The Heir of All Things

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 24

Note the questions in verses 3, 8, and 10, Who is the King of glory? Every who question in this Psalm

Salvation is a who question.
Peace with God is a who question.
Forgiveness of sins is a who question.

Who will be the heir? (vss 1-3)

Throughout the psalm the LORD, Almighty God, the Father, looks for the man who will be King to inherit the earth. In verses 1-2, Almighty God, describes the inheritance. Then it’s almost as the Father looks around and asks who can I give this to? The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost know the answer to this question, but the time of the Lord Jesus Christ is not yet.
Ascendance into Heaven (vs 3)
- Who shall ascend? Who shall stand?
- No man had ascended into the holy presence of the Father. And there was no way for man to ever ascend. Keeping Israel’s law wouldn’t allow man to ascend into heaven. Being a good person doesn’t allow man to ascend. Asking for forgiveness from your sins doesn’t make someone eligible to ascend.
- John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
- John 6:62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
- John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
- Romans 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
- Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens…
- Ephesians 4:8-10 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Requirements for the heir (vss 4-6)

Holiness
- Clean hands
- Pure heart
- Not lifted up his soul to vanity
- Nor sworn deceitfully
- Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
This man will receive the blessings and the righteousness of God.
This man is the generation of man that truly seek the Father and serve the Father.

We’ve found the heir! (vss 7-10)

The Father speaks to heaven’s gates to enter the throne room of Almighty God. He’s found the man, Jesus Christ, who has pleased Him and now ascended up to which the Father gladly receives him into the holiest place. And there Jesus Christ is a mediator forever for anyone looking for the righteousness of God.
Mediator in verses 7 and 9
- John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
- 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
- Hebrews 8:1 We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man.
- Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Warrior in verse 8
Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm of Praise in Old Age (Psalm #71)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 71

Notice the continual praise from the cradle to beyond the grave

Verse 6 – Out of the mouth of babes – Matthew 21:6
Verse 7 – when David is a wonder to others
- Sacrifice of praise in Hebrews 13:15
Verses 14-15 – when David’s enemies see he’s weak. (David knows this was never about him, it was always about the Lord. So his being weak doesn’t change the strength of the Lord.)
Verse 15-16 – David will promote the righteousness of God (not the law).
Verse 17 – David will continue to speak as long as he can of the Lord’s mighty work.
Verse 18 – David promotes the Lord to this generation.
- Titus 2:1-5
There is the resurrection and redemption of David’s life in verse 20.
Verses 22-24 – David praises the Holy One of Israel for redemption. Directed to the Holy One of Israel (71:22) which is Jesus Christ even though David doesn’t know him by name. Mark 1:24 identifies the Lord Jesus Christ as the Holy One.
- Ephesians 1:7-12

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm to Bring Remembrance (Psalm #70)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 70

This is another psalm of remembrance like Psalm 38. The best way to describe this prayer is to say it is David reminding God of His promise. It is exactly like the last few verses in the Bible, particularly Revelation 22:20, Even so come Lord Jesus.

Call to the Lord out of distress (vs 1)

David is praying the Lord would immediately intervene on the basis of the promise of His coming. Those in a hurry don’t say much, so the brevity of this psalm matches the content.

Confidence in the Lord to avenge (vss 2-3)

There are those that aren’t looking for the Lord.
2 Peter 3:1-4

Crown of those that seek the Lord (vs 4)

Looking for the Lord’s coming will do some things for you.
Joy for seekers.
1 John 3:2-3
Let God be magnified

Confession of David (vs 5)

David defines poor here and it means needy.
Blessed are the poor in spirit… (Matthew 5:3)
Isaiah 66:1-2, 5 – The LORD looking for a place of rest in the earth; a place to set his kingdom. And He’s looking at things He made like the earth, but He’s really asking what is the place you’ve made me?
Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Psalm 34:18

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm of the Spirit of Christ (Psalm #69)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 69

This is David writing this song and there are things he says that the Lord Jesus Christ wouldn’t say. But if you were to take the Holy Spirit of God and put him in a sinner and also put the Holy Spirit of God into the body of the Lord Jesus Christ then you’d have each saying some things that are similar and some things that are different. For instance the sinner would bemoan his sin. The Lord Jesus Christ wouldn’t do that though the same spirit of God is in each of them.

