“LET US COME BEFORE HIS PRESENCE WITH THANKSGIVING”--PSALM

“LET US COME BEFORE HIS PRESENCE WITH THANKSGIVING”

PSALM 95

Introduction:

This week we will observe Thanksgiving Day. Most folks will set down with family and friends to enjoy a great meal and never give one thought to the God of Heaven that made it all possible. To most is just another holiday that they do can use for their own pleasure.

I hope that this week will be a time to remember to be thankful to God for all of His blessings in your life. Let us reflect on these things in the message of God today.

I. LET US COME BEFORE HIS FACE

A. With Praise, Psalm 100:4, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

1. With a joyful noise, v. 1, “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”

2. With singing, Psalm 105:2, “Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.”

B. With Glory, Psalm 105:3, “Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.”

1. Glory in His Holy Name, Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

2. Let the heart rejoice that seeks the Lord, Psalm 34:2, “My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.”

a. For the LORD is a great God, Psalm 86:8, “Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.”

b. No one does what he does, Psalm 136:3, “O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. 4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

II. LET US WORSHIP AND BOW DOWN BEFORE HIM.

A. To worship God is to receive Jesus Christ as Saviour, Philippians 2:10, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”

B. To worship God is to know the price that He paid to save your soul, 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

1. The price was very high, Galatians 3:13, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”

2. The price was the shedding of His Own Blood, Hebrews 9:12, “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. “

III. LET US BE THANKFUL FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT.

2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

A. Be thankful that God has blessed you so that you could hear the gospel of Christ.

1. For it is the power of God unto salvation, Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

2. For it is the LIGHT of the Gospel that will open your eyes to the truth, 2 Corinthians 4:4, In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

B. Be thankful that God has blessed you with the opportunity to become a son of God, which is His unspeakable gift.

1. The opportunity to receive Jesus as your Saviour, John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

2. He is God’s gift to us when we trust Him by faith, Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

3. It is God’s will that you trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour, John 6:40, “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

CONCLUSION

For well over 44 years I have had the privilege of giving thanks to my Lord for saving my soul. It has been the greatest experience of my life. If that was the only blessing that I ever received, it would be sufficient to cause great joy. Instead my trusting Christ as Saviour opened up the windows of Heaven and God has poured out many blessings during my life.

God stands ready to bless you if you will come and trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour right now. Please do not wait, for the Bible says, “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” 2 Corinthians 6:2.

THE STEPS OF A GOOD MAN- - PSALM 37:3-9, 23-31

THE STEPS OF A GOOD MAN

PSALM 37:3-9, 23-31

Introduction:

What the Psalmist means by “a good man” is one that has trusted Christ as his personal Saviour. The Scriptures declare the outside of Christ, man is not “good.” Psalm 14:3 declares: “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

Here we find some of the promises made to the “good man” who would serve the Lord faithfully in this life.

I. TRUST IN THE LORD

A. Faith in the Lord brings spiritual life, Acts 16:30-31, “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31- And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

B. Faith in the Lord brings God’s promise, Psalm 37:3, “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”

1. The promise land to the Hebrew meant Caanan.

2. To the Gentile believer it means Heaven, John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

II. DELIGHT THYSELF ALSO IN THE LORD

A. The Conditions: Be happy in the Lord, Psalm 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

1. In your thoughts, Psalm 94:19, “In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”

2. In your labor, Psalms 128:2, “For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.”

B. The Promise: “He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

1. “Desires” = petitions or request, Philippians 4:9, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

2. “Of thine heart,”

a. Physical needs are included.

b. Spiritual needs such as love, peace, joy, etc. are the principal consideration here, Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.”

(1) Love, without love we are just noise, 1 Corinthians 13:1, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

(2) Love covers a multitude of sin, your and theirs, 1 Peter 4:8, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

III. COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD

A. “Commit thy way,” Hebrew = “Roll thy way upon,” The Portuguese translation says “surrender” or “deliver.” Proverbs 16:3, “Commit by works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

B. “Way” = direction, path, or journey, 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all you care upon him; for he careth for you.”

IV. REST IN THE LORD

Psalm 37:7, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”

A. “To be silent” = Ecclesiastics 3:7, “A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak.” Many times we are talking when we should be listening.

