CONTINUAL PROCLAMATION
INVITATION
Prepare your heart and pause before you teach this lesson It seems it was just the other day I was 16, getting a car; then 22, getting married. At 26, I had my first child. I turned 30 and thought I was ancient. Then 40, and now—in the blink of an eye, and after my parents have passed—I am the old one at 68. My greatest desire is to pass on a love for Jesus to our family. Both our kids are Christ-followers. My prayer now is for our three grandchildren, for each to trust Jesus, love Him, and seek His will for their lives.
I want to pass my hope in Jesus on to others too. I wrote a memoir about raising our adopted, disabled daughter. It makes me so happy that those words will be here long after I’m gone. I see it as part of my legacy—to share my story of experiencing the goodness of God amid suffering and pain.
From childhood through old age, God has been an anchor for my life. It’s my prayer that those following me will say the same. Psalm 71:17-18 from today’s Scripture passage says, “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”
Indeed, we find our hope only in Him. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3).
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Find alternative lesson introduction, Spotify playlists, and links to more teaching resources
Check out “The Blessing” on this quarter’s Contemporary Worship Weekly playlist. Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes put the words of Numbers 6:24–26 to song—an encouragement to all generations of God’s followers. On Traditional Worship Weekly, listen to “God of Generations” from Jonathan and Emily Martin.
LESSON FOCUS:
Proclaim God’s love and hope to the next generations.
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Psalm 71:12–21
1 Start the Conversation
Discuss how all generations need to hear the gospel.
2 Study Today’s Scripture Study the hopeful message in Psalm 71.
3 Apply the Message
Explore how to share Jesus with other generations.
Suggested Materials:
Ɏ Adult Resources: Reproducible Handout—“My Psalm”
4 Live It Out
Tell other generations about Christ.
For more commentary, see p. 951 in Wiersbe Bible Commentary: Old Testament.
A Look Ahead A Look Back
This quarter we began by looking at expressions of hope from New Testaments texts. But last week, we started to look at the theme of hope in the Old Testament, and we read about the prophet Jeremiah, who clung to hope in the Lord while adversity was all around him. Today we talking about expressing hope and communicating it to the people around us, especially our families.
1 Start the Conversation
Remember that this world will pass away but God's kingdom is forever.
student book
LESSON 07 page 47
CONTINUAL PROCLAMATION
They come from different backgrounds, but they ended up in the same church. Their ages are across the spectrum, but they meet in the same Bible study group every month. Their mission is the same: To pass the Gospel on not only to their own generation but to subsequent generations as well.
The pastor’s wife, who leads the church’s small group ministry, noticed their interest in ministry from conversations with them. She and her husband overlooked the differences among them and pulled them together as a group called “AIM,” an acronym for “Advancing in Ministry.”
Josh showed up at church on his own one Sunday and has been active ever since. Single and a recent graduate with a computer science degree, he works with the church’s web stream and other online ministries.
Jacob, a biologist, and Sarah, a nurse, are a married couple with a little girl who still find time to host and lead small groups for young families. Mario, a military leadership trainer, and Laura, a teacher, are another married couple who teach a youth Sunday school class as well as participate in other outreach ministries of the church. Pam is a retired chaplain who counsels people of all ages and helps plug new members into ministries according to their spiritual gifts. Six others with the same goals are involved in ministry and the group. They not only want to minister to others, but also to train others who will in turn minister to others as well.
Discussion Questions and Answers
Why does God want us to teach other generations about the good news that is in Christ Jesus?
Knowledge of our blessings makes us want to teach children about Jesus. It is a ministry to which God has called us, and telling young people about the Lord strengthens our own faith.
In what ways does your church fulfill this calling from God?
A church might hire leaders to guide a vibrant youth group, recruit faithful Sunday school teachers, and offer opportunities to participate in short-term ministries (repairing homes during the summer, forming a youth choir to visit nursing homes or prisons).
Where could you participate in teaching or outreach ministries?
It could be as simple as raising our own children in the ways of God. Or we might serve as a teacher of youth in a vital operation of the church. God always provides opportunities to be a faithful disciple.
2 Study Today's Scripture
Discuss the hopeful message in Psalm 71.
Lesson Context
Psalm 71 was written by someone who had clearly faced challenging times. There is no indication in the text of who wrote this psalm. Some speculate that it was written after Judah’s return from exile. Others, because of its position between a psalm of David (Ps. 70) and a psalm for David’s son Solomon (Ps. 72), believe that David wrote this psalm. Though the psalmist experienced many bitter hardships, even persecutions, he never gave up hope in the Lord. He knew that he could call and be heard. Furthermore, he knew that, even in death, his hope was in his loving Lord. The psalmist understood the importance of proclaiming God’s love and hope to the next generation.
