Psalm 98 Worksheet

This is the first Psalm since Psalm 92 with an ancient heading or inscription – before the Psalm begins it reads, “A Psalm.”

Number of Ancient Headings in each Book of the Psalms:

Book of the Psalms: Number of Headings:

Book 1 (1-41) 37 (90%)

Book 2 (42-72) 29 (94%

Book 3 (73-89) 17 (100%)

Book 4 (90-106) 7 (41%)

Book 5 (107-150) 25 (57%)

Psalm 98 is one of the ___________________________ Psalms in the Psalter.

As I read Psalm 98, look for the multiple occurrences of the words “Sing,” “Shout,” and “Let.”

Psalm 98 has several similarities to Psalm 96! The opening lines are identical. Verse 7 is close to 96:11, and verse 9 is like 96:13.

The _______________________ of our God! V. 1-3

Israel has and will see many great victories that God won them. Many times the Psalms point back to the huge early victory celebrated in the book of _______________________ when Israel came out of Egypt.

Also: Exodus 17:8-16 Numbers 21:21-34; 32:33 (repeated in Deuteronomy)

Now before they (Joshua’s spies) lay down, she (Rahab) came up to them on the roof, and said to the men: “I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in Heaven above and on earth beneath. -Joshua 2:8-11 (see also Neh. 9:22; Ps. 135:11; 136:19

As a matter of historical fact, Israel celebrated God’s deliverance in song – but in the next 2 verses they are also celebrating that God’s plan is to save anybody that turns to Him! Israel was blessed to be a blessing to the ______________________.

The word for salvation is the Hebrew word Yeshua (H3444). It occurs 78 times in the Old Testament: 45 times in the Psalms, 19 times in Isaiah.

This word for salvation occurs across the Psalms – 13 times in Book 1; 12 times in Book 2; 5 times in Book 3; 5 times in Book 4; 10 times in Book 5.

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song: He also has become my salvation. -Isa. 12:2

S________________________ and sing because of our glorious God! V. 4-6

What is referred to more in the Psalms – singing, or shouting?

Let the whole of creation join in praising our _______________________ Lord V. 7-9

Seas and rivers and water bodies are often figuratively used to represent the nations. The nations are called to join Israel and creation in singing and shouting praises to Yah!

Romans 8:18-25

Repent, therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom Heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things… -Acts 3:19-21a

The word for equity in verse 9 is the word Mesar (H4339), which occurs 19 times in the Old Testament. It can be translated evenness, level, rightness, uprightness, equity.

He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness (H4339). -Ps. 9:8

All those who trust and worship the Lord will be with Him through God’s righteousness attributed to them solely by ____________________ (Gen. 15:6); all those who reject Christ will remain in their sin, eternally judged (John 3:36).

In the end there will only be 2 kinds of people – those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “Okay, have it your way then.” -C.S. Lewis

Hope to face any circumstance - Romans 15:13

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (ESV)

Why look to God for hope?

1. God gives real hope

Lamentations 3:21-23 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Hope is forward-looking confidence in God, based on His faithfulness and power.

2. God gives lasting hope

Romans 5:3-5 says, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

3. God gives abundant hope

It is Powerful to the true believer. 

It is Plentiful to the true believer.

______________

Dr. Don Cockes serves as a regional strategist in the Valley for the SBC of Virginia. He helps churches in various ways as an advisor, mentor, and partner in ministry.  He lives in Salem, but is a native of Altavista. He made a profession of faith in Christ at the age of 12, publicly acknowledged his call to ministry while in college, and has served in many Southern Baptist contexts.

Since 1988, he has served in some form of ministry, including youth pastor, associate pastor, senior pastor, transitional pastor of four churches,  North American Mission Board missionary, and SBCV staff since 2004.  Additionally, he has served on numerous Southern Baptist boards and committees over the years and has a passion for missions. Don has a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Seminary and has degrees from James Madison University and Mid-America Seminary. He and his wife, Janine, have been married for more than 28 years and have two sons: Tim and Chris.

Disobedient Generations and Lost Opportunities - Matthew 21:33-46

5 G Living – Do everything you do…

For the Glory of God

For the Good of your fellow man

To get the Gospel to non-believers

For the Growth of your fellow Christians

With a Grateful heart

Today we are going to see Jesus tell another parable story that rebuked the unrepentant generation that failed to give Jesus the glory due His name.

Matthew 21:33-46

They would have instantly recognized the vineyard as a reference to Israel, and the Master of the house as God Himself (Isaiah 5:1-7).

God has every right to expect all of us to give Him the glory He deserves, and be both faithful and fruitful stewards of what He Has entrusted to us.

In Jesus’ story the servants are obviously the prophets that God had sent to His people, many of whom were mistreated by people who didn’t want to hear and obey the messages God sent through the prophets.

