Memory Verse: Psalm 56:12
_______
Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee (KJV).
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Central Truth
________
Praising God can lift us up in any situation.
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The Lesson Outline
_______
1. Trust God when Afraid
A. When We Find Ourselves under attack
Psalm 56:1-7

B. The Lord Is Greater Than Our Fears
Psalm 56:8-13
_______
2. Praise God When Overwhelmed
A. The Lord ls Our Refuge
Psalm 61:1-4

B. We Will Praise God in Song and in Action
Psalm 61:5-8
_______
3. Rely on God When Opposed
A. What if the Lord Were Not on Our Side?
Psalm 124:1-5

B. Praise God for Preserving Us
Psalm 124:6-8
_______
Learning Objectives
_______
At the end of this lesson, students will
be able to:

1. Recognise the reality of trials even in the lives of God’s people.

2. Describe what the Book of Psalms teaches about why we can worship God amid hard times.

3. Appreciate the value of praise at a means of redirecting their focus toward God when they fee burdened or overwhelmed.

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Introducing the Lesson

_______

In the Old Testament, the root meaning of the word worship is “to bow,” a reference to giving due honour and acknowledgment to an individual (most often toward God). When applied to God, the word speaks to external acts that reflect internal attitudes and values. For this reason, while this word only appears seventeen times in the Psalms, worship to God is present throughout this book, seen in responses such as trust, praise, glory, acclaim, and
magnification directed toward God. As we move through this unit, note the many ways we can show our heartfelt worship to Him. Today we begin this journey by examining worship amid times of trial.
________

The Holy Scriptures
_______

Psalm 56:3. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

4. In God I will praise his word, in God I have
put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

5. Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

6. They gather themselves together, they hide, and they mark my steps when they wait for my soul.

7. Shall they escape by iniquity? In thine anger cast down the people, O God.

8. Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

9. When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this | know; for God is for me.

13. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

61:1. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my

2. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

4. I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

5. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

8. So will I sing praise unto thy name forever, that I may daily perform my vows.

124:1.If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;

2. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side when men rose up against us:

3. Then they had swallowed us up quickly when their wrath was kindled against us:

4. Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:

5. Then the proud waters had gone over our souls.
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Commentary and Application
_______
1. Trust God When Afraid
A. When We Find Ourselves Under Attack.

Psalm 56:1-7
Danger from enemies and the fear that results is a common theme in the Book of Psalms. Often,
These enemies are foreign rulers and armies. However, in psalms such as Psalm 56, the threat is individual. As a result, the fear and danger can be more subtle, yet just as real. Commentators note that the attacks mentioned here often come from people who do not take the Lord or His Law seriously, and it shows in how they speak to and treat the people of God. Just as real as attacks of an invading force, these are aimed at our faith in God. Our attackers can present real dangers, whether they are physical or dangerous to our reputation, emotional well-being, or even our faith.

This psalm of David records the cries of his heart as he desperately fled to Gath while Saul pursued him. There, he felt threatened by the king of Gath and fled yet again (see 1 Samuel 21:10 through 22:1). And so, we find David pleading to God for mercy, fearful of the bold attacks of his enemies (Psalm 56:1-3, NLT). It’s worth noting that the term rendered “man” in Verse 1 is not the usual word for man. The term used here usually emphasises the weak
and mortal aspects of the human race. (Note its use in Isaiah 13:7; 24:6, KJV.) In short, the Psalmist provided
a reminder that while his attackers were real, they were weak in comparison to the Almighty God.

It is not surprising, then, that David can proclaim his trust in the Lord; he does not need to fear whatever human flesh can do to him (Psalm 56:4). Mere mortals are no match for God. This is not to say that the battle is not real. David’s enemies twisted his words and looked for opportunities to bring him trouble and harm (verses 5-7). Yet he held tightly to the confidence that God would not let them get away with their wicked schemes, but would inflict real consequences upon them for their wickedness.

David included danger. of physical harm in his lament. While we may not face this kind of danger, we know what it means to have our words twisted and our beliefs attacked by those who reject the power and authority of our God.
When attacks come, and fear arises, we can rest in the knowledge that God is greater than any foe.
_______
Questions for Application
_______
What are some specitic ways believers are attacked today?

How can the trust in God expressed in Psalm 56 help us endure those attacks?
_______
B. The Lord Is Greater than Our Fears
Psalm 56:8-13

Psalm 56:8 provides beautiful imagery and illustration to the incredible compassion of our Lord. David calls upon God to remember his sorrows and recall the tears he has shed. This, of course, was not so that God could reopen the wounds of the past that David had endured. Rather, such remembrance would testify to God’s faithful care through the difficult times of life.

