The Greatest Love

Theme: God is love

Scriptures:

• 1 John 4:7-19
• Psalm 40
• Ephesians 2:1-10
• Romans 5:6-11
• John 3:16-17

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)

Know: God’s very nature is love, and His actions demonstrate what love is like.

Think: View love for God and love for others as the guiding principles of my life.

Do: Follow God’s example of love and demonstrate love as a way to draw near to Him.

A1 Love

B1 Love is a choice, not an emotion.

B2 It is seen by its actions (private and public): 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn't brag about itself, is not haughty, Doesn't behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn't easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, Doesn't rejoice in injustice, but rejoices with the truth, Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends…

C1 Does these verses describe God’s love?

C2 How would you explain the difference between God’s love for believers, the love of spouses, parent’s love for their children, love to a neighbor, and love to an enemy?

C3 What is people’s greatest failure to understand what love is?

C4 Why do some people love their dog more than their wife (or husband)?

C5 Does God love everyone equally?

C6 Does God hate?

D1 Consider: Romans 9:13 Just as it is written, "Jacob, I have loved; Esau, I have hated."

E1 The context shows this to be nations.

E2 Esau, the person, never served Jacob, the person.

E3 The word hate is hate as in Luke 6:22 NKJV - Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake.

D2 Consider: Amos 6:8 NKJV - The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself, The LORD God of hosts says: "I abhor the pride of Jacob, And hate his palaces; Therefore I will deliver up the city And all that is in it. Thus, there are reasons for God to hate something.

D3 Some things God hates

E1 Pride: Proverbs 8:13 (GNT) To honor the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil ways and false words.

E2 Sin: Revelation 21:8 NIV - But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.

E3 Rebellion: Jude 1:11 NKJV - Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

E4 Unbelief: Mark 16:14 NLT - Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead.

E5 Evil: Amos 5:15 NKJV - Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the LORD God of hosts Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

E6 Six things: Proverbs 6:16-19 CSB - The LORD hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

E7 If God hates these things, what are we to do?

D4 Some things we are to hate:

E1 Hate what is evil: Romans 12:9 (GNT) Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.

E2 Three things to hate: 1 John 2:16 NKJV - For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.

E3 These evil things: Matthew 15:19 CSB - For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, slander. This is why a new heart is needed, for the original one cannot be fixed. The heart is the deepest unconscious or conscious desire.

E4 Arrogant, narcisstic pastors: 3 John 1:9-10 CSB - I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have first place among them, does not receive our authority. This is why, if I come, I will remind him of the works he is doing, slandering us with malicious words. And he is not satisfied with that! He not only refuses to welcome fellow believers, but he even stops those who want to do so and expels them from the church. The Lord Jesus hates these things, too. How do we avoid Diotrephes type pastors? Have you ever met one?

E5 Our former life: 1 Peter 4:3 NKJV - For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

F1 What does God think about our past?

F2 Does the former lifestyle lead us to heaven, forgiveness of sins, and fellowship with God?

F3 How can we hate these things?

E6 Name some others things we are to hate.

B3 Questions

C1 If God hates these things, what are we to love?

C2 If we see our brother or sister doing these things, how are we to love?

C3 If we see ourself doing these things, how are we to love?

A2 1 John 4:7-19,

B1 1 John was given to help us discern if we are Christians.

B2 What is the source of true love?

B3 How did God show (demonstrate His love)?

B4 How do Christians show true love to each other?

C1 ...to our spouse?

C2 ...to our children?

C3 …to our parents?

C4 ...to our fellow Christians in the assembly?

B5 How does God’s love affect us and the judgment?

A3 Psalm 40,

B1 Of all the good things taught in this Psalm, we will ask a few questions about these verses: Psalm 40:6-11 NIV - Sacrifice and offering you did not desire-- but my ears you have opened-- burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, "Here I am, I have come-- it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart." I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, LORD, as you know. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.

C1 You have opened my ears has the idea that we cannot understand God’s truth without God’s grace. If He doesn’t give us understanding (opening our ears), we will not understand. Sacrifice and offering is required according to Mosaic Law. The Psalmist understood that this is ineffective.

D1 1 Samuel 15:22 NIV - But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

D2 Jeremiah 7:22-23 NIV - For when I brought your ancestors out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.

D3 The obedience required today is to repent and believe the Gospel. Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, Saying, "The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near. Repent! Believe the gospel."