B. “To be still,” Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

C. “Wait patiently for him,” Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

1. The STEPS of a good man, Psalm 37:23-25.

b. “Are ordered,” established by the Lord, Psalm 37:31, “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” Psalm 44:18, “Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way.”

c. “He delighteth in his way,” The faithful believer is happy in his service to the Lord. Psalms 112:1, “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.”

d. “Though he fall…” Psalm 145:14, “The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.”

e. “He shall not be utterly cast down…” (cast off or out). “For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”

CONCLUSION

The Lord does not forsake his children. Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

Psalm 37:28, “For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.”

JOY IN THE LORD’S STRENGTH--PSALM 21:1-13

JOY IN THE LORD’S STRENGTH

PSALM 21:1-13

Introduction:

This psalm is the companion of Psalm 20. It anticipates what Psalm 21 regards as realized. Charles Spurgeon says, “If we pray today for a benefit and receive it, we must, ere the sun goes down, praise God for that mercy, or we deserve to be denied the next time.”

This psalm has been called “David’s triumphant song.” “The king’ is most prominent throughout, and we shall read it to true profit if our meditation of him shall be sweet while perusing it. We must crown him with the glory of our salvation singing of his love, and praising his power. The next psalm will take us to the foot of the cross; this introduces us to the steps of the throne.” ---Charles Spurgeon.

I. THANKSGIVING FOR VICTORY vv. 1-6

A. Jesus is a ROYAL PERSONAGE, John 18:37, “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”

1. Jesus was born KING of the Jews, Matthew 2:2, “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

a. His birth was the PROMISED BLESSING of God, Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

b. He is the SALVATION of Israel, Psalm 62:7, “In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.”

c. He is the JOY of God’s people, Psalm 28:7, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”

2. He shall JUDGE His PEOPLE in RIGHTEOUSNESS, Psalm 72:1-2, “Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son. 2- He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.”

a. Clothed with DIVINE AUTHORITY, he shall use it on the behalf of His people, Psalm 72:12-14, “For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. 13- He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. 14- He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.”

b. God has ANOINTED Jesus above all with the OIL of GLADNESS, Psalm 45:6-7, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. 7-Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

B. He is NOT merely a King, BUT THE KING, John 19:19, “And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

1. He is the King who is OUR PEACE, Ephesians 2:14, 17, “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 17- And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.”

2. He is the KING of GLORY, Psalm 24:9-10, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10- Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.”

II. CONFIDENCE OF FURTHER SUCCESS vv. 7-13

A. In His day the RIGHTEOUS shall FLOURISH, Psalm 132:15-18, “I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. 16- I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. 17- There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. 18- His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.”

1. There will be NO FAMINE, Exodus 23:25, “And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.”

2. God will do exceeding abundantly MORE than we can ever ask for, Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”

B. In His day there shall be an ABUNDANCE of PEACE, Isaiah 2:4, “And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

1. The meek shall inherit the earth, Psalm 37:11, “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

2. The righteous shall flourish, Psalm 72:7, “In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.”

C. In His day His Kingdom shall be forever, Luke 1:33, “And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

1. There will be no end of His kingdom, Isaiah 9:7, “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

2. It shall never be destroyed, Daniel 2:44, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.”

3. God shall give Him everlasting dominion, Daniel 7:14, “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

CONCLUSION OF CHOICE

THE SHEKINAH OR GLORY OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT--PSALM 29:1-4

THE SHEKINAH OR GLORY OF GOD

IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

PSALM 29:1-4

Introduction:

The word “Shekinah” does not appear in the Scriptures, but is a Hebrew word that is the nearest Jewish equivalent to the Holy Spirit. It became with other OT derivatives such as Word, Wisdom, Spirit, etc., a bridge between man’s bodily substance and God’s excellence.

All in all it refers to God’s glory.

I. GOD MANIFESTED HIS PRESENCE, vs. 3-4

A. Upon Mount Sinai to Moses and the people of Israel, Exodus 19:16, “And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.”

1. There were “thunders and lightnings, Exodus 20:18, “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.”

2. Even in Heaven God’s glory is manifested in the same way, Revelation 4:5, “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.”

B. At times God’s glory was not so dramatic as in the case of Elijah, 1 Kings 19:12-13,“And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13- And it was so , when Elijah heard it , that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?”

