MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 119:98
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me (KJV).
CENTRAL TRUTH
Through the Scriptures, God speaks to us.
THE LESSON OUTLINE
1 God's Word Forms Us
Psalm 1:1-6
A. Meditating on the Word
B. Established by the Word
2. God's Word Directs Us
Psalm 119:1-11
A. Direction for Right Conduct
B. Direction for Right Thinking
3 God's Word Informs Us
Psalm 119:97-104
A. Growing Wiser in the Word
B. Finding Understanding
TEACHING GOALS
1. IMPART AND REINFORCE Knowledge: Explain that the Bible speaks to us to form our character, direct our lives, and define our beliefs.
2. INFIUENCE ATTITUDES: Emphasize that a love for the Word should bring about a desire to seek godliness and reject sin.
3. INFLUENCE BEHAVIOUR: Challenge students to seek the help of the Holy Spirit in living out the teachings of God's Word.
INTRODUCING THE LESSON
Begin by discussing this question: what does it mean to meditate on Scripture?"
Note that in both Psalm 1 and Psalm 119, the psalmist referred to meditating upon the Word.
This can speak to silently contemplating what it means as well as how we can apply its teachings to our lives.
Meditating on the Word involves serious studying to know who speaks? To whom was it spoken? Why did he speak? It involves also listening for God's voice to speak to us regarding His Word. As we listen to God, we prepare to put the Word He has given us into action.
COMMENTARY AND APPLICATIONS
1. GOD'S WORD FORMS US
A. Meditating on the Word
Psalm 1:1-2
Psalm 1 offers a helpful portrayal of the challenges God's people might encounter as they walk with Him and reject the ways of the world. In doing so, it offers valuable instruction on how believers can respond to the enemies of the faith.
The person who heeds the instruction of this psalm is someone who can be called "blessed" (Psalm 1:1), a reference to a happy state of being. The Word can produce within us a blessing that stabilises our lives even as it calls us to live in stark contrast with the world.
Psalm 1 describes the blessed person as the one who chooses the right way of life. Verses 2-6 serve to spell out the differences between those who walk with God and those who live in sin. Furthermore, contrasts a person of God who influenced by unrighteous people with a person of God who follows God's Word.
The psalmist encourages us how to live by pointing out how not to live. Note the dangerous progression warned against in verse 1:
(1) "Walking" in the counsel of the ungodly means hearing and heeding the words of those who do not honour God. It involves allowing the values of the worid to sway the believer.
(2) "Standing" in the way of sinners is a reference to dwelling and abiding with the wicked person who does not respect the Law of God
(3) The progression then moves from abiding in the proximity of sin to "sitting with" the scornfuf—those who mock God and His ways. At this point, the person becomes comfortable with the presence of sin and its effects upon a person.
The godly alternative to this progression is clear: Delight, or find joy, in God's commands (verse 2). Indeed, the follower of God is to "meditate" on the commands of His Law.
There are many ways to meditate on the Word: praying the Scriptures, singing Scripture in various forms of worship, perticipating in the study of Scripture in small groups, and taking momens to ponder the significance of the Word. Ultimately, we are to apply the Word to our daily lives.
Questions for Application
What do you think it means to "walk in the counsel of the ungodly "(Psalm 1:1, KJV)?
What are some practical ways that you can cultivate a consistent practice of meditating on the Word?
B. Established by the Word
Psalm 1:3-6
In Psalm 1:3-6, the psalmist continued to use contrast in highlighting the diferences between following the Word and rejecting the Word. The actions of those who find delight in the Word will lead to stability, as seen in the vivid word picture of verse 3. In view here is a tree securely planted alongside a source of constant provision and nourishment. Such a tree is strong and will remain strong because of its place beside the river.
This picture stands in stark contrast to that which is painted of the ungodly—the mockers of the Word-in verse 4. They are compared to chaff, the outer layer of wheat kernels that is blown away by the wind on the threshing floor (verse 4). This describes a state of utter instability and, ultimately, destruction.
