Women's Bible Study by Richard Moore Lesson 2 Psalm 15:1 Abiding in God's Tabernacle Day One The Question Set Forth "As nothing is more common in the world than falsely to assume the name of God, or to pretend to be his people, and as a great part of men allow themselves to do this without any apprehension of the danger it involves, David, without stopping to speak to men, addresses himself to God, which he considers the better course; and he intimates, that if men assume the title of the people of God, without being so in deed and in truth, they gain nothing by their self-delusion, for God continues always like himself, and as he is faithful himself, so will he have us to keep faith with him in return. No doubt, he adopted Abraham freely, but, at the same time, he stipulated with him that he should live a holy and an upright life, and this is the general rule of the covenant which God has, from the beginning, made with his Church. The sum is, that hypocrites, who occupy a place in the temple of God, in vain pretend to be his people, for he acknowledges none as such but those who follow after justice and uprightness during the whole course of their life." Commentary of John Calvin Reading for Lesson: Psalm 61:2-4 "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah" Read Also: Psalm 23:6; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 92:12-14; John 3:3-5; Revelation 7:14-17; Hebrews 12:22 Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion 1. Why is this question important to ask for David and for us? 2. What is the importance of the idea to "abide" in the tabernacle? 3. Why does David use the term "tabernacle" rather than "temple"? 4. What is the holy hill? 5. Does this refer only to the Old Testament or does it look ahead to the New, or to the eternal fulfillment. 1
Transcript
Women's Bible Study by Richard Moore
Lesson 2
Psalm 15:1
Abiding in God's Tabernacle
Day One
The Question Set Forth
"As nothing is more common in the world than falsely to assume the name of God, or to pretend to be his people, and as a great part of men allow themselves to do this without any apprehension of the danger it involves, David, without stopping to speak to men, addresses himself to God, which he considers the better course; and he intimates, that if men assume the title of the people of God, without being so in deed and in truth, they gain nothing by their self-delusion, for God continues always like himself, and as he is faithful himself, so will he have us to keep faith with him in return. No doubt, he adopted Abraham freely, but, at the same time, he stipulated with him that he should live a holy and an upright life, and this is the general rule of the covenant which God has, from the beginning, made with his Church. The sum is, that hypocrites, who occupy a place in the temple of God, in vain pretend to be his people, for he acknowledges none as such but those who follow after justice and uprightness during the whole course of their life." Commentary of John Calvin
Reading for Lesson: Psalm 61:2-4 "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah"
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion
1. Why is this question important to ask for David and for us?
2. What is the importance of the idea to "abide" in the tabernacle?
3. Why does David use the term "tabernacle" rather than "temple"?
4. What is the holy hill?
5. Does this refer only to the Old Testament or does it look ahead to the New, or to the eternal fulfillment.
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6. Are there those who are a part of the church but do not dwell or abide in it?
7. Does this imply that we have something to do with our continuing in the church?
8. Does the Psalm in our readings Psalm 92 speak of who dwells in the holy hill or abides. and how does this relate to the last question?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:This Psalm expresses the heart felt need to know that one will abide in the presence of God forever.
As we pass through this life and struggle with our own sins and also struggle with the trials of this life, if we do not have confidence that we are abiding in the holy presence of God and that we shall abide in that presence of God always, we are most miserable of men.
But to know that we dwell in God's holy tabernacle, upon His Holy Hill means that all is well. For we are beloved of the Father, we are covered by the blood of His Only Begotten Son, and we are the objects of His eternal love. Then we shall have peace in this life even in the most severe of trial and tribulation.
There are times when we see those in the midst of the church on earth that do not serve God aright, and the wicked who so attach themselves to the church for whatever purpose shall not abide. But then who shall abide, do we not sin also who are elect in Christ, how shall we have assurance? This Psalm answers this question, by pointing out that God's children will indeed abide in His eternal fellowship and His dwelling place.
Conclusion:We need to ask this question in this day of apostasy not only, but because of our own weaknesses.
But we also need to hear the answer given to the Psalmist and us.
Day Two
The Blessed Integrity of Those Abiding With God
Psalm 15:2
"Here we should mark, that in the words there is an implied contrast between the vain boasting of those who are only the people of God in name, or who make only a bare profession of being so, which consists in outward observances, and this indubitable and genuine evidence of true godliness which David commends. But it might be asked, As the service of God takes precedence of the duties of charity towards our neighbors, why is there no mention here made of faith and prayer; for, certainly, these are the marks by which the genuine children of God ought to have been distinguished from hypocrites? The answer is easy:David does not intend to exclude faith and prayer, and other spiritual sacrifices; but as hypocrites, in order to promote their own interests, are not sparing in their attention to a multiplicity of external religious observances, while their ungodliness, notwithstanding, is manifestedoutwardly in the life, seeing they are full of pride, cruelty, violence, and are given to deceitfulness and extortion, - the Psalmist, for the purpose of discovering and drawing forth into the light all who are of such a character, takes the marks and evidences of true and sincere faith from the second table of the law. According to the care which every man takes to practice righteousness and equity towards his
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neighbors, so does he actually show that he fears God." Commentary by John Calvin
Reading for Lesson: 1 John 2:4-8 "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth."