At this point, the psalm becomes a kind of celebration of trust in God-of recognizes that God is greater than David’s enemies: “My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!” (verse 9, NLT). David’s proclamation reminds us of Paul’s exaltation, in Romans 8:31-39, that nothing can separate us from God’s love, because if He is for us, nothing can stand successfully against us.

Such an assurance (be it from David or Paul) is rooted in the promises of God: promises that can
be trusted. Psalm 56:10-11 is quite similar to verses 3-4, and serves as a kind of poetic refrain for what is contained in the passages bracketed by these pairs of statements. David recognized that his enemies were real. Had he been left to fend for himself, there was genuine reason for fear. He would no doubt have
been overwhelmed by his enemies and their wickedness. But he trusted God to intervene. Such trust reassured him that no mortal could take away God’s promises.

From there, the psalm ends with David accepting his responsibility to respond properly to the loving and trustworthy God he served (verses 12-13). David vowed to faithfully follow God’s commands. It is critical,however, that we see David’s commitment in the context of what has come before. He would obey with an attitude of heartfelt praise. This is the nature of what it means to walk with God. Life as His follower is not a cold transaction of service-for-protection. It is a relationship built on a recognition of who God is, gratitude for all He has done, and joy in walking in His presence daily. Such a life can be gloriously free of fear.

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Questions for Application
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Why is it important to recognize that spiritual battles cannot be won without the intervention of the Lord?

What are some ways we can respond to God for His gracious intervention?________
2. Praise God when Overwhelmed
A. The Lord Is Our Refuge
Psalm 61:1-4
In Psalm 61, David began with a statement that can resonate with every follower of God: “O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help (verses 1-2, NLT). He projects a sense of desperation, capped by the phrase “from the ends of the earth.

This refers to remote places that are far from his known surroundings. For a king such as David, this could take the form of leading his forces in a faraway military battle in an unknown land. For other God-followers, it can be more personal|and more unseen, with the unknown comes uncertainty, and even anxiety, as one struggles to grasp the battles he or she is facing. Believers today confront a wide range of uncertainty, whether financially, relationally, or culturally with political and social upheaval. In’ these unfamiliar settings, the heart of the believer instinctively cries out to God.

These cries are well-founded and rooted in God’s past blessings: “For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me” (verse 3, NLT). David had often enjoyed the safe harbour of God’s refuge amid the storm of life. God had protected him from the murderous intentions of Saul and provided him with great military
victories. It is important to highlight, then, that the fortress of verse 3 is unreachable by any human, including David himself. Even this great king knew that only God could protect him. It is no surprise, then, that David would pray to live forever in God’s sanctuary, “thy tabernacle” (verse 4, KJV), where God’s people met God. David longed to rest safely in God’s presence.

There is a temptation in the overwhelming moments of life to adopt the battle as our own trust our own instincts and strength in a struggle to figure out, or even fight, our way to victory. We do well to learn from David. The battle belongs to the Lord. He desires that we seek out the refuge that only He can give. Instead of filling our hearts with anxious and fearful thoughts, we can choose to fill our hearts with praise.
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Questions for Application
________
What are some common issues that cause the believer to feel overwhelmed?

How do you normally respond when life overwhelms you, and how might you better respond?
________

B. We Will Praise God in song and in Action
Psalm 61:5-8
Psalm 61:5 is a natural continuation of verse 3 (NLT): “For you are my safe refuge…” —and “For you have heard my vows (verse 5, NLT), God’s mércies do not exist in a vacúum, Rather, they exist in a relationship between God and His people, While “vows” can seem like a daunting term, it basically refers to a commitment to God, Here, David did not take such commitments lightly;, instead, he honored God. This healthy communion with God gave David the
assurance that he had been given the inheritance of the Lord” an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name” (NLT).

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are especially important for Christians today, for they foreshadow the everlasting reign of the Messiah, who would arise from the line of David. God’s promises of preservation are rooted in the hope we hold so dear in Christ.

And so, what began as a
heartfelt cry from a lonely, distant place in the beginning of the psalm became an intimate moment with
God in the sanctuary. of His presence. Despite whatever overwhelming circumstances David
may have faced, God’s precious promises were unmoved. The future
was secure. God would preserve King David and his line, ultimately
fulfilling His unfailing love for humanity through Christ.

