“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1. Why is giving thanks a matter of life and death (Rom 1:21-22)? How is gratitude and thanksgiving a health emotion (Prov 17:22)? How does ingratitude contribute to a multitude of sins and health issues?

2. God’s will is mysterious and unknowable, but what is one thing for sure about God’s will (1 Thess 5:18)? What is the difference between Give thanks FOR vs Give thanks IN? What does Romans 8:28 teach us about God’s mysterious will upon our lives?

3. The word Eucharist in Greek means “having given thanks”? Why should we give thanks for the body and blood of Jesus (Isaiah 53:5, Ephesians 2:8)?

4. Practically, how do we overcome a heart of ingratitude (2 Cor 10:5)? What personal disciplines do you practice to promote a lifestyle of thanksgiving?

ACCEPT GOD’S WORD AS GOD’S WORD

1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Key Verse:13:

“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”

Look at verse 13. “¹³ And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”  Here “also” means that previously Paul had other thanksgiving topics for the Thessalonian believers. Paul was thankful to God for the Thessalonian believers because of their faith, love, and hope in Jesus Christ. He wrote in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Here the words “work, labor, endurance” are words of actions. As human beings, we are only prompted and compelled to do something beyond our normal tendencies when we are inspired by something or by someone. For example, when we have a lot of expenses to pay for, we are compelled to work hard and make money. When mid-term exams are approaching students begin to study harder. What inspired these believers? Paul made it clear in verse 13 that the believers accepted God’s word as “the word of God.” Paul in the first two chapters associated the “the word of God” to the “gospel,” which means good news. We can see in chapter 1:5, chapter 2:4, 8-9. So, it was hearing and accepting the gospel that changed their lives 180 degrees. Paul said that it was the word of God that was working in the hearts and lives of those who believed. This is a constant theme in the Bible and in the lives of believers because God’s word is powerful and life changing.

According to the Bible the heavens were made by God’s word. Psalm 33:6, “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” As we know from our Genesis 1, God made the heavens and earth by his mere commands. As God’s word has power to make everything out of nothing, it can change the lives of those who accept God’s word in their hearts. St. Augustine was one of the most influential theologians in church history. But before his conversion he was known as a womanizer and loved to party. This is why he was known as the unlikely saint[Pic 1] —a playboy to a saint. But the word of God that changed the course of his life comes from Romans 13:13-14, “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” His change in life reminded me of the of this man. Does anyone know who this handsome man is? [Pic2] His name is Joshua Broome and he was an ex-porn star who became a pastor. He is pictured here with his wife Hope. His life direction was changed by the word of God from Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Maybe he can be known as the unlikely pastor—from a porn star to a pastor. As a teenager, Maria Peace hated herself because she compared herself to blonde and gorgeous Americans. She thought she was no good and became a depression patient. But through 1-1 Bible study with Christy Toh God’s word touched her heart from Genesis 1:31a, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” She realized and accepted that she was very good in the sight of God. She no longer became depressed or felt pity for herself. She accepted God’s word that she is a beautiful daughter of God. Then she began to serve God wholeheartedly as a Bible teacher for young college students. [Pic 3] As a teenager, I was motivated by my competitive spirit and anger towards others. So, through sports I struggled with others and became proud when I beat them. But in the end, I was not happy but became only a proud and self-centered person. Then through 1-1 Bible study my heart was changed by Genesis 35:10, “God said to him, ‘Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.’ So he named him Israel.” Israel means “he struggles with God.” Through this word God changed my life direction from struggling with men and struggle spiritually with God. Instead of struggling with others, God helped me to be a shepherd and Bible teacher for others. [Pic 4] You remember Neil, though he went back to Cincinnati, we continue to meet for Bible study on Zoom. According to the Bible, when we accept God’s word in our hearts our minds and desires are also transformed. We no longer want to conform to the pattern of the world, but according to God’s plan for our lives. We also want to imitate the good example of our brothers and sisters around the world like the Thessalonian believers did.

Look at verse 14. “¹⁴ For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews…” As you know, imitation is known as the best compliment to those we imitate. It was interesting several weeks ago when we celebrated our granddaughter’s birthday, she asked everyone to put on a costume. People came imitating their favorite characters. [Pic 5] This was also the party where Elena ruptured her achilles tendon. What about the believers in Thessalonica, who did they imitate? They honored the saints by imitating their Christian lives of faith. For example, they imitated the lives of Paul, Timothy, Silas, and other believers that Paul must have told them about. After accepting Jesus as the Lord of our life, the Bible encourages us to no longer conform to the pattern of the world. As we read earlier from Romans 12:2. It means that we don’t have to keep envying the people of the world who seem to have the perfect life with all their wealth and pleasure-seeking lifestyle. But they are not living according to God’s will when they only live for their own self-aggrandizement. Rather, we imitate those who following God’s will because we want find what God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will is for our own lives as well.

Though it is difficult to bear, part of imitating God’s people is sharing in their sufferings. Verse 14b reads, “You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews…” As human beings, we must discernment to know the difference between bad suffering and good suffering. We will never be able to avoid suffering in this fallen world. What I call bad suffering are those things that really don’t help us and cause us to only deteriorate humanly and spiritually. For example, bad suffering is like being addicted to drugs or pornography. We all know what can happen if we are. I know that there are people here who like to run or lift weights. These would be good sufferings because we know that these activities, like running, help build our cardio, VO₂ max (volume of oxygen your lungs take in during exercise), which is known to prolong a person’s life. Lifting weights actually cause micro tears in our muscles, which are replaced with stronger muscles. Sometimes we suffer to lose one job only to find a new and better job. Students suffer several years studying hard, but in the end, they earn a college or university degree. In the same way, suffering for the gospel and God’s work is actually good for us because it strengthens our faith and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, which are our spiritual muscles building up. Romans 5:3-5 read, “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts, by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Wow! When we suffer for the gospel, in the end, God pours out his love into our hearts! This is why the Apostle Paul was not sad that they were being persecuted for their faith, but was thankful to God for their perseverance, in the midst of suffering. One woman was being interviewed because she was being persecuted for her faith. She smiled and answered, “If they are attacking me, it must mean I’m doing something right.” Instead of being scared, she considered being persecuted for her faith a badge of honor. As mentioned in previous messages, the Jews were opposing the work of Paul wherever he went. They really hated what the Apostle Paul was preaching. Why? In brief, because in their pride and arrogance, they did not want the Gentiles to receive the message of salvation.

Look at verses 15-16. “¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone ¹⁶ in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.^[a]” The persecution at that time was so severe that it could cause one to lose his or her life. Sometimes, we feel today if someone disagrees with our Christian beliefs, we are being severely persecuted. But at that time and in the Old Testament, they killed Jesus and the prophets. The last of the Old Testament prophet was John the Baptist, whom Herod beheaded. The Jews wanted to kill Paul, but he, Silas, and Timothy were able to escape to another city. Paul wrote that these persecutors not only displease God, but are hostile to everyone. According to religious demographers, more Christians were martyred in the 20^th century than all previous centuries combined. And it’s still going on in this century. ^[b] Of course, we will not hear much about this in our news because many people are not interested in hearing about Christians dying for their faith. Whether we agree to it or not, the fight against Christianity is basically a fight against morality. Those who oppose Christianity want to live their lives and their sexual freedom as they see fit. They don’t want anything or anyone to tell them how to live their lives nor have any restrictions on their sinful activities. And they will even become hostile and impudent against those who oppose their values. In brief, they will oppose Christianity to stop people from believing, while they themselves will propagate and enforce their own values on others. But our job is not to judge these people, because their judge is God, who will bring his wrath upon them in his right time. For example, to the Apostle Paul writing this letter, his greater and more important concern were the spiritual condition of the believers, whom he desperately wanted to see in person.

Look at verses 17-18. “¹⁷ But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. ¹⁸ For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.” In these verses, we see Paul using very emotional words in regards to their separation from the brothers and sisters in Thessalonica. He wrote that they “were orphaned by being separated from you.” Unless you are an orphan it is probably unlikely, that you or I can understand the emotional pain that it causes the person orphaned. We know that God understands their pain and commands believers to take care of widows and orphans. Even though Paul didn’t have his own children, he understood deeply the agony of being separated from your loved ones because he deeply loved the believers in Thessalonica. Paul also shared the shepherd heart of God for them.  We see here one of the reasons Paul’s ministry was successful there. He deeply loved the believers there and they knew it. As some of you may know, Maria and I have been leading a prayer meeting for Ukraine with other members from around the world for more than 2 and a half years. Among the prayer topics is that 19,000 Ukrainian children who were taken to Russia may be returned home. So many people are crying because these precious children were taken away. We remember that Paul was taken away from the ministry in Thessalonica, which he started, prematurely because of severe persecution.  Paul was suffering what we can call spiritual separation anxiety.