So in this psalm David speaks by the spirit of God as Peter said it, holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Vs 4 hated without cause. That hatred came from envy because God was with him in both cases; David and the Lord Jesus Christ. John 15:25

Verse 7 borne reproach for God’s sake. Suffer the reproach of Christ like Moses according to Hebrews 11.

Verse 8 stranger and alien among his own people and family.

Vs 9 is remembered in John 2:17. David’s strong desire was to build the house of the Lord and the Lord Jesus Christ twice cleansed the temple because the people made it a den of thieves instead of a house of prayer.

Vs 20-21 is Christ on the cross in John 19:29

Verse 22 is cited by Paul in Romans 11:9-10 when speaking about the unbelieving Jews.

Verse 25 is cited by the Lord in Matthew 23:37-38.

Verse 30-31 sacrifice of praise is cited by Paul in Hebrews 13:15-16

About Us, Psalms

A Psalm of God’s Work in Israel (Psalm #68)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 68

Israel out of Egypt (vss 1-7)

Israel given the law (vss 8-11)

Israel led into promised land (vss 12-14)

The mountain of God for the temple (vss 15-17)

Culminates in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ (vss 18-19)

King of the Jews returns and puts down the enemies (vss 20-25)

Blessings and last part of the Lord Jesus Christ’s ministry (vss 26-35)

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm of God’s Blessing (Psalm #66)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 66

The psalm is divided into four parts that begin with an instruction and end with the Selah. The first is verses 1-4 to make a joyful noise unto God. The second is come and see the works of God in verses 5-7. The third is to bless our God in verses 8-15. And the fourth is come and hear in verses 16-20.

Make a joyful noise (vss 1-4)

Make a joyful noise is not a verse about the qualifications for leading congregational singing.
It’s a command. If you’re not excited about the Lord, learn to get excited about Him and find joy in Him.
- Can you imagine having to tell someone whose soul was saved out of eternal damnation that they need to be joyful about the one who saved them?
- Can you further imagine that soul not only not wanting to joy in the God of their salvation, but after being told to be joyful they made a conscious choice NOT to be.
We’ll make noise about the things that move us.
I notice that the noise is unto God. It’s not for the crowd and it’s not necessarily public.
It will be the future state of the world eventually.

Come and see the works of God (vss 5-7)

Crossing of the Red Sea is a miraculous event done for the nation of Israel against Egypt and for all the world to see the mighty hand of God.
The cross of Christ
The current work of God among His people.
We subject our eyes and vision to anything but the work of God.
- We look for trouble.
- We look for bad news.
- We look for faults in others.
- We behold lies.
- We covet with our eyes.
I notice in these commandments that if you’re doing them you don’t have to “struggle” with sin as much. If I’ve occupied my line of sight with what God is doing that means I’m not putting something wicked before my eyes.
How characteristic is that of the Lord Jesus Christ’s answer to the lawyer who asked what the greatest commandment was. Instead of a negative commandment of thou shalt not, the Lord says love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, mind, and love your neighbor as yourself and you’ll fulfill the law.

O bless our God (vss 8-15)

He’s the Rock, the security, the promise, an anchor
Someone said the doctrine of eternal security makes people want to sin. If the steadfastness of the Lord makes you want to sin then your heart isn’t right with God. And whatever you think you got saved from it obviously wasn’t sin.
Do things that make God happy. Take responsibility for submitting to the Lord who bought you with a price and you are no longer your own, if that’s true of you.

Come and hear (vss 16-20)

If a saved soul does the first three commands in this psalm, then this one will be easy. You won’t have to be told to be an ambassador for God because you’ll be so full of the Lord He’ll be coming out of you.
Fear God is the first step to receiving anything from God. It’s the beginning of wisdom, knowledge, etc.
Those that pray without the fear of the Lord don’t have any audience with God.
- Prayers that don’t get heard
- Regard iniquity in your heart (vs 18)
- Not hear vanity (Job 35:13, Matthew 6:7)
- Practices sin secretly (Ezekiel 8:6-18)
- Ye ask amiss that ye may consume it on your lusts.
David is thankful for God’s mercy.