Read Also: Isaiah 33:15-18; Galatians 2:14-16; Ephesians 2:10; I John 2:29; Revelation 22:14-15; Zechariah 8:16-17; Colossians 3:9-10.
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Does the idea of the previous verse in the terns "abide and dwell" give expression to a matter of heart or outward activity?
2. How is the matter of the heart related to the outward activity of the child of God?
3. Can the wicked walk uprightly, or work righteousness, or speak the truth?
4. How can it be said of God's children that we so walk according to the calling of this text?
5. What is the relationship between our works and faith?
6. Can any abide in the tabernacle of God apart from Christ?
7. Is there any salvation apart from Christ?
8. Are we aware that in these latter days many called Christians claim there is salvation apart from Christ?
9. Are these characteristics found in our life and family?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:It is with singleness of heart that we are to serve our God and walk with our fellow believers. This
means that we are righteous in all our walk especially also with respect to those about us. We then must walk in the truth. That is, the truth must lead us in all of our speech and activity. This is the reason that the Lord's Day is so precious to the child of God. For it is under the preaching that we are led powerfully by our Lord in the walk of life that is well pleasing to God.
The works of God's people are the fruit of the faith which their Lord by His Spirit works within them. We will serve God as called by this text as the life of Christ lives within our heart, this as we have been ingrafted by the Spirit into Christ and live from Him in this life in the midst of the world in perilous times.
Apart from grace we are no different than the wicked who will not keep the second table of the law, and only as Christ works in our heart repentance and faith shall we rightly serve God and dwell with
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Him all of our life.
Conclusion:Praise God for His blessed grace given us through His Word and the faith to appropriate it so that
we may serve God faithfully also in our love for our neighbor.
Day Three
Walking Uprightly By Fleeing Evil
Psalm 15:3
"For some have truth on their lips, and not in their heart. As if one should deceitfully point out a road,knowing that there were robbers there, and should say, If you go this way, you will be safe from robbers; and it should turn out that in fact there were no robbers found there: he has spoken the truth, but not in his heart. For he supposed it to be otherwise, and spoke the truth in ignorance. Therefore it is not enough to speak the truth, unless it be so also in heart.'Who hath practiced no deceit in his tongue' (ver. 3). Deceit is practiced with the tongue, when one thing is professed with the mouth, another concealed in the breast. “Nor done evil to his neighbor.” It is well known that by “neighbor,” every man should be understood. 'And hath not entertained slander against his neighbor,' that is, hath not readily or rashly given credence to an accuser." Commentary by Agustin
Reading For Lesson: Psalm 101:5-8 "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD."
Read Also: Jeremiah 9:4-9; Romans 1:29-32; James 4:11; I Peter 2:1-2; I Samuel 24:11; Romans 12:`17; Proverbs 22:10; Ephesians 4:31-32.
Consider the Following Questions:
1. How is the matters of the heart and the mouth connected?
2. Can one for a lengthy time hide the matters of his heart or will they become evident in his walk?
3. The vices that we are warned against in this verse, are those we are tempted to do against the neighbor, how is this related to our attitude and action against the living God?
4. Why is backbiting so hurtful to the neighbor?
5. Why do we backbite?
6. What is the relation between backbiting and slander to doing evil against the neighbor?
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7. What do you think is the main idea of reproach?
8. In this day and age do we need to guard increasingly against these sins within our lives, and secondly, do we become the objects of these sins in these last days to a greater degree?
9. Is Christ an example of how these sins are brought against the church, and how?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:David has set forth some of the positive things that ought to be seen in those who would belong to
the Church of Christ. Certain virtues become evident in the lives of God's children. But it is also true that we as the children of God must flee sins that can easily become manifest also in us and in Christ's Church on earth. And now David under the inspiration of the Spirit warns us to flee these sins.
Our outward actions toward our neighbors give evidence of our inward thoughts toward God and toward the neighbor. One cannot hide his inward thoughts from God, but neither can he indefinitely hide his inward being from his neighbor. And because that which is natural to us is under the influence of sin we must hear what the Spirit says unto the Church. By grace we must flee the sins of the flesh and serve God faithfully.
Let us therefore strive by the power of God's grace to keep our tongues from the attempted destruction of our neighbor. For when we slander and backbite our neighbor it gives evidence of our own pride and natural hatred for anyone but self. We certainly cannot claim to be serving our Lord when we so treat our neighbors.
But sin never really stops only with backbiting, or evil speaking, but continues to manifest itself by outward acts of evil toward that neighbor. Prideful natural man must get rid of the neighbor in order to have his own way and to glorify himself. The result for the neighbor that he is made to be the reproach not only of the slanderer and evil doer, but the attempt is to make him the reproach of all about him.
We may not be involved in these things against any neighbor, but especially ought this to be avoided in connection with our life within the body of Christ.
Finally, because these sins are the fruit of natural man and not of faith you will have to patiently suffer them. We are not better than our Lord Jesus Christ against whom all these sins were committed.
Conclusion: Pray for grace to be delivered from these sins and to patiently bear them when brought against us.
