SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3-1st Quarter 2024--The Lord Reigns

[Richard Myers]

1st Quarter  Lesson 3                                                                                                                                                                                       Jan 13 - Jan 19

The Lord Reigns

Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon

[Richard Myers]

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study

Psalms 8:1-9; Psalms 100:1-5; Psalms 97:1-12; Psalms 75:1-10; Psalms 105:7-10; Galatians 3:26-29; Psalms 25:10.

    Memory Text:
    “The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure” (Psalms 93:1).

The Psalms unswervingly uphold the foundational belief in God’s sovereign reign. The Lord created and sustains everything that He had created. He is the Sovereign King over the whole world, and He rules the world with justice and righteousness. His laws and statutes are good and bring life to those who keep them. The Lord is a just Judge who ensures that the world remains well ordered, and He does so by rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked, but in His time, not ours.

God’s covenant with Israel plays a special role in securing the world because it heralds the Lord’s salvation. The Lord adopted Israel as His prized possession, making Israel, of all the nations, His people. The Lord is faithful to His covenant and continues to care for His flock despite their unfaithfulness and, at times, open rebellion

He "continued to care for His flock" until three and half years after their murder of the Son of God, their Messiah. Grace comes to an end for the nation of Israel. What we do learn from the Psalms is the power of grace to transform sinners into saints, and the long-suffering of Jesus with a man and a nation that were guilty of murder. It ought to cause us to be long-suffering with men and church.

The Lord’s sovereign rule thus renders the world firmly established and secure. The psalmists want the reader to understand this foundational truth. With this worldview as their lighthouse, the psalmists seek to thrive and to serve God with undivided devotion.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 20.

[Richard Myers]

Sunday  January 14
The Lord Has Made Us

Read Psalms 8:1-9; Psalms 100:1-5. How are God and people portrayed in these psalms? What do these psalms reveal about God’s character?

Creation plays a crucial role in the Psalms, in upholding God’s sovereignty. The heavens, which are “His handiwork,” proclaim His glory and power (Psalms 19:1-4; Psalms 97:6). God’s name is majestic in all the earth (Psalms 8:1; Psalms 8:9). The Lord has created everything; He has no beginning (Psalms 93:2) and no end (Psalms 102:25-27). He is everlasting and superior over the gods of the nations, which are only “the work of men’s hands” (Psalms 115:4), nothing more. The idols “have hands, but they handle not” (Psalms 115:7); as for the Lord, “in his hand are the deep places of the earth . . . and his hands formed the dry land” (Psalms 95:4-5).

Several psalms portray God’s power over the forces in nature that other nations believed to be divine (e.g. Psalms 29:1-11; Psalms 93:1-5; Psalms 104:1-35). These psalms reassert the claim that the Lord reigns over all creation and is supreme in power and dignity. Psalms 100:3 strikes one subtle form of idolatry—self-reliance, stressing that God made us, “and not we ourselves.”

Creation also testifies to God’s love. Everything that exists owes its existence to God, who also sustains life (Psalms 95:7; Psalms 147:4-9). Notice that God not only granted people existence but He also made ancient Israel “His people and the sheep of His pasture” (Psalms 100:3). The notion of “His people” and “His sheep” reveals God’s desire for a close relationship with His people.

Only the Creator has the power to bless and cause His people to increase, and thus, He is the only One worthy of their worship and trust. Numerous psalms call everything that has breath, all the earth, the sea, and everything in it to shout for joy before the Lord.

The glory of God is seen in the creation, even in the fallen earthly creation, and the Psalms point us to God alone as worthy of worship.

“What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” (Psalms 8:4). What is your response to God as your Creator? When God calls the stars by their names (Psalms 147:4), how much more do you think God cares for you?

[Richard Myers]

Monday January 15
The Lord Reigns

Closely tied—in fact inseparably tied—to the Lord as Creator is the Lord as Sovereign, as Ruler. The declaration “The Lord reigneth” is solemnly proclaimed in Psalms 93:1; Psalms 96:10; Psalms 97:1; Psalms 99:1, but its echoes are heard throughout the book of Psalms.

The Lord is clothed with honor, majesty, and strength (Psalms 93:1; Psalms 104:1). He is surrounded with clouds and darkness (Psalms 97:2) but also covers Himself “with light as with a garment” (Psalms 104:2). These metaphors exalt the King’s power and splendor and are carefully chosen to express God’s unique greatness, which is beyond human comprehension.

Read Psalms 97:1-12. What characterizes the Lord’s reign? (Psalms 97:2; Psalms 97:10). What is the domain of His reign? (Psalms 97:1; Psalms 97:5; Psalms 97:9).

The Lord’s rule is demonstrated in His works of creation (Psalms 96:5), salvation (Psalms 98:2), and judgment (Psalms 96:10). The Lord establishes His kingship over the whole world (Psalms 47:6-9). God’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, unparalleled in power and majesty (Psalms 45:6; Psalms 93:1-2; Psalms 103:19). The Lord’s reign is established on mercy, justice, and righteousness, and it brings order and stability to the created world (Psalms 98:3; Psalms 99:4). God’s reign unites both heavenly and earthly worshipers in the praise of God (Psalms 103:20-22; Psalms 148:1-14). Many psalms envision all humanity acknowledging God’s sovereign rule (Psalms 96:10; Psalms 97:1; Psalms 99:1; Psalms 145:11-13).