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm for Protection (Psalm #64)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 64

In 2 Samuel 15:12 the conspiracy against David grows with David’s son Absolam vying for the throne and recruiting some of David’s friends who weren’t on good terms with David. David is facing a coup from the “Deep State.”

Hear me (vs 1)

Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
but Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
David wants to be preserved from fear of the enemy.

Hide me (vss 2-6)

David describes things other people are doing against him that he has no control over, so he’s trusting the Lord to intervene.
The secret wicked activities are described in detail.
Whet their tongue (vs 3)… search iniquities (vs 6)
- Faults discovered, evil motives imputed, exaggerations invented, lies forged, innuendoes suggested, old slanders furnished, and ancient hatreds rekindled. (Spurgeon)

Help me (vss 7-10)

The Lord answers by firing a shot into the camp of the wicked.
Results of the Lord’s answer
- When trouble enters in the wicked begin fighting each other.
- All men shall fear and declare the work of God and wisely consider His doing.
- The righteous shall be glad in the Lord and trust Him; upright shall glory.

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm of Personal Trust in the Lord (Psalm #62)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 62

My Rock

#1 – As long as you find “help” somewhere else, the Lord isn’t this to you.
#2 – If you’ve found something else to hang on to, He’s not your Rock. If you’ve found other materials to build on, he’s not your Rock.
#3 – Just because he is the Rock doesn’t mean He’s YOUR Rock.
#4 – Make him your….

My Salvation

#1 – As long as you find “help” somewhere else, the Lord isn’t this to you.
#2 – If you’ve found something else to hang on to, He’s not your Salvation.
#3 – Just because he is Salvation doesn’t mean He’s YOUR Salvation.
#4 – Make him your….

My Defence

#1 – As long as you find “help” somewhere else, the Lord isn’t this to you.
#2 – If you’ve found something else to hang on to, He’s not your Defence.
#3 – Just because he is a Defence doesn’t mean He’s YOUR Defence.
#4 – Make him your….

My Glory

#1 – As long as you find “help” somewhere else, the Lord isn’t this to you.
#2 – If you’ve found something else to hang on to, He’s not your Glory.
#3 – Just because he is Glorious doesn’t mean He’s YOUR Glory.
#4 – Make him your….

My Expectation

#1 – As long as you find “help” somewhere else, the Lord isn’t this to you.
#2 – If you’ve found something else to hang on to, He’s not your Expectation.
#3 – Just because he is the right expectation doesn’t mean He’s YOUR Expectation.
#4 – Make him your….

My Strength

#1 – As long as you find “help” somewhere else, the Lord isn’t this to you.
#2 – If you’ve found something else to hang on to, He’s not your Expectation.
#3 – Just because he is strength doesn’t mean He’s YOUR Strength.
#4 – Make him your….

My Refuge

#1 – As long as you find “help” somewhere else, the Lord isn’t this to you.
#2 – If you’ve found something else to hang on to, He’s not your Refuge.
#3 – Just because he is a Refuge doesn’t mean He’s YOUR Refuge.
#4 – Make him your….

Preaching, Psalms

Jeduthun

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The next psalm that we would be looking at is Psalm 62. It is given to Jeduthun just like Psalm 39 and Psalm 71 are. Jeduthun was one of the men who oversaw entrance into the tabernacle of the Lord. In this sermon we’re going to see Jeduthun as a type of a Christian. Jeduthun is found in 1 Chronicles 16:41-42 and 2 Chronicles 35:15 where he is commissioned to fill the entrance of the tabernacle with thanksgiving and singing.

