section of Psalm 119, we are reminded of our own need as poor sheep, and learn how the Lord will answer our prayers to supply what we lack.
Scripture: Psalm 119:169-176
Theme: Worshiping God Rightly
In this last section of Psalm 119, we are reminded of our own need as poor sheep, and learn how the Lord will answer our prayers to supply what we lack.
Scripture: Psalm 119:169-176
Theme: Deliverance
In this last section of Psalm 119, we are reminded of our own need as poor sheep, and learn how the Lord will answer our prayers to supply what we lack.
Scripture: Psalm 119:169-176
In these last verses of this psalm, the writer lists what he lacks unless God is his shepherd. He is lacking in five areas, including understanding, which we looked at in yesterday’s study.
Theme: Living an Upright Life
In this last section of Psalm 119, we are reminded of our own need as poor sheep, and learn how the Lord will answer our prayers to supply what we lack.
Scripture: Psalm 119:169-176
In the last verses of Psalm 119, the psalmist lists what he lacks unless God is his shepherd. He is lacking in five areas, including understanding, salvation or deliverance, and the ability to worship God rightly, which we have already covered. In today’s study, we conclude with points four and five.
Theme: A Pilgrim Obedience
In this week’s lessons we look at what it means to be a pilgrim, whose true home is not in this world, but in heaven.
Scripture: Psalm 120:1-7
Theme: The Meaning of the Title
In this week’s lessons we look at what it means to be a pilgrim, whose true home is not in this world, but in heaven.
Scripture: Psalm 120:1-7
These fifteen psalms (Psalms 120-134) seem to have been used by pilgrims who were making their way to Jerusalem for the three great annual feasts. Joseph and Mary would have sung these psalms as they made their way to the city with the young Jesus (Luke 2:41), and Jesus would have sung them himself when he went up to Jerusalem with his disciples.
Theme: Living among Liars
In this week’s lessons we look at what it means to be a pilgrim, whose true home is not in this world, but in heaven.
Scripture: Psalm 120:1-7
Theme: Surrounded by Hostile People
In this week’s lessons we look at what it means to be a pilgrim, whose true home is not in this world, but in heaven.
Scripture: Psalm 120:1-7
Theme: Acting like a Pilgrim
In this week’s lessons we look at what it means to be a pilgrim, whose true home is not in this world, but in heaven.
Scripture: Psalm 120:1-7
In the Middle Ages, war ravaged Europe, culminating in the horrors of the Thirty Years War, which ended in 1648. The Encyclopedia Britannica lists 278 wars in the centuries between 1480 and the end of World War II. One hundred thirty-five of these were international. Speaking of World War II, the Britannica says,
Theme:The Psalm for the Traveler
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded in vivid and powerful ways how the Lord watches over his children.
Scripture: Psalm 121:1-8
Theme: Trusting in the God Who Keeps Us
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded in vivid and powerful ways how the Lord watches over his children.
Scripture: Psalm 121:1-8
Theme: Looking Up to God
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded in vivid and powerful ways how the Lord watches over his children.
Scripture: Psalm 121:1-8
Theme: Our Sure Protector
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded in vivid and powerful ways how the Lord watches over his children.
Scripture: Psalm 121:1-8
The last stanza of this psalm abandons imagery and says directly that God is our protector at all times and in all circumstances.
Theme: Help in Hardships
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded in vivid and powerful ways how the Lord watches over his children.
Scripture: Psalm 121:1-8
What are the forces arrayed against us? Paul lists seven of them, maybe choosing this number to suggest completeness: trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger and the sword. These are terrible dangers, yet not one of them will be able to separate the Christian from God.
Theme: Jesus’ Resurrection Sermon
This week’s lessons teach us about the wide variety of ways in which the whole Old Testament points to Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 24:17-37
Theme: Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost
This week’s lessons teach us about the wide variety of ways in which the whole Old Testament points to Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 24:17-37
Theme: Peter before the Sanhedrin
This week’s lessons teach us about the wide variety of ways in which the whole Old Testament points to Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 24:17-37
Theme: “In All the Scriptures concerning Himself”
This week’s lessons teach us about the wide variety of ways in which the whole Old Testament points to Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 24:17-37
Theme: Having Your Eyes Opened
This week’s lessons teach us about the wide variety of ways in which the whole Old Testament points to Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 24:17-37
Theme: The Center of the Nation
In this week’s lessons we learn what the earthly Jerusalem means in Scripture, and of our own need to pray for the unity of the church.
