Man's Sins Versus God's Mercy: Part 2 of 2

Preview: A lesson on God’s patience and enduring love for His children. This is the second in a two-part lesson on this subject.


Scripture Reading: Psalm 78:1-16.

Memory Verse: Psalm 78:17.

1. What contrast do we see between God’s love and mercy and the sinful nature of man in the foregoing Scripture Reading and Memory Verse?
Note: God had provided everything that Israel needed, they had seen His miracles in Egypt and the parting of the waters of the Red Sea, and yet they did not fear and reverence Him, failing to believe that He could provide for their needs.
2. What were some of His blessings to Israel? Psalm 78:23-29.
3. How did they provoke Him? Psalm 78:18-22, Psalm 78:30-31.
4. Did God’s wrath stop their sins? Psalm 78:32.
Note: Israel developed a form of religion that praised God with their mouths, but their hearts were far from Him. They clung to Him as a security blanket, praising Him when things were going their way, but blaming and doubting Him when trials came. We can see this same spiritual condition in our churches today. Where is your faith focused?
5. How did they try to bargain with God when they began to suffer because of their disobedience? Psalm 79:1-9, Psalm 79:13.
6. Were their hearts really changed? Psalm 78:33-37.
7. How did God show His mercy in spite of their sin? Psalm 78:38-39.
8. Who did God choose to be their guide? Psalm 78:70-72.
9. What is the greatest gift of mercy that God has ever given to man? John 3:16-18.
10. What does He still require His people to do? II Corinthians 6:14-18.
Note: God has not changed. His requirements are the same today as they were for Israel. He is still showing mercy and pleading with mankind to forsake their sins and be saved. He expects this because we have a more sure word of prophecy. Jesus Christ will come in and guard our minds from sin if we will invite Him in (Revelation 3:20). But today is the day of salvation (II Corinthians 6:2). Tomorrow could be too late (Genesis 6:3 & Hebrews 4:7). 


Other Lessons* in this series:

Man's Sins Versus God's Mercy: Part 1 of 2
Man's Sins Versus God's Mercy: Part 2 of 2

*Lessons in a series may not necessarily be in the same category.