But not all people, or even earthly rulers, do, at least for now. The Lord’s reign is constantly defied by the wicked, who deny and mock the Lord and oppress His people (Psalms 14:1; Psalms 74:3-22). Though challenged by the prosperity of some wicked people and troubled by God’s forbearance, the psalmist trusts in God’s sovereign rule and continues to flourish in the assurance of God’s righteous judgments (Psalms 68:21; Psalms 73:17-20). By faith God’s people rejoice in the inauguration of God’s kingdom through Christ’s redeeming ministry and wait for the consummation of the kingdom at Christ’s second coming (Matthew 12:26-28; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28).

“You who love the Lord, hate evil!” (Psalms 97:10). Why should our love for God cause us to hate evil? How are these two concepts related?

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday  January 16
God Is the Judge

Read Psalms 75:1-10. Why is the boasting of the wicked in vain?

As the Sovereign King, the Lord is also a Lawgiver (Psalms 99:7) and a Judge (Psalms 98:9; Psalms 97:2). The wicked constantly threaten the just order that God established in the world, but the Lord will judge the world and bring the rule of evil to its end (Psalms 75:8-10; Psalms 96:13).

In Psalms 75:1-10, several images depict the irrevocable destruction of the wicked. The image of a cup with red wine (Psalms 75: conveys the intensity of God’s fury (Jeremiah 25:15; ). Cutting off the horns of the wicked depicts the end of their power and dominion, while the horns of the righteous shall be exalted (Psalms 75:10). God chooses a “proper time” (Psalms 75:2) or “appointed time” (NIV) for His judgment. This executive judgment clearly will take place at the end of time (Psalms 96:13; 1 Corinthians 15:23-26).

The Lord probes people’s hearts as part of His judgment. Read Psalms 14:2. It is reminiscent of Genesis 6:5; Genesis 6:8. Both texts show that the execution of God’s judgment of the world is preceded by God’s examination of the people’s lives and seeking whomever He can save. This judgment is sometimes called “the investigative judgment,” when God defends the righteous and decides the fate of the wicked.

How does it work?

First, God delivers His people from the wicked (Psalms 97:10; Psalms 146:9) and crowns the humble with salvation (Psalms 149:4). Second, the unrepentant wicked are destroyed forever (Psalms 97:3). Some psalms poetically describe the uselessness of human weapons against the Divine Judge (Psalms 76:3-6). The Lord is also a forgiving God, although He punishes people’s misdeeds (Psalms 99:. God’s people, not only the wicked, shall give an account to God (Psalms 50:4; Psalms 135:14).

The Psalms convey the same notion that is expressed in other biblical texts, that God’s judgment begins with God’s people and is extended to the whole earth (Deuteronomy 32:36; 1 Peter 4:17). The psalmist cries to God to judge him but relies on God’s righteousness to defend him (Psalms 7:8-11; Psalms 139:23-24).

The Psalms call us to rejoice in anticipation of God’s judgments (Psalms 67:4; Psalms 96:10-13; Psalms 98:4-9). How is God’s judgment good news for those covered by the blood of Christ?

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday  January 17
Ever Mindful of His Covenant

The theme of God’s judgment prompts a significant question: How can God’s people have peace with God and assurance of salvation at the time of judgment? Read Psalms 94:14; Psalms 105:7-10; Daniel 7:22.

God’s people are secure because the Lord placed His dwelling place in Zion (Psalms 76:1-2) and established His everlasting covenant with them as His treasured possession (Psalms 94:14; Psalms 105:8-10). God does not simply promise not to reject His covenantal people—He actively works to keep them secure in Him. He forgives their sins (Psalms 103:3); He instructs, blesses, and strengthens His people (Psalms 25:8-11; Psalms 29:11; Psalms 105:24). God’s judgments are given to turn the people to righteousness and to demonstrate that God cares for them (Psalms 94:8-15).

Psalms 105:1-45 as a whole shows the Lord’s faithfulness to His covenant in Israel’s history. In everything that happened, the good and the bad, God was there. He providentially led Joseph to Egypt and through him saved His people and the nations in that area during the severe famine (Psalms 105:16-24). The Lord raised Moses to lead His people out of Egyptian slavery, which he did with signs and wonders on their behalf (Psalms 105:25-38).

The Lord granted His people the Promised Land (Psalms 105:11; Psalms 105:44) and His continual protection (Psalms 105:12-15). He multiplied them (Psalms 105:24), freed them from their overlords (Psalms 105:37-38), and provided for their daily needs (Psalms 105:39-41). The Lord is undoubtedly in sovereign control of all that involves His people—a truth that the psalmists wanted His people never to forget.