II. GOD DWELLS AMONG HIS PEOPLE

A. God manifested His presence to guide His people in the wilderness, Exodus 13:21, “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.”

B. He manifested His presence in the Tabernacle and the Temple, Exodus 25:8, “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.”

1. It was a visible manifestation, Exodus 40:34-35, “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”

2. When God was not pleased with His people the cloud was taken away, Numbers 12:10, “And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.”

C. God manifested His glory in the visions of the prophets, Ezekiel 43:1-3, Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: 2- And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. 3- And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face.”

III. THE SHEKINAH GLORY OF GOD MANIFESTED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

A. At the Birth of Christ, Luke 2:8-9, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”

1. The Angels of God declared His glory, Luke 2:13-14, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

2. Steven saw the glory of God, Acts 7:55, “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,”

B. At the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus, Matthew 17:5, “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”

1. Peter, James and John were witnesses of His majesty, 2 Peter 1:16-18, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17- For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18- And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”

2. Jesus, equal with God, but took on the form of a servant, Philippians 2:6-7, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7- But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”

THE GLORY OF GOD--PSALM 84:11-12; JOHN 17:22-23, 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18

THE GLORY OF GOD

Glory is given by God, Psalm 84:11-12, For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12- O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Glory is given by Christ, John 17:22-23, And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23- I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Glory is the work of the Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians 3:18, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Eternal Glory is obtained by Christ, Hebrews 2:10, For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

The glory and joy of the pastor, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20- For ye are our glory and joy.

The Glory of the gospel exceeds that of the law, 2 Corinthians 3:9-11, For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10- For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11- For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

The Glory of God is exhibited in Christ, John 1:14, And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

God’s glory is described as great, Psalm 138:5, Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.

God’s glory is rich, Ephesians 3:16, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

God’s works declare His glory, Psalm 19:1, The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 111:3, His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth forever.

God’s holiness is glorious, Exodus 15:11, Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

God is jealous of His glory, Isaiah 42:8, I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

The earth is full of the Glory of God, Isaiah 6:3, And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

The knowledge of God’s glory shall fill the earth, Habakkuk 2:14, For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

BLESSED IS THE MAN--PSALM 32:1-11; ROMANS 4:6-8

BLESSED IS THE MAN

PSALM 32:1-11; ROMANS 4:6-8

Introduction:

“A Psalm of David giving INSTRUCTION.”

The Psalmist describes the blessings of His forgiveness, succeeding the pains of conviction, and deduces (to draw from) from his own experience instruction and exhortation to others.   –Jamison, Fausset, Brown

This psalm “is calculated to give the HIGHEST INSTRUCTION relative to the GUILT of sin, and the BLESSEDNESS of pardon and holiness. It is supposed to have been composed AFTER David’s transgression with Bath-sheba, and subsequently to his obtaining pardon.”  ---Adam Clarke, Commentary by Gary Gallant.

I. GOD TURNS AWAY FROM HIS WRATH

A. Blessed is the man whose transgression is FORGIVEN, vs..1-2; Numbers 14:18, “The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.”

1. The Lord in His mercy TURNS AWAY from His ANGER, Psalms 85:3, “Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.”

2. We have done NOTHING to merit His favor, Romans 4:6, “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,”

B. Blessed is he whose SIN is COVERED, Psalm 85:2, “Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.”

1. In His forgiveness we become WHITE as snow, Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

2. Our sins have been “BLOTTED OUT,” Isaiah 44:22, “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.”

3. He does not remember our sins, Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.”

C. “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin,” Romans 4:8.

1. In Christ, man has been reconciled to God, 2 Corinthians 5:19-20, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20- Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

2. Jesus became sin FOR US, 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

D. Blessed is the man in whose spirit there is NO GUILE (deceit), Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

1. We see the deceitful workers of Satan on every hand today, 2 Corinthians 11:13, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.”

