Biblical Passage
Psalm 104:1–4,24–35
Supporting Passages
Genesis 1:1–2:25, Psalm 19:1–6, Romans 1:19–20
Memory Verse
Psalm 104:33
Table Talk Question
How does our knowledge of God affect our worship of Him?
Biblical Truth
To the extent that we know God, we will worship Him.
Context
Worship has everything to do with living out our praise to the only God who deserves it. Worship comes about as a natural
response when we know who God is as Creator and Sustainer of life––eternally. Who hasn’t stood on a mountaintop, gazed
across the waves of the ocean, overlooked a vast canyon, or flown over the turquoise waters surrounding a chain of islands
and not wondered in awe about our Creator? Even those who do not know Him are forced to wonder at His existence. Who
else could have created such wonder? When we conclude in our hearts as well as our minds that it is God, all we can do is
bow down in worship of who He is.
Learning Goals
Learners will examine the natural response of worship when confronted with the One God.
Learners will describe how knowing God personally impacts the way they worship Him.
●
●
Prayer Suggestions
As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for your learners.
●
●
●
Pray that learners will know God and respond to Him in worship.
Pray that learners will become sensitive to what God is doing around them so that their response will always be one of
praise.
Pray that learners will become worshippers of God in how they live.
Investigation
This particular psalm has been referred to as “Genesis set to music” (Bruce, 627). Although it is not an extensive recounting
of Genesis 1 and 2, it does seem to flow with the Creation account, providing a poetic hymnody attributed to the Creator of
all the cosmos. Many biblical scholars compare this psalm to a hymn written by the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten in the 14th
century BC to the Egyptian sun god Aten (Bruce, 627). While there are many apparent parallels between the hymns, God is
described in the psalm as riding on the clouds as on a chariot, while the god Aten is depicted as wearing the clouds as a
garment. In contrast, God does not wear the clouds but rather clothes Himself in light, for that is who He is. Perhaps the
psalmist wrote this psalm in direct contrast to the Egyptian poem in order to display the great power of Yahweh as Creator
and Sovereign over all of creation—a power that surpasses that of any false gods of pagan nations. The psalmist spoke with
the understanding and expression of one who truly knows God. The outward expression of this knowledge led the psalmist to
offer worship as a natural response to all God is and all that He has done.
Importance
These verses teach the Essential Truth that God Is. Scripture states that God has revealed Himself through His creation
(Psalm 19:1–6, Romans 1:19–20) so that we have no excuse but to see Him, seek Him, and know Him. The glory of God is vast
and eternal, displayed throughout creation from the highest of the heavens to the depths of the sea, and is beyond what can
be seen by the naked eye. Through His glory, in this case His creation, God reveals that He is Creator, Sovereign, Provider,
and Sustainer of all that He has created. Through His visible creation, He reveals His very nature. This is His glory—the
revealing of Himself not by chance but by choice because He chooses to make Himself known to His people.
This passage of Scripture also teaches that People are God's Treasure.
Interpretation
Psalm 104:1 The psalmist began with a prologue in which he addresses himself and God. Caught up in his own rapture of
joy and praise, he first called out to his soul to do what comes naturally in response to knowing God—worship. Secondly, he
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) NavPress, 2012.
All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeChange curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is
permitted.
Page: 1
addressed God, acknowledging His greatness, splendor, and majesty. The psalmist merely recognized God for who He is
before laying out the evidence for such greatness, splendor, and majesty.
Psalm 104:2–4 In an almost direct parallel to Genesis 1:1–7, the psalmist pointed to God as the Author of Light. The psalmist
recorded that God then directed His attention toward the formation of the earth as He set up a tent, referred to as an
“expanse” or sky in Genesis 1:6. As such, the psalmist created the imagery of God’s power and authority over His creation of
the sky and everything above and below it by painting the picture of God riding on the clouds as though they were His own
chariot.
The wind also is under God’s authority (Mark 4:39), submitting to Him in the same way that angels respond to the authority
of Christ as His messengers, or “ministers of flame of fire” (Hebrews 1:7). The implication is that Jesus Christ is the active
agent of creation as the Creator––the One who has authority over all, including His messengers, or angels.