May we remember that we need not exalt ourselves and may not, but trust that God for Christ sake will lift us up to enjoy the life of Christ now and forever.
Day Four
Honoring Them That Fear Jehovah
Psalm 15:4
"The meaning of the Psalmist, to express it in a few words, is, that the children of God freely judge of every man’s doings, and that for the purpose of obtaining the favor of men, they will not stoop to vile flattery, and thereby encourage the wicked in their wickedness. What follows immediately after, namely, to honor the righteous and those who fear God, is no mean virtue. As they are often, as it were,
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the filth and the off scouring of all things in the estimation of the world, so it frequently happens that those who show them favor and sympathy, excite against themselves every where the hatred of the world. The greater part of mankind, therefore, refuse the friendship of good men, and leave them to be despised, which cannot be done without grievous and heinous injury to God. Let us learn then not to value men by their estate or their money, or their transitory honors, but to hold in estimation godliness, or the fear of God. And certainly no man will ever truly apply his mind to the study of godliness who does not, at the same time, reverence the servants of God; as, on the other hand, the love we bear to them incites us to imitate them in sanctity of life." Commentary by John Calvin
Reading for the Lesson: Psalm 24:4-6 "He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah."
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Why must the children of God despise or find contemptible the vile or wicked person?
2. Do we do this when it comes to the entertainment world? Do our young people? Or do we copy them in dress, hair style, language?
3. Who ought we to emulate?
4. What is it to fear Jehovah?
5. If one fears Jehovah what is it to honor them?
6. How do these things make it clear that we live in the last days?
7. What if we have a very corrupt government, does it mean that we do not have to submit?
8. The one who fears the Lord swears to his own hurt and will not change his word, how can this be right?
9. What is the point of this last phrase?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
The signs of the times are ever being revealed in ever greater degree, and a passage such as this one is so important to us as mothers and grandmothers in the church. This is also true of us as wives, and of course is true also of the husbands fathers,, and grandfathers. It is necessary that we have fellowship with and follow the wise, those that fear the Lord our God. Jehovah is the faithful covenant God and to serve Him and to fear Him is precious. For the one who fears the LORD esteems Him above all things, and stands in reverence before Him. He finds his way in His Word and he hates to
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depart from that Word. He would hold to God's glory above all else even himself. Thus we honor those that would so walk and who consciously in thankfulness to God keep His law.
So honoring the upright we are lead in right paths and seek the right way, and are blessed. But this also means that we do so antithetically. We cannot serve God and mammon. Not only is this necessary for us but also for our families. This must be true in what we do in our free time, what we watch on TV, what we read, and how we use the Internet. We must behave by the grace of God as children of the day and not as children of the night.
Of course of ourselves we cannot and will not do this. Thus we must be people of prayer, and must rely alone on the grace of God to sustain us in our pilgrims walk. Thus we will despise the way of the wicked and they that walk in wickedness, and we will stand with the faithful in the truth.
Conclusion: Be aware of the darkness that is about us, and be steadfast in the reading of the Scripture, and in seeking the preaching of the Word, and be thankful that Christ has condemned the wicked, and honored those fearing the LORD, by going to the cross unto the cursing of the wicked and unto the saving of the Church.
Day Five
We Shall Never Be Moved
Psalm 15:5
"These are no great things: but he who is not able to do even this, much less able is he to speak the truth in his heart, and to practice no deceit in his tongue, but as the truth is in the heart, so to profess and have it in his mouth, 'yea, yea; nay, nay;' and to do no evil to his neighbor, that is, to any man; and to entertain no slander against his neighbor: all which are the virtues of the perfect, in whose sight themalicious one hath been brought to nought. Yet he concludes even these lesser things thus, 'Whoso doeth these things shall not be moved for ever:' that is, he shall attain unto those greater things, wherein is great and unshaken stability. For even the very tenses are, perhaps not without cause, so varied, as that in the conclusion above the past tense should be used, but in this the future. For there it was said, 'The malicious one hath been brought to nought in his sight:' but here, 'shall not be moved for ever.'" Commentary by Agustin
Reading for Lesson: Psalm 112:4-8 "Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies."
Read Also: Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37; Ezekiel 22:12; Proverbs 12:3; Matthew 7:21-25; II Peter 1:10-11.
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Why do you think the Spirit added this admonition concerning money in defining those who are properly members of the body of Christ, the Church?
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2. What is being stated with respect to the neighbor and how does this apply to a walk which is in the fear of Jehovah?
3. What are some of the ways besides excessively high interest, that the natural man cheats the neighbor and robs from the poor?
4. Is this also sign of the times, that these things become prevalent in our day?
5. Does the promise of this text refer to all in your congregation, why or why not?
6. How is it possible for us to do these things?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
David by the power of the Spirit concludes this passage concerning those who trully belong to the church of Christ by calling our attention to the fact that we must love the neighbor and do him no harm. Especially is this true of those that are poor, we must not be involved with biting or hurting our brother. Nor are we to have respect to the person. The poor in the body of Christ are just as important to God as the rich.