Points to Emphasize
Read Psalm 71:12–18, and note the following:
• The author of Psalm 71 was desperate for God’s help.
• He expressed an intense desire for the Lord to be near to quickly rescue him.
• He asks the Lord to degrade and consume his enemies.
• Meanwhile, he will always have hope in God, whom he will praise ever increasingly.
Teacher Commentary
Adversaries/False Accusers
When those who are adversaries of God and His people falsely accuse, they are acting very much like their father, the devil. Jesus said that the devil “is a liar, and the father of lies” (John 8:44). For example, the devil falsely accused Job when he said, “Stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face” (Job 1:11). Of course, Job proved the devil to be the false accuser that he is by remaining true to the Lord, despite the horrific hardships he endured.
And the devil and his followers continue to accuse God’s people falsely. However, we can take great hope knowing that there will come a time when all heaven will rejoice, “for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. . . . Therefore, rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them” (Rev. 12:10, 12 KJV). In the meantime, like the psalmist, we can call on the Lord for help, placing our full hope and trust in Him to see us through even the darkest times. And even more importantly, we can guide our children and their children to do the same.
12 O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
13 Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
18 Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
student book commentary
Continual Hope
Sometimes hardships come in trickles, other times in waves. Such was the case of the psalmist here, who was in the “golden years” of life and apparently feeling it (see v. 9). Whether afflictions that come with aging or some other trial, if we are not careful, we can feel as if God is far from us.
However, nothing could be further from the truth. As the psalmist made clear, help from our loving and gracious God is only a prayer away. Always, our heart’s desire will be for Him to come to us “quickly” (v. 12). But this is a matter of perspective, for though our circumstance may lead us to believe that the Lord is far away, the reality is that He is always with us.
There is no greater reason to rejoice than knowing that our God is with us. And we are assured of His presence through consistent prayer and time with Him, which in turn produces thankfulness in our hearts, no matter the circumstances. This can be hard at times, especially when facing false “accusers” (v. 13), which was part of the psalmist’s plight.
12 Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me.
13 May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.
14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.
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False accusations can be painful in at least two ways. First, if believed, lies can tarnish the opinions others may have of us. Second, these false accusations can negatively impact the view others may have of our God. So the psalmist prayed that his accusers would be brought to “scorn and disgrace” (v. 13) instead. When that happens, others will see them for who they are and will not believe their lies.
Because we know that the Lord is always with us and will take up our cause against those who falsely accuse us, we also know that He is our only hope in this life and in the life to come. Unlike our false accusers, it is impossible for God to lie (Heb. 6:18). Therefore, we who put our trust in the Lord “have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Heb. 6:19). And because our hope is sure in the Lord, out of gratitude and love, our praise can pour out of abundant hearts. Additionally, we can lead the younger generation in doing the same. Considering the hope we have in the Lord, it is so important to help the next generation understand the hope and love that is also theirs if they come to Him in faith.
Discussion Questions and Answers
Why did the psalmist want the Lord to come to him quickly?
The psalmist’s situation and frame of mind was such that he asked the Lord not to be far from him. So he asked the Lord to come to him quickly to help in his affliction, which was tied to attacks from false accusers.
What did the psalmist desire for his adversaries and false accusers?
False accusations can hurt the reputation of innocent people. Worse yet, they can bring reproach upon the good name of God. So the psalmist wanted his adversaries to have that reproach and disgrace on their own heads, thereby negating their false accusations.
Knowing that the Lord will help, what can we always have?
Because our Lord will help us in time of need, we can always put our trust and hope in Him. And a trusting, hopeful heart will pour out praise and thanksgiving that is worthy of Him. Our mouths should proclaim all the glorious deeds and acts of salvation accomplished by our mighty Lord. No matter what comes into our lives, good or bad, God will use it for our good and His glory.
This painting by Aleksander Grodzicki of a Jewish man praying reminds us of the psalmist praying, “Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace. As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more” (Ps. 71:12–14).
National Museum of Warsaw/Public Domain
Psalm 71: 19–21
Points to Emphasize
Read Psalm 71:19–21, and note the following:
• The Lord had been teaching the psalmist since his youth, and the psalmist remained faithful in proclaiming the marvelous deeds of his divine tutor.
• The writer continued his praise of God by noting God’s actions (what God had done to protect and provide) and God’s character (who God is).
• The psalmist acknowledged that the Lord had allowed numerous bitter hardships to assail him throughout his life.
