The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Quarter Four

  • Lesson 8: Growing in Grace: 2 Peter

    Key Verse

    But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

    —2 Peter 3:18

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Do you realize what it means to grow (examples may be: to become stronger, taller, bigger, smarter, better at something, etc.)? It is important to recognize that one grows in more ways that just physically. In this lesson, we will learn the importance of growing in our Christian life – spiritually. It is important for Christians to grow in their Christian life – just as in the physical life.

    Emphasis: We are to understand the importance of continually growing in the Christian life, watching and waiting for Jesus to return. Christians are to remember that when one grows in the Christian life, the relationship with Jesus grows as well. But especially: if Christians are not growing, they are digressing in that Christian life, becoming ineffective Christians.

    Lesson Summary: The book of 2 Peter is the fourth book in the fifth division of the New Testament: Nine Letters to the Jewish Church. The Apostle Peter wrote it to Christians, encouraging them to grow in their Christian life. It is relevant to Christians today, just as it was to the Jewish Christians during the New Testament period.

    Peter began by reminding them of their like faith in Jesus. He then taught them the importance of growing in that Christian faith. We will learn that as we grow in the knowledge of Jesus, our relationship with Him grows as well. There is also a warning for one who lacks the qualities of a growing, Christian life: he is compared to one who is blind and cannot see afar off.

    As always, there is a warning of false teachers. Peter then cites examples of angels, and even some from the Old Testament, of those whom God “spared not.” Peter included a warning of those who had a “knowledge of the Lord”, who after they knew, turned from it, whose “latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”

    Before Peter closed, he reminded the Christians not to forget that the Day of the Lord would come as a thief in the night for those who were not watching for His return. However, before that day came, Christians had much to do: live a holy and godly life, look for Jesus’ return, hasting the return of Jesus by winning others to the Lord (remembering that Jesus is longsuffering, not willing that any perish), and so much more. Most importantly, Christians are to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 8 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 8 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We colored and cut out a flower and flower pot. We then cut a slit in the construction paper where we glued the pot. We entered the flower stem into that slit, enabling us to cause the flower to “grow”. We included the verse 2 Peter 3:18.

    The Biblical Path of Life Year Three – Quarter Four is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 7: Become Lively Stones: 1 Peter

    Key Verse

    Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

    —1 Peter 2:5

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. As you read this verse, understand it better with the following definitions:

    • Lively stones means “to live as Christians”
    • Spiritual house means “spoken of things in a higher and spiritual sense, not literal, as in: Christians as the spiritual house or temple of God”
    • Holy priesthood means “referring to all Christians who are said to offer spiritual sacrifices”
    • Spiritual sacrifices means “spoken of things in a higher and spiritual sense, not literal, as in Christians in their service, obedience, praise offered to God; an offering or oblation (see Romans 12:1 and Hebrews 13:15-16)”

    In this lesson, we will learn how to become “lively stones”.

    Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to remember the hope we have in Jesus that allows us to become “lively stones”, living a Christ-like life: no longer living in the flesh, but according to the will of God. We are to know Christians must learn to think and act discreetly, using sound judgment and become self-disciplined – in order to resist the devil, for he wants to destroy Christians.

    Lesson Summary: Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He became a great leader in establishing the church after Jesus’ ascension. He wrote this letter to the Jewish Christians who scattered during persecutions.

    Peter began by reminding them of what Jesus had done by his life, death, and resurrection, which gave all Christians a “lively hope”: the assurance of salvation and eternal life in heaven. Because of that “lively hope”, Peter taught Christians not only how to be holy, but to become “lively stones”: just how to live as Christians. He then called upon Christians, as dearly beloved, teaching them how to live: as citizens, employees, in sufferings, with spouses, and in fellowship with other believers, etc. A Christian’s life should be lived so that no one doubts that that one is really a Christian – and in that life, each Christian is a witness for Jesus, leading others into a life with Christ. Peter gave Jesus as our ultimate example, and then gave Noah’s faith as an example from the Old Testament.