2. The believer is to put off the old man of deceit, Ephesians 4:22, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;”

II. CONFESSION GIVES EASE TO THE CONSCIENCE

A. Sin is heavy on us, vv. 3-4; Isaiah 58:6, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”

1. Unconfessed sin is troublesome, v. 3; Psalms 31:9, “Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.”

2. The heart is smitten, Psalms 102:4, “My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.”

B. Confession of sin gives ease to the conscience, vv. 5-7; Psalms 51:12, “Restore unto me the JOY of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

1. The godly will pray to the Father, Psalms 4:3, “But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.”

2. The godly will repent of their sins, 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10- For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

C. God will “cause thee to understand,” vv. 8-11; Psalms 34:11, “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”

1. “I will guide you,” v. 8; Psalms 25:9, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”

2. Be not without understanding as a horse, v. 9; James 3:3, “Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.”

3. Israel has been foolish, Jeremiah 4:22, “For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.”

4. They will have many sorrows, Proverbs 13:21, “Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.”

5. Be glad in the Lord, v. 11; Psalms 33:1, “Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.”

a. Rejoice before the Lord, Psalms 68:3, “But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.”

 b. The upright in heart have something to rejoice about, Psalms 97:12, “Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”

CONCLUSION

A NEW SONG--PSALM 40:1-17

A NEW SONG

Psalm 40:1-17

Introduction:

The songs of the world today speak of unfaithfulness or tragedy. They speak of lost love and misery. However, in the life of one who has trusted Christ as his Savior there is a new song. A song that is full of happiness and joy and expectation of more joy. Consider how that happened.

I. THE LORD BROUGHT ME OUT OF A HORRIBLE PIT

A. The Lord has showed His mercy to me, Psalm 86:13, “For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.”

B. I found trouble and sorrow, Psalm 116:3, “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.”

1. I was in danger of going to hell, Matthew 13:50, “And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

2. For the Scriptures teach that all those that forget God shall be turned into hell, Psalm 9:17, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”

C. The Lord heard the cry of my heart, v. 1; Psalm 130:2-4, “Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.”

1. The Lord opened my ear, Isaiah 50:5, “The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.”

2. The Lord forgave my sins, v. 4, “But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.”

a. The Lord is always ready to forgive, Psalm 86:5, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”

b. Even terrible sins the Lord forgives, Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

II. THE LORD SET MY FEET UPON A ROCK

A. God is our Rock, Deuteronomy 32:4, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”

B. He is the Rock that was struck out of which came the water of life, Exodus 17:6, “Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.”

C. That Rock was Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 10:4, “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.”

1. Jesus is the Rock of Stability in our life, Luke 6:48, “He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”

a. He is the foundation upon which the believer builds his life, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11-For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

a. Paul advises us to take heed saying, “But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon, 1 Peter 4:11, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

2. To other Jesus is the Rock of stumbling in their unbelief, 1 Peter 2:8, “And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.”

a. They stumble because of unbelief, 1 Peter 2:7, “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,”

b. They think this is foolishness, 1 Corinthians 1:23, “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;”

III. THE LORD HAS PUT A NEW SONG IN THE BELIEVER’S MOUTH

A. God has put a new song in our mouth, even praise, Psalm 40:3, “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”

B. The Lord has had the victory over sin in our lives, Psalm 98:1, “O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.”

1. God the Father has made Him to be our Savior, Acts 5:31, “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”

2. Therefore we sing a new song:

a. A song of faith, Exodus 15:2, “The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”

b. A song of happiness, Psalm 144:9, “I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.”

CONCLUSION:

The Lord has given us a new song. It is a song of praise and happiness because He has forgiven our sins and given us a home in Heaven. Unfortunately, many have rejected the Lord and their song has only a short time to last and then…eternity!

A SONG OF ADMIRATION--PSALM 8:1-9

A SONG OF ADMIRATION

PSALM 8:1-9

INTRODUCTION:

CHRIST is the principal subject of this Psalm, and it is interpreted of him, both by our LORD himself in MATTHEW 21:16, And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” And by the Apostle Paul in 1 CORINTHIANS 15:27, “For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.” And in HEBREWS 2:6, 7, “But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?  7- Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:”

I. GOD’S GLORY IS MAGNIFIED BY HIS WORKS, AND BY HIS LOVE FOR MAN

(REFERENCE CONT. PSALM 8:1-9)

A. UNABLE TO express the glory of God, the Psalmist utters a note of exclamation, vs. 1, 9.

1. ‘O Lord, OUR Lord,’ Psalm 63:1, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;”

a. David addresses God by His PERSONAL NAME Yahweh or Jehovah (“LORD”), EXODUS 6:3, “And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.”

b. David then identified Him as “OUR LORD” (Adonay), the SOVEREIGN or Master, JOHN 13:13, “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.”

