Women's Bible Study Lesson 2 Psalm 15:1 Abiding in God's Tabernacle Day One The Question ...

21 Pages·2009·0.17 MB·English

by  Richard Moore

Women's Bible Study
by Richard Moore
Lesson 2
Psalm 15:1
Abiding in God's Tabernacle
Day One
The Question Set Forth
"As nothing is more common in the world than falsely to assume the name of God, or to pretend to
be his people, and as a great part of men allow themselves to do this without any apprehension of the
danger it involves, David, without stopping to speak to men, addresses himself to God, which he
considers the better course; and he intimates, that if men assume the title of the people of God, without
being so in deed and in truth, they gain nothing by their self-delusion, for God continues always like
himself, and as he is faithful himself, so will he have us to keep faith with him in return. No doubt, he
adopted Abraham freely, but, at the same time, he stipulated with him that he should live a holy and an
upright life, and this is the general rule of the covenant which God has, from the beginning, made with
his Church. The sum is, that hypocrites, who occupy a place in the temple of God, in vain pretend to be
his people, for he acknowledges none as such but those who follow after justice and uprightness during
the whole course of their life." Commentary of John Calvin
Reading for Lesson: Psalm 61:2-4 "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. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong
tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.
Selah"
Read Also: Psalm 23:6; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 92:12-14; John 3:3-5; Revelation 7:14-17; Hebrews 12:22
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion
1. Why is this question important to ask for David and for us?
2. What is the importance of the idea to "abide" in the tabernacle?
3. Why does David use the term "tabernacle" rather than "temple"?
4. What is the holy hill?
5. Does this refer only to the Old Testament or does it look ahead to the New, or to the eternal
fulfillment.
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6. Are there those who are a part of the church but do not dwell or abide in it?
7. Does this imply that we have something to do with our continuing in the church?
8. Does the Psalm in our readings Psalm 92 speak of who dwells in the holy hill or abides. and how
does this relate to the last question?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
This Psalm expresses the heart felt need to know that one will abide in the presence of God forever.
As we pass through this life and struggle with our own sins and also struggle with the trials of this life,
if we do not have confidence that we are abiding in the holy presence of God and that we shall abide in
that presence of God always, we are most miserable of men.
But to know that we dwell in God's holy tabernacle, upon His Holy Hill means that all is well. For
we are beloved of the Father, we are covered by the blood of His Only Begotten Son, and we are the
objects of His eternal love. Then we shall have peace in this life even in the most severe of trial and
tribulation.
There are times when we see those in the midst of the church on earth that do not serve God aright,
and the wicked who so attach themselves to the church for whatever purpose shall not abide. But then
who shall abide, do we not sin also who are elect in Christ, how shall we have assurance? This Psalm
answers this question, by pointing out that God's children will indeed abide in His eternal fellowship
and His dwelling place.
Conclusion:
We need to ask this question in this day of apostasy not only, but because of our own weaknesses.
But we also need to hear the answer given to the Psalmist and us.
Day Two
The Blessed Integrity of Those Abiding With God
Psalm 15:2
"Here we should mark, that in the words there is an implied contrast between the vain boasting of
those who are only the people of God in name, or who make only a bare profession of being so, which
consists in outward observances, and this indubitable and genuine evidence of true godliness which
David commends. But it might be asked, As the service of God takes precedence of the duties of
charity towards our neighbors, why is there no mention here made of faith and prayer; for, certainly,
these are the marks by which the genuine children of God ought to have been distinguished from
hypocrites? The answer is easy:David does not intend to exclude faith and prayer, and other spiritual
sacrifices; but as hypocrites, in order to promote their own interests, are not sparing in their attention to
a multiplicity of external religious observances, while their ungodliness, notwithstanding, is manifested
outwardly in the life, seeing they are full of pride, cruelty, violence, and are given to deceitfulness and
extortion, - the Psalmist, for the purpose of discovering and drawing forth into the light all who are of
such a character, takes the marks and evidences of true and sincere faith from the second table of the
law. According to the care which every man takes to practice righteousness and equity towards his
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neighbors, so does he actually show that he fears God." Commentary by John Calvin
Reading for Lesson: 1 John 2:4-8 "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments,
is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God
perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to
walk, even as he walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment
which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the
beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you:
because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth."
