Gain Fresh Perspective - Psalm 19:1-14 - January 4, 2009

Sunday School Lesson – Gain Fresh Perspective – January 1, 2009

This is our first bible study of the New Year. Our overall theme is “Do you need a fresh start?” Our scripture for this month is:

Psalm 19:1-14 (Gain Fresh Perspective), Psalms 42:1-43:5 (Discover Fresh Hope), Genesis 4:1-16, 25-26 (Show Fresh Respect), Acts 16:13-18, 25-34 (Receive New Life)

Our scripture, Psalm 19:1-14, was written by David. GOD said that David was a man after HIS own heart. David expressed his innermost thoughts relating GOD to the things he observed on earth and in the heavens to his confidence in GOD the creator and universally in control of all things. David had an intimate relationship with GOD and he expressed what he had learned about GOD through this relationship.

Every believer can also write what he or she has learned and is learning about GOD. Think about your relationship to GOD and what you would write about your relationship with HIM through CHRIST. First, we have to be born-again in our spirit, and then as we allow GOD to reveal Himself to us, we get to know HIM and not just know about HIM.

Do you want a fresh perspective about GOD? Then talk to HIM through prayer and seek to know HIM through HIS Word and obedience. Respond as GOD gives you the opportunity to serve HIM. HE gives us on-the-job training. HE always equips HIS children for the service HE asks of them. When you allow GOD, HE will teach you and reveal Himself to you during this coming year. Seek to know HIM more in 2009. When you get to the end of this year, ask yourself if you know GOD more.

Let’s read Psalm 19:1-6:

The Witness of Creation and Scripture
For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky[1] Or expanse [2] Gn 1:6–8; Dn 12:3 proclaims the work of His hands. 2 Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.[3] Or Day to day pours out speech, and night to night communicates knowledge 3 There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard. 4 Their message[4] LXX, Sym, Syr, Vg; MT reads line has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the inhabited world.[5] Rm 10:18 In the heavens[6] Lit In them He has pitched a tent for the sun. 5 It is like a groom coming from the[7] Lit his bridal chamber; it rejoices like an athlete running a course. 6 It rises from one end of the heavens and circles[8] Lit its circuit is to their other end; nothing is hidden from its heat.

In the early days Christians sung some of the Psalms in the worship service.

As already mentioned David looked around him and saw the handiwork of GOD. He looked at the order of the universe, the things in the universe and upon earth and he knew that GOD is the creator and power that keeps it running. All a person has to do is look around him or her and he or she should be drawn to GOD.

David saw GOD reflected in all he observed in the heavens and especially in the rising of the sun each day. GOD’S handiwork is revealed 24/7 and calls all people to HIM.

Do you see the handiwork of GOD reflected in the heavens, upon earth and especially in the dawn of each new day?

Let’s read Psalm 19:7-11:
7 The instruction of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the • testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the commandment of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up.[9] 1 Sm 14:27–29 9 The • fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. 10 They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey— than honey dripping from the comb. 11 In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them.

When David considered the commands of GOD, he saw the good that they produced. He did not see them as drudgery. GOD’S ordinances are dependable, pure, reliable and righteous. They are better than gold and sweeter than honey. The value of gold is what a person applies to it, the material things it will purchase and the comfort it brings by having it. But there is always the worry that it can be taken away. However, obeying GOD’S Word is active and creates value within each person that observes HIS commands and instructions. What GOD reveals within can never be taken away. It grows in value as a person continues to observe them.

As we begin a new year, where is our value? Is it in the material things we have or in our relationship with CHRIST? Which will be the most valuable in eternity? This is not to say we should not manage that which GOD has entrusted to us but the greatest investment is how we manage the time we spend getting to know GOD through CHRIST.

Let’s read Psalm 19:12-14:
12 Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. 13 Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me. Then I will be innocent, and cleansed from blatant rebellion. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

David’s desire was to be pure. David would have enjoyed being a Christian knowing that CHRIST paid the price for past, present and future sins. David did not want to leave any possibility for not being clean before GOD so he asked GOD to cleanse him from any sin he wasn’t aware of. He wanted his walk and talk to be in harmony.

Is it our desire for our walk and our talk to be in harmony? As we look forward into 2009 will our walk be in step with our talk? Only the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT can provide the power to help a believer’s walk to be consistent with their talk. This is why believers must have the relationship with CHRIST. A believer can try to live a consistent Christian life in his or her strength but it is impossible and will drive you to distraction. Abiding in CHRIST through a loving, intimate relationship is the key to living the consistent Christian life.

As believers begin a new year they have the benefit of looking back and evaluating their spiritual growth. Ask the LORD to reveal to you any barrier that prevents you from growing spiritually.