22 SESSION LifeWay

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Melvyn Reynold Banks
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1 22 SESSION 2

The Point God Himself is my salvation. The Passage Psalm 27:1-6 The Bible Meets Life We depend on a lot of things to get us through the day. We depend on people to carry out their tasks.

2 The Point God Himself is my salvation. The Passage Psalm 27:1-6 The Bible Meets Life We depend on a lot of things to get us through the day. We depend on people to carry out their tasks. We depend on electricity, running water, and a car that gets us from point A to B. We are especially reminded of our dependence on these things when one of them fails. Psalm 27 reminds us that the one we ultimately depend on is God Himself. We can rest in the shelter of His salvation, because it is in His salvation that we receive the strength, guidance, confidence, and joy we need. The Setting Some Bible scholars believe Psalm 27 comes from the time of Absalom s rebellion when David had to flee Jerusalem. In any case, this portion of the psalm reflects David s great confidence in God and the high priority he placed on worshiping God in His house. Whether fleeing from Absalom or another threat, or securely entrenched in Jerusalem, David s one great desire was to worship the Lord and gaze on His beauty in His temple. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 23

What does the Bible say? Key Word Stronghold (v. 1) The Hebrew term denotes a place of refuge, along with the sense of strength, protection, and security that place of refuge provides.

3 What does the Bible say? Key Word Stronghold (v. 1) The Hebrew term denotes a place of refuge, along with the sense of strength, protection, and security that place of refuge provides. Psalm 27:1-6 (HCSB) 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life of whom should I be afraid? 2 When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army deploys against me, my heart is not afraid; though a war breaks out against me, still I am confident. 4 I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the LORD and seeking Him in His temple. 5 For He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock. 6 Then my head will be high above my enemies around me; I will offer sacrifices in His tent with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the LORD. 24 SESSION 2

THE POINT God Himself is my salvation. GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes DISCUSS: Invite your group members to turn their attention to the image on page 19 of the Personal Study Guide (PSG).

We stomp our feet because we think it will convince our parents to give us what we want. As children, we plead and negotiate to get our way.

4 THE POINT God Himself is my salvation. GET INTO THE STUDY 10 minutes DISCUSS: Invite your group members to turn their attention to the image on page 19 of the Personal Study Guide (PSG). Ask: When did you first feel independent? RECAP THE PSG: Every person wishes for independence. It begins when we re toddlers. We stomp our feet because we think it will convince our parents to give us what we want. As children, we plead and negotiate to get our way. Then the teenage years come along and our will kicks in even stronger. We desperately want to assert our independence (PSG, p. 20). TIP: For next week, you can choose to study Making Plans for Christmas (pages 34-45) or Session 3 of Storm Shelter (pages 48-59). Let your group know which one you will be studying together. Notes RECAP: As much as we want to go it alone, we never reach a point where we don t need others. Could we be completely wrong in our desire for independence? What if what we really need is someone who will help us someone who will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves? What we need is a hero (PSG, p. 20). SAY: For all of our efforts to gain independence in the world, there is one thing that holds us captive: our own sinful nature. God has given His Son so that we can come back to the place He intended for us to be all along secure and loved under the rightful rule of His kingdom. GUIDE: Invite group members to respond to The Point on page 20 of the PSG: God Himself is my salvation. Explain that this key idea will drive your discussion. ENHANCEMENT: Bring your group s attention to Pack Item #3, Psalm 27:1 poster, to highlight the focus of today s study. PRAY: Move the group toward Bible study by praying for a deeper understanding of God s gift of salvation offered through Christ. Display Pack Item #3 to communicate the session topic. Cut apart Pack Item #4 and have it ready to distribute to your group. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 25