Long ago at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the Heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. - Hebrews 1:1-3

Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush (daka-H1792) Him; He has put Him to grief; When His soul makes an offering for guilt, He shall see His offspring; He shall prolong His days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. Out of the anguish of His soul He shall see and be satisfied; by His knowledge shall the Righteous One, My Servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and He shall bear their iniquities. - Isaiah 53:10-11

It is so sad that that generation missed Jesus their cornerstone. It is sadder still that for 2,000 years Jews have still been looking for the Messiah who has already come. It will be equally sad if today you despise Jesus and build on another foundation (Acts 4:5-12; 1 Peter 2:4-10)

That generation lost the opportunity for national Israel, but the day will come when they Israel will turn to Jesus in mass and be fully restored. In the meantime the gospel goes forth to everyone, Jew and Gentile alike (Acts 1:6-8).

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite (daka-H1792) and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite (daka-H1792). - Isa. 57:15

The religious leaders were supposed to bring God glory through their work in Israel. We are to bring God glory through our work in the church and in the world’s “seven mountains of cultural influence” – family, church, government, education, media, arts/entertainment, and business.

Jesus has delegated to us His power of attorney to represent Him while He is gone! How do you know you are doing it well? If you are doing what Jesus would do it if He was here, you are being faithful and fruitful!

Psalm 97 Worksheet

The NKJV Heading reads “A Song of Praise to the Sovereign LORD.” That’s a good title, because Psalm 97 is all about the LORD’S power and ________________________.

As I read Psalm 97, think about all the statements that demonstrate God’s great power!

Rejoice because our LORD reigns over the whole _____________________! V. 1-6

What are some reasons earthlings can rejoice that the LORD reigns over the earth?

Verses 2-6 describe God’s power and characteristics through the awesome phenomena He is back of.

Righteousness and justice are a great ________________________ of the teachings the LORD gave Moses and the people on Mount Sinai. Remember that God gave the commands to the people He had already delivered. The law revealed God’s character and His care for His people. No one was able to obey it perfectly, so it also revealed their need for the coming Messiah.

Moses had previously met with the great I Am at the burning bush that burned but was not consumed. Jesus said, “Unless you believe that I Am, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

Last week we saw the great verses in Isaiah that say God will look on the one who ________________ at His word (Isa. 66:1-2). We think of Proverbs 1:7 that says the “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Mountains often represent __________________ people who need to be humbled, and valleys represent humble people whom God will raise up.

“Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low.” -Isaiah 40:4

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD, and He will lift you up!” -James 4:10

The call to ____________________ of idol worship and worship the Most High God V. 7-9

Why should idolators be ashamed?

Because their worship is steeped in ignorance and ______________________. In contrast, the living God gives truth for those He has created to live by!

The call to _____________________ evil and love righteousness V. 10-12

Believers are called to love God and hate evil; to love the sinner but hate the sin, starting in their _________________ lives.

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. -Proverbs 8:13

The Psalm ends with the same call with which it began – the call to ______________________.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! -Phil. 4:4

The Bible commands us to rejoice as a matter of obedience to the Lord Jesus. The quest for happiness is often dependent on good circumstances, but joy is based on our secure salvation that can’t be taken away and the kind of ___________________________ our faith alone can give.

The joy of the Lord is my strength! -Nehemiah 8:10

Disobedient Children and Second Chances - Matthew 21:28-32

All the signs in first century Israel pointed to who Jesus was, but were ignored by those who said they did everything they did for God – we must not make the same mistake today!

Matthew 21:28-32

Last week Jesus showed us that one of the most effective ways to answer questions is with questions that make people think. Another great way to communicate truth is to tell stories that relate to the situation being asked about – Jesus shows us that this week!

Two responses to Jesus in the parable of the two sons - V. 28-32

The word for changed his mind in verse 29 is metamelomai (G3308). It’s a compound of two words – the first being “after/afterward,” and the second being “care about.” It can be translated “Change of mind” or “REGRET.” Not too far down the Greek word tree we find metanoeo (G3340), which can be translated “change of mind” or “REPENT.”

How can Jesus make the statement in verse 32, that sinful rebels will get into heaven before the religious leaders?

Because the sinners far from God had recognized their lack of righteousness and need of the Savior, while the religious were trusting in their own righteousness and rejecting their Messiah.

What was John the Baptist’s “way of righteousness?”

1. The call to repent of sinful self-focus and turn to God (Matt. 3:2).

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” - Matt. 3:2

2. The call to turn to Jesus who takes away our sin (John 1:29).

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” - John 1:29

3. The call as a disciple to have Jesus increase in your life (John 3:30).

He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease. - John 3:30

4. The call to bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance (Luke 3:8a).

“Bear fruits in keeping with repentance.” - Luke 3:8a

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in Your name, and do mighty works in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.’ - Matthew 7:21-23

Psalm 96 Worksheet

NKJV heading – A song of praise to God coming in judgment.

I prefer to summarize Psalm 96 with “Come and worship; ____________ and tell!”

As I read Psalm 96 look for words repeated at least 3 times as I read the text. Also consider whether those repeated words help us with an outline.

One interesting thing about this Psalm is that much of what it contains was the second part of an earlier song written by _________________________ for Asaph to have the people sing (1 Chronicles 16:23ff). Psalm 105 mirrors the first part.

