Psalm 20 Lesson Plan

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Bible Study Guide Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018

Psalm 20 Sermon Text:​ Psalm 20 Study Texts:​ Psalm 2 Sermon Recap​: Psalm 20 is the first in a pair of what are called “Royal Psalms.” It finds its place in a special collection of Psalms that honor and glorify God, the pinnacle being Psalm 19, “The Word.” In Psalm 20, we come face-to-face with God’s King, Jesus Christ. David is praying that God will give success to what is called the “Davidic King.” This phrase refers to the king who sits on Israel’s throne, but more fully to the One Who would sit on David’s throne eternally. Ultimately, David’s confidence is not in his own kingship but in God’s authority over his kingship. Sermon Connection:​ As Psalm 20 hails the glory of the true King, Jesus Christ, our minds are called back to one of the Psalter’s foundational psalms, Psalm 2. In Psalm 2, we are reminded that God made David the king over Israel solely to see God’s purposes fulfilled. For through David, the true and eternal King, King Jesus, would come. The Psalm reminds us, that while the world is in tumult against God, God is not concerned because He reigns in sovereignty over it all. And furthermore, God has established His King Who will call the world to account.

Lesson Plan Lesson Goal: ​The goal of this lesson is to see the ​glory​ of Christ, our King! Lesson Points: Point 1: The Wickedness of the Nations ​(vv. 1-3) Point 2: God’s Sovereign Rule ​(vv. 4-9) Point 3: Christ, the King! ​(vv. 10-12) The Context: ​Psalm 2 is a royal psalm because it focuses on the kingship; primarily on King Jesus. This Psalm is one of the foundational Psalms for the entire Psalter and shows up in many of the 150 Psalms. While the Psalm considers David’s immediate rule, its full scope is the eternal reign of King Jesus over all. 1

Point 1 - The Wickedness of the Nations​ (vv. 1-3) ● In v. 1, the the phrase, “​Why do the nations rage...​?” can also be translated, “Why do the nations ​bother​?” What lies behind the writer’s question? (See also Ps. 1.) ● In the ancient near-eastern culture, in which this Psalm was written, kings often took on a “divine mindset” about their own kingship (They thought themselves “gods”). How might this have led to the “...​set themselves...against the Lord and against His Anointed...”​ in v. 2? ● Considering v. 3, what is the ultimate goal of any rebellion? How is this connected to the wickedness of the kings and rulers? ● In Psalm 20, we see David praising God for preserving the King (Jesus). How is this tied to Psalm 2 and the wickedness of the nations? Point 2 - God’s Sovereign Rule​ (vv. 4-9) ● What kind of laughing is God doing in v. 4? Why is this good news for the people of God? ● What is God doing in vv. 5-6? ● What is the biblical importance of God’s establishing the King in Zion? ● How do v. 7-9 help clarify Jesus as the true King? ● What kind of authority does God’s King possess? Point 3 - Christ, the King!​ ​(vv. 10-12) ● What does v. 10 mean for the kings and rulers to be wise and warned? ● According to v. 11, what is the right response to God’s King? ● How does v. 12 help us to understand Christ as the King? The Big Picture​ - The King and Psalm 20 We see that Jesus is the great King of Psalm 20, in Whom salvation succeeds. We also see that He is the great King of Psalm 2, the Son of God to Whom we must submit, worship and enjoy. We live in a world that is plagued by sin, and it shows itself in so many different ways. We deal with our private sins, but we also live among sinful people and in sinful nations. While the nations rage against God and rebel against His Word, we are reminded in both Psalm 2 and Psalm 20, that God’s King, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, stands victorious and sovereign over it all. And because Jesus is the great King, we give Him our praise and submission, we kiss the Son, and we find true blessedness. Application Questions ● How does my life reflect Jesus as my King? ● How am I making King Jesus known in the world? ● Does my life reflect a fear of the world or hope in Jesus? ● How can our growth group encourage each other to find our hope in King Jesus? ● How can our growth group proclaim hope in Jesus to our community? 2