Psalm Twenty-one The Benefits of Royalty December 7, 1997

In Psalm 20 we saw Jesus as the King going forth to battle His most dreadful enemies: 1. Sin; 2. Satan; 3. Sepulchre. There He gloriously triumphed in victory.

But in Psalm 21 we see Him returning to the Palace. His dominion is established, His foes conquered, and glory and praise are His eternal reward.

Now you and I as God’s children are the benefactors of His Divine Grace. We are of the Royal Seed and have inherited all the benefits from being partakers of His Royalty. I. Praises of Salvation: verse 1 A. Joy in His strength: (It shall never wither.) B. Rejoice in salvation: Note: The mountains of our joy will rise no higher in proportion than the depths of the valleys of our grief. (Illustration: Jesus) 1. Sacrifice of our lips: Heb. 13:15 2. Surrender of the flesh: (Praise will embarrass the flesh.) 3. Self-denial: II. Personal Worship: verse 2 Note: There can be no real worship apart from

prayer: and Notice that, that which was in the heart became the request of his lips. “And those are the only true prayers, where the heart’s desire

is first, and the lips’ request follows after.

Notice the “Selah”. If we had a few more quiet rests, a few more “Selahs” in our public worship, it might be profitable. III. Prevented Blessings: verse 3 Note: This is the same English word used in First Thessalonians 4:15, and it means to go before. The text is an acknowledgement of God’s goodness. The words “blessings of goodness” suggests that God’s gifts are God’s love embodied and expressed. God had anticipated David’s 1. needs, 2. desires, 3. troubles. In fact, God had already anticipated David’s entire course of life and had His blessings waiting for him when he arrived. A. Disappoints: B. Discouragements: Illus.: My call and the land

IV. Prolonged Days: verse 4 Note: Jesus, as a Man, prayed for resurrection

and He received it, and now possesses it in immortality. He died once, but being raised from the dead He dieth no more. “Because I live, ye shall live also,” is the delightful intimation, which the Saviour gives us, that we may be partakers of His eternal life. We had never found this jewel if He had not rolled away the stone which covered it.

A. Eternal life: (Him) B. Everlasting: (Us)

Psalm Twenty-one (continues) Verses 8-13 The Banishment of the Enemy December 14, 1997

In the first seven verses we saw the joy that filled the King’s heart as He returned to the palace, and also the benefits provided for you and I as God’s Royal Descendents. These final verses deal with the King’s enemy and His final destruction of them and their banishment out of His sight. I. He will discover all His enemies: verse 8 (read) A. By the Scriptures: Heb. 4:12-13 B. By the Spirit: Illus.: Acts 5 C. By the Saviour: Jer. 19:9 1. Those that are close: (Thine hand v. 8) above ground 2. Those that are covert:

(Thy right hand v. 8) underground 3. Those that are crafty:

II. He will devour His enemies: verse 9 Definition: To eat on; burn up; consume; to feed on. Note: There are a variety of words used in this verse that basically mean the same thing. A. Fiery oven: Where the burning is

extremely hot, the flames striking upon what is in it from all sides, above, below, and about, on all hands; and the door closed from going out or from suffering any cool refreshment from coming in. B. Swallow: To make away with, to eat up and

swallow. They will be swallowed up and become a waste. C. Fire D. Devour: 1. By His wrath: verse 9 a. Revealed: Romans 1:16-18 b. Realized: Revelation 6:17 III. He will destroy the posterity of His enemies: Definition: To wander away; or to lose oneself. A. Their fruit: (Their reward) What they could have left them B. Their seed: (Sowing time) Little children, a day is coming when all the “fruits” of sin

brought forth by sinners in their words, their writings, and their actions shall be destroyed; yea, the tree itself which had produced them shall be rooted up and cast into the fire. The “seed” and posterity of the wicked, if they continue in the way of their forefathers, will be punished like them. Let parents consider that upon their principles and practices may depend the salvation or destruction of multitudes after them.

Psalm Twenty-two The Psalm of the Cross December 28, 1997 1. This Psalm is most holy ground. 2. This Psalm portrays very vividly the Lord’s final hour of suffering; His agony, pain, and final rejection. 3. This Scripture, like no other, allows us to see the “very mind of Christ.”

The Psalm of the Cross The subject of this Psalm is the deliverance of David, a righteous sufferer, from his enemies and the effect of this deliverance on others. But as the glory of the sun is much brighter than the stars, so in this Psalm does the glory of Jesus shine much more brilliantly than that of David. It is without doubt “The Psalm of the Cross.” It is a photograph of our Lord’s saddest hours, the record of His dying words, the memorial of His expiring joys. Before us we have a description both of the darkness and of the glory of the Cross, the sufferings of Christ and the glory which shall follow. As the Son of God is made an offering for sin, in verse 6 He looks inward to Himself: In verses 7 and 8 He looks outward to view those around Him, but in verse 1 He looks upward (in agony of soul) and utters those bitter words, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?”

I. Forsaken by God: to leave behind Note: He knew the grief of being forsaken by those He loved, and the disciples who followed Him. A. Provide access to the Father:

Mt. 27:51 (the veil) 1. Romans 5:2 2. Ephesians 2:18 3. Ephesians 3:12 a. Illustration: Judas (betrayed Him with a kiss) b. Illus. Disciples: Mt. 26:31 “I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” Mk 14:50 “And they all forsook Him, and fled.” c. Illus. Peter: (Followed afar off) (Denied Him) 4. Why was He forsaken? a. Because our sins had separated

between us and our God. (He identified with us in that place of separation) which was death.

b. Because He became our Sin- bearer: (He was made to be sin for us.) c. Because He became our Substi- tute: (Suffering that which unregenerate man will ulti- mately experience.)