On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, to thank the LORD. -1 Chronicles 16:7

The ____________________ to sing to the Lord Verses 1-3

A lot of people seem to resent the fact that the Bible presents Israel as God’s chosen people. But don’t forget that in the Bible Israel was blessed to be a blessing to the ___________________ world (Gen. 12:1-3).

Romans 9:1-5

Remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. -Romans 11:18

Verses 2-3 reminds us of two of the greatest themes of the Bible: that God will get the ________________ He deserves and the good news of His salvation available to humble sinners.

According to verse 3, who are we who know the Lord to declare the glory and wonders of God to?

_________________ peoples!

“Missions is not the main purpose of the church – worship is; Missions exist because worship does not!” -John Piper

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of EVERY tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on earth.” -The saints in Heaven in Revelation 5:9-10

The _______________________ we sing V. 4-6

Psalm 96 repeats the pattern from Psalm 95 – “Come, Sing, For…”

Remember that the word for feared can also be translated reverenced. Those who love God and submit to His ____________________________ over them build their life around worshipful ‘reverence’ of the Lord. Those who don’t should be fearful of the coming judgment (verse 13).

We do well to meditate on the characteristics of God.

The call to ___________________ serve the Lord V. 7-10

What is the chief end (main purpose) of man?

To _______________________ God and enjoy Him forever!

5 G Living

Notice there is no sense of “have to” for the Psalmist; He “_________________ to” serve the Lord and declare His greatness to others. That’s a great example for us!

Levels of motivation to serve God:

Love

Hope

Faith

Gratitude

Guilt

Obligation

Fear

Let all creation celebrate the Lord and _______________________ His coming V. 11-13

Verse 13 states a message for the world:

There is a God who created and sustains the world

He is coming to the earth to rule over it

He will ________________ the world with fairness in the end times.

Connect with Jesus or Wither Away - Matt. 21:12-27

When the child of God

Looks into the word of God

And sees the Son of God,

They are transformed by the Spirit of God

Into the image of God

For the glory of God.

-Warren Wiersbe

“You had better converse with him yourselves.”

Matt. 21:12-27

Jesus gives the Temple a cleansing - V. 12-17

The purpose of the Temple was for Jews and even the rest of the world to come and connect with God through prayer, praise, and Bible teaching – but their actions had made it hard to really connect with God.

Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of Your people Israel, comes from a far country for the sake of Your great name and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm, when he comes and prays toward this house, hear from Heaven Your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, in order that all the peoples of the earth may fear You, as do your people Israel. - 2 Chronicles 6:32-33a

Jesus gives the fig tree a curse - V. 18-22

What’s the deal with the cursing of the fig tree? The fig tree was a symbol for Israel (Hosea 9:10). The Purpose of a Fig Tree was to bear fruit. The purpose of Israel was also to bear fruit. Neither the fig tree or that generation of Isarael’s leaders were fulfilling their purpose.

They ask Him in verse 20 why the Fig Tree withered at once. What He is concerned about is that they don’t wither also by not being people of faith and prayer, yielding to God’s purposes for their lives.

The simple lesson in verses 21-22 is that there must be faith in our prayers as we embrace God’s purposes for us. Obedience to Jesus will feature seemingly impossible obstacles before us, but we can have confidence that God’s will certainly will prevail even if it means we die on a cross.

Jesus gives the disingenuous a comeback - V. 23-27

The word for authority is the word exousia (G 1849), which occurs 93 times in the New Testament. It is translated as right (John 1:12), authority (Matt. 7:29; 9:6; 28:16), and power (Rev. 20:6). Matthew’s gospel has proven that Jesus Christ is the ultimate exousia over the world.

Psalm 95 Worksheet

NKJV Heading: A Call to Worship and Obedience.

Worship the God who has the whole __________________ in His hands! V. 1-7a

The LORD is called the Rock of our salvation in verse 1. God is referred to as our Rock 32 times in the Bible, ______________ times in the Psalms alone.

As it is written: Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame. -Romans 10:33 (Isa. 8:14, 28:16; 1 Pet. 2:7-8)

For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. -1 Corinthians 10:4

Verses 1-2 twice bid the worshipper to “__________________” into God’s presence singing and shouting joyfully, and then verses 3-5 say why (for…).

All the gods of the world are false gods, many of them based on something that has been created. But the hymn of verses 3-5 celebrate the great _________________ God whose “got the whole world in His hands!”

Notice the repetition of form in verses 6-7a. Verse 6 again bids the worshipper to “come” and bow down, and Verse 7a say why (for…).

The God powerful enough to make and form creation (transcendence) also personally keeps and cares for His people (imminence)! The Great King is also our Great ______________________!

Warning to trust and obey God, not __________________ His patience! V. 7b-11

The word for rebellion in verse 8 is also a place name, Meribah, referring to the events recorded in Numbers 20. The word for trial is also a place name, Massah, referring to the events recorded in Exodus 17 (see also Deut. 6:16; 33:8; Psalm 81:7; 106:32).

