INTRODUCING THE LESSON

We witness it regularly that someone is living immorally or is unethical and yet he is prospering. On the other hand, we work hard and try to live a life that is pleasing to God, and have little materially to show for it.

Unless we have the right perspective, such apparent injustice can breed feelings of jealously or even discouragement. The reality, however, is that we do not have the whole picture. In Psalm 37, David put the apparent prosperity of the wicked into perspective. As we go through this lesson, ask God to help us see the matter from the perspective of eternity.

COMMIT TO GOD

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(A) Do Not Envy The Wicked (Psalm 37:1,2)

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David cautioned against a jealous attitude toward those who do not live in obedience to the laws of God. It is not easy to watch an unbeliever advance when we know his or her methods are wrong purposes, selfish and evil. The natural reaction in such a case is to feel jealousy, envy, even anger. We may, in fact, feel so justified in our indignation that we consider our jealousy and anger to be righteous. Yet Psalm 37:1,2 commands you not to be envious of those who do wrong there may be heartache and disquiet that is beyond our view.

Lastly, we must consider life from the perspective of eternity. David’s essential point was that even if they are prospering now, one day they will be held accountable for their lives.

(B) Look To God (Psalm 37:3-8)

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QUESTION: Why are both trust and obedience so crucial to victorious Christian living?

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The principles of trust and obedience are summed up in Psalm 37:3. David declared, “Trust in the Lord and do good” (KJV).

Christians must look to the Lord for all things and seek to live obediently even as they rely on God for the necessities of life. Trust and obedience are both vital in our commitment to Him.

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The verbs found in verses 38 are especially noteworthy. Each of these verbs gives insight into the principle of true commitment. If we are wise we will trust, delight in, commit our way to, rest in, and wait patiently for God as we confront life’s challenges. We can have confidence in the power of God as we commit our lives into His care.

TRUST GOD FOR PROTECTION

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(A) Wickedness Can Only Triumph Temporarily (Psalm 37:9-17)

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At times evil appears to triumph over righteousness. But this is because we often see things at a point in time. When all is said and done, however, God’s purposes will be revealed and His ways will be vindicated.

The Psalmist made this point in Psalm 37:9,10. He declared that evil men would be cut off. “A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found" (verse 10, NIV). Any triumph would only be temporary. In the context of eternity, the success of evil people amounts to less than a blip on a screen.

This provides perspective to believers when they find themselves persecuted by ungodly people. Although the wicked will often plot against the righteous, David declared that the Lord laughs at their folly (verse 13). Their attempts to destroy God’s own will result in their own downfall in the end (verses 14,15).

The Psalmist’s conclusion was clear. First, God’s people are to be meek (verse 11). Second, it is better to live righteous lives and have little by way of material possessions than to live in wickedness and enjoy prosperity without God (verse 16). Our confidence in the Lord will always be vindicated in the end (verse 17).

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(B) God ls Aware Psalm 37: 18-20

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The Lord never forgets those who love Him. David declared that their destiny is ever before Him (Psalm 37:18). He knows the days of the righteous and is never unconcerned with their plight. God will work on behalf of His people to accomplish what earthly wealth and power cannot do. Those who honour God and live their lives according to His Word will not be ashamed when faced with adversity (verse 19). When famine brings desolation to others. God’s people will be satisfied because their hope is not based on material possessions but on God.

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^{cheers, omonosa!}