PSALM

PSALM 19:1-14

THE LAW OF THE LORD IS PERFECT

This is the first of six messages from Psalm 19 dealing with the book of the Scriptures.

The purpose of these messages is to make the Word of God more precious to you and more desirable than anything else in your life. May it truly be “sweeter than homey.”

I. THE DOCTRINE OF THE LORD IS PERFECTLY FREE FROM CORRUPTION

A. It is the INSPIRED Word of God, 2 Peter 1:20-21, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21- For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

B. It is profitable, 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

1. For doctrine (TEACHING), 1 Timothy 4:6, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.”

2. For reproof (EVIDENCE OF WRONG DOING), Proverbs 6:23, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”

a. It is a lamp, Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

b. It is a light, Psalm 119:130, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

c. It is a reproof of instruction, Proverbs 5:12-14, “And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; 13- And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! 14- I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.”

3. For correction (RESTORATION), Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

4. For instruction in righteous, 2 Timothy 2:25-26, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26- And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

a. In children it relates to the cultivation of mind and soul and in training and care of the body.

b. In adults it cultivates the soul in correcting mistakes and curbing passions.

5. That the man of God might be mature, 2 Timothy 3:17, “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

II. THE DOCTRINE OF THE LORD IS PERFECTLY FILLED WITH ALL GOOD

A. It restores the soul, Psalm 23:3, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

B. It cleanses our way, Psalm 119:9, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”

C. It makes us “doers of the word,” James 1:21-22, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22- But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

III. THE DOCTRINE OF THE LORD IS PERFECTLY FITTED FOR IT’S PURPOSE

A. To keep you from falling, Jude 24a, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling,”

1. In Christ the Believer shall never perish, John 10:28, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

2. By faith he has passed from death unto life, John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

3. The Believer is sealed by the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”

B. To present you faultless before God, Jude 24b, “And to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,”

1. Faultless before God, Revelation 14:5, “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.”

2. We will have great Joy, Psalm 43:4, “Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.”

3. We will have a great reward, Matthew 5:12, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

CONCLUSION:

Psalm 119:103 says, “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

If this is not your feeling about the Word of God, then you are out of God’s will. If being in God’s house to hear the Word of God taught and preached, you are in bad trouble with the Lord.

The Word of God should be the most important thing in your life. It should be sweeter than honey to you.

THE SERVANT OF THE LORD–PSALM 18:1-3

In this Psalm David shows that it was more important to him to be the SERVANT of Jehovah than to be the king. David makes no mention of his royalty; hence we gather that he counted it a higher honor to be the Lord’s servant than to be Judah’s king.

Being possessed of poetic genius, he served the Lord by composing this Psalm for the use of the Lord’s house.

I.      I WILL LOVE YOU, O LORD

1. Love of the whole soul, Matthew 22:37, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”

2. An active love, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5- Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6- Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7- Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

II.      THE LORD IS MY ROCK

A. The symbol of our God, 1 Samuel 2:2, “There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.”

1. Who is a ROCK save our God? Psalm 18:31, “For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?”

2. David refers to the Lord as his ROCK about 20 times in the Psalms, Psalm 18:46, “The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.”

B. The ROCK upon which the Lord’s Church is built, Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

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

2. That ROCK is the firm testimony of the WORD of God, Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

C. To some He is a ROCK OF OFFENCE, Romans 9:33, “As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

D. To the Believer He is the “ROCK” (mountain) from which the STONE is cut there signifies the divine origin of Christ, Daniel 2:45, “Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.”

III. THE LORD IS MY CLEFT ROCK AND MY FORTRESS

A. Dwelling among the crags and mountain fastness of Judea David had escaped the malice of Saul, Psalms 91:2, “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

B. Believers are often hidden in their God from the strife of tongues and the fury of the storm of trouble, Psalms 32:7, “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.”

1. My Buckler or Shield –We have protection under His wings, Psalms 91:4, “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

2. The Horn of my Salvation –He is the strength of our salvation, 2 Samuel 22:3, “The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.”