But also this is pointing out that we are to carry ourselves justly before God and man. And the unjust gain by craftiness or deceit can only devour the neighbor. God is not glorified by such a walk, but it shows a hatred for God and His people. Matthew 7:12 “Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,” Man so evilly walked with respect to Jesus Christ, taking from Him all things, when He has almost nothing of this world in possession. But they would profit even at His expense. By nature this is all that we would do, but because of God's eternal love and by His grace we are delivered principally from these sins and do in principal seek those things that are just and good.
Who does these things, only those in whose heart the Spirit of Christ abides, and who is lead by Christ's word in this life, ultimately those covered in His blood serve Him so.
Conclusion: God's children so covered by the blood of Christ in whose heart the Spirit dwells and who rest alone upon their God shall never be moved. This is true when the enemy stands ever so strong against us, and when even we find ourselves in a battle with our own flesh, God gives the victory. Praise Him.
Day Six
Preserve Us!
Psalm 16:1
"David here flies to God's protection with a cheerful believing confidence in it (v. 1): 'Preserve me, O God! from the deaths, and especially from the sins, to which I am continually exposed; for in thee, and in thee only, do I put my trust.' Those that by faith commit themselves to the divine care, and submit themselves to the divine guidance, have reason to hope for the benefit of both. This is applicable to
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Christ, who prayed, Father, save me from this hour, and trusted in God that he would deliver him."(from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible)
"In the beginning David commends himself to the protection of God. He then meditates upon the benefits which he received from God, and thereby stirs himself up to thanksgiving. By his service, it is true, he could in no respect be profitable to God, but he, notwithstanding, surrenders and devotes himself entirely to him, protesting that he will have nothing to do with superstitions. He also states the reason of this to be, that full and substantial happiness consists in resting in God alone, who never suffers his own people to want any good thing." Commentary by Calvin
Reading for Lesson: Psalm 86:2-5 "Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Why must David pray for God's preservation, why must we?
2 In as far as this opening can be applied to Christ in what sense does He pray for this?
3. The term preserve refers to being kept, what is it necesarry for us to be kept from?
4. Was David well aware of this?
5. Is there a sense in which Christ must be guarded or kept and preserved?
6. What is the only way we can rightly pray this prayer according to our text?
7. What is it to put our trust in God?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
First we take note that the term "Michtam" with which this passage is introduced has been interpreted in several ways, some think it refers to gold, some to a song., and others to a poem as the root of the Hebrew word is not so easily discerned. And while in a sense all these ideas can be included for the Psalm is precious as gold, surly can be sung with joyous hearts, we find here a poem that sets forth the intimate needs of the child of God in this life.
Secondly, while this Psalm is principally the Psalm of the king David and speak of his special needs as God's child and as king, it does also contain word's that we understand that Jesus in His human nature also readily uttered. Of course this means that it applies to us as members of the body of Christ, especially in the light of our needs caused by weakness and sin.
Now we find in the opening verse of this Psalm the general subject of which this Psalm speaks. And it
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sets forth the great need that David and we have, and that is that our God keeps us or preserves us, especially in the light of our weaknesses and sins, but also because of the fierceness of our enemies. And while our Lord did not sin and could not sin as the Messiah, nevertheless He in the human nature found it necessary to be kept by His God in the pathway to the cross, often entering into prayer for Father's care while dwelling in our flesh. Those quickened by the Spirit of Christ according to God's love commit their lives unto God trusting in Him. They pray preserve us O our God.
Conclusion: We must take note now in how we shall do this throughout our lives in all situations into which we are led. And we must pray this prayer especially as the end of time draws near.
Day Seven
Psalm 16:2-3
Serving God By Caring For the Neighbor
"The import of his language is, I am, indeed, fully convinced in my heart, and know assuredly, that God can derive no profit or advantage from me; but notwithstanding this, I will join myself in fellowship with the saints, that with one accord we may worship him by the sacrifices of praise. Two things are distinctly laid down in this verse. The first is, that God has a right to require of us whatever he pleases, seeing we are wholly bound to Him as our rightful proprietor and Lord. David, by ascribing to him the power and the dominion of Lord, declares that both himself and all he possessed are the property of God. ... But I think the sentence has a more extensive meaning, namely, that let men strive ever so much to lay themselves out for God, yet they can bring no advantage to him. Our goodness extendeth not to him, not only because, having in himself alone an all-sufficiency, he stands in need of nothing, but also because we are empty and destitute of all good things, and have nothing with which to show ourselves liberal towards him. ... The only way of serving God aright is to endeavor to do good to his holy servants. And the truth is, that God, as our good deeds cannot extend to him, substitutes the saints in his place, towards whom we are to exercise our charity. When men, therefore, mutually exert themselves in doing good to one another, this is to yield to God right and acceptable service." Commentary by Calvin
Reading For Lesson: Job 22:2-4 "Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him that thou makest thy ways perfect? Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?"
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Do we have this in our hearts, that we confess that we cannot add anything to God by what we do?
2. Is there a danger that we come to think and act like we can add to God's cause by what we can
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do?
3. What is the significance of the fact that David prays O my soul, thou hast said...?
4. May we serve God's honor in our dealings with our neighbor?
5. Do we do this?
6. Who are the excellent in whom we and our Lord must delight?
7. Do we faithfully delight in these in our life within the church? Or do we sometines do them harm?
8. How did Jesus show that He also gave all glory to God, and that His delight was in the saints, the excellent in all the earth?