5 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Psalm 27:1 Notes 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life of whom should I be afraid? READ: Ask a group member to read Psalm 27:1 aloud. SUMMARIZE: As David began this psalm, he identified God in three ways: 1. Light - God s guidance directed David s steps. 2. Salvation - Physically, God could rescue David from any snare; Spiritually, only Christ could offer forgiveness from sin and a restored relationship with God. 3. The stronghold of his life - God could be trusted He provided security to David numerous times in his life. God is a refuge, a shelter that gives protection. SAY: God s presence in David s life in those ways meant something else was removed fear. ALTERNATE QUESTION: How has God recently been your light or stronghold? DISCUSS: Question 2 on page 22 of the PSG: In what kinds of situations do you feel afraid? RECAP: Fear can come on our hearts like a sudden attack or build up slowly to harass us. Fear can come in the form of finances falling short, relationship problems, or spiritual separation. Psalm 27:1 explains that when God shows up, He brings light. It is not just light to lead us down the trail so we can do our best to find Him. Rather, it is the light of salvation; He is the light. The light God provides is His salvation that brings us back into a right relationship with Him. It eliminates the ultimate fear of eternal separation (PSG, p. 22). TRANSITION: The reason that we can trust this light, this salvation, this stronghold is because it is a Person and not just a thing. God does not have a treasure chest in heaven where He keeps forgiveness, life, and love stored away and hidden. Rather, God Himself is the salvation and light that we need. 26 SESSION 2

6 THE POINT God Himself is my salvation. Psalm 27:1 Commentary The psalm s brief heading Davidic suggests only that David wrote the psalm. However, it reveals none of the specific historical circumstances that led him to compose it. Allusions in the psalm suggest David was facing a storm regarding relationships with others. Some believe it was the time David had to face the rebellion of Absalom, his son (2 Samuel 15 18), or the time David fled from King Saul, but we do not know for sure. Evildoers came against him, perhaps in large numbers (Psalm 27:2-3). David expressed concern that the Lord hear him when he called and not hide His face from David (vv. 7-9). In the end, however, David knew the Lord would never abandon him (v. 10). He asked the Lord to teach him, even as David s adversaries rose against him. David knew he would experience the shelter of God s salvation if he waited patiently for Him (vv ). The psalm s opening words The Lord is my light highlight the Lord s deliverance in David s life. The prophet Isaiah called on Judah to walk in the light of God s guidance (Isaiah 2:5). Only God could truly direct their steps, and He would if they trusted Him. God often guides His children through the spiritual light His Word provides (Psalm 119:105). David also called the Lord his salvation. God would save him from all his troubles. The word often described physical rescue from difficult circumstances; God could put the afflicted in a place of safety (Psalm 12:5 safe place ). The word also could denote spiritual salvation. David probably had this in mind when he asked God to restore the joy of David s salvation after David sinned with Bathsheba (Psalm 51:12). Interestingly, the Hebrew word for salvation is related to the name Jesus (Matthew 1:21). The question whom should I fear? is clearly rhetorical not expecting an answer because the answer was obvious. David seemed to have reason to fear, but he would fear no one, because the Lord was his light and salvation. David s words remind us of Romans 8, where Paul asked a series of rhetorical questions concerning who can stand against believers or separate us from God s love in Christ (Romans 8:31-35). The expression stronghold of my life also stresses David s confidence in God. A stronghold denotes a place of refuge, providing a sense of shelter, protection, and security for whoever enters. The Lord was not merely David s stronghold periodically, on various occasions; rather, He provided security throughout David s life, at every turn. The question of whom should I be afraid? is the second rhetorical question of the verse, and the answer is the same. Because of God s guidance, David did not need to fear anyone or any circumstance. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 27

7 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Psalm 27:2-3 Notes 2 When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army deploys against me, my heart is not afraid; though a war breaks out against me, still I am confident. READ: Ask a group member to read Psalm 27:2-3 aloud. SAY: God s salvation does not just deal with the negative and remove our fear; it also does something positive. God s salvation gives us confidence. RECAP: In these two verses, David highlighted the evildoers, foes, enemies, and an entire army who were deployed against him. Yet David s heart was not afraid; he was still confident. David had firsthand experience watching his enemies fail, stumble, and fall. The only way such a thing was possible was because a greater Hero was on David s side. Because he knew the Lord s power was so much greater, David trusted in his God and The LORD made David victorious wherever he went (2 Samuel 8:14) (PSG, p. 23). ALTERNATE QUESTION: How does confidence in your salvation affect how you face the dangers of life? DISCUSS: Question 3 on page 23 of the PSG: How does the confidence God gives us differ from our own self-confidence? RECAP: We deal with adversaries as well. They re pretty similar to the ones David faced. Financial problems, family stress, cultural craziness, and even wars around the world plague us. But just like David, we can gain confidence from our salvation, knowing that the enemies we face cannot overcome the victory God brings to us (PSG, p. 23). DISCUSS: Question 4 on page 24 of the PSG: What are some positive and negative ways to face our foes? TRANSITION: Recognizing God s provision and protection led David to worship. 28 SESSION 2

