Adults Sunday School Lesson 13: 24th September, 2023.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, NIGERIA.
ADULTS SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 13,
JULY - DECEMBER, 2023.
SUNDAY, 24TH SEPTEMBER, 2023.

Unit 3: Worship In The Psalms

Topic: Acclaim Our Gracious God

Memory Verse: Psalm 147:1.
He has made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion (KJV).

Central Truth

God is gracious and compassionate.

The Lesson Outline

1. Reasons for Wholehearted Worship
A. God's Deeds Are Amazing - Psalm 111:1-4
B. Everything God Does Is Just and Good - Psalm 111:5-10

2. Lead a Grace-Filled Life
A. Fear the Lord - Psalm 112:1
B. Find Joy in a God-Fearing Life - Psalm 112:2-10

3. Exalt the Uplifting One
A. The Lord Is Exalted - Psalm 113:1--4
B. Who ls Like the Lord Our God? - Psalm 113:5-9

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Better understand what Scripture teaches concerning the glory and majesty of God, and how that impacts their worship.

2. Grasp the biblical concept of "the fear of the Lord," and respond with a commitment to humble reverence of Him.

3. Make the exaltation of God a central part of their worship, both within individual and church settings.

Introducing the Lesson

The primary focus of the Christian life is to worship God. Indeed, there are many reasons for doing so. He has created us, and desires for us to have fellowship with Him. He has redeemed us from sin, walks with us each day, and promises us eternity in His presence.

All of these blessings can be traced back to His grace, motivated by His love. He has given us more than we can imagine, and certainly more than we could deserve.

READ ALSO>>> Children's Sunday School Lesson 13: Sunday, 24th September, 2023.

The Holy Scriptures

Psalm 111:1. Praise ye the e LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3. His work is honorable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
9. He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
10. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Psalm 112:1. Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
4. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
5. Agood man sheweth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
6. Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
7. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
8. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.
9. He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honor.

Psalm 113:1. Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
2. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.
3. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.
4. The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
5. Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,
6. Who humbleth himself to behold the'things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Commentary and Application

1. Reasons for Wholehearted Worship

A. God's Deeds Are Amazing - Psalm 111:1-4

As we consider Psalm 111, keep in mind that this psalm was recited at celebrations after the people of Judah returned from the Babylonian exile. These words were significant for God's people. They had felt the sting of exile-the tragic consequences of persistent sin-then experienced the great joy of deliverance and return to the Promised Land.

The psalm opens with thanksgiving directed toward the Lord (verse 1). This verse provides a description of corporate worship and thanksgiving. The verses that follow describe the motivation for praise that God's people have as they gather together: They praise the Lord for His incredible works.

Verse 1 also provides an important description of God's people: They are "the assembly of the upright" (KJV). The "upright" honour God with their lives. They walk in obedience to His commands. This reminds us that our praise is to be accompanied by the love for and pursuit of godliness. Similarly, this gathering for praise is made up of those who love and follow the One they are praising. The Psalmist probably recalled how generations of his ancestors had called themselves God's people, and went through the actions of praise, but they rejected Him with their lives and ended up in judgement.

After defining the character of the worshippers, the Psalmist focuses on the content of their praise. God's deeds are amazing and worth pondering (verse 2). Why are they amazing? Because they testify of His greatness in creating, sustaining, and governing the entire universe. As we, His people, think about all He has done in making us, saving us, and helping us, we can be moved to even higher levels of praise.

The Psalmist reminds his readers in verse 3: "Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails" (NLT).

God is righteous and good; His righteousness is consistent. This is why we can always trust Him. He never goes back on His Word and never fails to do what He has promised. He is faithful to His righteous character.

It is not surprising, then, that the congregation of the godly' is reminded of His Works. We, too, see the great things He does every day. We recognise His love at work in us.

We observe His mercy changing lives that seemed unchangeable. We read the promises of His Word and know that our hope is real. Truly, God's works are amazing, for we see our amazing God at work in big and small ways.

Questions for Application

Describe something amazing God has done in your life.

In what sense is living according to God's conmmands an act of praise?

B. Everything God Does Is Just and Good - Psalm 111:5-10.

In Psalm 111:5, the writer focused on God's covenant promises to His people, which unfolded through the Law. First, the Psalmist recalled God's desire to care for the needs of His people. Indeed, care for the hungry and needy was a non-negotiable command from the Lord (see. Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 15:7-11). .It was part of their identity as God's people (see Isaiah 58:6-10).