Some of us may have experienced this when we have taken our children to daycare or kindergarten for the first time. When they are very young and are taken away from a parent they are crying and having anxiety because they are being separated from someone that they had found comfort and security in during their short life. When Maria and I babysit our grandchildren, who has not seen their parent the whole day or a few days, and they finally are reunited. They are smiling, jumping for joy, and excited to be reunited. [Pic 6] There can even be separation anxiety even with pets and their pet owners. Some pets anxiously sit by the door waiting for their owner to come home. [Pic 7] Maria and I know an international teacher while we were living and working in Ukraine, who could not bear herself from separating from her cats. She had some opportunities to go back and visit America with her husband, while they lived in Ukraine. She would sometimes let her husband go back to America while she stayed with her cats. Paul was longing for this reunion and tried his best to find a way back there. As you know, we have a saying in English, “out of sight, out of mind.” Paul really wanted to see them again face to face. Because of our human desires to see our friends and families who are far away face to face, the website Facebook made billions of dollars. Maria and I are in constant contact with our church members in Kyiv, Ukraine, via Telegram or Zoom. Even though we are away from each other we can still see each other face to face. In fact, almost every Sunday morning I get up 5:30 am to watch their worship service on Zoom. Usually, on Sundays the majority of people in the world sleep in. But it’s the day I get up the earliest during the week. But I don’t mind because I want to see the faces of Podil UBF coworkers. Actually, I attend and serve two churches—Podil UBF and WL UBF. Also, during most weeks I have Zoom Bible study with three Ukrainian brothers—face to face. [Pic 8]

According to verse 18, Satan blocked Paul’s way to go back. What does this mean? It meant that Paul had such spiritual keenness that he could distinguish clearly God’s leading and Satan’s attack. For example, when Paul was starting his second missionary journey he wanted to actually go to Asia, but the Holy Spirit stopped him from going there. He was guided by the Holy Spirit to go to Macedonia. As God’s children, it is imperative for us to distinguish the difference between God’s leading and Satan’s misleading us. A good example of this is when Jesus, at the beginning of his earthly ministry, was led by the Holy Spirit to the desert. Why? To face the devil and all his temptations. Wow! The Holy Spirit led Jesus to face the devil’s temptations. But it was necessary because Jesus had to confront and defeat mankind’s arch enemy the devil. If Jesus could not overcome all the devil’s temptation, then there was no hope for mankind. But we all know what the final result was. Praise God! We must also know that God does not tempt us to sin against him. The devil tempts us to sin against God. For example, when a student has to study the night before an important exam, his friends invite him to party where the cute girl you like will be there. You can be sure it’s not from God. Or when you really want to lose weight but someone puts a delicious piece of cake on your plate. Or when it’s time to go to church but your friends invite you to watch a football game. But God empowers his people with his strength so that they can overcome the devil’s temptation. First Corinthians 10:13 reads, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand under it.” We do not fully understand in this text how Satan was blocking Paul from going back. We can only speculate. But there will be times when we may be separated from our beloved brothers and sisters due to circumstances beyond our control. Maria and I had planned to stay in Ukraine longer, but because of the war started by Russia in Ukraine more than 2 years ago we had to return to Chicago. We have gone back two times this year to visit our church members there [Pic 9] and plan to visit them again next year—in March and May. Though it can be difficult and dangerous to visit Ukraine in a time of war we can understand the heart of Paul who wanted to see the Thessalonian believers again because they brought him much joy.

Look at verses 19-20. “¹⁹ For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” If you may remember, in chapter 2 verses 1-6, Apostle Paul had to defend himself because his enemies were telling lies to the believers in Thessalonica that he didn’t care about them and that is why he left the city. They were trying to defame and destroy his integrity and character saying that he was only a charlatan and false teacher. But in these last two verses we see that it was not the case at all. Not only Paul, but Silas and Timothy also loved them so much that Paul called said about them, “our hope, our joy, our crown.” Paul’s motive in serving the church and God’s people was because he was looking forward to Jesus’ return. In chapter 1 verse 10, he ended with the words, “and to wait for his Son from heaven.” In verse 19, he wrote “in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes.” Paul was considering his eternal hope and his eternal reward. In light of his enemies’ false accusations, Paul will be justified in heaven when the believers are rejoicing with him in there. They would have been right for listening to the Apostle Paul’s gospel message instead of the listening to the lies of the false teachers. Paul was not boasting about his accomplishments and number of Bible students he had. Rather, he was boasting in the gospel and its authenticity, that whoever believes the gospel message will be saved and have eternal life. The Thessalonian believers were living proof of the veracity and powerful effect of the gospel in the lives of those who accept the salvation work of Jesus.

In the gospels, Jesus talked about how we can rejoice with the heavenly angels. Luke 15:10, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” This means that we can also share in this joy when God uses us to help others to repent and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Of course, we cannot save others, but God can use us as his instrument to bring the good news of the gospel to others. Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:14, “…as you have understood us in part, you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.” I hope that you like to hear testimonies of how people were saved from their miserable lives of sin and became a child of God because in heaven we will hear beautiful and life changing testimonies of all believers. We will hear about the powerful work of God in and through his servants. How wonderful it will to hear in heaven from someone saying to you or me, “Thank you that while on earth you shared the gospel with me and now, I can live in eternal happiness because of your good Christian influence on earth.” This is why Paul in verse 20, called the Thessalonian believers his glory and joy. May God help us to accept God’s word as God’s word, and not from men. In this way, the word of God can work in and through us to bring lost sinners to Jesus. May we be able to say like the Apostle Paul, not in pride or human boasting, you are our hope, our joy, and our crown. Amen.

Footnotes

1. 1 Thessalonians 2:16Or them fully
2. https://www.americamagazine.org/issue/modern-martyrs

1 Thessalonians 2 13-20 final

Bible Study Questions:

ACCEPT GOD’S WORD AS GOD’S WORD
1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
Key Verse:13:
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”

1.Look at 1 Thess. 2:13. Why was Paul thankful to God for the Thessalonian believers? Why was it important that the Thessalonian believers accepted Paul’s message as God’s word, not men? What must be our attitude towards God’s word? (Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:16; Ps. 119:105)

2. Look at 1 Thess. 2:14. What was the second reason Paul was thankful for them? How did the Thessalonian believers become imitators of believers in Judea? What did Jesus say about suffering for God’s people? (Jn. 15:20-21) Why is perseverance in suffering so important for God’s people? (Rom. 5:3-5) Who do you try to imitate?

3. Look at 1 Thess. 2:15-16. In contrast, how were the attitudes of the Jews towards Jesus, the prophets (God’s word) and God’s people? Why did the Jews not want the Gentiles to hear the message of salvation? How would God treat such rebellious and unrepentant people? (Mt. 21:38-41)

4. Look at 1 Thess. 2:17-18. How was Paul torn away from the believers in Thessalonica? (Ac. 17:10) Though the believers were out of Paul’s sight, why were they not out of his mind? Though Paul made every effort to visit them, who was stopping them? Why does Satan, in particular, want to attack the leaders of the church? (Lk. 22:31-32)

5. Look at 1 Thess. 2:19-20. What was Paul’s hope, joy, and crown? Why was this contradictory to his enemies who said he didn’t care about the believers in Thessalonica? What is the relationship between Paul’s attitude towards the believers with Jesus’ return? While on earth, how can we share in the joy in heaven? (Lk. 15:7, 10, 32)

1 Thessalonians 2 (NIV)

13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.[a]
Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians
17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Footnotes
a. 1 Thessalonians 2:16 Or them fully

Video (11/3/24): CONDUCT (Psalm 101). Prayer: Psalm 101:1-8. Powerpoint: Psalm 101-CONDUCT.

Conduct. “I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house[hold] with a blameless heart” (Ps 101:2).

Love and judgment sing together. “I will sing of your love [mercy, ḥeseḏ] and justice [judgment, mišpāṭ]; to you, Lord, I will sing praise” (Ps 101:1).

Overview. The 5 books of the Psalms.

1. Book I (1-41): Confrontation.
2. Book II (42-72/31): Communication.
3. Book III (73-89/17): Catastrophe / Devastation.
4. Book IV (90-106/17): Consecration / Maturation.
5. Book V (107-150/44): Consummation.

Book 4: “The Lord reigns” (Ps 93:1; 97:1; 99:1).