Scripture: Psalm 122:1-9
Theme: The City’s Unity
In this week’s lessons we learn what the earthly Jerusalem means in Scripture, and of our own need to pray for the unity of the church.
Scripture: Psalm 122:1-9
Theme: Dispensing of Justice
In this week’s lessons we learn what the earthly Jerusalem means in Scripture, and of our own need to pray for the unity of the church.
Scripture: Psalm 122:1-9
Yesterday, we examined the first thing that impressed the psalmist as he stood joyfully inside the city’s gates and walls, which was its compact unity. Today, we look at the second item, which was its importance as a center for dispensing justice.
Theme: The Church
In this week’s lessons we learn what the earthly Jerusalem means in Scripture, and of our own need to pray for the unity of the church.
Scripture: Psalm 122:1-9
Theme: The New Jerusalem
In this week’s lessons we learn what the earthly Jerusalem means in Scripture, and of our own need to pray for the unity of the church.
Scripture: Psalm 122:1-9
Theme: Lifting Our Eyes to the Lord
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to lift our eyes to the Lord, remembering his mercy, and striving to please him in all things.
Scripture: Psalm 123:1-4
Theme: Being Faithful Disciples
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to lift our eyes to the Lord, remembering his mercy, and striving to please him in all things.
Scripture: Psalm 123:1-4
Spurgeon writes, “We must use our eyes with resolution, for they will not go upward to the Lord of themselves, but they incline to look downward, or inward, or anywhere but to the Lord.”1
He continues:
Theme: When Opposition Comes
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to lift our eyes to the Lord, remembering his mercy, and striving to please him in all things.
Scripture: Psalm 123:1-4
Theme: Our Need for God’s Mercy
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to lift our eyes to the Lord, remembering his mercy, and striving to please him in all things.
Scripture: Psalm 123:1-4
Theme: Pressing on in Obedience
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to lift our eyes to the Lord, remembering his mercy, and striving to please him in all things.
Scripture: Psalm 123:1-4
Let me suggest here that the only thing that will ever lift you out of your sin and complacency, put you on the pilgrim trail, and keep you there throughout life is a profound awareness of the mercy and grace of God.
Theme: Images of Trouble
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the many ways God shows his protective care, and of our privilege to praise him for his goodness.
Scripture: Psalm 124:1-8
Theme: Praise for God’s Protecting Care
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the many ways God shows his protective care, and of our privilege to praise him for his goodness.
Scripture: Psalm 124:1-8
I am one of those people who love English poetry, and over the years I have tried to memorize a good bit of it. One of the poems I have tried to memorize but have not succeeded in memorizing completely is “If” by Rudyard Kipling. The first part begins like this:
Theme: If God Were Not on Our Side
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the many ways God shows his protective care, and of our privilege to praise him for his goodness.
Scripture: Psalm 124:1-8
The chief reason for the beauty of this psalm is the power of the six images that occur here, one upon another, in answer to the question: “What if?”
Theme: Examples of God’s Preservation
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the many ways God shows his protective care, and of our privilege to praise him for his goodness.
Scripture: Psalm 124:1-8
Theme: Thanksgiving and Praise
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the many ways God shows his protective care, and of our privilege to praise him for his goodness.
Scripture: Psalm 124:1-8
Theme: Our Security in the Lord
In this week’s lessons, we see the results that trusting in the Lord brings.
Scripture: Psalm 125:1-5
Theme: The Old Testament Pointing to Christ
In this week’s lessons, we see the results that trusting in the Lord brings.
Scripture: Psalm 125:1-5
Theme: God’s Surrounding Presence
In this week’s lessons, we see the results that trusting in the Lord brings.
Scripture: Psalm 125:1-5
It is not only that God has become the foundation for his people’s faith, which is what the mountain location of Jerusalem suggested to the author of Psalm 125. It is also the case that God surrounds his people, as the mountains surround Jerusalem.
Theme: Four Responses
In this week’s lessons, we see the results that trusting in the Lord brings.
Scripture: Psalm 125:1-5
As we ended yesterday’s study, we noted that the psalmist sees two dangers, which, in turn, have led him to four responses: a promise, a prayer, a warning, and a blessing.
Theme: Where True Security Is Found
In this week’s lessons, we see the results that trusting in the Lord brings.
