TRIUMPHANT AND VICTORIOUS

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

EXPLAIN the events of Matthew 21 and relate them to the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9; REVERENCE Jesus as the Promised Messiah; and REPENT of the times when we have not given Jesus the honor due to Him. 

FOCAL VERSES Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-11. 

KEEP IN MIND

"And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest" (Matthew 21:9).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. A New King (Zechariah 9:9)

2. A Donkey for a King (Matthew 21:1-3)

3. The Prophecy Fulfilled (vv. 4-5)

4. The Crowds Worship the King (vv. 6-11)

IN FOCUS STORY

The crisp, cool air of January hit Jennifer's face as she stood of Pennsylvania Avenue with her girlfriends. They had made the cross-country trip from Los Angles to Washington D.C., to attend the inauguration of the President of the United States. The group of friends was certain that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Around noon, the crowd began to swell. Jennifer suggested, "Let's move closer to the street. I want to get a better view." The women craftily moved through the audience. A few minutes later, a group of black SUV's slowly crept by. Jennifer screamed, "Mr. President! We're praying for you!" And just like that, the moment was over. After a long pilgrimage, they had experienced what they wanted to experience-a life-transforming event that left them with a story they would share for generations. 

People often display admiration for prominent celebrities and officials. In today's lesson, we learn that preeminence should be given to Jesus as it was displayed on His prophetic entry into Jerusalem. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Bethphage. Literally the "house of figs," Bethphage was a small village located near the Mount of Olives. Located east of Jerusalem on the way to Jericho, it was surrounded by a wall. Each of the Synoptic Gospels mentions this location in their respective Triumph Entry accounts. It was there where Jesus' disciples obtained the donkey and colt for Him to ride into Jerusalem. 

Mount of Olives. The Mount of Olives is one of three peaks of a mountain ridge bordering Jerusalem to the east. Its name derives form the fact that it is covered in olive tress. The peak is approximately two hundred feet higher than the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which sits across the Kidron Valley, thus giving it a great view of Jerusalem. It was from this perspective that Jesus gave His discourse on the doomed city below (Mark 13:3). Some scholars believe this was the "high mountain" where the devil took Jesus to show Him all of the kingdoms of the world (Luke 4:5). It also served as the place where Jesus agonized over the task before Him prior to going to Calvary (Luke 22:39-46). 

Messiah. Transliteration of the Hebrew word meaning "anointed one"; translated into Greek as Christos or "the Christ." Since apostolic times, the name Christ has become the proper name of Jesus, the person whom Christians recognize as the God-given Redeemer of Israel and the church's Lord. "Christ," or Messiah, is therefore a name suited to express both the church's link with Israel through the Old Testament and the faith that sees in Jesus Christ the worldwide scope of the salvation in Him. The Jews, however, thought that their Messiah would be a warrior-usher in a kingdom in which Israel would be promoted to world dominion. 

BACKGROUND

A contemporary of Haggai, Zechariah began his prophetic career around 520 B.C., during the reign of King Darius. At fourteen chapters, the book of Zechariah is the longest book among the minor prophets. Though the first eight chapters of the book are dated, the ninth chapter mentions no dates. Most scholars believe a significant amount of time passed between the eighth and ninth chapters. Zechariah 9 begins a section of the text where God providentially saves and restores His people. 

Matthew's Gospel is a theologically rich text, for Matthew was very intentional about pointing out the theological implications of Jesus' actions. The text in Matthew 21 follows this distinct pattern. In Matthew's account, this is Jesus' first appearance in the city of Jerusalem, though the city is mentioned earlier in the text (see Matthew 2:3). In that instance, King Herod and the inhabitants were troubled by the birth of Jesus. By the time we get to the later chapters in Matthew's Gospel, Jesus' reputation was growing. At the end of chapter 20, Jesus healed two blind men as great crowd followed Him on His journey toward Jerusalem. Given this increased popularity, the lesson text now describes what has been deemed Jesus' Triumphal Entry. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. How does the prophet Zechariah describe Jesus' Triumphal Entry (Zechariah 9:9)?