Verse 8, then, serves as a fitting capstone on this psalm. for it
describes worship by voice and by action: “Then I will sing praises to your name forever as I fulfill my vows each day” (NLT). An ongoing
relationship with God is a relationship of praise unto Him. David offered praise to God by prayer
and by song. Yet as he did, he also lived a life of commitment to God that
reflected such praise. He fulfilled his commitments to God as an act of praise, recognising that God was always near to him. God’s presence and His promises would never leave David.

Likewise, the Christian life today is a life of praise to the Lord. This
praise is offered in word and song, and it is demonstrated by faithfulness to the commitment we have made to God as His children. Both of these
forms of praise can be challenging at
times. Sometimes words do not come easily when life is hard. But in
such moments we can reflect upon
God’s faithful promises. Likewise, living for Him can be challenging in
the face of temptation to sin, or even fear of what may happen to us for
serving Him. Then, yet again, we find peace and security in knowing that
the Lord is near, and He is faithful to His promises.
________
Questions for Application
________
What are some of your favourite songs for worshipping the Lord, and why do they mean so much to you?

How do you dermonstrate your praise to the Lord through your lifestyle?
________
3. Rely on God When Opposed
A. What if the Lord Were Not on Our Side?
Psalm 124:1-5

Psalm 124 is a Psalm of Ascent. That is, this psalm was sung by God’s
people as they made their way through Jerusalem toward the
temple to worship. (The fifteen Psalms of Ascent are Psalms 120-134.) The people would pass
through the Kidron Valley, ascend toward the temple steps, and then
climb those steps to the entrance of the temple. These psalms, which are
usually quite joyful, extol and exalt the Lord, recognising His might, His grace, and His mercy— a fitting prelude to a time of corporate praise in His presence.
Psalm 124 is believed to have been written upon return from the
Babylonian Exile, a fact that adds to its rich meaning and beautiful poetry. God’s people were well aware of the
horrors that an evil enemy could
inflict upon them. They, or their
immediate ancestors, had
personally witnessed what happens
when God is not on their side.

Psalm 124:1-2, then, is a rhetorical question with a terrifying answer. They knew beyond any doubt that all was lost if God were not on their side.

Note the vivid imagery of verses 3-5. They contain two analogies that compare common dangers that faced God’s people living in Israel to
the dangers of their enemies. The first analogy is wild animals that stalked a person who wandered out alone. When the Jordan River
overflowed its banks during the rainy season (see Jeremiah 12:5, KJV),
Wild animals —especially
Iions —would venture from their normal hunting grounds looking for food. If not for the Lord, God’s people
would have become like the helpless prey of ravenous animals. The second analogy is the flash floods brought on by seasonal rains in the mountains. The powerful floods could sweep people away and drOwn them. So the Psalmist was saying that their lives were being overwhelmed by their enemies, similar to being swamped by raging
flood waters.

We, too, face dangers in our world. We are opposed by enemies
of the faith in ways that could impact our relationships, our standing in a community, and even our livelihood.
Like the Psalmist, we need to ask ourselves in those moments,
“What if the Lord were not on my side?” Such
a question can compel us to trust Him and remind us that since He is with us, we have nothing to fear!
________
Questions for Application
________
What are some forms of opposition that confront Christians today, and what would happen to us if God were not on our side?

How can you find reassurance that God is indeed on your side?
________
B. Praise God for Preserving Us

Psalm 124:6-8
God was not merely a passive, impersonal force to His people. He was deeply involved in their lives, helping them and blessing them. They knew that their enemies could have torn them to pieces and destroyed them. But God intervened, and for that, they offered exuberant praise (Psalm 124:6).

God’s people recognised that their enemies had the ability to ensnare them. Without the Lord’s help, they could find themselves in a trap, the prey of a crafty hunter. But the Lord had broken that trap, providing reason to praise the Lord.

Verse 8 forms a fitting conclusion to the psalm, in stark contrast to the opening in verse 1. While God’s people could not defeat their enemies on their own, they had the help of the Lord, “who made heaven and earth.” No trial is any match for the Almighty Creator, So, while the trials of life are real, they pale in comparison to the One who made us. He is worthy of all our praise.
________
Questions for Application
________
What are some specific reasons to praise God today?

How can recalling that God is the Maker of Heaven and the Earth help us endure trials?
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Call to Discipleship
________

Being a child of God does not always spare us from trials, but our position in Christ gives us the peace and confidence of knowing that God is with us. So, if you are struggling with a trial today, take time to praise God-not as a way of denying the trial, but to recognize that God walks with you and sustains you.
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Ministry in Action
________

Identify someone in your life who is enduring a trial. This week, take time to tell him or her that you are praying and offer to help if possible.

