1 YEAR BIBLE: WEEK 21 (MAY 18-24)

1 Year Bible: Week 21 | May 18-24

Stage 3: Redemption

Verse of the week to live by: "The Lord says to my lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'" (Ps. 110:1)

May 18; Stage 3: Redemption

2 Sam. 19-21

1. 2 Sam. 19: How does the aftermath of Absalom's death reveal the fragile state of David's kingdom? Why does this instability point to the need for a perfect King from David's line?
2. 2 Sam. 20: How did Sheba's rebellion reveal the deep-seated tribal divisions that remained in Israel even after a major civil war?
3. 2 Sam. 21: How does the story of the Gibeonites reveal God's requirement for justice regarding broken oaths, and how does it show His faithfulness to covenant promises?

May 19; Stage 3: Redemption

Ps. 5, 38, 41

1. Ps. 5: How does David's focus on God's holiness (v. 4-7) provide a foundation for his confidence when he is surrounded by deceitful enemies?
2. Ps. 38: This is a "Penitential Psalm." How does it teach us to bridge the gap between our physical suffering and our spiritual confession?
3. Ps. 41: Verse 9 speaks of a close friend lifting his heel against the king. How does this specifically point to the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot?

May 20; Stage 3: Redemption

Ps. 42; 2 Sam. 22-23; Ps. 57

1. Ps. 42: How does the psalmist "preach to his own soul" (v. 5) to fight spiritual discouragement? Why is it important to talk to yourself rather than just listening to yourself?
2. 2 Sam. 22-23: How does 2 Samuel 23:3-4 describe the "ideal king"? In what specific ways is this description perfectly fulfilled in Christ?
3. Ps. 57: David wrote this while hiding in a cave. How can he say, "My heart is steadfast," while his life is literally at risk?

May 21; Stage 3: Redemption

Ps. 95, 97-98

1. Ps. 95: This psalm shifts from joyful singing to a stern warning about Meribah. Why is humble obedience the necessary partner to vocal worship?
2. Ps. 97: How does the image of God as a fire consuming his adversaries (v. 3) call believers to both rejoice in His reign and hate evil?
3. Ps. 98: Why is all of creation—the seas, the floods, and the hills—called to rejoice at the coming of the Lord to judge the earth?

May 22; Stage 3: Redemption

Ps. 99; 2 Sam. 24; 1 Chr. 21

1. Ps. 99: How does this psalm balance God's "terrible" holiness with His record of answering the prayers of imperfect men like Moses, Aaron, and Samuel?
2. 2 Sam. 24: Why is it significant that David refused to offer a sacrifice that "cost him nothing" (v. 24)? How does this threshing floor point toward the future location of the Temple?
3. 1 Chr. 21: Compare this account to 2 Samuel 24. How does the Chronicler highlight the spiritual battle (Satan's role in v. 1) behind the census?

May 23; Stage 3: Redemption

1 Chr. 22; Ps. 30, 108

1. 1 Chr. 22: David is told he cannot build the Temple because he is a man of war. How does his reaction reveal his passion for God's glory over his own legacy?
2. Ps. 30: David writes, "his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime." How have you experienced God turning your mourning into dancing?
3. Ps. 108: This psalm combines parts of Psalm 57 and 60. Why would David repeat these specific praises and pleas for help in a new context?

May 24; Stage 3: Redemption

Ps. 109-110; 1 Chr. 23-24

1. Ps. 109: This is an imprecatory psalm (calling for judgment). How does it teach us to give our pain to God rather than seeking personal revenge?
2. Ps. 110: This is the most-quoted Old Testament psalm in the New Testament. How does it reveal the Messiah as both an eternal King and an eternal Priest (after the order of Melchizedek)?
3. 1 Chr. 23-24: Why is the meticulous organization of the Levites and Priests important for the community's spiritual health? What does it teach us about order in worship?