• Psalm 90: ETERNITY. “…from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Ps 90:2). 4/7/24.
• Psalm 91: SAFETY. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Ps 92:1). 8/18/24.
• Psalm 92: PRAISE. “It is good to praise the Lord” (Ps 92:1).
• Psalm 93:  KING. “Your throne was established…from all eternity” (Ps 93:2). 9/4/24.
• Psalm 94:  JUDGE. “Rise up, Judge of the earth: (Ps 94:2). 9/4/24.
• Psalm 95: WORSHIP/Listen. “Today, if only you would hear his voice”  (Ps 95:7). 9/15/24.
• Psalm 96: WORTHY. “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise” (Ps 96:3). 9/22/24.
• Psalm 97: FORMIDABLE. “you are exalted far above all gods” (Ps 97:9). 10/13/24.
• Psalm 98: RULER. “He will judge the world in righteousness” (Ps 98:9). 10/24/24.
• Psalm 99: HOLINESS. “God is holy” (Ps 99:3, 5, 9). 10/20/24.
• Psalm 100: KNOWLEDGE. Gratitude. “Know that the Lord is God” (Ps 100:3). 10/20/24.
• Psalm 101: CONDUCT. “I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart” (Ps 101:2). 11/3/24.
• Psalm 102: AFFLICTED. A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the Lord. “Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly” (Ps 102:1-2). 11/17/24.
• Psalm 103: BENEFITS. “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Ps 103:1-2). 4/28/24.
• Psalm 104: CREATION. “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (Ps 104:24).
• Psalm 105: COVENANT. “He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations” (Ps 105:8).
• Psalm 106: FAILURE. “We have sinned, even as our ancestors did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly” (Ps 106:6).

Prayer: Psalm 101:1-8. [Various titles: Conduct. Blameless. Ideals. Walk with Integrity. Commitment to Excellence. Living a Holy Life. Living and Ruling Righteously. The Leadership Challenge. Beginning/Heart of Good Leadership. Flee from Toxic People. The Mirror for Magistrates. The Householder’s Psalm.] Outline:

1. Blameless in Private (Ps 101:1-4).
2. Blameless in Practice (Ps 101:5-8).

The Ideal Man/Leader/King. Psalm 101 is David’s meditation on the standards and practices that should mark the ideal leader/king, the gist of which is similar to his advice to his son Solomon when he passed on the throne (1 Ki 2:2-4). But (like his advice to Solomon) the ideals were lost in translation! Nevertheless what David failed to achieve remains as a testament to true kingship, and a foreshadowing of the True King. It is a psalm for every leader, man or woman, to ponder.

The irony of Psalm 101. David resolved to have nothing to do with evil by being committed to a life of integrity (Ps 101:2), both inwardly and outwardly, vertically and horizontally, privately and publicly, personally and interactively, both in his own house and for his nation. “…the affairs of my house” (Ps 101:2b) is tragically ironic. One’s house is where godliness begins, but here would be his own fall, to the poisoning of his family and his whole kingdom. How far he was to fall short of this in his own acts and in his appointments is told in 2 Samuel, despite his resolve to uphold righteousness in his own conduct and in the governance of his house and nation. He had determined to shun evil influences and to associate only with the faithful and blameless. It is a call to a life of intentional integrity, rejection of evil and the embrace of God’s standards in every area of life, whether privately and in practice, both personal or in leadership roles.

Conduct in the Cross of Christ:

• “I will sing of your love [mercy, ḥeseḏ] and justice [judgment, mišpāṭ]…” (Ps 101:1).

1. Justice “sings” and loves [the unbearable]. “Love [ḥeseḏ] and faithfulness [truth, ĕmeṯ] meet together; righteousness [ṣeḏeq] and peace [šālôm] kiss each other” (Ps 85:10). “Love [ḥeseḏ] and faithfulness [truth, ĕmeṯ] keep a king safe; through love [ḥeseḏ] his throne is made secure” (Prov 20:28).

• “I will be careful to lead a blameless life” (Ps 101:2).

2. “Be perfect as…” (Mt 5:48; 2 Cor 10:5).

• “I will not look…on anything that is vile” (Ps 101:3a).

3. Watch your eyes. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Mt 6:22-23).

• “I hate what faithless people do” (Ps 101:3b).

4. Shun bad company (1 Cor 15:33). Ps 1:1-2. Prov 1:10.

• “My eyes will be on the faithful in the land…” (Ps 101:6a).

5. Love God’s people. “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Pet 2:17). “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal 6:10).

“…the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me” (Ps 101:6b).

6. Walk blamelessly.

7. [Irony] Sin causes sorrow, guilt and loss of joy (Ps 13:1-2; 38:1-4; 51:8, 12).

How Psalm 101 points to Christ:

• “I will be careful to lead a blameless life” (Ps 101:2).

1. Jesus is perfectly blameless without sin.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Heb 4:15).

• “My eyes will be on the faithful in the land” (Ps 101:6).

2. Jesus’ eyes are on you who are faithful.

“…his eyes were like blazing fire” (Rev 1:14; 19:12).

• “I will sing of your love and justice…” (Ps 101:1).

3. Jesus sang God’s justice with tears and blood.

“When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Mt 26:30; Mk 14:26).

4. Jesus sang on his way to his execution because…

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zeph 3:17).

Notes:

Rabbi Harold Kushner (author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People): “We are not who we say we are, but what we do with what life has given us. Our actions reveal our character and align us with the divine or move us away from it.”

• * justice [judgment, mišpāṭ]
• * righteousness [just, ṣeḏeq]
• * faithfulness [truth, ĕmeṯ]
  
  • “I will sing of your love [mercy, ḥeseḏ] and justice [judgment, mišpāṭ]…” (Ps 101:1).
  • “Love [ḥeseḏ] and faithfulness [truth, ĕmeṯ] meet together; righteousness [ṣeḏeq] and peace [šālôm] kiss each other” (Ps 85:10).
  • “Love [ḥeseḏ] and faithfulness [truth, ĕmeṯ] keep a king safe; through love [ḥeseḏ] his throne is made secure” (Prov 20:28).

God and the godly show both love and judgment, both mercy and justice, both faithfulness and righteousness (Ps 101:1). But if you show love and mercy you’ll be accused of compromise or of being soft. And if you show justice, judgment or righteousness, you’ll be accused of being harsh or Pharisaical.

Holiness/blamelessness is both severe and strict, but also happily singing…and crying. David desires a blameless/holy life, a blameless/holy house and a blameless/holy administration that displays both love and mercy and also justice and righteousness. Holiness/blamelessness includes both righteousness/justice and love/mercy. Holiness/blamelessness is straight and narrow, spotless and pure. But holiness/blamelessness is musical. It “sings” (Ps 101:1); holiness is happy and it delights. If you’re not happy and you don’t delight, but are upset, agitated and irritated, you’re not holy. Holiness/blamelessness that does not flow musically is not holiness at all. Severity without singing is not holiness and blamelessness. Proud men are generally hard men, and strictness is often confused with holiness. But holiness overflows with “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” [songs from the Spirit] (Eph 5:19). When you enter into holiness and blameless you enter into joy (Phil 4:4; 1 Thess 5:16), and the vocabulary of joy is music and singing. The fusion of love and justice, or mercy and judgment is a song of praise (Ps 101:1). Holiness and blamelessness always sings. When David sinned, he lost the joy of his salvation (Ps 51:12). But obviously not everything that sings is holy and blameless, but “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Cor 13:1). [Affirming the consequent: “If you’re holy you’ll sing [the consequent]. But not everyone who sings is holy. When you accept the blood of Christ, you’ll sing hymns of gratitude [the consequent]. But singing hymns does not mean you’re accepted the blood of Christ.]

There’s nothing worse than holiness in public and at church and in the community, but not at home. This is the problem in every era (Eze 33:31; Isa 29:13; Mt 15:8).  Hypocrisy is warned throughout the Bible.

Outline:

1. Commit to a Life of Integrity (Ps 101:1-2). Conduct. David begins with a promise to sing of God’s mercy and justice and to walk in integrity, especially in his own house.
2. Reject Wickedness and Evil (Ps 101:3-4). Evil. David vows not to set any wicked thing before his eyes and to avoid the company of those who are deceitful and perverse.
3. Choose Right People (Ps 101:5-6). Faithful. David pledges to cut off the slanderer and the proud, while favoring the faithful and blameless in his service and leadership.
4. Remove Evil from Your Midst[/house/kingdom] (Ps 101:7-8). David concludes by expressing his intention to rid his land of evildoers, ensuring that those who practice deceit and lies will not remain in his house or city.