Verses 3-4 describe a powerful contrast of godless values with lasting values. The ungodly person buckles under the burden and temptation of sin, uninterested in God's commands. As such, he or she will be unable to stand among God's people (verse 5). That is, the ungodly will be crushed under the judgement of God (verse 6). Such an individual has, by rejecting God's commands, chosen the way that leads to destruction.
In contrast, the righteous are known by God (verse 6). The Hebrew
word translated "knoweth" here is a form of yada, an important word found throughout the Hebrew Bible (verse 6, KJV; "watches over, NIV). This speaks to personal knowledge and often expresses the relationship between a husband and wife. Its use here speaks to God's covenantal and relational actions toward us. To know us includes acting on our behalf. We know His acts well: acts to save, to provide, to forgive, and to bless. As we walk in the way of the Word, we are known by God.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
What is it like to be trapped in one's own evil ways, persisting in evil?
How has God's Word helped to establish you in Him as you have gone through difficult times?
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
What motivates us to live the way we live? What forms our character and informs Our values? Psalm 1 reminds us that there is a big difference between walking in the Word and walking in the world.
The Christian walk is the way of Wisdom, sin is the way of foolish destruction. Look to God's Word to shape your life and guide your path.
2. GOD'S WORD DIRECTS US
A. Direction for Right Conduct
Psalm 119:1-8
Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem utilising the letters of the Hebrew
alphabet. Each stanza has eight lines. In English translations, each line is a verse with a couplet of parallel lines. This psalm serves as a foundational passage on the value of God's Word. Reading it through, one will find a number of heartfelt prayers, Such as "revive me"; preserve me; and "teach me." Likewise, there are vows to keep, meditate on, and delight in God's commands. As Such, meditating on Psalm 119 can help us develop a deep love for the Word.
This psalm begins with two blessings instead of a single blessing more customary to the Psalms (Psalm 119:1-3). The verbs in these verses convey a sense of ongoing action: walking, keeping, and seeking. The follower of God should continually respond to the Word in a positive way.
Scripture directs God's people to "do no wrong" (verse 3, NIV). Yet the psalmist also notes that one will fail in this pursuit: "Oh, that my ways were steadtast in obeying your decrees! (verse 5, NIV). This psalm, then, speaks to consistency with regard to both the desires and the pursuits of the believer. He or she strives to walk in the way of the Word, out of a deep desire to follow the Lord.
Believers can aspire to follow God's Word as they listen to the leading of the Spirit. This involves a resolve to turn from sin and toward God. In verses 4-5, the psalmist prays for help to walk in His ways. God is faithful to grant us the help we need.
Verses 6-7 mark a return to parallelism, saying, "When l consider all your Commands (verse 6, NIV) and "As learn your righteous laws (verse , NIV). The emphasis is on knowing the Word as well as understanding what it means. "Learning" involves internalising which means to put it into practise through obedience (verses 7-8). Without such heartfelt interaction with the Word, we will struggle to follow its direction for our lives—direction that is given by God.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
What commands of Scripture might we struggle to obey, and how can we become more faithful in obedience?
Where do unbelievers often look for direction, and Why is Scripture uniquely qualified to direct ourlives?
B. Direction for Right Thinking
Psalm 119:9-11
Psalm 119:9-11, the opening of the second stanza, calls the believer to place great value on God's Word. Verse 9 begins with a very practical question: How can a young person stay pure? The clear answer is that he live according to the commands of. God's Word. But outward obedience grows out of one's heart. Right doing, then, is the result of right thinking—of cultivating the right values and desires by seeking the Lord
Verse 11 offers strong counsel on how one might prepare for times when his or her purity and holiness are challenged. When Scripture is hidden within the heart, it is readily available to provide help when needed.
