Bible Study PH

Psalms 1-2

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Introduction

  • 1st – Our desire to is to teach through the whole Bible…
    • Acts 20:27 – “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”
      • Rather than coming to the Bible with a TOPIC – we just teach through the Bible…
      • Because of TWO main benefits to verse-by-verse teaching!
    • We get the WHOLE counsel of God…
      • If we only teach certain passages – or certain books – we miss out…
      • We will tend to teach on certain topics we LIKE and overlook ones we DISLIKE!
    • We learn the Bible in CONTEXT…
      • One of the most common ways to teach the Bible is by picking out a few verses…
      • The danger of doing that is you do NOT know the CONTEXT of those verses…
      • It is easy to change the meaning when taken out of CONTEXT – Luke 4:10
  • 2nd – Styles of Writing…
    • We know the Bible is broken up into TWO main sections – OT / NT…
      • But the Bible is further divided by STYLES of writing…
      • FOUR main STYLES of writing in the Bible: History / Poetry / Prophecy / Doctrine…
      • The OT and NT are not organized chronologically – they are laid out by these STYLES!
    • There are SIX poetic books in the Bible – all in the OT…
      • Job / Psalms / Proverbs / Ecclesiastes / Song of Solomon / Lamentations…
      • Poetry does not tell a STORY – or tell us what to DO – it shares the EMOTION of the Bible!
      • The Bible is not a textbook – God is not ONLY interested in telling us about Him…
      • Books of poetry speak to our EMOTION – stimulates our imagination!
    • Hebrew POETRY…
      • Hebrew POETRY does not attempt to RHYME words – it is not based on similar sounds
      • Hebrew POETRY is formed by the COMPARING or CONTRASTING ideas…
      • An idea will be stated – then a number of verses will be dedicated to COMPARING it…
      • OR we will see the idea CONTRASTED – a RHYME of COMPARING or CONTRASTING ideas!
  • 2nd – Meaning of Psalm…
  • PSALM [מִזמוֹר] – meaning MELODY – ONLY used in the titles – a PSALM of David…
  • PSALMS [ψαλμός] – to strike a chord on a musical instrument…
  • The obvious idea – PSALMS were meant to SUNG along with musical INSTRUMENTS!
  • Ephesians 5:19 – “[Speak] to one another in PSALMS and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
  • 3rd – Who wrote the Book…
  • 1st – King David…
    • 75 – HALF – of the of the Psalms are written by King David…
    • 73 – have superscriptions crediting them to David…
    • TWO more are credited from the NT – Psalm 2 [Acts 4:25] and Psalm 95 [Hebrews 4:7]
  • 2nd – Other Authors…
    • 50 of the Psalms have no credited author – the final 25 are credited to…
    • Asaph – worship leader for David – wrote 12 Psalms
    • Korah [clan] – one of the families of Levi – wrote 11 Psalms
    • Even Solomon [Psalm 72 and 127] and Moses [Psalm 90] wrote part of the book!
  • 3rd – The Holy Spirit…
    • Ultimately inspired by the Holy Spirit – the written Word of God…
    • II Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God – and is profitable for doctrine – for reproof – for correction – for instruction in righteousness – that the man of God may be complete – thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
  • 4th – Division of the book…
    • 1st – LARGE book…
      • It contains – 150 chapters – 2458 verses!
      • It is NOT the longest book– Jeremiah has the MOST words [followed by Genesis]
      • We will TRY and cover 2-5 chapters each week [except for Psalm 119]!
    • 2nd – FIVE books…
      • Psalms is broken up into FIVE different books…
      • Though NOT certain – it is possible the divisions correspond to the FIVE books of Moses!
      • Book 1 – Psalms 1-41
      • Book 2 – Psalms 42-72
      • Book 3 – Psalms 73-89
      • Book 4 – Psalms 90-106
      • Book 5 – Psalms 107-150
    • 3rd – Styles…
      • There is no UNIVERSALLY accepted breakdown of the STYLES of the Psalms…
      • But we will definitely see some consistent THEMES as we work through the book!