8 THE POINT God Himself is my salvation. Psalm 27:2-3 Commentary Evildoers describes people who seek to do injury or to bring evil on someone. Examples include Lot s neighbors, who sought to do him harm (Genesis 19:9), and Joseph s brothers, who were accused of stealing Joseph s cup (44:5). The words came against me literally can mean drew near around me and suggest a large number came against David with hostile intent. The expression devour my flesh clearly describes the evildoers intent to tear David apart, perhaps likening them to wild animals going after their prey. In the Book of Daniel, the expression maliciously accuse literally means eat the pieces of. It describes those who accused Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:8) and those who accused Daniel himself (6:24). In both contexts, the image of animals devouring prey fits well. Foes translates a strong Hebrew word. It describes those who show a clear hostility toward others, vexing or harassing them (2 Samuel 24:13). However, God s protective provision meant David s enemies stumbled and fell. Stumbled often comes in the context of judgment that comes to someone; fell clarifies that the judgment was final. Indeed, the latter term occurs to describe a nation s final defeat (Isaiah 21:9). David s enemies fell defeated in the face of God s protection. The apostle Paul later used this imagery to describe the Jewish nation s refusal to embrace Jesus as their Messiah. They had stumbled, to be sure, but Paul insisted they had not stumbled in order to fall (Romans 11:11). One day, they too would believe (vv ). David s confidence grew as he began verse 3. He would not fear an entire army (literally camp ) of enemies. The words deploys against me literally mean encamp against/around me. They may imply a situation in which David s enemies had surrounded him. [Hebrew preposition al with the verb suggests this, though not exclusively so; cf. 1 Samuel 11:1] Indeed, David was in real trouble except for the fact that God was with him. The Hebrew translated is not afraid is the negative of the word translated fear in verse 1. David s heart would not waver in fear and unbelief. God stood with him; David would prevail through Him. Fear disappears when we remember the One who is with us is greater than our enemies greater even than Satan, our greatest enemy (1 John 4:4). Psalm 34:7 describes God s protective presence and power in the life of the believer: The Angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. The first part of verse 3 describes David s enemies encircling him. The second part of the verse describes war that breaks out against David. The battle had begun. Nonetheless, David remained confident because of God s past faithfulness to him. The Hebrew word appears in Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the Lord. It describes a confident trust one has in God. We trust Him because we know He will walk with us through all our trials. He is powerful enough to walk with us and to deliver us. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 29

9 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Psalm 27:4-6 Notes 4 I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the LORD and seeking Him in His temple. 5 For He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock. 6 Then my head will be high above my enemies around me; I will offer sacrifices in His tent with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the LORD. READ: Ask a group member to read Psalm 27:4-6 aloud. SAY: We all want something: to fulfill a childhood dream, to work in a certain career, to have a spouse and/or children (or an ideal family). RECAP: David recognized that he could only find security through the presence of God. No human achievement, level of self-righteousness and morality, or powergrab can deliver security to us. So David decided to ask for the one thing from God that would give him security. David wanted to dwell in God s presence (PSG, p. 25). ALTERNATE QUESTION: What are the marks of depending on Christ? DISCUSS: Question 5 on page 25 of the PSG: How is dependence on Christ an act of worship? DO: Divide your members into groups of three or four people each. Within each small group, direct members to take turns sharing aloud their responses to the activity on page 24 of the PSG. Fearless Faith: ]] Which of the following best depicts God s role in your life right now? Explain. ]] In your own words, what does it mean to seek God s presence? TRANSITION: There is no place more secure than in God s presence. To give us this one thing we truly need a home in God s presence is why Jesus came to earth in the flesh. Jesus has done everything for our salvation and has given us everything we need for freedom from fear, confidence in victory over our enemies, and security through His presence. 30 SESSION 2

