Oct. 13, 2024

Believe Again

Deep Waters

Primary Text:  Psalm 42                   

Last Teaching:  Suffering of the Soul

1)  Predestined for Glory

Romans 8:18–19:  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 

Romans 8:28–30:  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 

2)  Biblical Suffering

Genesis 50:18–20:  His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.  But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid.  Am I in the place of God?   You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” 

Job 42:4–6:  “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’  My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.  Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” 

This Week’s Teaching:

1)  Just and Unjust

Matthew 5:43–45:  You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.  He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  

DQ 1) Why do you suppose God sometimes blesses both the righteous and the unrighteous?

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2)  Valley of the Shadow

Psalm 23:1-6:  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.  

DQ 2) What is the valley of the shadow of death?

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3)  Longing of the Soul

Psalm 42:1-3, 6-7, 9-10:  As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  When can I go and meet with God?  My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”…  My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.  Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me….  I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me?  Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”  My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 

DQ 3) Is your soul longing for nourishment and refreshment from God? Why? 

DQ 4) Is hardship controlling and defeating you?  Why?

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4)  Why So Downcast?

Psalm 42:5:  Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

Psalm 42:11:  Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

Psalm 43:5:  Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

DQ 5) What does it mean to “put your hope in God”?

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