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Psalm 121 The Lord our Helper

3/3/2021

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Psalm 121 The Lord our Helper

Philippe R. Sterling
 
MESSAGE
 
The message of Psalm 121 may be summarized in this way: The pilgrim on his journey to the dwelling place of God can have great confidence that Yahweh, the Keeper of Israel, will be his help and will keep him safe and secure because he trusts in Him.
 
EXPOSITORY OUTLINE
 
Title (v. la): A Psalm of Ascents (v. la).
 
I.   The pilgrim speaks: By question and answer he identified Yahweh
     as the source of his help (w. lb-2).  

      A.  As he anticipated his journey through the mountains
           to Jerusalem, he asked who would be his help (v. lb).  

     B.  He affirmed his faith in Yahweh, the Creator of heaven
          and earth, as his help (v. 2).  

II.  The priest speaks: By describing Yahweh's watchfulness over
     the pilgrim, he affirmed the pilgrim's faith (vv. 3-8).  

     A.  Assurance: He affirmed that Yahweh is unfailing in
          His watchfulness over His pilgrim (vv. 3-6).

          1.  He pointed to Yahweh as an unsleeping Shepherd, who
               will not allow the pilgrim to slip on the rocky paths (vv. 3-4).             
         2.  He pointed to Yahweh as an unfailing Protector, who
              will stand in strength beside the pilgrim day and night
              (vv. 5-6).
 
     B.  Blessing: He announced that Yahweh will continue to keep
          the pilgrim's life from all harm both now and in the future
          (vv. 7-8).

​EXPOSITION

God is our helper. How does He help us? (1-2)
 
All of us long to feel safe. We want to know that we are protected from danger. We want policemen protecting our streets so we will feel protected at home. The restaurants we attend have safety inspections so we will feel protected when we eat. The cars we drive have to meet safety standards so we will feel protected in case we are in an accident. We want to feel protected from foreign invaders so we emphasize the importance of a strong defense. But where does our safety really come from? Does it come from our policemen, inspectors, or a strong national defense?
 
In our text this morning, we read a Psalm that Israelites would often sing while making their yearly pilgrimage to worship in the temple in Jerusalem. For many, this was a long and treacherous trip. The miles were long and the traveler was vulnerable. There were dangers that awaited them on many fronts. They were many things that could go wrong, many bad things that could happen. They had no interstates on which to travel or roadside assistance to call on their cell phones if they were in trouble. They had reason to fear. They longed to feel the same safety and protection that we still long for in our world today. So, they would sing this song.
 
Psalm 121 was written to remind God’s people as to how He protects them in times of danger. We see this in the first two verses which serve as an introduction. Will I lift up my eyes to the hills, one asks, where the pagan temples could be seen upon the mountain tops? Where does my help come from? The answer is our theme this morning: “My help comes from the Lord”. That word for “help” also signifies protection. God is being pictured as our guardian. The dangers before us may not be the same as the ones they faced, but our unchanging God still protects us from danger. The question then is, how does God protect us from danger? Our text suggests three ways God protects us from danger.

First, we see that God protects us from danger by keeping us from falling (3-4).

For the traveler en route to worship in Jerusalem, there were many dangers. One of those dangers was that of falling. When verse three says that “He will not allow your foot to slip.”  A person could fall and sprain an ankle, or break a leg or hip. When was the last time you tried to walk for miles through mountainous territory on a broken ankle? Get the point? For us, this seems minor, but for them, it was a major concern and a very real danger.

I once visited with a couple who were the proud parents of a baby boy, just over a year old. As soon as I entered their home, I noticed that everything about this house was dedicated to protecting their baby. There were plastic plugs in the electrical outlets to keep the baby from seeing what happens when he places his little fingers in them. When they opened their pantry door, there was a small plastic “baby gate” nailed into place, keeping the baby from getting to items that might be harmful for a small child. When you tried to open their cabinet doors, there were small hooks in place to keep the baby from being able to open those doors and reach more harmful things. If you drove somewhere with this couple you would notice that they had a special baby seat to buckle him in, in case he would try to move about.  The doors had “child proof” locks that only the driver could unlock. Everywhere you looked, everything about their lives was dedicated, not only to protecting the baby from others, but from protecting the baby from himself. So our Heavenly Father protects us not only from evil in this world around us, but even from ourselves.

How is God able to do this? Verse four says God will neither “slumber nor sleep.”  When a person is asleep, they are unconscious, unaware of what is going on around them. Many of the pagans in Old Testament days believed that their false gods occasionally slept and had to be awakened. But this is not so with God. Because He never sleeps nor slumbers, He is aware of every step you take in your life, and is able to help you when your foot would “slip”. He can do this because He is a full time God. Jude 24 says that our Lord “is able to keep you from falling.” Those whom God saves, He also sustains.

Second, we see that God protects us by sheltering us from adverse circumstances (5-6).

Not only did the traveler have to fear the possibility of being incapacitated by slipping or falling, but there was another danger. This was the danger posed by their circumstances.

Verse five says God is our “keeper.” That word in its Hebrew context means “to watch, preserve, support, aid or...keep guard.” What does God guard us from here? The sun and the moon! For the traveler, sun stroke was a dangerous reality. There was also danger if traveling at night. These were the circumstances in which they had to travel. Thus, God is “your shade at your right hand.” He is shade in that He gives relief from the heat of the sun. He is at our “right hand” as that was a symbol of reliability. Just as God sheltered them from their circumstances, He shelters us from ours as well.

Some time ago there was a fascinating story in National Geographic magazine. An explorer had made a tremendous accomplishment. He managed, for the first time in history, to record on video the birth of a panda cub in the wild. The newborn cub could fit in the palm of your hand. The most amazing thing happened after this cub was born. In order to protect the cub from the elements, and to give the cub an opportunity to grow sheltered from the dangers of the outside world, the mother panda spread her enormous body across this tiny cub and did not move for twenty-eight days. She did not eat or sleep at all during this time. Her massive presence remained steadily hovering over this tiny being. So it is with God, as His omnipotent presence hovers over us as a shield from our circumstances in life.

God protects us from our circumstances not only because He is aware, as we saw in our first section, but also because He is always present. The same word which we here see translated “shade” also translates “shadow.” God is like our shadow. Your shadow
follows you every moment of the day. There is virtually nowhere to go to escape it. In fact, the only way to hide it from view is to escape the light of day and to retreat to the darkness. When you are walking in the light, the shadow is clearly seen, walking with you, wherever you go. The Lord has promised us “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” If the Lord is there, there is nothing in our circumstances that should cause us to fear, for He is Lord over them.

What are the circumstances in which life finds you now? What are the circumstances that are troubling you? Perhaps the circumstances of your job are difficult and you are struggling in the workplace. Perhaps the circumstances of your family life are stressed, and you are struggling to be the husband or wife God called you to be. Perhaps the circumstances of your health are deteriorating and you struggle just to get up each day. Whatever your circumstances may be, God is your “shade at your right hand.” There is nothing in your circumstances that must rob you of the joy of walking with Christ. You can trust God with your life no matter what your circumstances may be, knowing that He is Lord over your circumstances.

Third, we see that God protects us by defending us against evil (verses 7-8).

Verse seven says, “The Lord will protect you from all evil.” The word for “evil” signifies the evil intentions other people might have.

Possibly the most frightening danger posed to this traveler was not the possibility of falling, or the chance of being stricken by the heat of the sun. It was the presence of those evil persons who might do them harm. There were bandits and burglars who were anxious to make quick riches at others’ expense. The family heading to worship in Jerusalem could often make a good target for their crime because they were likely to be tithing when they arrived and thus might be loaded with considerable wealth. Not only might they steal your possessions, but wouldn’t think twice about taking your life. This was a real danger. But for the child of God, they need not fear, for “He will keep your soul.” This doesn’t mean that evil will never touch us or hurt us. It means that we will be preserved when those who would devise evil against us enact their evil plans.