10 THE POINT God Himself is my salvation. Psalm 27:4-6 Commentary Verse 4 begins a new section. David shifted his words from focusing on confidence in God to desiring to know God deeply. He moved from confidence in God to intimacy with God. I have asked one thing from the LORD heightens David s intense longing. The one thing David asked of God was to dwell in the house of the LORD. During David s day, Jerusalem had no temple; the ark of the covenant sat in a tent in the city of David (2 Samuel 6:16-17). Clearly then, house does not imply a permanent structure; it describes the place David could go to worship his God. Other Scripture also refers to this tent as the house of the Lord (1 Samuel 1:7,24; 3:15). Dwell implies a regular, customary habit of worship. David knew worship of God was the most important thing he could do. All the days of my life further stresses David s desire for a lasting relationship with God. Throughout his days, he wanted to worship the King of kings. Gazing describes a long, intentional look at someone or something. David desired to fix his gaze on the beauty of the Lord; he was delighted to ponder the power and majesty of God. Seeking implies a careful inquiry or reflection. The Bible tells us that seeking God, His Word, and His will should shape all our lives (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Colossians 3:1-2). David again affirmed God s protection from stormy relationships: He will conceal me. The word conceal is related to the Hebrew word for treasure and may suggest God s personal interest in protecting David as someone valuable to Him. The word shelter describes a basic dwelling or covering. The Jewish Feast of Booths derives its name from this word and commemorates the time in the wilderness when the Israelites lived in temporary shelters. It served as a reminder of God s provision during their difficult days of wandering. Likewise, God would protect David and provide him shelter from his enemies. The image of setting David high on a rock stands in stark contrast to the tent image. In the first part of the verse, the Lord offered His servant protection by concealing him; in the latter part, He established David high on a rock. Such a position high on a rock cliff afforded David a long view. He could see enemies approaching long before they got close. David stood high, and on firm ground, because God would put him there. Next, David transitioned into a declaration of the results of God s favor on his life. David s declaration, my head will be high above my enemies around me, calls to mind three images. First, God lifted up David s head, thereby showing him favor (Psalm 3:3). Second, God put David on high ground, giving him advantage over his enemies. Third, God s favor demonstrated to David s enemies that they were no match for God. David s one great desire was to worship the Lord in the shelter of His salvation. Like David, we can rest in the shelter of God s salvation, because it is in His salvation that we receive the strength, guidance, confidence, and joy we need to face life. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 31

5 minutes LIVE IT OUT SAY: The salvation that Jesus offers changes everything. Notes GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the responses to the Bible study listed on page 26 of the PSG.

11 5 minutes LIVE IT OUT SAY: The salvation that Jesus offers changes everything. Notes GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the responses to the Bible study listed on page 26 of the PSG. ]] Accept the Savior. Trust Christ and let His salvation give you the freedom, confidence, and security that no one else can. ]] Surrender your fears. If worry is a constant for you, memorize Psalm 27:1. Every time you are tempted to worry, recall this verse. Let worry be a warning light calling you to pray. ]] Speak up. We re all born with the same desire for freedom from fear and a desire for security. Know someone in real need of these right now? Be ready to tell them of the security and salvation Christ offers. ENHANCEMENT: Distribute Pack Item #4, Psalm 27:1 Memory Verse Cards, and encourage your group members to commit this passage to memory. Wrap It Up SAY: The gospel message that Jesus Christ died on the cross in our place for our sins is an amazing truth. He wasn t sent to earth simply to be a good example or to help make us the most moral people around. He is our light, our stronghold, and our salvation. Now that s a Hero. 32 SESSION 2

My group's prayer requests Additional suggestions for specific groups (women, men,

And for free online training on how to lead a group visit MinistryGrid.

The young politician was genuinely learning to admire Jesus.

For many years he had been aware that something was missing from his life, and he was

12 My group's prayer requests Additional suggestions for specific groups (women, men, collegiates, and singles) are available at BibleStudiesForLife.com/blog. And for free online training on how to lead a group visit MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife. What Is Repentance? The young politician was genuinely learning to admire Jesus. He was fascinated by the message of this enigmatic, but wonderful, teacher. For many years he had been aware that something was missing from his life, and he was convinced he had finally found the missing piece. To continue reading What Is Repentance? (excerpted from the book Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart), visit BibleStudiesforLife.com/articles. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 33

THE SHELTER OF GOD S SALVATION

SESSION 2 THE SHELTER OF GOD S SALVATION The Point Salvation through Christ allows us to overcome any fear. The Bible Meets Life Electricity, running water, a car that gets us from point A to B we depend