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

A Lasting Love

Theme: A Song of Enduring Love

Scriptures: Psalm 89

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

Know: We serve a loving God who is always faithful to His promises.

Think: Rest in the assurance that God loves me and will keep all of His promises.

Do: Trust and Praise God, even during times of discipline or hardship.

B1 Promise

C1 What is a promise?

C2 What is different about a promise made by God?

C3 Are all promises unconditional?

D1 What about this one? John 3:16 NKJV - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

D2 This one? Jeremiah 31:37 CSB - This is what the LORD says: Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below explored, will I reject all of Israel's descendants because of all they have done -- this is the LORD's declaration.

D3 This? Genesis 12:1-2 CSB - The LORD said to Abram: Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

D4 Finally: Romans 4:13-16 CSB - For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. If those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made empty and the promise nullified, because the law produces wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression. This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace, to guarantee it to all the descendants; not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of Abraham's faith. He is the father of us all.

B2 This is a Psalm: When you realize the great power and reign of God

C1 Praise for all His awesome strength and power Psalm 89:1-18

C2 God’s promise to King David Psalm 89:19-37

C3 God’s anger towards the king Psalm 89:38-45

C4 Prayer to God for deliverance Psalm 89:46-52

C5 Concerning the writer, Ethan: 1 Kings 4:31 NKJV - For he was wiser than all men—than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the surrounding nations.

B3 Praise for all His awesome strength and power Psalm 89:1-18,

C1 What is steadfast love?

D1 חֶסֶד cheçed, kheh'-sed

D2 Translated variously as mercy, unfailing love, great love, steadfast love, faithful love, lovingkindness, even beauty. In the bad sense it is translated reproof, envy, etc.

D3 It has the idea of kindness towards others motivated by love.

D4 The Psalmist (Ethan) declares that God is this way.

D5 Why do many people think God is mean, nasty, and carries a big stick to hit people?

C2 Is this a promise? Psalm 89:3-4 CSB - The LORD said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn an oath to David my servant: "'I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.' "Selah

C3 In Psalm 89:7 it is said that God is feared. What is the fear of God? And, do you fear Him?

C4 According to Psalm 89:11, do we own anything? Explain.

C5 Psalm 89:14, righteousness and justice are stated to be the foundation of His throne. Why would these two things be so important? Compare:

D1 Psalm 97:2 CSB - Clouds and total darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

D2 Proverbs 16:12 CSB - Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.

C6 Who is the Holy One of Israel mentioned in Psalm 89:18?

D1 Isaiah 10:20 CSB - On that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no longer depend on the one who struck them, but they will faithfully depend on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.

D2 Isaiah 41:14 CSB - Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel. I will help you' -- this is the LORD's declaration. Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

D3 Isaiah 43:15 CSB - I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.

D4 Luke 4:34 CSB - Leave us alone! What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are —the Holy One of God!

D5 Acts 13:35 MEV So He says in another Psalm: ‘You will not let Your Holy One see decay.

D6 1 John 2:20 MEV But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.

D7 Revelation 3:7 MEV To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens, says these things.

B4 God’s promise to King David Psalm 89:19-37,

C1 Why did King David receive such high and lofty promises?

D1 1 Samuel 13:14 NKJV - But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him [to be] commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.

D2 Acts 13:22 NKJV - And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the [son] of Jesse, a man after My [own] heart, who will do all My will.

C2 Even if King David’s descendants sin and rebel, God will not completely forsake His promise. Most of David’s descendants did rebel. Who is the one who was perfect and sinless?

D1 Matthew 1:1 KJV - The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

D2 Matthew 22:42-44 (MEV) “What do you think of the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool” ’?

B5 God’s anger towards the king Psalm 89:38-45,

C1 In this portion, the Psalmist speaks strongly against God, protesting against His treatment. He uses phrases as You have cast off, You have been furious, You have renounced, You have profaned, You have broken down, You have exalted the enemies. Do you think God is angry that a mere mortal is talking disrespectfully like this?

D1 This is how the Psalmist perceives it.

D2 God is a counselor. He can take it.

D3 The Psalmist is venting.

E1 There are at least 2 types of venting. The first is emotionally healthy, while the second is not.

E2 Unhealthy venting

F1 leads to further problems and emotions worsening.

F2 is usually too long to solve any problems.

F3 can destroy a relationship.

E3 Healthy venting

F1 waits a little while before talking.

F2 expresses feelings over a few minutes, say 5 minutes, then quits. Going too long brings up more anger instead of resolving it. The other person might become angry, too. Short term venting, catharsis, relieves stress, but if it goes too long, increases stress.

F3 Seeks to resolve a problem, not create one.

E4 Some tips (You might find more info here, not necessarily Christian viewpoint).

F1 Wait a little before venting.

F2 Take some deep breaths.

F3 Think of things to be thankful for.

F4 Be considerate of the listener.

F5 Don’t vent to the person you are angry with.

F6 Go to the creek or someplace and yell at some trees.

F7 Know that God is a good listener.

F8 What are the steps the Psalmist uses?

E5 It might be helpful to discuss some verses

F1 Romans 15:1-3 MEV We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak and not please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself. But as it is written, “The insults of those who insulted You fell on Me.

F2 Galatians 5:13-14 (MEV) You, brothers, have been called to liberty. Only do not use liberty to give an opportunity to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

B6 Prayer to God for deliverance Psalm 89:46-52,

C1 Psalm 89:46 NKJV - How long, LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire? Compare: Psalm 13:1-2 NKJV - To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, [Having] sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

C2 Hasn’t there been a time in your life that you felt this way?

C3 How would you answer the question in Psalm 89:46?

C4 How could Psalm 89:46 be helpful and comforting to someone?

C5 How would you answer this question: Psalm 89:47 CSB - Remember how short my life is. Have you created everyone for nothing?

C6 How would you answer these: Psalm 89:48 CSB - What courageous person can live and never see death? Who can save himself from the power of Sheol?Selah

C7 Why would the Psalmist ask this question: Psalm 89:49 CSB - Lord, where are the former acts of your faithful love that you swore to David in your faithfulness?

C8 I thought we had to forgive everyone. Why would the Psalmist ask God: Psalm 89:50-51 CSB - Remember, Lord, the ridicule against your servants -- in my heart I carry abuse from all the peoples -- how your enemies have ridiculed, LORD, how they have ridiculed every step of your anointed. It appears he wants God to remember their evil.

C9 After all the complaints prayed to God, Ethan prays: Psalm 89:52 CSB - Blessed be the LORD forever. Amen and amen. How is this a good attitude to have in difficulties and pleasures?

B7 Questions

C1 Name some ways how love is enduring.

C2 What is the difference between God’s love and human love, or can they be the same?

B8 Next week:

C1 Bless the Lord

C2 Theme: A Song of Praise

C3 Scripture: Psalm 103