II. His personal faith never wavered: verse 1 “My God, My God” ← A double grip

Note: He felt Himself to be comparable to a helpless, powerless worm, while crushed, unnoticed, and despised by those who trod upon Him; yet He trusted God. Note: He keeps His hold upon God with both hands and cries twice, “My God, My God!” A. He is totally dependent upon God. 1. His strength – verse 1 Note: The term “God” as in the Hebrew “El” signifies strength and is the name of the Mighty God. 2. His holiness: verse 3 Note: We may not question the holiness of God, but we may argue from it and use it as a plea in our petitions. a. Justice: Illus. Abraham: Genesis 19:25, “Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?” b. Mercy: Illus. Moses: Exodus 34:6,7 The word “keeping” in verse 7 means to guard or protect c. Judgment: Reward for the just and punishment for the wicked. III. His prayer life never ended: verse 2 (Day and night) Note: He knows the Father to be the all-sufficient support and succour of His Spirit, and therefore He appeals to Him in the agony of grief but not in the misery of doubt.

Note: verse 2 “But thou hearest not.” For our prayer to appear to be unheard is no new trial. Jesus felt it before us; and please notice, He still held His believing hold upon God. Note: No daylight is to glaring, and no midnight too dark to pray in; and no delay or apparent denial, however grievous, should cause us or tempt us to forbear from pleading.

IV. God’s past dealings with others is pleaded: Verses 4,5 Note: They trusted: verse 4 They trusted: verse 4 They cried: verse 5 They trusted: verse 5 “They never left off trusting for it was their very life.” Note: The experience of other Saints may be a great consolation to us when in deep waters, if faith can be sure that their deliverance will be ours; but when we feel ourselves sinking, it is poor comfort to know that others are swimming. Our Lord here pleads the past dealings of God with His people as a reason why He should not be left alone. A. He wrestled: B. He waited: C. He won!

Psalm Twenty-two The Loneliness of Suffering January 4, 1998

The Loneliness of Suffering Today we will look at another aspect of the Lord’s sufferings on the cross. This is most Holy ground, so let us enter into our study as did Moses, with our shoes off, our hearts humbled, and our spirit willing to be nourished. Let me remind you that this Psalm portrays very vividly our Lord’s final hour of suffering. His agony, His pain, and final rejection all manifest in the few words of this chapter. (Phil. 2:5-8) Also, the Spirit allows us to look into the mind of the Son of God and view His thoughts, for this Psalm as no other shows us the very “mind of Christ” in His fleeting moments upon Calvary. Last week we looked at Jesus being forsaken; today we will look at… I. The Loneliness of Suffering: (He was left alone.)

Definition: 1.) Solitary: Psalm 68:6 “God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.”

2.) Single: (Standing alone) in a place no other could stand.

3.) Secluded: Isaiah 53:8 “For He was cut off out of the land of the living.” (This phrase “cut off” is generally used in reference to the wicked.

A. The Conflict of Loneliness 1. Forsaken by God: verse 1

2. Insulted by His “own” John 1:11 “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.”

a. His Faith in God: verse 8 – Here the taunt is cruelly aimed at the Sufferer’s faith in God, which is the tenderest point in a man’s soul, the very apple of His eye.

HE TRUSTED ON THE LORD. The work of blood is over. Refreshment has become necessary. b. His hope in God: verse 8 “That He would deliver Him.”

Note: Generally, those things which are considered the most painful to endure are those things which we are most sensitive to.

Illustration: Me and ? (You are either confused or lost.) c. God’s Love for Him: verse 8 “Seeing He delighteth in Him” d. His Character: Note: The stripes, the crown of thorns, the buffetings, the cross, the gall, the vinegar, and other bodily torments, besides that they torment the body, are often means of promoting the Divine honour, which it holds in esteem above all else. Note: Our Lord then being of all, the most zealous for Divine honour, for which He also died, found this kind of suffering, more than in all other, much to abhor and nothing to desire.

II. His Communion in Loneliness: verse 11

Note: The bitter severity of the mockings with which the enemy assailed our Lord, had no other effect than to lead the Saviour to make a direct appeal to the Father. Note: He was brought as a man to His extremity, yet He sought help from the Father. Note: There are (2) for’s in verse 11 as though His crying faith gave a double knock at Mercy’s gate.

III. His Comfort in Loneliness: verses 9,10 (Read) A. Secured by Omnipotent Tenderness:

Note: The destitute state of Joseph and Mary, far away from friends and home, led them to see the cherishing hand of God in the safe delivery of the mother, and the happy birth of the Child. That Child now fighting the great battle of His life uses the mercy of His nativity as an argument with God. Faith finds weapons everywhere. He who wills to believe shall never lack reason for believing. Note: God begins His care over us from the earliest hour. We are dandled upon the knees of mercy and cherished in the lap of goodness. Our cradle is canopied by Divine love, and our first totterings are guided by His eye.

Note: Surely He who loved us when we were children is too faithful to cast us off in our riper years. Note: Those mercies which God bestowed upon us in our minority we are to call to mind and acknowledge in our riper years.

B. Sense of Divine Presence: verse 11 “Be not far from Me” Note: A sense of Divine presence is a mighty stay to the heart in times of distress. 1. Trouble in our life moves the heart of God. 2. Trouble in our life brings down the helping hand of God. Note: It was needful that our Lord tread this winepress alone, yet it sorely grieved Him to find that all His disciples had forsaken Him, and lover and friend were put far from Him. Note: There is an awfulness about living absolutely alone, which is crushing to the mind; for man was not made to be alone. C. Satisfaction of Pleasing God:

Psalm 23:1 The Shepherd and I

January 18, 1998

The Shepherd and I

There is no inspired title to this Psalm, and none is needed; for it records no special events, and needs no other key than that which every Christian may find in his own bosom. It is David’s Heavenly Pastoral; “His Relationship to His Sheep.” The position of this Psalm is worthy to notice. It follows the Twnety-second, which is peculiarly the Psalm of the Cross. There are no green pastures, no still waters on the other side of the Twenty-second Psalm. It is only after we read, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” that we come to , “The Lord is my shepherd.” Please notice --- a sinner while under conviction may experience in his soul the sense of being forsaken by God. But as quickly as his bleating arrests the attention of the Good Shepherd he can exclaim, “The LORD IS MY Shepherd.” I. The Shepherd: v. 1 A. Protects the Sheep: (In the presence of mine enemies) v. 5 Note: The sheep are weak, defenseless, and very often foolish. 1. Illustration: Job’s hedge: Job 1:10 Note: He hedges up your way with thorns to keep you from sin. He hedges 1.) us in, 2.) sin out.