Personal Application:

1. Practice love/mercy and justice/righteousness (Ps 101:1). Holiness sings; it is happy, not just harsh and strict, for holiness sings, not curses. Holiness encompases both mercy [love, forgiveness] and justice [judgment and righteousness].
2. Commit to Integrity in Daily Life. Like David, commit to walking in integrity in your personal life (Ps 101:2). Evaluate your habits, relationships, and entertainment choices to ensure they reflect God’s righteousness. Are there areas where you allow unwholesome influences into your life that need to be cut off? It is quite possible to worship God on Sunday, and between Sundays have our lives [hearts] shaped by the worship of something else. Everyone is designed, hardwired and created by God to be worshippers. Worship is something that lays claim to our hearts, that motivates and directs us. We’re always living for something or someone [Bob Dylan]. Worship is 1st out identity before it is our activity. It is both vertical and horizontal.
3. Guard Your Eyes and Heart. David vowed not to set wicked things before his eyes (Ps 101:3). Consider what you expose yourself to through media, social interactions, or even thoughts. Make conscious decisions to avoid what corrupts (Ps 101:4-5, 7) and embrace what edifies.
4. Seek Faithful and Godly Friends. Surround yourself with people who are faithful to God (Ps 101:6). Just as David sought to associate with the faithful in the land, build relationships that encourage you to walk in righteousness and hold you accountable to live with integrity.
5. Reject Gossip and Pride. David opposed slanderers and the proud (Ps 101:5). Examine how you speak about others and how you view yourself. Avoid gossip, slander, or prideful attitudes that damage relationships and do not honor God.
6. Leadership in Righteousness. If you hold any leadership position (in your family, workplace, church, etc.), lead with integrity and righteousness. Like David, strive to create an environment where truth, justice, and mercy prevail (Ps 101:1). Take action to address and remove negative influences or behaviors within your sphere of influence (Ps 101:7).

Illustration: Consider a home as a fortress. David, in Psalm 101, is like a vigilant gatekeeper of his fortress. He ensures that what enters is wholesome and good while rejecting anything that would weaken its walls. Just as a gatekeeper would carefully inspect what is allowed into the fortress to preserve its strength and purity, David vows to guard his life, his home, and his leadership by embracing righteousness and rejecting wickedness.

Imagine a parent who decides to guard their home against negative influences, being mindful of the media they allow, the friends their children associate with, and the behavior modeled within the family. This illustrates the heart of Psalm 101, where David, as both a ruler and a man, strives to maintain a space of integrity for himself and for those he leads.

Jeff Bezos oped, 10/28/2024: The hard truth: Americans don’t trust the news media.

Morning: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Ps 5:3).

Groaning: “Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament [groaning/sighing]” (Ps 5:1).

Psalm 5 is a model for God’s people when they are assulted by those who want to hurt and harm them. It is morning prayer of David seeking God’s help (Ps 5:1-3), protection and deliverance from wicked enemies (Ps 5:4-6), and highlighting God’s blessing toward the righteous and His opposition to the wicked (Ps 5:8-11). It contrasts God’s righteousness with man’s wickedness (Ps 5:4-6) and expresses confidence in God’s love and justice (Ps 5:7).

Questions:

• When does the psalmist pray in Psalm 4 (Ps 4:4, 8)? In Psalm 5 (Ps 5:3)? When should you pray (1 Th 5:17; Lk 18:1)? How do you do that (Ps 139:13-14)?
• How are Psalms 3-7 similar in their prayer requests (Ps 3:7; 4:1; 5:1-3; 6:4; 7:1-2)? In their confidence in God (Ps 3:4, 8; 4:3; 5:3, 12; 6:9; 7:10, 17)?
  • Have you felt such desperation and confidence in your life?

1. How desperate and distressed was the psalmist (Ps 5:1)? What does “lament” mean? Do you lament? Have you ever experienced desperation that required God’s direct intervention and help (Ps 5:2)? Do you cry out to God with words in the first person?
2. Do you start every day and every morning with God (Ps 5:3)? Do you wait expectantly for His response? Is it your daily habit to pray everu morning (Mk 1:35)? To seek God’s guidance (Ps 143:8)?
3. How confident are you about God’s animosity toward wicked, evil (Ps 5:4) and arrogant deceitful liars (Ps 5:5-6)? Do you tolerate sin in others/yourself? Wickedness, evil and arrogant people, and deceitful liars (Ps 5:4-6; Hab 1:13)? Do you hate what God hates (Prov 6:16-19)?
4. Are you better and more worthy of God compared to arrogant, deceitful people (Ps 5:7)? How do you approach God in prayer (Ps 5:7; 84:1-2; Heb 4:16)?
5. What does it mean to be led in righteousness (Ps 5:8a)? Do you need God’s leading and guidance because of particular enemies who want to harm and hurt you (Ps 5:8b)? What do lies reflect (Prov 16:23; 18:4)? What do you seek from God’s guidance (Ps 5:8; 25:4-5)?
6. How can deceitful words be like an “open grave” (Ps 5:9; Rom 3:13)? Do you think of the wicked as such? Should God declare such people guilty and banish them (Ps 5:10)?  How might you pray for them (Mt 5:44)?
7. In the midst of adversity amidst harmful hurtful people, how to you live righteously (Ps 5:11-12)? How do you “take refuge” in God (Ps 5:11)? Are you confident about God’s protection and blessing during difficult times (Ps 5:11-12; 46:1-3; Mt 5:10-12)? [Prov 18:10]
8. What are some ways Psalm 5 points to Jesus?
   • Who Jesus is: Ps 5:2; 1 Tim 6:14-15; Rev 17:14; 19:16.
   • What Jesus did: Ps 5:3; Mk 1:35.
   • What Jesus promises: Ps 5:12; 1 Pet 3:18; 2 Cor 5:21.

Outline:

1. Invocation and Request for God to Hear (Ps 5:1-3). David pleads and asks God to listen to his prayer for help.
2. God‘s Hatred of Evil (Ps 5:4-6). David notes that God does not tolerate the wicked, boastful or deceitful.
3. Prayer for Guidance and Protection (Ps 5:7-8). David prays for God’s leading with reverence.
4. Who the Wicked are (Ps 5:9-10). Liars who will face God’s ultimate justice and punishment.
5. God Blesses the Righteous (Ps 5:11-12). Those who trust in God will be protected and blessed.

Practical Application:

1. Morning Prayer: Start your day with prayer, following David’s example. Dedicate time each morning to seek God’s guidance and protection, asking Him to direct your steps throughout the day.
2. Pursuing Holiness: Reflect on the holiness of God and His opposition to wickedness. Evaluate your life in light of God’s standards, and pursue righteousness by avoiding evil and deceitful behaviors.
3. Trust in God’s Justice: When faced with injustice or wickedness, remember that God sees and will deal with the wicked in His time. Place your trust in God’s ultimate justice and refrain from taking matters into your own hands.
4. Rejoice in God’s Protection: Take comfort in knowing that God surrounds His people with favor and protection, like a shield. Rejoice and live confidently, knowing that God cares for and protects those who trust in Him.
5. Worship and Reverence: Approach God with reverence and worship. Cultivate a heart of reverence, acknowledging God’s holiness and majesty in your prayers and daily walk.

Psalm 5 encourages believers to cultivate a deep trust in God (Ps 5:3), approach Him with reverence (Ps 5:7), and rely on His guidance and protection in daily life (Ps 5:1-2, 8, 11-12).

Video (10/20/24): KNOWLEDGE: Holiness. Gratitude. (Psalm 99-100). Prayer: Psalm 100:1-5.

KNOWLEDGE. “Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 101:3b, 5).

• How do you know what you know?
• How important is knowledge?
• Is all knowledge useful and beneficial?
• What is more important than knowledge?

Holy, Holy, Holy (Ps 99:1-9). “Let them praise your great and awesome name—he is holy.” “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.” “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy” (Ps 99:3, 5, 9).

Holiness prompts Gratitude (Ps 100:1-5). A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.” “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:1, 4).

HOLINESS, the primary attribute of God. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isa 6:3). Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come” (Rev 4:8).

* What does it mean that God is holy? (Psalm 99) How is God holy?

1. God’s name is holy (Ps 99:1-3).
2. God’s judgment is holy (Ps 99:4-5).
3. God’s forgiveness is holy (Ps 99:6-9).

* What should you do because God is holy? (Psalm 100)

1. Worship God loudly and joyfully (Psalm 100:1). 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
2. Serve God gladly (Psalm 100:2). 2 Corinthians 9:7.
3. Thank God consistently and continually (Psalm 100:4). 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
4. Love God intelligently and intimately (Psalm 100:3, 5). Love God for who He is, for to know God is love God. So…

* …how do you come to know that God is God?

• * “Love the Lord your God with…” (Mk 12:30).
• * “…my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hos 4:6).
• * “Do not conform to …, but be transformed by …” (Rom 12:2).
• * “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18).
• * “… whatever is … think about such things” (Phil 4:8).

* How might your biblical knowledge help deceive you?

• * “…but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Gen 2:17).
• * “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it” (Gen 3:6).
• * “Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way!” (Prov 19:2)
• * “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?” “You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know” (Job 38:2; 42:3).
• * “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering” (Lk 11:52).

* How might your biblical knowledge help you?