You shall not tempt the LORD your God, as you tempted Him in Massah. -Deut. 6:16

They angered Him at the waters of strife (Meribah), so that it went ill with Moses because of them. -Psalm 106:32

These verses serve as a warning to worship God and experience His blessing, not harden our hearts and disobey God which will lead to God imposing ________________________ on us.

What New Testament book quotes this last part of Psalm 95 repeatedly?

The book of _________________________ (3:7b-11, 15; 4:3-4, 7).

It's Time to Praise Jesus - Matthew 21:1-11

THE TIME HAD COME! For 33 years Jesus had come as a pilgrim to the festivals; Now He comes formally presenting Himself as Israel’s rightful King – pressing His claims as Israel’s King in Israel’s capitol!

Matthew 21:1-11

When the large crowd of the Jews heard that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. - Jn. 12:9

Jesus reveals His sovereignty - V. 1-5

God sovereignly orchestrated the details so that the disciples would find the donkeys, the donkey’s owners would give permission to take it, and the colt would let itself be ridden on. Trust Jesus to sovereignly orchestrate details in your life as well!

Now in ancient days, kings would often ride a donkey (or mule) into the capitol if they wanted to display that they were the humble servant of their people (1 Kings 1:43-44), or a white horse if they wanted to display that they were the triumphant King.

Jesus receive His praise - V. 6-11

The disciples probably led the mother in front of the colt, and it followed, bringing Jesus down Olive Mountain into Jerusalem on the 10th day of Nisan, what we now call Palm Sunday. From that ridge Bethlehem was also visible. Perhaps they could see Passover lambs being brought into Jerusalem even as the Lamb of God was going in!

Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their father’s houses, a lamb for a household…And you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight. - Exodus 12:3, 6

And you shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees, and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days. - Leviticus 23:40

And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out!” - Luke 19:39-40

And now the LORD says, He who formed Me from the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him; and that Israel will be gathered to Him – for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and God has become My strength – He says, “It is too light a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you a Light for the nations, that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth. - God to His Messiah in Isaiah 49:5-6

At His second coming Jesus Christ will return and masses within Israel will look on Him whom they pierced and convert in mass (Zech. 12:10; Romans 11:26-27). Then Jesus will rule the world from Jerusalem for 1,000 years, as anticipated in the feast of Tabernacles (Acts 1:6-7; Revelation 19:11-20:6). In the meantime we take the gospel to all peoples (Acts 1:8;, Matt. 28:18-20).

Join us as we welcome guest speaker Gary Reynolds. We pray that this service is a blessing for you! Welcome to our Sunday Service! Feel free to like, share, and comment on this post - how has the Lord been working in your life this week? If you do not have a church home, we would love to welcome you to the Tabernacle family. Please connect with us via our website (link below). We hope to see you next Sunday!_________To learn more about The Tabernacle, check out our website and follow us on our social media platforms!Visit our website: www.thetabernaclefamily.orgConnect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thetabernaclefamilyCheck out our YouTube channel at: youtube.com/@tabdanva.org

Join us as we welcome guest speaker Doug Doss during our Homecoming Service. We pray that this is a blessing for you! Feel free to like, share, and comment on this post - how has the Lord been working in your life this week? If you do not have a church home, we would love to welcome you to the Tabernacle family. Please connect with us via our website (link below). We hope to see you next Sunday!
_________
To learn more about The Tabernacle, check out our website and follow us on our social media platforms!
Visit our website: www.thetabernaclefamily.org
Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thetabernaclefamily
Check out our YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/@tabdanva  

Psalm 94 Worksheet

NKJV Heading – God the refuge of the righteous.

God is the righteous ____________________ who will have the last word V. 1-2

Notice in verse 1 He ___________________ the thought – “You heard me right, God is a God of righteous judgment!

Lament over the wicked’s arrogant words ____________________ God V. 3-7

“How long?” – the cry of saints in both testaments when they see _______________________ in the world.

Deuteronomy 21:1-9 The Proverbs 31 man James 1 – pure religion

The wicked are so arrogant they say Israel’s God either doesn’t exist, doesn’t care, or is _________________ to do anything to stop them.

God knows the wicked are __________________ Him V. 8-11

In verse 8 the Psalmist challenges the ignorant and/or wicked to ‘__________________ up’ before the patient God of vengeance deals with them in judgment.

Verse 11 has another reference to God’s omniscience – His _________________ knowledge of all things.

God will eventually right things for His people who _________________ Him V. 12-21

The word blessed in verse 12 is a ‘call back’ to Psalm ___________ – Delight in God’s law, apply it obediently, and you will be okay in the coming day of reversals.

Verse 14 reminds us that even though earthly rulers now _____________________ us, there will be days of righteousness coming for God’s people (Acts 3:19-21)

Verse 18 reminds us of Deuteronomy 32:5, the verse used when Jonathan Edwards preached the Great Awakening.

Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them. -Deuteronomy 32:35

We often speak of the imminence of the Second Coming of Jesus. By that we mean that it ‘___________________________’ what happens on earth now, promising a time when God will square all accounts before people live on either the new earth or lake of fire.