I wish I could tell you that being a follower of Jesus Christ would make you popular, but it will not. What I can promise is that God will preserve you from the evil that He allows to touch your life. It will not be able to overcome what He intends to do in your life. Isaiah 54:17 says that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper.” God will render them useless, except to accomplish His will. Yes, there will be those who, because of your walk with Christ, will persecute you, attack you, lie about you, and seek to destroy your life. However, the good news is that there is no evil that will touch your life that has not first been filtered through the Almighty hands of God. As the ill intentions of evil men against us pass through God’s hands, God’s protection, and God’s care, what is left can only accomplish His sovereign purpose for us.

How do we respond when evil is devised against us? Jesus makes clear for us what our response should be when men revile us, persecute us, and say all sorts of evil things against us falsely. In Matthew 5:11-12 he tells us “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.” We who know Jesus can rejoice because we know that any evil God allows to touch our life, He allows for our ultimate benefit. We can rejoice because we know that the reward He has for us in return for that evil is great. Yes, we may hurt and we may bleed, but God will be faithful to give to us a joy that we were counted worthy to suffer for Him.

Are you suffering as evil is devised against you now? Take that experience and make it to God a sacrifice. He will use it for His sovereign purpose and He will reward you greatly (see Rev 2:8-11).

The same assurances of protection and safety God offered to those fearful travelers thousands of years ago, God still offers to us today. We need God’s protection now more than ever.

If God has promised to protect His children, then we need not fear the dangers this life presents. We can trust God to keep us from falling for He sent His Son to walk this earth and He did so without ever falling into the trap of sin. We can trust God to shelter us from our circumstances for we follow a Savior who walked upon the water and calmed the most violent of storms. He controls our circumstances as well. We can trust God to defend us from evil because our Lord suffered at the hands of evil. He suffered even to the point of death upon the cross...yet He rose again! If we are to successfully complete the journey which we are traveling, we too must trust God to keep us from falling, shelter us from adverse circumstances, and defend us against evil. He will do so both now and in the future.

Those who sung this Psalm in Biblical days were making a journey. This was no ordinary journey, but a journey to worship and give of themselves to God. Its words would have been meaningless had they not made the commitment to take that first step and go where God was calling them. Embark on the journey to worship and serve God with the confidence that He is your Helper.

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Genesis 24 – A Wife for Isaac

2/2/2021

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A DRAMA OF PROVIDENCE
A Wife for Isaac
Genesis 24

Philippe R. Sterling
 
A philosopher was asked to explain the meaning of history.  He took a length of string and with a flick of his finger turned it into an intricate design.  With another flick he let the string unravel.  He seemed to imply that there is no grand design to history but history is simply a random unraveling of names and dates and places.  He seemed to say that your life is but a meaningless twist in a string of history.
 
The Bible looks at history and presents a different story, a story with meaning, a story under God’s control and direction.  The Bible advances the doctrine of God’s providence.
 
The doctrine of providence deals with God’s government of the created world and God’s direction of human affairs.  God’s direction of human affairs extends to both the public realm and the personal realm, to international affairs and interpersonal affairs, to the relationship between North Korea and the United States and to the relationship between Philippe and Brenda.  Our focus today is going to be on God’s direction in the personal realm of our lives.
 
There are two sides to the personal aspect of providence: the activity of God in the events of life and the responsibility of men and women in the events of life.  Genesis 24 illustrates these two sides of providence.
 
Genesis 24 presents a drama of God’s providence, a story of God’s activity in the lives of His faithful people to make their way straight and successful.  From it we can learn how to live our lives in such a way that at its end we can testify “God led me all the way.”
 
Genesis 24 is the longest chapter in Genesis.  It is about Abraham finding a wife for his son Isaac through his servant.  It is about Rebekah’s willingness to leave her family and travel across a great desert to share her life with a man she had never seen before.  The emphasis of the chapter is on the providential activity of God in the circumstances of His faithful servants.  It is a story of God’s guidance and human faithfulness.  There are five parts to the story:

  1. The commission given by Abraham to his most trusted servant to find a wife for Isaac among his own people.
  2. The course of the servant’s journey across the desert to the city of Nahor and his meeting with Rebekah at the well.
  3. The communication of the servant’s mission and the family’s positive response to his request.
  4. The contract that finalizes the betrothal.
  5. The completion of the mission in the marriage of Isaac to Rebekah.
 
Review of the Drama

I.   The Commission: Abraham entrust to his servant the responsibility of finding a wife for Isaac requiring that
     he swears to fulfill his task (24:1-9).  

     A.  Abraham is old having greatly experienced the blessing of God (1).
     B.  Abraham charges his servant to go to his relatives and find a wife for Isaac (2-8).
     C.  Abraham requires the servant to take an oath (9).
 
II.  The Course: After the servant arrives at his destination, he prays for a sign of God’s guidance and then praises
     God for sending Rebekah as the sign (24:10-27).  

     A.  The servant arrives at the city of Nahor and prays that God would be faithful to Abraham by clearly guiding
          him to Isaac’s future wife (10-14).
     B.  God sends Rebekah to the well as the answer to the prayer where she displays kindness and reveals
          kinship (15-25).
     C.  The servant acknowledges God’s faithfulness in guiding him to Rebekah (26-27).  

III. The Communication: After Laban receives the servant, he recounts his pilgrimage and resolves to settle
     the betrothal (24:28-49).  

     A.  Laban extends hospitality to the servant and his party (28-32).
     B.  The servant recounts to Laban his commission from Abraham and his experience of God’s guidance (33-48).
     C.  The servant seeks to settle the betrothal (49).  

IV. The Contract: Laban finalizes the betrothal of Rebekah and sends them off with a blessing (24:50-59).
 
     A.  After Laban agrees to the marriage, the servant praises God (50-54a).
     B. The servant requests that he return with Rebekah immediately but Laban stalls and consults with Rebekah
          who agrees to go (54b-58).
     C.  The family sends Rebekah away with a blessing (59-60).  

V.  The Completion: Rebekah returns with the servant and becomes the wife of Isaac (24:60-67).  

     A.  Rebekah returns with the servant (61-65).
     B.  The servant recounts to Isaac everything that transpired (66).
     C.  Isaac weds Rebekah and is comforted by her (67).
 
Summary: Abraham, trusting in God’s loyal love to provide a wife for his son Isaac, entrusts the responsibility of the betrothal to his servant, who loyally carries out his task under the providential guidance of God.
 
Reflection on the Drama
 
Two things interplay in the outworking of God’s design for our lives: God’s providential control and our proven character.

I.  The Proven Character of the Actors: Believers have the responsibility of acting in faith.
 
Let us consider a few of the ways the servant and Rebekah demonstrate their character.

     A.  The Character of the Servant: His attitude and his actions illustrate the qualities of faithful service.  

          1.  He acts with obedient faith.  

He was at hand ready to work.  Informed of his task, he committed himself to the task.  He promptly set out on his important errand.

          2.  He acts with prayerful faith.  

He bathes the expedition in prayer.  He fervently seeks God’s direction and blessing on every step of the journey.
 
One part of the servant’s prayer is important.  It involves a test upon which the story turns.  This was not a haphazard test, but a test appropriate to the task at hand.  He had thought out his prayer carefully.

          3.  He acts with grateful faith.  

Upon seeing God’s hand in the events, the servant immediately worships and praises.

          4.  He acts with focused faith.  

The servant refuses to be distracted from his mission.  He tactfully pursues the interests of Abraham until he experiences success.

     B.  The Character of Rebekah: Her attitude and actions illustrate the qualities of faithful response.  

          1.  She acts with kindness.  

She offers the visiting stranger a drink and then offers to draw water for his camels.  A camel drinks more than twenty gallons of water, especially after a long day’s journey in hot lands.  Here were ten camels!  She makes repeated trips from the well to the watering trough.  She does this willingly and energetically for a stranger.