We also see God's faithfulness to His covenant promises in the expansion of the nation of Israel (Psalm 111:6). God promised Abraham that he would become a great nation and bless all nations (Genesis 12:1-3). This promise became reality through the history of Israel. It even remained true when God's people forsook Him and were sent into exile. They had failed to live worthy of a just and good God.

However, the Lord has never failed to be good and just (Psalm 111:7). His Word will surely come to pass, and therefore must always “be obeyed faithfully and with integrity" (verse 8, NLT). This was a challenge for God's people throughout the Old Testament; it remains a challenge to God's people today. Too often, the world casts doubt on God's commands, claiming they are anticipated or intolerant, irrelevant to the current human situation. Such claims accuse God of being unjust, calling into question His goodness.

As His people, We mùst stay true to the conviction that God's ways are always just and good.

The Psalmist declares the reality that God has redeemed His people (verse 9). This verse could be the capstone of this psalm. Redemption has always been at the heart of God's dealings with humanity. In the Old Testament, He brought His people out of Egypt, rescued them from enemies, plagues, and trials. He then led them out of the Babylonian Exile.

Because we fear the Lord, we have a solid foundation from which to gain "true wisdom" (verse 10, NLT). How fitting it is, then, to declare with the Psalmist that God is good and just in all His ways. Let us say with the Psalmist, "Praise him forever! (NLT).

Questions for Application

How would you respond to someone who said that the BIble shows God is unjust or not good?

From what has God redeemed us through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection?

READ ALSO>>> Teens Sunday School Unit 4, Study 3: Sunday, 24th September, 2023.

2. Lead a Grace-Filled Life

A. Fear the Lord - Psalm 112:1

Joy and fear are not usually found together, yet Psalm 112 begins by declaring that those who fear the Lord are exceedingly joyful. As we examine this psalm, we realise why fearing the Lord will, in fact, produce great joy.

Verse 1 lays the groundwork and provides the proper perspective for this very practical and encouraging psalm. To understand this, however, we need to grasp the meaning of fearing God. To fear God means to revere Him and give proper respect to His exalted and sovereign position. Scripture is clear that while God is certainly our Friend, He is not our peer or our equal. He is worthy to demand, and receive, the highest honour and reverence a human being could possibly give.

The latter half of verse 1 seems quite natural and appropriate, then, In declaring that God's people "delight in obeying His commands" (NLT). Obedience isn't a drudgery or a burden when we recognise God to be all that He really is: Lord, omnipotent God, mighty Saviour and Redeemer, and loving Father who desires relationshíp with His children. Out of such a relationship, God's people enjoy the marvellous and gracious promises described in the remainder of the Psalm.

Questions for Application

How would you define the term fear of the Lord" to someone who struggles to understand what It means?

How might we show that we "delight" in obeying the Lord, rather than view obedience as drudgery?

B. Find Joy in a God-Fearing Life- Psalm 112:2-10.

As we read Psalm 112, we quickly recognise three practical and timeless aspects:

(1) it teaches the importance of godly living as a reflection of the One we serve;

(2) it realistically portrays everyday experiences of life and human interaction; and

(3) it reminds the reader that strong faith is the key to overcoming difficult times and hardships.

Godly men and women have the responsibility to leave a spiritual legacy (verse 2). While this is certainly true of parents and grandparents, all who impact the lives of children have opportunity to mentor them in the ways of the Lord.

In verse 3, the Psalmist explained that God's blessings are reflected in the life of the God-fearer. Here the focus is not on material blessings. "Wealth and riches" are often used in a non-material sense (Proverbs 8:18-19; 13:7). The "good deeds" (Psalm 112:3, NLT) describe how God's people have ordered their lives according to God's Word. This blessing will continue as their family continues to follow in the godly person's steps.

Circumstances might not always be favourable to those who are godly.
They may experience "darkness" (verse 4). But the light that shines in the darkness offers them hope. They can discern spiritual truth-God's divine will. Instead of drawing back in adversity, the hope that comes from God causes the godly to be "generous, compassionate, and righteous" (NLT). The God-fearer recognises the needs of others and looks for ways to meet those needs.