Read Also: Isaiah 33:15-18; Galatians 2:14-16; Ephesians 2:10; I John 2:29; Revelation 22:14-15;
Zechariah 8:16-17; Colossians 3:9-10.
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Does the idea of the previous verse in the terns "abide and dwell" give expression to a matter of
heart or outward activity?
2. How is the matter of the heart related to the outward activity of the child of God?
3. Can the wicked walk uprightly, or work righteousness, or speak the truth?
4. How can it be said of God's children that we so walk according to the calling of this text?
5. What is the relationship between our works and faith?
6. Can any abide in the tabernacle of God apart from Christ?
7. Is there any salvation apart from Christ?
8. Are we aware that in these latter days many called Christians claim there is salvation apart from
Christ?
9. Are these characteristics found in our life and family?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
It is with singleness of heart that we are to serve our God and walk with our fellow believers. This
means that we are righteous in all our walk especially also with respect to those about us. We then
must walk in the truth. That is, the truth must lead us in all of our speech and activity. This is the
reason that the Lord's Day is so precious to the child of God. For it is under the preaching that we are
led powerfully by our Lord in the walk of life that is well pleasing to God.
The works of God's people are the fruit of the faith which their Lord by His Spirit works within
them. We will serve God as called by this text as the life of Christ lives within our heart, this as we
have been ingrafted by the Spirit into Christ and live from Him in this life in the midst of the world in
perilous times.
Apart from grace we are no different than the wicked who will not keep the second table of the law,
and only as Christ works in our heart repentance and faith shall we rightly serve God and dwell with
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Him all of our life.
Conclusion:
Praise God for His blessed grace given us through His Word and the faith to appropriate it so that
we may serve God faithfully also in our love for our neighbor.
Day Three
Walking Uprightly By Fleeing Evil
Psalm 15:3
"For some have truth on their lips, and not in their heart. As if one should deceitfully point out a road,
knowing that there were robbers there, and should say, If you go this way, you will be safe from
robbers; and it should turn out that in fact there were no robbers found there: he has spoken the truth,
but not in his heart. For he supposed it to be otherwise, and spoke the truth in ignorance. Therefore it is
not enough to speak the truth, unless it be so also in heart.'Who hath practiced no deceit in his tongue'
(ver. 3). Deceit is practiced with the tongue, when one thing is professed with the mouth, another
concealed in the breast. “Nor done evil to his neighbor.” It is well known that by “neighbor,” every man
should be understood. 'And hath not entertained slander against his neighbor,' that is, hath not readily or
rashly given credence to an accuser." Commentary by Agustin
Reading For Lesson: Psalm 101:5-8 "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him
that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the
land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He that worketh
deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. I will early
destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD."
Read Also: Jeremiah 9:4-9; Romans 1:29-32; James 4:11; I Peter 2:1-2; I Samuel 24:11; Romans
12:`17; Proverbs 22:10; Ephesians 4:31-32.
Consider the Following Questions:
1. How is the matters of the heart and the mouth connected?
2. Can one for a lengthy time hide the matters of his heart or will they become evident in his walk?
3. The vices that we are warned against in this verse, are those we are tempted to do against the
neighbor, how is this related to our attitude and action against the living God?
4. Why is backbiting so hurtful to the neighbor?
5. Why do we backbite?
6. What is the relation between backbiting and slander to doing evil against the neighbor?
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7. What do you think is the main idea of reproach?
8. In this day and age do we need to guard increasingly against these sins within our lives, and
secondly, do we become the objects of these sins in these last days to a greater degree?
9. Is Christ an example of how these sins are brought against the church, and how?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
David has set forth some of the positive things that ought to be seen in those who would belong to
the Church of Christ. Certain virtues become evident in the lives of God's children. But it is also true
that we as the children of God must flee sins that can easily become manifest also in us and in Christ's
Church on earth. And now David under the inspiration of the Spirit warns us to flee these sins.