If you are enduring a trial or feeling overwhelmed, ask someone in the class to join you in prayer throughout this week.

Spend some time in corporate praise, and continue in that attitude of praise throughout the week.

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Memory Verse: James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (KJV).
________
Central Truth
________
Christians are set free from the power of Satan through victory in Jesus Christ.
________
The Lesson Outline
_______
1. Utilise Spiritual Weapons
A. Mighty Through God
2 Corinthians 10:1-4

B. A Spiritual Battle
2 Corinthians 10:5-6
_______
2. Authority and Power of Christ
A. Complete in Christ
Colossians 2:9-10

B. Evil Spiritual Powers
Disarmed
Colossians 2:11-15
_______
3. Submit to God: Resist the Devil
A. Humble Yourselves
Before God
James 4:4-10

B. Resist the Devil
1 Peter 5:6-10

_______
Learning Objectives
_______

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

1. Find comfort in the promise of Scripture that Jesus is mightier than all evil powers.

2. Recognise that evil powers are defeated only through Christ.

3. Give glory to God for the victory they have in Christ
._______
Introducing the Lesson
_______
When we are saved, everything changes. However, everything does
not change immediately; some things change in due course, amid
inevitable challenges. Certainly, Christians are new creatures in
Christ. The Holy Spirit creates a new nature in us when we are born again. One result of this new creation is the
inevitable conflict that exists between our new nature and our old one. Such conflicts will exist throughout our lives. But we will emerge victorious as we are careful
to satisfy the desires of the new and refuse the desires of the old.

________
The Holy Scriptures
_______

2 Corinthians 10:3. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

6. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Colossians 2:9. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.

13. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.

14. Blotting out the handwriting of
ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

15. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them
openly, triumphing over them in it.

James 4:6. But he giveth more grace.
Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the
proud, but giveth grace unto the
humble.

7. Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;
and purify your hearts, ye double-minded.

9. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning.
and your joy to heaviness.
________
Commentary and Application
_______
1. Utilise Spiritual Weapons
A. Mighty Through God
2 Corinthians 10:1-4

As a matter of background, Paul began 2 Corinthians 10 by communicating on a personal level. His appearance of meekness (rooted in following Christ) led his enemies to accuse him of being weak and lacking boldness in his communication (see 2 Corinthians 10:1). Note how Paul corrected this notion: His tone and approach in their presence reflected the meekness and humility of Christ, not the attitudes of the world. Paul made it clear that he preferred meekness over boldness.

One definition of meekness is strength under control. In meekness, Paul strongly urged them to correct their ways. Otherwise, he would demonstrate boldness in his next visit. His attention to proper responses offers a good example of
how Christians should interact in conflict.

Paul used the military to illustrate the importance of his meek approach. Believers have spiritual battles in this world, but they must not fight those battles using worldly tactics and worldly weapons, but spiritual tactics and spiritual weapons.

There is an important observation to be made from verses 3-4. We must recognize, as Paul stated, that the weapons of spiritual battle are unique. We do not gain
spiritual victory by asserting our own bold declaratíons or actions. Such victory is not a matter of winning arguments by human reasoning, nor does it come through personal charm. We are, in fact then, rather passive in the matter of winning. The victory comes from the Lord, for the battle is won through “God’s mighty weapons” (verse 4, NLT).

_______
Questions for Application
_______

Why do you think Christians can be taken captive by human philosophies, even when such philosophies stand in opposition to the gospel?

How can Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 1 shape the way we respond to people who mock us or bring our beliefs into question by attacking us?

_______
B. A Spiritual Battle
2 Corinthians 10:5-6
While Paul does not specifically identify the weapons of spirituál warfare in 2 Corinthians 10:5-6, he does address them elsewhere in his Corinthian epistles (1 Corinthians 1:17-25; 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:1-6). Spiritual weapons find their foundation in the message of the gospel.

The gospel has the power to destroy worldly arguments against the knowledge of God (that is, the gospel). Human philosophy and reason cannot stand against divine truth. Such philosophies appeal to the flesh and are limited by the imagination and abilities of the flesh, for they are human creations. Godly truth pulls down these obstacles to truth. Furthermore, such teaching is rooted in human pride, which is utterly at odds with the humble, selfless submission to God that ought to characterise believers. This is why God’s people must view the proclamation of the Word as a spiritual battle. Rebellion must be replaced by obedience to Christ, and such life change only comes through spiritual transformatíon.