Scripture: Psalm 125:1-5
Theme: Deliverance and Joy
This week’s lessons show us that although things happen that take away our joy, still we can turn to God for healing and joy’s restoration.
Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6
One of the literary techniques that contributes to effective poetry is the use of sharp contrasts, like John Milton’s description of blind Samson in Samson Agonistes:
O dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon,
Irrecoverably dark, total eclipse
Without all hope of day!
Theme: The Loss of Former Joy
This week’s lessons show us that although things happen that take away our joy, still we can turn to God for healing and joy’s restoration.
Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6
Theme: Praying for Joy’s Restoration
This week’s lessons show us that although things happen that take away our joy, still we can turn to God for healing and joy’s restoration.
Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6
Yesterday, we looked at how we can lose the joy of our salvation, and also the loss of joy from some great spiritual victory. We now continue with two other losses.
Theme: Joy after Sorrow
This week’s lessons show us that although things happen that take away our joy, still we can turn to God for healing and joy’s restoration.
Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6
What does the psalmist do after he has remembered those earlier days in which “our mouths were filled with laughter”? As we read in yesterday’s study, one thing he does is ask God for the good times again. We see a second thing in today’s lesson.
Theme: God’s Promise of Eternal Joy
This week’s lessons show us that although things happen that take away our joy, still we can turn to God for healing and joy’s restoration.
Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6
Theme: “Without the Lord, Frustration”
In these lessons, we learn to look to God for life’s purpose.
Scripture: Psalm 127:1-5
Theme: Why We Should Keep Working
In these lessons, we learn to look to God for life’s purpose.
Scripture: Psalm 127:1-5
Theme: God’s Work in Families
In these lessons, we learn to look to God for life’s purpose.
Scripture: Psalm 127:1-5
Theme: From Families to Cities
In these lessons, we learn to look to God for life’s purpose.
Scripture: Psalm 127:1-5
A number of truths can be recognized from these verses, including the point we looked at in yesterday’s study, that the growth of a family is God’s work.
Theme: Raising Godly Families
In these lessons, we learn to look to God for life’s purpose.
Scripture: Psalm 127:1-5
In today’s study we continue our look at truths that can be recognized in this psalm. These include the truths that 1) the growth of a family is God’s work; 2) God’s blessing on the city begins with his blessing on the family; and 3) the growth of families is slow and unpretentious. Today we conclude with one last point.
Theme: A Wonderful Word
In this week’s lessons, we see how we ought to think and act biblically, and the blessings that the Lord provides when we do this.
Scripture: Psalm 128:1-6
“Blessing” is a wonderful word. In spiritual matters, it has to do with God’s particular favors to his people. Because God is generous and great, his blessings are generous and great as well. Once we have begun to experience them they seem to be without limit. God’s blessings go on and on.
Theme: Godly Fear
In this week’s lessons, we see how we ought to think and act biblically, and the blessings that the Lord provides when we do this.
Scripture: Psalm 128:1-6
Theme: Acting Biblically
In this week’s lessons, we see how we ought to think and act biblically, and the blessings that the Lord provides when we do this.
Scripture: Psalm 128:1-6
Yesterday we looked at the first important responsibility for the person who would experience God’s blessings, namely, to fear the Lord.
Theme: Two Blessings
In this week’s lessons, we see how we ought to think and act biblically, and the blessings that the Lord provides when we do this.
Scripture: Psalm 128:1-6
Theme: Working for the City’s Good
In this week’s lessons, we see how we ought to think and act biblically, and the blessings that the Lord provides when we do this.
Scripture: Psalm 128:1-6
Theme: The LORD Is with Us
In this week’s lessons, we learn about God’s triumph for his people over persecutions.
Scripture: Psalm 129:1-8
Theme: Oppression from Israel’s Youth
In this week’s lessons, we learn about God’s triumph for his people over persecutions.
Scripture: Psalm 129:1-8
Theme: Imprecations on the Wicked
In this week’s lessons, we learn about God’s triumph for his people over persecutions.
Scripture: Psalm 129:1-8
What should we pray for in regard to those who persist in evil? That they should repent and be converted, of course. But if they do not? Surely we are not to pray that they might prosper!
Charles Spurgeon is excellent at this point. Here is what he says:
Theme: All Victory to Jesus
In this week’s lessons, we learn about God’s triumph for his people over persecutions.