But notice what the Psalmist who trusted in God preaches to himself in verse 18 – Your mercy (Hesed) will hold me up, so I won’t slide down to Hell. Hesed is God’s steadfast love. The word (H2617) occurs 240 times in the Old Testament; 139 of those are in the poetic books; 127 are in the Psalms. The word occurs in ________________ Psalms (0ver 1/3rd!).

Philippians 4:6-7; Psalm 37:4!

Verses 20-21 remind us that wicked politicians are _____________________ when they claim to know God but legislate immorality.

God is the righteous judge who will have the last word V. 22-23

Verse 1 started the Psalm with double emphasis on God’s vengeance; Verse 23 ends the Psalm with double emphasis on the wicked being cut off! Note clearly that the call is not to take matters into our own hands but ________________________ by faith in God to have the final word.

Psalm 37

Job 19:23-27

Psalm 37 helps us understand the hope of Old Testament saints – not being forever with God on a cloud, but being forever with God on a ____________________ earth that the wicked don’t get to inhabit any more.

The book of Jonah shows God graciously extending his ‘Hesed’ to the wicked Ninevites when they repented. Even as we warn the wicked, hold out the gospel of __________________ to those who repent!

Service and Sacrifice - Matthew 20:17-28

‘Cursed by anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ - Deut. 27:19

‘Accept atonement, O LORD, for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not set the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of your people Israel, so that their blood guilt be atoned for.’ So you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood from your midst, when you do what is right in the sight of the LORD. - Deut. 21:8-9

Those who reject biblical truth have always promoted godless ideas that have very bad consequences in the real world. Now those ideas are more accessible than ever online and on social media. 1 in 3 college students say it’s okay to use violence to stop speech you disagree with (FIRE).

Jesus knows what awaits Him, but still goes - V. 17-19

1st statement of death

Matt. 16:21-22

From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

2nd statement of death

Matt. 17:22-23

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.”

3rd statement of death

Matt. 20:17-19

And on the way said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and He will be raised on the third day.”

Crucifixion was reserved for the worst of the worst criminals – those Rome wanted to make examples of. What neither the Jewish nor Roman officials understood was that they would be fulfilling prophecy.

But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. - Isaiah 53:5-6

The Disciples are more concerned about their glory than Christ’s suffering - V. 20-24

The sons of Zebedee were John and James, and Salome was their mother. It’s possible she was Mary’s sister, which meant she was Jesus’ aunt (Draw your own conclusion by studying Matthew 20:20-28; 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; 16:1-8; John 19:25).

Unfortunately, their faith was still very selfish and focused in on “what’s in it for me” mentality. They also wanted to be viewed as greater than their fellow disciples. Far too often, we are just like them.

The first cup Jesus refers to is the “cup of judgment” due wicked sinners (Psalm 11:6, 75:8; Isa. 51:17, 22; Jer. 25:15, 17, 28; Rev. 14:10, 18:16).

The second cup Jesus refers to is the cup of salvation given to those whose faith is in God and sins forgiven by Christ (Psa. 116:13; Matt. 26:27).

Greatness in God’s eyes is gained through servant leadership - V. 25-28

In response to the disciples pride, Jesus gave instructions in verse 26-27 that have changed not just true Christian practice but affected every leadership structure in cultures heavily influenced by Christianity – Jesus introduced to the world “servant leadership.”

Notice Jesus doesn’t criticize their ambition to be great – He channels it! By Jesus’ definition every Christian can be great, no matter how simple their life position and natural talents. Everyone can do what Jesus did – serve others as He served the world.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church. - Col. 1:24

Jesus Christ sacrificed to actualize salvation for all who repent and believe. We make sacrifices to give others access to that saving message!

Don’t Begrudge God’s Generosity to Others - Matthew 19:20-20:16

In today’s passage we will see Jesus start with the pride of the twelve and rebuke in advance any believer who would judge later believers for not being as much of an ‘OB’(‘original believer’) as themselves.

Matthew 19:20-20:16

The context of the parable: Jesus’ teaching on rewards - 19:27-30

In the Bible “Fors” and “Therefores” connect the thought we just read with the thought coming.

J-O-Y comes from putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself third.

We might have expected Jesus to blast Peter for self-interest in 19:27. Instead Jesus stated in 19:28 that in the coming “New Genesis,” the Twelve will be uniquely rewarded for following Jesus.

Here Jesus teaches that when He reigns on earth, the 12, all of whom were Jewish in background will have special roles judging, or leading, the restored 12 tribes of Israel. (Zecheriah 12-13; Acts 1:6-11; Rev. 19-20).

What I love about Matthew 19:29 is that it teaches that anything we might consider to be sacrifices for faithfully serving Jesus are really investments that will be rewarded with a hundred-fold return-on-investment in the ages to come.

On the one hand, all believers will be rewarded in ages to come for what they do for Jesus in the age they live in. On the other hand, we should never begrudge other believers for also being generously rewarded.

The Master is always adding workers to His great work - 20:1-7

Now remember that every parable doesn’t teach every aspect of Christian truth. This parable is not telling us how to be saved like John 3:16 & Eph. 2:8-10. Here Jesus is teaching them not to be jealous of other believers.

