Deeper Christian Life Ministry – Search The Scripture Sunday, December 13, 2020 (Lesson 977) : Topic – THIRSTING AFTER GOD
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THE SCRIPTURE
VOLUME 76, LESSON 977
(ADULT, YOUTH & SENIOR CHILDREN)
TOPIC: THIRSTING AFTER GOD
MEMORY VERSE: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42: 1,2).
TEXTS: PSALMS 42 to 45
Thirst is a strong desire or craving to satisfy one’s need. The psalmist uses a synonymous word, ‘pant’ in the text to express his acute craving and desire for newer and greater experience of God’s presence and power when he encountered adverse situations that overwhelmed his ability and potentials. This study portrays his miserable, sorrowful and depressing condition when he was cut off from the precious privilege of communion with God. In his quest for fresher spiritual experience, he is inspired to exalt Christ’s majesty as the royal Bridegroom of the Church, His bride. In spite of his predicament, the psalmist remembers God’s faithfulness and confidently pants after Him for deliverance and comfort (Psalms 43:4; 12: 1 , 2): Believers who are distressed by the battles of life should not despair but meditate on God’s providence with the confidence that He will deliver and comfort them unfailingly (Isaiah 43:1-5).
Questions 1: What should be the attitude of believer going through the battles of life?
PRIORITY OF THIRSTING AFTER GOD (Psalms 42:1-1 1; 43:1-5; Job 5:6-8; Joel 1: 19,20; Psalms 63:1-7; 79:7- 1 1; 80:3-7; 143:6)
“My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:2). The psalmist craved opportunity for communion with the living God, which he had been deprived of. He panted after the living God who is the Fountain of life and all happiness to every genuinely converted soul. Believers can never find rest anywhere outside Christ. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The psalmist’s longing for the well of Bethlehem could not be compared to his soul’s thirsting for the living God, hence he likened it to the panting of a hart (2 Samuel 23: 15, 16). His attachment to the presence of God was so intense that remembering the benefits of the sanctuary of God led him to tears day and night. Believers who are faced with life challenges should seek the Lord’s intervention with importunity until their requests are granted (Luke 11:5-9).
The psalmist was reproached and harassed by enemies because of his condition. They made a mockery of his faith in God as “they continually say unto [him], Where is thy God?” (Psalm 42:3). Believers are sometimes taunted because of delay in answers to their prayers; unbelievers may ridicule and conclude that God has abandoned them. Such believers should not be bothered or give up their faith in God. As they continue to thirst after the living God, He will intervene and grant their petitions.
Questions 2: What can believers learn from the psalmist’s persistent panting for God despite the enemy’s ridicule?
The psalmist reflected on God’s presence and liberty, and his heart melted. He poured out his soul before Him in prayers. This brokenness of spirit was not caused by remembrance of the pleasures at the court, but of the free access he formerly had into God’s presence. Believers should set their affections only on God and things that will guarantee them eternal comfort and reward (Colossians 3:2). On realising that he could not find relief by communing with his own heart about his misery, the psalmist turned to God and presented his troubles before Him. A believer cannot get relief for his burdened spirit by murmuring and unnecessary complaints. The antidote to forgetting our miseries is to remember God and His mercies, and put our hope in Him (l Peter 5:7).
The intensity of the enemy’s oppression and reproach pushed the psalmist to continual mourning every day. He was so distressed that he was discouraged. Consequently, he concluded that God had forgotten and cast him off to his enemy, as a token of His displeasure against him. “For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” (Psalm 43:2). But God can never forget His children who put their trust in Him. The psalmist later realised this and said, “…hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 43:5). Believers who are persecuted or passing through trials like the psalmist should know that all that would live godly in Christ will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).
PRAYER AND TESTIMONY OF THE THIRSTY SOUL
(Psalm 44:1-26; Joshua 4:5-7; Psalm 78:3,4; Deuteronomy 11:19; Joshua 7:8-12; Job 23:11, 12; Psalm 119: 157)
“We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old” (Psalm 44:1). The psalmist acknowledged God’s faithfulness in liberating Israel from Egyptian bondage and giving them the Promised Land as it was revealed to their fathers. He expressed total discontent with their present spiritual condition caused by backsliding and recalled God’s wonderful deeds to their fathers through His providence. The patriarchs kept a meticulous account of the wonders of God and transmitted that knowledge to their posterity. The testimony of God’s power and goodness is a strong support to faith and powerful basis for prayer in the nights of calamity. Believers are encouraged to teach their children and others the goodness of God towards His children so as to build their faith and trust in Him (Deuteronomy Isaiah 38:19). It is a scriptural responsibility for parents to teach their children the word of God on a daily basis and inculcate godly attributes in them lest they depart from the way of the Lord.
Questions 3: What can we learn from the way the wonders of God’s providence were recorded for Israel by their fathers?
Their fathers specifically told them how God marvellously planted Israel in the Promised Land by granting them complete victory over the Canaanites. They did not attribute these victories to their own merit, strength or number, but to the providence of God (Deuteronomy 9:5,6). As believers, all success and enlargement in our lives cannot be attributed to our might and ingenuity, but God’s favour and power without which all our efforts would be fruitless.