2. “ How Excellent is thy name in all the earth!” v.1.

a. Our God does WONDROUS things, PSALM 72:18, “Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.”

b. His name ALONE is EXCELLENT, PSALM 148:13, “Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.”

B. God’s name is exalted ABOVE ALL creation, PHILLIPPIANS 2:9, “Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

1. God has HIGHLY EXALTED the LORD JESUS, V. 5, HEBREWS 2:9,10, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.  10- For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

2. He has given Him a NAME that is ABOVE EVERY NAME, HEBREWS 1:4, Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”

a. It is the ONLY NAME whereby we must be saved, ACTS 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

b. His name is HIGHER than the kings of the earth, PSALM 89:27, “Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.”

c. His name is far ABOVE EVERY NAME that is named, EPHESIANS 1:20-23, “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,  21- Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  22- And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23- Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.”

II. WHAT IS MAN THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM?

(REFERENCE CONT. PSALM 8:1-9)

A. When I consider your creation, vs. 3-4; PSALM 33:6, “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.”

1. God SPOKE and it was done, PSALM 33:9, “For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.”

2. Through FAITH we UNDERSTAND creation, HEBREWS 11:3,” Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

B. What is man to God? V. 4; JOB 7:17,18, “What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? 18- And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?”

1. The questions in verse 4 emphasize that man is an INSIGNIFICANT creature in the universe, PSALM 144:3, “LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!”

2. Man is like a VAPOR that vanishes away, PSALM 39:5, “Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.”

CONCLUSION

DAVID MAGNIFIED HIS SAVIOR 900 YEARS BEFORE CHRIST WAS BORN!

WHAT IS MAN THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM?
(REFERENCE CONT. PSALM 8:1-9) FINISHED HERE!

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF PSALM

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF PSALM

Introduction:

“The simplest description of the five books of Psalms is that they were the inspired prayer-and-praise book of Israel. They are revelations of truth, not abstractly, but in the terms of human experience. The truth revealed is wrought into the emotions, desires, and sufferings of the people of God by the circumstances through which they pass. But those circumstances are such as to constitute an anticipation of analogous conditions through which Christ in His incarnation, and the Jewish remnant in the tribulation (Isaiah 10.21, refs), should pass; so then many Psalms are prophetic of the sufferings, the faith, and the victory of both. Psalms 22 and 50. are examples. The former—the holy of holies of the Bible—reveals all that was in the mind of Christ when He uttered the desolate cry, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" The latter is an anticipation of what will be in the heart of Israel when she shall turn to Jehovah again (Deuteronomy 30:1-2). Other Psalms are directly prophetic of "the sufferings of Christ, and the glories which should follow" (Luke 24.25-27, 44). Psalms 2 is a notable instance, presenting Jehovah’s Anointed as rejected and crucified (Psalms 2:1-3; Acts 4:24-28) but afterward set as King in Zion.” --- Scofield.

Authorship: The authorship of many is uncertain; it is probable that in some cases the name affixed to certain psalms may refer to the Collector, rather than the Author. The following is a conjectural list of authors taken from the various versions of the Scriptures. Attributed to David, 73; to Sons of Korah, 11; to Asaph, 12; to Heman, 1; to Ethan, 1; to Solomon, 2; to Moses, 1; to Haggai, 1; to Zechariah, 1; to Hezekiah, number doubtful; to Ezra, 1; the remainder anonymous.

Messianic Psalms: The following are some of the psalms which are regarded as containing direct, or typical, references to Christ:

1) Christ, as King, Ps 2; Ps 45; Ps 72; Ps 110; Ps 132:11.

2) The Sufferings of, Ps 22; Ps 41; Ps 55:12-14; 69:20,21.

3) The Resurrection of, Ps 16.

4) The Ascension of, Ps 68:18.

Topical Arrangement: Each Psalm is arranged under some topic which appears prominently in it.

1) Man:

a. Exaltation of, Ps 8.

b. Sinfulness of, Ps 10; Ps 14; Ps 36; Ps 55; Ps 59, and many others

2) The Worldly and the Wicked:

a. Contrasted with the godly, Ps 1; Ps 4; Ps 5.

b. The delay of the punishment of, Ps 10.

c. The prosperity of, Ps 37; Ps 73.

d. The fate of, Ps 9; Ps 11.

e. Trust in riches, Ps 49.