          2.  She acts with decisiveness.  

When Laban asks Rebekah “Will you go with this man?” she replies “I will go.”  If this was of God, she was prepared to go immediately.  This puts her in in a similar spiritual line as Abraham.
 
When God indicates new directions for us, we should go.  If we delay we might accomplish little.  Ten days will turn into ten months and then ten years, and the time for service might pass.
 
This is a story that intertwines human activity with divine activity.  Let us now look at God’s activity.

II.  The Providential Care of the Director: Believers may be confident that God will lead them in their faithful actions.  

The story emphasizes the providential working of God in the circumstances of His faithful servants.  God providentially ensures the fulfillment of His promise by guiding Abraham’s servant in acquiring a wife for Isaac.

     A.  The story shows God’s direction of events from behind the scenes.  

God is the hidden director of all the events in the story.  The servant’s words, “The LORD has guided me” (verses 27 and 48) capture God’s role.
 
God is behind the scenes, directing the acts.  The story records no direct word from God, no divine miracle.  It does not even restate the Abrahamic covenant.  It is unique in Genesis, yet realistic for our experience today.  It emphasizes the role of faith, expressed in personal prayer and perception of circumstantial evidences of God’s working, because God is not visibly active.

     B.  The story reveals God’s plan to bless mankind.  

The story reveals more than God’s providence.  It is also part of the development of His plan to bless mankind.  Potential hurdles are overcome.  The servant could have failed.  Laban might have refused.  Rebekah might have been unwilling.  God steered through all the hazards and put all the parts together.  The marriage of the son takes place.  The line of the seed that leads to Jesus continues.  God directed in the continuance of the seed and the Abrahamic covenant.
 
We marvel at God’s providence in this event.  We should not let the fact of our human responsibility escape our notice and our practice.
 
III. The Prescribed Course for the Audience: We who act in faith can be fully assured of God’s leading.  

     A.  Let us so live that we can testify “God led me all the way.”  

Would you like to be confident that you are in the will of God?  Would you like to be assured of the fact that God is guiding your life for your good and His glory?  If you put the principles that emerge from this passage into your practice then you can be sure.

          1.  Receive instruction.  

Abraham instructed his servant on what he required of him.  The Bible instructs us on what God requires of us.  You need to inform yourselves of God’s instructions.
 
What are some explicit examples of God’s will for us?  Our sexual purity (1 Thess. 4:3).  Our thankful attitude (1 Thess. 5:18).  Our silencing of critics by doing right (1 Peter 2:15).

          2.  Faithfully follow the instructions.
 
The servant is faithful in following the instructions of Abraham.  We are to be faithful in following the instructions of the Bible.  The Bible does not give us a road map for our lives but it does give us a compass.  We need to follow the direction to which the compass points.

          3.  Pray.  

The servant asked God to guide him in the choice of a wife for Isaac.  We can ask God to guide us in our choices.
 
As the servant prayed, he kept on working.  Prayer is no substitute for action.  We are to pray and work at the same time.  Prayer does not make work unnecessary but makes it effective.

         4.  Discern and test circumstances.  

God answered the prayer of the servant and led him.  God will guide us.  Now, the will of God cannot be divined (forecasted), but it can be discerned afterwards, after we have prayerfully and obediently discharged our duty.  We can look back on our circumstances and testify “God has led me all the way.”
 
It may be legitimate to look for evidence of God’s leading in the circumstances.  Note that the sign which the servant requested was practical.  After the occurrence of the sign, the servant did not give himself blindly to first impression but tested the circumstances.

          5.  Praise God.  

The servant praised God for His leading.  The praise is an important part of the story.  It is repeated in the passage.  We are to praise God for His work in our lives.  We are not to receive the benefits of God without offering praise in return.  Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

          6.  Seek the affirmation of those involved.  

Everyone recognized the leading of God in the matter and granted their permission.  God’s leading in our lives will be recognized and affirmed by those who are sensitive to His ways.

          7.  Complete your task.  

The servant completed his mission when Isaac and Rebekah were united in marriage.  God calls us to be faithful in completing our mission.  Let us so live that we may say as Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).

     B.  Let us so live that God can declare “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  

Paul looked forward to the crown that the Lord will award him on the day of His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8).  Let us so live that we will gain Christ’s praise and reward.
 
Some years ago there was a play acted on two stages.  On a big stage players played their parts.  Over to one side there was a little stage where one actor played the role of the playwright, scribbling the lines while the players played.  Whenever the actors missed a line or messed up a step, he would make the proper adjustments.  In the second act he leaped across the stage and played a part, rearranged the players, added new lines, and held the play together.  Back and forth he went, writing, directing, and entering until at last he brought the play to a climactic curtain call.
 
That’s the picture!  God writing the script, directing the actors, and entering on the human stage to play a part.  God will bring the story to His great conclusion.  However, there are two sides to providence: Divine guidance and human faithfulness.
 
If we faithfully and prayerfully do the revealed will of God then we can be assured of His guidance.  God leads those who prayerfully and obediently do His will.
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Psalm 16 – The Pilgrim Path

1/4/2021

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​THE PILGRIM PATH – JOY FOR THE JOURNEY
Psalm 16 – A Song of Trust

Philippe R. Sterling

A pilgrim is a traveler who is on a journey to a place of spiritual significance. In the literature of Christianity, the concept of pilgrim may refer to the experience of life in the world.  The great classic Pilgrim’s Progress allegorized the spiritual journey of a Christian in the world from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City.  John Wayne many times used the term “Pilgrim” in his movie dialogues.

Main Idea: When we make God our portion in this life, He makes known to us the path of life.
​
Psalm 16 portrays the pilgrim path. The superscription categorizes it as A Mikhtam of David. The meaning of “Mikhtam” is uncertain. Some rabbis surmise it to mean “a golden poem”.  Luther gave the meaning as “golden jewel”.  The psalm reveals David’s trust in life and hope in death, and so we could call it “David’s Golden Key to Life”.

The Psalm divides into three sections. We can label them the pilgrim’s prayer, the pilgrim’s priorities, and the pilgrim’s prospects.

The Pilgrim’s Prayer: Take refuge in God and ask Him to preserve you through life (16:1).

What’s the current mood around our world?  Gloom and doom. 

Shaking times are captured by sample headlines. Somebody said, “If you go to the sports pages first, you are sports-minded; skim business pages first, you are money-minded; but go to the front pages first, you’ll lose whatever mind you once had!”

Not feeling very well, we look the world over for sources of stability. “Only gold is divine.”  An ad by the World Gold Council calls people to buy gold regardless of its price.  Why?  Gold is considered the ultimate safe-asset during socio-political and financial chaos.  Gold has become an idolatrous option—along with a hundred man-made deities.

Facing ominous times, people rush to safe-havens. We all need a safe-haven. In Psalm 16, the Psalmist claims to possess the ultimate safe-haven, the only stable reality in a shaken world.  “Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken,” (v 8); he declares.  “My flesh will also dwell securely” (v. 9).

He first requests the preservation of his life, for he takes refuge in God (v. 1).

Refuge – what comes to mind when you hear that word?  Do you think of safety, comfort or relief, particularly in a time of trouble? 

David experienced difficult times.  But he knew who provided his protection, and David sought his refuge there. What does taking refuge in God involve?

The Pilgrim’s Priorities: Taking refuge in God involves a commitment to God and His people (16:2-6).  

The Lord—Our Confession: Make the LORD your Lord – there is no good besides this (2).

The Psalmist’s security, stability and solace are in the Lord as his personal safe-haven (v. 2a).  God in Himself, not just what He can give or do, is his earthly good (v. 2b).

Do you value God more than anything else? Announce your faith in the LORD alone.  There is no good beyond this.
Note the names for God:

​The name God is El as in El Shaddai.  It is the title used of the supreme deity and indicates His strength and power. “LORD” = Yahweh, some pronounce it Jehovah. It is the divine title that points to the covenant relationship that God has with His people. “Lord” = Adonai. It speaks of the sovereignty and authority of God.  