2. While Jesus was welcomed in a manner befitting a dignitary, how did His entry differ from what the Jews had previously witnessed (Matthew 21:9)?

3. What did the people say and do as Jesus entered Jerusalem? What was the significance of their words and actions (vv. 8-9)?

4. What was the difference between the people of Jerusalem and the multitude that went before and after Jesus (vv. 10-11)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. What character traits did Jesus display in this passage that believers should imitate?

2. Jesus made stranger request of two of His disciples. When they arrived, everything was as He had said. How might the disciples' faith inform us when we face tough decisions?

3. Characters in the In Focus story took advantage of an opportunity to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event. Do you thing the people who witnessed Jesus' entry into Jerusalem saw that event in the same way?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

Celebrity worship has become a norm. Even some Christians spend more time on gossip websites than the Word of God. We pay more attention to our follower count on social media than to the number of souls we have drawn to the Lord. Even in churches, members show up in larger numbers for a celebrity evangelist or gospel recording artist but are absent from mid-week services. Today's lesson demonstrates that Jesus must be worshiped and lifted above all others. 

1. What are the earmarks of an out-of-control concern with celebrity?

2. What should we do when we have been caught up in the celebrity frenzy?

3. How do we help our youths resist misplaced adoration?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

Make an effort this week to remove something from your life that can become idolatrous. Consider how many hours a day you spend online or how much money you waste on impulse shopping. Whatever it is, take break from it. Instead, take time to reflect on how to free yourself and restore your focus on the Lord. 

(Except from the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc)

WORTHY IS THE LAMB

OUR AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

RECOUNT the events in Revelation 5 and relate them to the majesty we must afford Jesus; TRUST that as we submit to the will of God, the Holy Ghost will sustain us despite the troubles of life; and DECIDE to worship and praise God continuously, with zeal, 

through all of life's situations. 

FOCAL VERSES Revelation 5:6-13

KEEP IN MIND 

"Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing" (Revelation 5:12).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Slaughtered But Still Standing (Revelation 5:6-7)

2. Taking the Scroll (v. 8)

3. Power Belongs to You (vv. 9-12)

4. Victory Will Come (v. 13)

IN FOCUS STORY

Queen Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes Lyon was the wife of King George VI and the mother of Queen Elizabeth II, who still reigns as the Queen of England. When the Queen Mother, as she was know, died in 2002, the entire nation mourned her passing and those who had not known of the work she and her husband did were treated to an amazing history lesson by the media.

At the height of World War II, when England was being bombed, she refused the safety of sanctuary in North America. She declared that she would not sequester her family from the people she and her husband felt called to care for and lead. She felt the ferar of her countrymen when bombs fell on Buckingham Palace. She sent messages to the women in France to express her sorrow as their nation fell to enemy fire. She and her husband visited the sick in hospitals and the troops on the field. She went into factories to encourage those who worked there and to show her appreciation for all they did for the nation. She wept with others when their family members, like hers, were killed on the battlefield members, like hers, here killed on the battlefield of war. 

When the Queen Mother died, the streets were filled with people who remembered her sacrifices or had heard the stories of the strength of character she and her husband displayed while they headed the nation. In death, she was afforded all of the honor due her rank and her sacrifice because she exercised godly integrity and love in the midst of a difficult time.

It is fitting that those who have a heart for others be given the utmost respect and honor by their families, peers, and community. However, no amount of praise can represent the honor and majesty that are due Jesus Christ for the sacrifice He made to save humankind. Today's lesson allows a glimpse of the celebration of Jesus as the Lamb that was slain. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

John. The beloved disciple who was one of the twelve apostles, son of Zebedee, and brother of James (also one of the Twelve.) John was exiled to Patmos "for preaching the word of GOd and for [his] testimony about Jesus" (Revelation 1:9, NLT). Some events on the island of Patmos are reflected in the visions John describes in his book. John's separation from the mainland was quite intensely felt and thus expressed in his writings.

