27 March 2018

Praising Him in Pain




Theme: A song for suffering

Scriptures: Psalm 22

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)
Know: David chose to call upon and praise God in the midst of suffering.
Think: View suffering and difficulty as opportunities for God to work in my life.
Do: Choose to praise God during times of suffering.




C1 People:
  • The Psalm Project

  • Video of a song by The Psalm Project, recorded live at the Symposium 2011, Thursday evening worship service, Calvin Institute for Christian Worship
  • Miranda de Vlieger - soloist
  • Eelco Vos - piano
  • Luca Genta - cello
  • from The Psalm Project Band (Netherlands) with local musicians
C2 Lyrics:

Psalm 22

My God, My God, Why?


My God, my God, why have you left me here?
Where are you now, when I need you near
to rescue me, deliver me from fear?
Please, don't forsake me.

LORD, answer me; do you not hear my sighing?
All day and night, my eyes are sore from crying?
I long for you, to keep my hope from dying.
I find no rest.

My God, my God, why have you left me here?
Where are you now, when I need you near
to rescue me, deliver me from fear?
Please don't forsake me, my God.

See, O my God, that I am poor and weak.
I have no voice, I have no strength to speak.
They scoff and stare, have pierced my hands and feet.
My heart is melting

O LORD, my God, my enemies despise me.
They steal my clothes;
they mock and compromise me.
"Where is your God?" they taunt and terrorise me.
Don't stay away.

My God, my God, why have you left me here?
Where are you now, when I need you near
to rescue me, to deliver me from fear?
Please don't forsake me, my God.

Words: Lee Ann Vermeulen-Roberts 2010.
Music: Eelco Vos, based on the tune for Psalm 22 in the Genevan Psalter, 1542/1543.
© 2010, The Psalm Project

B2 Introduction to Psalm 22
C1 Writer is King David and author is Holy Spirit.
C2 This is a Psalm of David’s feelings and emotions.
C3 King David did not experience all that is recorded in this Psalm.
C4 Being a prophet, King David foretells the suffering of Messiah—Jesus, Yeshua.
C5 Bob Utley points out this reference that is important: Matthew 5:17-18 NKJV - "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
C6 Jesus did fulfill the words of the Psalm.
C7 Forsaken is עָזַב `azab and is pronounced ah-zav. It is the Qal perfect, thus means (Qal) to leave; to depart from, leave behind, leave, let alone; to leave, abandon, forsake, neglect, apostatise; to let loose, set free, let go, free. (Source).
B2 Psalm 22
C1 The first 2 verses describe Messiah’s feelings of being abandoned.
C2 Verses 3-5 describe Messiah’s appeal to God: “You delivered our ancestors when they asked you to.”
C3 Verse 6, Messiah describes His opinion of Himself.
C4 Verses 7-8, Messiah tells of the mocking He hears about Him.
C5 Verses 9-10, Messiah testifies that He has trusted God since birth.
C6 Verses 11-18, Messiah speaks of His suffering, His pain, His rejection, His troubles, the indignity, the humility, the torture of His body and soul.
C7 Verses 19-21a, in these Messiah pleads with God to save Him from this torture.
C8 Verse 21b, Messiah is relieved; “My prayer has been answered.”
C9 Verses 22-23, He now speaks loudly and clearly for all to hear. He is testifying of His deliverance by His deliverer.
C10 Verse 24, Messiah states, “Even though, I was so abhorrent to look at; you still delivered me.”
C11 Verses 25-29, Messiah states that He will pay His vows.
C12 Verses 30-31, Messiah tells the results of His vows—We will serve Him and testify of His goodness.
B3 Suffering—Why?
C1 The Lord Jesus suffered for our sins:
D1 Acts 1:3 NKJV - to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
D2 Hebrews 2:9 NKJV - But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
C2 People suffer because of sin: Jude 1:7 NKJV - as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
C3 Christians suffer for preaching the Gospel: Acts 5:41 NKJV - So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
C4 Christian suffer for living like Christians: Romans 8:17 NKJV - and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him], that we may also be glorified together.
C5 Christians suffer because the Gospel is exclusive, for it is only through Jesus can anyone be forgiven and reconciled: 1 Timothy 4:10 NKJV - For to this [end] we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is [the] Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
C6 Christians suffer because the government has outlawed Christian worship: 2 Timothy 2:9 NKJV - for which I [Paul] suffer trouble as an evildoer, [even] to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
C7 Christians suffer because we reject the temporary pleasures of sin: Hebrews 11:25 NKJV - [Moses] choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.
C8 Christians suffer because the devil hates God and Christians: Revelation 2:10 NKJV - "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw [some] of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
B4 Suffering—How do we respond?
C1 Pray to God: James 5:13 NKJV - Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.
C2 Trust in God’s grace: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV - And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
C3 Commit our soul to our God: 1 Peter 4:19 NKJV - Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls [to Him] in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
C4 Pray for our enemies: Matthew 5:44 NKJV - But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
C5 Be patient: 1 Peter 2:20 NKJV - For what credit [is it] if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this [is] commendable before God.
C6 Know to burn off our dross: Hebrews 12:10 WEB - For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.
C7 If all forsake, God will not: 2 Timothy 4:16-17 NASB - At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth.
B5 Questions:
C1 Jesus was forsaken. He said so. How can God forsake God? Need some help? See here and here.
C2 Why does God not always answer our prayers quickly, especially when we are suffering?
C3 How are we to handle being mocked, bullied, or beat for our faith?
C4 When praying, why are we to be honest with our God?
C5 How does God show Himself as the best counselor?
C6 Does God always deliver us? Why not?
C7 When God delivers us from suffering, what is to be our response?
C8 How does God understand our suffering? (Perhaps, we can refer to the first question).
C9 If God is a God of love, why do the innocent suffer? (Sometimes it is a loving chastisement to affect repentance. Sometimes it is a bad choice. In general, it is because of evil—people, spirits, sin, or situation. Evil is the absence of good).
C10 Why isn’t the Christian life easy?
B6 Next week
C1 He shall reign forever.
C2 Theme: A song for the King
C3 Scripture: Psalm 72