    Finally, Peter taught to live soberly: to think and act soberly, discreetly, and to use sound judgment and moderation; to be self-disciplined. By standing fast in our faith, living soberly, Christians are enabled to resist the devil, our adversary. And God promised to help.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 7 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 7 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We decorated a paper with Noah’s Ark Stickers remembering Noah’s faith as an example from the Old Testament given in 1 Peter 3 .

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 6: Christians Show Faith by Works: James

    Key Verse

    But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

    —James 1:22

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. What is the difference between hearing about something and actually doing it? Which is more real? How important is it for children to actually do what their parent has told them to do compared to just hearing what was said and not fulfilling the task (i.e.: taking out the trash, making their bed, cleaning their room, coming home at the appointed time, etc.). Will there be reward, or trouble? Depends on whether they did what was commanded of them, or if they just “heard” what was said. In this lesson, we will look at the difference. We will learn it is most important to do what God’s Word teaches, and not just hear what God’s Word teaches.

    Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to understand the importance of not only hearing what God’s Word teaches, but doing what God’s Word teaches. It is important for the world to see a person is truly a Christian by the way that one lives their life – as a life pleasing to God, obeying the Bible. Remember that Abraham was considered righteous and called the friend of God when he did what God asked of Him.

    Lesson Summary: After learning in Hebrews again that salvation is by faith, we will recognize in this lesson that that faith is coupled with works.

    James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote the book of James to the Jews scattered abroad, but it is also relevant to Christians today. Many think this may be the earliest written New Testament book. James did not become a Christian until after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. He witnessed Jesus’ ascension and returned to wait in the upper room (see Acts 1:14). We will begin this lesson by remembering who James was.

    Throughout the book of James, we will find many wise things applicable to the Christian life – much like the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. James taught practical ways to live a Christian life. He began by teaching one to understand the difference between trials and temptations. One must also understand that faith alone is dead; however, faith is justified by works. Two Old Testament examples are given to reveal this. James encourages Christians to choose to be wise, learning how to live right, compared to living wrong. He reminds Christians that they cannot live like the world, for friendship with the world is enmity with God. Instead, a Christian is to draw nigh unto God, enabling that Christian to resist the devil. We will read a warning that when a Christian knows to do what is right but does not do it, it is sin. A Christian will show his faith by the Christ-like life he leads. Finally, we will learn about effectual prayer that avails much.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 6 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 6 Children’s Worksheets

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 5: The Shadow Revealed: Hebrews 8-13

    Key Verse

    For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

    —Hebrews 10:1

    Key Verse Thought: After reading the Key Verse, consider what a shadow is (an outline, an image with no definition, a similarity to a real object, etc.). Remember the sacrifices that had to be offered in the Old Testament by the priest to cover the sin of man until a perfect sacrifice could be made. Those sacrifices had to be made every year – but their sins were never taken away; only covered for another year. In this lesson, we will learn how those sins were taken away.

    Emphasis: We are to recognize that the Old Testament tabernacle and religious system was only a shadow of what God had planned. Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s plan. All those who believed by faith – from the Old Testament through to today, will be saved. Once believing in Jesus, by faith, Christians are to live right.

    Lesson Summary: Hebrews is the first book in the fifth, and final division, of the New Testament. Although the author is undeclared, many agree Paul wrote it. It was written specifically to the Jewish Christians, but is very relevant to Gentiles Believers as well. As we began Hebrews last week, we learned that after speaking to His people in many different ways during the Old Testament timeframe, God had then chosen to speak through His Son, Jesus. We also learned that Jesus is the High Priest. As we begin today, the writer of Hebrews began with a summary of what had already been taught in the first half of the book.