Patmos. A small, rocky, barren island in the Aegean Sea, about 56 miles (90 km) southwest of Ephesus. Roman political prisoners were the majority in exile on Patmos. The emperor Domitian had banished John to this island. This is where John received and recorded the revelation from God that is presented in this final book of the Bible. 

BACKGROUND

The book of Revelation may have been written in A.D. 96 during the reign of Domitian. However, the date is disputed, and others think that it could have been written in A.D. 68 during the reign of Nero. The pivotal point the Revelation occurs in chapters 4 and 5. The final triumph of the Lamb is tied to the risen Lord's opening exhortation to the church and the judgments pronounced in chapters 2 and 3. These chapters warn the church about coming afflictions and God's ultimate triumph and five a historical and theological basis of the risen Lamb's authority over the church and the world. The Lamb is enthroned and empowered to carry out judgment in the world. Revelation points to future hope, and faithfulness and perseverance are called for from all. Readers are directed to focus on the glorious world to come. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. Who was between the throne and the four living creatures, and among the elders (Revelation 5:6)?

2. How did the Lamb get the scroll and from whom (v. 7)?

3. Who prostrated themselves before the Lamb (v. 8)?

4. What were singing with a loud voice (v. 12)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. What is the significance of John as the writer of Revelation?

2. Whom do the beasts and elders represent?

3. The song mentioned in Revelation 5:9-13 is divinely inspired. Is there a song of praise that inspires you to recall what Jesus has done in your life?

4. Our In Focus story explains that some 60 years after World War II, the Queen Mother of England was remembered for her sacrifices and care. Who in your life do you appreciate for the personal and spiritual care they have given to you?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

Most people are willing to give honor to those who carry a title or hold a position in the church or in the world, but few are willing to fully celebrate "the ordinary saints" who succeed in spite of the storms that come into their lives. When saints see what others have gone through and where they have come from, we should celebrate what they have been able to do through the Lord. 

1. How can the fellowship of the saints better celebrate such people?

2. What encouragement would such celebration give to the next generation of others who are also facing challenges?

MAKE IT HAPPEN 

True success comes from knowing that what you have been gifted to do, you have done and are doing. When we are faithful to the call on our lives, other will be blessed for years to come. Remember that God has given you a purpose in life. You have been called and empowered by the Holy Ghost to fulfill that purpose before you leave this earth. Being faithful in accomplishing your purpose means that everyone whose blessing is connected to your destiny will receive what God has for them. More importantly, you will receive your reward in heaven for all that you do to complete God's purpose in your life. 

1. What has God given you to do? Are you doing that Have you asked others to pray with you as you go forward?

2. If you have not yielded to the work God has called you to do, why? Have you sought Him for the strength, wisdom, and skill to carry it out despite the struggles that may press you? If not, why not?

3.Whatever your gift or talent, Jesus Christ, the Lamb that was slain, has made provision for you to carry out God's plan. How are you giving Him honor through your daily devotion and praise? Through your work and the way you represent Him in all you do? Through the testimony that you speak and live before others?

(Except from The Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

PETER'S REPORT

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BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

DISCUSS the importance of recognizing Christ as the fulfillment of Scripture; VALUE the legacy of biblical truth that leads to an understanding of Christ and the salvation that has been delivered to the saints; and SHARE practical strategies to strengthen the legacy of our Apostolic heritage in generations to come. 

FOCAL VERSES Psalm 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-32

KEEP IN MIND 

"He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption" 

(Acts 2:31).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Looking Forward (Psalm 110:1-4)

2. Looking Back (Acts 2:22-24)

3. Focus on the Future (vv. 29-32)

IN FOCUS STORY

Shirley could not understand why Mom had given her grandmother's diamond ring to JoAnn. Her younger sister didn't seem to value anything. If you loaned her an outfit, it would come back ripped or dirty, if it made it back at all. If you helped her with a problem, she never said "thank you" and she always found and excuse for why it really wasn't her fault in the first place. Shirley loved JoAnn, but she thought that is was time for the family to stop enabling her and admit that the girl was a mess-up.