The key thing to notice in the first part of the parable is that God is always looking to add more workers to the work in His vineyard!

God invites all believers to appreciate how wonderful grace is - V. 8-15

Jesus gave His story this shock ending to rebuke in advance any believer who would judge later believers for not being as much of an ‘OB’(‘original believer’) as themselves.

Two great applications from the generosity of our Lord:

1. Hell really will be awful for all that refuse to repent and turn to Jesus. In comparison, all who believe and go to Heaven will be astoundingly rewarded as they get to live with Jesus forever. Be excited for all who believe, no matter how late they ‘sign up.’

2. All who began a work for Christ or become instrumental in part of that work must not treat as second class citizens all those the Lord incudes in the work as it continues on – we will all be in Heaven together.

I Am Third - Matthew 19:16-30

The “I am third” attitude that Coach Bill Easton impressed on Gayle Sayers and that John Ferrier also lived life by is exactly the attitude that Jesus wanted to impress on the ‘man like us’ we meet in today’s passage.

Many of those who have ‘accepted Jesus’ don’t expect God to have much input in their lives. On some Sundays they will give Jesus a little of their ‘spare’ time and resources. They are first in their own lives; Jesus is just in the background for a little emotional support and hell insurance.

Matthew 19:16-30

A man trusting his own goodness asks Jesus how to go to Heaven - V. 16-17a

Jesus knew the first thing a good person has to be confronted with is that they are not good people in Heaven’s eyes, they are sinners in need of the Savior (Matthew 7:11; Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:23).

If we could hear Jesus’ tone in verse 17, we’d understand that Jesus was communicating 2 things – the man wasn’t as good as he thought he was, and the God who is by definition good was standing before Him!

Jesus exposes the man’s “I am first” attitude - V. 17b-26

The commands Jesus includes are all the horizontal commands on human relationships, called the second table of the Ten Commands (decalogue), with the summary statement to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

The commands Jesus leaves out are the vertical commands on relationship with God, called the first table of the Ten Commands, with the summary statement to “Love God with all your heart.”

God is supposed to be first, others second, and ourselves third. Jesus showed the man from the second table of the Ten Commands that this man didn’t put others before himself, let alone God first. Jesus’ statement in verse 21 merely exposes that the man is unwilling to put God first.

Do you grasp how what Jesus says to this man in verse 21 is what He says to every person here? Will you now by faith change your mindset from “I am first” to “I am third,” with Jesus truly being the Lord of all in your life.

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul? - Matthew 16:26

Verse 25 lets us know the disciples were astonished at Jesus’ words that outward prosperity doesn’t necessarily mean someone is right with God.

When the great reversal comes, putting Jesus first will have been worth it! - V. 27-30

Here as elsewhere (Matt. 6:20) Jesus promises that those who live with “I am third” faith will be richly rewarded in the ages to come (1 Cor. 3:11-15).

The word for “new world” in verse 28 is palingenesia (new genesis!). It could be a reference to either the coming 1,000 year reign of Christ (Rev. 20) or the new earth (Rev. 21-22) or BOTH. Jesus’ point is that any sacrifices we make now as “we are third” will be more than compensated on the other side of this present age.

Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom Heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago. - Acts 3:19-21

The Purpose of Marriage - Matthew 19:1-15

The practice of the father of the bride ‘giving away’ the bride goes all the way back to the first 2 chapters of the Bible, Genesis 1-2. We will see Jesus talk about it in today’s passage!

Where is one of the biggest places we get to practice giving and receiving forgiveness? Within our marriages!

As we look at Jesus’ response to the Pharisees, we are going to see Jesus model for us how to respond to all the “What about this issue,” or “what about that issue” questions that people ask us to weigh in on.

Jesus teaches on the purpose of marriage - V. 4-6

I love Jesus’ question, “Have you not read?” He’s saying, “Let’s go back to the Bible, and before talking about what’s a sin against God’s design, let’s clarify God’s design and purpose for marriage and sexuality!”

In ‘incorporating’ the first marriage in Genesis 1-2, God gave us the purpose of marriage and family. Every marriage starts a new family that is intended to help each other and any children they might have flourish and become responsible contributors to God’s world.

Jesus teaches on divorce - V. 7-9

In verse 7 they were referring to Deut. 21:1-4, where Moses instructed a man determined to divorce his wife to write out a certificate saying the divorce was not her fault. This was to protect her in those ancient times. This is one of the times in the Law of Israel God regulated what he didn’t condone (see Mal. 2:13-17) to protect those who were most vulnerable.

Jesus’ words in verse 9 mean that the two spouses were supposed to be together “as long as they both shall live.” To jump to another relationship without clear biblical grounds is to sin against your marriage vows.

In addition to adultery as grounds for divorce and presumably remarriage 1 Corinthians 7:15 allows divorce in cases where one spouse abandons their vows, and many pastors like me would include abuse under that.

Jesus’ disciples understand how serious marriage is - V. 10-12

In verse 11 Jesus makes clear he expects His disciples to apply God’s design in their lives – “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given” – Jesus’ disciples.

