Freedom in Christ

                                                            Sunday School Lesson



Introduction: Benjamin Franklin was leaving Independence Hall in Philadelphia when the Constitutional Convention ended, and a certain Mrs. Powel asked Mr. Franklin, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Not hesitating, Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.” The apostle Paul says something very similar in our text. Freedom has been given to us as a gift from God through Christ. Maybe the question is, “Can we keep it?” Two telling verses that focus on the theme of Galatians are 2:16 and 5:1. They function like a thesis, proposition, or dominant thought to the epistle. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. The verb tense in the original language of the phrase has set us free indicates that Paul had in mind a particular moment in time when this happened (Calvary?). But the next phrase, Stand firm is in present tense indicating ongoing action. Freedom is a gift of God at a particular moment in time, but maintaining that freedom has to be worked out continually.

Freedom in Christ Can Be Compromised 
Galatians 5:1-4, 7-10, 12 KJV

1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

Freedom is such a slippery thing. Vigilance is necessary to retain it. It is too easy to slip back into slavery. The Judaizers wanted to add circumcision to the finished work of Christ. It was one thing to circumcise someone for expediency so as not to hinder the missionary enterprise of the church (Acts 16:3). But it was quite another thing to require circumcision as a term of salvation (Galatians 2:3). If people need Jesus plus circumcision then Christ will be of no value (“will profit them nothing”). In fact, embracing circumcision as a salvific requirement demanded obedience to the whole law, and that was an obligation that no one could bear (Acts 15:10). Attempting to be justified by the law ends in two horrible consequences: 1—being alienated (separated) from Christ and 2—having fallen from grace. The word translated fallen can mean “to fall but be able to recover oneself,” but it still means to fall away. It is amazing that so many people say that people cannot do this when Paul affirmed that it is a real possibility. Paul was comfortable using athletic imagery to describe the Christian experience (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 4:6-8). He pictured the Galatians running a good race and then getting cut off by the Judaizers. God called them to freedom. The Judaizers were guilty of contaminating (like the influence that yeast has in dough) and confusing (“to stir up” like a storm) the believers. Paul said that those people’s penalty (sentence or condemnation) was just. Strong language—but not near as strong as verse 12. Paul graphically indicated that maybe they should let the knife slip a little further. Enough said.

Freedom in Christ Is Demonstrated in Love 

Galatians 5:5, 6, 13-17KJV

5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

To maintain freedom takes internal transformation, not external constraints. When believers trust Christ for salvation, they receive the Holy Spirit on the inside, and the Spirit becomes God’s gift to live out the righteousness that has been given. Since we have the Spirit we are called to walk (live) by the Spirit. This means choosing daily not to gratify the desires of the flesh. The Holy Spirit works with our human spirit to make good choices in life. Paul does admit that the way of the world and the way of the Spirit are contrary. This means they stand opposite each other. So Christians end up being a walking civil war. But remember that God’s power is stronger than that of the flesh (1 John 4:4). Christian freedom is actually measurable. Christian freedom has an objective outcome. In a word, it is love. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17). But at the end of the day it counts for nothing. What matters is faith expressing itself (“working or energizing itself”) through love. Love will never misuse freedom. Freedom is doing the right thing, and that right thing is always love. Christians do not use their freedom to indulge the flesh. Instead they serve one another in love. Circumcision does not fulfill the law, but love does. Rightly demonstrated love will never bite and devour. Rather it will demonstrate freedom in Christ.

New Birth Brings Freedom

                                                                 Sunday School Lesson


Introduction: Today is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Were he still living he would be 208 years old. We know him as the 16th president of the United States and also as the Great Emancipator. He not only signed a freedom document, he also saw the country through a terrible civil war. Freedom is not easy. The birth of a new nation comes with a huge price.Our lesson picks up where last week’s lesson left off. The churches in Galatia had their harmony and freedom threatened by people who felt compelled to have a “Jesus plus” faith (Jesus plus the Law, Jesus plus circumcision, Jesus plus special religious holidays). But Jesus plus anything is a minus. Jesus alone is sufficient to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).