• * “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” “The wise store up knowledge..” (Prov 12:1; 10:14).
• * “The discerning heart seeks knowledge…” The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge…” “…rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge” (Prov 15:14; 18:15; 19:25).
• * “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov 1:7; 10:9).
• * “Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge” (Ps 19:2). “Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?” (Ps 94:10) “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain” (Ps 139:6).
• * “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you” (Mt 13:11; Lk 8:10).

What is the “best” knowledge?

• * “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Eph 1:17).
• * “…to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God” (Eph 1:17, NLT).
• * “For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge…” (1 Cor 1:5).

How does Psalm 99, 100 point to Christ?

1. Jesus is the holy God. “…he is holy” [x2] “God is holy” (Ps 99:3, 5, 9).

 * “Christ Jesus…has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Cor 1:30).

2. Jesus is God. “Know that the Lordis God” (Ps 100:3a).

  * “The Son is the image of the invisible God…” (Col 1:15).

  * “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (Heb 1:3).

3. Jesus is the Creator God. “It is he who made us” (Ps 100:3b).

  * “…through him all things were made…” (John 1:1-3).

4. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. “we are..the sheep of his pasture” (Ps 100:3c).

  * good…great…overseer (Jn 10:11; Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:25).

God wants more than fans (Ps 100:1); He wants followers (Ps 100:2a). God wants you to serve him not just with emotion (Ps 100:1) but also with motion (Ps 100:2a), the motion of obedience. Spiritual maturity is not measured by glorious singing (Ps 100:1) as much as by glad serving (Ps 100:2a).

You don’t have to be sad to be sanctified. You don’t have to be gloomy in order to be holy (Ps 100:1-2).

Desperation: “Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer” (Ps 4:1).

Night: “Tremble [Be angry] and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Ps 4:4, 8).

Theme of Psalm 4: Trust in God’s faithfulness during times of distress. The psalmist expresses confidence in God’s protection and provision, even when faced with opposition and doubt from others.

Outline [Peace! Be Still! Who can I turn to?]:

1. Appeal (Ps 4:1). Well-founded prayer.
2. Rebuke (Ps 4:2-3). Reponding to lies.
3. Exhortation (Ps 4:4-5). Responding to hot-heads.
4. Contrast (Ps 4:6-7). Responding to sorrow.
5. Security (Ps 4:8). Well-founded peace.

Application:

1. Trust in God’s faithfulness during difficult times (Ps 4:1, 3, 5).
2. Practice righteous anger without sinning (Ps 4:4).
3. Seek God’s face rather than worldly pleasures (Ps 4:6-7).
4. Find true joy and peace in God’s presence (Ps 4:8a).
5. Rest securely in God’s protection (Ps 4:8b).

Questions:

1. Who is the God prayed to (Ps 4:1a)? What does this mean (Ps 5:4-6)? Do you pray [or have you prayed] with such distress, desperation (Ps 4:1b, 77:2; 86:7) and confidence (Heb 11:1; Rom 8:38-39)?
2. How long was his pain and agony (Ps 4:2; 6:3; 13:1-2; more references below)? Have you been humiliated (Ps 4:2)? What is his prayer (Ps 4:1b)? How would “false gods” motivate his opponents (Ps 4:2b)? How confident are you about God (Ps 4:3; 1 Pet 2:9)? [More references: Ps 35:17; 62:3; 74:10; 79:5; 80:4; 89:46; 94:3; 119:84]
3. What does it mean to “tremble and do not sin” (Ps 4:4a; Prov 1:7; 9:10)? What temptations do you face at night “on your beds”? How can you apply this in your life (Eph 4:26-27; Phil 2:12)? How do you “search your heart” (Ps 4:4b; Lam 3:40; 2 Cor 13:5)? Offer right sacrifices (Ps 4:5; Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15-16)? Trust God (Mt 6:33)?
4. How does the psalmist contrast true joy with worldly happiness (Ps 4:6-7)?
5. Do you claim God’s promise (Ps 4:8)? Do you [or how can you] experience peace and security (Ps 3:5; 54:4; Prov 3:24; Phil 4:7)? What is the peace that comes through Christ (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15)? How does the peace of Christ differ from the “peace” of the world?

Video (10/13/24): FORMIDABLE RULER (Psalm 97-98).

Righteousness and Justice: “Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” “Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, Lord” (Ps 97:2, 8).

Formidable Fearsome Majesty (Psalm 97): “The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” “For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods” (Ps 97:1, 9).

King and Judge (Psalm 98): “…let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge [rule] the earth. He will judge [rule] the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity” (Ps 98:9).

The Lord reigns/Yahweh is king [The Real King of kings]

1. King to be feared (Psalm 97:1-5).
2. King above all gods (Ps 97:6-9).
3. King of Righteousness (Ps 97:10-12).
4. King of Salvation (Psalm 98:1-3). God’s victory: righteous salvation of the worshipping community.
5. King of the World (Ps 98:4-6). Man’s victory: status as King of all the earth.

6. King of Nature (Ps 98:7-9). Nature’s victory. “He will judge [rule] the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity” (Ps 98:9b).

How do you live your life to reflect that God is the true King of the world from Psalm 97-98? To live a life of holiness, righteousness and justice:

1. Fear God (Psalm 97:1-5).
2. Forsake idols (Ps 97:6-9).
3. Hate evil (Ps 97:10-12).
4. Make Salvation known (Psalm 98:1-6).
5. Enjoy, not exploit nature(Ps 98:7-9).

How does Psalm 97-98 point to Christ?

* “…righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” “The heavens proclaim his righteousness…” “He will judge the world in righteousness…” (Ps 97:2, 6; 98:9).

> “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit” (1 Pet 3:18). 2 Cor 5:21.

* “The Lord reigns” (Ps 97:1). “Yahweh is King” yet…

> “Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing” (Phil 2:5-7).

> “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne” (Rev 5:4-5).

> “…they crucified him…” (Mt 27:35; Mk 15:24; Lk 23:33; Jn 19:18).

Ø Even in the utter “defeat” of the Cross, God won the final victory.

Psalm 97–a majestic hymn celebrating God’s sovereignty and righteousness as the real King of kings–depicts God as a powerful ruler over all creation, with themes of divine judgment and the call for all people to worship Him.

Personal application:

1. Rejoice in God’s rule (Ps 97:1-2, 6, 10-12): Find joy in knowing that a just and righteous God is in control.
2. Reject idolatry (Ps 97:7, 9): Examine your life for things/idols that may be taking God’s place.
3. Seek righteousness (Ps 97:10): Align your actions and thoughts with God’s standards.
4. Witness God’s glory (Ps 97:3-6): Look for signs of God’s majesty in nature and daily life.

Practical illustrations and real-life examples for key themes in Psalm 97:

1. God is sovereign over nature (Ps 97:1-6): When you consider a hurricane, thunderstorm, tornado, dark clouds, flashes of lightning, rumbling thunder does it display God’s majesty and power over creation? Have you experienced witnessing a sunrise from a mountaintop, feeling overwhelmed by the beauty and grandeur of creation?

2. Shame of idol worshippers (Ps 97:7): How quickly human-made icons can fall. A celebrity once idolized by millions can rapidly lose favor due to a scandal. A person realizing their obsession with career success was taking priority over relationships and spiritual growth, leading to a re-evaluation of their priorities.

3. Light shines/dawns for the righteous (Ps 97:11): When struggling through a difficult time–job loss, illness–do you keep faith and wait in hope to see positive changes in your life? Have you overcome any addiction or temptaion until “light breaks through the darkness” in your life?

4. Rejoicing in the Lord (Ps 97:12): Do we come together as a community to give thanks for God’s provision, celebrating with music, dance, and shared meals? Can we organize a community service day to work together on projects to help neighbors, embodying our gratitude to God through action?

5. God as the righteous judge (Ps 97:8-9): Have you encountered a just verdict in court which brings relief to victims and consequences to wrongdoers? What are your sentiments toward environmental activist groups who campaign for stricter pollution controls? Would it align with God’s desire for justice and care for creation?

Psalm 98 is a joyful song of praise, celebrating God’s salvation, righteousness and coming judgment. Some practical illustrations and real-life examples of key themes:

1. Sing a new song (Ps 98:1, 5): Have you composed a heartfelt piece after a transformative life event that captures and expresses your faith journey, healing and new perspective?
2. Make God’s salvation known (Ps 98:2-3): Do you excitedly share good news with friends and family, unable to contain your joy and gratitude? Can you recount stories of lives changed in those you served and guided?

5. Shout with joy and praise (Ps 98:4-6): Are you fully engaged in worship?
6. Nature’s praise (Ps 98:4, 7-8): Have you encountered serenity by the ocean, with waves rhythmically crashing on the shore, as if the sea is clapping? Have you felt as though nature is praising the Creator?
7. God’s righteous judgment (Ps 98:9): Have you celebrated just and fair judgements and verdict with joy?