2. Illustration: David’s lion and bear I Samuel 17:34-36 J. L. Porter (1867) Speaking of an actual experience he eye-witnessed – “The shepherds themselves had none of that peaceful and placid aspect which is generally associated with pastoral life and habits. They looked more like warriors marching to the battlefield – a long gun slung from the shoulder, a dagger and heavy pistol in a belt, a light battle-ax or iron-headed club in the hand, such were the equipments; and their fierce flashing eyes and scowling countenances showed but too plainly that they were prepared to use their weapons at any moment.” B. Pointman for the sheep: (He leadeth me.) Verse 2. J. L. Porter – “As we sat, the silent hillsides around us were in a moment filled with life and sound. The shepherds led their flocks forth from the gates of the city. They were in full view, and we watched them and listened to them with no little interest. Thousands of sheep were there grouped in dense, confused masses. The shepherds stood together until all came out. Then they separated, each taking a different path and uttering as he advanced a shrill peculiar call. The sheep heard them. At first the masses swayed and moved as if shaken by some internal convulsion; then points struck out in the direction taken by the shepherd; then became longer and longer until the confused masses were resolved into long, living streams, flowing after their leaders.”

Please notice: The shepherd goes before, not merely to point out the way, but to see if it is practical and safe. C. Pastures the sheep: (Lie down in green pastures) v. 2

The good shepherd is skilled in pasturing his sheep, and in bringing them into a fruitful ground that they can thrive upon. He will never suffer his sheep to feed upon rotten soil, but in wholesome pastures.

1. Scriptures of truth: always fresh, rich, and never exhausted. 2. Sweet blades of Gospel: Fit food for souls as tender grass is for sheep. 3. Savory grains of Grace: (Tall enough to lie down in.) II. The Sheep: John 10 A. They know the Shepherd: (Am know of

mine) v. 14 B. They know His voice: v. 27, v. 4 (If you are not sure it was Him Who spoke, you had better leave it alone.) C. They follow Him: v. 27 D. They trust Him:

Psalm 23: 2, 3 January 25, 1998 As we continue our study of the Twenty-third Psalm please keep in mind that it deals with the relationship of the shepherd to his greatly beloved sheep. The Christian life has two elements in it, the contemplative and the active; and both of these , by the Shepherd, are richly provided for. First He maketh to lie down and second He leadeth me. Illustration: I quote from Nathanael Hardy, “Sitting Mary and stirring Martha are emblems of contemplation and action; and as they dwell in one house, so must these in one heart.” Notice the word “He” in these two verses and the accomplishments of each. 1. He maketh – 2. He leadeth – 3. He restoreth – 4. He leadeth. These four statements I will try to expound upon today. I. Satisfaction: v. 2 “He maketh me to lie down in

green pastures.” Note: Theses pastures are green, not parched; they are full of sap, not dead; they are both pleasant to the eyes and the taste. They perform as much as they promise. So we are satisfied by the diet provided for us by the Shepherd. “What are these green pastures?”

A. The realization of some great promise: B. The recognition of some Bible principle: C. The reaching or attainment of some Wonderful grace: (Illustration: cigs.) D. The revelation of some Bible truth:

Notice, these green pastures are associated with still waters, which represent the Word of God. --- But it is the Spirit who guides us into truth, and the Spirit of God is a most free agent, Who is Himself the source of liberty, and He comes to the heart of the believers when He wills, how He wills, and as He wills, with a deep impression, and with a fuller development, brought home with power to the heart. II. Serenity: v.2 “He leadeth me beside the still waters.

Note: Some believe David wrote this Psalm after having overcome all his enemies, and settled his kingdom, he enjoyed great peace and quiet, and had one foot as it were upon the battlements of Heaven. Note: Even when we make the final crossing, come down to the river, there is something going forward worth seeing. Your Shepherd is about to lead His flock across; and as our Lord says of the Good Shepherd – you observe that He goes before, and the sheep follow. But wait, a weak one is about to be swept into the sea; but no, the Shepherd Himself leaps into the stream and lifts it into His bosom, and bears it trembling to the shore. Isaiah 43:2 “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee…”

A. Settled and quiet: (Read these verses.) I Peter 5:10 (Settled) Not in a state of turmoil B. Sure and Quiet: Isaiah 32:18 C. Safe and Quiet: I Timothy 2:1,2

III. Succouring: v. 3 “He restoreth my soul.” (The Breasted One) A. When sorrowful He revives us B. When sinful He sanctifies us C. When sinking He lifts us

Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? He Who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. IV. Sanctifying: v. 3 “In paths of righteousness”

The Christian delights to be obedient, but it is the obedience of love to which he is constrained by the example of the Master. The Christian is not obedient to some commandments and neglectful to others: he does not pick and choose, but yields to all.

A. His leading is gentle: Our leading must be mild and gentle, and not drawing and driving. We are led by an inward sweet influence rather than an outward extreme violence being pulled forward.

Illustration: Jacob and Esau Gen. 33:13,14 B. For His Name’s Sake:

Psalm 23:4-6 February 1, 1998

As we begin our final study of Psalm 23, I would like to take a moment to point our the three aspects of the Shepherd work of our Lord. 1) The Good Shepherd: John 10:11 (read) He saves us. 2) The Great Shepherd: Heb. 13:20,21 He sanctifies (Perfects) Brought from the dead by the Word. 3) The Chief Shepherd: I Peter 5:4 (Rewards) In these last three verses I noticed something of deep interest. David is no longer speaking about the Shepherd, but he is now speaking to the Shepherd in close communion. It is such a comfort to know when we walk through that valley that the Lord draws ever nigh and gives great and everlasting consolation with both rod and staff. 1. Verse 4 “Yea, though I walk…” As if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. To walk indicates the steady advance of the soul, which knows its road, knows its end, resolves to follow the path, feels quite safe, and is therefore perfectly calm and composed. 2. The dying saint does not run as though he were alarmed, nor stand still as though he would go no further: he is not confounded nor ashamed, and therefore keeps to his old pace.