    In this lesson, we learn that the tabernacle of the Old Testament was to be a shadow, or a prefiguring of something perfect. That shadow was to give God’s people a glimpse of heaven. Not only that, but also each part of the tabernacle (Temple) was to reveal Jesus – including the sacrificial system. We will find out how Jesus was revealed in the different parts of the tabernacle. The tabernacle and the sacrificial system was to continually remind the Jewish people of the promise God had made of sending One who would restore the severed relationship between man and God.

    After remembering the stringency of the Old Testament sacrificial system, we will learn another reason the book of Hebrews was written: to help the Jewish Christians understand that Jesus’ death on the cross was the promised sacrifice that they had been looking forward to all of those years. They were to believe by faith. Moreover, many of the men and women from the Old Testament did believe by faith – and were saved. We will remember many as they are listed in Hebrews chapter eleven. With the encouragement that so many have believed and lived by faith, Christians are to be encouraged by them: for they are called “so great a cloud of witnesses.” Finally, Christians are encouraged, again, to run the race by living a godly Christian life.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 5 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made a coloring book of different Old Testament people mentioned in Hebrews 11: the chapter of many faithful.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 4: Jesus, our High Priest: Hebrews 1-7

    Key Verse

    Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

    —Hebrews 2:17

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Behoved means “to be fit and proper.” It was God’s plan that Jesus became a human being, like unto his brethren, so that He could be the appropriate offering that would appease the wrath of God: thereby making “reconciliation for the sins of the people.” That means that Jesus, by His death on the cross, caused God to be merciful toward sinful man. Moreover, because Jesus was human, He is merciful and faithful to any who would believe in Him.

    Emphasis: We are to understand what Jesus did: He became a human and died on the cross for the sins of man so that He could become our faithful High Priest, taking our sins away forever. Because of that, Christians are to learn how to grow, being able to handle the meat of the Word so that we can discern good and evil.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we completed the fourth division in the New Testament: Four Letters by Paul Instructing Pastors. In this lesson, we begin the final, and fifth division, in the New Testament: Nine General Letters to the Jewish Churches. Hebrews is the first book in the final division. There are differing opinions as to the author of Hebrews, but many agree that Paul wrote it. The name indicates to whom the book is primarily directed, helping us understand it better: it was written specifically to the Jews. It begins by reminding the Hebrew people that God had spoken to them in many different ways (as we learned throughout the Old Testament), but it was an assurance that God now chose to speak to them through His Son, Jesus.

    First, one must remember that in the Old Testament’s religious system, a blood sacrifice was used to cover the sins of the people until a better sacrifice could be provided. Hebrews was written to help the Jews understand that Jesus’ death on the cross was the promised sacrifice, that “better sacrifice,” that they had been looking forward to all of those years. They were to believe by faith. Remembering this will help us as the writer of the book of Hebrews explains this concept to any who would receive. He compared Jesus to Melchisedec.

    As we look into Hebrews, we will highlight some important things: who Jesus is, what He did, the call for anyone to understand and believe, and even the obligation as to what believers are to do with this information. We will learn the importance of growing in our Christian life, not having to constantly be reminded of the foundational truths, and to be able to handle the meat of the Word, learning to discern good from evil.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 4 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 4 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made a hanging frame with puzzle pieces around the verse Hebrews 4:12.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 3: Maintain Christian Living: Titus and Philemon

    Key Verse

    This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

    —Titus 3:8

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse for this lesson. We will learn that the message within this lesson is one that Paul found necessary to “affirm constantly,” so that they would not forget. It is important for Christians continually to live a Christ-like life (“be careful to maintain good works”). It is profitable for all: for those who maintain those good works; and for those who see Christians living right.

    Emphasis: We are to understand the importance not only of becoming a Christian, but the expectations of Christians within the church. But more than that, the decision each Christian must make to choose to continually live for Christ; “to maintain good works.”

    Lesson Summary: In our last couple of lessons, we have learned that Christians are to live as soldiers, fighting the good fight of faith. We also discovered that it is not always easy. In this lesson, we continue with the importance of maintaining “good works.”