Like a Christian, Jeduthun is chosen to give thanks

1 Chronicles 16:41
1 Thessalonians 5:18
…for this is the will of God… Gratitude is God’s will
- Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
- Psalm 69:30-31 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
…in Christ Jesus concerning you. – Gratitude as a Christian
- As a saved soul you have every spiritual blessing that Jesus Christ has.
- Christians, of all people, ought to be the most gracious, thankful people on this earth. Whether I live or die I win in Jesus Christ. In Christ, there is no way to lose.
- Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy praise

Like a Christian, Jeduthun has stewardship of the door

1 Chronicles 16:42
John 10:7-9
The job of a porter is the job of a Christian with the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Porter:
  - A man that has the charge of a door or gate; a door-keeper.
  - One that waits at the door to receive messages.
  - A carrier; a person who carries or conveys burdens for hire.

Like a Christian, Jeduthun was a seer (prophet)

2 Chronicles 35:15
Revelation 19:10
- You know you have eternal life? That’s prophecy in Jesus Christ.
- You know of God’s future judgment? That’s prohesy in Jesus Christ.
- You know of God’s future inheritance and rewards? That’s prophecy in Jesus Christ.

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm of Israel’s Spoils (Psalm #60)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Pslam 60

David takes the kingdom

He inherits a broken failing kingdom under Saul
2 Samuel 8 describe David’s victories and expansion of the kingdom to the promise land given to Abraham in Genesis 15:18.

Distribution of land

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm About God as the Judge (Psalm #58)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 58

Context of this Psalm is 1 Samuel 24.

It is faith to believe that God is the rewarder of good AND EVIL. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Faith is believing God will reward your labor for him. Faith is also believing God is the rewarder of evil and it is not your job to retaliate for God. This is an aspect of David’s faith and faith in general.

I’m going to give you the application of this Psalm here at first, then go back and show you how we got here. Here’s the application: God’s people were never supposed to take revenge. God has always taught His people that He is the Judge, and He is the one that makes things right.

The faith that saves is the same faith that turns to the Lord during injustice. The faith that saves is the same faith that doesn’t retaliate to wickedness. If you carry a constant grudge, and have no inclination to trust God for the injustice you may have suffered, that’s a good indication that you don’t trust God for eternal life either. Faith believes God is the rewarder to both good and evil. Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. In faith, Paul said it this way in 2 Timothy 4:14, Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works.

Temptation to be faithless (vss 1-5)

Wicked stir up trouble with their mouth
- Notice all the references to the mouth of the wicked; speak, speaking lies, poison of a serpent (in his mouth).
- 1 Samuel 24:1, 9
- They use their mouths because they don’t want to get their hands dirty; tattlers, troublemakers, liars.
- It’s wickedness to drop a piece of information in hopes that it will lead to hurting someone else.
- David is tempted to lean on his own understanding and not trust the Lord because of the lies of the wicked that are causing him injustice.
There are also friends with good intentions
- These people close to you will cause you to violate God’s will. See it in 1 Samuel 24:4?
- These are not evil people. They aren’t even folks you need to start avoiding. Everything about their advice makes sense.
  - Saul is hunting David without a cause.
  - For David this is life or death. The stakes couldn’t be any higher.
  - It only makes sense to take matters into your own hands.
  - There is a way which seemeth right unto a man…
  - What seems right to his friends is actually them encouraging him to abandon his faith in God.
- They even had scripture like the devil with Jesus Christ, but just like the devil, their advice was to get ahead of God and take matters into your own hands.

Trusting in the Lord (vss 6-9)

David struggled with getting his own justice. Look at 1 Samuel 24:4-15.
David’s faith looks to the Lord to punish the wicked.
- Psalm 58:6 Break their teeth, O God… O Lord…
- This is a harsh prayer, but it is a prayer to the Lord and not David taking matters into his own hands. This is David’s faith at work when he has been treated wrong.
- David wants these wicked men to be silenced.
How about you? Do you have enough faith NOT to get even?

