“Church of Christ” congregations are prevalent in this area. They seek (Restoration movement) to return to a congregational life that was most like 1st Century Christianity. They generally have very plain buildings, and don’t use musical instruments. How would you explain to your friend in such a congrega- tion the importance of art, beauty, and music in worship?

- Agree / Disagree: We should strive to follow the doctrine of the early church, rather than trying to mirror their practices.

God’s Works:

Psalm 111:1-7a 1 Praise the LORD. I will thank the LORD with all my heart in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. 2 Great are the deeds of the Lord. They are studied by all who delight in them. 3 Glorious and majestic is his work, and his righteousness stands forever. 4 He has set up a memorial to his wonders. Gracious and compassionate is the LORD. 5 He gives food to those who fear him. INTRODUCTION: He remembers his covenant forever. 6 He has declared the power of his deeds to his people, Psalm 111 and Psalm 112 are like 2 sides of a coin. As we’ll to give them the nations as their possession. discover, they mirror each other - with Psalm 111 focusing on 7 The works of his hands are truth and justice. God’s doing, and Psalm 112 focusing on man’s response. While clearly penned by the same author, we don’t know who that author was. These 2 were chosen for this lesson  The “Praise the LORD” of verse 1 is literally in the Hebrew “” - of our study because of their beautiful, poetic, and unique do you think that word should have been translated (as it is) or do you think it structure in how they fit together. should have been left as Hallelujah?

What is the importance / where do you see the use of art,  How much of our worship is in the category of - Thanking the LORD with all music, beauty, and poetry in the worship lives of God’s our hearts - and do you think there’s enough of it? people in the past, and today? - Why is being thankful SO important for us?

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 What specifically comes to mind in each of those verses?  Verse 9 is a very literal translation, and the wording is quite 2: interesting. Explain the following phrases: 3: - Sent redemption: 4: - Commanded His covenant: 5: 6:  Explain exactly how the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: 7: - Agree / Disagree: Those who disregard the aren’t even capable of wisdom at all.  Agree / Disagree: The false gods people worship are beyond pathetic when compared to the LORD!  What type of Psalm would you consider this to be, and why? (Messianic / Didactic / Comfort / Petition / Thanksgiving)

God’s Word: The Man Who Fears the LORD:

Psalm 111:7b-10 Psalm 112:1-9 All his precepts are trustworthy, 1 Praise the Lord. 8 steadfast forever and ever, How blessed is a man who fears the Lord. done in truth and uprightness. In his commands he delights greatly. 9 He sent redemption for his people. 2 His descendants will be mighty in the land. He commanded his covenant forever. The circle of the upright will be blessed. Holy and awesome is his name. 3 Wealth and riches are in his house, 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. and his righteousness stands forever. All who do his precepts have good understanding. 4 In darkness, light dawns for the upright. His praise stands forever. He is gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5 Good things will come to the man who is gracious and lends,  The word “precepts” is translated: “a general rule of action or who conducts his business with justice. behavior; maxim” - do you think most people today know what that 6 Surely he will never fall. word means? Lexicons by far favor the English translation precept The righteous will be remembered forever. for that word, while occasionally using the words: commands / 7 He will not fear bad news. statutes. What do you prefer and why? Can you think of another His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. word / phrase that might communicate that concept better? 8 His heart is secure. He will have no fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes. - I would propose: Everything He says and does is trustworthy, 9 He scatters seed—he gives to the poor. what are your thoughts? His righteousness stands forever. His horn will be lifted high in glory.

2  Agree / Disagree: The word “man” in verse 1 should be translated as  The desire of the wicked will perish - explain that: “person” today - that’s what it really means.

 Is this describing what happens ultimately in hell, or what will  List some of the blessings that come from fearing the LORD and happen here on this side of eternity? taking delight in His commands:

 Agree / Disagree: This Psalm should have ended with verse 9. Verse  Agree / Disagree: Verse 2-3 was a promise to God’s 10 seems not to fit with the overall tone and theme of these twin people, but it’s not a promise God made to us. Psalms.

 Explain what the “light” is in verse 4: - If you disagree, then why do you suppose verse 10 is here?

 What “good things” come to the person who is gracious, generous and upright in business? CONCLUSION:

 Think of something Jesus said that reflects what we see in verse 6:  What type of Psalm would you consider this one to be, and why? (Messianic / Didactic / Comfort / Petition / Thanksgiving)  No one likes bad news. Explain verses 7-8:  Agree / Disagree: These 2 Psalms should really be condensed into  Put verse 9 in your own words: one.

- In ancient times a “horn” was a symbol of ______.  Is it helpful to consider / study Psalms 111 and 112 together? Why / why not?

The End of the Wicked:

Psalm 112:10 CLOSING PRAYER: 10 The wicked person will see and be frustrated. He will gnash his teeth and melt away. The desire of the wicked will perish.

 In Psalm 73 we dealt with how the wicked seem to flourish while the righteous suffer and are frustrated. How do you reconcile what we see around us with what this verse says? 3