    Titus: Paul won Titus to the Lord early in his ministry. Titus was a Gentile. He went with Paul on a missionary journey, and Paul left him in Crete to help organize a church. Paul wrote this letter to help Titus understand the office of a pastor (bishop), to beware of false teachers in the church, and the basics of Christian living. Paul continued with the description of the kind of behavior expected of Christians, particularly to specific individuals and their obligations in teaching others. Paul encouraged them to remember the importance of knowing that their salvation was a gift of God, and it was not something they could gain by doing works. Christians were to maintain good works, living a right life in Christ.

    Philemon: Philemon was another close friend of Paul’s. This letter was specifically written to encourage Philemon to forgive and receive his runaway slave, Onesimus – for Onesimus had become a Christian. He had ministered to Paul, and now Paul was sending him to Philemon as a brother in Christ. In this letter, notice that Philemon is called to put into practice some of the Christ-like qualities of which we have learned. It is not always easy to choose to do what is right, but it is very important – as Paul made clear to Philemon.

    If you are teaching this to a class, Teachers Note: In this lesson, there is much information of how the different people within the church are to live. Choose the information that would be most relevant, and informative, to your individual class. There is much too much information to be thoroughly studied in one lesson to cover it all. Be sure your students understand the importance of maintaining right Christian living.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 3 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 3 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We decorated a foam cross with stickers and the Key Verse for this lesson.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 2: Be Faithful: 2 Timothy

    Key Verse

    Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

    —2 Timothy 2:3

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. As you read it, keep in mind the Key Verse from our last lesson (“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” 1 Timothy 6:12). As we learned in our last lesson to fight the good fight of faith, in this lesson we will learn to endure hardness as a good soldier. Use the following definitions to help in the understanding:

    • Endure hardness means “to sustain afflictions; endure.”
    • Good means “good in a moral sense; virtuous; in reference to the performance of duty.”
    • Soldier means “a Christian minister.”

    In this lesson, we will learn that each Christian is to learn how to live just like this.

    Emphasis: Just as God had a plan for Timothy’s life, He has a plan (a job) for each Christian to accomplish with his or her life. It was not easy for Timothy or Paul – for they suffered persecution. Nevertheless, Christians are to endure as a good soldier, fighting the fight of faith, faithfully, until they complete their life here on earth.

    Lesson Summary: The book of 2 Timothy is the second of the letters Paul wrote that we group together as “Four Letters of Instruction to Pastors.” In this lesson, we learn a little more about Timothy, and how he came to become a Christian. Timothy had a Gentile father and Jewish mother. He had been taught about Jesus from his childhood by his grandmother and mother, and Paul led him to the Lord. Timothy joined Paul on some of his missionary journeys and was a very close friend of Paul’s.

    Paul wrote the letter to Timothy while Paul was in prison. It was a letter of encouragement – for although Paul was in prison, Timothy was never to forget the faith instilled within him from childhood, nor to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. To help Timothy understand the difficulty and determination needed, Paul gave him some picture examples: a faithful teacher; endure hardness as a good soldier; a workman; a servant of the Lord; a student of God’s Word; a patient preacher under trying circumstances.

    Not only did Paul teach picture examples, he gave many warnings: he would suffer afflictions, many (if not all) would forsake, and evil men would wax worse and worse – deceiving many.

    However, through it all, Timothy was to remain faithful – just as Paul had.

    Each Christian today, is to remain faithful, enduring hardness as a soldier of Jesus Christ.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 2 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 2 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made Bible Markers with the scratch off book marks. Each wrote or drew a different message to help them remember.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is avaliable through Amazon.

  • Lesson 1: Fight the Good Fight: 1 Timothy

    Key Verse

    Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

    —1 Timothy 6:12

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Use the following definitions to understand this verse better:

    • Fight means “the task of faith in persevering amid temptation and opposition.”
    • Fight means“contest for victory or mastery; the evangelical contest against the enemies of man’s salvation.”
    • Faith means “a technical term indicative of the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; i.e.: namely, Christian faith; a firm and confiding belief in Jesus and His gospel.”
    • Lay hold on means “to lay hold of in order to obtain and possess.”
    • Called means “to call someone in order that he may come or go somewhere; here, of God calling one.”
    • Professed means “to confess publicly; acknowledge openly; profess.”