• Nevertheless, he stated with confidence that God would rescue him from the depths of the earth.
• With utter certainty, the psalmist declared that the Lord would enhance his honor and extend to him His consolation.
Teacher Commentary
What is a Psalm?
Psalms are sacred songs or poems people sing during the worship of the Lord. The word is derived from the Greek word psalmoi, meaning “instrumental music,” and specifically for the psalms as we know them in the Bible, they are “the words accompanying music.”
The Hebrew psalms are mostly found in the Book of Psalms, of which there are 150, and all are considered sacred in Christianity and Judaism. According to the traditions of both religions, King David is the author of many of them, which praise the Lord God with many different allusions from joy to grief to contrition.
Hope of the Resurrection
Like the psalmist, we have assurance that one day we, too, will be raised from the dead. Along with the passage in 1 Thessalonians 4, the great hope of the resurrection from the dead is also proclaimed in 1 Corinthians 15. As Paul stated, the trumpet will sound, and in the twinkling of an eye, the dead will be raised. Those who remain will be changed, and death will be swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15:51–54). With that glorious hope in our hearts, we, too, can proclaim victory over death, even now, and know that our service to the Lord is not in vain (vv. 55-58). And there is no greater service than proclaiming God’s love and hope to those who come after us.
19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
20 Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
student book commentary
Comforting Hope
The key to having the full assurance of our great hope in the Lord is to recall regularly the wondrous works He has already accomplished in our lives. God’s past goodness to us can encourage and see us through the dark times of life. And when we get on the other side of a trial or ordeal, we can look back at it and see how the gracious, guiding hand of the Lord led us through it, as well. Such was the case of the psalmist, who was ready to proclaim “all day long” (v. 15) what the Lord had done for Him. We, too, can boldly declare to others the mighty acts of God in our lives. Not only can we declare His deeds boldly, but we should also declare them often.
The psalmist’s challenge was that he did not know how he could name all the righteous and saving acts of God because he could not count them all. However, whether young or well-seasoned, healthy or ailing, in good times or bad, we have every reason to rejoice and praise the Lord. And may our rejoicing be in such a manner that it also instructs and encourages “the next generation” (v. 18) to come. Future generations need to see the “power” of the Lord, for the more they do, the more apt they are to respond in faith and continue the cycle of passing on God’s truth to the generations after them.
Psalm 71:19–21
19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God?
20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.
21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.
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Sometimes we may think that when we become “old and gray,” God forgets us or we have nothing to pass along to those coming behind. We should pray as the psalmist did, “Do not forsake me, my God.” When we do, He hears us and reminds us that He is still with us at all times. Our lesson’s passage closes with the reminder that there is no limit to the righteousness of God. And no matter how bad the troubles of life may be, we can know that our He is with us. Though our troubles may be “many and bitter” (v. 20), we can know that God will strengthen us in this life. And when the time comes that our bodies are placed in the “depths of the earth,” our hope is still in the Lord, who is like no other and has always “done great things” (v. 19).
Truly, our hope and comfort is in the Lord, and there is no greater comfort, especially for the aged, than knowing that God’s love and hope have been proclaimed and received by those who will carry on for Christ after we are gone. God will “honor” those who honor Him. Exactly what the psalmist meant when he said the Lord will “restore my life again” is not clear, but a good life lived for the Lord lasts as it affects the generations who come after us.
Discussion Questions and Answers
How far does the righteousness of God reach?
There is no limit to the righteousness of God. It reaches high, to the very heavens above. He is our glorious, holy God, and there is no one like Him.
What did the psalmist see and experience at the hand of God?
God’s love and mercy are without end, and His righteousness is boundless. Therefore, out of love and righteousness, He brings refining trials into the lives of His people. And the psalmist saw and experienced many bitter troubles.
What promise of restoration and increase did the psalmist hope for?
After experiencing the refining trials, the psalmist’s great hope was that the Lord would restore his very life and increase his honor and comfort.
One Bible, One Story
No Retirement in God's Economy
The Holy Spirit endows every believer with a gift or supernatural ability to serve God and others (1 Cor. 12:1–11). Furthermore, He does not rescind that gift when a person reaches a certain age. There is no retirement in God’s economy. Granted, as a person ages, there may arise certain physical restrictions. Face it, at 80 we cannot do what we did at 18. Nevertheless, though more limited in some ways, the aged among God’s people still have much to offer.