3) Religious Experiences:

a. Penitence, Ps 25; Ps 38; Ps 51; Ps 130.

b. Pardon, Ps 32.

c. Conversion, Ps 40.

d. Consecration, Ps 116.

e. Trust, Ps 3; Ps 16; Ps 20; Ps 23; Ps 27; Ps 31; Ps 34; Ps 42; Ps 61; Ps 62; Ps 91; Ps 121.

f. Teachableness, Ps 25.

g. Aspiration, Ps 42; Ps 63; Ps 143.

h. Prayer, Ps 55; Ps 70; Ps 77; Ps 85; Ps 86; Ps 142; Ps 143.

i. Praise, Ps 96; Ps 98; Ps 100; Ps 103; Ps 107; Ps 136; Ps 145; Ps 148; Ps 149; Ps 150.

j. Worship, Ps 43; Ps 84; Ps 100; Ps 122; Ps 132.

k. Affliction, Ps 6; Ps 13; Ps 22; Ps 69; Ps 88; Ps 102.

l. Old age, Ps 71.

m. Vanity of life, Ps 39; Ps 49; Ps 90.

n. Home, Ps 127.

o. Homesickness, typical, Ps 137.

4) The Lord’s people:

a. Safety of, Ps 46.

b. Glory of, Ps 48; Ps 87.

c. Love for, Ps 84; Ps 122.

d. Unity in, Ps 133.

5) The Word of God, Ps 19; Ps 119.

6) Missionary, Ps 67; Ps 72; Ps 96; Ps 98.

7) Duty of Rulers, Ps 82; Ps 101.

8) Divine Attributes:

a. Wisdom, Majesty, and Power, Ps 18; Ps 19; Ps 29; Ps 62; Ps 66; Ps 89; Ps 93; Ps 97; Ps 99; Ps 118; Ps 147.

b. Mercy, Ps 32; Ps 85; Ps 136.

c. Infinite Knowledge, Ps 139.

d. Creative Power, Ps 33; Ps 89; Ps 104.

9) Israel’s Experiences:

a. Unbelief, Ps 78.

b. Desolation and misery of, Ps 79; Ps 80.

c. Backsliding of, Ps 81.

d. Divine Providence, Ps 105; Ps 106; Ps 114.

THE CREATOR, NOT THE CREATION--PSALM 104:27-30

THE CREATOR, NOT THE CREATION

Genesis 1 isn’t the only source of our conviction that God is Creator. Both Old and New Testaments teach the essential integrity of all we read in Genesis. Both help us explore the meaning of Genesis’ towering affirmations about God and the world, which we meet first in this initial chapter of our Bible.

One of the most striking additions is in Isaiah: “For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:18.

See Psalm 104

Psalm 104:27-30, “These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. 28-That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. 29-Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. 30-Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.”

See Psalm 148

Vs. 5-6, “Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. 6He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.”

The Personal Touch

When we teach the familiar Creation story, it’s important for us to adopt the attitude of the psalmist.

The psalmist acknowledges God as Creator.

 He knows the story of the seven days.

 But as the psalmist meditates, his thoughts are not drawn off to speculations about, “How?” Instead, the psalmist moves quickly beyond the “scientific” questions that so attract us to focus on the central message:

 All that exists is the work of a Person. Everything around us has been carefully and thoughtfully designed.

 Creation is a mirror, placed to reflect our thoughts and our worship back to the Person whose image Creation enables us to see.

 This is the central message of Genesis 1. Our attention is directed not to the world, but to its Maker.

 Psalm 19 points out that the universe itself is a wordless message about God which anyone, whatever his language, can hear.

1. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

2. 3-There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4-Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5-Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6-His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

3. 7-The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

4. 8-The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

5. 9-The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10-More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11-Moreover by them is thy servant warned:

 and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12-Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13-Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

 14-Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Paul made this same point in Romans 1.

 But there Paul saw Creation as evidence to be used against those who do not believe.

 Paul argued that man’s wickedness is revealed in the human struggle to suppress the knowledge of God available to all in creation. Vs. 19-20, “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20-For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”