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Week 3: Lot
Weekly memory verse:
Psalm 8:1 – “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.”
Weekly hymn:
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above (free download)
Weekly catechism:
How did God make you and all things?
God made all things out of nothing, by the Word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good.
Day 11: God rescues Lot
Reading: Genesis 18:16–33; 19:1–29
Notes
Chapter 18, Verse 21. I Will Go Down to See. This expression should not be taken to mean that God had limited knowledge; it is simply an expression that reveals the great care God gave into the decision to destroy the cities.
Summary
God is just, and he will punish sin. But he is also merciful; he rescues those who trust in him and do what he commands.
Discussion Questions
- What did God’s rescue of Lot and destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah reveal about the nature and character of God?
- What did Lot’s actions reveal about his character, both for good and for evil?
- What did Lot’s wife’s actions reveal about her character?
Day 12: The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked
Reading: Psalm 1
Notes
Verse 1. Blessed. This refers to God’s redemptive favor toward the righteous.
Verse 6. Knows. This refers to more than simply knowledge; it describes the personal relationship God has with the righteous.
Summary
All people fall into one of two categories, righteous or wicked. These describe the nature and character of all people, those who follow God and live according to his law, and those who do not. The righteous will receive eternal blessing, but the wicked will perish forever.
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers?
- What does it mean to delight in God’s law?
- What does the tree and chaff metaphors tell us about the righteous and wicked?
Day 13: Trust in the Lord
Reading: Psalm 4–5
Notes
Psalm 4. To the Choirmaster. The superscriptions, or “titles” the precede 116 of the psalms were likely added shortly after their composition and contain reliable information about the author, context, and use of these psalms. Fifty-five psalms are given to the “Choirmaster,” who was tasked with leading the singers and stringed accompaniment instruments in the Temple. King David wrote at least 75 of the psalms.
Verse 2. Selah. This term occurs quite often in the psalms, but its meaning is unknown. It is likely a musical term indicating a pause or an instrumental interlude.
Verse 4. Angry. The term here does not refer to expression of rage, but rather to trembling in fear of God in order that we may not sin. Our fear of God should be so strong that it motivates us to avoid evil.
Psalm 5. Flutes. While stringed instruments were the primary accompaniment instruments for singing in the Temple, other instruments, such as flutes, were used in social gatherings. Not all psalms were intended for use in the Temple.
Verse 1. Groanings. This psalm is the first example of a major category of psalms, the Lament. The purpose of psalms like these is to express a deep need and ask the Lord for his help, trusting that his way is always best.
Summary
No matter what the circumstances, in times of blessing and in times of pain, it is always best to trust in the Lord. He is the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, and nothing escapes his control. Therefore, we should trust in him to guide us, protect us, and comfort us in times of need. Only then will we be able to find rest and assurance.
Discussion Questions
- How does a proper fear of God motivate us not to sin?
- How will trust in God give us rest and assurance?
- What are some difficulties in your life for which you should trust the Lord?
Day 14: Confession and Grace
Reading: Psalm 6–7
Notes
Psalm 6. This is the first of the penitential psalms, in which God’s servant confesses his sins to the Lord and finds grace and forgiveness.
Verse 2. Bones. This could indicate that David was afflicted physically, but in ancient times physical metaphors often indicated suffering of the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
Verse 5. Sheol. This Hebrew term sometimes refers generally to death, as is likely the case here, and other times to a destination of punishment for the wicked.
Psalm 7. Benjamanite. This refers to an otherwise unknown event in the life of David.
Summary
God will always judge sin, but he offers grace and forgiveness to those who confess their sins before him. The psalms contain manly example of such confession, and God is always faithful to show mercy and delver the one who acknowledges his guilt before him.
Discussion Questions
- Why must God always judge sin?
- Are difficult life circumstances always the result of personal guilt, or could there be other reasons?
- Why does God delight in showing mercy to the penitent?
Day 15: God’s Goodness and Greatness
Reading: Genesis 21:8–21; Psalm 8
Notes
Genesis 21, Verse 17. Angel of God. This is the same individual as the Angel of the Lord, likely the preincarnate Son of God.
Psalm 8. This is a psalm of praise that also focusses quite a bit on creation and the dignity of man. Thus, it develops important Adamic theology that raises associations with the Last Adam, Jesus Christ (see. Hebrews 2:6–8).
Verse 1. Lord. The small caps indicates that this first title of the two in the verse is God’s specially revealed name, Yahweh (Exodus 3:14).
Verse 3. Fingers. God does not have a physical body, but psalmists often use anthropomorphic language. Here, “fingers” emphasizes the grandeur of the Creator God.
Verses 4–6. These verses are quoted often in the NT: 1 Corinthians 15:27, 28; Ephesians 1:22; Hebrews 2:5–10.
Verse 4. Son of Man. This term refers generally to humanity, but it also has significant Messianic significance, and is Jesus’s favorite title for himself in the NT.
Summary
A unique characteristic of the true God is that he is both good and great. If he were simply good but not great, he would have no power to project or to accomplish his will. If he were simply great and not good, he would be a powerful yet selfish despot. The true God is both good and great, creating all things and protecting those who cry out to him in need.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think God chose to protect Hagar and Ishmael? What does this say about his character?
- What do the heavens, the moon, and the stars tell us about God?
- What role did God hive to humanity (“man”) in relationship to the rest of creation?
About Scott Aniol
Scott Aniol is the founder and Executive Director of Religious Affections Ministries. He is director of doctoral worship studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he teaches courses in ministry, worship, hymnology, aesthetics, culture, and philosophy. He is the author of Worship in Song: A Biblical Approach to Music and Worship, Sound Worship: A Guide to Making Musical Choices in a Noisy World, and By the Waters of Babylon: Worship in a Post-Christian Culture, and speaks around the country in churches and conferences. He is an elder in his church in Fort Worth, TX where he resides with his wife and four children. Views posted here are his own and not necessarily those of his employer.
