May15-21: The Atmosphere of Praise

Teaching Points

1. Read Gen. 1:6 and answer the following.

QUESTIONS:

• What did God make on the second day?
• Why is it so vital for us to have?
• Why was it so important for God to make it the second day?

2. What is the firmament and what does it include?

ANSWER:

• Gen. 1:6—it must have water in it.
• Gen. 1:14—It has lights.
• Gen. 1:20—The birds fly in it.
• Strong’s # H7549—the expanse or visible arch of the sky.

3. What is displayed in the firmament? 

ANSWER:

• Ps. 19:1—The firmament shows God’s handiwork and glory.

OBSERVATION:

• Air is vital to existence.
• God knew that He needed air and water separate on the second day to prepare for the next steps in Creation.
• We can only survive a few minutes without air.
• Air contains molecules that make up water and often carries water vapor.
• The birds fly in the air.
• Using the broader definition for firmament being the visible arch of the sky it makes sense that lights (stars, sun and moon) can also be seen or included.
• The firmament shows us God’s glory and handiwork. 

5. Is there a spiritual atmosphere or firmament?

ANSWER:

• Ps. 150:1—Yes, We should praise God in the firmament of His power.

6. God has an atmosphere of praise around Him. We also have an atmosphere or influence around us. What does God compare a true Christian’s influence to?

ANSWER:

• Dan. 12:3—Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the firmament.

7. How do these wise soul-winners affect the atmosphere of heaven?

ANSWER:

• Luke 15:7—There is joy in heaven. 

OBSERVATION:

• We are commanded to praise God in the firmament of His power.
• God and each of us have an atmosphere of influence which can be changed.
• Those who are wise will have brilliancy about them.
• Our choices can also affect the joy of heaven—Saved souls bring joy to heaven—therefore those who win souls can bring joy to heaven and thus affect the atmosphere of heaven. 

SOP:

• Sleeping rooms especially should be well ventilated, and the atmosphere made healthy by light and air. Blinds should be left open several hours each day, the curtains put aside, and the room thoroughly aired. Nothing should remain, even for a short time, which would destroy the purity of the atmosphere.  {2SM 462.3}
• Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with heaven. {Pr 10.2}
• Atmosphere Provides Health and Vigor.--Above all things, parents should surround their children with an atmosphere of cheerfulness, courtesy, and love. A home where love dwells and where it finds expression in looks, in words, in acts, is a place where angels delight to dwell. Parents, let the sunshine of love, cheer, and happy content enter your own hearts, and let its sweet influence pervade the home. Manifest a kindly, forbearing spirit, and encourage the same in your children, cultivating all those graces that will brighten the home life. The atmosphere thus created will be to the children what air and sunshine are to the vegetable world, promoting health and vigor of mind and body.--CT 115 (1913).  {1MCP 63.4}
• Christ, the Great Physician, has given a prescription for every believer. He must eat the food provided in the Word of God. And the faith that works by love to God and man is dependent not only upon the food we eat but upon the air we breathe. If we associate with those who are evil, we breathe an atmosphere tainted with the malaria of sin. Be sure, by association with the meek and lowly followers of Jesus, to breathe a pure, holy atmosphere.  {OHC 255.6}

CONCLUSION:

• God created the atmosphere or air around us on the second day because all life depends on this.
• God reveals to us His glory and handiwork in the firmament or atmosphere.
• Just like there is a physical atmosphere around us there is also a spiritual atmosphere around each of us and in heaven.
• This atmosphere can be good or bad and what we choose can affect the amount of joy in heaven. 
• God wants us to praise Him in the atmosphere or firmament of His glory.
• The wise—those who turn others to righteousness—will shine brilliantly like the firmament. 

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Are you taking time to enjoy the fresh clean air that God created for you?
• What atmosphere are you creating around you and in heaven?
• Are you asking that God will help you to live in an atmosphere of praise and bring joy to others?
• Are you bringing joy to heaven by dedicating your life to saving souls?