Psalm 104:24–26 In describing God’s work at creation, the psalmist left no room for chance. He noted that it was no
coincidence that the sea was full of all kinds of creatures both large and small. Ecological systems were created out of the
vast wisdom and intellect of a Being far superior to that of humankind. Nothing was created without purpose. The sea itself
provided a means of transportation for God’s creation of humanity while serving as a home for the “leviathan,” the enormous
sea creature or whale. Who could think of all of this, much less create it with a useful purpose? Even the sea creatures found
pleasure in God’s creation. The psalmist explained that God created these large creatures or whales to frolic in the sea.
Psalm 104:27–30 The psalmist noted that the whole of creation is dependent upon the life-giving sustenance of God. There
is nothing that creation (including humanity) needs that does not come as a provision from God. Therefore, God has power
and authority over rain or sunshine, food, clothing, and shelter. Creation is so dependent upon God that without His provision
life ceases to exist, thus demonstrating His power over life itself. God Himself is Spirit, and the Spirit of God is the very
breath that gives us life. If God turns His breath away from us, we no longer live.
Psalm 104:31–35 The psalmist ended his hymn in much the same way as he began. He returned to the praise of God the
Father, Creator, and Sustainer of all life and creation. Just as in Genesis 1:31, the psalmist prayed that God would take
delight in His creation, as He did in the beginning, and that all of life and creation would endure by God’s hand. Such power
could not be tested or provoked and the psalmist knew that there would be repercussions in nature, such as earthquakes and
volcanoes, over which man would have no control. God would demonstrate His control by causing all of creation to look to
Him for enduring life.
What could be the proper response to the knowledge of God and the understanding of His role as Creator, Sustainer,
Life-Giving Breath (Spirit), All-Powerful, All-Wise, All Knowing, the great I Am (Yahweh)? There is only one response, and the
psalmist closed his hymn with it: “Praise the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord!”
Implications
How has God acted in your life to cause you to come to know Him in a way that you had not before? What was your response
to Him? How would you convey this experience and your response to God to your learners? When we come to know God, we
often encounter Him in such a way that it immediately evokes a response of awe and humility, making us conscious of our sin.
The only thing that we can do is to obey God, which translates into worship. When we come to know God, His nature, His
character, and how He has acted and continues to act in this world and in our lives, the only thing that we can do is offer our
lives in obedience and praise.
This scripture passage has implications for all learners, both those at the beginning of their spiritual journey and those who
have spent many years journeying with God. Worship is the only response to knowing God. When we know God, we trust God.
When we trust God, we obey God. When we obey God, we worship God. As you prepare this lesson, consider how you can
help learners at any stage in their faith journey acknowledge the awesome presence of God in their lives.
Teaching Plan: Connect Activities
All activity sheets are at the end of this printable lesson
Fun: Natural Reaction
(5-8 minutes, moderate setup)
Provide items that will evoke a strong physical response. Items could include a funny cartoon, a picture of something
beautiful, tragic, or scary, something that smells really good or really bad, or a photo of a popular sports symbol.
State that you have collected some interesting items over the past week. Pass the collected items around. Encourage an
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) NavPress, 2012.
All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeChange curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is
permitted.
Page: 2
informal interaction and note learners’ reactions. Describe the reactions you observed. (For example, say something like, “I
noticed that Bill laughed really hard at the cartoon. I heard Sarah say, ‘Aw! That’s beautiful,’ when she saw the picture of the
mountain sunrise.”) Encourage learners to add other reactions they experienced that you might not have noticed. Emphasize
that the responses of learners were natural reactions. State that, in today’s lesson, learners will consider the natural
response one has when the beauty of God’s character is seen in creation.
Discussion: Acknowledging Worth
(5-8 minutes, easy setup)
Lead learners to define the word “worship.” After their responses, summarize that worship is an acknowledgment of worth in
the form of awe, praise, thanksgiving, adoration, or honor. Discuss: How does our culture describe worth? Stress that we
tend to describe worth with value-laden words such as beautiful, remarkable, amazing, breathtaking, spectacular, and
extraordinary. Discuss: What are some ways we acknowledge worth? Make sure responses include authentic, heartfelt
glowing descriptions like those already mentioned; with praise poems or music; or with a simple word of praise like, “Wow!”