When God remembers His covenant, it involves more than cognizance or memory because it always leads to action (Genesis 8:1; 1 Samuel 1:19; Psalms 98:3; Psalms 105:42-44). Likewise, when the people are called to remember God’s wonders and judgments, it means that the people should live in ways that honor God.

In this covenant, Israel’s primary calling is to remain faithful to the covenant by observing God’s laws (Psalms 78:5-7; Psalms 105:45). God’s people also are called to bear witness about God to other nations because the Lord wishes all nations to join His people Israel (Psalms 105:1-2). The world is thus secure in the protective covenant of the almighty and merciful God (Psalms 89:28-34).

What do we have in Jesus, which shows why these promises made to ancient Israel can now apply to us? (See Galatians 3:26-29.)

[Richard Myers]

Thursday January 18
Your Testimonies Are Very Sure

Read Psalms 19:7; Psalms 93:5; Psalms 119:165; Psalms 1:2; Psalms 1:6; Psalms 18:30; Psalms 25:10. What common thread runs through them all?

The Lord’s supremacy in the world as the Sovereign Creator, King, and Judge has theological implications for the reliability of His testimonies. The testimonies (Hebrew ‘edut, “decree,” “law”) refer to the body of laws and ordinances with which the Lord governs the religious and social life of His people (Exodus 32:15). They are “very sure” (Psalms 93:5), reflecting the stability and permanence of God’s throne and the world that God created and sustains (Psalms 93:1-2). The Hebrew word translated as “sure” (the English word amen derives from this word) conveys the notion of reliability, faithfulness, and firmness (2 Samuel 7:16; 1 Chronicles 17:23). God’s laws are unchangeable and indestructible.

God vouches for the integrity of His promises and commands. God’s faithfulness is both wholly reassuring in guaranteeing the unchangeable character of His rule and wholly demanding in asking the people’s responses of trust and obedience to God.

At the same time, the lack of justice in the world is poetically described as a shaking of earth’s foundation (Psalms 18:7; Isaiah 24:18-21). God’s law instructs the people in the way of righteous life that can withstand God’s judgment. The righteous, thus, shall not be shaken because they are firmly rooted in God’s law, which provides stability and security, and their hearts are steadfast (Hebrew kun, also, means “be firm,” “be secure”) in the Lord (Psalms 112:1; Psalms 112:6-7). Nothing causes those who keep God’s law to stumble (Psalms 119:165), which signifies God’s protection and guidance in life (Psalms 1:2-3; Psalms 1:6).

God’s Word is depicted as the lamp to the psalmist’s feet, and so, it protects him from the enemies’ hidden snares (Psalms 119:105; Psalms 119:110). Great peace, which is enjoyed by those who love God’s law (Psalms 119:165), obviously does not result from a total absence of trials (Psalms 119:161). It rather derives from abiding in God’s presence and having a wholesome relationship with Him.

What are practical ways that keeping God’s laws and rules and testimonies have helped you in your life? On the other hand, what have you suffered from violating them?

[Richard Myers]

Friday January19
Further Thought

Read Psalms 86:5; Psalms 86:15; Ellen G. White, “God’s Love for Man,” pp. 9–15, in Steps to Christ. How does the truth that God is love help us better understand the various descriptions of God and His deeds in the Psalms?

This week’s study focuses on some key descriptions of God and His activities, which establish the world and render it firm and secure. The psalmists appeal to God, who is the Creator, King, Judge, covenantal Savior, and Lawgiver. The roles in the world that God occupies are further reflected in God’s various other names and titles, including Shepherd (Psalms 23:1; Psalms 80:1), Rock of Salvation (Psalms 95:1), and Father (Psalms 68:5; Psalms 89:26). In the world we can be secure and safe, even amid the turmoil of the great controversy, because God is sovereign and faithful in all He does and says. Although these theological themes are by no means exhaustive, they are suggestive of the various ways in which God reveals Himself in the Psalms.

As we continue to study the Psalms, it is important to remember to read the Psalms in the light of God’s character of love and grace and His plan to save and restore the world. “The more we study the divine character in the light of the cross, the more we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity and justice, and the more clearly we discern innumerable evidences of a love that is infinite and a tender pity surpassing a mother’s yearning sympathy for her wayward child.”—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 15. In the Psalms, even when the people face God’s judgment for their rebellion, they continue to call upon God because they know that God’s anger is only for a time, but His mercy is everlasting (Psalms 103:.

Discussion Questions

    Why is understanding the reality and prevalence of the great controversy crucial in helping us understand that despite God’s ultimate rulership and sovereignty, there is still much turmoil and suffering in our world? Why is the great controversy motif so helpful to us?
    How should the belief in God as Creator shape our understanding of ourselves and our relationship with the rest of creation? What happens when the people stray from that truth (Psalms 106:35-42)?
    What was wrong with the idols of the nations in biblical times (Psalms 115:4-8)? What about modern idols? Why are they just as dangerous to our walk with the Lord?
    How should God’s people live knowing that God’s judgment begins with His people? How does God judge His people and to what end?