3. Observe, he is not walking in the valley, but through it. (Death is not the house, only the porch.) 4. Notice, it is not the valley of death, but the valley of the shadow of death. Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. (Where there is a shadow there must be a light.) Death stands by the side of the highway on which we have to travel, and the light of Heaven shining upon him throws a shadow across our path. 5. A shadow cannot stop a man’s pathway for a moment. A shadow cannot harm, neither has any power. The shadow of a dog cannot bite, the shadow of a sword cannot kill, and the shadow of death cannot destroy. Illustration: The stinger of a honey bee: (Death has left its stinger in the humanity of Christ.) 6. Verse 4 “Thy rod and thy staff…” That which governs and rules the flock, the ensign of sovereignty and gracious care. 7. Three uses of the rod: 1) To reckon up or count the sheep: (He will not lose one.) 2) To quicken their pace that they might be more diligent when they become neglectful or slothful. (Service and worship) 3) To strike them, or to fetch them when they stray into other pastures, failing to recognize the dangers.

8. Verse 5 “Thou anointest my head with oil.” Every Christian is a priest, but he cannot execute the priestly office without unction. A priest without oil misses the chief qualification for his office. 9. Oil has three uses: 1) Smoothness to the touch 2) Brightness to the sight 3) Fragrance to the smell 10. Verse 5 “My cup runneth over” (contentment) This is the stone which turns all it touches into gold. 11. The Lord makes our cup run over that other men’s lips might taste its sweetness. 12. The showers which fall upon the highest mountains should run into the lowest valleys.

Psalm Twenty-three A Full Cup My Cup Runneth Over June 14, 1998 A.M. Introduce by using David’s background and life as a youth. Briefly mention the Shepherd’s relationship to His sheep. Then the message… 1. The Good Shepherd: John 10:11 2. The Great Shepherd: Hebrews 13:20,21 (Perfects and works in us) 3. The Chief Shepherd: I Peter 5:4 (Rewards) I. His Contentment: verse 1 “I shall not want.” A. I Timothy 6:6-8 “But godliness with

contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Illustration: Lot

B. Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

C. Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such [things] as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Illustration: Job

Seek ye first…

D. Luke 3:11 (When soldiers came to John to be Baptized) “And the soldiers likewise

demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” Illustration: Lot 1. Content with His power over me: Verse 2 “He maketh me” a. His Lordship b. His Leadership Romans 9:21 “Ha

The Potter and the clay – Jerimiah 18

potter power over the same lump to m vessel unto honou unto dishonour?”

2. Content with the pastu Verse 2 (Green pastures) Note: To some sheep the always looks greener on “Green keeps you clean. a. Sometimes it’s mi “…desire the since the word, that ye m thereby:” b. Sometimes it’s me “But strong meat b them that are of fu

Vessel of Gold. My life a wreck II Timothy 2:20

th not the the clay, of

ake one r, and another

res I graze in: grass the other side. ” lk: I Pet. 2:2 re milk of ay grow

at: Heb. 5:14 elongeth to

ll age…”

c. Sometimes it’s manna: Rev. 2:17 “…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna,…” 3. Content with the Paths I walk in: Verse 3 (He leadeth me…) Numbers 21 Illustration: Israel v. 4 “…and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.”

a. They murmured b. They were judged II. His Comfort: v. 4 “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” A. In the valley:→ tribulation II Cor. 1:3-5 B. In the victories: → Samson and the jawbone (No victory without a fight) C. In vindication: → (Elijah) III. His Cup: v. 5 “My cup runneth over.” Definition: To hold together (as a container) A lot (as if a portion)

A. Cup of salvation: Psalm 116:3 “I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.”

B. Cup of suffering: 1. Luke 22:42 Illustration: In the garden 2. Matt. 20:20 Illustration: The mother of James and John 3. The cup – the Baptism 4. Suffering for power

C. Cup of supplication or communion: Revelation 3:20 Illustration: The Lord’s Supper – Luke 22:19,20

The Lord’s Sandwich of Love

Outline and notes in Psalm 23 7-23-2002 Tues.

I want to preach tonight on, “God’s Sandwich of

Love”. Psalms 22, 23 and 24 form a trinity of grace. They are inseparable to a child of God. They have in view Christ and his redemption of his children. In Psalm 22 we see Christ on the cross. He was forsaken by God as the black cloud of sin separated him from the Father. He denied even himself as he very lovingly and willingly laid his life down in atonement for our sin.

In chapter 24 we see Christ in his coming. In Psalm 24, at least 4 times he is referred to as “King of Glory”. During this time he will show, who is the blessed and only potentate, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Sandwiched right between these two Psalms is Psalm 23. Here we see the life of Christ and his children. So between the cross and his coming we find Christ’s watch care for those who have experienced deliverance. By way of introduction let me mention a few things I see in Psalm 23

1. The nearness of the Lord: (The Shepherd is always near his sheep) v-4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

2. The name ascribed to the Lord: (Shepherd) v-1 “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”

a. The Good Shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.

b. The Great Shepherd, he rose from the dead to care for his sheep.

c. The Chief Shepherd, he is coming to crown and reward his sheep.

3. The nature of the Psalm: a. The relationship of Christ to his people: b. The watch care of Christ for his people: c. The work of Christ in his people: d. The purpose of Christ toward his people:

(That we may dwell in the house of the Lord forever)

Message I. The Shepherds Love For His Sheep: v-1 (The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want)

A. A personal love: (The Lord is my Shepherd) (Personal pronoun is used 17 times; the number of finality, judgment and completion.)

