Breakthrough in Focus - Psalm 145 - January 6, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – Breakthrough in Focus – January 6, 2008

We begin a new series of study entitled “Experience a Breakthrough.”

Our lessons for the month of January will be in Psalms.

January 6 – Psalm 145 – Praises GOD for HIS power, character and provision.
January 13 – Psalm 32 – Encourages us to seek GOD’S forgiveness.
January 20 – Psalm 7 – Highlights the need for us to seek justice for ourselves and others.
January 27 – Psalm 23 – Challenges us to greater confidence in GOD as we journey through life.

Our scripture in today’s study is Psalm 145:1-21.

David (King David) is listed as the author of seventy-three (73) Psalms. Other Psalms have been attributed to David. He wrote some as a young lad while attending sheep. He wrote some as he sung for King Saul and others he wrote as he discovered various attributes and characteristics about GOD through their relationship.

The scriptures reveal that David was a man after GOD’S own heart, yet David was not perfect. We know from scriptures that he committed adultery and murder. However, when he was confronted with his sin he repented and sought GOD’S forgiveness. GOD forgave him but he had to suffer the consequences of his sins.

1 Samuel 13:13-14:
13 And Samuel said to Saul (King Saul)), Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. 14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

Acts 13:22-23:
22 And when he had removed him (King Saul), he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

As we study the Psalms attributed to David, we need to keep in mind that they reflect his understanding of GOD. David’s Psalms allow us to see his spiritual journey of getting to know GOD in a personal, intimate relationship.

Believers today are no different from David, except we have the benefit of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT to help us to really know GOD, not just know about GOD. David had a desire to know GOD.

Many Christians keep a journal of their experiences and encounters with GOD. They record such things as: Praise songs, poems, praises, expressions of adoration, special revelations, insights and encounters they have had when experiencing GOD.

Ephesians 1:18-19 to me is a precious verse – “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which HE has called you, the riches of HIS glorious inheritance in the saints, and HIS incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of HIS mighty strength.”

Paul talks about the eyes of our heart. To me the “eyes” of our heart is the most secret place where we can meet with GOD and we can talk intimately with HIM. In the eyes of our heart we can discuss the most intimate and most secret things in our lives. It is in the eyes of our heart where GOD reveals truth and understanding, as well as, Himself, HIS character, HIS power, HIS attributes, HIS provision, HIS comfort, HIS assurance, HIS care, HIS assurance of our salvation, confirmation that we are HIS children and the list goes on and on.

Have you discovered this most intimate meeting place with our LORD? If not, ask HIM to reveal to you how you can really get to know HIM in the most intimate way possible because you want to build a personal relationship with HIM.

When we ask CHRIST to forgive us of our sins and to come into our hearts, HE does. We are born-again into the family of GOD. Building a relationship with HIM is an ongoing daily process. It is like an infant being born into a family, who is not equipped to care for itself. Once we are born into GOD’S family we also need care to grow spiritually. Some of us have not been fed good nutritious spiritual food. We have formed notions and false ideas about GOD, HIS care, HIS nature and many other quirks. We need the enlightenment and teachings of the HOLY SPIRIT to dispel these false notions and replace them with truth. This takes a decision of each believer. Usually such revelation will not come quickly. But it comes according to our ability to receive it and digest it.

Many believers (I include myself) are babes in CHRIST. When a baby cries we know something is wrong. As loving parents, when we hear our baby crying, we go to see what the problem is. This is true with many believers because we do not know what our spiritual problem is. All we know to do is cry. GOD, as our FATHER, comes to our aid. As we grow and mature, as HIS spiritual children, we begin to express our needs more specifically. When we do, it reveals our heart. This is exactly what GOD wants us to do because it reveals our level of spiritual maturity. This is not for GOD to see but for us to be able to see that we are growing spiritually and we all have needs.

So how do you build a personal intimate relationship with GOD? The same way you build and maintain a personal relationship with your very best friend. You spend time with him or her to get to know him or her as you encounter various situations and circumstances in life. The best place to begin is to read and study HIS Word, the Bible. The Bible is GOD speaking through chosen prophets to mankind. It is GOD revealing HIS character, attributes, nature, does and don’ts, HIS love and instructions for living. The Bible also reveals the experiences of people of faith as they interact with GOD to build a deeper relationship with HIM. The crown jewel is when JESUS comes to earth as a human as the SAVIOR of mankind.

Then talk to GOD through JESUS, which is prayer. Reveal to HIM any problem, doubt, question, hang-up, praise, adoration you have. Be honest with GOD because if you harbor issues, they are barriers to building the most honest, intimate relationship with HIM. HE already knows your heart so be honest with HIM. GOD will meet with you and at the right moment HE will give you situations that will build your faith, trust and confidence in HIM. GOD will give you an opportunity to serve HIM. But wait upon HIM. Focus on the relationship first and let HIM show you what HE wants you to do.

As I write these words, they come from my experience with GOD in building a more intimate relationship. I became a Christian when I was about nine (9) years old but I yielded/committed my life to CHRIST when I was in my early thirty’s. I am now 70.