Triumph of faith over vengeance (vss 10-11)

The righteous – those who trust God – shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance, David said in verse 10.
Romans 12:19-21
- Victory is overcoming vengeance with trust that God will avenge (vs 19)
- Victory is overcoming hostility with kindness (vs 20)
  - You give God an opportunity to work.
  - Paul is quoting Proverbs 25:21-22 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
- Victory is overcoming evil with good (vs 21)
Luke 18:1-8
1 Peter 2:18-24

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm from the Cave Adullam (Psalm #57)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 57

In the chorus of this song, David’s prayer is for God to be above the trouble. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth (vss 5 and 11). Notice all the references to God being above the trouble in verses 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 11. Sometimes it’s not the sunshine of his face that comforts, but the shadow of his wings. Over and over in the Bible we’re told to look up. Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. God’s perspective is reality because he has a vantage point that is much higher than ours. Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Otherwise you’ll be afraid when you shouldn’t. You’ll make carnal decisions that you shouldn’t. You get infatuated with something that won’t last and drag you away from God’s will. Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Here is the truth presented in Psalm 57: sometimes it’s not about taking steps, but taking refuge.

Stop moving because there is no place to go (vs 1)

In verse one David has come to the end of what he can do. There are no more places for him to go.
David’s prayer is not guide me, or lead me, or show me your way, but simply be merciful unto me.
- David doesn’t need a map, David needs a nap.
- David doesn’t need a course of action, he needs confidence in God Almighty.
David’s obedience to the will of God and Saul’s disobedience to the will of God caused David much trouble. In 1 Samuel 22:1-3, David finds refuge from Saul in the cave Adullam.
Sometimes it’s not about taking steps, but taking refuge
- You can’t do anything else about this family situation, give it to the Lord.
- You can’t do anything else about your grown children, give them to the Lord.
- You can’t do anything else about another Christian, give it to the Lord.
Which leads to the next verse…

Stop moving so God can work (vs 2)

David is at the end of himself and that’s a good place to be.
Sit still so I can help you!
- Sometimes the answer is take these steps, but other times the answer is Be still and know that I am God.
- Hebrews 6:18-20 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus…
Your trust in Jesus Christ and in God the Father, is where God’s work will begin to be performed in you.
- Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
- John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
- Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
- The Lord Jesus Christ is the God whose wings David trusts.
Sometimes it’s not about taking steps, but taking refuge.

Stop moving so God’s help can find you (vss 3-4)

David is confident when the Lord sends an answer from heaven, it will be salvation from his enemy. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up.
There is no substitute for air support
- Air support is the lifeline
- Command and control – Command and Control is an essential element to the success of all missions, whether during exercises, contingencies, or actual war. This mission controls the airspace, coordinating and directing air traffic while assisting the ground force commander in planning, requesting, coordinating, and controlling all elements or airborne warfare.
- Resupply
- Fire support
- Med Evac
Sometimes it’s not about taking steps, but taking refuge.

Stop moving because of the enemy (vss 6-7)

Saul thinks he knows where David is, but Saul is waiting for David to move so he can be sure. As long as David stays holed up, Saul doesn’t know where to hunt.
Some things hunt by movement and this enemy is looking for some kind of movement.
Have you ever hunted quail? These birds live on the ground. So you get some dogs to scare up the quail. When the quail get scared they move and when they move they become targets. You know this world will try to flush you out. It’ll try to make you move from a position in order to make you a target. If you’ll stay still, you’ll be safe.
You know what the world has done to you? It’s caused you to move from where you started in Christ.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Sometimes it’s not about taking steps, but taking refuge.

Stop moving so others can find your God (vss 8-11)

When David stops going, watch all the people that come find him in 1 Samuel 22:2.
You’re stopping to make shelter isn’t necessarily about you.
- Your haste will cost you God’s testimony in your life. “I don’t have time.”
- There are some distressed that need you to make time so they can hear about your God.
- There are some in debt to sin that need you to make time to help them to Jesus Christ who paid their sin debt.
- There are some who are discontent with this world, and you’re being caught up in this world is ruining their ability to see what kind of peace your God actually offers.
Sometimes it’s not about taking steps, but taking refuge.

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm of Fear and Favor (Psalm #56)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 56

The psalm is organized with three verses and a “chorus” followed by five verses and the “chorus” followed by two versus. The psalm is much like our hymn “Standing on the Promises.”