The Saints—Our Companions: Delight in God’s people and not those who choose other than God (3-4).  Our Commitment — Avoid other gods.  

Next, David delights in the fellowship he experiences with fellow believers.  However, he scorns those who “bet” on other gods to deliver them.

Have you ever noticed, when you meet someone for the first time and through the conversation of getting to know one another you each discover the other is a Christian, it’s as if there’s this instantaneous connection that occurs?  And that specific, unique connection simply doesn’t happen in other relationships.  Secular friendships can be good and positive, but there is a genuine delight that can only be found in the fellowship of other believers. Delight in life with other believers.

God’s saints are “majestic”; they reflect His shining splendor to us. Many believers have majestically reflected God to me.

I would not trade God for anything. Those who choose other than God are overwhelmed with sorrow.  The word is the same as that in the first line of Genesis 3:16.  This was true of the pagans of the psalmist’s day.  This is true of any today whose focus is on something other than God such as adulation, career, family, security, alcohol, sex.

The Inheritance: Make the Lord your portion in life (5-6).

The “lines” are boundary lines, surveyor lines, property lines.  The imagery is from the division of the land among the tribes.  When the “lots” of life were cast and portions assigned, he received something beautiful.

What is it that he’s been given?  What has he inherited that so captivates and delights him? The answer is in vs. 5 – he has received the Lord.  When the lots were cast and the shares were given, when he looked at the portion that would be his – it was “the Lord.”  The assignment that came to him was a life filled with God.

Look at vs. 6.  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.  Boundary lines, heritage – this is the language of a man who understood his relationship to God as being part of the Mosaic Covenant.  God had chosen them as a people and had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey.  They eventually inherited that promise and David reigned as king in that land. 

Today our heritage isn’t so much about a land promised to our forefathers, but we can still relate to the idea that David is communicating here.  When we choose to walk in the way of God the boundary lines of life fall in pleasant places.  No, it doesn’t mean that the path will never be unpleasant.  Sometimes God leads us through the valley of the shadow of death.  But walking in God’s way protects us from so much – the consequences of bad choices and untimely death. Those who walk in God’s way through this life will reign with Christ in the life to come.

The Pilgrim’s Prospects: The pilgrim who takes refuge in God can trust God to preserve him through life and through death (16:7-10).

      A. Prospect in Life’s Path (7-9)

God provides guidance (7).

David speaks of the Lord’s guidance.  Note that it is counsel and instruction.

Have you ever been going through a difficult time, or facing an important decision, and you go to someone in your life you who trust to get their advice?  And you know how much of a help it is – even if the advice itself may not lead to a solution – just to be able to talk to that person and seek their counsel.  David says, ‘you know who I go to for counsel?’  The LORD –the great I AM.

God provides protection (8).

Our confidence will never be shaken. A verse in an old hymn, “How Firm a Foundation,” sums up the point:

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes:
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!”
 
We experience joy and confidence (9).

Our heart is glad.  We approach the future secure in our hearts.

     B.  Prospect at the End of Life’s Path (10)

God will not leave his soul in Sheol. God will not allow His Holy One to see corruption. God will not abandon David or God’s promised “seed” in the grave. The second half of the verse could have been fulfilled only by the Messiah (see Psalm 49:7-9).

The Apostles Peter and Paul use verse 10 for the Lord Jesus and His resurrection (Acts 2:22-36; 13:32-37).  Peter indicated that David understood the reference.  Paul tied it to the covenant with David.

As the grave advances, we do not fear. We need not be afraid of death because of Jesus’ resurrection.  If I don’t’ fear the ultimate threat of death, the possible consequence of all crises, there’s nothing before death that is going to shake me and break me.

Summary Affirmation (16:11)

David sums up his thoughts in the final verse.  You will make known to me the path of life.  In Your presence is fullness of joy.  In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

The God David knew was all these things to him.  That same God is here today, and offers the same kind of relationship to anyone who would receive it.

God will show us the path of life. In His presence we experience fullness of joy. At His right hand are pleasures forevermore. God doesn’t want you to become a fearful, doubtful, anxiety-ridden worrier who trusts deficient objects of refuge and shelter.  You will multiply your sorrows.

When our lives are filled with God, our confidence and joy can never be shaken. The future is bright in spite of the dim present realities.  God will make us experience life.  We will find fullness of joy and pleasures from God.
 
Pray Psalm 16
 
God, keep me safe and faithful (v. 1). You are my Lord.  Teach me obedience (v. 2). Thank You for Your counsel (v. 7). Thank You for being with me and strengthening me (v. 8). Lord, show me the path of life and give me joy (v. 11).

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Psalm 46 "WHEN OUR WORLD IS SHAKEN UP . . ."

12/1/2020

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WHEN OUR WORLD IS SHAKEN UP . . .
Psalm 46

Philippe R. Sterling

Are you shaken up by the events of our times (pandemics, natural disasters, economic crisis, terrorism, unrest among nations)? How do we keep spiritual sanity when everything around us is falling apart? How do we keep ourselves from being overcome with fear? Psalm 46 provides the solution to us.

The historical background of the Psalm is the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem when it was besieged by the Assyrian King Sennacherib. It seemed that all hope was lost for Jerusalem when the Assyrians came down to destroy the city and the people. However, God sent down an angel (one angel) to deal with the Assyrian army.

2 Kings 19:32-35 gives us the historical deliverance.  Only one angel and one night!  That is all it took. And the army was no more! 185,000 Assyrians lay dead on the ground! In response to God’s protection and safety this Psalm was written and then sung. We must remember that the Psalms were the hymnbook of Israel. Psalm 46 reminds us that whenever disaster strikes in our lives, and when it seems that all hope is lost, that God is with us. What seems like a total disaster to us is actually an opportunity for God to work in our lives and express His own loving care and protection to us during times of trouble.

At this particular time, when the Assyrians threatened the city, the people of Judah were aware of God’s presence with them. Are we aware of God’s presence in our lives? Is God real to us today?

Who will take care of me when everything is caving in and when life brings unexpected challenges and changes? It won’t be the positive thinkers of our day. It won’t be the politicians.

It can only be God and His sufficiency that calms my fears and meets my spiritual needs in life. It’s only God that can rescue me. Time and time again the Bible says; God is who we need!

The inscription of this Psalm says that it’s “A Song for Alamoth,” which is a word that may refer to soprano voices. Psalm 46 is likely a wonderful soprano solo with a hallelujah chorus in which we see the sufficiency of God, the security of God, and the supremacy of God! It was a song of praise commemorating the victory that the city of Jerusalem had over the invading Assyrian armies.

It is said of Luther that there were times during the dark and dangerous periods of the Reformation when he was terribly discouraged and depressed. But at such times he would turn to his friend and coworker Philip Melanchthon and say, “Come, Philip, let’s sing the forty-sixth Psalm.”

What a song this is for each one of us today, who love God, and who are dependent upon Him to meet our needs. Let’s consider it together and let God’s hymnbook touch our hearts.

When our world is shaken up, let us rely upon God’s presence (46:1-3).

God appears at the beginning of the Psalm.  He is not some generic force of good, but a personal and powerful God who knows our need.  Those who have a personal relationship with God can be assured of His present help.

​     “God is our refuge.”

We can hide in God when storms come.  We are safe with Him when our world is shaking.  We are safer than in any storm shelter available.

This is a personal note when the writer says that “God is our refuge.” It’s God and me! We walk together in life. We have a personal relationship with Him and.  In times of trouble, we can count on God through our personal, daily walk with Him! Are you walking close to God and depending upon Him.

God’s presence preserves us in the storms of life. This is because He becomes our place of “refuge” or shelter that keeps us safe and preserves our lives. God’s sheltering protects and preserves us through the storms of life. We have a “refuge” (shelter) in God.