Suggest that a worshipper’s authentic response to someone or something is proportional to his estimation of value of that
person or thing. Discuss: Describe a time when a person’s response revealed that he either undervalued or
overvalued something? Do you think truly authentic responses to great worth are typically preplanned or more
spontaneous? Conclude that, in today’s passage, learners will examine an authentic, accurate, and awe-filled response to
the worth of God.
Life and Times: Wonder and Exhilaration
(5-8 minutes, easy setup)
For more information on this story, go to Enduro Himalaya, available at http://www.globalenduro.com/endurohimalaya/. All
quotations are found on the Home page and the Challenge page on this site.
Note that many people in our culture seek out ultimate adventure because they want to be thrilled. Share the following: A
tour company that specializes in tours for motorcyclists advertises that if you ride with them through the
Himalayas your life will be changed or, at the very least, the way you see life will change. They propose that a visit
to the Himalayas is something that will amaze you beyond explanation. They hint at the immensity and might of
the Himalayas’ sapphire rivers and promise that you will be awe-inspired by the mountains’ “snow clad peaks.”
The tour company ascribes life-giving power to the Himalayas and promises motorcyclists that each new morning
they will feel “more alive” than ever. “This place” they say, “is so heavily charged with the earth’s power” that
bikers simply cannot be here and remain the same. If wonder, exhilaration, and excitement are what you are
looking for, the tour company promises that their Himalayan ultimate bikers’ adventure will satisfy your desire.
Offer the opportunity for several volunteers to share experiences in which they had similar reactions when visiting scenic
places around the world. Then, share that in today’s lesson learners will be confronted with the ultimate awe-inspiring
Creator of the Himalayas and the rest of the universe, and will have an opportunity to wonder at and be exhilarated by this
One whose ultimate power will truly change them forever.
Relational: Describe Something Great
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Provide a dry erase board and a marker.
Divide learners into groups of three. Write the following prompts on the board:
●
●
●
Describe a time when you experienced something great, beautiful, wonderful, or amazing.
Describe your response.
Recall whether your response was spontaneous or premeditated.
Encourage groups to use the prompts to guide their discussion of “something great.” After three or four minutes, call time
and encourage two or three learners to briefly share their experiences with the entire class. Then, share that the greatest,
most beautiful, wonderful and amazing person we can experience is God and that, in today’s lesson, learners will explore
ways to experience and know him and the appropriate response to him.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) NavPress, 2012.
All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeChange curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is
permitted.
Page: 3
Teaching Plan: Explore Activities
All activity sheets are at the end of this printable lesson
Interactive Core Study: The One We Worship
(15–20 minutes, easy setup)
Provide a copy of the Learner Worksheet and a pen for each learner. Also provide paper, a dry erase board, and markers.
Display the God Is Essential Truth poster or write the statement on the board.
Distribute copies of the Learner Worksheet and pens. Explain that because God Is Creator, His creation gives us ways to both
know Him and respond to Him. Invite learners to consider how the psalmist’s thoughts in today’s lesson flow between soulful
worship, observations of heaven and earth, and conclusions about what God is like.
1. Contemplation of God’s heavenly majesty stirs our inmost praise (Psalm 104:1-4).
Divide learners into small groups of three or four. Encourage groups to identify the vivid imagery used in describing God’s
clothes, dwelling, transportation, and angelic servants in verses 2-4. After two minutes, regroup. Read verse 1. Then, prompt
learners to consider God’s authority, control, and power over creation; His presence in creation; His separateness from
creation (such as: The sun is not God; it only clothes Him.); and His relational character as evidenced by His choice to reveal
Himself to us through His creation as they discuss the following:
●
●
●
How do you think the word pictures in verses 2-4 support the idea that God is great? Splendid? Majestic?
Why do you think the psalmist chose to use images of the heavens rather than images of the earth to describe
these attributes?