C2 I desire to do your will, my God. Your law is within my heart. Most consider this to be Messianic. The Lord Jesus said: John 4:34 NKJV - Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

B2 What are some things we learn from this?

A4 Ephesians 2:1-10,

B1 Why does God love?

B2 What is the difference between God’s love and human love?

B3 What does grace and mercy have to do with love?

A5 Romans 5:6-11,

B1 How does this verse help understand agape love: 1 John 3:18 - Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

B2 Why did the Lord Jesus die for His enemies?

C1 It is His character: 2 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV - Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. And, 1 John 4:8 NKJV - He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

C2 For fellowship. Note, God does not NEED to have fellowship, but He does want to: 1 John 1:3 NKJV - that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

C3 Because He is merciful: Nehemiah 9:17 NKJV - They refused to obey, And they were not mindful of Your wonders That You did among them. But they hardened their necks, And in their rebellion They appointed a leader To return to their bondage. But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them.

A6 John 3:16-17,

B1 How is giving up your only begotten son showing love?

B2 What is the Lord Jesus saying to Nicodemus?

C1 “I am the Son of God.”

C2 “If you believe in me, you will be forgiven and be reborn.”

C3 Our good works are not even mentioned, because they cannot save.

B3 Why was the Lord Jesus sent into the world?

B4 How can seeing God’s love help us to love others?

A7 Next week:

B1 Holy! Holy! Holy!

B2 Theme: God is holy.

B3 Scriptures:

• Exodus 15:1-21
• Revelation 4:8-11
• 1 Samuel 2:1-3
• Isaiah 5:13-25
• Isaiah 6:1-6
• Joshua 24:19-28
• Ezekiel 39:1-24
• Leviticus 19:1-4
• Psalm 99
• Proverbs 9:7-12
• 1 Peter 1:14-21

When Under Attack

Theme: A song for justice

Scripture: Psalm 109

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)

Know: We will experience opposition and injustice in a sinful and fallen world.

Think: Consider God my help and shield against those who oppose or attack me.

Do: Ask God to deliver me from my enemies, leaving the vengeance to Him.

A1 Outline

B1 What the evil person did (Psalm 109:1-5)

B2 What the evil person deserves (Psalm 109:6-15)

B3 What the evil person did (Psalm 109:16-20)

B4 What the righteous person asks for (Psalm 109:21-31) (We can’t have perfect parallelism, because we do not deserve, we request mercy).

A2 About the Psalm

B1 This is one of the imprecatory Psalms.

B2 While there are various opinions regarding these (see here), they are inspired by God.

B3 In my opinion, they are the feelings of the Psalmist. The person/s spoken about have crossed God’s do-not-cross line, choices have consequences, and sin must be punished.

B4 Also, some are Messianic either directly or have Messianic overtones.

B5 Discuss possible reasons for these Psalms, why they are in the Scriptures, and how could a omnibenevolent God allow such things to happen.

B6 We suffer like our Master. Consider this from the Letter to Diognetus : They [Christians] love all men, and by all men are persecuted.  ¹²They are unknown, and still they are condemned; they are put to death, and yet they are brought to life.  ¹³They are poor, and yet they make many rich; they are completely destitute, and yet they enjoy complete abundance.  ¹⁴They are dishonored, and in their very dishonor are glorified; they are defamed, and are vindicated.  ¹⁵They are reviled, and yet they bless; when they are affronted, they still pay due respect.  ¹⁶When they do good, they are punished as evildoers; undergoing punishment, they rejoice because they are brought to life.  ¹⁷They are treated by the Jews as foreigners and enemies, and are hunted down by the Greeks; and all the time those who hate them find it impossible to justify their enmity.

A3 What the evil person did (Psalm 109:1-5),

B1 What is described as the Psalmist’s main complaint? What was this evil man doing?

B2 What are we to do when people lie about us?

B3 What do we do, if we show kindness and love, yet are lied about and verbally abused before others?

B4 Tips

C1 Pray: “I am in prayer.”

C2 Entrust: 1 Peter 4:19 CSB - So then, let those who suffer according to God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good. The Greek word for entrust means commit, to deliver, to give custody of. How do we entrust ourselves to God?

C3 God knows the truth:

D1 Psalm 31:5 NKJV - Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

D2 John 2:23-25 (Pickering) Now while He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed into His name, observing the signs that He was doing. But as for Jesus Himself, He did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all men and that He had no need that anyone should testify about man, because He Himself knew what was in man.