Scripture: Psalm 129:1-8
Theme: Our Victory through Christ’s Victory
In this week’s lessons, we learn about God’s triumph for his people over persecutions.
Scripture: Psalm 129:1-8
Theme: A Profound Psalm
In this week’s lessons, we see that forgiveness comes to all who genuinely repent of their sin, which leads to godly living.
Scripture: Psalm 130:1-8
Theme: “In the Depths”
In this week’s lessons, we see that forgiveness comes to all who genuinely repent of their sin, which leads to godly living.
Scripture: Psalm 130:1-8
Theme: The Only Answer to Our Sin
In this week’s lessons, we see that forgiveness comes to all who genuinely repent of their sin, which leads to godly living.
Scripture: Psalm 130:1-8
Theme: Fearing the Lord
In this week’s lessons, we see that forgiveness comes to all who genuinely repent of their sin, which leads to godly living.
Scripture: Psalm 130:1-8
This week’s psalm delivers good news, including the points that we looked at yesterday: 1) God’s forgiveness is inclusive; and 2) his forgiveness is for now. But there is more.
Theme: For All Who Will Come
In this week’s lessons, we see that forgiveness comes to all who genuinely repent of their sin, which leads to godly living.
Scripture: Psalm 130:1-8
Theme: A Humble Trust in God
In this week’s lessons, we learn of our need to love God for who he is and to trust him completely.
Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3
It is hard to imagine anyone spending three years with Jesus Christ and still wanting to be important himself, instead of just letting Jesus be important. But we do, and the disciples did even after years of exposure to Jesus’ teachings.
Theme: Rejecting Pride
In this week’s lessons, we learn of our need to love God for who he is and to trust him completely.
Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3
Theme: Overcoming Arrogance
In this week’s lessons, we learn of our need to love God for who he is and to trust him completely.
Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3
Theme: Forsaking Ambition
In this week’s lessons, we learn of our need to love God for who he is and to trust him completely.
Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3
To summarize this week’s study so far, we note that Psalm 131 is David’s personal testimony, including his rejection of pride and arrogance, which we have already discussed, and also ambition, which we discuss in today’s study.
Theme: Learning to Trust God Completely
In this week’s lessons, we learn of our need to love God for who he is and to trust him completely.
Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3
Theme: Understanding the State’s Authority
In this week’s lessons, we see that the state has a legitimate authority from God, and is therefore responsible before God to use that authority for righteousness rather than for wrong.
Scripture: John 19:11
Theme: Jesus before Pilate
In this week’s lessons, we see that the state has a legitimate authority from God, and is therefore responsible before God to use that authority for righteousness rather than for wrong.
Scripture: John 19:11
Theme: When God Is Forced Out
In this week’s lessons, we see that the state has a legitimate authority from God, and is therefore responsible before God to use that authority for righteousness rather than for wrong.
Scripture: John 19:11
In yesterday’s study, I mentioned that when we turn to the Bible for instruction in dealing with the state, one thing we see is that the state does not have the authority to forbid the proclamation of the gospel.
Theme: God over Caesar
In this week’s lessons, we see that the state has a legitimate authority from God, and is therefore responsible before God to use that authority for righteousness rather than for wrong.
Scripture: John 19:11
Theme: Paying a Price for Righteousness
In this week’s lessons, we see that the state has a legitimate authority from God, and is therefore responsible before God to use that authority for righteousness rather than for wrong.
Scripture: John 19:11
Theme: When the Church Becomes Like the World
In this week’s lessons, we see how the church can fall into becoming like the world, and so lose sight of thinking and acting the way God has laid out in Scripture.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Theme: The World’s Wisdom
In this week’s lessons, we see how the church can fall into becoming like the world, and so lose sight of thinking and acting the way God has laid out in Scripture.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Theme: Results of Abandoning Biblical Authority
In this week’s lessons, we see how the church can fall into becoming like the world, and so lose sight of thinking and acting the way God has laid out in Scripture.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Theme: The World’s Theology and Agenda
In this week’s lessons, we see how the church can fall into becoming like the world, and so lose sight of thinking and acting the way God has laid out in Scripture.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Yesterday we considered the first aspect of a secular church. Today we look at the second and third items.
Theme: The World’s Methods
In this week’s lessons, we see how the church can fall into becoming like the world, and so lose sight of thinking and acting the way God has laid out in Scripture.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Having looked at the world’s wisdom, the world’s theology, and the world’s agenda, we conclude our study with one more way in which the church can look like the world.