Mom said that she wanted to help JoAnn understand the value of an heirloom beyond it's financial worth. She felt that if JoAnn were finally given something meaningful to the family heritage, it would show that they trusted her to carry on the tradition of love and sharing. As a result, JoAnn would rise to the challenge. 

Well, that didn't work out! Now JoAnn was standing there crying and claiming that she thought she had put the ring away. She didn't realize that when her friend Josie came by that her new boyfriend was going to steal anything. She had only left them in her apartment for a few minutes while she ran to the corner store. When she returned, Josie, whose face was bruised, was crying and apologizing for her boyfriend "acting like that." Now Mom was devastated, the ring was gone, and the lesson of valuing a legacy had apparently not been learned. 

As saints of God, we have been given a rich inheritance in the salvation purchased on Calvary. The importance of the legacy, however, can be traced to the promise of God to David. In this lesson, we see how the true value of our inheritance was confirmed through generations and revealed on the Day of Pentecost.

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Miracles, Wonders, and Signs. These supernatural phenomena evident in Jesus' ministry set Him apart from workers of the occult and showcased God's power over the natural and spiritual realms. Scripture records just some of these, including that Jesus healed incurable diseases, raised at least two people form the dead, turned water into wine, and even walked on water. The Apostle John noted, "Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written" (John 21:25, NLT). 

God as Counselor. In Scripture, God provided counsel to His people in ways. In Old Testament times, prophets, counselors, and priest sought God's counsel on others' behalf. David noted that God counseled him and instructed his heart. This is the same work of the Holy Ghost seen in the New Testament. In John 14:16, the word "Comforter" can also be translated "Counselor." The Holy Ghost enables us to discern the will of God, offering divine counsel during life's trials. Because God is our Counselor, we can find comfort in knowing now matter how tough things get, God has plans for our lives no one can cancel.

BACKGROUND

King Melchizedek ruled in the Old Testament city of Salem and was described in Genesis 14:18 as "the priest of the most high God." The term "most high God" was used to distinguish Jehovah God from The false gods the heathen served. Scripture's use of the term in connection with Melchizedek proves that he, like Abram, served the one true God. 

Melchizedek encountered Abram returning from successful battles with several foreign kings and offered him a gift of bread and wine. Then, Melchizedek blessed Abram and God for helping Abram conquer his enemies. Abram responded by giving the king of Salem a tithe of everything he had won in the battles (vv. 19-20). 

Abram's giving of tithes to someone other than God has prompted debate, causing many wonder about the identity of Melchizedek as a possible Old Testament manifestation of Christ. While that is debatable, it seems certain that David's prophecy in Psalm 110:4 points to Jesus. Like Melchizedek, Jesus serves as both a Priest and King of the most high God. Moreover, Jesus is the only King whose reign will be everlasting. Peter interpreted the coming of Jesus as fulfillment of the prophecy for a Savior descended from the line of David. Further, Peter stressed that fact that Jesus was not "abandoned to the realm of the dead" (Acts 2:31, NIV) as way of proving that God keeps His promises. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What did the Lord promise David (Psalm 110:1)?

2. What words highlight the permanence of the promise (Psalm 110:4)?

3. What does Peter say should have caused the people to recognize Jesus as the One prophesied in the Old Testament Scripture (Acts 2:22)?

4. How did David know that about the Resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:29-31)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. Why was it so important that Peter and the others were witnesses to Jesus' ministry and suffering?

2. Who is Melchizedek and what does the mention of him signify 

(Psalm 110:4)?

3. In the In Focus story, JoAnn's lack of appreciation for the value of a family heirloom led to the tragic loss of the item and respect of what it represented. Should she have been trusted? Equate JoAnn's actions to those of people in the church who do not value the work of Jesus Christ on their behalf or the importance of their testimony to the world. 

