Sunday School Lesson, July 30, 2017: David’s Songs

Sunday School Lesson, July 30, 2017.

Topic: David’s Songs

Memory Verse: 2 Samuel 22:50.   I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name (KJV).

Lesson Text: 2 Samuel 22:1 – 4, 32-37, 47-50; Psalms 7:1-17;19:1-14.

CENTRAL TRUTH: God is always worthy of our worship.

FOCUS: To reflect on David’s praise of God and exalt Him through our worship.

Lesson OutLine.

1.     God Our Rock.

A.    God our protector

B.     God Our Deliverer

2.     God Our Vindicator.

A.    From Personal Attacks

B.     As Righteous Judge

3.     Our Glorious God

A.    God’s Glory In Creation

B.     God’s Glory through His Word.

                      Learning Objective:

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1.     Identify attributes of God that show His concern for us.

2.     Evaluate their lives to see ways in which God can help them.

3.     Learn to worship God in the good times as well as in the difficult times of life.

Question: What is worship?

       Many people think worship refers to the singing portion of the church service. This may be one reason why Christians and churches sometimes experience conflict over the type and kind of songs they sing. But worship involves far more than just singing. The act of giving honor, glory, and reverence to God is a foundational part of our Christian life and practice.

     Worship applies to every aspect of our lives. When we obey God, we worship Him. When we study His word, we worship Him. When we acknowledge His presence in difficult times, we worship Him. Let this week’s lesson encourage you to worship God.

Commentary and Application

1.     God our Rock.

A.    God Our Protector. 2 Samuel 22:1-4, 32-37

David knew that life is not always easy, even for those faithful to God. Some scholars believe David wrote 2 Samuel 22 ( see also Psalm 18) when he was at the height of power ( 2 Samuel 22:1). Instead of focusing on his accomplishments, David rejoiced over God’s protection in difficult times.

   David knew God had kept him during his time in the wilderness. In verses 1-4, David described God’s protecting hand.

Question: How can David’s description of God help us when we confront difficult circumstances?

   As David wandered the Judean wilderness fleeing from Saul, he observed the rocky crags, taking note of their permanence and impenetrable safety they provided (verse 2). God, like these rocks, is strong, steadfast, and unmovable. David put his trust in God as his Rock.

    A fortress is a term that can descript a mountain stronghold incassencible to one’s enemies. David probably lived in caves that provided shelter and safety. David was also an experienced fighter, but he know God was the One had delivered him from his enemies. And, as a fighter he was aware of the importance armour. Just as a soldier depended on his shield for protection, David depended on God to protect him.

    A horn was a symbol of strength; animals use their horns for defiance and protection. God used His power to save David from his enemies. The reference to a high tower suggests security and protection in a safe place of retreat. Similarly, the reference to a refuge speaks of shelter from danger.

 David might have though about the times he could have killed Saul (verse 3; note 1 Samuel 24,26). David flee from Saul not only to save himself but also to avoid fighting Saul. God had spared David from the violence of war. David responded to God’s help through worship (verse 4).

QUESTION: How can God’s help be the basis for our worship??

     David worshipped God for who He is and for His many blessings. Likewise, we need to reflect on the times God has helped us and worshipped him.

David lived in a religious pluralistic society. God had warned the Israelite about worshiping foreign gods. David realized that there was only one true God (2 Samuel 22:32-37).

 In verse 32, David repeated the theme of verses 2 and 3. There is no God like Him ( See also 1 Samuel 2:2) He is the God  we can personly know as Lord . And He possesess and exercises power and author.

David realized his true strength and complete supply of everything he needed came from God. David was in need, and God helped David live in a way that pleased Him.

Because David lived in his rocky hill, He probably observed deer as they maneuvered around the narrow ledges. In same way, God has kept David from the perils of the wilderness and brought him to a place of safety and victory.

Bows were not made of steel (verse 35, KJV) or bronze (NIV) in physical and spiritual strength God gave David to help him overcome all his enemies.

In verses 36 -37, David turned his addrease to God. More more than just taking about God, David knew God. And being David’s shield, God guaranteed victory. God, in the highest heaven, had reached down to provide David everything he needed as he walked through the perils of life.

God is watching over us as well and He is providing everything we thing we need to serve Him even in difficult times. As believers, we can trust God to care for us ( 2Peter 1:3).

B.    God Our Deliverer 2 Samuel 22:47-50

Question: Why do you think David Declares In Psalm that God lives??

David lived in a time when idolatary and the worship of pagan gods was widely practiced. Unlike the gods of the surrounding nations that were idols, David could declare that the one true God lives ( 2 Samuel 22:47). There was no uncertainty concerning who had helped David.While he had won many victories, God had brought those victories to pass.

A king often viewed his victories as vindication that his gods was more powerful than the gods of those whom he had defected. David victories indicated that God had vindicated him (verses 48-49). The Lord was superior to all of the gods of the surrounding nations. Rather than respond to his victories by extolling his own strength and abilities, David turned his praise toward God (verse 50).

QUESTION: How can we use answers to Pray as a way to praise God and tell others of His power in our lives??

People around us may see the difficulties we are facing and wonder how we can face these difficulties with a cheerful heart. These are opportunities for us to tell God’s love and strength in us.

2.     God Our Vindicator.

A.    From Personal Attacks Psalm 7:1-5

      David often fought nations, but sometimes adversity came from individuals. The identity of Crush is uncertain ( Psalm 7 heading, NIV). But it seems he had brought false accusations against David.

Question: What Emotions did David express in verse 1- 2?

David had faced physical danger. But this situation with Crush had damaged his reputation. David used descriptive terms to express feelings of helplessness. But he also knew he could trust God even when his enemies wanted to destroy him.

 While David was sure he was innocent, he had treatment of others. Perhaps he had done something to cause his enemies to attack him ( verse 3-5).

Question: Why is it important to examine ourselves?

 We must not be quick to blame others for our conflicts but instead examine our lives to see if we have contributed to the strained relationship. Whether or not we have been at fault (Matthew 18-15-17), we need to go to that person, apologies, make amends, and restore that relationship, if possible.

B.    As Religious Judge Psalm 7:6-17.

When people spread rumors about us, it can destroy our reputation and cases others to turn against us. We may feel defenseless, and even struggle with bad feelings. David could have responded with a personal attack. Instead, he called on God to fight his battles for him (Psalm 7:6-7).

Question: How should we respond when people speak evil of us?

  When people attack us verbally, we want to defend ourselves. If they do this