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What single word should you use to describe God's greatness?
"And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness." (Psalm 145:6)
In "Biblical Perspective" Gordon Snider writes:
The psalmist could not find a single adjective to describe the greatness of God. So he added adjective to adjective: “mighty” (v. 4), “wondrous” (v. 5), and here, thy terrible acts. What God does and the way He acts inspires in the righteous reverence and awe. In the unrighteous these same actions inspire fear and dread. The theme of discussion of all generations is the source of His power to do these works. I will declare thy greatness again emphasizes man's public recounting of the mighty acts of God.
Source: Studies in the Psalms: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 77.
What makes a song a hymn?
In "Doctrinal Discussion" William Sillings writes:
While gospel songs are forms of praise, traditionally hymns have carried the greater weight of praise. Defining a hymn is an elusive task, but most authorities, says Ralph Martin, appeal to Augustine. Augustine claimed there were three distinctive characteristics of a hymn. 1. A hymn is praise. 2. It is designed to be sung. 3. It is directed to God. Furthermore, a hymn differs largely from a gospel song in that the gospel song tends to be more subjective. That is, it tends to concentrate on “my experience” of certain great spiritual truths. In contrast, the most remarkable characteristic of a hymn is its objectiveness. Hymns express in virtually universally applicable terms the praise of the Church to God, whereas a gospel song may describe one person's experience — which, in turn, may not have significance for someone halfway around the world.
Source: Studies in the Psalms: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 80.
The Basis of Praise
“Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off” (v. 6).
The writer once had a professor who had a special passion for the homeless. The professor had made it the focus of his doctoral work. Over the course of two years, by spending time with the homeless, he became their friend and was accepted into their culture. For Thanksgiving, he enjoyed preparing food and taking it to the homeless who were living under interstate overpasses. At the institution where he taught, he obtained permission to have the leftover food from the cafeteria. He and some of the students would put it in back packs. They would walk through the city to share food and the gospel with those who were the neediest in society.
Jesus was called a Friend of sinners. He came from the highest echelon of glory to dwell with sinful mankind. He sees and has regard for the lowly. Let us praise Him for condescending to where we are. As we humble ourselves, He draws near, but if we are lifted up with pride, He withdraws and is far off. (Bob Blankenship)
Hail, Galilean King!
Thy humble state I sing;
Never shall my triumphs end;
Hail derided Majesty!
Jesus, hail! the sinner’s Friend,
Friend of Publicans, - and me.
Charles Wesley (Public Domain)
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p style="font-style-italic;text-align:center;">The better we know God, the better we can praise Him.
The Barrier of Cultural Prejudice
Prejudice is an ugly sin. It hurts when people assume negative things about you simply because you are of a certain ethnicity, culture, etc. Prejudice also limits you when you assume that because a person comes from a certain background, etc. that certain things must be true of them. Prejudice shackles people with historical baggage. Prejudice limits the number of positive relationships we can develop. Prejudice is especially ugly when God's people purposefully hold on to biased opinions of people without thinking, questioning, or reasoning. Prejudice held by those who are to marked by agape love is a mark of hypocrisy, a stain on the Bride's wedding gown.
Many of the barriers discussed during this quarter, while serious, can be remedied by small tweaks. Prejudice, on the other hand, may cause long-lasting damage; years later the memories may still linger on.
How will you work this week to banish prejudice and encourage agape love in your class?
Praising the Living God
Lesson 13 - November 27, 2016
Focus Text: Psalm 145:3-21
Central Truth: Praise to God is the highest expression of redeemed man.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list new ways they will praise God in their lives.
Lesson Outline:
- Praise the Greatness of God (Psalm 145:1-6)
- Praise the Goodness of God (Psalm 145:7-10)
- Praise the Government of God (Psalm 145:11-13)
- Praise the Grace of God (Psalm 145:14-21)
Prayer – Lesson 12, A Sure Guide for Living
Heavenly Father, bless our classes again today as they study Your Word. Reassure each student of the reliability and practicality of the Bible. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.