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

People receive financial inheritances and can spend them quickly when they don't understand the purpose of the inheritance and the sacrifice it took ensure it. Similarly, the news is rife with reports of Christians who devalued their spiritual heritage in pursuit of money, fame, or some illusive pleasure. How does the power of the Holy Ghost help us value the salvation that was purchased of the Cross? What practical suggestions would you offer new saints and young people to help them realize and honor the spiritual legacy they have in Christ? 

MAKE IT HAPPEN

1. Despite his shortcomings during and after Crucifixion, Peter became the man God used to declare the power of the Gospel message as a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy. Think about a time when you failed to represent Jesus Christ. Did He turn  His back on you? Can you now say that you are striving to be the man or woman God can use to declare His Word and your testimony to others? How?

2. We would think that those who have grown up in the church or are familiar with Apostolic traditions and doctrine would be among the first to desire the Holy Ghost. However, this is not always true. What would cause someone who has heard the preached Word of God to desire to continue in sin rather then seeking salvation? What would cause them to seek baptism in Jesus Name and the indwelling of the Holy Ghost? Pray for those in your life who face this situation.

(Except from the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of World Inc.)

SON of DAVID

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

RECOGNIZE how these three passages provide a portrait of the fulfillment of God's promise regarding the Messiah; PONDER how by grace, our actions do not hinder God's promises; and BE ENCOURAGED to live out God's higher purpose for ourselves and for the benefits of generations to come. 

FOCAL VERSES Psalm 85:35-37; Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:18-21

KEEP IN MIND

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet" (from Matthew 1:21-22).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. God's Promise (Psalm 89:35-37)

2. God's Purpose (Isaiah 9:6-7)

3. God's Plan (Matthew 1:18-21)

IN FOCUS STORY 

Elder and Evangelist Waters smiled as they entered the banquet hall for the celebration of their 75th wedding anniversary. Everyone was there: 5 children, 14 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and the newborn great-great-grandbaby. 

As they thought back to their wedding day, they remembered the vows made at the altar and the promises the Lord gave to them. Before the even met, God had promised each that they would find a saved mate and that their offspring would be a blessing to them and others. 

Despite their faith, they struggled in the first three years of their marriage when the doctors said that they would have any children. They continued to pray and God blessed them first with Clifton, their oldest son. After that, the other came like stair-steps: the twins, Margaret and Mary, Carlton, their youngest son; and Melonie, the baby.

 

As each family member showered them with kisses, the couple cried at the memory of Carlton's near-fatal injury while he was in the army. They recalled Melonie's rebellion, and the consequences of the drugs and violence that had claimed her younger years. They realized that they were blessed to have raised her three children and how God had helped those children grow and have good families of their own. Above all, they had forgiven their mother and made her part of their children's lives. God had kept His promise and today was a celebration of His blessings upon them all. 

Family matters. Through this lesson, we will learn that God's covenant with David was not only a blessing to David's offspring, but a promise of salvation to all who call His Name. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Heavenly Bodies. In Psalm 89:36-37, David's enduring legacy is likened to that of the sun and moon. As David's seed, the birth of Jesus fulfilled the promise of an extraordinary lineage that would never expired. The significance was likely not lost on David. God made the sun, moon, and stars for specific purpose (Genesis 1:14-18; Psalm 104:19), and they serve as reminders of God's promises. For instance, in Joseph's dream, the sun, moon, and eleven stars (representing his brothers) bowed down to him-a prophetic dream signaling Joseph's future rule as second-in-command to Pharaoh (Genesis 37:9-11, 41:37-41, 42:6-9). 

BACKGROUND 

Saul, Israel's first king, forfeited his throne due to sin and disobedience. The prophet Samuel informed Saul that God had stripped him of his office saying, "But now your kingdom must end, for the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14, NLT). That man was David. 

David was the youngest son of Jesse, a native of Bethlehem. While herding sheep, David had no idea that God planned for him to be not only a king of Israel, but the king whose descendant would prove to be the King of kings-Jesus.