What other things can you conclude about God from the psalmist’s descriptions in vv. 2-4?
Draw attention back to verse 1 and ask: Why do you think the directive to self, “Praise the LORD, my soul,” is placed
at the beginning of this poetic song? After responses, point to the displayed Essential Truth statement God Is. Conclude
that because the psalmist already knew that God Is the great, splendid and majestic Creator, he summoned his innermost
being, his soul, to join his mind in praising his personal God. Encourage learners to write majesty in the blank to complete
the first statement on their worksheet.
2. Contemplation of God’s creative wisdom and earthly providence stirs our inmost praise (Psalm 104:24-30).
Invite a volunteer to read verses 24-26. Point out the exclamatory statement in verse 24. Ask: What was the psalmist
marveling at? (God’s diverse works) Which of God’s attributes did the psalmist see in the multitude of God’s works?
(God’s wisdom) Note that the psalmist acknowledged God’s creation of the sea in verse 25. Lead learners to discuss:
●
●
How do you think these specific oceanic word pictures demonstrate God’s wisdom?
Since we know more about the diversity and intricacies of creation today than the psalmist did, should our
wonder and praise of God’s wisdom be greater than the psalmist’s? Why or why not?
Confirm that all of creation speaks to us of God’s wisdom and that the more we know God, the more we will respond in
worship to Him.
Invite a second volunteer to read verses 27-30. Point out that these verses acknowledge God’s providence––God’s acts of
governing and sustaining His creation. Ask: What descriptions in verses 27-30 illustrate God’s providence? After
responses, summarize that God sustains His creatures by feeding them, communing with them, giving them breath, and
renewing them. Discuss: How does knowing God as the Wise Sustainer affect human praise? Suggest learners
complete the second statement on their worksheets with the words wisdom and providence.
3. Contemplation of God’s unlimited power stirs our inmost joyful praise (Psalm 104:31-35).
Read verses 31-32. Ask: What did the psalmist desire? Point out that the psalmist’s desire for God’s joy and enduring glory
was connected to his thoughts about God’s unlimited power. Discuss: Why do you think the psalmist connected the
concepts of joy, glory, and power? (God’s power is part of His glory and God rejoices in the display of His glory.)
Emphasize that all aspects of God’s glory are ultimately displayed in Christ, the exact representation of God, with whom God
is well pleased.
Call on a volunteer to read verses 33-35. Ask: How would you describe the psalmist’s praise? (Joyful) Emphasize that
joyful praise is the natural response to glory and that seeing God’s glory results in the greatest possible joyful praise since
there is no one more majestic, wise, beneficent, or powerful than God. Suggest that the phrase, “But may sinners vanish from
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) NavPress, 2012.
All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeChange curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is
permitted.
Page: 4
the earth and the wicked be no more,” seems out of place in the midst of rejoicing. Ask: Why do you think the psalmist
included this sentence in the midst of joyous praise? State that one way of ridding the earth of the wicked is to point
people to God’s power revealed both in creation and in Christ’s death and resurrection so that sinners may come to know and
worship God. Encourage learners to write power in the last worksheet blank.
Master Teacher Core Study: The One We Worship
(15–20 minutes, easy setup)
Print one copy of the Master Teacher Outline for your use. Provide a copy of the Learner Worksheet and a pen for each
learner. Display the God Is Essential Truth poster or write the statement on the board.
Pass out pens and copies of the Learner Worksheet. Use the Master Teacher Outline to teach Psalm 104:1-4, 24-35. Then
lead learners to discuss the following questions:
●
●
●
How would you describe God’s greatness, splendor, and majesty?
How have your observations of nature affected your knowledge and worship of God?
What is your response when wicked thoughts or sinful actions interrupt your worship of God?
Context Study: Pagan Hymns
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Share that scholars have noted parallels between Psalm 104 and hymns of Israel’s neighbors (Egypt, Mesopotamia, Canaan,
and Phoenicia) and wondered what influence the literature of these nations may have had on the composition of Psalm 104.
