Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
The title of this quarter’s study is “Worship in the Covenant Community” The lessons of this quarter comprise a study of worship practices offered as a grateful response to the covenantal relationship that God initiated–first with Abraham and later with the people of Israel. The patterns of worship reflect the gamut of community life, from praising God’s goodness and mercy to calling on God for help in times of trouble.
Unit 1, “Leaders Set Worship Example,” begins with the example of (Abram) Abraham who built alters to mark those occasions on which God called him to greater faithfulness. Lesson 2 reveals Solomon’s worshipful awareness of people’s tendency to sin. Lesson 3 shows us Hezekiah’s prayerful realization of what is most important, the Lord alone is God. Lesson 4 demonstrates the importance of spiritual leadership, as evidenced through Josiah’s call to bring back the people to the right worship as prescribed in the “Book of the Covenant.”
Unit I1, “Songs of the Old Testament,” looks at various songs that Israel used in worship and prayer. While we may not know the melody of their songs, we can get a sense of the mood embedded in the lyrics and what they felt in the presence of God’s power and goodness. Lesson 5 notes the deliverance of Israel from Pharaoh at the Red Sea and the song Miriam led in response. Lesson 6 considers Psalm 51, usually regard as David’s prayer of confession following his adultery with Bathsheba and the slaying of her husband, Uriah, in battle. (The children will hear the background story of the death of Uriah.) Lesson 7, a plea for deliverance is considered through Psalm 22. (At the same time, the children will study the rescue of Daniel’s friends (see Daniel 3) at a time when they might have prayed this psalm.) Lesson 8 takes us to the first part of Isaiah 25, a song of praise for deliverance from oppression (the children will hear about Daniel’s miraculous rescue from a den of lions). The final lesson of the unit (lesson 9) looks at Psalm 62, a song of trust in God.
Unit III, “Psalms of Thanksgiving and Praise,” looks at four songs from the Hebrew Psalter (fitting the U.S. calendar in its season of thanksgiving). In lesson 10, we look at Psalm 23, supplemented with John’s affirmation about Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The background for lesson 11 is Psalms 146-150 as the songs for emphasis). Lesson 12 examines Psalm 100 a summons to all people to praise God. The final lesson (lesson 13) marks the beginning of Advent with a look at Psalm w139, a reminder of the intimate relationship that God shares with humanity.
Unit 1: Leaders Set Worship Example
September 1, 2024
Marking Transitions
Genesis 13:8-18
September 8, 2024
Our House Is a Very Fine House
1 Kings 8:22-24, 37-39, 46, 48-50a
September 15, 2024
Is It Inevitable?
2 Kings 19:14-20, 29-31
September 22, 2024
Claiming the Treasurers of the Past
2 Chronicles 35:1-6, 16-19
September 29, 2024
Time to Party!
Exodus 15:1-3, 11-13, 17-18, 20-21
Unit II: Songs of the Old Testament
October 6, 2024
Regret and Remorse
Psalms 51:1-4, 10-12, 15-17
October 13, 2024
We’re in a Tight Spot
Psalm 22:1-11
October 27, 2024
Let the Silence Speak
Psalm 62:1-12
November 3, 2024
When the Road Is Long
Psalm 23:1-6
Unit III: Psalms of Thanksgiving and Praise
November 10, 2024
Whom Can You Trust?
Psalms 146:1-10; 150:1-6
November 17, 2024
A Gratitude Attitude
Psalm 100:1-5
November 24, 2024
Wonderfully Marvelous
Psalm 139:1-12