A few thoughts concerning this passage: We see that David was very aware that he could not add anything to God's honor or glory, by
anything that he could bring before Him. Even our Lord always extolled His Father in heaven, and all He did was to serve Him as He came into our flesh as the Head of the Church. And certainly that is all that we can do also by grace in Christ and by the power of His Spirit.
On the other hand David believed that he could serve God in his care as king over God's people. And it is especially so with respect to the children of God, for he calls them the excellent of the earth, and saints. Over them he ruled and he saw himself as the servant of God in his service of God's people.
So it was of Christ Who is the King and the fulfillment of this prayer. He gave His life, His blood, in the service of God as He worked atonement for God's saints, the excellent of the earth.
Conclusion: We must see that we ought also so to pray and walk, may God grant us the grace to humble ourselves before God and to serve Him in our love and care of the saints about us.
Day Eight
Psalm 16:4
The Foolishness of Seeking Another God
"But the meaning which we have above given brings out the spirit of the passage, namely, that unbelievers, who honor their false gods by offering to them gifts, not only lose what is thus expended, but also heap up for themselves sorrows upon sorrows, because at last the issue will be miserable and ruinous to them. ... David, therefore, protests, that he will not only keep himself uncontaminated by the corrupt and false opinions by which idolaters are seduced, but that he will also take care not to show outwardly any token of his complying with or approving them. In the same sense we are to understand what follows immediately after, I will not take their names in my lips. This implies that he will hold idols in such hatred and detestation, as to keep himself from naming them as from execrable treason against the majesty of heaven." Commentary by Calvin
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Reading for Lesson: Revelation 14:9-11 "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name."
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Again we meet with a warning in our text, why is this necessary?
2. What does it mean that when one seeks after another god his sorrows shall be multiplied?
3. Was this true of Israel? Is it true today? Explain
4. What is the significance of the term "hasten" in this verse?
5. What does it mean when David says' or even Christ (the fulfillment) says, or we who are in Christ say that: "we will not offer their drink offerings of blood"?
6. Are there ways that we are tempted to take up their (idol god's) names into our lips?
7. According to the texts from Revelation what is the danger of following after false gods and the idol gods that surround us today?
8. As mothers and grandmothers how does this text guide us in the home specifically?
A Few thoughts concerning this passage:First we cannot be united to the body of Christ and follow after idol gods. We may not claim to be
followers of Christ and follow the vain superstitions of wicked man. In fact we are to have no fellowship with unbelievers nor follow those walking in paths of darkness. Such a life can only lead to greater and greater misery, and finally as the book of Revelation points out to eternal destruction. As the time ever draws closer to the end of time, the temptations for us and our families will be greater and greater to tempt us to follow the idols of greed, of seeking the pleasures of the flesh, etc. But we must be warned that all these ways shall lead to eternal desolation.
Secondly, then we with David and with Christ Who was the fulfillment of the type David, must have nothing to do with the ways of unbelief nor their idols. This must regulate what we watch on the TV, on how we or our children use the internet, on where we go to for advice on life, etc.
Thirdly, this really is a text that calls us unto spiritual purity in all areas of our life and speech. In this way alone is there blessing and by the grace of God and in the strength of the life of Christ we shall taste this blessing as we flee evil.
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Conclusion: Naturally we can only fail for we would follow the ways of natural man, then we will have peace in the midst of this earth and will profit materially, however, we will perish in this way. By grace we will hear and take heed of the warning of the word and continue here as strangers and pilgrims, but shall inherit eternal happiness and joy in the way of our salvation.
Day Nine
Psalm 16:5-6
A Goodly Heritage
"David here employs three metaphors; he first compares God to an inheritance; secondly, to a cup; and, thirdly, he represents him as He who defends and keeps him in possession of his inheritance. By the first metaphor he alludes to the heritages of the land of Canaan, which we know were divided among the Jews by divine appointment, and the law commanded every one to be content with the portion which had fallen to him. By the word cup is denoted either the revenue of his own proper inheritance, or by synecdoche, ordinary food by which life is sustained, seeing drink is a part of our nourishment. It is as if David had said, God is mine both in respect of property and enjoyment. Nor is the third comparison superfluous. It often happens that rightful owners are put out of their possession because no one defends them. But while God has given himself to us for an inheritance, he has engaged to exercise his power in maintaining us in the safe enjoyment of a good so inconceivably great. It would be of little advantage to us to have once obtained him as ours, if he did not secure our possession of him against the assaults which Satan daily makes upon us. ... The Psalmist confirms more fully what he had already said in the preceding verse with respect to his resting, with a composed and tranquil mind, in God alone; or rather, he so glories in God as nobly to despise all that the world imagines to be excellent and desirable without him. By magnifying God in such honorable and exalted strains, he gives us to understand that he does not desire any thing more as his portion and felicity. This doctrine may be profitable to us in many ways. It ought to draw us away not only from all the perverse inventions ofsuperstition, but also from all the allurements of the flesh and of the world."Commentary by Calvin
Reading for Lesson: Romans17-18 "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. What does the term portion refer to?