Our outward actions toward our neighbors give evidence of our inward thoughts toward God and
toward the neighbor. One cannot hide his inward thoughts from God, but neither can he indefinitely
hide his inward being from his neighbor. And because that which is natural to us is under the influence
of sin we must hear what the Spirit says unto the Church. By grace we must flee the sins of the flesh
and serve God faithfully.
Let us therefore strive by the power of God's grace to keep our tongues from the attempted
destruction of our neighbor. For when we slander and backbite our neighbor it gives evidence of our
own pride and natural hatred for anyone but self. We certainly cannot claim to be serving our Lord
when we so treat our neighbors.
But sin never really stops only with backbiting, or evil speaking, but continues to manifest itself by
outward acts of evil toward that neighbor. Prideful natural man must get rid of the neighbor in order to
have his own way and to glorify himself. The result for the neighbor that he is made to be the reproach
not only of the slanderer and evil doer, but the attempt is to make him the reproach of all about him.
We may not be involved in these things against any neighbor, but especially ought this to be
avoided in connection with our life within the body of Christ.
Finally, because these sins are the fruit of natural man and not of faith you will have to patiently
suffer them. We are not better than our Lord Jesus Christ against whom all these sins were committed.
Conclusion:
Pray for grace to be delivered from these sins and to patiently bear them when brought against us.
May we remember that we need not exalt ourselves and may not, but trust that God for Christ sake will
lift us up to enjoy the life of Christ now and forever.
Day Four
Honoring Them That Fear Jehovah
Psalm 15:4
"The meaning of the Psalmist, to express it in a few words, is, that the children of God freely judge
of every man’s doings, and that for the purpose of obtaining the favor of men, they will not stoop to
vile flattery, and thereby encourage the wicked in their wickedness. What follows immediately after,
namely, to honor the righteous and those who fear God, is no mean virtue. As they are often, as it were,
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the filth and the off scouring of all things in the estimation of the world, so it frequently happens that
those who show them favor and sympathy, excite against themselves every where the hatred of the
world. The greater part of mankind, therefore, refuse the friendship of good men, and leave them to be
despised, which cannot be done without grievous and heinous injury to God. Let us learn then not to
value men by their estate or their money, or their transitory honors, but to hold in estimation godliness,
or the fear of God. And certainly no man will ever truly apply his mind to the study of godliness who
does not, at the same time, reverence the servants of God; as, on the other hand, the love we bear to
them incites us to imitate them in sanctity of life." Commentary by John Calvin
Reading for the Lesson: Psalm 24:4-6 "He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted
up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and
righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy
face, O Jacob. Selah."
Read Also: Job 32:21-22; Psalm 101:4; Jude 16; Psalm 101:6; Psalm 119:63-64; Joshua 9:18-20;
Matthew 5:33-34.
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Why must the children of God despise or find contemptible the vile or wicked person?
2. Do we do this when it comes to the entertainment world? Do our young people? Or do we
copy them in dress, hair style, language?
3. Who ought we to emulate?
4. What is it to fear Jehovah?
5. If one fears Jehovah what is it to honor them?
6. How do these things make it clear that we live in the last days?
7. What if we have a very corrupt government, does it mean that we do not have to submit?
8. The one who fears the Lord swears to his own hurt and will not change his word, how can this
be right?
9. What is the point of this last phrase?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
The signs of the times are ever being revealed in ever greater degree, and a passage such as this
one is so important to us as mothers and grandmothers in the church. This is also true of us as wives,
and of course is true also of the husbands fathers,, and grandfathers. It is necessary that we have
fellowship with and follow the wise, those that fear the Lord our God. Jehovah is the faithful covenant
God and to serve Him and to fear Him is precious. For the one who fears the LORD esteems Him
above all things, and stands in reverence before Him. He finds his way in His Word and he hates to
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depart from that Word. He would hold to God's glory above all else even himself. Thus we honor
those that would so walk and who consciously in thankfulness to God keep His law.
So honoring the upright we are lead in right paths and seek the right way, and are blessed. But this
also means that we do so antithetically. We cannot serve God and mammon. Not only is this necessary
for us but also for our families. This must be true in what we do in our free time, what we watch on
TV, what we read, and how we use the Internet. We must behave by the grace of God as children of the
day and not as children of the night.
