NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passage: Psalm 19:1-14
Discussion Questions: What does nature reveal to us about God our Creator? How does the rising and setting of the sun point to God’s character? What role does faith play in seeing God’s handiwork in creation? Does what one sees in creation more likely affirm one’s already held belief in God, or cause one to begin to believe in God? Explain.
Food for thought:
On Monday Aug. 21, North America will experience a solar eclipse with the moon passing between the earth and the sun. Fourteen states will witness the full eclipse. The total eclipse will last only a couple of minutes at the most in any specific area, and experts can already predict the specific duration and timing of each. People in other parts of the world are already reserving hotel rooms within viewing range of the full eclipse. Special glasses are on sale to protect viewers’ eyes. Natural phenomena fascinate us, adding to our wonder of creation.
The psalmist declared that the heavens declare the glory of God, with the rising and setting of the sun being one way we see that glory (Psalm 19:1-6). The psalmist emphasized that the sun and stars are unable to speak, yet that does not stop them from declaring the glory of God through their daily routines. The sun is a welcomed sight, bringing joy just like the first appearance of the groom and bride at a wedding, or the entrance of athletes at a sporting event. The presence of the sun reminded the psalmist that God chose to reveal His character through the items He created.
The eclipse will come and go, with some people missing the declaration of God in the process. They will miss the timing required to make that happen, the order of a design that makes the eclipse possible, and the wonder of God’s creation. Some will worship the occurrence and those who predicted it, focusing on the created as opposed to the Creator. No words will be spoken, but make no mistake about Who is to be honored through His creation. His works declare His character and His power, especially when one tries to hide the other!
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