Communal application:

1. Corporate worship: Gather to praise God’s greatness and holiness together.
2. Social justice: Work towards a society that reflects God’s righteousness.
3. Environmental stewardship: Care for creation as a response to God’s lordship over nature.
4. Global evangelism: Share the message of God’s rule with all nations.

Salvation: “From the Lord comes deliverance” (Ps 3:8a). “Rescue is the Lord’s!” “To Yahweh belongs salvation!”

Main theme: Trust God in troubling times. The Dark Hour. You are Not Alone. Peace in the midst of the storm:

1. Predicament: David’s Complaint (Ps 3:1-2). Human enmity.
2. Peace: David’s Confidence in God (Ps 3:3-6). Divine protection.
3. Prayer: David’s Prayer for Deliverance (Ps 3:7-8). Victory and blessing.

Title: A psalm [song*] of David. *mizmor from the verb zamar, ‘to make music,’ hence ‘a musical composition,’ a ‘song.’ In flight for his life David still had a song in his heart! The psalm instructs us how to meet the troubled day. These ‘titles’ have always been an integral part of the text of the psalms, counting as verse 1 when verses were numbered. They should be treated as serious introductions to their psalms.

[Psalm 3 from The Chosen] Questions:

• What brackets the introduction to the book of Psalms, which are chapters 1 and 2 (Ps 1:1; 2:12)?
  • What does “blessed” mean (Gen 12:2)? Is blessedness up to you (Gen 12:1)?
  • What do the blessed do (Ps 1:2; 2:11-12; 84:4-5, 12; 119:1-2)?
  • Are you blessed? Are you sure? Not sure?
• Do you trust God to sustain and protect you during times of trouble, trials, tribulation and temptation?

1. What is the historical context (Psalm 3 title; 2 Sam 15:13-14)? Are David’s troubles a result of his own sin (2 Sam 12:7-10)? If you experience the consequences of your guilt, grief, shame and sin what do you do (2 Sam 12:12; Ps 51:4)?
2. How did David respond to the “many foes” rising up against him (Ps 3:1)? How does it feel when many say that God will not deliver you (Ps 3:2; 2 Sam 16:5-8)? Why might they say that (Num 32:23)? Have you encounted such angst, adversity, hardships and difficulty as a result of your sin?
3. How does David describe God (Ps 3:3)? Is this a prayer request or an affirmation? What does each description mean for David’s situation? For you?
4. What did David do in response to his troubles (Ps 3:4; Jas 5:13a)? When in pain or agony do you groan and cry? Or cry out to God?
5. Do you find peace and rest amidst agonizing difficulty (Ps 3:5)? How (Phil 4:6-7)? Was David worried about waking up? Are you? Why do people suffer from anxiety and depression in the midst of comfort and plenty?
6. Was David not afraid of great odds against him (Ps 3:6)? How threatening is fear? Do you have fear? What takes away fear (Rom 8:31; 1 Jn 4:18)?
7. What does David ask God to do (Ps 3:7; 58:6)? Is such prayer proper for Christians (Mt 5:44)? Do you likewise pray? What does God do with the wicked (Ps 1:6; 2:2-6)?
8. Who can deliver you (Ps 3:8; Eph 2:8-9)? Did David deliver himself (1 Sam 24:3-6; 26:7-11)? Do you try to deliver yourself? What does his prayer for blessing on God’s people show about him (1 Sam 13:14; Ac 13:22)?

• What do you learn about facing opposition or difficulties?
• How does Psalm 3 point to Christ (Ps 3:2, 8; Mt 26:45; 27:42-43)?

Knowing what God has done in the past gives you confidence in what God will do in the future.

God’s People Entrusted with the Gospel

(Not Just for Church Leaders)

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Key Verse: 4:

^“4 …but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who ^[e]examines our hearts.”

In many cities and places Paul visited and shared the gospel, opposition arose against him. In many cases, opposition arose from orthodox Jews, who vehemently hated Paul preaching that the crucified Jesus was the promised Messiah for Israel. They wanted to destroy Paul’s reputation to undermine his message. If the enemies of Paul could convince people that Paul was a liar and charlatan, then they could effectively destroy Paul’s ministry. Remember that on this second missionary journey was Paul’s first time preaching the gospel in modern day Europe. The first city he went to preach the gospel was Philippi. While he and Silas were there preaching the gospel and healing a demon-possessed girl, strong opposition arose. They were beaten and put in prison in Philippi. Acts 16:22-24 reads, “²² The crowd joined in an attack against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. ²³ When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; ²⁴and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” By God’s help they were able to leave the prison and continue on their missionary journey. And the second city they visited was Thessalonica. Let’s look quickly at the map of Paul’s second missionary journey. [Pic 1—3 churches established] But soon after arriving and just at the beginning of their ministry in Thessalonica the Jewish opposition came and gave them a very hard time. Acts 17:5 reads, “⁵ But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and they attacked the house of Jason and were seeking to bring them out to the people.” The Jews formed a mob to perturb Paul and his team from conducting their gospel ministry. We know the power of mob mentality, which we see on the news or even on the UIC campus. They threaten, yell, and even beat up the victims of their hatred and malice. How would you and a friend feel when there is a group of bullies always following you and looking to hurt you? [Pic 2 bullies] You may get scared, hide in your basement, and not want to go out anymore. However, the apostles were not thwarted by the opposition but continued to preach the gospel boldly.

Look at verses 1-2. “For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our ^[a]reception among you was not in vain, ² but after we had already suffered and been treated abusively in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God ^[b]amid much ^[c]opposition.” Here we see in these opening verses, Paul was defending himself from the false accusations against him and criticism of his ministry in Thessalonica. When you go to jail several times and getting criticized a lot, people naturally begin to question your integrity. Why were they saying that his ministry there was in vain? It was because the Jewish oppositions followed Paul to Thessalonica. Again, they were causing him trouble and strongly opposing his ministry. So, after only a few weeks of serving in Thessalonica Paul and his team was forced to leave again. It seemed to be such a short visit. Sometimes, in our UBF ministries we do short term missionary work and go visit other chapters around the world for a few weeks. Those who opposed Paul knew that they had successfully forced him to move out. Then they began to give him a bad rap to the believers that he had left behind. They were saying that Paul’s work there was a failure and that he had really left because he was a fake and gave them a false message. They were saying he ran out of town because he didn’t want to be exposed as a charlatan. But Paul wrote in his letter to the believers in the Thessalonian church that he along with Silas and Timothy, had boldly spoken to them the gospel of God. It was not his made-up story, but the good news that the Risen Lord Jesus himself revealed to him. Also, he had almost died preaching this gospel to them boldly. Nobody wants to die for a lie. Paul didn’t put all this trouble and pain upon himself and fellow apostles because they were masochists. He was speaking to them about the gospel because it was the truth and only way of salvation. Then he went on to tell them how the gospel he had preached to them was pure and an inerrant.

Look at verses 3-4. “³ For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or ^[d]by way of deceit; ⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who ^[e]examines our hearts.” Here, we better understand why Paul had used the phrase “the gospel of God” in verse 2. His message to the Thessalonians was not of human origin, otherwise it would be susceptible to errors. But if it came from the one and only God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, then it would inerrant, for God cannot lie. We call the authenticity and veracity of the Bible the doctrine of inerrancy. Of course, in the course of time, there has many translations of the Bible but the essence of the gospel has not changed. Jesus died to forgive our sins and rose again on the third day to give us eternal life in the kingdom of God. The coming of Jesus the first time and his second return are the main points of the Bible. And Paul did not stray away from teaching this. Paul even had written to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “…and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” In verse 3, we see another accusation against Paul of “impurity.” This was related to sexual impurity. Why would they accuse Paul of this? When Paul preached the gospel, many women began to join the church. Remember in Philippi who was Paul’s first convert? Lydia. In Thessalonica, many women also began to believe and attend the church. Acts 17:4 reads, “⁴ And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a significant number of the leading women.”  Those who opposed Paul were saying that he was actually attracting women in order to take sexual advantage of them. We have to understand that in that pagan culture were cults that had female prostitutes in their religion. They believed by having sex with the priests and prostitutes who served in the temples, they could come closer to their deity. This is what made some of those pagan religions very popular. Paul defended himself by saying that he served the gospel with purity to bring all people, including women to salvation in Jesus. These types of accusations and actions of some pastors are still going on today. This past week, it was sad news for Christians, when one famous evangelical preacher had to resign from his position as senior pastor in his church because of his adulterous relationship with a young lady. (Even though he is in his 70’s. So, pastors must careful even in their 60’s and 70’s like Rhoel, me and Henry and Ben if he is watching.)

