God’sWordGivesCourage.pptVIP

God’s Word Gives Courage December 18 Consider … What examples do you know of, people who have acted with courage? Believers often find themselves facing opposition. Today we look at how God’s Word helps us Because of God’s Word, I can stand in a world that opposes me. Listen for a prayer. Psalm 119:17-20 (NIV) Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. 18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. 19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. When You Feel Like An Outsider How do we see the psalmist’s humility in verse 17? What does the psalmist mean by his request to “open my eyes”? What “wonderful things” will the author (and we) see in God’s law? When You Feel Like An Outsider Consider Psalm verse 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. and verse 18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. How are they similar? What are some characteristics of strangers? Why/how are believers “strangers” on this earth? When You Feel Like An Outsider So why would being a stranger have anything to do with the request for Him not to hide His commandments from me? How strong was the psalmist’s desire for God’s Word? List words and phrases which express this desire. How do we become consumed with longing for God’s Truth? Listen for who opposes the psalmist. Psalm 119:21-22 (NIV) 21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. 22 Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Facing Opposition The psalmist says God rebukes the “arrogant.” What are other words which would describe such people? Why is it that those who wander from His commandments are arrogant? Facing Opposition Note the threefold description of those who receive divine rebuke: Their Character – they are insolent, proud, and arrogant. Their Condition – they are under a curse. Their