21 March 2018

Family First




Theme: Household of faith

Scriptures: Galatians 6:1-10

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)
Know: Believers help one another and keep doing what is good and right.
Think: Always be mindful that I will reap what I sow.
Do: Keep doing what is good, helping other believers.

B1 Outline of Galatians 6:1-10
C1 Christian duties towards the brethren Galatians 6:1-5
C2 Christian duties towards the pastor-teacher Galatians 6:6
C3 Christian duties towards ourselves Galatians 6:7-8
C4 Christian duties towards all Galatians 6:9-10
B2 Christian duties towards the brethren Galatians 6:1-5,
C1 The word overtaken, caught, is προλαμβάνω prolambanō. It has the idea of anticipate or surprise. When it refers to surprise, it shows that by the time we realize it, it is too late to respond.
C2 Please give an example of this kind of sin.
C3 What is the obligation of the church family towards this person?
C4 Name some things that the church family must do.
D1 Love: John 13:34 NKJV A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
D2 Unity: Ephesians 4:3 NKJV endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
D3 Warn: 1 Thessalonians 5:14 NKJV Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
D4 Pray: James 5:16 NKJV Confess [your] trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
D5 Meet needs: Romans 12:13 CSB Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
D6 Support, encourage, listen: Hebrews 12:12 NKJV Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.
D7 Material support of pastors and staff: 1 Timothy 17-18 MEV Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his reward.”
D8 Forgive: Colossians 3:13-14 MEV Bear with one another and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you, so you must do. 14 And above all these things, embrace love, which is the bond of perfection.
D9 Support the Christians under persecution: Hebrews 12:12-13 NKJV Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.
D10 Romans 12:13-21 CSB - Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God's wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
D11 There are other responsibilities and verses.
C5 The word for trespass is παράπτωμα paraptōma. It means a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness; a sin, misdeed (Thayers).
C6 How do we restore this person?
C7 How is Matthew 7:1?
D1 Matthew 7:1 NLT - Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.
D2 Read the context: Matthew 7:1-5 NLT - Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. "And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.
D3 What standard do we use to judge ourselves and others?
D4 How do the nonbelievers, in general, dismiss their sins?
C8 How do we watch out for ourselves so that we don’t fall into the sin of thinking we are someone important?
C9 How do we carry each other’s burdens?
C10 What is the standard to examine ourselves?
C11 Why do we examine ourselves by the teachings of the New Testament and not by comparing ourselves with another person?
C12 What is a gentle spirit?
C13 Let us be careful of ourselves. We must not do the same with our sins. Let us be truthful and confront ourselves.
B2 Christian duties towards the pastor-teacher Galatians 6:6,
C1 Not only are we to help all our brothers and sisters with physical, spiritual, emotional, or financial needs, we are to ensure those who work in the ministry are also helped. We are to do what we are able. Some may not have money or muscle, but we can all pray.
C2 Name some other ways we can help.
B3 Christian duties towards ourselves Galatians 6:7-8,
C1 How are we deceived?
C2 How do we avoid being deceived?
C3 Why must we be alert, not in spiritual mysticism?
D1 1 Peter 5:8 CSB Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
D2 Ephesians 4:27 NASB - and do not give the devil an opportunity. (Don’t forget to read the context, which is Ephesians 4:25-32.
C4 Discuss sowing to the Spirit and sowing to the flesh.
B4 Christian duties towards all. Galatians 6:9-10,
C1 What is doing good? How do we know what is good?
C2 Why do we get discouraged in doing good?
C3 What can we do to assist ourselves when we are discouraged?
C4 What are some priorities in doing good?
B5 Give some applications for living a Christian life from these passages.
C1 Ephesians 5:15-20 NLT - So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
C2 Colossians 4:2-4 NLT - Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
B6 Next week:
C1 Praising Him in pain
C2 Theme: A song for suffering
C3 Scriptures: Psalm 22