State that some think this psalm may have been written as an argument for the one true God and as a rebuttal to the
theology of these pagan poetic hymns [David Barker, pp. 59-61].
Provide the following points for support of this argument:
●
●
●
Similar observations of nature were found in the hymns of Israel and her neighboring countries, but the object
of worship was different.
Aspects of nature were viewed as gods in the pagan hymns while, in Hebrew literature, God is the One Creator
who controls and sustains nature.
The psalmist’s allusions to these pagan hymns highlight the vast difference between worshipping God and
worshipping nature.
[Information was adapted from David Barker, Grace Theological Journal 7.1, “The Waters of the Earth: An Exegetical Study
of Psalm 104:1-9,” pp. 59-61.]
Discuss: Is it a good idea today for Christians to use literature or other art forms used in worship to counter the
erroneous philosophies and false religions of our culture? Why or why not?
Closer Look: God Rejoices
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Read Psalm 104:31. Note that the psalmist connected God’s rejoicing in His works to His enduring glory (specifically His
wisdom and power) revealed through His works.
Share the following theological support for this statement:
●
●
God did not create in order to satisfy a ‘happiness’ or a ‘glory’ need in Himself, since, in the fellowship of the
Trinity, God eternally experiences perfect joy, love, and satisfaction.
God intends for His creation to reveal His excellence and He rejoices when His creation praises Him.
[Information was adapted from Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, pp. 440, 1006]
Discuss: Have you ever created something that brought you joy? In what way was the joy you experienced in your
creation related to self-expression? Conclude that the joy we feel in creative self-expression is only a tiny taste of the joy
God feels in his own self-expressive works.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) NavPress, 2012.
All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeChange curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is
permitted.
Page: 5
Comparative Study: Companion Hymn
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Provide a dry erase board and a marker.
Explain that, because of its common structure and sequential placement, some scholars view Psalm 103 as a companion
hymn to Psalm 104 [David Barker, p. 59]. Divide learners into groups of 3 or 4. Write the following questions on the board.
Lead groups to refer to Psalm 103 and 104 to answer the questions (answers are provided in italics below).
1. What do you notice about the beginning and ending of each psalm? (Both psalms begin and end with praise.)
2. Which parts of creation are emphasized in each psalm? (God’s interaction with man is emphasized in Psalm 103
while Psalm 104 emphasizes God’s interaction with nature.)
3. Which of God’s attributes are highlighted in each psalm? (God’s love, mercy, justice, and righteousness are the
focus of Psalm 103 compared to a focus on His majesty, wisdom, provision, and power in Psalm 104.)
Discuss: How do both psalms together provide a more complete picture of God?
Teaching Plan: Transform Activities
All activity sheets are at the end of this printable lesson
Discoverers: A View of the World
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Say: People view and interpret the world around them through different sets of beliefs, or worldviews. Provide the
statements below as examples of different worldviews:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The universe came to be as it is through a long and complex but mindless process.
Whatever happens in this universe just happens by chance.
The natural world is intricately diverse. Each part should be valued for its own beauty and function.
The natural world is wonder-filled with things God made and sustains to show his glory.
Lead learners to identify how each worldview would affect one’s worship of God. Then, lead learners to discuss: Which
worldview do you most identify with? How does your worldview affect the way you worship? Challenge learners to
observe God’s creation this week with the understanding that God is the majestic, wise, powerful, and sustaining Creator
who reveals Himself through His creation. Invite them to notice the joy they feel as they worship God and rejoice that
worship is what they were made for.
Owners: Contending with Non-Worshippers
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Read the following statements:
●
●
●
A cosmologist argues that there is good reason to believe science will completely explain the universe in a way
that eliminates the need for God.
A headline reads, “Biology, Astronomy, and Physics Rule Out Existence of God”.
A prominent atheist says that science makes God unnecessary.
Discuss: How might these statements of unbelief affect your worship of God? Why? Remind learners that the
psalmist’s worship was affected by non-worshippers. Read Psalm 104:35. Explain that the first part of this verse is an
example of an imprecation, or a request that invokes God’s just judgment on God’s enemies. Ask: Do imprecations in the
Psalms and elsewhere in Scripture seem to conflict with Jesus’ teaching to love even enemies? Why?