    Each person who is saved (been called by God) is to persevere (with a fight) in that Christian life – for that life has been transformed by a confidence and belief in Jesus and His Gospel. It takes much work.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that all Christians, but especially the leaders, are to protect the integrity of God’s Word, never allowing false teaching. Each Christian is to learn how to function together as a Church, knowing their duty. But especially to learn how to fight the good fight of faith – live a strong Christian life before the world.

    Lesson Summary: The next four letters Paul wrote we group together as “Four Letters of Instruction to Pastors.” The first two are letters to Timothy. He was led to the Lord by Paul, joined Paul on some of his missionary journeys, and was a very close friend of Paul’s. Within the book of 1 Timothy, we will read again that the Law was given to reveal sin to man, but that it is by God’s mercy that forgiveness is gained. In this letter, Paul wrote the responsibility of leading a church, describing the offices of pastor and deacon, as well as the duties of God’s people within the church. Throughout 1 Timothy, we will understand the importance of teaching the truths of God’s Word to others. An emphasis is placed upon the necessity of keeping the integrity of the Gospel message, not allowing false teachers to teach other doctrines, or twist the truths of God’s Word. Paul warned that some had already turned from God’s Word, and that some would depart from the faith, but he also taught them how to prepare for that time, and what must be done in order to keep the faith: teach the truths of God’s Word, faithfully, and to exercise unto godliness. Christians are to fight the good fight, learning how to live a right Christian life – for God gave each one the ability to do so.

    Paul was an encouragement to young Christians who serve God through the church – then and today.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 1 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 1 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made cards for the Pastor of our church, remembering that he is “worthy of double-honor”.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is now available through Amazon.

  • In My Heart

    “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

    Psalm 119:11

    Excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life – Year One Quarter Four, Lesson 6:

    “Walk in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 119):

      “Just as Moses reminded the people of God’s Law as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, we must know God’s Word as we walk in a Christian life. Then we can be as Psalm 119:1 tells us—“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.”

      “Notice these words: blessed means “happy”; undefiled means “blameless; upright in one’s conduct.” Who else have we studied that God called upright or perfect? Noah (see Genesis 6:9), Job (see Job 1:1), God told Abraham to be (see Genesis 17:1), God told His people to be (see Deuteronomy 18:13), as well as David (see 2 Samuel 22:24). These men (and God’s people) were blessed when they walked with God (Job was even blessed doubly when he continued with God through his trials).

      “Notice the first verse begins with blessed (which also means “happy”), referring to the one who walks in the “law of the Lord.” This is completely contrary to what we learn in the world today. Many times, we are taught that “rules are impossible to follow, so why try?” How about “rules are only guidelines” or “rules were made to be broken”? Do these sound familiar? These sayings teach us something contrary to what God’s Word teaches us. Psalm 119 teaches us that to be blessed (happy), we must walk in the law of the Lord.

      “Read Psalm 119:2–11. These verses encourage us to seek God with our whole heart (119:2). We are to respect all of His commandments (119:6). Psalm 119:4 tells us we are to keep God’s precepts (laws) diligently (meaning “wholly; speedily”). It does take work.

      “How can we do this? Read Psalm 119:9–11. Listen, seek God with your whole heart, don’t wander (stray from God’s commands), and hide God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are. Be encouraged to read the rest of Psalm 119. Let it be an encouragement to those who truly seek to know and please God; to seek God’s heart (remember David?). This principle must be our hearts’ desire in order to walk with God. This Psalm was written by one who truly loved God and did not find His Law laborious. We should be happy to walk in God’s Law.”