1. He provides rest: (v-2 “He maketh me to lie down”)

2. He provides restoration: (v-3 “He restoreth my soul”)

Def. Restoreth: to turn back 3. He provides righteousness: (v-3 “He

leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake”)

Def. Righteousness: That which is altogether just

B. A providing love: (v-2 “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside still waters”)

1. He provides the diet: v-2 (He maketh me to lie down in green pastures)

a. People lay down after a meal 2. He provides the drink: (v-2 “Beside still

waters”) C. A peaceful love: (v-2 “He leadeth me beside still

waters”) 1. His love leads us into a peaceful and

tranquil life:

II. The Shepherd’s (Lord’s) Leadership Of His Sheep: (He’s been there before we get there)

A. He lead’s us into satisfaction: (v-1 “The Lord is my Shepherd”, (there’s the leadership) “I shall not want” (there’s the satisfaction) v-5 “My cup runneth over”

B. He leads us into sanctification: (v-5 “Thou anointest my head with oil”) The Holy Ghost

1. That which has been anointed with oil has been made divinely holy:

C. He leads us into his sanctuary: (v-6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and so shall I dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Def. Sanctuary: A refuge Note: I realize this refers to our eternal home, but if you struggle with coming to church, you will never dwell in the house on the other side.

III. The Shepherd’s Light Given To His Sheep: (v-3 “He leads in paths of righteousness)

A. Light to live by: John 12:35 “Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.”

B. Light to labor by: John 9:4 “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

C. Light to look by: (v-5 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies”)

1. He prepares a table in the presence of my enemies, gives me light to clearly see them, and blesses me with the assurance that there is nothing they can do about it.

Psalm Twenty-four The Song of Ascension This Psalm was probably written and intended to be sung when the Ark was taken from the house of Obed-edom and carried inside the gates of Jerusalem and brought to Mount Zion. But the Sweet Psalmist of Israel, “I’m sure,” looks beyond his own entering of Jerusalem to that of our Royal Monarch and True King the Lord Jesus Christ. In II Samuel Six we find this account and some similarities to the Lord’s triumphant entry. Let’s look for just a moment at: 1. The Rejoicing: 6:16,17 a. Shouting b. Sound of the Trumpet I Thessalonians 4

c. Dancing 2. Rewards: 6:19 3. Regrets: 6:20

The Psalm I. The Lord’s Properties: verse 1,2 A. The Earth B. Its Fullness (Its harvest, its wealth, its life, and its worship → trees, plants, flowers, etc.) C. The World and They That Dwell Therein: 1. By Creation: John 1:3 2. By Sustentation: Heb. 1:3, Col. 1:17 3. By Administration: (He orders all things.) Col. 1:11

II. The Lord’s People: verse 3-6 A. Those with Upward Aspirations: (Who shall ascend) verse 3

Note: It is uphill work for the creature to reach the Creator, and only those who have set their affections on things above shall enter the Gates of Zion with the King of Glory. Note: If we suck our consolation from the breasts of the world, we only prove ourselves to be home-born children.

B. Those with Outward Separation: v. 4 (Clean hands) The hands represent that outward visible life that is seen, judged, and either condemned or commended by those around us. Note: Outward, practical holiness is a very precious mark of Grace. It is feared that many professors have perverted the doctrines of justification by faith in such a way as to treat good works with contempt.

“It is vain to prate of inward experience unless the daily life is free from impurity, dishonesty, violence, and oppression." – C.H.S.

C. Those with Inward Sanctification: v. 4 1. Pure heart: Matt. 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

Note: Dirt in the heart throws dust in the eyes. Note: He, who longs to see his friend when he passes by, takes care to clear

the mist from the windows, lest by any means his friend should go by unobserved.

2. Hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity: Note: Has not turned his soul to seek the empty vanities of the world. 3. Sworn Deceitfully: Note: Every liar is a child of the devil

and will be sent home to his father. A false declaration, a fraudulent statement, a crooked account, a slander, a lie, all of these may suit the assembly of the ungodly, but are detested among the saints. Note: Take this man into a court of justice, and call on him to testify, and he will not bear false witness. Give him the charge of untold treasures, and he will not steal. Trust him with the dearest interests of your family; you are safe, because he has a living principle of truth and integrity in his bosom. He is worthy of confidence in the dark or at noonday, for he is a moral man not because of reputation or interest demands it, not because the eye of public observation is upon him, but because the love and fear of God are predominant in his heart.

III. The Lord’s Prize: verses 5, 6 A. Blessing B. Righteousness

Psalm Twenty-five Man After God’s Own Heart Psalm 25:1-7 February 15, 1998 This Psalm is so singular in its structure that it is difficult to discover any marked divisions. There are great changes of thought, but there is no variation of subject. David is evidently writing this composition in his latter days, for he mentions in verse seven the sins of his youth. He looks back at the painful experiences of life with great gratitude for the kindness and mercy of the Lord. David is also pictured in this Psalm as in a faithful miniature. His holy trust, his many conflicts, his great transgressions, his bitter repentance, and his deep distresses are all here; so that we see the very heart of “the man after God’s own heart.” I. He Is Seeking the Lord: v. 1 Paul instructed

Timothy in First Timothy 2:8 to lift up holy hands without wrath and doubting, but unless we lift up our souls in true devotion it is but mockery.

Does it not appear that so often out soul has lost its wings and is heavy and earthbound; and we are like burrowing moles, instead of soaring eagles?

A. By Faith: v. 2 “O my God, I trust in thee.” Note: Faith is the cable which binds our

boat to the shore, and by pulling it we draw ourselves to the land: faith unites us to God and then draws us near to Him. The Psalmist does not deny expression to those

gracious feelings with which God had favored him. But David finding in his soul a desire to seek the Lord, he avows it; believing he had a rightful interest in the Lord he declares it; and knowing that they had confidence in his God he professes it.