2. Is there a difference between "inheritance" and "cup"?
3. How is the term "lot" any different if any from the other two terms?
4. Why is it important in this verse to have the Name Jehovah used instead of some other term for
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God?
5. Is there comfort for you in this verse five?
6. What is a" line" as the term is used in verse six?
7. Was it possible for Jesus to say these words as well as David? Can we?
8. Did David and Christ and can we say this even in the hardest of times in this life? Explain.
9. Who has a goodly heritage? All men?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
This is a precious passage for the child of God as he traverses this life as a stranger and pilgrim. There are so many trials and hardships in this life to endure. The portion we have as the heirs of the kingdom of heaven is often filled with so many potholes and difficulties. The cup that is ours is often a bitter one for the flesh. This is true because of the sins that cleave to us, and because of the hatred and strength of our three-fold enemy.
However, Jehovah is the faithful covenant God Who has loved us from eternity. He it is that has created and governs all things perfectly, and He brings to pass all things. It is our covenant God Who loves us in Christ, that has determined our inheritance, and sends the way which leads us perfectly in this life to receive the fullness of that which He has determined to give us in Christ. Our cup is filled by our covenant God, exactly in the way that will enable us to receive the portion of our inheritance. No wonder David is able to say the lines (measure) is fallen unto him in pleasant places. He could say this even in the deepest darkness of trials that came upon Him. So it was with our Lord Jesus Christ come in our flesh, even as He hung upon the cross He too could and did say that the lines were fallen upon Him in pleasant places. And because He said this and suffered the death on the cross to atone for our sin, so may we say with certain comfort the lines are fallen unto us in pleasant places. For we have a certain heritage, as the children of God. It is a goodly heritage for we shall be His people and He shall be our God, and we will dwell with Him forever.
Conclusion: As God's children our salvation and the way to salvation both are determined by the Sovereign and living covenant God. Jehovah makes us to be heirs of the Kingdom of His Son, and through Him gives us all things we need and the grace to receive the way He leads us to glory.
Day Ten
Psalm 16:7
Counseled and Instructed
"The counsel of which David makes mention is the inward illumination of the Holy Spirit, by which we are prevented from rejecting the salvation to which he calls us, which we would otherwise certainly do, considering the blindness of our flesh. Whence we gather, that those who attribute to the free will of
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man the choice of accepting or rejecting the grace of God basely mangle that grace, and show as much ignorance as impiety. That this discourse of David ought not to be understood of external teaching appears clearly from the words, for he tells us that he was instructed in the night when he was removed from the sight of men. Again, when he speaks of this being done in his reins, he doubtless means secret inspirations. Farther, it ought to be carefully observed, that, in speaking of the time when he was instructed, he uses the plural number, saying, it was done in the nights. By this manner of speaking, he not only ascribes to God the beginning of faith, but acknowledges that he is continually making progress under his tuition; and, indeed, it is necessary for God, during the whole of our life, to continue to correct the vanity of our minds, to kindle the light of faith into a brighter flame, and by every means to advance us higher in the attainments of spiritual wisdom." Commentary by Calvin
Reading for Lesson: Isaiah 48:17-18 "Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:"
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Do we bless the LORD often enough?
2. When the Psalmis6t points out that Jehovah hath given me counsel what are we taught about the reason that we bless or praise Jehovah?
3. What is the idea that our reins instruct us?
4. Why does the Psalmist speak of the night seasons?
5. Have you experienced this being instructed at night from the depth of your being?
6. Do we have this experience of the Spirit giving us counsel?
7. Is this counsel new in addition to the Word or is it by the Word?
8. Does this text apply to Christ as well as to David?
Some thoughts concerning this passage:
The test speaks of the Psalmist attributing to God, to Jehovah all praise because it is alone by His grace that we will reject the idol gods of the heathen and will confess God as the portion of our inheritance, and of our cup. It is Jehovah alone that gives us a goodly heritage, and He it is that works the assurance of faith in our hearts. He sends the Spirit of His Son into our hearts and our inmost being to counsel us and to instruct us.
The reins literally speaks of our kidneys, but is figurative of the inmost driving force that leads us
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in life. Jehovah sends His Spirit and applies His Word unto us so that it governs us and comforts us. He does this of course throughout the day, but when all daily activity is done He speaks to us in the night. This happens as we pray, but it happens when He wakes us during the night and causes that we think and meditate upon His Sovereign care of us in our deepest needs.
This Spirit of Christ which David speaks knows our needs, as He came in our flesh amd passed through our ways, like us in all things excepting sin. Thus Agustin applies this text to Christ, as well as does Matthew Henry in His commentary in the following way: "All this may be applied to Christ, who made the Lord his portion and was pleased with that portion, made his Father's glory his highest end and made it his meat and drink to seek that and to do his will, and delighted to prosecute his undertaking, pursuant to his Father's counsel, depending upon him to maintain his lot and to carry him through his undertaking." And thus our Lord instructs us as He was instructed in our flesh, and we are led to give all glory to God and rest in Him.
Conclusion: We too shall bless the Lord. May God in grace so instruct and counsel you.