      After reading the previous excerpt, consider that the main theme of Psalm 119 is the Word of God. Notice the descriptions of God’s Word given in the following verses: “1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 5. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. 9. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:1-9). In reading these verses, one can consider the multifaceted characters of the Word of God. See the following list of words which are frequently used for God’s Word throughout Psalm 119:

      • Law: (most frequently) means “teaching” whether it is the wise man who gently instructs a son, or God patiently teaching Israel. It is here we find just what God requires.
      • Testimonies: is as a witness emphasizing the content of God’s Word.
      • Precepts: a mandate from a superior (God) regarding the duties of those under Him (mankind).
      • Statutes: “to engrave” which implies permanent and unchangeable regulations.
      • Commandments: this word assumes the authority of the commander and the inherent necessity of obeying the content of the charge given.
      • Judgments: ordinances; decisions God has made as a judge in order to make earthly behavior conform to heavenly standards.
      • Word: God’s revelation; promises and revelations from the mouth of God.

      Having recognizing the importance of these words, one should understand the significance of obeying God’s Word (all of the Bible). “Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments” (Psalm 119:6). As we learn the importance of obeying God’s Word and living it out in our lives, we can learn how to abide in Christ. “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).

      It is at this point we should acknowledge the importance of the following verse: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). God’s Word is to become a part of who we are.

      Have you chosen to hide God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are?

    1. Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

      “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

      (Colossians 3:16)

      The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life – Year One Quarter Four”, Lesson 2:

      “Many of the Psalms were written when different men approached God in prayer because of circumstances surrounding them. You can see instances of great sorrow, admitted sin, repentance, hope and trust in God, faith, and a great love for God. Throughout Psalms, man’s prayers from the heart turn to singing in that prayer, ending with man praising God, revealing that the Psalms are not only prayers from the heart but songs as well. Some were written in praise and adoration of who God is versus who man is. So many of these hymns are rich in Israel’s history. If we know the history, we will better understand the circumstances surrounding many of these songs.

      “In the book of Psalms, we find God is infinite, sovereign. Yet despite man’s failings, God still communicates with man, and allows man to communicate with Him…

      “One of the most important things we can recognize from the first book of Psalms is the recognition of God and His dealings with mankind. Not only does God care about man, but He is in constant contact with him. We will look at Psalm 8 to help us understand just one recorded instance of God’s specific love and care for man. “3. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4. What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5. For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7. All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8. The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:3–9).

      “David began by reflecting again on God’s creation of the world. Such power; how could God even consider any dealings with man, let alone have a one-on-one relationship with man? (Visited here means “an action on the part of God which produced a profitable result for His people. The first time that word was used was in Genesis 21:1 when God ‘visited’ Sarah. She conceived the promised son, Isaac, when she was very old.”) God chose to reveal Himself to the people who became the nation Israel, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. He chose this family—Abraham and his wife, Sarah, who had no children—and gave them a child to show Himself mightily to them and to all of the world.

      “David then recognized that God made mankind just “a little lower than the angels.” Not only that, but He “crowned him with glory and honor.” God made man very special. He even gave mankind dominion over the creatures of the world (see Genesis 1:26; 9:2).

      “David ended this acknowledgement of God’s choosing to have a special relationship with man with these words: “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:9).”

      Understanding these things, consider the following verse: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16). The following definitions can help in the understanding of this verse.

      • word of Christ: “refers to the revelation that Jesus brought into the world, which is undiscoverable except by God and the Scriptures”.
      • wisdom: “practical wisdom; sound judgment; good sense”.
      • teaching: “to advise or put in mind, as a tutor would do”.
      • admonishing: “to caution or reprove gently; to warn”.
      • hymns: “a song sung in praise to God”.

      This verse should help us understand the importance of reading and understanding the Psalms recorded so long ago for us. The Psalms are so much more than just songs sung as praises to God, by they are also to instill wisdom and good judgment in our hearts and minds to teach us how to live lives pleasing to God.

      Have you taken time to read and understand the Psalms, understanding that God wants to have a special relationship with you?