Theme: Holiness in God’s City
In this week’s lessons, we consider the difference between the City of God and the city of man.
Scripture: Revelation 21:1-2
Theme: Holding to the Bible’s Authority
In this week’s lessons, we consider the difference between the City of God and the city of man.
Scripture: Revelation 21:1-2
Theme: A Distinct Theology
In this week’s lessons, we consider the difference between the City of God and the city of man.
Scripture: Revelation 21:1-2
Theme: Different Priorities and Lifestyle
In this week’s lessons, we consider the difference between the City of God and the city of man.
Scripture: Revelation 21:1-2
Theme: Depending on the Lord in All Things
In this week’s lessons, we consider the difference between the City of God and the city of man.
Scripture: Revelation 21:1-2
We also have to raise questions about the use of our money and other resources. We’re going to have to ask how our money should be used? How much should we really use on ourselves? How much is going to be necessary to do the Lord’s work? How much are we going to use for the benefit of other people?
Theme: Elements of the Early Church: Apostolic Teaching
In this week’s lessons, we see what true Christian unity looks like, and how it blesses everyone involved.
Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3
Theme: The Climax of the Pilgrimage
In this week’s lessons, we see what God will do for those who, as pilgrims in this life, look to him in faith and obedience.
Scripture: Psalm 132:1-18
Theme: Desiring God’s Honor
In this week’s lessons, we see what God will do for those who, as pilgrims in this life, look to him in faith and obedience.
Scripture: Psalm 132:1-18
Theme: Our Acceptance before God
In this week’s lessons, we see what God will do for those who, as pilgrims in this life, look to him in faith and obedience.
Scripture: Psalm 132:1-18
The next section of this psalm (vv. 6-9) recounts how the Ark was found in the fields of Jaar” in David’s time and how it was brought to Jerusalem. It is an accurate piece of historical remembrance.
Theme: What God Promises to Do
In this week’s lessons, we see what God will do for those who, as pilgrims in this life, look to him in faith and obedience.
Scripture: Psalm 132:1-18
Theme: Looking to Jesus
In this week’s lessons, we see what God will do for those who, as pilgrims in this life, look to him in faith and obedience.
Scripture: Psalm 132:1-18
Theme: The Gift of Unity
In this week’s lessons, we see what true Christian unity looks like, and how it blesses everyone involved.
Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3
Theme: Unity That Blesses Everyone
In this week’s lessons, we see what true Christian unity looks like, and how it blesses everyone involved.
Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3
In today’s study we continue our look at the points Psalm 133 makes about unity.
Theme: True Unity
In this week’s lessons, we see what true Christian unity looks like, and how it blesses everyone involved.
Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3
Theme: Elements of the Early Church: Fellowship and Worship
In this week’s lessons, we see what true Christian unity looks like, and how it blesses everyone involved.
Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3
We said yesterday that the early Christians had strong relationships with God, and thus also strong relationships with one another. Various elements go together in this important description, including the apostles’ teaching, which we looked at in yesterday’s study.
Theme: Man’s Chief End
In this week’s lessons, we learn about the importance of worship, and the responsibility of pastors to lead us in it.
Scripture: Psalm 134:1-3
What is the chief end of man? We know the answer to that question. It is the first response of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” But do we? Do we even know what it means really to glorify, praise or worship God?
Theme: A Trivial Age
In this week’s lessons, we learn about the importance of worship, and the responsibility of pastors to lead us in it.
Scripture: Psalm 134:1-3
Theme: Our Man-Centered Age
In this week’s lessons, we learn about the importance of worship, and the responsibility of pastors to lead us in it.
Scripture: Psalm 134:1-3
Why is so little of the worship that characterized past great ages of the church seen among us? One reason, as we noted in yesterday’s study, is that ours is a trivial age and the church has been affected by this. We look at two other reasons in today’s study.
Theme: Leadership in Prayer and Teaching
In this week’s lessons, we learn about the importance of worship, and the responsibility of pastors to lead us in it.
Scripture: Psalm 134:1-3
Theme: Leadership in Music and Reverence
In this week’s lessons, we learn about the importance of worship, and the responsibility of pastors to lead us in it.
