ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, NIGERIA.
ADULTS SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
UNIT 3, LESSON 14,
JULY - DECEMBER, 2023.
SUNDAY, 1ST OCTOBER, 2023.
Lesson 14: Magify Our Incomparable Lord
Memory Verse: Psalm 86:5.
For thou, LORD, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee (KJV).
Central Truth
There is no god like the Lord God.The Lesson Outline
1. Commune With the Incomparable GodA. Call Upon the Lord - Psalm 86:1-7
B. No Other Gods Are Like Him - Psalm 86:8-10
2. Learn From the Merciful God
A. "Teach Me Your Ways" - Psalm 86:11-13
B. "Have Mercy on Me" - Psalm 86:14-17
3. God Reigns Supreme Forever
A. "Let AII That I Am Praise the Lord" - Psalm 146:1-2
B. Have Confidence in God - Psalm 146:3-10
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:1. Acknowledge God's uniqueness over all the powers in this world.
2. Understand what Psalms teaches about the character of God and praise Him as an act of confidence in His character.
3. Praise God for His love and mercy to all people, then demonstrate His love to others.
Introducing the Lesson
Throughout this unit, we have explored many facets of what it means to worship the Lord. It is fitting that the unit ends with a focus on magnifying the Lord - lifting high our allegiance to Him above everyone and everything else in our lives.In Psalms 86 and 146, we find an emphasis on mercy followed by a declaration that He will reign forever.
May our joy over these realities flow freely from our lives in both our worship and in our declaration of the Lord to the world around us.
The Holy Scriptures
Psalms 86:1-17[1] (A Prayer of David.) Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
[2] Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
[3] Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
[4] Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
[5] For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
[6]Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
[7] In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
[8] Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
[9] All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
[10] For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
[11] Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
[12] I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
[13] For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
[14] O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
[15] But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
[16] O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
[17] Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.
Psalms 146:1-7
[1] Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
[2] While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
[3] Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
[4] His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.
[5] Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
[6] Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
[7] Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:
Commentary and Application
1. Commune with the Incomparable God
A. Call Upon the Lord - Psalm 86:1-7.
Psalm 86 opens with a prayer similar to what we studied in Psálm 113:6, as God is said to stoop low to engage with His people.Here the Psalmist pleads, "Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer" (verse 1, NLT). Such a request recognises God's exalted position as well as the Psalmist's desperate need to hear from Him.
This is similar to the place we often find ourselves today when we go to prayer.
The Psalmist here is David, once again in deep prayer as he is under threat from his enemies, yet without giving specific details (Psalm 86:2).
As a result, some commentators note that this can serve as a kind of model prayer for believers today.
David appealed to relationship, noting his trust in and devotion to God. So, he declares: "You are my God" (NLT). Such an announcement of trust also speaks to humble submission to God's care and will. David is calling upon the Lord, recognising that he cannot save himself. Indeed, he readily gives himself- his well-being, his future, and his trust-to the Lord (verses 3-4).
Despite the fact his enemies continued to threaten him, David maintained his confidence in the unchanging righteous character and loving mercy of the Lord.
The great and mighty Lord is forgiving of those who seek Him (Psalm 86:5).
The implication, of course, is that this seeker approached with a penitent heart (much like he did in Psalm 51).
Truly, the love of the Lord is unfailing: He will never come up short in acts of grace or decide to ignore His promises. As a result, David cried out to the Lord with a strong sense of trust in Him.
Note David's declaration that God will "listen" and "hear," and ultimately "answer" his cries for help (Psalm 86:6-7, "give ear," "attend" and "answer" KJV).
Note especially the beautifully simple expression of faith seen in verse 7:"1 will call to you whenever I'm in trouble" (NLT),
David recognised God as his only source of help, and he affirmed that no other source Would be either needed or able to help him.
Questions for Application
What enemy is threatening you today, and how can you best respond?Why is it important to recognise that God is your only source of help?
B. No Other Gods Are Like Him - Psalm 86:8-10.
Psalm 86:8-10 form a fitting capstone to the previous seven verses. David's heartfelt cry for mercy exudes confidence in the Lord.Why could he trust the protection of God? How could he know that forgiveness was genuine?
What made him so certain that God would be faithful to answer him?
He knew all of this because there is no god like the Lord (verse 8). Then, how could he know this?
Because he could look to the great works of the Lord: "None can do what you do!" (NLT).