3. My High tower — He is our defense and place of safety in times of trouble, Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

C. The Believer prays to God in a happy and confident manner, vv. Psalms 5:3, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”

1. David is saved singing, 2 Samuel 22:4, “I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”

” No fearing or doubting

With Christ on our side,

We hope to die shouting,

‘The Lord will provide.’”

2. Be careful for nothing was Paul’s counsel, Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

CONCLUSION

 “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”

Introduction:

One of the promises that continually encourages God’s people is the promise of seeing Jesus in Glory. Over the centuries many Christians have died for the cause of Christ singing His praises as they suffered for Him.

While our suffering may not be as great as some of those who have gone before us, we still have the promises of the Word of God that we too will “see Him as He is.”

I. I WILL BEHOLD HIS FACE

A. He will manifest Himself to us, Psalm 4:6, “There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.”

1. We will be glad, Psalm 21:6, “For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.”

2. We will walk with the Lord, Psalm 89:15, “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.”

B. We shall know Him, Job 19:26-27, “And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27- Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another [not a stranger]; though my reins be consumed within me.”

1. Moses had this hope, Numbers 24:17, “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.”

2. Paul had the same hope, Philippians 1:23, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:”

C. It will be a time great rejoicing, Psalm 119:111, “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.”

1. The promise of God rejoices the heart, Psalm 19:8, “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.:”

2. By the Word of God we are called by His name, Jeremiah 15:16, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

II. I SHALL BE SATISFIED

A. With Eternal Life, Psalm 16:11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

1. For the pure in heart, Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

2. Based on the love of Christ, Ephesians 3:19, “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

B. With my inheritance in Christ, Psalm 36:8-9, “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. 9-For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.”

1. In the resurrection, Isaiah 26:19, “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.”

2. As those who came out of the grave at the death of Jesus Christ, Matthew 27:52-53, “And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53- And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”

C. I shall be satisfied with Your likeness, Genesis 1:26, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

1. With a changed body, Philippians 3:21, “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

a. Some will not die, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52- In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

b. In a moment every believer of all time will be changed, We shall be like Jesus, 1 John 3:2-3, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3- And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

2. In God’s presence, Colossians 3:4, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

a. Not because of our righteousness, Isaiah 64:6, “But we are all as an unclean thing , and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

b. But as Daniel prayed for God’s great mercy, Daniel 9:18, “O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.”

c. For His great love, Ephesians 2:4-6, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5- Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, ( by grace ye are saved;) 6- And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

CONCLUSION:

We are blessed with the promises of God and will one day look into His eyes in Glory. That will the greatest moment in our life. We will be in that “changed” body, a body like His body, absolutely perfect and without sin or any of its weaknesses. It will be a great day!

THE PURSUIT OF PLEASURE–PSALM 16:1-11

The United States Declaration of Independence says that one of our inalienable rights is “the pursuit of happiness.” I think that we would all agree that pleasure, the agreeable reaction of our senses to some stimulus, is a king-size ingredient of happiness.

In our world today it seems that this pursuit of happiness has taken totally the form of worldly pleasure, not all of which are bad. However, it appears that this pursuit of pleasure has taken us away from the source of our greatest pleasure.

I. SCRIPTURE DOES NOT SAY THE WE SHOULDN’T ENJOY LIFE.

A. God has given us much with which to enjoy life, 1 Timothy 6:17, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”

B. Paul give us a warning:

1. Excessive indulgence takes our mind off of the best thing, 1 Timothy 5:5-6, “Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6-But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.”

2. Solomon joins Paul in saying that pleasure cannot satisfy, Ecclesiastes 2:1, “I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.”