Here is another prayer that is sung by David. Most folks say this prayer is when David went to Gath in 1 Samuel 21:10, but I believe he prays this prayer before entering Gath in 1 Samuel 27:1. The first time David entered Gath in 1 Samuel 21 he was very fearful. Let’s read it in 1 Samuel 21:10-15.

Faith over fear (vss 1-5)

Prayer based on a promise (vss 1-2)
- Right prayer is for mercy.
- Contrast of man’s character and God’s character
Trust based on a truth (vs 3)
- Trust is no fair weather trust or based on good conditions
- The Lord told David that he is God’s choice to be king over Israel after Saul. The Lord also told David that if Saul can catch David he will kill him.
- This time David enters Gath he is running from Saul because the Lord told him in 1 Samuel 23 that Saul will kill him when he finds him. The thing David knows is that Saul is unwilling to fight the Philistines. David enters the lion’s den by entering the Philistine city of Gath and he’s going to leave it in the Lord’s hands.
- Trust based on truth, not circumstances. Can it be called trust if it only works when things are good?
- What are the times you’re afraid?
  - Responsibility
  - Affliction
  - Nerves
  - Anxiety as to the future
  - With every fear there are some promises that address your fear.
- The “chorus”
  - The words of God provide the foundational promises and truths.
  - Matthew 10:27-31 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Confidence from God’s character (vss 6-10)

Notice the contrast of men watching David’s steps to hurt him, but God watching David’s steps to consider them for his good.
- Verse 6 speaks of man and verse 8 talks about God’s view toward David’s walk.
- Verse 5 speaks of man and verse 9 talks about God’s view toward David’s words.
God bottles up David’s tears
- God has a book that records David’s tears. The scriptures, particularly 1-2 Samuel, Psalms record David’s tears.
- Verse 9, David is fully confident that God will answer his prayer based on His promises and His character.
Chorus in verses 10-11.

Power from God’s promise (vss 12-13)

God’s promise is on David’s life, and this promise gives david practical, daily, help.
Trust him in death, but can’t trust him in life? (vs 13)

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm About Ahithophel (Psalm #55)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 55

Friendship gone bad

Ahithophel was a wise, well respected counselor in 2 Samuel 15:12 and 16:23. Ahithophel was David’s friend and confidante. Ahithophel had a son named Eliam who was among David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 23:34). These families were very close. Turns out that Bathsheba was the daughter of Eliam (2 Samuel 11:3).
Absalom is David’s son and Absalom has decided to take David’s throne.
2 Samuel 15:10-13, 31-34
Ahithophel became close to Absalom in order to get to David. Ahithophel didn’t care whether Absalom was king or not.
2 Samuel 16:20-22
Now, you know why this piece of disgusting advice is given? To publicly humiliate David just like Ahithophel felt when David committed adultery with his granddaughter Bathsheba.
Bitterness becomes all consuming.
2 Samuel 17:1-4
You would never admit a grudge, but you would tear that person down every chance you get. And you would rejoice in their downfall.
2 Samuel 15:31-34 then 2 Samuel 17:5
First of all God isn’t going to honor your grudge.
2 Samuel 17:23
It will eat you up from the inside out. Even while you seem to have it all together you’ll be stewing in the devil’s pot.
James 3:14-15 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
James said, Lie not against the truth. That means bring that thing to light. Admit the problem! You keep saying to yourself and to God that’s not the issue when it is.

David’s prayer against Ahithophel

Psalm 55 is the other side Ahithophel’s bitterness. David prays against him. David’s prayer is answered.
Vss 6-7 – David is on the Mt. of Olives in 2 Samuel 15:30-31.
Vss 8-11 – Jerusalem is the city.
Vss 12-15 is about Ahithophel
Vss 16-23 is significant because David is going to take vengeance on them, he is going to let God deal with the situation while he occupies himself in prayer, not planning.