It follows, then, that all the other nations, with their false gods, would bow before the Lord, praise His, name, and thereby recognise Him : as Lord of lords (verse 9). As we observe this Verse from the perspective of New Testament believers, we can See several implications to what David has said.
In one sense, we note an ominous tone, recognising that unbelievers who continue in their sin will someday recognise the truth:
He is Lord-and Judge. However, we might also think back to the great covenant promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3, and thereby be reminded that God's grace is ultimately intended for the nations.
Every race, nationality, and lineage can cry out to Him, recognising Him as Creator, Lord, and Maker of salvation through Christ (see Romans 14:11-12; Philippians 2:10-11).
While Psalm 86:10 serves to strengthen the declarations the Psalmist has already given in this psalm, there is an added point to mention.
The phrase "wondrous things" (KJV; wonderful deeds" NLT) carries the idea of miraculous deeds, divine acts that go beyond human understanding and reason.
Still today, miracles testify to the reality of our God. They reveal a God who is able to do even the unimaginable on behalf of His people.
As we declare our incomparable God to an unbelieving world around us, we can do so knowing that He will work great things, and even miraculous things, as we place our trust in Him.
Questions for Application
Why do you think it is hard for many to acknowledge that God is who Scripture says that He is?Describe a time when you have Seen or heard of God doing the miraculous.
2. Learn from the Merciful God
A. "Teach Me Your Ways" - Psalm 86:11-13.
Clearly, David's commitment to the Lord, was more than just Intellectual knowledge or empty Words.He deeply desired to live out what he believed about the Lord, as seen in his request to God: "Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live Accórding to your truth!" (Psalm 86:11, NLT).
Yet he also recognised that such a pursuit would pose a challenge.
The latter phrase of this verse reads, "Unite my heart" (KJV). Every human being is prone to wander spiritually, no matter how deep his or her passion for the Lord might be.
This issue, the problem of a divided heart, is the challenge that we all face each day. It is a challenge to put aside human desires in favour of honouring and serving our Lord.
Yet we can take comfort in knowing that even David, a man after God's own heart (see 1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), faced such a struggle. And we, like David, can find victory amid Our ongoing struggle as we continue to learn and follow the truths of God.
David followed in Psalm 86:12 with a solemn vow to the Lord: He would praise the Lord with all his heart. "Heart" is a reference to one's feelings, will, intellect, and understanding.
Simply put, David vowed that his affections and desires would always be focused on the Lord.
Furthermore, he would give glory to God "forever" (NLT).
His praise would not be a one-time event. It would not be and flow with the circumstances of life.
He would not limit his praise to those moments when he could clearly see the hand of God working to bless him. David's praise would be unconditional.
David provides a good example for us.
Praise is easier to offer at Some times than other times.
Similarly, there are moments when We want to express our praise, yet hold back in an area where our faith is challenged.
We must recall the conviction that David voiced in Psalm 86:13: The Lord's love for us is great.
He has rescued us from death. He has accomplished this through Christ. Praise be to the name of the Lord!
Questions for Application
What might cause a person's praise to the Lord to be half-hearted?How can a Christian overcome barriers that keep him or her from offering undivided praise to the Lord?
B. "Have Mercy on Me" - Psalm 86:14--17.
While Psalm 86:14 records the cry of David amid threats from enemies, it serves as a timeless prayer for all God's people.The problem with these enemies is their rejection of God: "You mean nothing to them" (NLT). Such rejection is at the root of the evil in this world.
Whether the opposing forces are evil people or evil spiritual beings, they are violent, lacking compassion, and arrogant because sin rules them.
Keeping this in focus helps remember that life's battles are often spiritual battles.
David recognises this, prompting him to place his focus fully on the Lord. Unlike his enemies, who populate the evil, fallen world around him, God is compassionate, merciful, loving, and patient (verse 15). David's words might remind us of Exodus 34:5-7.
This passage recounts the second time Moses received the covenant from God.
Furthermore, God proclaimed these words when He gave the new copy of the covenant, after the people Worship the golden calf (see Éxodus 32:1-14), not long after the miraculous Exodus from Egypt.
What a powerful example of God's patience, mercy, compassion, and love for His people.
What joy, then, it must have given David in being able to reflect on God's gifts of mercy and strength (Psalm 86:16).Clearly, he recognised his own flaws and weaknesses. He needed strength.