B. Through Suffering: v. 2 “Let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.” Note: Suffering enlarges the heart and creates the power to sympathize. Illustration: Jesus None pity the poor like those who have been or are still poor. None have such tenderness for the sick as those who have been long in ill health themselves. We ought to be grateful for occasional griefs if they preserve us from chronic hard-heartedness; for of all afflictions, an unkind heart is the worst. It is a plague to its possessor, and a torment to those around him. C. Because of His Enemies: v. 2 “Let not mine enemies triumph over me.” Note: The best men have their enemies,

and should pray against them that they may not see their wicked desires accomplished.

Note: There is a great jealousy in believers for the honor of God, and they cannot endure that unbelievers should mock them with the failure of their expectations from the God of their salvation.

II. He Is Seizing upon Divine Leadership: v. 4, 5 Note: The Lord has ordained to save you; surely

He will not refuse to instruct you in His ways. A. His Path: v. 4 “Teach me thy paths.” Note: Unsanctified natures clamor for

their own way, but a gracious spirit cries, “Not my will, but thine be done.” Note: Four times over in these two verses he applies for a scholarship in the college of grace. It would be well for many professors, if instead of following their own desires and cutting new paths of thought for themselves, that they would enquire for the good old ways of God’s own truth, and beseech the Holy Ghost to give them sanctified understanding and teachable spirits.

B. His Patience: v. 5 “On thee do I wait all the day.” Note: Patience is the fair handmaid and

daughter of faith: we cheerfully wait when we are certain that we shall not wait in vain.

1. Wait cheerfully: 2. Wait cautiously: Note: Our faith will be tried faith,

and if it be of the true kind, it will bear continued trial without yielding.

III. He is Sensitive to Sin: v. 6, 7 A. Forgiven: B. Forgotten: The bones of our youthful

feastings at satan’s table will stick painfully in our throats when we are old men. He who presumes upon his youth is poisoning his old age.

Psalm Twenty-five The Lord’s Best Kept Secret Psalm 25:14 February 21, 1998 As we look at verse fourteen, please keep in mind the theme of Psalm Twenty-five, “A Man After God’s Own Heart.” Here we are actually looking at the heart of a man who is in diligent search of the Lord. It is no strange thing that in his search there would be a desire for those graces, which are hidden from the soul of many others; not because the Lord wishes it that way, but because they are lazy in their pursuit. The Key that will open the door to the hidden things of God is found in this verse. Fear. 1. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:10 2. Fear is associated with worship: Psalm 5:7 3. Fear is a mover of the spirit and keeps us from spiritual complacency: Hebrews 11:7 As we look for this secret of the Lord’s, let us first of all divide people into these categories. I. The Spiritually Dead: This is the condition of the unregenerate. Ephesians 2:1 “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”

There is a vital sense in which the natural man discerneth not the things of the Spirit of God: all realities of the Christian experience are utterly hid from his perceptions. To speak to him of communion with God, or the sense of pardon, or

the expectation of Heaven, of the witness of the Holy Ghost, or the struggles of the Spiritual life, would be like reasoning with a blind man about colors, or with a deaf man about Spiritual harmony.

Illustration: Girl at Burger King A. They are worldly captivated. B. They are without power to resist satan. C. They have a spirit of disobedience.

Eph. 2:2

II. The Spiritually Dull: Hebrews 5:11 A. Slow of learning: v. 12 B. Senses are lazy: v. 14 (not exercised) Definition: Senses – an organ of perception, judgment. C. Slow to apprehend 1. No discernment of both good and evil Note: Spiritual depth does not rely on how loud you can shout, nor how well you pray, but on how well you discern good and evil. III. The Spiritually Diligent: A. A man who walks with God: Illustration: Noah – Genesis 6:10 1. The secret of judgment: 2. The secret of justice: To punish the ungodly and pardon the righteous. Illustration: Abraham – Gen. 18:17-19 3. The secret of joy: James 1:2 Illustration: Jeremiah Note: The Lord’s Word was His joy. 4. The secret of the journey: John 14:6 (Judas is still present at this time.)

Psalm Twenty-six David’s Clear Conscience March 1, 1998 The date of the Psalm is uncertain. It is supposed by some to refer to the assassination of Ishbosheth in (II Samuel 4:5-12), and by others to the rebellion of Absalom (II Samuel 15-18). But it is more probable that it was composed, like many others, in the dark time of Saul’s persecution. Whatever the occasion might have been, one thing is for sure; that David had been falsely accused by his adversaries, and here pleads with a righteous God to fudge and examine him under close scrutiny, that his innocence might be proven to his accusers. David is sure, as was Paul in Acts 24, that he had a clear conscience before God and man. I. His Faith is Steadfast: v. 1 “I have trusted in also in the Lord…” Note: Slippery the way is, so that I walk as a man upon ice; yet faith keeps my heels from tripping. A. His Integrity was Judged: v. 1 David had not used any unrighteous means

to gain the crown or to keep it. He was conscious of having been guided by the noblest principles of honor in all his actions when…

B. His Life was: 1. Examined: v.2 a. Look me through and through: b. The reference here is to the methods by which metals are

tested. 3. Tried: v.2 The “reins” may refer to the lower,

and the “heart” to the higher passions of the soul. He then craves that not only the outward but also the inner man should be tested.

a. Open Life: v. 1,2 b. Obedient Life: v.3 c. Overcoming Life: v. 4,5 II. His Fellowship Was Separated: v. 4,5 A man is known by the company he keeps, and if

we have kept ourselves apart from the wicked, it will always be evidence in our favor should our character ever be indicted.

A. He did not set with vain persons: v.4 B. He did not worship with dissemblers: v.5 Those who would be transfigured with Jesus must not be disfigured by conformity to the world. A man, who does not hate evil terribly, does not love good heartily.