But this is also applied to the Lord Jesus Christ and Judas Iscariot

Also applied to faithful Israelites who are betrayed during Tribulation time

Mark 13:12-13 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. 13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm to Israel (Psalm #50)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 50

Judgment begins at the house of God (vss 3-6)

Isaiah 10:16-20
Wheat and tares – Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43
1 Peter 4:17
Gathering a faithful remnant – Matthew 24:21-31
…covenant by sacrifice…
- Psalm 51:16-17
- Jesus Christ will be the acceptable sacrifice to the Father and even those in the Tribulation will have to trust Jesus Christ: Revelation 12:17, Revelation 19:10

Call upon the name of the Lord (vss 7-15)

Sacrifices had a purpose, but there is no way to sacrifice during the tribulation.

Misrepresenting God (vss 16-21)

God says quit misrepresenting me.
In verse 21 he says you misrepresent me because you think I am like you.

Sacrifice of praise (vss 22-23)

Hebrews 13:15

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm of Zion (Psalm #48)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 48

Once again you have in the Psalm a storyline that follows God’s history. In Psalm 42-43 you have God’s people in a state of confusion wondering where God is. In Psalm 44 you have great tribulation such that the faithful ones are falling. In Psalm 45 you have the return of the bridegroom and the marriage of heaven and earth. In Psalm 46 you have the presence of God the refuge. In Psalm 47 God as King over all the earth, ruling over all the earth. An now in Psalm 48 is the city of God – Zion. 2 Samuel 5:7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

Jesus Christ enters Jerusalem (vss 1-3)

…joy of the whole earth…
We think of the Millennial reign of the Lord Jesus Christ as the end of everything, but what the Bible says is that the Millennial reign is the final part of his ministry to deliver all kingdoms to his Father.
1 Corinthians 15:24-26
Revelation 20 – Jesus Christ ministry of rule as King for 1000 years on this earth.
Matthew 25:31-34 …the King… gather the nations…
Followed by his subduing of Death and Hell
1 Peter 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
He is known as a refuge there in the palaces, so the people living in the palaces around Jerusalem at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ’s return have known this King who is God to be a refuge to them.

Those kings who don’t know the Lord (vss 4-8)

They are fearful
Jesus Christ controls the weather.
Faith becomes sight
- Hope is no longer hoped for, it’s here.
- However faith is not done away with here just because Jesus Christ is King. Faith cometh by hearing, not seeing. While Jesus Christ was here the first time and people saw him, he still recognized their faith and their faithlessness. Though they all saw the same things, faith ultimately has to do with the words of God and what you believe about them.

Passing on the glory of God to the next generation (vss 9-14)

Lovingkindness
Righteousness and fame throughout the earth
Consider how she’s guarded
Consider the bulwarks, the defenses (Isaiah 26)
Consider the palaces, talk about them. Christianity is going in a direction. It’s more than stay clean from the world, it is stay clean from the world so your future will be enjoyable.
Guide unto death and then he will destroy death.
- He will guide if you let him. Give me direction Lord! Followed by, “Don’t tell me what to do Lord!”

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm of Encouragement in the Lord (Psalm #42 & 43)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 42-43

David encouraged himself in the Lord the Bible says. In this psalm there is one man talking in two voices. On the one hand David is completely discouraged and on the other he finds hope in the Lord. You’ll notice the chorus of the song in verses 5, 11, and 43:5.

Appetite for the Lord (vss 1-6)

You are what you eat. It becomes a part of you.
Body gets hungry, thirsty, seeks comfort, and rest. And the soul is the same way. Your soul has a desire to be clothed, to be fed, to have rest, but it’s not fed and clothed with the same things the body is.
John 4:10-14
John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
In verse 4 David wonders if his exile from the house of God is permanent

Answer from the Lord (vss 7-11)

The Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day
He giveth a song in the night
Psalm 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
Isaiah 30:29 Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.