Freedom Is Threatening 
 Galatians 4:8-11KJV

8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

As odd as it sounds, there were some slaves in Paul’s day who were doctors and lawyers. They had sold themselves into slavery so others would take care of them. Freedom is threatening, and some people cannot handle it. The believers in the churches of Galatia were both Greeks and Jews and both were likewise threatened by Christian freedom. They were tempted to turn back to paganism or to their former religion in Judaism. Paul was upset about this. (In fact, his angst about this is seen in all three sections of our text—verses 11, 12, and 20.) Why would people who were once enslaved desire to go back to slavery? The answer is that freedom is threatening. The Greek regression is in verses 8 and 9. Before the Greeks in Galatia knew God (before they became believers) they were slaves to pagan influences. Paul referred to these false gods as not gods. There is only one true God (1 Corinthians 8:4-6). They were turning back to the weak and miserable forces (we saw this expression in our lesson last week in Galatians 4:3). We might think of them as the ABCs of paganism. The Jewish regression had to do with observing special days and months and seasons and years. Carving out sacred time to celebrate faith is one thing. But keeping festivals as a term of salvation is quite something else. Returning to paganism or Judaism bothered Paul. He felt as if he had wasted his ministry (labored in vain) on the Galatians.

Freedom Is Frustrating 

Galatians 4:12-16 KJV

12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.

13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

There is some significant self-disclosure by Paul in this paragraph. One can feel his personal frustration with the Galatians. He pleaded with them earnestly. The word translated plead means “to make a specific request.” It is one of the words for prayer in the New Testament. Paul prayed that the Galatians would experience total freedom in Christ like he enjoyed. Paul himself was once enslaved in Judaism (Philippians 3:4-6). But as one freed in Christ, he called the churches to become like him. Paul took the churches back to when they were converted (Acts 13–14). Their reception of him as one freed in Christ was remarkable. Even though Paul referenced his illness (about which we know very little), he mentioned that the Galatians received him like an angel or Jesus himself. Their devotion to Paul was so strong they would have traded their good eyesight for Paul’s bad eyesight (see also Galatians 6:11). The Judaizers had turned the people away from the apostle who had taught them the truth of freedom in Christ. Of the making of rules there is no end, and Paul was frustrated that the Galatians seemed to want to go back to rules for the sake of rules.

Freedom Is Hard Work 

 Galatians 4:17-20 KJV

17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.

18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

The easy road is rules. The harder road is freedom. Paul noted that the Judaizers had bad motives. They were trying to take undue advantage of the Galatians by stealing them away from Paul and freedom in Christ. Paul commended zeal. Zeal with knowledge is a wonderful thing. Zeal that creates unity is also good. But zeal without knowledge and zeal that is divisive is terrible. The last two verses of our text drip with emotion. The real heart of the apostle Paul can be seen. These two verses are high watermarks in the passion of Paul. He appealed to them tenderly (My dear children). The metaphor that he used is that of a woman in labor. Paul was like a mother in the pains of childbirth until Christ would be formed in them (see 1 Thessalonians 2:7). Forming Christ in people is hard work, and sometimes it leaves us downright perplexed. Both Paul and President Lincoln learned that freedom isn’t easy. But it is worth it.

Re-Created to Live in Harmony

                                                        Sunday School Lesson


Introduction: Someone has rightly said, “You cannot be ‘revived’ if you have never first been ‘vived.’” In last month’s lessons we focused on God creating the universe. This month’s lessons focus on God recreating the universe through redeeming his people for freedom to live in holiness. Our study takes us to Galatians, that Magna Carta of Christian freedom. In Galatians Paul strongly defended that Christians are saved by faith in Christ and not works of the law (so significant that he stated that truth three times in one verse—Galatians 2:16). In chapters 3 and 4 Paul made several arguments for that theme: Faith is the vehicle of receiving the Holy Spirit (3:1-6). Faith puts us in touch with the promise of God through Abraham (vv. 7-18). Faith is the result of letting the law lead us to Christ (vv. 19-25). Faith is what puts us in God’s family (3:26–4:20). Faith is the basis for our freedom (4:21-31).