He needed mercy. And he needed to be saved from his enemies.
Such could be said of every God-follower. And, thankfully, God responds.
As he anticipated the answer to his prayers, David asked for a sign (verse 17).
This refers to a desire for Some indication that God is acting on his behalf. In other words, David asked for God to show him that He was at work; it does not necessarily refer to the actual answer to his prayers. It was, in effect, a request for divine comfort and reassurance.
Such a sign might also indicate to David's enemies that God was at work in his situation.
As a result, they would have been put to shame; that is, their reckless and selfish rejection of God would be proven wrong. Still today, God reminds us that He is walking alongside us and working in us.
This brings us comfort, and also serves as) a sign to unbelievers around ùs-not just in convicting them of their sin but also as a source of encouragement. In 1 Peter 3:115, Peter reminded believers to be rèady to answer those who ask about the hope that is evident in us.
As people around us, even enemies, see God's hand in our lives, we are able to respond with a message of hope.
Questions for Application
How can knowing that God is patient and merciful impact how we pray for and interact with unbelievers?What are some ways God brings comfort into your life amid hard times?
3. God Reigns Supreme Forever
A. "Let All That I Am Praise the Lord'" - Psalm 146:1-2.
Psalm.146 is one of the "Hallelujah Psalms," so called because each begins with the Hebrew Word halelu, an imperative word meaning "praise!"The three groups of Hallelujah Psalms are 104-106: 111-113: 146-150.
The last group of five psalms are a fitting conclusion to the Book of Psalms, as they focus on rendering exuberant praise to the Lord.
Psalm 146:1 begins with an exclamation of praise without reservation: "Let all that I am praise the LORD" (NLT).
The Psalmist's worship would not be dulled-or amplified-simply by the mood of the day. He desired his whole heart to be continually occupied in praise to the one true God.
Such praise would be a lifelong pursuit: "I will praise the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath" (verse 2, NLT).
This declaration is important for two reasons. First, it looks ahead to the "dying breath" of the Psalmist. Death is the ultimate enemy.
As New Testament believers, we know that death is the last enemy to be destroyed (see 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; note that Christ will be that great conqueror of death).
In declaring praise to God until one's final breath, we declare that we will trust God even in the face of this enemy. He is greater than even the terrors of death (see also 1 Corinthians 15:54-56).
The declaration of lifelong praise is also important because it sets the foundation for the rest of the psalm.
In the section that follows, we can observe how this psalm courses through many of our everyday thoughts, concerns, and needs of life.
Truly, God will answer the cry of the believer that echoes in the voice of the Psalmist:
Our Lord walks beside us, caring for us, each and every day of our lives.
Questions for Application
What are some ways our moods can impact our worship and praise?Why is it important to keep in mind that our varying moods are not necessarily wrong; they often simply serve to guide our praise as we allow them to do so?
What signs do you observe that God is walking with you each day?
B. Have Confidence in God - Psalm 146:3-10.
Psalm 146:34 is a reality check for the human race. At our very best and most powerful, we still fall short.We are still fallible. In the end, even the most successful people return to the Earth-that is, the dust, from which God first made Adam.
In contrast, the godly find joy, help, and hope in the Lord (verse 5). Such hope is well placed.
As we look at verses 7-9, it is important to note that the specific needs listed have something in common:
Each status describes the kind of person who was neglected or even exploited in Bible times - just as they often are today.
And so, while humanity might turn their backs or take advantage, the Creator looks upon them with compassion. In contrast, however, God "frustrates the plans of the wicked," who do evil to the vulnerable around them (verse 9, NLT).
It is fitting, then, that we can join with the Psalmist in concluding, The LORD will reign forever Praise the LORD!" (verse 10, NLT).
Questions for Application
What are some ways we are tempted to trust people rather than God?Who are some of the vulnerable among us today, and how can we help them?
Call to Discipleship
God indeed presents us with a choice today: Either praise Him, or trust in ourselves and others.May we choose to magnify our incomparable Lord.
Ministry in Action
Find a reason to praise the Lord each day this week, then spend time giving Him praise. Endeavour to make this a regular part of your prayer life.Text, e-mail, or call a fellow class member or church member in need with a word of encouragement and prayer this week.
As a class, organise an event to help someone in the church who is needy or vulnerable.
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