Men as men we must always love, for they are our neighbors, and therefore to be loved as ourselves: but evil doers as such, are traitors to the Great King, and no loyal subject can love traitors. What God hates we must hate. The congregation or assembly of evil- doers signifies violent men in alliance and conclave for the overthrow of the innocent. III. His Felicity (love) Was Sincere: v.6-8

A. He Compassed the Altar: v.6 The meaning is that he will go around and around the altar looking at it. 1. The Blood 2. The Brass (Judgment) 3. The Wood: (Our sins gone) 4. The Sacrifice B. He Lifted His Voice in Thanksgiving: v.7 1. God’s people should not be tongue- tied. 2. The wonders of Divine Grace are enough to make the tongue of the dumb to sing. 3. God’s works of love are wondrous if we: a. Consider the unworthiness of their objects:

b. Consider the costliness of their methods: c. Consider the glory of their

result:

IV. His Future was Secure: v.9-12 A. Gather Not My Soul With Sinners:

Note: This is in similarity to a man gathering fruit. He does not put the good apples and the rotten in the same basket.

Psalm 26:3 A Glorious Picture March 1, 1998 A.M “Thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes.” What a beautiful picture to behold. No other scenes passed before him. No views of the world nor sites of the wicked, but always the lovingkindness of the Lord. In Isaiah 26:3 the Scripture says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” In Psalm 57:7 the Scripture says, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed.” But here the Psalmist has his eyes focused on nothing but the Love, Mercy, and Kindness of the Lord. As we look at the Lord the first thing we see is the glorious picture of: I. Salvation: Isaiah 45:22 “Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God and there is none else.” A. Look: B. Look up: John 3:14 “And as Moses lifted

up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” Illustration: Numbers 21:8 “…when he

looketh upon it, shall live.” C. Look Behind: Genesis 22:13

Illustration: Abraham and the ram: “And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and

behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns.”

D. Look Forward: Revelation 14:1 Illustration: John: “And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on Mount Sion.”

ASSURANCE Note: In these three occasions we see salvation in the past, present and future. We see Jesus on the cross, in our heart, and on the throne. II Corinthians 1:10 “Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.” A Glorious Picture of… II. Transformation:

Definition: A change of heart in man by which his disposition and temper are conformed to the Divine image: a change from enmity to holiness and love. (Romans 12:1 and 2)

I Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face…”

Look at His face and be conformed to His: A. Tenderness B. Truth C. Trustworthiness III. Expectation: Psalm 5:3; 62:5

Definition: (a cord, and attachment) as a child in the womb is nurtured and provided for by its mother.

A. Fully dependent B. For redemption Romans 8:19

Psalm Twenty-seven March 8, 1998 As in many of David’s Psalms, this one cannot be given a distinct occasion nor a definite setting. Very little can be drawn from the title, (simply a Psalm of David). But one may judge from the matter of the song, the writer was pursued by enemies (I Samuel 25:28, 29) in verses 2 and 3, was shut out from the House of the Lord in verse 4, was parted from father and mother in verse 10, and was subject to slander in verse 12. All of these meet in the time when Doeg the Edomite spake against David to Saul. Overcoming Our Enemies: 1. Satan: Rev. 12:11 a. The blood b. Their conversation c. Their love for the Saviour 2. Society: I John 5:4 a. Faith 3. Sin: a. Death [of the old man] Romans 6:9-14 4. Self: a. Mortification Rom. 8:13 - Col. 3:5 Death ↑ Subdue↑ 5. Servants of the devil: II Cor. 11:13-15 Note: These are referred to by David in Psalm 27 as a. wicked Spoil – to make or be good for nothing b. enemies v.2 a tight place – trouble - crowding c. foes One of an opposite tribe (the seed of the serpent)

I. David’s Confidence: v.1 A. In the Lord: “The Lord is” not might be. B. In the Light: v.1 Note: Where there is not enough light to see our own darkness and to long for the Lord Jesus, there is no evidence of salvation. 1. He is light within: soul and sin 2. He is light around us: the world 3. He is light reflected from us: (We are the light of the world.) 4. He is light revealed to us:

C. In our Life: v.1 (He was David’s Strength) 1. His Past Experiences:

Note: Confidence is the child of experience. Have you been delivered out of great perils? Then set your ensign, wait at your watch fires, and let the enemy do his worst.

II. His Enemies’ Confusion: v.2 They came upon him to eat up his flesh, but they stumbled and fell. Illustration: Red Sea Note: It is true the Saints have their infirmities; but the wicked do not hate them for these, but for their holiness; from this hatred ariseth open violence. The thief hates the light and therefore would blow it out. A. Stumble: B. Fall: Note: There is no such dainty dish to a

malicious stomach, as the flesh of his enemy; it goes down without chewing, and

they swallow it up whole like cormorants. But though malice has a ravenous stomach, yet she hath but slow digestion: though her teeth be sharp, yet her feet are lame, at least apt to stumble and fall. Illustration: Gideon and the confusion of the Midianites.

III. David’s Courage: v.3 Note: David was not so courageous himself, but

upon experience of God’s former comfort and assistance, his faith broke as a fire out of smoke, or as the sun out of a cloud.

Rom. 8:31 “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Psalm Twenty-eight David’s Distinction March 15, 1998 This is another of those “Songs in the Night,” of which the pen of David was so prolific. Someone has said that the thorn at the breast of a nightingale would cause it to sing in a beautiful manner; likewise David’s griefs make him eloquent in holy songs. The main pleading of this Psalm is that the suppliant may not be confounded with the worker of iniquity for whom he expresses the utmost abhorrence. I have titled the Psalm:

David’s Distinction

1. Please notice how David clearly contrasts himself from the unregenerate. a. v.3 They are wicked. b. v.3 Their labor is sinful. c. v.3 They speak falsely. Note: These words reveal the condition of their 1. Heart: 2. Motives of the mind: 3. Their tongue: I. David’s Appeal to Jehovah: v.1-2 “Unto thee will

I cry.” Note: A cry is a natural expression of sorrow, and is a suitable utterance when all other modes of appeal fail us; but the cry must be alone directed to

the Lord, for to cry to man is to waste our entreaties upon the air. Note: His appeal is to the Lord his Rock. 1. The Immutable Rock: 2. The Immovable Rock:

A. He cries to the Lord to hear: v.1 “Be not silent; and v.2 “Hear the voice of my supplication.” Note: When God seems to close His ear, we must not therefore close our mouths. B. He cries to the Lord for help: v.1 “…I become like them that go down to the pit.”