C4 God is judge: Acts 10:42 NKJV - And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.

C5 You are in good company:

D1 Luke 23:46 NKJV - And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'into Your hands I commit My spirit.' " Having said this, He breathed His last.

Acts 7:59 NKJV - And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

A4 What the evil person deserves (Psalm 109:6-15),

B1 Why does David ask so many punishments against these liars?

B2 Is God under any obligation to do these things?

B3 Does God want repentance from these people or punishment?

B4 Does God rejoice in the death of the wicked?

C1 Ezekiel 33:11 NKJV - "Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'

C2 Ezekiel 18:23, 32 NKJV - "Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord GOD, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live? ... "For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. "Therefore turn and live!"

B5 Is this Psalm a prophecy of Judas? Consider:

C1 Acts 1:15-20 NKJV - And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, "Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; "for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry." (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) "For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it'; and, 'Let another take his office.'

C2 John 6:66-71 NKJV - From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. "Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.

B5 Was Judas like a lot of phony religious leaders? Matthew 10:2-8 NKJV - Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: "Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. "But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

B6 How do leaders like this get into positions of authority and power?

A5 What the evil person did (Psalm 109:16-20),

B1 In this passage, this evil person/s show a life opposite of what a believer should be. Does this give a believer today guidance of how we should live?

B2 In Psalm 109:16, give some examples of those who might be broken in heart?

C1 Abused women, men, and children. Often the elders, pastors, etc. persecute the abused and protect the abuser.

C2 Those who have had a loved one killed.

C3 Who else?

B3 Instead of grieving for the sins of society, they cover it up. We should grieve: Ezekiel 9:3-6 NLT - Then the glory of the God of Israel rose up from between the cherubim, where it had rested, and moved to the entrance of the Temple. And the LORD called to the man dressed in linen who was carrying the writer's case. He said to him, "Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all who weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed in their city." Then I heard the LORD say to the other men, "Follow him through the city and kill everyone whose forehead is not marked. Show no mercy; have no pity! Kill them all--old and young, girls and women and little children. But do not touch anyone with the mark. Begin right here at the Temple." So they began by killing the seventy leaders.

B4 What is the meaning of the phrase: He wore cursing as his garment? Note that this cursing could be in thoughts, words, desires, and/or deeds.

B5 Does God sometimes punish the evil person with the very same things that the evil person did?

A6 What the righteous person asks for (Psalm 109:21-31),

B1 How would these verses be applied to our Lord Jesus?

B2 In the early morning hours I go for my run. At the end of the driveway is a yard light. When I look down I see my shadow. If the night is clear with no moon, I can see my shadow with difficulty up to ¼ of a mile (~400 meters). This is the meaning of the phrase: Psalm 109:23 CSB - I fade away like a lengthening shadow...

B3 Why do these people have such arrogance to wish all kinds of evil against someone?

B4 In Psalm 109:30, how does the one who is delivered by Almighty God respond?

B5 Why kind of deliverance is spoken of in Psalm 109:31? Is this spiritual deliverance, physical deliverance, both, neither, other?

B6 Why does God deliver people?

B7 How did the Father deliver His son, the Lord Jesus?

A7 Other questions:

B1 Why do the Psalms bring comfort? There are Psalms for praise, for asking for help, for grieving, for feelings of revenge, etc.

B2 Why does God deliver anyone?

B3 Who are the people the hurt us the most? Is it strangers, friends, family, spouse, pastor, government, or boss?

B4 What is the difference between justice and revenge?

A8 Next week:

B1 The greatest love

B2 Theme: God is love

B3 Scriptures:

• 1 John 4:7-19
• Psalm 40
• Ephesians 2:1-10
• Romans 5:6-11
• John 3:16-17

Bless The Lord

Theme: A Song of Praise

Scripture: Psalm 103

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)

Know: God deserves our continuous praise for all He does for us.

Think: Always be mindful of the blessings of God in my life.

Do: Praise God daily for the many blessing He gives.

B1 This deals with a lot of God’s attributes.

B2 Psalm 103:1-2,

C1 Introduction of David’s song

C2 Praising God

C3 Bless

D1 The Hebrew word is בָּרַךְ bârak (baw rhack).

D2 It means

E1 The greater to the lesser: a boon, blessing, etc. It is to confer something good on or to someone (source).