Our Clothing Shows Our Clan 
Galatians 3:26-29 KJV

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

When God redeems us by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8, 9), he places us into his forever family. The ground is indeed level at the foot of the cross. All are embraced and equal. Harmony is possible only in Christ—notice also the phrases, into Christ, in Christ, and to Christ. Responding to God in faith makes us children of God (see also John 1:12).The entry point for this harmony is baptism. The New Testament writers had what we might term their own doctrines of baptism. For Matthew baptism was fulfilling righteousness (Matthew 3:13-17). For Mark baptism was an immersion in suffering (Mark 10:36-39). For Luke baptism was forgiveness and the reception of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). For John baptism was the new birth (John 3:1-8). For Peter baptism was a pledge of a clear conscience (1 Peter 3:21). For the Hebrew writer baptism was drawing near to God (Hebrews 10:22). For Paul baptism was identification with Christ (Romans 6:1-4). Metaphorically speaking, baptism is putting on clothes that mark out our clan (family). People get out of tune because of race, social status, and gender. Yet faith expressed in baptism destroys disunity. Certainly a high watermark of the New Testament is Galatians 3:28. Harmony is possible when we are recreated, regardless of race (Jew nor Gentile), social status (slave nor free), or gender (male and female). Picking up the argument from earlier in the epistle, Paul said, If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. The baptismal clothes make us all look the same. We may have different roles and gifts, but the harmony can be in perfect pitch.

Our Family Shows Our Identity 

Galatians 4:1-7 KJV

1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Paul did not create a chapter division at Galatians 4:1. The link word to this next section is heir. You can’t talk about an heir without thinking in terms of family. The word heir leads to further discussion of our identity in Christ. So Paul extended the metaphor in a way that his world would easily understand. The household of Paul’s world consisted of a mother, father, (maybe even grandparents), children, and slaves. While Paul put in place the principles whereby slavery would implode, he spoke to the culture of his day with his “household rules” (Ephesians 5:22–6:9; Colossians 3:18–4:1). Therefore the people had a reservoir from which to draw to interpret his analogy. The children of slaves and the children of masters played together. They were good friends. They looked past categories. At that point slaves and heirs were the same and under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. But the slave and the heir were very different when it came to who inherited the estate. Even though the heir had to bide some time, one day the estate would be hers or his for the taking. Earlier Paul mentioned that this “guardian” taking care of the heir until the proper time was the law (3:24). But God jumped in and changed all of this in the perfect time. Jesus was born of a woman, who herself was living under the law. The purpose for Jesus’ coming was to redeem (a marketplace term) his people. The end result was that people were adopted into his family. We have such intimacy with God that we can call him Abba, our “Dear Father.” Paul’s argument builds—slave, child, and finally heir. With new clothes and a new identity, we can live in harmon

Praise God with All Creation

                                                               Sunday School Lesson

Introduction: All Creatures of our God and King” was created around the 1900s, but the lyrics go all the way back to St. Francis of Assisi (1225). The hymn contains several stanzas. In the first five stanzas a portion of creation is beckoned to give God praise (one—sun and moon; two—wind and clouds; three—water and fire; four—fields and flowers; five—people and nations). The last few psalms of the psalter gave rise to what St. Francis did—beckoned all creation to give praise to God. In fact, Psalms 146–150 all begin and end the same way: Praise the Lord. The Hebrew word for praise is “halal.” It means to glorify, boast, or even shine. The theme of Psalm 148—and really Psalms 146–150—is that humankind should join the chorus of the rest of creation in giving praise to the Lord.

The Heavens 
 Psalm 148:1-6 KJV

1Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.

6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

The psalmist first takes us to the heavens (one of the most beautiful of all Hebrew words, “shamayim”). The heavens are the sky, the place of the stars, the clouds, the atmosphere, and even the abode of God. The parallelism of thought—seen throughout our study this past month in these selected psalms—is very evident. In verse 1 the psalmist calls for praise to the Lord from the heavens and adds to that line by saying in the heights above. Verse 2 calls angels to praise the Lord and adds all his heavenly hosts (maybe stars or angelic armies). Verse 3 calls sun and moon to praise the Lord and adds shining stars. Verse 4 calls for the highest heavens to praise the Lord and adds waters above the skies (rain or atmosphere). Verses 5 and 6 give the reasons why the heavens are summoned to praise the Lord. The first reason is that God created (commanded, bode, or gave orders to) them. Can they do anything else? Praise for the Lord is embedded in their nature. The second reason is that God established them for ever and ever. In fact God issued a decree as to their eternity.