Scripture: Psalm 134:1-3
Reference to the Levites in Psalm 134 leads to several important responsibilities of ministers. We have already looked at two such responsibilities: 1) Ministers must lead in prayer; and 2) Ministers must read and teach the Bible.
Theme: Praising God in All of Life
In this week’s lessons, we see why the Lord is to be praised continually.
Scripture: Psalm 135:1-21
Theme: Worship Defined
In this week’s lessons, we see why the Lord is to be praised continually.
Scripture: Psalm 135:1-21
The psalm falls into four clearly delineated parts: 1) an opening call to worship (vv. 1, 2); 2) the specific worship section, explaining why God must be praised (vv. 3-14); 3) a contrast between the one true God and the impotent gods of the heathen (vv. 15-18); and 4) a final section calling on all who know God to praise him (vv. 19-21). In these final verses the psalm ends with praise, as it began.
Theme: God’s Goodness and Love
In this week’s lessons, we see why the Lord is to be praised continually.
Scripture: Psalm 135:1-21
Theme: God’s Power, Grace, and Renown
In this week’s lessons, we see why the Lord is to be praised continually.
Scripture: Psalm 135:1-21
Psalm 135 gives us at least five reasons why God is praiseworthy. Yesterday we looked at his inherent goodness and electing love. Today we continue with three other reasons.
Theme: No Other Gods
In this week’s lessons, we see why the Lord is to be praised continually.
Scripture: Psalm 135:1-21
Are not other gods also to be worshiped? How could they be if God alone is the good, great, gracious, persevering and unchangeable God? Verses 15-18 make this point, contrasting the true God with the impotent gods of the heathen. These verses are repeated from Psalm 115:4-6, 8.
Theme: Thanks and Praise
In this week’s lessons, we learn to praise and thank the Lord for his goodness to us.
Scripture: Psalm 136:1-26
Theme: The Goodness of God
In this week’s lessons, we learn to praise and thank the Lord for his goodness to us.
Scripture: Psalm 136:1-26
The first verse of Psalm 136 sets the tone for everything that follows, for it gives an overall answer to the question, Why should we thank God? The answer is that we praise him because he is good. We thank him for his many good acts toward us and to all persons.
Theme: Our Response to Creation
In this week’s lessons, we learn to praise and thank the Lord for his goodness to us.
Scripture: Psalm 136:1-26
As we concluded yesterday’s study, we noted that what we find in Genesis is God’s declaration that everything he made is “good” (vv. 3, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). So not only is God good (Ps. 136:1), everything he makes is good also. This has certain consequences for how we are to regard nature.
Theme: Elements of Worship
In this week’s lessons, we learn to praise and thank the Lord for his goodness to us.
Scripture: Psalm 136:1-26
In recent years, I have noticed in many evangelical churches a decline and in some cases the total absence of worship elements that focus our minds on God, and at the same time a loss of the importance of the gospel.
Theme: “His Love Endures Forever”
In this week’s lessons, we learn to praise and thank the Lord for his goodness to us.
Scripture: Psalm 136:1-26
One striking feature of Psalm 136 is the way in which it works around to the place at which it started out. It began with a call to thank God; it ends the same way. And here, in verse 25, it even moves back to thoughts of a general benevolence of God to all people, not just Israel.
Theme: Babylon and Jerusalem
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the need to trust God in the midst of great hardship and difficulty, and to wait upon him for help.
Scripture: Psalm 137:1-9
Theme: Sadness in a Strange Land
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the need to trust God in the midst of great hardship and difficulty, and to wait upon him for help.
Scripture: Psalm 137:1-9
Theme: Faith in the Midst of Suffering
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the need to trust God in the midst of great hardship and difficulty, and to wait upon him for help.
Scripture: Psalm 137:1-9
Theme: Appealing to God for Justice
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the need to trust God in the midst of great hardship and difficulty, and to wait upon him for help.
Scripture: Psalm 137:1-9
Theme: Repent
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the need to trust God in the midst of great hardship and difficulty, and to wait upon him for help.
Scripture: Psalm 137:1-9
Christians may have problems with the vindictiveness and violence of this passage of Psalm 137, but it is important to notice other points as well. In yesterday’s study, for instance, we noted that the words are an appeal to God for justice. Today we look at two other things evident in these verses.
Theme: A Contrast
In this week’s lessons, we are again directed to the privilege of offering to the Lord our worship and our thanks for who he is, for what he has done, and for what he promises to do for his people.