      • THANKSGIVING – Psalms that inspire us to give THANK to the Lord – Psalm 118 / 136
      • ROYALTY – Psalms presenting God as the KING – Psalm 2 / 45
      • WISDOM – Psalms that speak of the WISDOM of God – Psalm 1 / 35
      • LAMENT – the complaint Psalms – Psalm 83 / 142
      • PRAISE – Psalms that encourage us to PRAISE the Lord – Psalm 8 / 150
      • IMPRECATORY – Psalms that call for judgement – Psalm 69 / 109
      • ACROSTIC – Psalms that are organized by the Hebrew alphabet – Psalm 119
      • ASCENT – Psalms sung on the yearly pilgrimage to Israel – Psalm 120-134
      • MESSIANIC – prophetic Psalms fulfilled by the life of Jesus – Psalm 2 / 22 / 110

Psalm 1 – the BLESSED man

  • 1st – Blessed man… vs. 1-3
    • 1st – Does NOT… vs. 1
      • Blessed is the man…
        • Psalm 1 [unknown author] – is a Psalm of WISDOM – giving us a poetic CONTRAST…
        • Looking at TWO different kind of people – the BLESSED – and the UNGODLY!
        • BLESSED – [אֶשֶׁר] – to be HAPPY – from the root VERB to walk STRAIGHT…
        • We are given THREE things that mark the WALK of the BLESSED man!
      • Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly…
        • The BLESSED man does NOT walk [perfect] – make it a HABIT…
        • COUNSEL [עֵצָה] – advice – looking to answer from someone who is UNGODLY…
        • UNGODLY [רָשָׁע] – a WICKED person – someone who does NOT know God!
        • While it is true that there is wisdom in getting advice from others!
        • Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans go wrong for lack of advice – many counselors bring success.”
        • Many people today run to the wrong counsel for help – psychology / social media…
        • We should not be surprised if we go to the world – and they have no / or bad answers!
        • I might be good to ask – before you try and solve my problem – how is your life…
        • Why would we think another struggling sinner – is going to have answers for our life!
        • We do not want someone who gives us their opinion – no guarantee they are right…
        • We want someone who is going to point us to Jesus – He is ALWAYS right!
        • I John 4:1 – “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.”
      • Nor stands in the path of sinners…
        • The BLESSED man does NOT stand [perfect] – to STOP moving forward…
        • SINNERS [חַטָּאִים] – someone who is ALWAYS sinning – it defines them…
        • If we are STANDING on their PATH – we might want to get off!
        • If we are doing what everyone else is doing – if we are with the majority…
        • If we are standing with the crowd – we are on the BROAD path…
        • And the end of that road is destruction – it leads to hell!
        • Matthew 7:13 – “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.”
      • Nor sits in the seat of the scornful!
        • The BLESSED man does NOT sit [perfect] – to GIVE UP trying…
        • SEAT [מוֹשָׁב] – from the root VERB – to dwell or to ABIDE…
        • SCORNFUL [לֵצִים] – those who are ARROGANT – boast in themselves!
        • Do NOT miss the progression – WALK – STAND – SIT…
        • When we seek the counsel of this WORLD – it STOPS our WALK with God…
        • We end up STANDING on the BROAD path – the way of destruction…
        • And in the END – we SIT – ARROGANTLY thinking we know better than God…
        • Is it no wonder – BLESSED is the man who does NOT walk this way!
    • 2nd – LAW of the Lord… vs. 2
      • His delight is in the law of the LORD – and in His law he meditates day and night!
      • But – CONTRAST – IF [אִם] we DELIGHT in [desire] the WORD of God…
      • We will meditate [imperfect] in it DAY and NIGHT – we are CONSTANTLY in the WORD!
      • It is easy for someone to SAY they want to WALK with Jesus…
      • But the PROOF is in our DESIRE for the Word of God – shown by READING our BIBLES…
      • Our BIBLE is not meant to be something put on a shelf – or an unused APP on our phones…
      • IF we recognize the POWER of the WORD to transform our LIVES – Romans 10:17
      • IF we realize that is where we should get our COUNSEL [advice] from…
      • We will LOVE to be in the Bible – READ it – MEDITATE on it – all day and all night!
    • 3rd – Like a TREE… vs. 3
      • He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water …
        • The RESULT [sequential] of being in the WORD – we will be like a TREE…
        • A healthy TREE – one that is well watered!
        • We were all created with a THIRST – we long for our PURPOSE in life…
        • But the ONLY thing that can ever SATISFY us – is a relationship with Jesus!