At the root of Paul’s argument, then, there is much more than philosophical debates and arguments. Paul was intent on defeating all ungodly teaching (verse 6), and Would enact discipline upon those who put forth such teachings. Once the Corinthians showed
themselves willing to hear the truth, Paul would deal strongly with the false teachers.

________
Questions for Application
________

Do you think it is important for Christians to respond strongly to false teachings ? Explain. How do you define a strong response?

How do you think false teaching is defeated?
________
2. Authority and Power of Christ
A. Complete in Christ
Colossians 2:9-10
There are many philosophies in
the world today that are very contrary to Christianity. A number of these are similar to-or even had roots
in -false teachings of New Testament times. One such philosophy was known as Gnosticism, and an early form of this was confronted by Paul in
Colossians. This false teaching promised special, secret spiritual
knowledge to those who would be “enlightened,” supposedly by God.
Note Paul’s staterment, in Colossians 1:9: “We ask God to give you
complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding” (NLT). In response to human philosophies (2:8), God gives us all we need in Christ.

The false teachings confronting the Colossians (as well as many believers today) depend upon human ideas and philosophies
rather than upon the revelation of
Scripture-even as these false teachings sometimes twist Scripture. Simply put, we will find all we need
for our new lives in Christ within the teachings of and about Christ-the
reality of His life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

Since Jesus Christ is all the fullness of the Godhead in bodily
form (verse 9), He is the source of everything the believer requires,
Believers are “complete in him” (verse 10, KJV): The word “complete” is rooted in a nautical
term. It can embody the idea of a ship fully rigged and equipped for a
voyage. This applies to Christians who are ready for the voyage of life.
We find everything we need in Christ, our Captain. We can rest in Him as our Source of life and Sovereign Lord. No power can snatch us from His hand.

Paul continued on with a
marvellous description of what it means to have this fullness or
completeness in Christ (verse 10). We have experienced the breaking
of the power of the sinful nature. As a result, while we struggle with
temptation, and will on occasion fall into sin, we are no longer slaves to
the power of sin. Through the Spirit we can live in victory. To further bring light to this, Paul referred to spiritual
circumcision and water baptism (see verses 11-12). Through salvation, his readers had discarded their old,
sinful lifestyles, Furthermore, sin had
been removed from their lives, a blessing which was depicted in the outward sign of baptism.
________
Questions for Application
________
What are some common ways people might be tempted to feel they need somnething other than Christ to complete their lives?

How does your life demonstrate that you are no longer in bondage to the sinful nature, even though you are an imperfect person?
________
B. Evil Spiritual Powers
Disarmed
Colossians 2:11-15
Beginning with Abraham, we see circumcision to be a sign of God’s
covenant with His people (see Genesis 17:13), and this continued in the Law (see Leviticus 12:3).
Circumcision spoke to Israel’s relationship with God and their holy
status as a separate people who forsook the sins of the surrounding
peoples. Now, as New Testament Christians, Paul said that we have
undergone spiritual circumcision of the heart (see Romans 2:25-29).

Christians are a holy people, called to put off the sinful nature and
live in full obedience to the Lord. This can only happen by the power of God who lives within them. Itis the workof
the Spirit, but it requires the ccoperation of believers. Water
baptism, as it is mentioned in
Colossians 2:12, is a public declaration of the believer’s having
identified himself or herself with Jesus as the One who cleanses and
saves. It is an outward declaration of
the inner work of the Spirit. Christians declare that they have died, have been buried, and are now
raised with Jesus Christ to a new way of living.

We, as Christians, must see ourselves as having a new spiritual
identity as we seek to live out that identity. Water baptism does two
important things. It is a physical reminder of what it means to be a
new creation in Christ, and it is a public affirmation n of our desire to make Him the Lord of our lives.
The Cross is the means by which God
triumphed over all powers and authorities (verses 13-15). Through
the sacrifice of Christ, the guilt of our sins was removed and we can stand clean before God. Furthermore, the
powers of darkness that seek to deceive us and derail our spiritual
journey have been defeated. Jesus has triümphed over them.
________
Questions for Application
________
Why should we see baptism as an important part of the Christian life?

How would you describe what It means to have a new ldentity In Christ?
________
3. Submit to God; Resist the Devil
A. Humble Yourselves
Before God
James 4:4-10
Throughout the Old Testament prophets confronted God’s people
with their spiritual adultery (Deuteronomy 31:16; Jeremiah 3:20). The people attempted to
divide their affections between the one true God and pagan gods.
James made it clear that a person cannot be friends with the world as
well as friends with God (James 4:4). A Christian cannot live a double life.
Either he will find contentment in God, or he will be dissatisfied with what God provides and seek fulfilment elsewhere.