II. PLEASURE AS ONES MAIN GOAL DESENSITIZES THE BELIEVER.

A. He is desensitized to earth’s greatest pleasure – fellowship with God, Psalm 16:11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

1. We become overly interested in the pleasure of this world.

2. We become insensitive to God’s call to do His will.

B. He is desensitized of the foretaste of Heaven, 1 John 2:15-16, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16-For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

III. WHAT ARE THE PLEASURES OF GOD IN THIS LIFE?

A. Paul has given us a list, Ephesians 3:16-19, “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17-That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18-May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19-And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

1. “To be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man,” Ephesians 6:10-11, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11-Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

2. “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith,” Ephesians 2:21, “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:”

3. That you “May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;” Ephesians 1:18-23, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19-And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20-Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21-Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22-And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23-Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”

4. And “to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge,” Ephesians 5:2, “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

5. And “that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God,” Colossians 2:9-10, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10-And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”

B. How can we take advantage of these great pleasures available to us?

1. Spend less time involving yourself in your worldly pursuits.

a. With things of lesser importance than the things of God.

b. Put the things of God’s service ahead of your work, home life and incidentals.

2. Spend more time seeking the true pleasure of fellowship with the Lord.

a. In His Word, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17-That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

b. In prayer, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, “Pray without ceasing. 18-In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

c. With His people, Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

CONCLUSION:

The blessing of God’s fellowship far outweigh what the world has to offer the Christian. The World offers discouragement while the Lord offers love and understanding. The world has no peace of mind to offer while the Lord gives grace and truth that bring wonderful peace. Why spend our time on things that cost so much when God’s peace and fellowship is free for the taking?

THE LORD IS MY PORTION–PSALM 16:1-11

This psalm is called the “Golden Psalm.” It is more precious than gold because it speaks so plainly of Christ and his resurrection, who is the true treasure hidden in the field of the Old Testament. One commentator calls it “David’s jewel, or notable song.” “Some have rendered it precious, others golden, and others, precious jewel; and as the Holy Ghost, by the apostles Peter and Paul, hath shown us that it is all about the Lord Jesus Christ, what is here said of him is precious, is golden, is a jewel indeed!” —Dr. Hawker.

I. CHEERFUL BELIEVING CONFIDENCE vv. 1-4

1. Here from this psalm Peter preaches the resurrected Christ to the Jews on Pentecost, v. 27.

2. He preaches of the hope and joy of David regarding the Messiah, v. 28.

B. One of the great names of God is “the Preserver of men,” v. 1; Job 7:20, “I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?”

1. The Lord preserves the faithful, Psalms 31:23, “O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.”

2. The Lord DOES NOT FORSAKE His saints, Psalms 37:28, “For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.”

C. David says, “Thou art my Lord,” v. 2; Psalms 27:8, “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.”

1. David says, “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing,” Psalm 34:10, “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.”

2. God does not withhold good things for the faithful, Psalm 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

D. David’s goodness was extended to the saints, v. 3; Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

1. David could do nothing for the Lord so HE DID GOOD TO GOD’S PEOPLE, Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

2. David refers to the saints as “the excellent,” v. 3; Malachi 3:17, “And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”

3. David though a king, WAS A COMPANION with those who followed the Lord, Psalm 119:63, “I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.”

E. David declares the doom of idolater, v. 4; Psalms 32:10, “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.”

II. THE LORD’S PORTION vv. 5-11

A. God is THE STRENGTH of the believer’s heart, Psalms 73:26, “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”

B. David’s inheritance was SERVING the Lord, v. 6; Psalms 23:5, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”

1. Jesus found the WAY OF OBEDIENCE to lead into pleasant places, Psalms 21:1, “The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!”

2. It is a GOODLY heritage, Psalms 21:2, “Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips.”

III. DAVID SPEAKS IN THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY

A. David recognizes the PRESENCE of the Lord, Acts 2:25, “For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:”

B. Jesus foresaw the DIFFICULTY of His crucifixion and prayed to the Father, Luke 22:42-43, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43- And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”

C. The death and resurrection of Christ is clearly seen here, vv. 9-10.

1. Knowing that HE MUST DIE, Jesus REJOICED in His Father, Luke 10:21, “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.”

2. Jesus was NOT DISAPPOINTED in His hope, v. 10; Acts 2:29-31, “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30- Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31- He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.”

D. Being raised Jesus ASCENDED INTO THE PRESENCE of the Father WITH THE FULNESS OF JOY, v. 11; Hebrews 1:3, “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

CONCLUSION