Explain that the motivation behind imprecations was not to seek personal vindication, but instead represented a desire for
public divine and righteous judgment upon those who trample upon God’s reputation [Binnie, p. 132]. Explain further, if
needed, that one way of trampling on God’s glory is to trample upon God’s Anointed One (for example, David as a type, a
foreshadowing of Christ in the Psalms) [Binnie, p. 132]. Discuss: For those who know God, why is unhindered universal
worship the only acceptable response to God’s display of glory in creation and ultimately in Christ? Challenge
learners to begin praying that God’s name will be hallowed throughout the earth.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) NavPress, 2012.
All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeChange curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is
permitted.
Page: 6
Servants: Stare and Wonder
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
Acknowledge that sometimes we get so caught up with service to others that we don’t take time to notice the beauty around
us. Discuss: What is the relationship between observing creation, seeing God, knowing God, worshipping God, and
the joyful service of bringing others into worship of God? Confirm that each leads to the other. Ask: How can your
service become joyless? Suggest that if it is, learners could recharge their joy by taking time to get to know God again with
activities such as:
●
●
●
●
Staring at the sky and remembering you are whirling in space, inside God’s indescribable creation.
Thinking of today as a page in God’s story complete with unique creatures made for His glory.
Looking at a person with wonder as an eternal soul created by God for His purpose.
Sitting outside, finding something amazing, and marveling at the mind of the Maker.
Discuss: What other “stare and wonder” activities might help you know and worship God better?
Invite learners to consider intentionally participating in any of these activities during the coming week.
Shepherds: Leading Worship
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Suggest that when we see something beautiful we naturally want to acknowledge it and delight in inviting others to join us in
praise (such as: That’s beautiful, isn’t it?). Ask: What is your authentic response when you remember or recognize
something of God’s beauty? Confirm that when we are moved by God’s beautiful character we spontaneously and joyfully
praise Him and naturally want to lead others to know and worship Him too.
Divide learners into small groups of three or four to discuss how they might lead others into worship of God through each of
the situations below:
●
●
●
●
You
You
You
You
take a walk in a spring garden with a child.
spend a holiday by the sea with friends.
take an autumn mountain drive with your spouse.
sit by a magnificent waterfall with strangers.
Encourage learners not to hold back the spontaneous praise they feel as they walk and sit with others in God’s world, but to
enthusiastically invite others into worship of the great, splendid, and majestic Creator.
Prayer Option: Praise the LORD
(3–5 minutes, moderate setup)
Provide copies of various translations of Psalm 104:1,31-35. Note: Online translations can be accessed and printed from
www.biblegateway.com by choosing the “Passage Lookup” option.
Explain that the psalmist not only called out from his innermost being in praise to God, he invited all God’s people to join him
in his praise. Divide learners into small groups. Distribute different translations of Psalm 104:1,31-35 so that each group
member has a different translation. Lead groups to close in prayer by praying aloud their translated verses. Encourage
learners to continue to praise God by praying the psalms.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) NavPress, 2012.
All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeChange curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is
permitted.
Page: 7
Mathetes: The Making of a Disciple
[ma•thetes] noun: pupil, student, learner, disciple
Lesson 1: The One We Worship
Biblical Passage: Psalm 104:1-4,24-35
Memory Verse: Psalm 104:33
I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Table Talk Question: How does our knowledge of God affect our worship of Him?
The One We Worship..........................................................................................
1. Contemplation of God’s heavenly ____________________ stirs our inmost praise (Psalm 104:1-4).
2. Contemplation of God’s creative ___________________ and earthly ______________________ stirs our
inmost praise (Psalm 104:24-30).
3. Contemplation of God’s unlimited ___________ stirs our joyous inmost praise (Psalm 104:31-35).
SMALL-GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS..........................................................
• How would you describe God’s greatness, splendor, and majesty?
• How have your observations of nature affected your knowledge and worship of God?
• What is your response when wicked thoughts or sinful actions interrupt your worship of God?
FREE THOUGHT......................................................................................................