Of course of ourselves we cannot and will not do this. Thus we must be people of prayer, and
must rely alone on the grace of God to sustain us in our pilgrims walk. Thus we will despise the way
of the wicked and they that walk in wickedness, and we will stand with the faithful in the truth.
Conclusion: Be aware of the darkness that is about us, and be steadfast in the reading of the Scripture,
and in seeking the preaching of the Word, and be thankful that Christ has condemned the wicked, and
honored those fearing the LORD, by going to the cross unto the cursing of the wicked and unto the
saving of the Church.
Day Five
We Shall Never Be Moved
Psalm 15:5
"These are no great things: but he who is not able to do even this, much less able is he to speak the
truth in his heart, and to practice no deceit in his tongue, but as the truth is in the heart, so to profess
and have it in his mouth, 'yea, yea; nay, nay;' and to do no evil to his neighbor, that is, to any man; and
to entertain no slander against his neighbor: all which are the virtues of the perfect, in whose sight the
malicious one hath been brought to nought. Yet he concludes even these lesser things thus, 'Whoso
doeth these things shall not be moved for ever:' that is, he shall attain unto those greater things, wherein
is great and unshaken stability. For even the very tenses are, perhaps not without cause, so varied, as
that in the conclusion above the past tense should be used, but in this the future. For there it was said,
'The malicious one hath been brought to nought in his sight:' but here, 'shall not be moved for ever.'"
Commentary by Agustin
Reading for Lesson: Psalm 112:4-8 "Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is
gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will
guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in
everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the
LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies."
Read Also: Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37; Ezekiel 22:12; Proverbs 12:3; Matthew 7:21-25;
II Peter 1:10-11.
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Why do you think the Spirit added this admonition concerning money in defining those who are
properly members of the body of Christ, the Church?
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2. What is being stated with respect to the neighbor and how does this apply to a walk which is in the
fear of Jehovah?
3. What are some of the ways besides excessively high interest, that the natural man cheats the
neighbor and robs from the poor?
4. Is this also sign of the times, that these things become prevalent in our day?
5. Does the promise of this text refer to all in your congregation, why or why not?
6. How is it possible for us to do these things?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
David by the power of the Spirit concludes this passage concerning those who trully belong to the
church of Christ by calling our attention to the fact that we must love the neighbor and do him no harm.
Especially is this true of those that are poor, we must not be involved with biting or hurting our brother.
Nor are we to have respect to the person. The poor in the body of Christ are just as important to God as
the rich.
But also this is pointing out that we are to carry ourselves justly before God and man. And the
unjust gain by craftiness or deceit can only devour the neighbor. God is not glorified by such a walk,
but it shows a hatred for God and His people. Matthew 7:12 “Therefore, all things whatsoever ye
would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,” Man so evilly walked with respect to Jesus
Christ, taking from Him all things, when He has almost nothing of this world in possession. But they
would profit even at His expense. By nature this is all that we would do, but because of God's eternal
love and by His grace we are delivered principally from these sins and do in principal seek those things
that are just and good.
Who does these things, only those in whose heart the Spirit of Christ abides, and who is lead by
Christ's word in this life, ultimately those covered in His blood serve Him so.
Conclusion: God's children so covered by the blood of Christ in whose heart the Spirit dwells and
who rest alone upon their God shall never be moved. This is true when the enemy stands ever so
strong against us, and when even we find ourselves in a battle with our own flesh, God gives the
victory. Praise Him.
Day Six
Preserve Us!
Psalm 16:1
"David here flies to God's protection with a cheerful believing confidence in it (v. 1): 'Preserve me, O
God! from the deaths, and especially from the sins, to which I am continually exposed; for in thee, and
in thee only, do I put my trust.' Those that by faith commit themselves to the divine care, and submit
themselves to the divine guidance, have reason to hope for the benefit of both. This is applicable to
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Christ, who prayed, Father, save me from this hour, and trusted in God that he would deliver him."