Scripture: Psalm 138:1-8
Theme: A Puzzling Phrase
In this week’s lessons, we are again directed to the privilege of offering to the Lord our worship and our thanks for who he is, for what he has done, and for what he promises to do for his people.
Scripture: Psalm 138:1-8
Theme: God’s Word and God’s Name
In this week’s lessons, we are again directed to the privilege of offering to the Lord our worship and our thanks for who he is, for what he has done, and for what he promises to do for his people.
Scripture: Psalm 138:1-8
Theme: Anticipating a Future Day
In this week’s lessons, we are again directed to the privilege of offering to the Lord our worship and our thanks for who he is, for what he has done, and for what he promises to do for his people.
Scripture: Psalm 138:1-8
Theme: God’s Perfect Purpose
In this week’s lessons, we are again directed to the privilege of offering to the Lord our worship and our thanks for who he is, for what he has done, and for what he promises to do for his people.
Scripture: Psalm 138:1-8
Theme: Theology of the Best Kind
In this week’s lessons, we see the importance and blessing of God’s omniscience.
Scripture: Psalm 139:1-12
Somewhere in J. I. Packer’s writings there is a reference to the Puritan theology as theology of that “older, better, wiser and more practical sort.” That applies to the Puritans, but it applies even more to the theology of Psalm 139. For here is theology that is even older, even better, even wiser and even more practical. It is theology of the very best sort.
Theme: God’s Omniscience
In this week’s lessons, we see the importance and blessing of God’s omniscience.
Scripture: Psalm 139:1-12
The theme of the first six verses is the omniscience of God, the proper term for the fact that God sees and knows everything. But omniscience is not expressed here as mere doctrine. It is confessed in wonder and adoration, as the other doctrines (omnipresence and omnipotence) will also be. We should remember that confession is one way in which we worship God.1
Theme: The Perfection of God’s Knowledge
In this week’s lessons, we see the importance and blessing of God’s omniscience.
Scripture: Psalm 139:1-12
Theme: No Escape from God
In this week’s lessons, we see the importance and blessing of God’s omniscience.
Scripture: Psalm 139:1-12
Theme: When All Will Stand before God
In this week’s lessons, we see the importance and blessing of God’s omniscience.
Scripture: Psalm 139:1-12
Theme: Responding to God’s Attributes
In this week’s lessons, we learn about the benefits of God’s omniscience for his children.
Scripture: Psalm 139:13-24
Theme: God’s Omnipotence and the Human Person
In this week’s lessons, we learn about the benefits of God’s omniscience for his children.
Scripture: Psalm 139:13-24
Theme: God’s Knowledge and Our Obedience
In this week’s lessons, we learn about the benefits of God’s omniscience for his children.
Scripture: Psalm 139:13-24
Theme: Being Searched by God
In this week’s lessons, we learn about the benefits of God’s omniscience for his children.
Scripture: Psalm 139:13-24
As we concluded yesterday’s study, we noted that we can rebel against God’s knowledge and pursue evil, or we can ask God to search us with the goal of our being directed in his way. By repudiating the first and embracing the second option, the psalmist articulates a personal twofold response to this teaching.
Theme: Four Applications of God’s Omniscience
In this week’s lessons, we learn about the benefits of God’s omniscience for his children.
Scripture: Psalm 139:13-24
Theme: Worshiping While in a Wicked World
In this week’s lessons, we see the stark reality of evil, even in our own hearts, and that God protects and preserves those who come to him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Psalm 140:1-13
I have been arguing for a number of studies that the final psalms in the Psalter, beginning with Psalm 135, are chiefly about worship. They tell us what worship is and how we are to worship God acceptably.
Theme: A Portrait of Evil People
In this week’s lessons, we see the stark reality of evil, even in our own hearts, and that God protects and preserves those who come to him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Psalm 140:1-13
Theme: All in Need of a Savior
In this week’s lessons, we see the stark reality of evil, even in our own hearts, and that God protects and preserves those who come to him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Psalm 140:1-13
Theme: The Ground for Our Appeal to God
In this week’s lessons, we see the stark reality of evil, even in our own hearts, and that God protects and preserves those who come to him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Psalm 140:1-13
Theme: God’s Actions and Our Response
In this week’s lessons, we see the stark reality of evil, even in our own hearts, and that God protects and preserves those who come to him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Psalm 140:1-13
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