1. Lesson 13 of 13 May 26, 2013 “Give Thanks for the Lord’s Steadfast Love” Focal Text: Psalm 118 Study Aim: To identify reasons for giving thanks to the Lord and to offer my thanks to him All Scripture quotes are from the NIV version unless otherwise indicated. Most lesson comments are from the Study Guide followed by SG PowerPoint by Don Cannata BaptistWay Press, Dallas, Texas 1

2. Lesson 13 - Psalms 2 Overview of 13 Lesson Series in Psalms 1. Lord of All 2. God’s Majestic Greatness 3. It’s a Wonderful Life 4. Trusting God in the Darkest Hour 5. Committed to the Lord 6. The Joy of Forgiveness 7. Desiring Life and Finding Its Source 8. Gratitude for God’s Help 9. No One Does Good 10. A Desperate Cry 11. Testifying of God’s Security and Deliverance 12. Let us Worship, Let Us Obey 13. Give Thanks for the Lord’s Steadfast Love

3. More About The Book of Psalms… 3 God undoubtedly inspired and preserved the psalms because they accurately reflect the full range of human emotions. They help God’s people find their way through the varying experiences of life. They serve as expressions of human feeling in joy or sorrow, in depression or jubilation, in darkness or light. Source: Paul N. Benware, “Survey of the Old Testament” (Revised) Moody Press, Chicago, 1993, p. 168

4. Lesson 13 - Psalms 4 Focus on Psalms 118 Throughout history, Israel experienced attacks from many different enemies. At times Hebrew kings depended on their own strength and sought help from allies to withstand invasion When the people turned to God, God responded with protection and deliverance Psalm 118 is an example of the hymns the Israelites sang when God gave them victory over enemies SG

5. Lesson 13 - Psalms 5 A Prayer of Thanks (118:1-4) The song recalls God’s great power in defending Israel and granting victory over its enemies. SG Psa. 118:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psa. 118:2 Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” Psa. 118:3 Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” Psa. 118:4 Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.”

6. Lesson 13 - Psalms 6 Threats of Peril (118:5-14) If God’s power overcomes people’s threats, isn’t it more logical to trust in God than to trust in people? SG Psa. 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. Psa. 118:9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Psa. 118:10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. Psa. 118:11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

7. Lesson 13 - Psalms 7 Threats of Peril (118:5-14) To describe the intensity of the danger the king faced, the psalmist used an exaggerated picture of all pagan nations on earth opposing the king and the nation. SG Psa. 118:12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. Psa. 118:13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. Psa. 118:14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

8. Lesson 13 - Psalms 8 A Song of Victory (118:15-21) God chose to spare his life when from all appearances he should not have survived his battles. Now he intended to stand in a public place and share his experiences and insights with the people. SG Psa. 118:17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. Psa. 118:18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Psa. 118:19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

9. Lesson 13 - Psalms 9 A Song of Victory (118:15-21) The king called out a request to enter the temple for the purpose of giving thanks to God. In the following verses they responded that only God’s faithful followers might pass through his gates. SG Psa. 118:20 This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. Psa. 118:21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.

10. Lesson 13 - Psalms 10 God’s Purpose Prevails (118:22-29) Although the words in verse 24 are often sung in worship services today, their connotation within the psalm’s context is different from that of many modern praise choruses that use these words. SG Psa. 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. See the lesson writer’s brief commentary on this verse in this printed section of the lesson.

11. Lesson 13 - Psalms 11 God’s Purpose Prevails (118:22-29) Here is another hint forward to Christ. In Matt. 21:19;Mark 11:9; Luke 19:38;and John 12:13, the people of Jerusalem acclaimed Jesus as the embodiment of the person described in Psalm 118:26. SG Psa. 118:26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. Psa. 118:27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.

12. 12 Lesson 13 - Psalms God’s Purpose Prevails (118:22-29) Once inside the temple, the king recognized God as the object of worship and once more offered thanks (118:28). The final verse reprises the first, representing a celebration of thanksgiving that is complete, lacking nothing. SG Psa. 118:28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Psa. 118:29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

13. Lesson 13 - Psalms Implications and Actions 13 1.In what ways have you experienced God’s power and victory in your life? How has God shown his faithfulness? 2.How do you express thanks to God for his blessings in your life? 3. What are some non-verbal means of demonstrating gratitude? 4. Why is it important to thank God for what God gives and does?

14. 14 Lesson 13 - Psalms Implications and Actions 5. What factors may cause some people to neglect giving thanks to God? 6. In what ways can you strengthen your resolve to express gratitude to God? How can you be certain that the thanks you give is sincere? End of Lesson 13 of 13

15. 15 Lesson 13 - Psalms