Scripture memorisation is an often-forgotten discipline, yet it is extremely valuable. (Agood example is found in the story of Christ's temptation in Matthew 4:1-11.) As we study the Word intentiy, applying its teachings, we prepare ourselves to stay strong in good times and weather the hard times in our Christian lives.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
How has Scripture affected your thinking—how you look at the world?
What does it mean to hide God's Word in your heart?
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
Response to the Word
The idea of meditating on the Word can be a bit unnerving. We might be comfortable with outward practices of worship, while silence can be difficult. Yet God's help and direction is often found in such silence.
Take time to practise the discipline of meditating on God's Word and listeningg for His voice. Remember that whether you are in a powertul
worship setting or in silent contemplation, God can clearly speak through His Word.
3. GOD'S WORD INFORMS US
A. Growing Wiser in the Word
Psalm 119:97-100
At the heart of this lesson is the great principle that God's Word
speaks to individuals. It is more than just a list of commandds and
prohibitions. It speaks to us, calling us to be and to live far different from the world around us. Such a life should be rooted in godly wisdom.
The psalmist expressed the value of godly wisdom in Psalm 119:97-100. In Scripture, the definition of wisdom includes an ability to understand the surrounding world and respond in a correct and godly way. The wise person knows the moral and righteous expectations of God and follows them. Wisdom is at the heart of living for God (Deuteronomy 4:6), and the psalmist states that it is rooted in a love for God's Word (Psalm 119:98).
The psalmist also recognises that the wisdom that comes from God's Word is not the kind of wisdom held by His enemies. Nor is itthe type of Wisdom a person would have simply by virtue of being a teacher or an elder (though both could certainly have this wisdom). The wisdom gleaned from God's Word is unique. It brings discernment of good and evil. It helps the person grow strong in righteousness. And it guides the person toward obedience.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
Why is it important to look to the Word for discernment of good and evil?
What are some barriers to growing in godly wisdom, and how can we overcome those barriers?
B. Finding Understanding
Psalm 119:101-104
It has been said that hunger for truth and revulsion for evil are "acquired tastes. That is, we form these attitudes and desires through exposure to the good and rejection of the bad. The practical result of developing a hunger for truth is seen in Psalm 119. Having already established the quality and importannce of wisdom through the Word, the psalmist notes the constraining power of the Word (Psalm 119:101-102). In Scripture, the believer finds the tools necessary to identify and respond properly when tempted by evil.
In beautiful, poetic terms, the psalmist proclaims, "I have kept my feet from every evil path" and "I have not departed from your laws" (verses 101-102, NIV). God's Word had established the boundaries of his life and given him the proper path to follow. And he does follow, "so that might obey your Word. you yourself have taught me (verses 101-102, NIV).
Indeed, the psalmist had come to reject the wrong path—the path of evil—as he gained understanding from the Word. This speaks to the marvellous cleansing effect of Scripture. It shapes our desires and directs our lives as it informs us of God's plan for us. It is no surprise, then, that God's people would exult in the sweetness of God's Word. Today, His Word still enriches our lives countless ways, as we listen to its teachings and abide by its precepts.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
What are some ways that our understanding of God s different from how the world views God, as a result of knowing the Word?
Do you think a person can understand right and wrong without Scripture? Explain.
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
At times the lure of sin can be difficult to conquer. Temptation is real, and sin offers temporary pleasure and satisfaction. However, the the sweetness of the momerit is soon replaced by bitter guilt as well as a future danger of punishment. By learning and obeying the Word, we come to enjoy its riches as sweet nourishment for our lives.
CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP
We all have an opportunity to live out the beauty of the Word. We can minister counsel to loved ones or share what God is doing in our Iives. However we must also allow the Word to recharge us. We will
struggle to share the sweetness of the Word if our devotional life has gone sour. Make a commitment today to hurture your love for the Word by consuming
its sweet savour every day.
THIS PUBLICATION IS A PRODUCT OF GENERAL COUNCIL SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA
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