It is instructive that Israel’s success and victory came only when they trusted God in absolute obedience. They took Him as their sovereign Lord and gave wholehearted allegiance to Him. They trusted and triumphed in Him. For believers to maintain sustainable victory over their adversaries, they must continue to be obedient to the Lord in all situations
“But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies” (Psalm 44:9). Israel, at this time, cried to God in their present state of discontentment. They turned their backs before their enemies like in the day of Joshua (Joshua 7:8). They were doomed to the sword of their enemies, and were grievously overwhelmed by sorrow and pain of abandonment. God cast them off and caused them to be smitten by their enemies because they put their trust in idols (1 Chronicles 28:9; Hosea 8:3). His promises are conditional: “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them” (Leviticus 26:3). If a believer breaks the conditions of God’s covenant, He will leave him at the mercy and destruction of the enemy like a sheep without a shepherd. “All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant” (Psalm 44:17). Although the whole nation of Israel had a national calamity that overwhelmingly threw them into discontentment, they still expressed their faith in God. Believers are encouraged to hold fast their integrity like Job in the midst of sorrow and afflictions (Job 1:20-22). They should keep praying to God who will eventually deliver them (Psalm 121:4-8).
Questions 4: What can contemporary believers do to secure continual access to the covenant blessings of God?
PREEMINENCE AND LORDSHIP OF THE RIGHTEOUS SAVIOUR
(Psalm 45: 1-17; Philippians 2:.9- 11; Isaiah 9:6; Psalms 93:1-5; 33:4-6, 95:2-7; Malachi 1:11)
“My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer” (Psalm 45:1). The psalmist spoke about the majesty and loving relationship between Christ, the Bridegroom and the Church. He also portrayed Him as the “most mighty” with glory and majesty that appears in truth, meekness and righteousness (Psalm 45:2-4). Christ upholds believers by the light of His truth, controls their passions by the power of His meekness and governs their hearts and lives by His righteous laws. Thus, they receive sufficient spiritual blessings from Him (Ephesians 1:3). As a mighty Man of war with great glory and majesty, He has defeated all our enemies. Christ loves righteousness and truth. “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” In recompense of what He has done and suffered for the advancement of righteousness and the destruction of wickedness and sin, God has anointed Him with the oil of gladness. He has also highly exalted Him and given Him a name that is above all names. …That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:8-11).
“All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad” (Psalm 45:8). The myrrh, aloes and cassia were parts of the basic ingredients of the holy anointing oil, which was appointed for, and commonly used in the sanctuary of God (Exodus 30:23-25). This was a type of the great unction of the Holy Spirit that was received by Christ our great High Priest, whose savour of grace, meekness, righteousness and comfort draw souls to Him. Having obtained this precious nature and the scents of godly lifestyles, saints should attract sinners and backsliders to the Lord (Matthew 5:14-16). True believers are compared to the daughters of the king, richly arrayed with the gold of Ophir, which is a symbol of purity. As brides adorned with the ornament of gold, we can confidently access the glorious throne of God daily with our prayers and praises and expect responses from Him (Psalm 34:15-17).
Questions 5: What is the basic condition for believers to access the throne of grace as stated in Hebrews 12:14?
The psalmist also made clear some responsibilities the Bridegroom expects from the royal Bride (the Church). She must cast off her garment of sin and be entirely separated from the systems and traditions of the world that can potentially tarnish her purity. The Church is subject to Christ as the wife is to her husband. Hence, we must do His will, obey His word and honour Him at all times. As a reward, the Bridegroom has prepared for us a rich and splendid city, full of glory and praises that will endure forever (John 14:1-3). True ‘believers who endure to the end shall inherit heaven, see His glory and share in it, and forever praise Him.
Questions 6: Mention a true believer’s responsibilities towards the Bridegroom and the rewards of honour that await him.
The hope of eternal glory in heaven should make us pant after God who gives us the grace to endure and overcome gloomy nights of troubles.
CHILDREN STS VOL 76 SNR – LESSON 3
TOPIC: THIRSTING AFTER GOD
Psalms 42:1-11; 43:1-5; 44:1-26; 45:1-17
A story was told of a young man who went to a preacher in search of God. After much discussion, the young man still could not understand how to find God. Finally, the preacher got an idea of how to explain the subject matter to the man. The preacher then led the young man to a flowing river. As both of them got into the river, the preacher put the head of the young man in the water for a few seconds. The young man began to struggle, trying his best to come up for air, but the preacher held him under.
Finally, lifting his head up out of the water, the preacher asked, “son, when you were under the water, what did you want more than anything?” The young man said, “Air, air, air …” The preacher calmly replied, son, when you want God as much as you wanted air, then you will find God”. Thus, the young man understood it perfectly well.
We need to thirst for God like a drowning man desires air. Jesus says in Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” God calls all His creatures to come unto Him – as a sinner or backslider, He calls you to repent, turn from your bad ways and accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour.
If you are a friend of Jesus, you must continue to thirst after God as you live in righteousness and holiness all the days of your life. Jesus is coming very soon, it is only those who continue in His word, seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness that will go with Him to heaven. Strive to be counted among them.