Advocacy of the Lord (43:1-5)

Jesus Christ the advocate in 1 John 2:1-2. Now if the Lord is willing to advocate for you when you’ve sinned, how much more do you think he’s willing to advocate when injustice is put on his people.
Let the advocate avenge
- Plead my cause… (vs 1)
- David knew something about God pleading his cause when he faced Goliath.
Power of the advocate
- The advocate may be willing to help, but he isn’t able to help then you don’t have help.
- The way the advocate will help here is in verse 3: send out thy light and thy truth.
Willingness of the advocate

Preaching, Psalms

A Psalm of God’s Righteousness (Psalm #40)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 40

Most verses in this psalm are directly applied to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessing is in trusting (vss 1-4)

Answered prayer is of the Lord
Salvation is of the Lord
Established is of the Lord
Blessing is in trusting

Work of God (vss 5-10)

(vs 5) Works too many to number – John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
(vss 6-8) Obedience over sacrifice
- No one kept the law in the Old Testament.
- Jesus Christ is not a way, nor is he a better to be saved, he is THE way.
- Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire…
- Without faith it is impossible to please God, Hebrews 11, then follows a list of all Old Testament people and their faith.
- 1 Samuel 15:22-23 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
- Repetition means vanity
- Law could not produce victory over sin
- 1 John 3:8-9 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Righteousness as God’s work (vs 10)
- No one in the Old Testament went to heaven.
- There is a difference in the righteousness of a saint to prolong the state of a city or nation. Like Abraham praying about Sodom. Or Ezekiel talking about Noah, Job, and Daniel’s righteousness not being able to preserve Jerusalem. But none had the righteousness of God to get into the holy city and live before God the Father. Jesus said no man cometh unto the Father but by me
- Romans 3:19-26, Galatians 2:16, Titus 3:5,

God’s salvation (vss 11-17)

Preaching, Psalms

The Lord My Rock (Psalm #31)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 31

The theme of this psalm is at the end of it in verse 24. When David sings of the LORD’S ability to strengthen those that hope in him, he likens the LORD to a rock back in verses 2-3. So with this great illustration in mind we’ll go through this psalm preaching on the characteristics that make the LORD like a rock.

This is also a psalm, just like most of these psalms, that could be sung by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Strength of the Rock (vss 1-8)

Strength is ability.
Believable (vs 1)
Impenetrable (vs 2)
Highly visible landmark (vs 3)
Unmoveable (vs 4)
Incorruptible (vs 5)
Durable (vss 7-8)

Treasure in the Rock (vss 9-21)

Just like mining rock for valuable treasure, there is valuable treasure in Jesus Christ.
Mercy is in the Rock (vs 9)
Life is in the Rock (vs 15)
Light is in the Rock (vs 16)
Goodness is in the Rock (vs 19)
Kindness is in the Rock (vs 21)

Take hold of the Rock (vss 23-24)

Love the Rock (vs 23)
Trust the Rock (vs 24)
Hope in the Rock (vs 24)

Preaching, Psalms

Blessed (Jamil Hadad)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Text: Psalm 1

The blessed man from Psalm 1 preached by missionary Jamil Hadad to Syria.

Tag: Psalms

Call to the Lord out of distress (vs 1)

Confidence in the Lord to avenge (vss 2-3)

Crown of those that seek the Lord (vs 4)

Confession of David (vs 5)

Make a joyful noise (vss 1-4)

Come and see the works of God (vss 5-7)

O bless our God (vss 8-15)

Come and hear (vss 16-20)

Hear me (vs 1)

Hide me (vss 2-6)

Help me (vss 7-10)

My Rock

My Salvation

My Defence

My Glory

My Expectation

My Strength

My Refuge

Like a Christian, Jeduthun is chosen to give thanks

Like a Christian, Jeduthun has stewardship of the door

Like a Christian, Jeduthun was a seer (prophet)

David takes the kingdom

Distribution of land

Temptation to be faithless (vss 1-5)

Trusting in the Lord (vss 6-9)

Triumph of faith over vengeance (vss 10-11)

Appetite for the Lord (vss 1-6)

Answer from the Lord (vss 7-11)

Advocacy of the Lord (43:1-5)

Blessing is in trusting (vss 1-4)

Work of God (vss 5-10)

God’s salvation (vss 11-17)

Strength of the Rock (vss 1-8)

Treasure in the Rock (vss 9-21)

Take hold of the Rock (vss 23-24)

Sermons & Studies

Current Series