During his reign, David learned that personal decisions can benefit or hinder his own life and the lives of others. His obedience to, and reliance on, God led to numerous military victories, as well as season of peace for his descendants, especially during his son Solomon's reign. Conversely, his sinful desire for Bathsheba caused his to commit adultery and the arrange her husband's murder. Those events contributed to the death of the child born from their adulterous union (2 Samuel 11, 12:1-18). God mercifully brings about the birth of Solomon. 

Despite David's mistakes and sins, he was quick to repent and seek God's mercy and forgiveness. Centuries later, he was still remembered as a man after God's heart (Acts 13:22). David's heart for God was rewarded with a promise of a perpetual kingdom. As God promised David and as Isaiah prophesied, Matthew reported that the birth of Jesus fulfilled the traditional expectation that a descendant of David would be coming as the Savior. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What did God promise David (Psalm 89:35-37)?

2. How does Isaiah's prophecy clarify the original promise to David (Isaiah 9:6-7)?

3. What light did the angels' declaration shed on God's promise to David (Matthew 1:21)?

DISCUSSTHE MEAN ING

1. David's actions throughout his life both positively and negatively impacted his descendants. Nevertheless, God kept His promise. While we recognize that this was an act of God's grace, what lessons can we learn from Psalm 89:35 and Acts 13:22 about the natures of God and David?

2. Why did God change Joseph's mind about marrying Mary (Matthew 1:20-21)?

3. The In Focus story explains how Elder and Evangelist Waters were committed to God and grateful that the generations of their children were experiencing the mercy and love of God. How are you ensuring the same for your descendants?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

1. Sometimes a family experiences both the death of an aged loved one and the birth of a child within the same season. As grief and joy mingle together, how can believers share God's purpose through both consolation and celebration?

2. Despite the fact that the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, has come to save us, our world is plagued by violence that claims the lives of innocent children, destroys families, and extinguishes hope. As Apostolic believers, what can our churches, council, and denomination do locally and globally to alter these outcomes?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

1. Each of us struggle in life, but our actions should not dishonor God's grace. First John 1:8 admonishes the saints to remember that we do fall short and must seek God's forgiveness for our sins. What is your response when you realize that you have failed God?

2. If you do not have the Holy Ghost, what is holding you back? Jesus has come. The promised Messiah has made it possible for you to follow God with your whole heart. What is hindering you today? Seek Jesus now. 

(Except from the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

AN ETERNAL KINGDOM

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

ARTICULATE the prophecy regarding David's legacy; BELIEVE God even when He denies our request; and DECIDE to seek God's heart about plans for the future. 

FOCAL VERSES 2 Samuel 7:4-16a

KEEP IN MIND

"And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee" (from 2 Samuel 7:16).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. God Responds to David;s Desire (2 Samuel 7:4-7)

2. God's Role in David;s Present (vv. 8-10)

3. God's Promise for David's Future (vv. 11-13)

4. God's Covenant with David (vv. 14-16)

IN FOCUS STORY

Only What You Do For Christ Will Last 

By Raymond Rasberry

You may build great cathedrals large or small,

you can build skyscrapers grand and tall,

you may conquer all the failures of the past,

but only what you do for Christ will last.

You may seek earthly power and fame,

the world might be impressed by your great name,

soon the glories of this life will all be past,

but only what you do for Christ will last.

Though your armies may control each hemisphere,

and your orbits out in space cause men to cheer,

your scientific knowledge may be vast,

but only what you do for Christ will last.

Though your song and prayers are heard and praised by man,

they've no meaning unless you've been born again,

sinner, heed these words, don't let this harvest pass,

for only what you do for Christ will last.

Only what you do for Him will be counted at the end;

Only what you do for Christ will last.

In today's lesson, David followed his own desires falsely believing that his plans were sufficient for God's purpose. God sent His prophet to deliver the Master's plan. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Nathan. Nathan was a prophet and advisor to King David. His work with David is recorded in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. The author of Chronicles twice mentions the "book of Nathan the prophet" (1 Chronicles 29:29; 2 Chronicles 9:29). Some Bible scholars believe that portions of Chronicles have been incorporated into the books of Samuel and Kings. 