The study is divided into three parts:
1. MEANING OF THIRSTING AFTER GOD:
(Psalms 42:1-11; 63:1-8; Matthew 6:33; 11:28; John 7:37,38)
Thirsting after God means having a strong desire for God and spiritual things. Thirsting ordinarily goes with many desires, or longing for something or somebody. To thirst after God means much more than having material blessings from God. It is to love God with all your heart, your spirit and your soul. It is a desire to constantly drink from the living water.
Jesus went to the house of Mary and Martha to have fellowship with them. While Martha was busy organizing food and things with which to entertain Christ, Mary her sister sat quietly at Jesus’ feet drinking and soaking in the water of life. Jesus later corrected Martha and showed us the one important thing that is needful in life. Thirsting after God is more than regular attendance in church, engaging in church activities and other things. It is having a heartfelt desire to know Christ, become His friend, obey His commandments, walk in His ways, reflect His image, serve Him faithfully and acceptably all through life.
Remember, thirsting after God starts when a sinful child realizes his sinful state, repents, turns from his bad ways and asks for forgiveness and cleansing of his sins with the blood of Jesus. Are you saved? If not, you must urgently take the steps now. Thereafter, continue to hunger and thirst for Christ.
2. MEANS OF SHOWING OUR THIRST FOR GOD:
(Psalms 43:1-5; 44:1-26; 45:17; Matthew 6:33; John 4:10; 6:35; 7:33-38)
The Psalmist expresses his desire to always enjoy the presence of God. However, he discovered that God sometimes seem far away because of his backsliding and sin. Therefore, he repented and sought for forgiveness to renew his fellowship with God. Sin separates man from the righteous God. However, God desires to have fellowship with us, the crown of His creation.
For us to fulfil God’s desire, we must seek Him now when we can find Him, love Him and become addicted to His will, way and Word. Thirsting after God demands sincere and genuine love for God and hatred for sin. To achieve these, you have a part to play:
(i) Acknowledge Jesus as the Lord whose throne is for ever and ever, and who loves righteousness and hates wickedness (Psalm 45:6,7). Then, repent of your sins and backsliding and surrender your life to His Lordship.
(ii) Drink from the water of life that Jesus alone provides. He told the woman by the well to ask for the living water (John 4:10). Sincerely desire and pray for sanctification of your heart and the Spirit’s baptism.
(iii) Trust God to fulfil His promises in your life.
(iv) Reconnect with God through regular quiet time and prayer, reading and meditating on God’s word, obedience to God’s word in all matters of life and spreading the gospel to make God’s Name to be remembered in all generations (Psalm 45:17). There are great blessings promised to all boys and girls who continually thirst after God.
3. MANIFOLD BLESSINGS FOR THIRSTING AFTER GOD: Psalm 45:1-17
Thirsting and seeking after God always attract great blessings into the lives of sincere seekers. Enoch walked with God for three hundred years (300) and was taken to heaven alive (Genesis 5:22-24). Walking is a continuous forward movement. In our Christian walk, we are to keep our eyes on Jesus and keep walking towards Jesus until one day we see Him face to face.
Moses thirsted for God through steadfast devotion and he saw God face to face. Elijah stood for God in the midst of a corrupt nation, he had the honour of been escorted to heaven alive by chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11). Elisha desired and prayed for a double portion of God’s power and anointing. He was able to do extraordinary work in God’s Name. Jacob thirsted for God as he wrestled with an angel all night. Finally, he quit wrestling and started clinging and got his name and destiny changed for the better.
Thirsting for God will attract into your life – salvation, sanctification and holiness of life, Holy Ghost power and supernatural ability, uncommon success in all you do, victory over temptations, protection, preservation and eternity with Jesus in heaven.
If you desire to enjoy all these blessings, you must thirst after God in the morning, at noon and at night and every moment of your life.
QUESTIONS:
1. What does it mean to thirst after God?
2. How should a (i) sinful child (ii) Christian thirst after God?
3. What are the blessings of thirsting after God?
4. Are you daily thirsting after God?
MEMORY VERSE: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1,2).
LESSON: Thirsting after God is the most important thing to do in life.
THOUGHT: I will thirst after God on a daily basis and live a holy life to enjoy God’s blessings.
ACTIVITY: Discussion: Children should have a group discussion on practical ways they can daily thirst after God.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 216 – MORE ABOUT JESUS WOULD I KNOW
CHORUSES:
(1) Inner my heart, Lord I want to be like Jesus
(2) Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus.
(3) Seek ye first the kingdom of God.
HOMEWORK: Go out during the week and tell sinners how to seek after God.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
MONDAY: PSALM 119:9-11
TUESDAY: PSALM 119:12-16
WEDNESDAY: MATTHEW 6:31-33
THURSDAY: PROVERBS 3:5-8
FRIDAY: DEUTERONOMY 6:4-8
SATURDAY: PSALM 63:1-4
SUNDAY: PSALM 63:5-8
BIBLE WORD SEARCH:
Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary.
1. Acknowledge 2. Manifold 3. Sanctification 4. Meditate 5. Brook.