(from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible)
"In the beginning David commends himself to the protection of God. He then meditates upon the
benefits which he received from God, and thereby stirs himself up to thanksgiving. By his service, it is
true, he could in no respect be profitable to God, but he, notwithstanding, surrenders and devotes
himself entirely to him, protesting that he will have nothing to do with superstitions. He also states the
reason of this to be, that full and substantial happiness consists in resting in God alone, who never
suffers his own people to want any good thing." Commentary by Calvin
Reading for Lesson: Psalm 86:2-5 "Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy
servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. Rejoice the soul of
thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive;
and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."
Read Also: Psalm 9:10; Psalm 22:8-10; Isaiah 26:3-4; II Corinthians 1:8-10.
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Why must David pray for God's preservation, why must we?
2 In as far as this opening can be applied to Christ in what sense does He pray for this?
3. The term preserve refers to being kept, what is it necesarry for us to be kept from?
4. Was David well aware of this?
5. Is there a sense in which Christ must be guarded or kept and preserved?
6. What is the only way we can rightly pray this prayer according to our text?
7. What is it to put our trust in God?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
First we take note that the term "Michtam" with which this passage is introduced has been interpreted
in several ways, some think it refers to gold, some to a song., and others to a poem as the root of the
Hebrew word is not so easily discerned. And while in a sense all these ideas can be included for the
Psalm is precious as gold, surly can be sung with joyous hearts, we find here a poem that sets forth the
intimate needs of the child of God in this life.
Secondly, while this Psalm is principally the Psalm of the king David and speak of his special needs as
God's child and as king, it does also contain word's that we understand that Jesus in His human nature
also readily uttered. Of course this means that it applies to us as members of the body of Christ,
especially in the light of our needs caused by weakness and sin.
Now we find in the opening verse of this Psalm the general subject of which this Psalm speaks. And it
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sets forth the great need that David and we have, and that is that our God keeps us or preserves us,
especially in the light of our weaknesses and sins, but also because of the fierceness of our enemies.
And while our Lord did not sin and could not sin as the Messiah, nevertheless He in the human nature
found it necessary to be kept by His God in the pathway to the cross, often entering into prayer for
Father's care while dwelling in our flesh. Those quickened by the Spirit of Christ according to God's
love commit their lives unto God trusting in Him. They pray preserve us O our God.
Conclusion: We must take note now in how we shall do this throughout our lives in all situations into
which we are led. And we must pray this prayer especially as the end of time draws near.
Day Seven
Psalm 16:2-3
Serving God By Caring For the Neighbor
"The import of his language is, I am, indeed, fully convinced in my heart, and know assuredly, that
God can derive no profit or advantage from me; but notwithstanding this, I will join myself in
fellowship with the saints, that with one accord we may worship him by the sacrifices of praise. Two
things are distinctly laid down in this verse. The first is, that God has a right to require of us whatever
he pleases, seeing we are wholly bound to Him as our rightful proprietor and Lord. David, by ascribing
to him the power and the dominion of Lord, declares that both himself and all he possessed are the
property of God. ... But I think the sentence has a more extensive meaning, namely, that let men strive
ever so much to lay themselves out for God, yet they can bring no advantage to him. Our goodness
extendeth not to him, not only because, having in himself alone an all-sufficiency, he stands in need of
nothing, but also because we are empty and destitute of all good things, and have nothing with which to
show ourselves liberal towards him. ... The only way of serving God aright is to endeavor to do good
to his holy servants. And the truth is, that God, as our good deeds cannot extend to him, substitutes the
saints in his place, towards whom we are to exercise our charity. When men, therefore, mutually exert
themselves in doing good to one another, this is to yield to God right and acceptable service."
Commentary by Calvin
Reading For Lesson: Job 22:2-4 "Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be
profitable unto himself? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him
that thou makest thy ways perfect? Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into
judgment?"
Read Also: Psalm 50:9-10; Luke 17:10; Romans 11:35; Acts 17:24-26; Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 6:10.
Consider the Following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Do we have this in our hearts, that we confess that we cannot add anything to God by what we
do?
2. Is there a danger that we come to think and act like we can add to God's cause by what we can
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