Psalm 90
Our Eternity in Christ
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Intro
This Bible study on Psalm 90:1-17, a prayer of Moses, the man of God, seeks to provide understanding of the passage in the context of the New Covenant. This Psalm illustrates the fleeting nature of human life in comparison to God’s eternal nature, and calls for wisdom to number our days rightly. We'll see how this Old Testament text beautifully connects to our life in Christ.
Section 1: The Eternal God (Verses 1-6)
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, ‘Return, O children of man!’ For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers."
Harmony (with proofs): The theme of God as the eternal refuge connects with Jesus's promise in John 14:2-3, where He assures that He is preparing a place for us, underlining that our ultimate dwelling place is in God.
Talking Points:
God as our eternal dwelling place and refuge.
The transitory nature of human life contrasted with God's eternity.
God's view of time as vastly different from ours.
Questions:
How does understanding God as our eternal dwelling place change our view of our temporal struggles?
How can we apply the understanding of the fleeting nature of life to our daily decisions?
How does God's perspective of time inform our understanding of patience and waiting on His promises?
Section 2: Sin and Suffering (Verses 7-12)
"For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Harmony (with proofs): The acknowledgement of sin in these verses resonates with Romans 6:23, highlighting the wages of sin as death, but also the gift of God, eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Talking Points:
The seriousness of sin and its consequences.
The need for repentance and God's wisdom.
The importance of numbering our days and living wisely.
Questions:
How does this section emphasize the gravity of sin in our lives?
What does it mean to number our days and how can we practically do that?
How can we apply the wisdom of God in our daily lives?
Section 3: Plea for God's Mercy (Verses 13-17)
"Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!"
Harmony (with proofs): The plea for God's mercy here anticipates the grace and mercy found in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-5 tells us that because of His great love, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our sins.
Talking Points:
The call for God's mercy and restoration.
The request to experience God's steadfast love.
The desire for God to establish the work of our hands.
Questions:
How does this plea for mercy resonate with our personal experiences?
What does it mean to be satisfied with God's steadfast love?
How can we ensure our work is aligned with God's will and established by Him?
Summary:
Psalm 90:1-17 outlines the human condition under the Old Covenant—finite life, the consequences of sin, and the call for God's mercy. However, through the lens of the New Covenant, we see the fulfillment of God's plan in Jesus Christ.
Jesus provides our eternal dwelling place (John 14:2-3), offers us the gift of eternal life by paying the price for our sins (Romans 6:23), and pours out God's mercy and love onto us (Ephesians 2:4-5).
Our plea for mercy is answered in Christ, satisfying us with God's steadfast love, and offering us the chance to be co-laborers with Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9).
We are called to acknowledge our finitude, live wisely in God's grace, and work in ways that glorify Him, confident that in Christ, our work is eternally significant.