Note: Deprived of the God who answers prayer, we should be in a more pitiable plight than the dead in the grave, and should soon sink to the same level of the lost in hell. We MUST have answers to prayers. Ours is an urgent case of dire necessity. Surely the Lord will speak peace to our agitated minds, for He can never find it in His heart to permit His own elect to perish.

C. He cries to the Lord in humility: v.2 “When I lift up my hands toward thy holy Oracle.”

Note: We must stretch out empty hands for we are beggars; we lift them up for we seek heavenly supplies; we lift them towards the mercy seat of Jesus, for there our expectation dwells. Oh that whenever we use devout gestures, we may possess contrite hearts.

II. David’s Apprehension of Justice: v.3-5

Note: When we view the wicked simply as such, and not as our fellow men, our indignation against sin leads us entirely to coincide with the acts of Divine justice, which punishes evil and rewards righteousness.

Romans 2 A. Their Judgment: 1. Is Inescapable: Rom. 2:3 2. Is Righteous: Rom. 2:5 3. Is According to their deeds: Rom. 2:6 4. Will bring to light the hidden things of the heart: v.16 5. Will teach the saved proper fear: v.3 “Draw me not away…”

Note: David fears lest he should be bound up in their bundle and drawn to their doom; and the fear is an appropriate one for every Godly man. The best of the wicked are dangerous company in time, and would make terrible companions for eternity. We must avoid them in their pleasures, if we would not be confounded with them in their miseries.

III. David’s Applause for Jesus: v.6-9 Note: The Psalm is prayer up to this point, and now it turns to praise. A. He’s been heard: v.6 B. He is helped: v.7

Note: They who pray well will soon praise well; prayer and praise are the two lips of the soul; two bells to ring out sweet and acceptable music to God. They are two altars smoking with incense. They are twins feeding upon the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense.

1. Strength: (weapon) 2. Shield: (armour) Note: The word “heart” is used twice in verse seven, to show the truth of his faith and his joy. Note: When God blesses us we should bless Him with all our heart.

Psalm Twenty-nine Jesus Rides the Storm March 22, 1998

Jesus Rides the Storm This is another Psalm to which the title reveals only that the song was written by David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel. However, the contents in their description are so vivid, that no mistake can be made; these verses march to the time of thunderbolts. If Psalm VIII should be read at night, when the moon shines brightly and the stars glitter in all their glory, and Psalm XIX by day, when the sun rays glisten from high in the heaven, then this Psalm ought to be studied during the gloom of the tempest, when the thunder rolls, and the lightenings flash, and the terrors of the Lord are on every side. I. Types of Storms: A. Ice Storms: Illustration: Cheyenne, WY (book) B. Thunder Storms: v.3 “thundereth” 1. Usually accompanied by lightening: v.7 “divideth the flames” C. Wind Storms: “I read one where tornados can jump up and down in the air and never touch anything.” D. Rain Storms: E. Snow Storms: Note: There are spiritual applications to many of the storms we encounter in life.

1. In rain or snowstorms our vision may become limited. 2. In various kinds of storms traveling can become very dangerous. 3. Some storms will slow us down: we may even have to stop. (Roads Closed) 4. Some storms may force us to look for shelter. 5. Traveling in stormy weather can cause nervous tension, anxiety, and even fear. 6. If we are not forced to stop, we should at least proceed with great caution. 7. The devastating effects the storm leaves behind often require lengthy clean-up procedures. II. The Lord Speaks to us out of the Storm: Note: The word “voice” in verses 3, 4 (twice), 5, 7, 8, and 9. III. The Lord Sets (or rides) with us in the Storm: v.10 IV. The Lord Strengthens us Because of the Storm: v. 11

TEXT I. The Path of the Storm:

Note: Verse 3 - We hear the first yet distant sounds of thunder. So many times a storm can be heard before it is seen. Note: Verse 5 - The fury of the tempest is coming nearer yet, and it falls on the glory of Lebanon.

Note: Verse 6 – Next, gathering with a wilder intensity of wrath, it bursts upon the mountain peaks, roaring amid their rocks and shattering them. Note: Verse 7 – Lastly, we hear it sinking down in the lime which describes the flashing of the forked lightening. Note: Verse 8 – It can then be seen as it departs and heads for the wilderness of Kadesh.

II. The Power of the Storm: v.4 III. The Peace in the Storm: v.11 A. The Close

Psalm Thirty Dangers of Prosperity April 5, 1998

Dangers of Prosperity In Psalm 30 David is writing in retrospect to the events recorded in II Samuel 24. It was in David’s old age, after his kingdom was secured that his heart was moved to number the men of Israel and Judah. This thing displeased the Lord very much, because it revealed a lack of faith in Him and manifested David’s confidence in himself. By God’s messenger Gad, David’s seer, judgment was pronounced: 1. Seven years of famine: 2. Flee three months from his enemies: (v.1) ? 3. Three days pestilence in the land. In II Samuel 24:14 David realizes the pressing situation he is in, and rather than choose his own judgment, he chooses to fall into the hand of God and not man. 1. It was in David’s prosperity of life that he became: a. Self-satisfied

Illustration: Rich young man

Luke 12:16 b. Self-confident 2. It is the Lord’s will tha I. Psalm 1:1-3 Note: there are some req in order to be prosperous A. Separation: Psal

v.6

t we prosper in life.

uirements from the Lord . m 1:1

B. Scriptures: Psalm 1:2 II. Joshua 1:8 A. Obedience B. Faith in Him: v.9 (not we ourselves) III. Psalm 122:6 A. A love of Jerusalem ___________________________________________ I. Dangers of Prosperity: Note: Prosperity is a greater danger than poverty is to our spiritual life. A. Forgetting God: Deuteronomy 6 B. Self-confidence C. Complacency D. Loss of favor: v.7