Bible Study Notes 2/18/2025

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ©2025

Journey in the Psalms: Prayer, Praise and Promise

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Tracy M. Summer, Psalms: An All-In-One Study on God’s Song Book

Lesson 4 -  Part 1

Tues., 18 Feb. 2025

Lesson 4, Part 1  “Faithful Confidence” – This engaging Psalm 16 has a note at its beginning. The Hebrew term miktam appears which is either a music term or simply identifies the genre (source-type) of the message given. Clearly, the psalmist follows a three-fold pattern in communication the message. A Petition is made (Verse 1); followed by a Lament. or expression of concern (Verses 2-4). It ends with expression of Confident faithfulness in by acknowledging security and help that comes from God. (Verses 5-11). The issues the psalmist are confronted with are no different that our own. David, for whom the psalm is attributed, says he identifies with the godly who each day strive to do what is right. He refuses to champion or concede to the misdeeds others are committing. In the New Living translation, David says, “The godly people in the land are my true heroes. I will take pleasure in them.” (Verse 3). As for the ungodly, he says, “Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.” (Verse 4).  Our move away from God, giving devotion to beliefs, causes, and actions which are contrary to God is a form of idolatry. Turning to God and being faithful to all that He instructs us to do, will bring security and confident hope to our lives. Psalm 16 can help us attain and maintain faithfulness to God, safety, an help in an uncertain world.

Verses Observation:

(1-2) – A prayer for safety and protection.

(3) – David’s confidence in observing the righteous…

(4) – David laments the evil of others.

(5-6) – God is the source and sustainer of provisions.

(7-8) – David extols God for security and protection.

(9-11) – The joy of knowing and obeying God!

David’s confidence in God increases with His awareness of the Lord’s presence in his life. He refuses to let the adverse circumstances bring death, for there is life and joy in knowing God: “You will show me the way to life!”

Key Verses:

Psalm 16: 1-11 NLT

1 “Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. 2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from you. 3 As for the saints who are on the earth, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” 4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take up their names on my lips. 5 O Lord, you are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.  6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance. 7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons.  8 I have set the Lord before me. Because He is my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices. My flesh also will rest in hope. 10 For you will not leave my soul in Sheol. Nor will you allow your holy One to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy. At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Psalm 12:5-8, NLT

5 The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.” 6 The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. 7 Therefore, Lord we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation, 8 even though the wicked strut about, and evil is praised throughout the land.”

Psalm 7:1, NLT

“I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me…rescue me.”