We must remember that sometimes God physically shields us from what is going on around us. At other times we are afflicted and do suffer. In other words, God does not always shield us from physical suffering. However, the Lord always promises to shield us spiritually from the events that we are passing though in life, which can harm us and distress us. In all situations of life, we still discover that God is our “refuge” – a shelter in the time of storm. This is why Martin Luther wrote the well-known and beloved words:

“A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper He amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.

     “God is our strength.”

God gives strength to those who are weak.  Waiting on the Lord renews our strength (Isa 40:31). What we need for daily living is unlimited strength and power to get us through life. I need divine power (God’s power) to give me ability, stability, and tranquility during life’s trials and tests.

     “God is a very present help in trouble.”

Our Lord is always with us.  He is greater than any trouble we face.

We live life in the present tense and God provides for us in the present tense. God is never late when it comes to assisting us and empowering us. He is a “very present help in trouble.” God is there!

Yes, God is a “very present help.” We don’t have to wonder if God will help us through our trials and tribulations. We can know that He is with us and ready to assist us at every moment.

     “Therefore we will not fear” (2-3).

David knew about this when he wrote Psalm 23:4: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.”

God is the answer and antidote to fear. Our relationship with Him and reliance upon Him is what we need! When everything seems scary – God is there! “Therefore we will not fear.” In other words, we will not be overcome by debilitating fear. Fear can cripple our lives. Fear can overtake our hearts and paralyze us from a spiritual perspective. Fear overtakes my heart when I refuse to place confidence in God. Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 

 No fear . . .
  • though the earth should change
  • though the mountains fall into the sea
  • though waves rage on the seas
  •  though earthquakes shake the mountains.

Our Psalm likens the troublesome times that we experience to the convulsions or upheavals of nature. Using the figure of a catastrophic earthquake, the Psalmist describes how great the perils are that come into our lives. It was one way the writer could describe the experience of the Jews as they witnessed the besieging Assyrian armies surrounding Jerusalem.

The images of tremendous earthquakes that cause the “earth to be removed” and “the mountains to be carried into the midst of the seas” and the “waters thereof” to “roar and be troubled” (flood waters) and the “mountains to shake” illustrate just how difficult life’s trials can often be. The figure of the earth shaking, the mountains sliding into the seas, and the storm tossed seas picture a terrible disaster. These convulsions of nature represent the difficult times that we face in our lives. Life can shake us up at times! Life can become shaky around us! We can become overwhelmed and sense that the bottom drops out of our life. This is why Psalm 46 is a song for the all shook up!

Are you ready to rest in God’s sovereignty? The “shaking” experiences will come; however, it’s wonderful to contemplate that when everything seems to be moving, shaking, and changing around us, God does not change! He is our refuge and strength! When the most stable things in our lives become unstable, there should be “no fear” because of the strength and stability that God brings into our lives.

 “Selah.” This word in Psalm 46:3 is actually a technical musical term showing pause or interruption in a musical piece. In our Christian life, it means that we are stop, pause, and ponder what is being said! It’s as if the writers is saying, “There, what do you think of that!”

 We need a few more “Selah” moments in our lives these days. We need to pause and ponder what God is saying to us from His Word. God isn’t in a hurry! However, we often are in a hurry and don’t meditate on God’s truth, and allow it to become manna to our soul.

A large old Bible, frequently used by Abraham Lincoln during the critical years of the Civil War, falls open easily to the 34th Psalm.  If you examine that page, you will note that it is smudged at one spot.  It seems obvious that the long, tapering fingers of Lincoln often rested on the fourth verse, which reads:  "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Lincoln had come to realize that God is a mighty refuge.  The awareness of His presence garrisoned the President's heart during his most severe difficulties and trials. 

When our world is shaken up, let us rely upon God’s peace (46:4-7).

In our second major point of the Psalm, we once again recognize that God takes care of His children in the time of trouble. This is seen in His provision of peace.

     Peace takes hold as we place our hope in the world to come (4-6; see Rev 22:1-6).
 
     “There is a river”

The “river whose streams shall make glad the city of God” (Ps. 46:4) may allude to the tunnel (underground water system) that King Hezekiah built to guarantee a continuous water supply for Jerusalem in times of war. 2 Chronicles 32:30 records: “This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David.” The reference to the “river” could also mean that the very presence of God in Jerusalem was similar to that of a refreshing life-giving river.

Of course, many Psalms also have prophetic overtones attached to them. They often depict an historical fulfillment but also look ahead to a future fulfillment. Psalm 46 does this as it looks ahead to the Millennial Kingdom and the peace that Jesus will bring on earth, when He returns as the King. Therefore, the “river whose streams shall make glad the city of God” is also looking ahead to the river that will flow forth from Jerusalem during the Millennial Kingdom and bring refreshing water to the people of God.

 Zechariah 14:8-9 “And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.” In the coming day, the Jewish people of God will experience God’s supply of water in the earthly Jerusalem and also enjoy the presence of God with them in the person of the King Himself – Jesus. So there is a historical and prophetic fulfillment to this Psalm. However, there is a practical application of this Psalm to our lives today.

     “Whose streams make glad”

Historically speaking, we can be sure that the river which carried water from the Gihon spring outside the city to a cistern inside the walls brought great joy to the people of God. So when the invading Assyrian armies besieged Jerusalem, the unstoppable stream of water made the whole city glad. As the water continued to flow into Jerusalem, even during the invasion of the Assyrians, it made “the city of God” (Jerusalem) glad and the people were filled with joy.

In a similar way, God makes His own people glad and joyful through His continuous provision during the times of trouble. The protection, care, and strength that He gives to us flows like a river into our lives and it’s a river that will never run dry. It’s also a river that produces great joy and gladness in our souls during the difficult seasons of our lives. Oh be glad!!

Are you sad today? Why are you sad and overcome with sorrow? Psalm 42:11 asks this very question: “Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in God, For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”Be glad!! In other words, discover God’s joy in the midst of your difficult times. Experience God’s inner joy.

     "The City of God"

Since God abode or tabernacled in Jerusalem the city enjoyed great security! In the past, God made His tabernacle or dwelling place in Jerusalem, but today He tabernacles or abides within our hearts.

The city of God will one day be established upon the earth.  In the coming kingdom the Lord Most High will be exalted among the nations and Jesus will rule.  Even though the present world is shaken, with the nations raging and the kingdoms of men tottering, we will not fear, since we know that God is our present help in time of trouble.

     “God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved” 

The fact that the city “shall not be moved” speaks of stability. When something can’t be touched, it’s because it’s stable and strong. As God protected Jerusalem against the invading Assyrian hordes, so He protects us against the fears, which seek to invade our lives. As a result, we can have stability in life.

Many Christians live a roller coaster life. They are up and down. They don’t have very much stability simply because they are not relying on God. As a result, they possess the “roller coaster syndrome.” Is this a picture of your life today? If so, you can stop the roller coaster ride by relying on Him.

Why can we remain stable in life?  Because God is with us!  “God is in the midst of her.”

     “God will help her when morning dawns”

God did help Jerusalem when the morning dawned (v. 5 “right early”), for the angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers and sent Sennacherib home (Isa. 37:36). Psalm 46:6 states “The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered His voice, the earth melted.” The nations raised their fury against Jerusalem but God interceded and brought victory for His people. When the Assyrians, along with other various nations and peoples that the Assyrians had conquered, lifted themselves up in opposition to God and Israel, the Lord overthrew them. The same will be true when Jesus returns as the King to earth in order to rescue His beloved people – the nation of Israel (Rev 19:15-16).

We need God’s assistance. He is with us, so He can help us. He is with us, so He can sustain us.

Peace takes hold as we place our hope in the world to come (see Rev 22:1-6).

  • The river of life is there.
  • The city of God is there.
  • Jesus is preparing a place for us there (John 14:1-3) 

     Meanwhile, the Lord of hosts is with us right now (7).