In verse 12 Jesus is using eunuch as a euphemism for being celibate, the Christians commitment to only have sex within their own marriage between one man and one woman.

In every age God’s plan for human sexuality has been mocked and ridiculed by those who reject it. But Christians know that obedience to God in this area will lead to greater fulfilment than giving in to sexual temptation. Some have learned that because of the consequences sin in this area has brought into their life and relationships.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor people who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God. - 1 Cor. 6:9-11

Psalm 91 Worksheet

Psalm 91 uses wonderful poetry for believers to express their confidence that the LORD sovereignly protects and delivers those who are His!

We call a Psalm a Messianic psalm when in part or the whole it expresses something that only Israel’s coming Messiah Jesus could fulfill. What I am cautiously calling a “Millennial” Psalm contains aspirations that won’t be completely _____________________ until Jesus reigns on earth as described in Revelation 20.

For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth…But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. -Psalm 37:9, 11

The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years. YET THEIR BOAST IS ONLY LABOR AND SORROW; but it is soon cut off, and we fly away. -Psalm 90:10

After we read Psalm 91 you will love it and find yourself praying that your loved ones will be enveloped with “Psalm 91 protection.” We are invited to ask the Sovereign God to be _____________ us and protect us “in trouble” (verse 15).

The eternal _________________________ we have in God our refuge V. 1-2

4 different names for God are given in verses 1-2: Most High (Elyon); Almighty (Shaddai); LORD (YHWH); God(Elohim). He is over all! He is All-powerful! He AM, and He enters into ______________ with His people.

James 4:8 Matthew 11:28

Make sure you _____________________ your trust in God like the Psalmist – He is “MY refuge,” “MY fortress,” I trust unreservedly in Him!

Our specific hopes for God’s ___________________________ for God’s people V. 3-13

The word for pestilence is deber (H1698), which occurs 49 times. Among other things this word would relate to plagues and ________________________.

I like how he describes the refuge we have in God in such wonderful relational terms. Our refuge is as strong as the most fortified brick castle, yet as warm and ____________________ as being at “grandmom’s” house!

What is the difference between a shield and a buckler?

Many times the fear of something happening is as debilitating as the thing itself can be. A _______________ walk with the LORD can deliver us from the fear that keeps us from getting on with life.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. -2 Tim. 2:7

Verses 7-8 must be understood in light of all the Psalms that have made clear that trouble does come to faithful believers (Psalm 90:10) yet God is in control and we will be with believers forever (Psalm 23). The very ________________________ Psalm speaks of the wicked flourishing now but being destroyed (92:7), and the righteous future flourishing (92:12-13).

Verses 9-10 will reach their _________________________ fulfilment during Christ’s anticipated millennial kingdom (Isaiah 11:1-12).

According to Psalm 91:11-12, God’s protection includes the activity of ministering ___________________!

Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation. -Hebrews 1:14

God Himself gives eternal _________________________ V. 14-16

How many times does the word “will” occur in verses 14-16?

________ + 2 more times it is implied.

If you set your love on God, what will He do for you according to verse 14?

If you call on God, what will He do for you according to verses 15-16?

Forgive From the Heart - Matthew 18:21-35

When the child of God

Looks into the word of God

And sees the Son of God,

They are transformed by the Spirit of God

Into the image of God

For the glory of God!

-Warren Wiersbe

Receiving and giving forgiveness does for Christians what oil does for a car, it lubricates our relationships, reduces friction, prevents overheating by cooling us off, prevents harmful deposits from building up in us.

Matthew 18:21-35

Forgiveness goes beyond relational ‘score keeping’ - V. 21-22

Peter had already learned that Rabbi Jesus was more loving than other rabbis. Peter probably thought he was being generous by suggesting the new number of 7 times!

In saying forgive seventy-seven times, Jesus wants His followers to go beyond keeping track of offenses to cultivating a spirit of forgiveness based on the forgiveness they have received from God.

Believers have been forgiven an incalculable sin debt - V. 23-27

“On the Day I settle accounts, I will hold them accountable for their sin.” - Exodus 32:34

Just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. - Hebrew 9:27

A denarius (v. 28) was a coin worth a day’s pay; 100 denarii would be worth about 3 months pay; A talent was a huge sum of money, worth about 6,000 denarii; 10,000 talents would be worth about 60,000,000 denarii.

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” - Tim Keller

Those who have been forgiven so much go on to forgive others - V. 28-35

Jesus’ point is crystal clear: He expects those who have become Christians by receiving His forgiveness to forgive others from their heart.

Practical Pastoral advice to those struggling to forgive others:

Remember that there are two realms of forgiveness, the vertical (before God), and the Horizontal (before men). Before God forgiveness must always happen, readying us to act before men when asked (Luke 17:3-4).

Forgiveness doesn’t mean you condone what they did.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean there are no consequences for their actions.

Forgiveness doesn’t always mean you will have ongoing relationship.

Motivations for the Christian to forgive:

Christians extend forgiveness because of how much God has forgiven us.

Christians forgive as an act of obedience for the glory of God.

Christians forgive to keep themselves from the effects of unforgiveness.