Day Eleven
Psalm 16:8
Setting The LORD Before Us Always
"David wrote the above text, but it is the Lord Jesus Christ who fulfilled it. David did indeed set the Lord before his face, but it is good to remember that he did so with many shortcomings. When we want to say something about the text we had better remember that Jesus lived this text absolutely. ... Exactly because Jesus set the Lord always before His face did He learn terrible things in righteousness. ... All the horror, suffering, amazement, experience of the curse, death, and forsakedness of God came from that face! ... That face told Jesus that He had to die, die, and die again. He had to descend into the unfathomed depth of death, of eternal death. ... Those things that He suffered He learned from that ever present face of Jehovah before Him. ... The result? He atoned for you and me, my brother and sister!" O Taste And See, by Rev. Gerrit Vos -- Read His whole message.
Reading for Lesson: Acts 2:25-28 "For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance."
Read Also: Psalm 139:17-18; Psalm 73: 23-26; Psalm 121:5; Psalm 62:6; I Peter 2:20-21.
Consider the Following Questions in Discussion:
1. Do God's children set Jehovah always before them?
2. Did David?
3. How is Jesus different in the way that He did set the LORD always before Him?
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4. Why is it necessary to do this in all of our life? In the home as mothers?
5. When we do this why could David, why did Christ and why can we say "I shall not be moved"?
6. We cannot be moved from what?A few thoughts concerning this passage:
"Certainly this whole Psalm must be applied to David not only, but we must see its fulfillment in Christ and we need to see that as we are the body of Christ we too must take these words to our lips and hold them in our heart. David of course imperfectly kept these words, but we must see and understand that as he too was in Christ, he principally kept them all the days of his life. David and our walk by the grace of God is one in which we with David set the Lord before us always. Looking to God in Christ for all things and trusting in Him in all of our way. This leads David and us to confess our sins when we fail to keep these words as we ought. And we are comforted when we are able to say we shall not be moved. There is no enemy that can keep us from the fellowship of God Whom we set ever before us. Not our flesh, not the world and not Satan can have the victory.
Conclusion: All the above is true only because Our Lord Jesus Christ set Jehovah before His face as He came in our flesh to save us. And His was to do the will of God, and this He did even to the death of the cross, and atoned for our sin to save us and to bring us into God's perfect fellowship.
Day Twelve
Psalm 16:9
Resting in Hope
"In this verse the Psalmist commends the inestimable fruit of faith, of which Scripture every where makes mention, in that, by placing us under the protection of God, it makes us not only to live in the enjoyment of mental tranquility, but, what is more, to live joyful and cheerful. The principal, the essential part of a happy life, as we know, is to possess tranquility of conscience and of mind; as, on the contrary, there is no greater infelicity than to be tossed amidst a multiplicity of cares and fears. But the ungodly, however much intoxicated with the spirit of thoughtlessness or stupidity, never experience true joy or serene mental peace; they rather feel terrible agitations within, which often come upon them and trouble them, so much as to constrain them to awake from their lethargy. In short, calmly to rejoice is the lot of no man but of him who has learned to place his confidence in God alone, and to commit his life and safety to his protection. When, therefore, encompassed with innumerable troubles on all sides, let us be persuaded, that the only remedy is to direct our eyes towards God; and if we do this, faith will not only tranquillize our minds, but also replenish them with fullness of joy." Commentary by Calvin
Reading for Lesson: Psalm:10-12 "Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. If our heart is glad how does this effect the rest of our life?
2. To what does the term "therefore" refer?
3. The phrase "my glory rejoiceth" comes to expression in our use of what according to the Spirit in the passage from Acts as listed in Readings?
4. What does it mean that our flesh rests in hope?
5. Do we have this gladness in our being and life?
6. How do we express this in our home and family and in our fellowship?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
As we set the LORD before our face, we trust in Jehovah Who governs and controls all things in this life and world. Not only does He do this in Sovereign power but He does so as our covenant Father in Christ Jesus. This means that all things serve His glory and the salvation of those He loves in Christ. Setting our face upon Jehovah then means we trust in His Son Who perfectly set His face upon our God to save us. We know that all things work together for our good and thus for our salvation.
This leads us to happiness which cannot be contained, for it is rooted in the depths of our heart as the Spirit of life dwells there, and as all the promises of Scripture are applied there. Further we must express that gladness that rules within us, and we use our tongues to rejoice in God's goodness and the wonder work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even in our weak and mortal flesh we have peace. We rest , we wait also in our frailty upon our Lord and know all is well.
Conclusion: To rest is to wait, we wait upon the only living and covenant God, we trust alone in His Work manifest in the atoning work of His Only Begotten Son, we know then we shall be raised even from the grave to dwell forever in His presence. And further we know all things in this life prepare us for this eternal glory and fellowship with our God in Christ. Be still and know that Jehovah He is God.