He repeats the same message in Psalm 46:11: “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” The word “refuge” in these verses is different than in verse one. It refers to a defense, stronghold, or fortress. This provides us with great assurance. The God of all the angelic hosts of Heaven is with us. The Creator and Leader of the angelic beings of Heaven, the great God of all creation and the universe is our companion in life. He is by our side, waiting to help us through our perils and problems that we face in life. Selah! Now what do you think of that!

When our world is shaken up, let us rely upon God’s promises (46:8-11).  

     “Come, behold the works of the Lord”

Of course, this event happened on a local level and throughout the known inhabited earth, when God destroyed the Assyrian soldiers, who were invading Israel. However, the teaching of this verse leaps the centuries and also envisions the end times, when Jesus will return as the King of Kings to planet earth and destroy the armies of Armageddon (Rev. 19:17-20) and bring peace to a war-stricken world for 1,000 years (Rev. 20:1-3).

“Come, behold the works of the Lord.” When we see God, as the great Victor, we also can know that the victory is ours, since the Lord is the One who gives us the victory. He works the victory through our lives. 1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”

     “Cease and know that I am God” 

Psalm 46:10 – “Cease and know that I am God.” In essence, this statement means to trust God and His plan.   It is a call for trust in God’s saving power in anticipation of the coming of His kingdom.

This is a favorite verse of mystics.  Many quote the first part of verse10, “Be still and know that I am God,” to endorse a form of meditation that involves techniques on “quieting” the mind or going beyond the mind.  Is this what the verse is referring to?  This verse is not about contemplative prayer.  It simply means to stop and acknowledge that God is in charge.

The word “know” means to understand and perceive who God is (character) and what He is doing (course of events).  In this context, to “know” who God is and what He is doing is best explained in the following words: “I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” This was true historically, when He wiped out the Assyrian soldiers coming against Jerusalem, but it will also be true on a greater and far vaster scale, when He returns and destroys the millions of soldiers in the land of Palestine, and becomes the exalted King over planet earth. God was exalted over the Assyrians and in the days to come He will once again be exalted over all mankind when He rules and reigns with a rod of iron (Rev. 19:15; Isaiah 11:4-5).

We can experience peace, when we know that God is in charge of what is happening around us and with us. We trust God and whatever He chooses to bring to pass in connection with our own lives.

I was driving on the road the other day and was approaching a squirrel that was in the middle of the road. The squirrel didn’t know what to do. It was nervously moving to the right and then to the left. It went in circles and stood up before it finally got out of the way of my approaching car. The fidgeting squirrel reminded me of someone who was all shook up! Is this a picture of you? We can move about with fear. But God is calling us to a higher way of living. He summons us, “Be still and know that I am God.” In essence, God is saying, “Relax and stay calm. I’m in charge.” Stop fretting and fidgeting; stop panicking.”

      Affirm God’s presence and take refuge in Him (11).

     “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.”

Selah! Now what do you think of that!

Rely upon God’s promises.

  • God is at work even when our world is shaking.
  • God overrules in the affairs of men.
  • We can be still and leave the future with God.

When the foundations are shaking and the dark clouds are forming, we can take refuge in Him!  God is sufficient when our world is shaking. 

Elisabeth Elliot suffered the loss of two husbands. The first, Jim Elliot, was killed by Auca Indians in Ecuador while trying to reach them with the gospel. The second, Addison Leitch, was slowly consumed by cancer. In relating what these experiences were like, she referred to Psalm 46, saying that in the first shock of death “everything that has seemed most dependable has given way. Mountains are falling, earth is reeling. In such a time it is a profound comfort to know that although all things seem to be shaken, one thing is not: God is not shaken.” She added that the thing that is most needful is to do what the psalmist said, “be still and know that God is God.”

Nations are in an uproar.  Mankind seems to be falling apart.  But we as believers don’t have to be.  We can stand steadfast because God is our refuge and our strength.

Benediction: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.  The Lord be with you all!
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Psalm 91 – Safe in the Shelter of His Wings

11/3/2020

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SAFE IN THE SHELTER OF HIS WINGS
The Security of Trusting in God
Psalm 91

Philippe R. Sterling

Have you seen a mother hen gather her chicks under her wings? As she covers them with her wings, her body language screams to predators: "To get to them, you're going to have to go through me!”

It may seem sacrilegious to compare God to a chicken! But the Bible does, in order to give us a sense of security in a world filled with danger. Jesus compared Himself to a mother hen, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing” (Matthew 23:37).

Picture yourself this morning "Safe in the Shelter of His Wings".  We can run under His feathers in times of danger.

God has brought us through sicknesses that used to kill. He's used medical discoveries, miracle drugs, and new surgeries, therapies to restore our heath. He will bring us through this time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

How about when the economy tanks? In my lifetime we've had gas shortages, hyper-inflation, market crashes. Even in rough economic times, God has covered us with His feathers and given us refuge under His wings. Trust God to cover you with His feathers.

Psalm 91 is one of the most loved psalms in the Bible. It is a psalm that people turn to at times of distress and fear, sickness and persecution. It is a psalm in which believers underline a verse or verses. Often these key passages are memorized; sometimes deliberately, sometimes simply because the words are repeated so often. Such verses have formed the basis of many prayers.
 
Psalm 91 is structured as a song with three voices: antiphonal exchanges between a solo speaker, a chorus and God — perhaps speaking through the high priest.  A theme verse is followed by a first person declaration (v. 2) and then an address to “you” (second person singular), followed by the same two stages again: declaration (v. 9) and address.  In the last three verses God speaks of the one who trusts in Him to the audience.
 
FIRST VOICE – Proclamation of Trust (1-2)
 
Here is a statement of the theme of the psalm functioning as an invitation, and then a personal commitment in response to the invitation.
 
            An Invitation – Theme Verse (v 1)
 
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty
 
This is a statement about those who have chosen to live with God.  To live in the shadow is to place oneself under the protection of God.
 
            Solo Voice – Personal Commitment (v 2)
 
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust!”
 
In verse 2, a speaker enters the conversation, giving voice to his trust in God.  He makes a personal commitment to the Lord by putting his trust in Him and placing himself under the protection of the Almighty.
 
There are four names for God in these two verses and four descriptions of the security we have in God.  The four names are: the Most High, the Almighty, the LORD and my God.
 
Four metaphors illustrate God’s protection.  The first two, shelter and rest, are words that suggest personal comfort and security, similar to a mother bird sheltering her chicks.  The last two, refuge and fortress, are assurances of protection in conflict.
 
SECOND VOICE – God’s Protection (3-13)
 
Beginning with verse three and continuing through verse 13, a second person speaks of the benefits of abiding with God and is directly addressing the first speaker.  These verses contain wonderful assertions of protection from disease, disaster and death.  God habitually protects His people from all manner of harm.  Until we have finished the work God has given us to do, He will watch over us.
 
            Chorus – Forms of Protection (vv 3-8)
 
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence.
 
The word images in verse three are deadly in meaning.  They refer to hunting and death.  The fowler sets trap for birds and so the verse speaks to the traps and dangers that could claim our lives.  The deadly pestilence is referred to in verse six as disease that stalks its victim.
 
He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
 
David employs a zoomorphism to describe God. He will cover you with His pinions: pinion or wing of a bird, probably a large bird as an ostrich (Job 39:13) or eagle (Deut 32:11). And under His wings you may seek refuge. The allusion draws on the behavior of birds to hide their chicks beneath their wings. However, the word is also used of the wings of the cherubim (Ex 25:20; Ezek 1:6-7) and seraphim (Isa 6:2).

Jews said of gentile proselyte: "He has taken refuge under the wings of the Shekinah." When a Gentile trusted the Messiah, it was as if he crawled for safety into the Holy of Holies. The child of God was safe where God was present with His people under the wings of two angels, above the blood-stained atonement cover of the Ark of the Covenant.