The Earth 

 Psalm 148:7-13KJV

7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

Next the psalmist takes us to earth. The earth takes its cue from heaven in giving praise to the Lord. We start in the ocean. In verse 7 the large sea creatures (serpents, sea monsters, or dragon-type animals) are beckoned to start the praise. In verse 8 the weather systems are beckoned. Lightning, hail, snow, clouds, and winds all do God’s bidding (accomplish or fulfill his word). In verse 9 mountains and hills are beckoned to praise the Lord. On those hills grow fruit trees and all cedars. In verse 10 wild and domestic animals are beckoned to praise the Lord. To these larger animals are added small animals such as small creatures and flying birds. In verses 11 and 12 people who live on earth are beckoned to praise the Lord. Rulers and royalty, young and old, male and female are all beckoned to join the animal kingdom in giving praise to God. Identical to the first section of the psalm, the psalmist closes this section with reasons for why earth should so praise the Lord. First is that God’s name alone is exalted (set exceedingly high). God’s name stands for his character or person. When Israel would worship the Lord they would say, “The Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). This could be an affirmation of his Trinitarian nature, but it could also be understood in a majestic sense—God is unique; there is no one else like him. Perhaps this last meaning is in view here. The second reason why earth should praise the Lord is because his splendor (glory or majesty) is above the earth and the heavens. Both earth and heaven are drawn together here.

The People 

 Psalm 148:14 KJV

14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord.

Humans have been mentioned already as joining the earth praising the Lord. But the last verse draws in God’s covenant people, Israel, his faithful servants. Since heaven and earth praise God, the “apple of his eye” should follow suit. Perhaps they should create the crescendo. Maybe they should even lead the rest of creation. Two reasons are given for drawing in Israel to this praise. First God raised up a horn for them. This means God has manifested his power to this people. After all, he redeemed them from Egypt. Second, these people are close to his heart (near to him). He loves them with an everlasting love. What else can be said but Praise the Lord?

________

Praise God the Creator

                                                                 Sunday School Lesson



Introduction: The Creator is separate from his creation. He transcends nature. Creation is awesome. The Creator is more awesome. The disciples found this out when a storm arose on the Sea of Galilee. It was one thing to face the storm (Mark 4:35-38). It was quite another thing to face the one who could calm the storm (Mark 4:39-41).As we have learned this month, many of the psalms celebrate God as Creator over his creation. Psalm 104 can be added to that list. In fact, as Book IV (90–106) of Psalms ends, this theme of celebrating God as Creator (and Redeemer) is strong. Psalms 103 and 106 celebrate God’s forgiveness and love. Psalms 104 and 105 celebrate his creation and his faithfulness to it.

The Creator Works in His Creation 
 Psalm 104:1-4 KJV

1Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

The psalmist (who likely could have been King David, since he wrote the previous psalm) once again began with Praise (literally, “bless”). He summoned up his soul for this praise as he acknowledged the greatness of God. By using the metaphors of clothing, building, and nature, we see how intimate the Creator is with his creation.God is clothed with splendor and majesty and the Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment. God the Father is spirit (John 4:24) and therefore is not like a human being getting dressed. Yet through the figure of speech known as anthropomorphism, the Lord is pictured as getting dressed in light.The Creator is involved in creation as a builder. He stretches out the heavens like a tent. Think about someone going camping and setting out on the ground everything for the camping experience before assembling the tent. God does that with the heavens (Genesis 1:8; 2 Corinthians 12:2). Also he lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. It is as if God pounds huge concrete buttresses into the water so they can support the heavens.The Creator is also involved in his creation as one who controls the wind. In fact, he makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. Since the word Spirit (as in Holy Spirit) means breath, wind, or something pulsating, God can use clouds as a means of transportation and battle (2 Kings 2:11). He can appoint winds to become messengers and flames of fire to be his servants (see also Acts 2:1-4). God is not distant from his creation (as the deists believe). He transcends creation but works in it.

Creation Bears Witness to the Creator 

Psalm 104:24-30 KJV

24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

25 So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

26 There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.

27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.

