Unit one Study 3

june 16, 2019

Study text for this week lesson: psalm 34:1-22

Key Verse: psalm 34:1 i will bless the lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth (kjv).

Central Truth: God is good and worthy of all praise.

Our Focus: to bless, fear, and trust in the lord.

God is good

Introducing the study

The superscription of Psalm 34 attributes this psalm to a time where David feigned insanity to save himself from the ruler of the Philistines, as described in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. Through the course of this psalm, David shared important lessons he learned in his time of desperation about God's ability to deliver and protect His people, as well as the value of placing one's confidence and trust in God. Psalm 34 is an acrostic psalm in which the verses begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (with two exceptions). In it, David urged the people to trust God in times of trouble, to be their Protector and Friend. At the end of this lesson you will be able to: 1. Explore how Psalm 34 exhorts God's people to adopt a lifestyle of praise founded upon the wisdom of the Lord 2. Help others recognize the goodness of God and His worthiness in receiving all our praise. 3. Encourage others to live a life of praise to God based on His goodness, kindness, and unfailing love.

BLESS THE LORD WHO SAVES (PSALM 34:1-7 )

The psalm begins with extolling God for His actions and blessings (Psalm 34:1-2). Praise is to be God-focused and God-centered: boast about the Lord. Proclaiming the goodness of God at all times can encourage the hurting to remain strong in their trust of the Lord. Christians can also be a blessing by sharing their own testimonies of praise. Praise nurtures a grateful heart. While it often begins as an individual endeavor, it can and should lead to others glorifying God for His goodness (verse 3). David described his own experiences with the Lord (verses 4,6). God delivered him from his fears and troubles, and God will do the same for us today. Those who seek God will find His help. This doesn't guarantee freedom from trouble, but He will be with His people through whatever comes. For this reason, God's people should radiate hope and joy rather than doom and gloom. Those who trust in God need not fear being ashamed, for God will deliver them from their troubles (verses 5-6). God's people are never outside of His care and protection (verse 7). God is at work to deliver and protect His people. The world should notice a difference in how we face and respond to the troubles we encounter. Our outlook on life should reflect the help and deliverance we find in the Lord.

[For Personal Reflection] How have you experienced God's presence, His deliverance, and His restoration?

FEAR THE LORD (Psalm 34:8-14)

David challenged the people to "taste and see" the Lord's goodness (Psalm 34:8). He called on people to trust in God and make Him their refuge. He also spoke of the need for God's people to fear Him (verse 9). This refers to having the proper respect for Him and commitment to living for Him. When God's people taste and see God's goodness, their view of life, the world, and eternity should change. They are reminded that His ways are best and worthy to be followed. David continued with instruction on how to walk after God's ways. Foundational to such a lifestyle is having a proper fear of the Lord (verses 11-12). Living this way will lead to a long and happy life, for God's way of living brings abundance and goodness. Keeping your tongue from evil and refraining from speaking lies is one aspect of walking in the Lord's ways (verse 13). What you say should build others up, not tear them down. another aspect is turning away from evil toward goodness and peace (verse 14). A godly lifestyle will result in right relationships with God and people. so choose to live according to God's ways. Take refuge in Him and His ways, trusting that the care He promises will be enough.

[For Personal Reflection] In what ways have you "tasted and seen" that the Lord is good?

TRUST IN THE LORD ( PSALM 34:15-22).

God's eyes are focused upon and His ears attuned to His people, but He is against evildoers (Psalm 34:15). Trouble may come to the righteous, but the Lord hears and delivers them when they cry out (verses 17-18). No matter the circumstance, God is faithful to walk alongside the righteous (verse 19). The reference to the breaking of bones in verse 20 conveys a general principle that the righteous are under God's protection (see also Matthew 10:30-31). Also, the apostle John saw in this verse a prophecy concerning Christ (John 19:33-37). In contrast to the righteous, who experience God's protection, the wicked will be slain by the evil they do (Psalm 34:21). And as the wicked tend toward oppressing the righteous, they will face condemnation (verse 22). Their trust in Him will be rewarded. Like David, you may experience troubles. And like David, you can find God's presence and deliverance. He has promised to be with you and hear you when you cry out to Him. Be encouraged in the knowledge God is ever near, and take refuge in Him.

[For Personal Reflection] Have you observed God being close to the brokenhearted and contrite in spirit?

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

Consider the main points of this week's study: Bless the Lord who saves, fear the Lord, and trust in the Lord. Do you rejoice in being a child of God, someone He has saved? In a time when so many relationships are shallow, how are you pursuing a vibrant and strong relationship with God? Do your choices reflect respect for who God is and what He has done for you? Do you care about what God thinks about the way you live? When things get tough, do you look to God for help or do you blame Him for your troubles? Instead of looking for answers on your own, look to God and follow His ways. In these ways, your life will proclaim that God is good and worthy of all praise.

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

Monday God's Creation Is Good. Genesis 1:1-2, 31 through 2:1

Tuesday God Is and Does Good Psalm 119:65-72

Wednesday God Promises To Do Good. Zechariah 8:14-17

Thursday Jesus Is the Good Teacher. Luke 18:18-25

Friday The Spirit Gives Good Gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Saturday The Father Provides Good Hope. 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17

See You In Sunday School Next Week!!!!

Copyright Reference: Radiant Life, Volume 100 Number 4 Jun. Jul. Aug. 2019 by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, Mo 65802.

Dr. June Normil