The psalmist switches from depicting God as a large bird to equipment used by a warrior: a shield – a large shield covering the entire body, and bulwark – a small rounded shield carried in the hand or worn on the arm. Both types of shields serve as metaphors of God's protection. God stands between the believer and hostile forces to prevent penetration by the weapons of the enemy.  Paul exhorted believers to take up the "shield of faith" in order to extinguish the flaming arrows of Satan (Eph 6:16).
 
You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day;
 
Here we see that all types of dangers are covered – from the civilian criminal as signified by “terror by night” to the dangers one faces in time of war – arrows that fly by day. Because God is a shield against all the forces of evil (Psalm 37.3-9; 84.11), a believer is not to be fearful, neither in the darkness, when his imagination is excessively stimulated, and he is prone to be anxious, nor in the day, when he might be frightened by the superior forces of an enemy encamped around him.
 
This may be illustrated by the story of the king of Aram (Syria) who was infuriated with Elisha because the prophet was thwarting his plans to conquer Israel. The king sent an army to lay siege to the city where Elisha was staying. In the morning when the man of God went outside the city gates with his servant they found the city surrounded by Arameans. His servant cried out, “Oh my lord, what shall we do?” But Elisha calmly responded, “Do not be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6.16). It is the same for the believer today. The Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one (2 Thess 3.1-3; 2 Cor 1.8-11).
 
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
 
The disease, perhaps a plague prevalent at the time, is again mentioned and personified.  It brought a slow and wasting death to those who contracted it.
 
A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
 
            Solo Voice – Statement of Trust (v 9a)
 
“For You, O LORD, are my refuge.”
 
            Chorus – How God Protects – Angelic Oversight
​            (vv 9b-13)
 
You have made the Most High your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down.
 
We are under the constant care of angels (Heb 1:14).  Angels are our caretakers.  God has assigned angels to assist and protect us.  Powers of the natural world and the spiritual world are covered in their oversight.
 
THIRD VOICE – God’s Promise (14-16)
 
Now a third person enters the dialog.  The Psalm ends with wonderful words of assurance from God himself. 
 
            God promises:
 
To protect those who love Him (v 14)
To hear them when they cry to Him (v 15)
​To grant them long life and salvation (v 16)
 
 “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.”

Verses 14-16 offers a climactic assurance of the LORD’s commitment to protect believers who take refuge in Him. The double causal clauses in verse 14 suggest that this divine decree functions as God’s seal to the expressions of trust in verses 1-13. God expresses His commitment in a series of first person verbs.

God declares that He will do eight things: rescue him, protect him, answer him, be with him in trouble, deliver him, honor him, give him long life and show him salvation. He will do these things because His servant does three things: he loves Me, he acknowledges My name, and he calls on Me.

Several features of the Lord’s comprehensive promise of protection call for special attention. First, the opening and closing causal clauses of verse 14 emphasize that the essential prerequisite for participating in God’s comprehensive plan for protection is an intimate personal relationship with the LORD:

Because he loves Me
   I will deliver him;
   I will protect him
Because he knows My name.

The second feature that calls for special attention is the reference to prayer in verse 15, “When he calls Me.” This reference to prayer indicates that the way in which we can experience the Lord’s commitment to our safety is through prayer. The Lord promises, “Whenever he calls, I will answer…”

Third, the Lord’s commitment promises more than deliverance from distress. It also promises restoration of honor and longevity.

Psalm 91 is subject to misuse because the promise of the Lord’s protection is so comprehensive in this psalm. Jews and Christians have used words from this psalm in amulets designed to function as magical protection.  We should not use Psalm 91 as a magical guarantee against the various deadly threats that we encounter on life’s journey. Instead, the security that Psalm 91 promises should be accepted in humble trust of God’s providence over our lives.

Some have experienced God’s promised protection from, for example, cancer and war. For instance, both Peter and Bob returned safely from the war in Vietnam and survived cancer. However, not all Christian soldiers returned alive from that war and not every believer survives cancer. Some dangers God doesn't keep from His people, but He still covers them with His feathers in this sense: He gives them grace to bear up under them.

This Psalm is known as the “Psalm of Protection.” Stories abound of people who have recited this Psalm during times of hardship and persecution, finding comfort in its words and in the knowledge that our God is a God of providence who holds the world in His hands.
 
Actor Jimmy Stewart, famous for his role as George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” was not only an actor; he was a soldier. He fought in World War II, flying planes over Germany. When he left for the war, his father, Alex, met with him to say goodbye. Alex was so tearful that he could not properly convey his wishes to his Jimmy, but simply pressed a letter into his hands.
 
The letter said: “My dear Jim boy. Soon after you read this letter, you will be on your way to the worst sort of danger. Jim, I'm banking on the enclosed copy of the 91st Psalm. The thing that takes the place of fear and worry is the promise of these words. I am staking my faith in these words. I feel sure that God will lead you through this mad experience. I can say no more. I only continue to pray. Goodbye, my dear. God bless you and keep you. I love you more than I can tell you. Dad.”

As a veteran of the Spanish-American War, Alex knew the comforting power of Psalm 91 for those in battle. Jimmy Stewart returned home a decorated war hero. He said he learned to lean on the words of his tattered copy of Psalm 91, especially verses 1 and 2, which speak of God as a refuge and fortress.
 
This psalm has also brought comfort to people in times of disease. The great preacher Charles Spurgeon lived in England during a tremendous cholera epidemic. It got so bad that he was conducting a funeral every single day. He found himself utterly discouraged, convinced that he was doing no good in trying to help these grieving families.
 
As he walked down a street, head down, he passed by a store window. In this window was a piece of paper with parts of Psalm 91 written on it. "You will not fear the terror of night ... nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you" (91:5-7).
 
Spurgeon felt his soul become lighter. He was not alone. God provided him with courage and strength. He made it through the rest of the epidemic and found new energy to care for his church’s grieving families.
 
This psalm is a psalm of great comfort, but it also leaves us with some questions. God protects us, certainly, and invites us to abide with Him. But what about those who have died? What about those who met death in an earthquake? Where was God then? What about our own families who are grieving today? Where is God now?
 
The message of Psalm 91 does not end when we die. It is a psalm that speaks of our lives here on earth, but also of God’s continuing care for us after the end of life.  Those of us who believe in Jesus can trust Him up until the moment of our death and beyond. For Jesus conquered death and lives. He has prepared a place for us.
 
We serve a faithful God. He watches over us by day and by night. We can trust in His protection, His provision, His care, and His love, knowing that today, tomorrow, and on the day of our death we can say to Him, “My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
 
Consider the picture this psalm places before us.  First, an individual believer voices his trust in God; then a second believer comes alongside giving encouragement.  Finally, the Lord, Himself joins them, covering both, affirming the choice of the first and the witness of the second with His own confirmations and promises. 
 
Are you under His wings?

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Revelation Survey

10/2/2020

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SURVEY OF REVELATION
Jesus — Judge of All and King of Kings
 
Introduction
 
The Book of Revelation concludes the canon of Scripture.  John presents Jesus in His role as Judge and invites the unsaved to believe in Him for eternal life and encourages believers to overcome in life so as to rule with Him over a new heaven and a new earth.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
The Book of Revelation has multiple facets of structure that are temporal, thematic, telescopic, and transpositional.  Revelation 1:19 sets out the temporal facet where Jesus instructs John to write the things he has seen, the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things.  The thematic facet is developed throughout the book revealing Jesus as the Judge of all and the Lord of the new heaven and the new earth.  The telescopic facet is seen in the progression of the seven seals in which the seventh seal introduces the seven trumpets, the seven trumpets in which the seventh trumpet introduces the seven bowls, and the seven bowls which are the culmination of the judgments.   The transpositional aspect is an ascending and descending mirror structure with repeated themes in variation and development.
 