E2 The lesser to the greater: kneel, praise, etc. It is to glorify and to regard as sacred (source).

D3 Uses

E1 Genesis 1:22 (MEV) Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.”

E2 Psalm 16:7 (MEV) I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my affections also instruct me in the night seasons.

E3 Psalm 10:3 (MEV) For the wicked boasts of his soul’s desire; he blesses the greedy and despises the Lord.

C4 All that is within me probably signifies the difference between mere outward worship and inward worship. Mark 7:6 (MEV) He answered, “Well has Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.

B3 Psalm 103:3-5, Some benefits

C1 Forgives all

D1 What did the Psalmist know that many of his contemporaries did not? Hebrews 10:4 CSB - For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

D2 Hebrews 10:10 CSB - By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.

C2 Heals all. Is this physical or spiritual or both?

C3 Redeems life from destruction.

D1 What destruction is he referring to?

D2 The word for redeems is גָּאַל gâʼal and refers to kinsman redeemer.

D3 What does this remind you of? Compare: Ruth 4:13-14 and Isaiah 44:6 (MEV) Thus says the Lord the King of Israel, and his Redeemer the Lord of Hosts: I am the first, and I am the last; besides Me there is no God.

C4 Crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

D1 It is understood that the crown is woven with lovingkindness and compassion. (Source)

D2 Matthew Henry comments: and what greater dignity is a poor soul capable of than to be advanced into the love and favour of God? (Source)

C5 Satisfies our mouths which renews our youth

D1 Is there anything that is more satisfying than God’s blessings?

D2 What blessing has He given you?

D3 1 Timothy 6:17 (MEV) Command those who are rich in this world that they not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who richly gives us all things to enjoy.

B4 Psalm 103:6-8,

C1 Name one blessing from these verses that you have experienced.

C2 What is the balance between God’s justice (judgment) and mercy?

B5 Psalm 103:9-12,

C1 Has God ever been angry at you? How did you respond?

C2 Why is God’s mercy extended to those who fear Him?

C3 Is this an illustration of God’s mercy?

D1 A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death. "But I don't ask for justice, the mother explained. "I plead for mercy. "But your son does not deserve mercy, Napoleon replied. "Sir, the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for. "Well, then, the emperor said, "I will have mercy. And he spared the woman's son. (Source)

D2 Or can God extend mercy because justice and God’s conditions were met?

E1 Hebrews 9:26 (MEV) For then He would have had to suffer repeatedly since the world was created, but now He has appeared once at the end of the ages to put away sin by sacrificing Himself.

E2 Old Testament: Exodus 20:6 NKJV - but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

F1 All are required to love God and keep His law. If a person does love God, they will want to keep the law.

F2 No one can do this: Romans 3:20 NKJV - Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.

E3 New Testament:

F1 2 Thessalonians 1:8 NKJV - in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

F2 1 Peter 4:17 NKJV - For the time [has come] for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if [it begins] with us first, what will [be] the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

F3 Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

D3 Let’s say that when I was 10 years old, I was throwing rocks. Not paying attention, I hit my dad in the forehead. He has an injury that requires suturing. Someone has to pay. After confessing and acknowledging that I did it, I was stupid, and I was not paying attention, he can do a number of things. He can say, “Ok, I know you learned your lesson,” thus, showing mercy, but he pays the doctor’s bills. He might say though, “I forgive you, but you must do extra chores to pay for the doctor’s bills.” In the latter, I pay. Regarding sin, either I pay (hell) or God pays:

E1 1 Peter 1:18-19 CSB - For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb.

E2 Ephesians 2:8-9 CSB - For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.

B6 Psalm 103:13-14,

C1 What does this teach us about fathers?

C2 How does God pity (show compassion to) us?

B7 Psalm 103:15-18,

C1 How long is life? If short or long, how should we prioritize? Isaiah 55:6 NKJV - Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

C2 Explain the difference between God’s rules in the Old Testament and the New Testament.

B8 Psalm 103:19-22,

C1 Where is God’s throne?

C2 What is the extent of God’s kingdom?

C3 Why don’t we see God’s rule on earth today?

B9 Questions

C1 How do we continually praise God?

C2 Is praising God only verbal or are there other ways?

C3 How can we remind ourselves of God’s blessings?

C4 How can we praise God in difficulties?

B10 Next week:

C1 When under attack

C2 Theme: A song for justice

C3 Scripture: Psalm 109