Day Thirteen
Psalm 16:10
Shall Not See Corruption
"For Thou wilt neither give My soul for a possession to those parts below. “Neither wilt Thou grant Thine Holy One to see corruption.” Neither wilt Thou suffer that sanctified body, whereby others are to be also sanctified, to see corruption." Commentary by Agustin
Hence it appears that when David spake thus, he raised his mind above the common lot of mankind. As
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the sentence has been pronounced upon all the children of Adam, “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return,” Genesis (3:19,) the same condition in this respect awaits them all without exception. If, therefore, Christ, who is the first-fruits of those who rise again, does not come forth from the grave, they will remain for ever under the bondage of corruption. From this Peter justly concludes, (Acts 2:30,) that David could not have gloried in this manner but by the spirit of prophecy; and unless he had had a special respect to the Author of life, who was promised to him, who alone was to be honored with this privilege in its fullest sense. This, however, did not prevent David from assuring himself of exemption from the dominion of death by right, seeing Christ, by his rising from the dead, obtained immortality not for himself individually, but for us all. As to the point, that Peter (Acts 2:30) and Paul (Acts 13:33) contend that this prophecy was fulfilled in the person of Christ alone, fa318 the sense in which we must understand them is this, that he was wholly and perfectly exempted from the corruption of the grave, that he might call his members into his fellowship, and make them partakers of this blessing, although by degrees, and each according to his measure." Commentary by Calvin
Reading for Lesson: Acts 2:27-33 "Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear."
Read Also: Psalm 9:17; Psalm 49:15; Acts 3:15; Acts 13:35-38;I Corinthians 15:50-54; Daniel 9:24; Acts 3:14-15; Jonah 2:2; Matthew 25:46
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. The term "For" indicates that this verse states what in relation to the previous verse?
2. Does this mean that David did not go to the grave, nor that his body did not decay?
3. With respect to David and us how is this verse even true?
4. Obviously this verse sets forth the words that Christ Himself could take upon His lips, if this was true of Christ how does that benefit us?
5. What if Christ was left in the grave and did not raise from it, what would it mean for our faith?
6. How could David have this confidence in the Old Dispensation?
7. Are you able to take the Words of this text upon your lips?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:The holy writer now gives a reason for his soul resting in hope. He in the age of types and
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shadows was given the grace and faith to see that he would have the victory over the grave and over all it represents including the corruption of hell itself. Death cannot hold God's children, for we are delivered from death through the enduring work of Christ on the cross. The punishment aginst our sin has been borne and we are delivered from the judgments of God against us. For Jesus died and descended to hell, but in perfect obedience to God did He pass that way, and was raised from the dead and is ascended into heaven. He has the victory over sin and death not for Himself, but for us as our Head and Savior. Corruption had no hold on the Holy One, and because of this has no longer a hold over us.
Conclusion: Blessed is the salvation of the elect, in which God's great love is manifest toward us in the sending of His only Begotten Son to die on the Cross and gave Him the victory over death and the grave, delivering us forever from all corruption.
Day Fourteen
Psalm 16:11
Knowing The Path of Life
"Life is a holy relationship in God's own economy. God always seeks God. This is life. You may also say it this way:Life is the utterance of holy self-love.
God walks on that pathway of life from everlasting to everlasting. You sing: 'To live apart from God is death,'tis good His face to seek.' Well this last sentence would be a very good definition of life. For that is exactly what God does. He ever seeks His face, and that is the Son, God seeks God. ... But man fell away from God and died. ...God showed the way of life first of all to Jesus, and God showed Him the way through hell to heaven. And God be thanked, then God shows the way of life to all His people. God shows this way of life through Jesus Himself. Christ is the great Preacher. He does that preaching through His almighty Spirit and the Word divine. All that are given to Jesus by the Father are taught by Him and begin to walk on the pathway of life." O Taste and See - Rev. Gerrit Vos.
Reading for Lesson: Isaiah 2:3 "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem."
Read Also: Proverbs 12:28; Romans 8:11; I Peter1:21; John 14:6; Psalm 17:15; II Corinthians 4:17; Acts 7:56; Psalm 36:8-10.
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. How is it possible for David to know that God will show him the path of life?
2. Did God show Christ the path of life? What was that?
3. How are we shown the path of life?
4. Is there knowledge of the path of life apart from Christ?
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5. Do we now know the presence of God that makes us to experience the fullness of joy?
6. Will we even know that fullness more in the future? When?
7. Why is it true that at the right hand of God there are pleasures for evermore?
8. What pleasures are spoken of?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
What a blessed way to have this Psalm conclude. We are given the confidence that God will show us the path of life. That means now, God showed Christ the path of life and to live is to fellowship with God forever. The path of life for Christ indeed was through suffering and death to heaven. A path Jesus followed in perfect obedience. Thanks God, for our path is now directed by the Lord Who has gone down that path for us. He has made the path through this veil of tears to heaven one in which we may pass. By grace even now we are able in the presence of Christ have a fullness of joy, even in the time of trial.
The reason is clear. It is God that leads us in that path by His Son, and God loves us even from eternity. At God's right hand is our Lord and Savior, and it is our Savior Who has died for us that now directs the very path we walk in. Certainly at God's right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Conclusion: We are brought into that presence of our God each Lord's Day when we here the preachers bring the word of Christ that so rules in our heart by His Spirit that we are comforted by the words of salvation and life eternal. Pleasures indeed for evermore!
