He Shall Reign Forever

Theme: A song for the King

Scripture: Psalm 72

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

Know: Jesus’ reign will be righteous, eternal, universal, benevolent, and glorious.

Think: View my life as service to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Do: Honor, serve, and submit to Jesus as King.

B1 Introduction

C1 This Psalm is labeled “Of Solomon,” but it is probably “For Solomon.” Note the last note of the Psalm. Others believe the ending reflects the Psalms from 42-72 as David’s Book of Psalms.

C2 Most likely a prayer by David for his son, Solomon, as Solomon is crowned king.

C3 It is Messianic.

C4 One summary of the Psalms can be found here.

C5 This Psalm is thought to be the inspiration of Isaac Watts’ poem Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun.

C6 For most of the Psalm is a series of requests for the king.

B2 A summary

C1 That the king may

D1 Have God's justice

D2 Have God's righteousness

D3 Have agriculture blessed

D4 Help and bring justice to the afflicted and the poor

D5 Punish the oppressor

D6 Have an eternal reign

D7 Bring growth, health, and blessing

D8 See an increase in righteous people

D9 Rule the whole world

D10 All bow their knee to him

D11 All leaders and people serve him

C2 The king will

D1 Rescue the poor

D2 Deliver the afflicted

D3 Have compassion (and doing something to help) the poor, helpless, those who have no one to help them

D4 Save them from oppression and violence

D5 Love their lives

C3 That the king may

D1 Live a long time

D2 Have gold

D3 Have prayers offered to him

D4 Have people praise and bless him forever

D5 Have plenty to supply everyone's need

D6 Have his name endure forever

D7 Have all nations be blessed by his reign

C4 Praise God forever

D1 He alone can do miracles

D2 Be praised as God forever

D3 Is a wonderful and mighty creator

B4 Questions

C1 What kind of king is this?

C2 Do you know or have you read of any king who is like this?

C3 How could this Psalm not be just of Solomon?

B5 Psalm 72:1,

C1 The word for judgment, justice, is מִשְׁפָּט mishpat. It means to render a decision.

C2 Why is this important for a king?

C3 How can we apply this to any leader, pastor, Christian, or decision?

B6 Psalm 72:2-7,

C1 The Lord Jesus is the Prince of Peace, who will bring peace. Why do people reject Him when they are asking for peace?

C2 How can we be at peace in this life?

C3 How can we encourage God’s peace in the world?

C4 Why is it important that the king give justice to the poor?

C5 How do present day leaders fail in this?

C6 How will He save the children of the needy?

C7 How would you explain abundance of peace?

C8 These verses foretell the coming Millennial Peace when Jesus reigns on David’s throne in Jerusalem:

D1 Isaiah 11:6-9 NKJV - The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.

D2 Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV - For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [His] government and peace [There will be] no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

C9 Why can’t any world leader ever bring peace?

C10 How do these 2 verses bring peace?

D1 John 16:33 NKJV - "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

D2 Romans 5:1 NKJV - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

B7 Psalm 72:8-11,

C1 Why will all fall down (bow) in His presence, before Him? Compare:

D1 Isaiah 45:23 NKJV - I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth [in] righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. (This is quoted in Romans 14:11).

D2 Philippians 2:10 NKJV - that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.

C2 Why is there a mention of other kings? Will there be other kings?

B8 Psalm 72:12-16,

C1 Many heretics preach a social gospel for the world’s salvation. What is the difference in these two quotes: (Quotes were found here)

D1 Vance Havner: If they had a social gospel in the days of the prodigal son, somebody would have given him a bed and a sandwich and he never would have gone home.

D2 Bill Clinton: I have always cherished the Methodist Church because it gave us the great gift of personal salvation but also the great obligation of social gospel, and I took that very seriously and have tried, tried to be guided in my own life ever since as an advocate for children and families, for women and men around the world who are oppressed and persecuted, denied their human rights and human dignity.

C2 How does the Bible describe the Gospel?

D1 John 6:29 NKJV - Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.

D2 John 20:31 NKJV - but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

D3 John 20:31 NKJV - but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

C3 How will Messiah’s justice and help for the needy be different, or are they?

C4 Why will Messiah’s kingdom see no hunger?

C5 How else will His kingdom be different?

B9 Psalm 72:17-20,

C1 How can this king live forever?

C2 Why doesn’t He become corrupt like most countries’ leaders?

C3 How will the whole earth be filled with His glory?

C4 How can the church and, more specifically, each Christian reflect the life and wishes of this King?

C5 How do we serve this king today?

C6 Who is this king?

B10 Next week

C1 A Lasting Love

C2 Theme: A Song of Enduring Love

C3 Scriptures: Psalm 89

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.

B1 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R83sNxHTzq4

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