Last of all, the enemies of Paul were accusing him of deceit. In other words, he was deceiving the people in order to get monetary gain. Again, this kind of deception was nothing new for other religious leaders had used the name of God for personal gain. Even in Jesus’ time, he went to the Temple in Jerusalem and overthrew the tables of money changers and drove away animals from the temple court. The religious leaders were making money by raising the price of animals sold for the sacrificial ceremonies. Today, there are many prosperity gospel ministries springing up all around the world. The preachers teach followers if they give of their money to them and to their church, God would bless them back many times over and make them rich like them. Offerings are necessary and even encouraged by God’s word, but they are to be used to support the church, serve the sick and needy, and for the promulgation of the gospel. It was not to be used to make the pastor become a multi-millionaire, with a million-dollar home and own a private jet. This is why many prosperity preachers will make their messages about how to feel good, be successful in the world, and how to have a happy life, instead of preaching the gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Paul did not give into cultural pressures, but preached the gospel entrusted to him by God.

Look at verse 4 again. “⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who ^[e]examines our hearts.” Paul wrote that he had “been approved by God.” In our modern society, we know that if anyone is to occupy an important position he must be approved by his peers or voted into that office. Paul could not self-approve himself, so how he could he say he was approved by God? It was because of his personal testimony that the Risen Jesus himself appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Jesus called him to be an apostle to the Gentiles. God also revealed this to other servants of God, who accepted Paul as God’s chosen servant. The Lord appeared to His servant Ananias with these words in Acts 9:15, “But the Lord said to Ananias, Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.” With God’s approval and other servants of God’s approval, Paul became the man entrusted with gospel to share with many other people around the world. This was the driving force behind Paul’s ministry. This is why he never burned-out doing ministry because he knew it was not his own ministry he was serving, but God’s ministry. In our weekly Bible study group, we time to time talk about how to avoid being burnt out in God’s work. We talked about some things we need to do for ourselves on a human level which are necessary. For example, remaining healthy in body, mind, and spirit is very important for God’s servants, for God’s work is demanding and laborious. But most of all, like the Apostle Paul we must renew God’s calling as an approved servant of God. This is what Paul wrote to his young coworker and fellow missionary Timothy to do. 2 Timothy 2:15 reads, “¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” Paul did not say to Timothy be diligent in exercise or be diligent to keep your mental health, though these things are important, but be diligent to be an approved servant of God. Also, according to the end of verse 4, a servant approved by God lives to please God, not men. Paul elaborates more on what this means in the next verses.

Look at verses 5-6a. “⁵ For we never came ^[f]with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext ^[g]for greed—God is our witness— ⁶ nor did we seek honor from people, either from you or from others…” Paul was not a man pleaser. What is a man pleaser? Is it someone who makes delicious food for men like a chef? [Pic 3 do you know him– Nusret Gökçe] No, instead it’s like a person as Paul mentioned in verse 5, who uses flattering speech to scratch the itching ears of his hearers. As aforementioned, they would be like prosperity preachers who teach what others want to hear in order to gain personal and material gain. One famous prosperity preacher said he didn’t like the idea of calling people sinners because it doesn’t make them feel good. He said he would rather give positive and encouraging messages to church members. Another minister wrote a very popular self-help book called, The Power of Positive Thinking, which became a best seller in the 1950’s selling millions of copies. It was accepted by the general public but criticized by psychiatrists and spiritual leaders. Men-pleasers are also those who want to sit in honorable positions so that others may look up to them and envy them. Paul made it clear that he was not seeking honor from men. Jesus warned the Pharisees on the spiritual dangers of seeking honor from men. John 5:41-45 reads, “⁴¹ I do not receive glory from people; ⁴² but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. ⁴³ I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. ⁴⁴ How can you believe, when you accept glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? ⁴⁵ Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have put your hope.” Because they wanted glory and honor from each other, they could not see the glory of God. They ended up rejecting Jesus as their Messiah because he did not fit their own human idea of what the Messiah should look like. To them, the Messiah should look glorious, powerful, rich, and highly honored by all the people. Seeking only human honor causes us to have the wrong view of ourselves and of God. Our correct view of God is reflected in how we serve the ministry. When we have the correct view of God we remain as His humble servants like our Lord Jesus.

Look at verses 6b-8. “…though ^[h]we could have ^[i]asserted our authority as apostles of Christ. ⁷ But we ^[j]proved to be ^[k]gentle ^[l]among you. As a nursing mother ^[m]tenderly cares for her own children, ⁸ in the same way we had a fond affection for you and were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our own ^[n]lives, because you had become ^[o]very dear to us.” Because Paul and his team had the right view of God, they did not demand their rights as apostles. One of those rights, which we will discuss more later, was to be supported by the church. As apostles, they could also have used their authority to demand many things from the church and church members. But instead of demanding from others, they only served them with a loving and gentle spirit. Like a nursing mother tending her little babies. Because they are babies they will poo in their diapers and spill their milk, but parents don’t get mad at them and yell, “Why did you poo in diapers!” (Except I get upset with my grandson for pooing while I am babysitting him) Parents, especially mothers, have an important role to nurture their children with love and emotional support. [Pic 4 some WL mothers feeding and nurturing their children] They are willing to give up sleep and of themselves in order to help their infants to grow up as healthy children. This is what Apostle Paul and his team wanted to do for the believers in Thessalonica. Not only share the gospel with them, but their own lives. They wanted to be with them in their time of need, as parents meet the needs of their babies. How can we show a mother’s care for others in the church? One way is visiting the sick and praying for them. [Pic 5 Sarah Mina] Maria and Elena also visited but didn’t have a picture together. Yesterday, Ben, Rhoel, and I visited brother Abinav who had to go to ER the other day for a sharp pain in his body. It was so painful that he could not work. Now he is resting at home. [Pic 6 with elders visiting Abinav] We want to practice Christian love and share our lives with others as the Apostle Paul did with the early believers.

Look at verses 9-10. “⁹ For you recall, brothers and sisters, our labor and hardship: it was by working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, that we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. ¹⁰ You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly and rightly and blamelessly we ^[p]behaved toward you ^[q]believers…” As parents don’t demand anything from their babies and young children, Paul and his coworkers didn’t demand anything from the believers in Thessalonica. Instead, they were working hard night and day to support the ministry. Paul was known as a tent-making missionary in order to support himself. [Pic 7 Silas and Timothy helping] He did this because he didn’t want to burden the young church in Thessalonica. In Ukraine, Maria and I supported our family and the church as international teachers for 19 years. Actually, the Bible gives exhortations in giving provisions for gospel workers. 1 Corinthians 9:3-6 reads, “³ My defense to those who examine me is this: ⁴Do we not have a right to eat and drink? ⁵Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? ⁶ Or do only Barnabas and I have no right to refrain from working?” But Paul’s team did not demand their apostolic rights. Through their hard work, devotion to God, and faithfulness to the gospel, the Thessalonian believers could see with their own eyes how they had served God and them. Through their hard-working examples, they wanted to encourage them as a father encourages his children through his hard work and toil to support the family.

Look at verses 11-12. “…¹¹ just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, ¹² so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” In verse 7, Paul had written that they served them “like a nursing mother” for her children. But here in verse 11, Paul writes about “a father would his own children.” In God’s wisdom, he made parenting both the duties of the father and the mother. Through the mother children are nurtured with love and care. Through the father not only with love but also with discipline. [Pic 8 father disciplining child] Hebrews 12:7-11 reads, “⁷ It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? ⁸ But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. ⁹ Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? ¹⁰ For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. ¹¹ For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

In this passage, we learn that Paul wanted not only the early believers in Thessalonica to live “lives worthy of God,” but also for us believers who live in the present. God has given us the freedom of choice to live anyway we want. But let’s pray to live like the Apostle Paul and live as men and women “approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.” Amen.

Footnotes

1. 1 Thessalonians 2:1 Or coming to you
2. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Or during
3. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Or struggle; or conflict
4. 1 Thessalonians 2:3 Lit in deceit
5. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Or approves
6. 1 Thessalonians 2:5 Lit in a word of flattery
7. 1 Thessalonians 2:5 I.e., to conceal greed
8. 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Lit being able to
9. 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Or been burdensome as
10. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Or became gentle
11. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Three early mss infants
12. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Lit in the midst of you
13. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Or cherishes
14. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Or souls
15. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Lit beloved
16. 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Lit became
17. 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Or who believe

1 Thessalonians 2 1-12

Bible Study Questions:

God’s People Entrusted with the Gospel
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Key Verse: 4:
“4 …but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who [e]examines our hearts.”
1.Read 1 Thess. 2:1-2. Why did some criticized Paul’s initial visit to Thessalonica as a failure? What had happened in Philippi? (Ac. 16:22-24) Do you know when and why Jesus was asked to leave the region of the Gerasenes? (Lk. 8:36-37) Who do you think these people were who were trying to malign Paul’s spiritual leadership and ministry?

