Prosperity – Shofar Durbanville Bible Studies

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the rewards the righteous – of those who fear the Lord.

Scripture

Psalms 112:1-4

1 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! 2 His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

Observations

Note: To fear the Lord means to live with the knowledge that God is our creator and judge, and therefore we his servants who live according to His will and depart from evil (See Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Psalm 34:11-14, Proverbs 3:7; 8:13)

According to verse one, what do we learn of “the man who fears the Lord”? Why would that be characteristic of such a person? (See the definition above).
List the blessings reserved for those who fear the Lord (verses 2-4). Then explain what you understand by each of those phrases.
What are the characteristics of “the man who fears God” according to the second halfof verse 4?

Reflection

As a New Testament believer, do you usually read the Bible and see commands that God and his Son Jesus gives?

How do you relate to those commands – more like suggestions to guide you, or like clear instructions to be obeyed? [note: try to distinguish here between what you KNOW to be true and what you DO or FEEL].
How do you understand God feels about the commands he writes in the Bible – such as those contained in Matthew 5-6?

How do you feel about the promise in this Psalm that “Wealth and riches are in [the] house [of him that fears the Lord”?

Why do you think God can trust a man who fears him with possessions? (hint: look at the definition on one who fears God in the previous section]
Do you believe that God delights to prosper you?

Prayer

In Isaiah 11:2 the Holy Spirit is referred to as “the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.” Spend some time and pray that God will give you a greater knowledge and fear of Him through the revelation by His Holy Spirit. And then boldly ask God to bless you as promised in Psalm 112.

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the rewards of those who fear God.

Scripture

Psalms 25:8-14

8 Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. 9 The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.

11 For Your name’s sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

12 Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. 13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity, And his descendants shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.

Observation

Note: To fear the Lord means to live with the knowledge that God is our creator and judge, and therefore we his servants who live according to His will and depart from evil (See Eccl 12:13-14; Psalm 34:11-14, Proverbs 3:7; 8:13)

What does the “good and upright Lord” do with sinners according to verse 8?
Verse 9 qualifies the disposition/ attitude of those who are taught by the Lord – which sinners does he teach?
Comparting verses 9 and 12, what link do learn about the fear of the Lord?
List the blessings reserved for those who fear the Lord (verses 12-14). Then explain what you understand by each of those phrases.

Reflection and Prayer

In verse 14 the Psalmist promises “the secret of the Lord is with those who fear him.” The ESV renders the translation “friendship with the Lord is for those who fear him.” Would you say that God regards you as friend and trusts you with the secrets and plans on his heart? How do you feel about the fact that God wants to befriend you in that way? Talk to God about that now!