1. 1 Lesson 8 of 13 April 21, 2013 “Gratitude for God’s Help” Focal Text: Psalm 40 Quotations from Psalm 40 in the New Testament: Hebrews 10:5-7 Study Aim: To summarize what the psalm teaches about how truly to give thanks to God and to evaluate how I am giving thanks to God All Scripture quotes are from the NIV version unless otherwise indicated. Most lesson comments are from the Study Guide followed by (SG). PowerPoint by Don Cannata BaptistWay Press, Dallas, Texas

2. Lesson 8 - Psalms 2 Overview of 13 Lesson Series in Psalms 1. Lord of All 2. God’s Majestic Greatness 3. It’s a Wonderful Life 4. Trusting God in the Darkest Hour 5. Committed to the Lord 6. The Joy of Forgiveness 7. Desiring Life and Finding Its Source 8. Gratitude for God’s Help 9. No One Does Good 10. A Desperate Cry 11. Testifying of God’s Security and Deliverance 12. Let us Worship, Let Us Obey 13. Give Thanks for the Lord’s Steadfast Love

3. 3 Lesson 8 – Psalms Quick Overview of Psalm 40 This psalm teaches us that when life is difficult and it is hard to feel grateful, the best way to express our gratitude to God is through continuing to serve him. As we do, our problems seem to diminish as our attention is taken off ourselves and we find renewed confidence to face the future. SG

4. Lesson 8 - Psalms 4 Gratitude for God’s Blessings (40:1-5) Of all the multitude of blessings God gives us, perhaps none is greater or more meaningful in the moment than God’s immediate presence in those dark nights as he kneels beside us to hear our cries and calm our hearts. SG Psa. 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psa. 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

5. Lesson 8 - Psalms 5 Gratitude for God’s Blessings (40:1-5) Verse 4 sounds as if it could have been written yesterday. Our world is certainly full of the proud—those who put their trust in their possessions, position, or knowledge and see reliance on God as weakness. SG Psa. 40:4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

6. Lesson 8 - Psalms 6 Commitment to Serve God (40:6-10) Performing the ritual was not a cover or license to live however one wanted. It was an inner sacrifice of self and commitment to obey God in serving others that made one clean before God. SG Psa. 40:6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Psa. 40:8 I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

7. Lesson 8 - Psalms 7 Commitment to Serve God (40:6-10) David stated that he had not kept to himself the news of God’s actions or of his own gratitude. He had spread the word to everyone. SG Psa. 40:9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD. Psa. 40:10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.

8. Lesson 8 - Psalms 8 Confidence in God’s Deliverance (40:11-17) Verses 16-17 are a great statement of all that David had learned about God and about himself. He had learned that he was indeed weak and poor. SG Psa. 40:16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “The LORD be exalted!” Psa. 40:17 Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

9. 9 Lesson 8 - Psalms Confidence in God’s Deliverance (40:11-17) David had also learned his need not only to express his thanks to God but also to show his gratitude by proclaiming God’s greatness and encouraging others to do the same. SG Can you name some particular blessings that have come your way recently?

10. 10 Lesson 8 - Psalms Implications and Actions The God to whom David cried is the same God to whom we pray today. While often we may express thanks privately or among our Christian friends, we can be tempted to keep quiet or take credit ourselves. SG 1.How does your life express gratitude to God? 2.When was the last time you cried out to God for deliverance? What happened?

11. 11 Lesson 8 - Psalms Implications and Actions 3. How often do you talk about the blessings of God with those outside the church? 4. In what specific ways can you express thanks to God through your actions? End of Lesson 8 Lesson 9 is entitled “No One Does Good”. The focal text is: Psalm 53

12. 12 Lesson 8 - Psalms