        • John 7:37-38 – “If anyone thirsts – let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
      • That brings forth its fruit in its season…
        • Brings forth [imperfect] constant FRUIT – in its SEASON [time]
        • We do not plant a seed – and expect there to be FRUIT on the branches in the morning…
        • And if we sat there and waited for the plant to grow – we would likely give up…
        • The solution is to keep BUSY – weeding / watering – in TIME the FRUIT will come!
        • Often – we want to see the good FRUIT from our efforts NOW…
        • When the fruit does not come – we get tired – assuming nothing will ever happen…
        • It is easy to get frustrated with the failures in our Christian walk…
        • It can be tempting to want to give up – thinking things will never change!
        • Rather than looking for the fruit – we just need to keep busy serving Jesus…
        • As we are faithful to ABIDE in Jesus – MEDITATE in His Word…
        • In His TIME we will bear much FRUIT – be used powerfully for the Lord!
        • Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
      • Whose leaf also shall not wither – and whatever he does shall prosper!
        • The BLESSED man – who ABIDES in the Word – will not WITHER…
        • WITHER [נָבֵל] – to FALL or to be FOOLISH…
        • Instead EVERYTHING [וְכֹל] we do will PROSPER!
        • Do not MISS this – being BLESSED is NOT about what we do…
        • Being BLESSED – is about WHO we are connected to…
        • If we are ABIDING in Jesus – MEDITATE on His WORD – WHATEVER we do will PROSPER!
        • Often – we get caught up in the rights and lefts of life…
        • A place where we have to make a decision – and we do NOT know what to do…
        • We want to know which way we should go – BUT it really does not matter…
        • Rather than worry about decisions – all that matters is who we are trusting in!
        • Are we relying on Jesus – then go right or go left – He will take care of both!
  • 2nd – The Ungodly… vs. 4-6
    • 1st – Like CHAFF… vs. 4
      • The ungodly are not so – but are like the chaff which the wind drives away!
      • NOT so [contrast] – the UNGODLY – [רָשָׁע] – someone who does NOT know God…
      • They are like CHAFF – the unwanted part of a HARVEST…
      • CHAFF is separated from the WHEAT – by throwing it up into the WIND!
      • Jesus gave a parable of the wheat and CHAFF – Matthew 13:24-43
      • What happens to the CHAFF – at the end of the AGE…
      • The reapers are the Angels that God sends out to gather all men to the judgment…
      • There the CHAFF will be bound up – cast into the FIRE – and burned!
      • The fate of those who are UNGODLY – they will be blown away like CHAFF…
      • On the Day of Judgment they are cast into outer darkness…
      • The FIRE – the destination for those who reject Jesus!
    • 2nd – NOT stand… vs. 5
      • Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment…
        • Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous!
        • The UNGODLY – will not STAND in the DAY of JUDGMENT – GREAT White Throne…
        • SINNERS [חַטָּאִים] – those whose lives were DEFINED by their sin…
        • They will not STAND in the GATHERING of the RIGHTEOUS [צַדִּיקִֽים]
        • The PUNISHMENT for SIN does not always come in this life…
        • Notice the results come at the END of our lives – in THE JUDGEMENT!
      • The JUDGEMENT…
        • Revelation 20:11-12 – “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it…  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God…”
        • All will STAND before the throne of God to be judged for the works of their lives…
        • If our name is not found written in THE Book of Life – the books are opened…
        • Then we are then judged according to our works – written in the books…
        • Everything we did – every word we said – every thought we had…
        • Not to see if we will go to heaven or hell – but to show we why we will go to hell!
    • 3rd – The LORD knows… vs. 6
      • For the LORD knows the way of the righteous – but the way of the ungodly shall perish!
      • The LORD knows [יָדַע] – to SEE the PATH of both the RIGHTEOUS and UNGODLY…
      • Hebrews 4:13 – “There is no creature hidden from His sight – but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
      • OPEN – only here NT – to expose the neck in order to give a death blow!
      • SINNERS may think that they got away with something – that no one KNOWS…
      • They may even be convinced that because God did nothing – it was OK…
      • But God KNOWS everything we do – NOTHING is hidden from Him…
      • We should not take his Grace and longsuffering to mean He is OK with sin…
      • He just gives us time so that we can CHOOSE to REPENT – turn back to Him…
      • But if we do NOT – then we can be certain the UNGODLY will PERISH!