2. Read 1 Thess. 2:3-4. How did Paul defend his ministry at Thessalonica? Why was it important for him to do so? What does it mean to be “men approved by God”? (2 Tim. 2:15) What does it mean that Paul wanted to please God? What was the attitude of the other apostles at the time of dangerous persecution? (Ac. 5:28-29)

3. Read 1 Thess. 2:5-6a. How may “Christian influencers” of today use flattery or their own unbiblical teachings to please people or those aspiring to be Christians? What does it mean to put on a mask? Why is receiving the praise of men so tempting and spiritually dangerous? (John 5:41-45)

4. Read 1 Thess. 2:6b-8. What are some rights of apostles? (1 Cor. 9:3-6, 11-14) How did Paul’s missionary team show a mother’s gentle care for the believers in the church of Thessalonica? What did they share with the believers there besides the gospel? (1 Cor. 13:13)

5. Read 1 Thess. 2:9-10. How had Paul’s team toiled and worked in order not to be a burden? In spite of their busy life, what did they continue to do? (2 Ti. 4:2) How did their life examples show their holy desire to serve God?

6. Read 1 Thess. 2:11-12. Earlier in verse 7, Paul talked about a mother’s care. What can you learn about the role of the father in these verses? How does he encourage God’s children? (Heb. 12:7-11) How ought to live in this world before we enter God’s kingdom and glory? (Phil. 1:27)

NASV
For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our [a]reception among you was not in vain, 2 but after we had already suffered and been treated abusively in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God [b]amid much [c]opposition. 3 For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or [d]by way of deceit; 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who [e]examines our hearts. 5 For we never came [f]with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext [g]for greed—God is our witness— 6 nor did we seek honor from people, either from you or from others, though [h]we could have [i]asserted our authority as apostles of Christ. 7 But we [j]proved to be [k]gentle [l]among you. As a nursing mother [m]tenderly cares for her own children, 8 in the same way we had a fond affection for you and were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our own [n]lives, because you had become [o]very dear to us.
9 For you recall, brothers and sisters, our labor and hardship: it was by working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, that we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly and rightly and blamelessly we [p]behaved toward you [q]believers; 11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12 so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
Footnotes
a. 1 Thessalonians 2:1 Or coming to you
b. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Or during
c. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Or struggle; or conflict
d. 1 Thessalonians 2:3 Lit in deceit
e. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Or approves
f. 1 Thessalonians 2:5 Lit in a word of flattery
g. 1 Thessalonians 2:5 I.e., to conceal greed
h. 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Lit being able to
i. 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Or been burdensome as
j. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Or became gentle
k. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Three early mss infants
l. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Lit in the midst of you
m. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Or cherishes
n. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Or souls
o. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Lit beloved
p. 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Lit became
q. 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Or who believe

NEW: “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth” (Ps 96:1).

EQUITY: “…he will judge the peoples with equity” (Ps 96:10). “Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness” (Ps 96:13).

WORTHY: “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory [beauty] are in his sanctuary” (Ps 96:4-6).

1. PRAISE (Psalm 96:1-3). “Sing to the Lord a new song” (Ps 96:1a).
2. GREATNESS (Psalm 96:4-6). “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise” (Ps 96:4).
3. ASCRIBE (Psalm 96:7-9). Ascribe/Give to God his due.
4. JUDGMENT (Psalm 96:10-13). God will judge with fairly and righteously (Ps 96:10, 13).

Psalm 96 belongs to a group of psalms (93-99) that affirm God’s rule over the earth. It is a universal call to recognize that “The Lord reigns,” that “Yahweh is King” (Ps 96:10; 93:1; 97:1; 99:1; Isa 52:7). The central theme is a call to worship the Lord. It is a hymn of praise that invites all people, including Gentile nations, to join in worshipping God, and to proclaim His glory to all nations (Ps 96:1-3, 7). It emphasizes God’s supremacy and greatness (Ps 96:4; 95:3), His role and power as the Creator over creation (Ps 96:5; 95:4-5), and His righteousness and coming judgment of the world with equity and truth (Ps 96:10, 13).

1. 

   Praise (Ps 96:1-3). Proclaim his salvation (Ps 96:2). Declare his glory and deeds (Ps 96:3).

2. Greatness (Ps 96:4-6). “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise” (Ps 96:4).
3. Ascribe/Give (Ps 96:7-9). “Ascribe [give] to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe [give] to the Lord glory and strength” (Ps 96:7).
4. Judgment (Ps 96:10-13). “…he will judge the peoples with equity [fairness, uprightness]” (Ps 96:10).

A universal call to recognize God as the only God: “..sing to the Lord, all the earth” (Ps 96:1). “Declare his glory among the nations…among all peoples” (Ps 96:3). “Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” …he will judge the peoples with equity” (Ps 96:10). “Let all creation rejoice… he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world…and the peoples…” (Ps 96:13).

• “I will bless those who bless you,
      and whoever curses you I will curse;
  and all peoples on earth
      will be blessed through you” (Gen 12:3).
• “…you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites’” (Exo 19:6).
• “Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake” (Rom 1:5).

The day WILL come when God comes and judges fairly: “…he will judge the peoples with equity [fairness, uprightness]” (Ps 96:10). “…he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness” (Ps 96:13).

• “For you have upheld my right and my cause,
      sitting enthroned as the righteous judge” (Ps 9:4).
• “You say, ‘I choose the appointed time;
      it is I who judge with equity'” (Ps 75:2).
• “Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
      for all the nations are your inheritance” (Ps 82:8).
• “Rise up, Judge of the earth;
      pay back to the proud what they deserve” (Ps 94:2).

How beautiful on the mountains
    are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
    who bring good tidings,
    who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
    “Your God reigns!” (Isa 52:7).

How do you give glory to God (Ps 96:7)?

* “Sing to the Lord a new song” (Ps 96:1).

1. Praise: Obey God’s [short] commands (Mk 1:17; 1 Thes 5:16).

* “…proclaim his salvation [rescue] day after day” (Ps 96:2).

2. Mission: Tell others about God/Jesus as your purpose-driven life.

* “For all the gods of the nations are idols…” (Ps 96:5).

3. Repentance: Cast out your idols (1 Jn 5:21).

* “Splendor…majesty…strength and glory [beauty] are in his sanctuary” (Ps 96:6). “Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (Ps 96:9).

4. Awe: Embrace God’s holiness (1 Pet 1:15-16).

* “The Lord reigns…he will judge the peoples with equity.” “He will judge the world in righteousness” (Ps 96:10, 13).

5. Lordship/Providence: Accept God’s sovereignty (Rom 8:28; Gen 50:20; Ac 2:23-24; 4:28).
6. Hope: Wait patiently for God’s perfect judgment (2 Cor 5:10).

Questions:

1. What does it mean to “sing a new song to the Lord” in your daily life (Ps 96:1)? How can you keep your praise and worship fresh?
2. What specific attributes or actions of God make Him worthy of your praise (Ps 96:4)?
3. How does “all the gods of the nations are idols” (Ps 96:5) apply in our modern context? What “idols” are you tempted to worship today?
4. How can you “ascribe to the Lord glory and strength” (Ps 96:7), and ways to give God glory in your everyday life?
5. How does all creation rejoicing before the God (Ps 96:11-12) impact your view of nature, of the environment?
6. How will God come to judge the earth (Ps 96:10, 13)? How does this future hope influence how you live your life today?

Psalm 96 emphasizes universal worship, God’s sovereignty over creation, and the anticipation of His just rule over all the earth. It calls believers to not only worship God themselves but also to spread the message of His greatness to all nations.

I. Call to Praise (Ps 96:1-3)

A. Sing a new song to the Lord (Ps 96:1)

B. Bless His name and proclaim His salvation (Ps 96:2-3)

II. God’s Greatness and Supremacy (Ps 96:4-6)

A. The Lord is great and worthy of praise (Ps 96:4)

B. He is above all gods (Ps 96:5)

C. Splendor and majesty surround Him (Ps 96:6)

III. Call to the Nations (Ps 96:7-9)

A. Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength (Ps 96:7)

B. Bring an offering and come into His courts (Ps 96:8)

C. Worship the Lord in holy splendor (Ps 96:9)

IV. Creation’s Joy and Anticipation of Judgment (Ps 96:10-13)

A. Declare among the nations that the Lord reigns (Ps 96:10)

B. Let heaven, earth and sea rejoice (Ps 96:11)

C. Let the fields and tress of the forest be glad and sing for joy (Ps 96:12)

D. The Lord is coming to judge the earth in righteousness and truth (Ps 96:13)