“The Christian life is founded on Doctrine. . . . But the knowledge and belief of the truth are not to be
looked upon as the final attainment. The heart must be fired . . . The affections must be so thoroughly
brought under the power of the truth, so entirely captivated by the knowledge of God and of Christ, that the
soul shall soar through the region of doctrine into the region of praise.”––William Binnie, 1870.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984
by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Copyright © NavPress, 2013. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBible Study curriculum by a licensed church
during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.
LBS: Mathetes
Lesson 1, Master Teacher Outline
The One We Worship
(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)
Use this outline and the Biblical Commentary to prepare to share the truths of this passage with learners.
Encourage learners to take notes on their copies of the Learner Worksheet as you teach. The underlined
words in the Master Teacher Outline correspond to the blanks on the worksheet.
Introduction: Why study creation? “To learn about, speak about, and release praise to God!” the
psalmist would say. From his contemplation of the earth and its inhabitants, the psalmist learned about
God’s infinite wisdom, loving care, and unlimited power. To say something about God, the psalmist
looked to the grandeur of the heavens to provide him with majestic metaphors. Today, the psalmist invites
you to join him as he bows under and exalts over the utter goodness and greatness of our God.
1. Contemplation of God’s heavenly majesty stirs our inmost praise (Psalm 104:1-4).
• The psalmist called upon his soul to praise God and reflected on God’s greatness (v. 1).
• Because God Is majestic, the psalmist used heavenly imagery describing Him as having clothes,
a dwelling place, a mode of transportation, and angelic servants, as befitting a king. (vv. 2-4).
Illustration: Puritan theologian Matthew Henry said, “The grandeur of the prince is the pride and
pleasure of all his good subjects.” [Henry; available on-line] In other words, when a prince’s subjects
recognize and highly value his stunning princely attributes, they take pleasure in knowing he is their
prince––his grandeur becomes their pleasure and their pleasure in him is evident in their spontaneous
praise of him.
2. Contemplation of God’s creative wisdom and earthly providence stirs our inmost praise
(Psalm 104:24-30).
• The psalmist reflected on the magnitude and diversity of God’s creation and marveled at it (vv.
24-26).
• The psalmist reflected on God’s care of his creatures and saw God’s sustaining hand (vv. 27-30).
Illustration: In his notes on Psalm 104, Charles H. Spurgeon, referencing English churchman William
Barrow, wrote that even men like Aristotle, Pliny, and Galen broke forth in thankful praise upon their study
of creation. He asked, should not our hearts, like theirs, “be affected with thankful sense, and our lips
break forth in praise” upon contemplation of “the glorious splendour and uniform motion of the heavens;
the pleasant fertility of the earth; the curious figure and fragrant sweetness of plants; the exquisite frame
of animals; and all other amazing miracles of nature?” [Spurgeon; available on-line]
3. Contemplation of God’s unlimited power stirs our joyous inmost praise (Psalm 104:31-35).
• The psalmist reflected on God’s power and desired God’s glory and joy to continue (vv. 31-32).
• The psalmist vowed to sing joyful and lifelong praise to God that would please Him (vv. 33-34).
• The psalmist desired that the earth would be freed of anyone who does not praise God (v. 35).
Illustration: Scottish preacher William Binnie wrote of walking on a “beach of surpassing beauty” one day
when Psalm 104 spontaneously came to mind. Scene after scene unfolded before his eyes when he was
interrupted by seemingly intoxicated persons engaged in a brawl. Binnie concluded that a prayer for the
removal of the wicked was in perfect harmony with a desire for the earth to be filled with a joyful song of
praise to the Lord [Binnie, p. 287].
Conclusion: The psalmist has shown us that creation can teach us about God and can call us to
contemplate His greatness. God has given us, who are dwellers in God’s vastly beautiful and complex
creation, an example of how to use our study of creation to discover what God is like. When we do, like
the psalmist, we will surely find ourselves overflowing with praise from the core of our being.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION(r). NIV(r). Copyright (c) 1973,
1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Copyright (c) NavPress, 2013. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of LifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed
church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.