      • Proverbs 15:3 – “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”

Psalm 2 – Victory of the Messiah… 

  • 1st – The nations RAGE… vs. 1-3
    • A Psalm of David – credited to him – Acts 4:25 
    • A ROYAL Psalm – that presents Jesus as the MESSIAH and KING…
    • A PROPHETIC Psalm – that predicts the Millennial Kingdom!
    • 1st – RAGE against the LORD… vs. 1-2
      • Why do the nations rage – and the people plot a vain thing…
      • The kings of the earth set themselves – and the rulers take counsel together…
      • Against the LORD and against His Anointed!
      • NATIONS [גוֹיִם] – any people who are not JEWS – not the PEOPLE of God…
      • RAGE – [perfect] – to CONSPIRE against the LORD!
      • People [in general] PLOT – COMPLAIN in VAIN against the LORD!
      • The KINGS and RULERS of the EARTH – take counsel [lay foundation] together [unified]
      • Against the LORD [יְהוָה] – and His ANOINTED [מָשִׁיח] – the MESSIAH!
      • Nations – individuals – governments – are ALL opposed to the LORD and the MESSIAH!
    • 2nd – Break the BOND… vs. 3
      • Let us break Their bonds in pieces – and cast away Their cords from us!
        • BREAK [piel cohortative] – INTENSELY DESIRE to SHATTER the CHAINS…
        • CAST AWAY [hiphil cohortative] – because we will be able to THROW out THEIR chords!
      • What is it the WORLD wants to THROW away – the BIBLE…
        • Because the BIBLE is the MIRROR that shows them – they are SINNERS – James 1:23
        • They BIBLE is all about Jesus Christ [מָשִׁיח] MESSIAH!
        • Hebrews 10:7 – “Behold I have come – in the volume of the book it is written of Me…”
        • The world hates Jesus because he convicts the world of sin and righteousness…
        • If it were not for Jesus men could do whatever they wanted without consequence…
        • Because men LOVE sin – they hate the light that reveals their sinfulness – John 3:19-20
  • 2nd – The answer from heaven… vs. 4-9
    • 1st – The Laughter… vs. 4-5
      • He who sits in the heavens shall laugh – the Lord shall hold them in derision…
        • The LORD sees the plans of MEN – and He SITS [participle] – He is not concerned…
        • LAUGHS [imperfect] – the PLANS of men are HUMOROUS to the LORD…
        • The Lord [אֲדֹנָי] – their MASTER – MOCKS [derision] them!
        • Like a little child plotting to get forbidden candy – thinking they can outsmart their parents!
        • God is amused by the tantrum men throw – as if they have power over God!
      • Then He shall speak to them in His wrath – and distress them in His deep displeasure!
        • SPEAK [piel] – God STRONGLY responds to the REBELLION of men…
        • In His WRATH [displeasure] – He will TROUBLE [distress] their plans to CAST off the Lord! 
    • 2nd – The TRUE King… vs. 6-7
      • I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion…
        • The Hebrew here is VERY emphatic – I [וַאֲנִי] – even I – have set [perfect] MY King…
        • Holy [קֹדֶשׁ] hill of ZION – a reference to the City of Jerusalem – II Samuel 5:7
        • Men want to CAST off the BONDS of the LORD – be free from the rule of God…
        • In response God tells rebellious men – His KING will rule the world from Jerusalem…
        • And His King [perfect] will be the KING of kings– Revelation 19:16
      • I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me You are My Son – today I have begotten You!
        • Who is the KING – the MESSIAH – the LORD will DECLARE [piel] Him…
        • The LORD said [perfect] – You are My SON…
        • Today I have – brought you forth [יָלַד] – Hebrews 1:5
        • Title Son of God [45x in NT] is often misunderstood – nothing to do with the virgin birth…
        • From before the beginning Jesus carried this title – because Jesus is God – John 10:30
        • The title describes His relationship to the Father – the SECOND person in the Trinity!
      • The SON – the KING – the MESSIAH – is God…
        • Hebrews 1:8 / Psalm 45:6– “To the Son He says – Your throne O God – is forever and ever!”
        • God the FATHER – says to God the SON – Your throne GOD!
        • The Bible makes it VERY clear – Jesus is God!