Those who fear God recognise His blessing on their lives and they, in turn, bless others. They are honest in all their dealings with others (verse 5). The fact they are "not overcome by evil" (verse 6, NLT) may mean that they do not retaliate against those who wrong them. If someone wrongs them, they act fairly toward that person. It could also mean that those who fear God find security in Him.

They persevere through the adversities of life. Their steadfastness in difficult times is a testimony to God's presence and strength in their lives. People will notice this steadfastness as an example of what it means to faithfully serve God. Even when "bad news" (e.g., difficulties, adversities) comes,tnhey are steadfast and "confidently trust the Lord to care for them" (verse 7, NLT) and "can face their foes triumphantly" (verse 8, NLT)

Verse 9 is similar to verse 4 in that the God-fearer recognises when people are in need, and he or she responds accordingly. This quality is always important, for needy people will always be present around us. How will we respond? The Psalmist is clear in saying that generous sharing is the proper response.

Perhaps the greatest contrast between God-fearer and unbeliever is brought to light in verse 10. When an unbeliever sees a believer acting in a godly way, the response is often anger, perhaps motivated by envy, guilt, or simple animosity toward the people of God. Such a response should not surprise the God-fearer. Rather, we can find consolation in knowing that God will bless us for eternity. Tragically, the unbeliever who persists in unbelief has a future of sadness and judgement.

Questions for Application

How do you most often respond when you see someone in need and how does that response compare to the words of the Psalmist?

What is the best response when an unbeliever expresses animosity toward you because you are living out your faith?

3. Exalt the Uplifting One

A. The Lord Is Exalted - Psalm 113:1-4.

Psalm 113 summons God's people to praise with a call to "praise the name of the Lord" (verse 1, NLT).

As is often the case in Scripture, the Lord's "name" is a reference to His character, reputation, and attributes. It points to the entirety of His being. When the worshipper exalts the name of the Lord. he or she is focusing on His character, goodness, and sovereign power over all of His creation.

The "blessed" in verse 2 focuses on bowing down. The name of the Lord is blessed when we bow down in worship and in humble submission to Him. Such submission begins when we first follow Him and continues throughout our lives. The honour, exaltation, and submission we offer God is to be a lifestyle. It ought to characterise every part of our lives.

In verse 4, the Psalmist described why the Lord is to be praised. Each nation of Canaan had its own god. There were many local gods to which the surrounding nations entrusted their well-being. By saying that God is exalted above the nations, the Psalmist pointed out that only the one true God can be trusted. The other nations were looking for power and'security in unworthy places. Only the Lord is worthy of the highest praise.

Questions for Application

What "other gods'" do people trust today, and why?

What are some practical ways to show submission to God?

READ ALSO>>> Adults Sunday School Lesson 11: Sunday, 10th September, 2023.

B. Who Is Like the Lord Our God? - Psalm 113:5-9

The Psalmist asked a rhetorical question: "Who is like unto the Lord?"

(Psalm 113:5, KJV). The obvious answer is no one. He is unique and unsurpassed. As Creator of heaven and the Earth, nothing in His creation compares with Him. This is what is known as the "transcendence of God," meaning that He is far above Creation in status and glory. Yet the Psalmist proclaimed the Immanence of God," a reference to His nearness to us. He "stoops" (verse 6, NLT) or "humbleth himself (KJV) on our behalf, to lift up those who are poor and needy, temporally and spiritually. Then He exalts them, moving them from the pit to the pinnacle (see 1 Samuel 2:8). Psalm 113:5-9 provide a picture of God's Work of compassion and stooping low on our behalf, as is seen in Christ. While we praise Him for reaching down to help us day by day, our ultimate praise can focus on the greatest spiritual reality: The Almighty, creator God, King of kings, has done what we could not do-He made the way for us to know Him.Blessed be the name of our Lord!

Questions for Application

Why is it important for a Christian to understand both the transcendence and immanence of God?

What are some ways God has "lifted you up" from the pit to the pinnacle?

Call to Discipleship

The grace of God is clearly at work in the lives of His people. His highly exalted status reminds us that He is above any circumstance. He has a plan for our lives. So, we must never neglect to worship God even in the hard times of life.

Ministry in Action

Find a friend who is struggling this week and encourage them in the Lord. Give of yourself in a tangible way, through time, finance, or other

resources, to help someone in need this week. Set aside a specific time each day this week to acclaim God, giving glory

to Him as your exalted Lord. Use Psalms 111-113 as a guide in your worship.