Learning from History – Psalm 106 by Stephen Coffin
- Many psalms reflect on the history of Israel (78, 80, 61, 89, 95, 105, 114, 126, 132, 136)
- Others on the experiences of the writers (21, 32, 34, 73, 77)
- They look for lessons from these to apply to their own lives
Scripture is there to help us learn
- "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." (George Santayana, 1863-1952)
- "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3v16-17)
- For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4v12)
Psalm 106
- Introduction (v.1-5): "Thank God for his goodness, shown in history. Bless me and my nation."
- Recollection of our sinfulness, which repeats that of our ancestors. So what can we learn from that?
A pattern to human behaviour
- Lack of thought about God (v.7; 13)
- Sin against God (v.7; 14; 16; 19-22; 24-25; 28-29; 32-33; 34-39)
- Negative consequences of sin (v.15; 17-18; 23; 26-27; 29; 40-43)
- God rescues his people (v.8-12; 30-31; 43; 44-46)
A lesson to learn
- Prayer for deliverance (v.47)
- Praise to God (v.48)
Jesus learns from History Read Matthew 12v1-8
- Ethical issue of how to keep the Sabbath
- Letter of the law versus spirit of the law
Jesus looks for bible parallels
- David eating the bread reserved for the priests (1 Samuel 21v1-6)
- The priests working in the temple on the Sabbath (Numbers 28v9-10)
- Prophetic principle: "mercy not sacrifice" (Hosea 6v6)
- Conclusion: "The Sabbath was made for the good of man; man was not made for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." (Mark 2v27-28)
We must read the bible to learn its lessons
- Ask Val about bible reading notes or use our own "bible questions" studies
- Join a home study group + join in Alpha in the autumn
- What lessons have you learned recently from the bible?
- How can you read & learn from the bible more & better?
- Will you join in our autumn Alpha course?
- Will you join a home group where you can together learn from the bible?