Although not much is written about him, Nathan's role was critical. It was through Nathan that God first delivered the Messianic promise of an eternal kingdom that would come through the lineage of David. Many scholars believe that Nathan may have had significant role in designing the temple of Jerusalem. He seems to have been well acquainted with the inner workings of the royal household and appears in three key accounts recorded in the Old Testament. It was with Nathan that King David shared his plan to build a house for God (2 Samuel 7:4-17). Later, in what is probably the most dramatic biblical confrontation between a king and a prophet, Nathan boldly confronted David with sins of adultery and murder (12:1-13). Finally, Nathan would diplomatically assist in making Solomon David's successor, in spite son, Adonijah; thus, Nathan helped to ensure the line of dynastic succession and the genealogy of Jesus Christ, Son of David (1 Kings 1:10-45). About three centuries later, King Hezekiah seems to have been following instructions left by Nathan regarding the role of Levite musicians in the temple (2 Chronicles 29:25). 

BACKGROUND

Second Samuel 7 opens with King David enjoying a period of "rest from all the surrounding enemies" (v. 1, NLT). With the help and guidance of the Lord, David manage to subdue Israel's long-standing enemy, the ferocious Philistines. He captured Jerusalem and made it the center of all religious worship by bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the city. Like many Middle Eastern kings, David lived in a comfortable palace. Hiram, king of Tyre, had sent his carpenters and masons with finest cedar trees to construct David's palace, which was, no doubt, beautiful. At this point, David had about half a dozen wives, so it is also reasonable to assume his home was quite large. 

Despite this period of peace, David's mind was troubled. He shared with Nathan his unrest about living in a house of cedar-a wood that was highly valued-"while the ark of God remains in a tent" (v. 2, NLT). More than 400 years earlier, God had given the Children of Israel specific directions on building a tent of meeting, also called the tabernacle (Exodus 25:5-9). This was logical as Israel was in the wilderness and needed a place of worship that would be portable. God had never instructed His people to build a permanent dwelling place, yet David was distressed by the contrast with his own opulent palace and wanted to build a Temple for the Lord. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURE

1. Who told David that his plans were not God's desire? Why was that person selected to confront the king (2 Samuel 7:4-5)?

2. What proof do we see that David's original plan did not come form the Lord (vv. 6-7)?

3. What past blessings had God given David (vv. 8-9)?

4. What would be the consequence if David's seed (son) sinned (vv. 14-15)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING 

1. David's dream of building the Temple had all the earmarks of have come form the Lord, yet it did not. How can we be sure that our dreams are from the Lord and that they are part of His plan for our life?

2. According to Acts 13:22, David was "a man after (God's) own heart." If David was so close to the Lord, how could he have made such an error in his decision to build the house? How does this apply to us?

3. Review the words to "Only What You Do For Christ Will Last" (In Focus). Relate the song to David's desire to build a house for the Lord, and then to our modern efforts to build a legacy.

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

How satisfied are we with what God has given us? Often we criticize what God has made possible, complaining to others that something newer, bigger, or "nicer" would be better. We do this without regard to the people in other countries and neighborhoods, or families who have less or struggle to have necessities. What does it take for us to be careful not discount God's blessings? What would it take to change attitudes so that those who have more than enough are both appreciative and willing to share with others?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

1. God sent the prophet to tell David that his plan for building a Temple was incorrect. Who has God sent into your life to help you see His direction more clearly? If you can identify someone, take time to thank them and pray for them. If you don't have such a person, seek God for a wise saint who can be a Nathan to you. 

2. When David dreamed of building a Temple for God, he never imagined that there would be a problem with his unselfish plan to honor God. Yet God did not accept David's plan. Instead, God had a plan for David. Each day, God has something new to tell us, and in doing so, He reveals more about Himself. How can you remain open to His continual revelation? 

(Except from The Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World)