28 That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.

29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

God calls to his creation, and his creation responds with obedience. Some of the verses not included in the printed text (Psalm 104:5-23) continue the theme of God’s involvement with his creation. Some of the verses deal with God actually calling creation into being (vv. 5, 8, 9, 19, 20), and some of the verses deal with God sustaining the universe by his providence (vv. 10-18).But beginning in this third section the psalmist calls creatures to the witness stand on behalf of their Creator. The word translated creatures in verse 24 comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to acquire something” (as in, God owns these creatures). The word translated creatures in verse 25 comes from a Hebrew word that means “something that creeps along the ground.” So whether the creature is in the sea or on the land, it bears witness to its Creator.The word for God’s creativity in making sea and land creatures is called works. It highlights something made, done, or accomplished. First the psalmist acknowledged the sea creatures. The ocean home God made for them is huge. This home is so vast and spacious that ships can sail on it and creatures like Leviathan can play in it. This is a fascinating creature. The word Leviathan appears six times in the Old Testament and refers to a sea monster or some kind of large aquatic animal. (Think Nessy in the famous Loch of Inverness, Scotland.)The psalmist also acknowledged land animals. God feeds these animals and they gather it up. God opens his hand (another example of anthropomorphism) and satisfies them with good things. When God, for whatever reason, hides his face, they are terrified. God can allow them to die and return to the dust. It all depends on God’s Spirit.When the Spirit moves, creation responds to its Creator. We would do well to follow that lead.

Praise God the Provider

                                                              Sunday School Lesson

Introduction: Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.” Our Jewish friends call this the Traditional Ha-Motzi Blessing, which is recited before eating bread on the Sabbath. Psalm 65 may be something like a predecessor to that prayer. It praises God for his provision. The superscription of the Psalm says that it is a psalm of David, but it mentions the temple (v. 4), and the temple was not built in David’s time. Perhaps David wrote it as a psalm for harvest time, and it became more formalized for worship at the temple later.God is not only the Creator who is worshipped in a new song (the themes of our last two lessons), he also is praised for being the great provider. Very early in the Bible we are acquainted with this God who provides. In Eden God provided food for Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:16). In the flood God provided an ark to save Noah’s household (Hebrews 11:7). But a well-known story of provision is the testing of Abraham in Genesis 22. God provided the test, the seed of promise (Isaac), and the ram that was caught in the thicket (a substitute).

He Provides Forgiveness 

Psalm 65:1-4KJV

1Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.

2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

3 Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.

4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

The psalmist pictures a person going up to the temple to worship God and references Zion. This word has many nuances mostly referring to a place. It can refer to God’s people, the city of Jerusalem, the temple, and even the original city of David—just to the south of Solomon’s temple. The psalmist begins with Praise. This is the first word in the psalm, and it is the Hebrew label for this book of the Bible. Besides praise given at the right place, there are several other things necessary for good worship. This would include fulfilling vows, acknowledging answered prayers, a blessing for the priests, and enjoying the good things of God that result when God’s people worship. But as much as we bring to worship there is one thing that we need in worship, and that is forgiveness. Verse 3 reads, When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. The word forgave is the word for “covering” (kippur). One aspect of forgiveness is the covering of an offense. God can uniquely provide that.

He Provides Power 

 Psalm 65:5-7KJV

5 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:

6 Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:

7 Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people

Since God is God, one thing that he does not lack is power. Our power is quite puny. God’s power is unlimited. Knowing that helps us stand in awe of him. It also helps us bear witness to his awesome and righteous deeds. Some of these deeds were salvific. He delivered Israel and set the captives free. He is God our Savior. He has power to save to all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas (see also Hebrews 7:25). In addition to his power to rescue, he has power over his creation. He can make it, and when it gets unruly due to sin, he can wrestle it to the ground. He formed the mountains, he armed himself with strength, and he stilled the roaring of the seas. In the ancient world, and somewhat in the Old Testament, the tumultuous water was seen as something only God can tame (Genesis 1:2). He has power over the seas, the waves, and even the nations.

He Provides Harvest 

Psalm 65:8-13KJV

8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.

11 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.

12 They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.

13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

Even though the earth (land) was cursed due to sin (Genesis 3:17-19), and even though God had to judge the world with a flood because of ongoing sin (6:5-8), God still provided “seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night” (8:22). He does, in fact, bring forth bread from the earth.The earth is personified and shown to be filled with awe as morning and night continue. Even in its fallen state God calls to the earth with songs of joy and the earth springs to life. God provides water so that harvest can be expected.A bumper crop demands rain. The Middle East knows this all too well. God is so powerful he can make the desert produce (Isaiah 35:1, 2). An Israeli guide named Amnon called rain “sky juice.” God can drench the furrows or soften it with showers.His rain produces bounty and abundance. The grasslands, hills, meadows, and valleys are personified as being clothed and shouting for joy. “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:4, English Standard Version). The one who is the bread of life (John 6:41) provides bread for his people. He is the provider, so he provides.