        • Romans 9:5 – Eternally blessed GOD / Isaiah 9:6 – A Son is given – mighty GOD…
        • John 20:28 – Our Lord and GOD / I John 5:20 – the True GOD / John 10:30 / I John 5:7
        • The doctrine of the DEITY of Jesus – is the RED line that cannot be crossed…
        • It is what makes a religion that claims to believe in Christ a cult…
        • Denying Jesus is God – denying the triune nature of God the Father / Son / Spirit!
        • Cults will say they believe in Jesus – but it is NOT the Jesus of the Bible!
        • There is great diversity within the Body of Christ – I Corinthians 12:27
        • And we can agree to disagree and a VAST collection of non-essentials…
        • But we CANNOT disagree on the Trinity / Deity of Jesus Christ – it is THE essential!
    • 3rd – The Inheritance… vs. 8-9
      • Ask of Me and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance…
        • And the ends of the earth for Your possession!
        • ASK [imperative] – the LORD REALLY wants to give [cohortative]
        • The NATIONS [גוֹיִם] to the SON as an INHERITANCE – give Him the WHOLE world!
      • You shall break them with a rod of iron – You shall dash them to pieces like a potters vessel!
        • At the end of the 7 years of Tribulation…
        • The Antichrist will gather his army to the Valley of Megiddo – Revelation 19:11-21
        • Then Jesus will come out of Heaven on a white horse – King of Kings / Lord of Lords…
        • He will return with us – ten thousands of His saints – Jude 1:14
        • With one word he will defeat the Antichrist and his army – II Thessalonians 2:8
        • And the Antichrist will be the first to be thrown into the Lake of Fire – Revelation 19:20
        • The Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives – Zachariah 14:4
        • The mountain will split – water will come out – giving life to the Dead Sea – Ezekiel 47:8
        • 30 days after the Return of Jesus – 1290 days after the Abomination – Daniel 12:11
        • Jesus will judge the nations – those who survived the Tribulation – Matthew 25:31-46
        • Then Jesus will establish His Millennial Kingdom – Revelation 20:1-4
        • There will be peace – the lion will lay down with the lamb – Isaiah 11:6-9
        • Death will still be possible – but men will live to be much older than they do now….
        • A man may even be able to live through the entire 1000 years – Isaiah 65:20
        • We will help Jesus when He judges the world – Revelation 20:4 / I Corinthians 6:2
        • And rule and judge the nations with Jesus for those 1000 years!
        • Revelation 2:26-27 – “He who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations…  He shall rule them with a rod of iron…”
  • 3rd – Fear the Lord… vs. 10-12
    • 1st – Be WISE… vs. 10
      • Now therefore – be wise O kings – be instructed you judges of the earth…
        • WISE [hiphil imperative] – knowing who the KING is – causes kings to become WISE…
        • INSTRUCTED [niphal imperative] – to self-admonish or correct…
        • Knowing what the KING will do – inspires JUDGES to correct themselves!
    • 2nd – Serve the Lord… vs. 11
      • Serve the LORD with fear – and rejoice [imperative] with trembling!
        • SERVE [imperative] the LORD – in FEAR and TREMBLING!
        • Much of the world today scoffs at the Bible – because they do not FEAR the Lord…
        • People mock God today – make Jesus a curse word – as if there is no consequence! 
        • They do not FEAR the Judgment seat – they do not FEAR the Lake of fire…
        • But there are only two kinds of people when it comes to God…
        • Wise sinners who FEAR the Lord and saw their need for Jesus – and those who did not!
        • Psalm 111:10 – “The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…”
    • 3rd – Kiss the Lord… vs. 12
      • Kiss the Son lest He be angry – and you perish when His wrath is kindled but a little…
        • Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him!
        • KISS [נָשַׁק]- [piel imperative] – we might say make PEACE – NOW…
        • Because even if Jesus is just a LITTLE angry – we could perish – ETERNALLY!
        • Matthew 10:28 – “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
        • But BLESSED are ALL who put their TRUST in Him – to seek refuge or protection…
        • The point is POWERFUL – we KNOW how the STORY ends…
        • Jesus will be KING – He is GOD – He will RULE…
        • The question is do we chose to be WISE – put our TRUST in Him…
        • Live in the FEAR of the Lord – knowing that is where the BLESSED life comes from!

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