Several years ago I began to feel like I did not have the relationship with my LORD that I thought I should. The scriptures tell us to seek first our relationship with HIM and then all these things will be given to us. Building an intimate relationship with GOD is not a one size fits all. Each believer needs to ask HIM to reveal to him or her how they can build a more intimate relationship with HIM.

I have taught the Bible for many years but I felt like I only knew “about” GOD and did not really “know” GOD. About three (3) years ago a pastor friend asked me to teach “Experiencing God” authored by Dr. Henry Blackaby and Claude V. King published by LifeWay Press. This is a workbook published for about 15 years ago. There are also video tapes that accompany the workbook. I had the privilege of taking my time and working my way through each unit of this study along with my wife.

I began the study with telling GOD that I was going to be dead honest with HIM and I was not going to move from one point to another until we resolved that point or question. You can see from these words that I had issues that needed to be settled with GOD. It was one of the most profound studies I have ever done. For me, it was the beginning of really getting to know my LORD. It was not trying to recall or remember what I read in the book but it was meeting with GOD through CHRIST each day. Studying HIS Word and having a heart to heart talk with HIM. In retrospect, I had to be dead honest with GOD and reveal all of my hang-ups and notions to HIM. This may not be the same situation for you because I had issues I had to resolve with GOD – disappointments.

I found that over the years I had false notions about GOD. I had standards I thought GOD ought to meet and notions of how HE needed to act. I had created GOD in my own image. Guess what? GOD is GOD. HE is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. HE does things HIS way. HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts. HE is sovereign and we can trust HIM in all things. But before we can understand and accept that GOD is sovereign and we can trust HIM regardless of the results, we must have built the relationship with HIM and that is a process. That process is sanctification which is to be made saint like. I must quickly add that I do not consider myself a saint. But GOD considers all believers to be saints because all believers are set aside for service to GOD through CHRIST. But our part is to yield our will to GOD and to allow HIM to guide our lives. That takes a decision by each believer. GOD never overrides our right to choose.

What I am revealing is my journey to build a more intimate relationship with GOD. You cannot ride on my experience and you cannot ride on David’s experience. What you read in the Psalms is what David learned during his journey with GOD through an ever changing dynamic relationship with HIM. I am still learning and building my relationship with GOD through CHRIST. A personal relationship with GOD is just that - personal, intimate and requires a decision by you.

The most important thing is for each believer to seek his or her own unique relationship with GOD. Salvation is only the beginning. Do we know GOD more this week, month or year than we have in the past? What have we learned about HIM? Do we have any hang-ups about GOD? If so, have we told HIM about them? Is HE revealing truth to us? What do we want GOD to reveal to us? Are we honest with GOD? Have we confessed all our sins to HIM? Have we yielded our lives to be obedient and serve HIM? Are we afraid to commit our lives to HIM? Have we told HIM we would like to serve HIM completely but we are afraid or that we want to but do not know how? Is there anything we need to place openly before the LORD or confess to HIM? Be open with the LORD because HE knows all of our problems, hang-ups, sins, disbelief, questions, doubts, fears and the list goes on and on.

David recorded his experiences with GOD. You might choose to keep a record of your experiences as you build a relationship with HIM or journey with HIM.

Let’s read Psalm 145:1-7: (GOD’S Power)

1 I[1] The lines of this poem form an • acrostic. exalt You, my God[2] Ps 30:1; 118:28; Isa 25:1 the King, and praise Your name forever and ever. 2 I will praise You every day; I will honor Your name forever and ever.[3] Ps 63:4; 96:2; 100:4 3 • Yahweh is great and is highly praised;[4] Ps 48:1; 96:4; 1 Ch 16:25 His greatness is unsearchable.[5] Jb 5:9; 9:10; Isa 40:28 4 One generation will declare Your works to the next and will proclaim Your mighty acts. 5 I[6] LXX, Syr read They will speak of Your glorious splendor[7] Ps 96:6; 104:1; 1 Ch 16:27; Jb 37:22 and[8] LXX, Syr read and they will tell of Your wonderful works. 6 They will proclaim the power of Your awe-inspiring works, and I will declare Your greatness.[9] Alt Hb tradition, Jer read great deeds [10] Ps 106:2; Dt 10:21; 1 Ch 17:19–21 7 They will give a testimony of Your great goodness and will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.

David is expressing the joy of knowing GOD and commits to praise and honor HIS name daily forever because that is vital in maintaining his relationship with GOD. The word “honor” carries the idea “to make shine.” David wanted everyone to see GOD in his life by reflecting GOD. But this type of reflection comes from a genuine presence of GOD in a life. Many of us can act Holy but only when we have the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST can we reflect HIS presence in us.

No one can fathom the greatness of GOD. David uses the name of Yahweh, which is the most Holy name for GOD. This shows the extent David is going to fully express how much he is in awe of GOD’S mighty acts, HIS power and HIS works. There is no equal to GOD, HE is above all.

These expressions are coming from David’s personal experience, revelations and understanding of GOD. He is excited and he wanted to express this discovery about GOD. He has to express openly what he is feeling in his heart. As JESUS went into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the people were shouting Hosanna. JESUS said if they had not cried out the very rocks would have cried out. Have you ever been so excited about something that you had to do or say something to express your joy? This is David. GOD wants each believer to experience this same joy through really knowing HIM.