Psalm 90 Worksheet

This is the first Psalm in Book 4 of the Psalms (Psalm 90-Psalm 106). The title says this is “A Prayer of Moses the man of God.” That means this Psalm is the _____________________ Psalm in the Bible.

Moses’ _____________________________ V. 1-11

Verses 1-2 use beautiful _____________________ (chiastic structure) to state that the eternal God existed before the creation He made.

Having established that the infinite God stands above time, in verses 3-4 Moses speaks of God’s sovereignty over finite man, whose earthly life is ___________________ by time and space.

The words turn and return in verse 3 come from the same Hebrew word, a play on words that is complimented in verse 13. Because our _____________________ are finite and will ‘return’ to the ground, our only hope is God ‘returning’ to us!

But beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but all come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:8

Verses 5-6 bear down on the _____________________________ nature of man’s earthly life.

All of the ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ aspects of our lives are because of what happened in Genesis 3 – sin and death entering the world. Moses reminds us of the ‘___________________ of sin’ in verses 7-9.

Scripture often presents the consequences and then reminds us of the ___________________. Until we are saved we are under God’s wrath because we are sinners by nature and by choice (John 3:36; Gen. 15:6).

Verse 10 demonstrates the truthfulness of the Bible. Moses died at 120 years of age (Deuteronomy 34:7). But the Spirit led Him to accurately state the ______________________________ lifespan of humans in our post-flood world. In 2023 the average life expectancy worldwide was 73.33 years.

What great hymn do we get from verse 10? ___________________________

He will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord GOD will wipe tears away from all faces, and He will remove the disgrace of His people from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. And it will be said on that day, Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. -Isaiah 25:8-9 (NASB 2020)

Verse 11b could be literally translated Reverence due, wrath extracted. From that we gather that each of us has a ‘glory deficit’ before God. There is the glory our lives could have brought the Lord, and there is the actual amount we have brought Him, and there is a VAST ______________ between the two.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. -Romans 3:23

Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. -Romas 3:24

Romans 3:22 says the righteousness of God is only credited to us when we place our faith in Jesus, just like Genesis 15:6 said.

Moses’ _______________________________ V. 12-17

Verse 12 is a great verse about making sure we plan our days around God’s ________________ for our lives.

Learning to number our days helps us say ‘yes’ to what God wants us to say ‘yes’ to and ‘no’ to what God wants us to say ‘no’ to.

I love the verbs in verses 13-15, what Moses ask God to do to ‘________________________’ godly living – Return; Have compassion; Satisfy us; Make us glad!

Don’t spend too much time regretting past inaction for the Lord. He has you in a place of faith and seeking Him now, and He is more than capable of replacing wasted days with days of _________________ and impact.

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locusts have eaten. -Joel 2:25

What a great prayer to end a great Psalm – As we prioritize godly living and choices in the time we have left we ask God to establish the work of our hands, really to establish what we do for Him for His glory!

Helping Each Other Deal With Sin - Matthew 18:15-20

God doesn’t stop working in our lives when we first trust Jesus. He puts His Spirit inside believers at the moment of their conversion, helping them grow in Christ. And He also puts believers in local churches so we can help each other grow and be faithful and fruitful followers of Christ.

Having dealt with the vertical realm of our sin before God, and having left the sin of non-Christians for God Himself to judge, Jesus now turns to the horizontal realm of relational sins between fellow Christians.

Christians follow 3 steps in dealing with sin in the local church:

Step 1: One person talks to another, face to face - V. 15

“For whoever does the will of My Father in Heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” - Matthew 12:50

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. - Matthew 5:23-24

Discipleship and discipline are 2 sides of a coin, both meant to help believers. Note from verse 15 the purpose is to help our brother or sister in their walk with Christ – “If he listens to you, you have won your brother.”

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:1-2

The rebukes of the righteous should always be a precious ointment, sweet and gentle; never should they break the head. - Charles Spurgeon

Step 2: The two talk with the help of another one or two - V. 16

I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers? - 1 Cor. 6:5

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. - Philippians 4:2-3

Many of the trials of our spiritual life are preventable; if we indulge a sin we invite a sorrow. - Charles Spurgeon

Step 3: When sin is not repented of, go to the church and/or its leaders - V. 17

‘Heathen…’ represents those who rebel against God and therefore exclude themselves from Christian fellowship.’ - David Jeremiah

“You should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.” - 2 Corinthians 2:5-8

Can step 3 be fulfilled by a congregation delegating to its spiritual leaders step 3? Yes, and our church does in its bylaws.

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is delf-condemned. -Titus 3:10-11

Do some things go straight to step number 3 – yes, and sometimes even skip that one.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. - Romans 13:1-2

Jesus delegates authority to local churches (and their leaders) to act - V. 18-20

Relationships in the church are governed by 3 submissions:

Submission to God and His will as stated in His word (1 John 1:5-9)

Mutual Submission to one another as each of us is committed to walking in the truth of God’s word (Ephesians 5:21)

Submission to our leaders as they lead us in biblically faithful ways (Hebrews 13:17).

Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power in its working. - James 5:16