God does not tolerate divided hearts that crave carnal desires
(verse 5). Instead, He expects Our total commitment, and He will pursue a spiritual adulterer so that he or she might return. But He will not dwell in
them if they choose to pursue another source of satisfaction.

People who commit themselves to God will not immediately be free
from the desire to find satistaction in other a arenas. But God will give us the strength to stay committed to Him.

James went on to provide seven keys to aligning oneself with God and finding genuine, godly personal
fulfilment. The first key is to humble, or submit, oneself to God (verse 7).
As Christians, we are to wilfully submit to God, humbling ourselves
before Him, recognising His sovereign authority, and choosing to
live according to His will and purpose for our lives.

The second key is to resist the devil (verse 7). Throughout our lives
the devil will try to draw us back into his grasp. He will often tempt us in
areas of personal weakness –an
activity, thought, or ambition where
we have an especially strong desire. Resisting temptation can be difficult. But it is easier to resist if we have
submitted those areas to God and recognised that a relationship with God is more important than temporary personal fulfilment that is sought for the wrong purpose.

The third key is to draw near to God (verse 8). God promises to never leave or forsake believers (see Hebrews 13:5). If wayward believers will lay aside their desires and seek God, He will be there and readily receive them back into a right relationship.

Fourth, Christians are to
“cleanse (KİV; or “wash,” NLT) [their] hands” (verse 8). One might imagine a farmer in a field, with dirt sticking to his hands. They will need cleansing.
In the same way, when people seek fulfilment through worldly means,
some of that worldliness attaches to them. A follower of God must forsake sinful things, as well as surrender to
God the good things that have taken on an improperly high level of
significance in their lives.

The fifth key is to purify one’s heart –the seat of our affections
(verse 8). We cannot be double –minded when it comes to our loyalties. God does not allow us to
share our affections. We must follow Him only.

The sixth key is to grieve over sin (verse 9). James indicated that Christians must recognise how
double-minded ways impact their relationship with God. No one who
truly loves God can come to the recognition of how their acts of worldliness affect their relationship
with Him and not have
Sorrow.

The final key is to humble oneself (verse 10). Humility leads to
submission. Believers often feel that they know what is best for them. But humility acknowledges that God is wiser than us. Sincere humility demands genuine trust in God.
________
Questions for Application
________
What is wrong with attempting to serve God while also seeking undue satisfaction in relationships, status, or material objects?

Do you think true humility is difficult Explain.
________
B. Resist the Devil
1 Peter 5:6-10
Peter also addressed the issue of finding victory in our spiritual walk.
He urged Christians to humble themselves before God, reminding
them that God would “exalt” them in “due time” (verse 6, KJV). Note the contrast. Humans seek exaltation;
God calls us to humility. Humans tend to want to see immediate
results. But spiritual growth takes time. God will indeed exalt us-lift us
up –in His timing.

Growth may produce
challenges, but we must not allow these challenges to turn us aside from the pursuit of Him. Rather, we must let go of worries, concerns, and problems that hold us back, placing them in God’s hands, for He calls us to spiritual growth –part of which is the realisation that we are under His care (verse 7).

As we live in submission to God, we must, through the power of the
Spirit, resist the devil (verses 8-9). Why? Because the devil is focused on our spiritual destruction. Intentionally pursuing spiritual
growth is an active pursuit. We must
stand firm for God, resolved to walk
with Him. Through it all, we find comfort in knowing that others have
successfully pursued the goal of spiritual growth as they faced the
same challenges we face. We have the assurance that our pursuit will be rewarded by God, who will make us
strong and steadfast in Him (verse 10).
________
Questions for Application
________
What does it mean to submit to God?

What is the biggest challenge to spiritual growth that you are now facing?
________
Call to Discipleship
________
Victory is possible, not because of our strength and ingenuity, but
because we serve a God who provides the weapons and power we need through the Holy Spirit to successfully fight the enemy of our souls.
________
Ministry in Action
________
Find a fellow believer who is facing a spiritual battle, and commit to
Supporing that person as he or she moves forward in Christ.

Take the initiative to tell a trusted Christian friend about your spiritual battles, and ask him or her to pray for and with you.

Pray that God will prepare you to face struggles in the future so that you might experience victory in Christ.

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