As Paul pointed out to Titus, older men should be good examples of sobriety, gravity, temperance, faith, love, and patience. And older women can help younger women in what it takes to help maintain a godly marriage and family (Titus 2:1–5). In other words, senior saints guide and mentor, and they raise godly children to love the Lord and others. This is why “gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness” (Prov. 16:31). From one generation to the next, the “way of righteousness” must be proclaimed, and no one is better prepared to do this than those who have been proclaiming His ways for decades.
3 Apply the Message
Explore how to share Jesus with other generations.
Invite a volunteer to read “Share Your Faith,” and then discuss these questions together.
Discussion Questions and Answers
What could you do to tell other generations about Jesus?
There are numerous was to share about Jesus, but we might begin by lifting up names to God in prayer. Someone might mentor in a weekly Bible study or bring others to a Sunday worship service.
What difficulties arise when you share the Gospel with young people? How does the Lord help you overcome those difficulties?
We need to exhibit Christlike patience, and we might need to overcome meekness by gaining confidence and trust in the Lord.
Do youth who love the Lord inspire you with your own faith in Jesus? Explain your answer.
This question invites us to relate the joy we feel when we observe the devotion that young people have for the Lord, the gratitude we have toward God for the way young people are serving Christ, and the peace that warms our hearts by being assured of their eternal salvation in Jesus.
Adult Resources Handout
My Psalm
Use your creative skills to compose a worship psalm to address your hardships, reflect upon your walk with Christ, and express gratitude as a child of God. The primary theme of your psalm is to relate how important it is to tell future generations about Jesus.
Share Your Faith
“Even youths grow tired and weary,” said Isaiah, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isa. 40:30–31).
We who love the Lord can and should nurture that “hope in the Lord” in our young people. To see them “soar on wings like eagles” and “run and not grow weary” and “walk and not be faint” should inspire each of us to tell them about Jesus’ love and compassion for them and how He atoned for their sins and redeemed them for God’s heavenly kingdom.
When Paul and Barnabas went on their first missionary journey together, others accompanied them, including Barnabas’s young cousin, John Mark. For whatever reason, Paul did not want Mark to join them on their next mission, which caused such a sharp dispute between Paul and Barnabas that the two men split from each other (see Acts 15:36–41). Many years later, Paul and Mark must have reconciled, for while he was in prison, he told Timothy to “get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).
Thankfully, the senior Paul did not give up on his younger colleague in their ministry for Jesus. John Mark went on to serve the Lord in many significant ways, likely including the writing of the second Gospel. Paul’s patience, forgiveness, and self-reflection regarding Mark probably helped him in being a mentor to Timothy. Jesus Himself viewed younger people with deep affection when He said to His followers, “‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’” (Mark 10:14).
Enlightening Future Generations
In Psalm 71, the psalmist seeks the aid of God both for himself against his enemies and for future generations to whom he vows to proclaim the marvelous awesomeness of the Lord. It is a declaration of hope that can be realized only in the Lord God, and it’s a message He calls us to teach to future generations about the hope we have in Christ.
Write below the names of younger people with whom you could share the gospel this coming week. Be ready to share with the class what happens when you present your faith, if God gives you an opportunity.
Key Text
But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
—Psalm 71:14 KJV
As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
—Psalm 71:14 NIV page 52
4 Live It Out
Tell other generations about Christ.
Current believers’ faith does not determine future believers’ faith. God can impact people’s hearts in any number of ways. Nevertheless, we are important vessels of the Lord, and when He calls us to act and speak for Him, we must obey with joy in our hearts and the utmost commitment.
As you conclude this lesson, invite a volunteer to read “Enlightening Future Generations.” Ask students to write down one or two names as a prayer that God would grant opportunities to share the good news of Jesus.
As you close, invite the class to share any personal prayer requests that they might have. You could close in a prayer like this:
Lord, thank You for bringing faithful people into our lives, people who have encouraged us in our walk with You. Now, make us a blessing to any others that need to hear the good news. Give us a humble kindness that leads us to share of Your love and compassion. Amen.
The Quiet Hour Daily Bible Readings
Week of July 15 through July 20
Mon. 2 Timothy 3:10–17—Equipped for Every Good Work.
Tue. Matthew 4:1–11—Resist Temptation.
Wed. Proverbs 30:1–9—Every Word of God Proves True. Thu. Colossians 3:12–17—Let Christ’s Word Abound in You.
Fri. James 1:19–27—Doers of the Word.
Sat. Psalm 119:57–72—Lord, Teach Me Your Statutes.
Next Week: Psalm 119:73–80
As you read about the psalmist's response to God's law, come prepared to discuss the various things that bring us joy.
As students are leaving, hand out copies of this week’s Power for Living.