Let’s read Psalm145:8-13: (GOD’S Character)

8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love.[11] Ps 86:15; 103:8; Ex 34:6; Nm 14:18 9 The Lord is good to everyone; His compassion [rests]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. on all He has made.[12] Ex 34:6; Neh 9:17; Jnh 4:2 10 All You have made will praise You, Lord; the[13] Lit Your godly will bless You. 11 They will speak of the glory of Your kingdom and will declare Your might,[14] Ps 21:13; 1 Ch 29:11–12; 2 Ch 20:6 12 informing [all]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. people[15] Lit informing the sons of man of Your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of Your[16] LXX, Syr, Jer; MT reads His kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; Your rule is for all generations.[17] Dn 4:3 The Lord is faithful in all His words and gracious in all His actions.[18] One Hb ms, DSS, LXX, Syr; most Hb mss omit The Lord is faithful in all His words and gracious in all His actions.

David continues to speak of the attributes and character of GOD. GOD is good to ALL and David’s hope, desire and belief is that ALL who acknowledge GOD will see the same things about GOD that he sees. When they do, ALL will share their discovery with their children and ALL generations will acknowledge and worship GOD. Notice the number of times the word “all” is used in these verses and the verses to follow.

Let’s read Psalm 145:14-21: (GOD’S Provision)

14 The Lord helps all who fall; He raises up all who are oppressed.[19] Lit bowed down [20] Ps 37:24; 119:116; 146:8 15 All eyes look to You, and You give them their food in due time.[21] Ps 104:27 16 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways[22] Ps 11:7; Dn 9:14; Zph 3:5 and gracious in all His acts. 18 The Lord is near all who call out to Him,[23] Ps 34:18; 86:5; Dt 4:7; Jr 23:23 all who call out to Him with integrity. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who • fear Him; He hears their cry for help and saves them.[24] Ps 18:6; Ex 2:23–24; 2 Ch 20:9 20 The Lord guards all those who love Him, but He destroys all the wicked. 21 My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing praise His holy name forever and ever.

David has seen and he knows personally that GOD helps those who have fallen and those who are oppressed. GOD provides for all mankind to be sustained physically and spiritually. The key is that those GOD takes care of must look to HIM in sincerity. In verse 18 the word “integrity” is used. Integrity implies standing firm in one’s faith and displaying the qualities of GOD’S character in our lives. This reminds me of our lesson on the Beatitudes which outlined the qualities GOD wants in every believer.

GOD is always near. HE does not wander off, HE is not aloof but HE is ever present and there for all who call out to HIM. David had seen HIS mighty power guard him and deliver him from the wicked. He acknowledged this and praised the LORD for HIS care of HIM. David saw GOD’S provision and surely ALL others would see HIS care for them and would praise HIS name.

As we conclude the reading of Psalm 145, reflect on David’s knowledge of GOD and reflect on your intimate knowledge of GOD. If you wrote about your relationship with GOD what would it be? Praises? Adoration? Mystery? Questions?

David had the scriptures recorded by Moses. He had knowledge of the attributes of GOD but David wanted to know GOD and experience GOD himself. He does experience GOD through daily living and he is not repeating what Moses had learned but what he had experience himself.

This is true for us. We study the Bible to learn about GOD but it is through daily living that we experience the presence of GOD in our lives. Let HIM show you the marvels and wonders of HIS handiwork as you walk with HIM each moment.

The scriptures copied below reveal to us what David had studied.

Exodus 34:4-9:
4 Moses cut two stone tablets like the first ones. He got up early in the morning, and taking the two stone tablets in his hand, he climbed Mount Sinai, just as the Lord had commanded him. 5 The Lord came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed [His]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. name • Yahweh. 6 Then the Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: Yahweh—Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth,[1] Nm 14:18; Ps 86:15; 103:8 7 maintaining faithful love to a thousand [generations]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , forgiving wrongdoing, rebellion, and sin. But He will not leave [the guilty]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ wrongdoing on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation. 8 Moses immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped. 9 Then he said, “My Lord, if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, my Lord, please go with us. Even though this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wrongdoing and sin, and accept us as Your own possession.”

Exodus 33:14:-23:
14 Then He replied, “My presence[2] Dt 4:37; Isa 63:9 will go [with you]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , and I will give you rest.” 15 “If Your presence does not go,” Moses responded to Him, “don’t make us go up from here. 16 How will it be known that I and Your people have found favor in Your sight unless You go with us? I and Your people will be distinguished [by this]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from all the other people on the face of the earth.” 17 The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.” 18 Then Moses said, “Please, let me see Your glory.” 19 He said, “I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name • Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”[3] Rm 9:15 20 But He answered, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” 21 The Lord said, “Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen.”[4] Jn 1:18

All believers want to see GOD and we can through the eyes of our heart as we live and fellowship with HIM and behold HIS handiwork around us. Life is a precious gift and CHRIST came that believers might experience life more abundantly. Embrace HIM today and embrace life more fully.