Prologue: Read, Hear, and Heed the Message of the Glorified Christ 1:1-20
 
    A   Jesus and the Church: The Present Struggle of the Church 2:1—3:22
         Seven Letters to the Seven Churches – Promises Made to Overcomers
 
         B   Commission: Authority to Reclaim the Earth Extended 4:1—8:5
              The Scroll with the Seven Seals
 
              C   Prosecution of War: The Warning Judgments 8:6—11:19
                    Seven Trumpets
 
                     D   The Lamb at War with the Dragon and the Beasts 12:1—14:20
                            Figures and Angelic Messages
 
               C’ Prosecution of War: The Wrathful Judgments 15:1—16:21
                   Seven Bowls of Wrath
 
         B’ Elimination: Authority to Reclaim the Earth Exercised 17:1—20:15
              Final Removals – Ejection of the Rebels from the Earth
 
    A’ The Lamb and the Bride: The Future Residence of the Bride 21:1—22:5
        New Heaven and New Earth and New Jerusalem – Promises Fulfilled
 
Epilogue: Come and Overcome 22:6-21
 
I.   Jesus is unveiled as the Judge of all (1:1-20). 

     A.  The book of Revelation will be a blessing to those who read and obey the message from Jesus, the Judge of
          all (1:1-3). 
     B.  Jesus is the eternal World-King and Judge who is to come (1:4-8). 
     C.  Jesus is unveiled as the glorious sovereign Lord who is Judge of all (1:9-20). 

II.  The Lord of the Church judges the seven churches of Asia which represent the possible state of churches of
     any time (2:1–3:22). 

     A.  The Lord Jesus judges the church at Ephesus that left its first love (2:1-7). 
     B.  The Lord Jesus judges the church at Smyrna that suffers persecution (2:8-11). 
     C.  The Lord Jesus judges the church at Pergamum that compromises in doctrine (2:12-17). 
     D.  The Lord Jesus judges the church at Thyatira that tolerates immoral behavior (2:18-29). 
     E.  The Lord Jesus judges the church at Sardis that is asleep (3:1-6). 
     F.  The Lord Jesus judges the church at Philadelphia that is faithful (3:7-13). 
     G.  The Lord Jesus judges the church at Laodicea that is materialistic (3:14-22).
 
III. The Lord Jesus receives the title-deed to judge and reclaim the earth (4:1–5:14). 

     A.  The Eternal Father sits on the throne in heaven and receives the adoration of the four living creatures and
          the enthroned elders (4:1-11). 
     B.  The Eternal Father offers the title-deed of the earth to Jesus, the worthy redeemer (5:1-6). 
     C.  Jesus, the worthy Lamb takes the title-deed to the earth (5:7). 
     D.  The angels and the elders worship Jesus the rightful King of the earth and Judge of all (5:8-14). 

IV. The Lord Jesus judges the earth (6:1–19:6).
 
     A.  The Wrath of the Lamb: Jesus opens six of the seven seals of the title-deed to the earth and unleashes
          His beginning judgments (6:1-7). 
     B.  In the midst of wrath, God provides an opportunity for people to believe (7:1-17). 
     C.  Jesus opens the seventh seal and the six trumpets sound judgment on the earth (8:1–9:21). 
     D.  Jesus prepares to take possession of the earth and clear it of unrepentant rebels (10:1-11). 
     E.  The two witnesses carry out a ministry of warning and judgment (11:1-14). 
     F.  The seventh trumpet sounds and Jesus is triumphant in the cosmic conflict of the ages involving men and
          angels (11:15–14:20). 
     G.  The seven bowls of the wrath of God are poured out on the earth (15:1–16:28). 
     H.  Babylon is judged and falls and all those in heaven give praise (17:1–19:6). 

V.  The Lord Jesus returns to the earth (19:7-21). 

     A.  Jesus and His bride will soon celebrate with a great wedding feast (19:7-10). 
     B.  Jesus returns to rule the earth (19:11-16). 
     C.  Jesus rids the earth of rebels (19:17-21). 

VI. The Lord Jesus reigns on the present earth for 1,000 years (20:1-10). 

     A.  The Millennium begins with the banishment of Satan (20:1-3). 
     B.  Jesus reigns for a thousand years with those who take part in the resurrection of believers while the
           resurrection of unbelievers will take place after the completion of the Millennium (20:4-6). 
     C.  When the thousand years are completed Satan will be released to lead the nations in a final rebellion which
          will be met with fiery judgment (20:7-10). 

VII. The Lord Jesus judges the unsaved of all ages (20:11-15). 

     A.  The unbelieving dead of all ages are raised and judged according to their deeds and thrown into the lake of
          fire (20:11-14). 
     B.  Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire (20:15). 
 
VIII. Jesus is the Lord of the new heaven and new earth (21:1–22:5). 

     A.  John sees a new heaven and a new earth (21:1). 
     B.  John sees the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven (21:2). 
     C.  God will dwell among His people and establish a new order (21:3-4). 
     D.  He who overcomes will inherit these things while the part of the unbelieving in their myriad states of sin will be
          in the lake of fire (21:5-8). 
     E.  The New Jerusalem in all her beauty will be the abode of the bride, the wife of the Lamb, while the nations
          and their kings live by its light and bring their glory into it (21:9-27). 
     F.  God’s bondservants will serve Him in a new paradise with the river of life and the tree of life whose leaves are
          for the well-being of the nations (22:1-5). 

IX.  You are invited to come and to overcome (22:6-21). 
​
The final words of Revelation provide the theological and practical applications for the book and all of Scripture:
 
  • These words are faithful and true and will soon take place (22:6).
  • Jesus is coming soon (22:7a, 12, and 20).
  • We who heed are blessed (22:7b-10, 14).
  • Whatever our future state, it is permanent (22:11, 15).  The time to believe is now, before our final state is fixed for all time.
  • Jesus is coming with rewards (22:12).
  • Jesus is God (22:13).
  • Jesus is the Messiah (22:16).
  • Come to Christ and get the water of life freely (22:17).
  • Don’t mess with the book (22:18-19).  Don’t add to it.  Don’t take away from it.
  • The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all (22:21).  Amen.
 
If we have believed in Christ for eternal life, we will live with Him forever.  That issue is settled.  A question now to ask is “Will I be a part of that future group of believers who will rule with Him forever?”  The answer is: if you overcome and keep His deeds to the end you will (Rev 2:26).  Come and overcome.
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Jude Survey

9/1/2020

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JUDE SURVEY
Contending for the Faith

Philippe R. Sterling
 
We must cultivate holiness in opposition to ungodly false teachers and seek to rescue those who fall prey to them.
 
Introductory Matters
 
Jude is a half-brother of Jesus who modestly calls himself a servant of Christ.  He writes at a time when false teachers had penetrated the church.  He urges believers to contend for the faith.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.   Salutation: Jude, a bondservant of Christ and brother of James, writes to those who are the called, beloved in
     God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ, invoking the multiplication of mercy, peace and love to them (1-2). 

II.  Purpose of the Letter: We must contend for the faith in the light of the infiltration of false teachers (3-4). 

     A.  Intended Message: Jude intended to write about our common faith (3a). 

     B.  Necessary Message: Jude wrote instead to urge us to contend for the faith because of the infiltration of
          false teachers who are ungodly, pervert grace, and deny Christ (3b-4). 

III. Indictment: The infiltrating false teachers are corrupt sinners and apostates against whom we should take
     defensive measures (5-23). 

     A.  The infiltrating false teachers are corrupt sinners who follow the example of ancient sinners (5-10). 

          1.  God has judged corrupt sinners in the past (5-7). 

               a.  God judged His people Israel for unbelief (5).
               b.  God judged angels for presumption (6).
               c.  God judged Sodom and Gomorrah for gross immorality (7). 

          2.  The actions of the infiltrating false teachers expose them as sinners of similar character and conduct (8-10). 

               a.  They defile the flesh (8a).
               b.  They reject authority (8b).
               c.  They revile angels (8c-10). 

     B.  We must take defensive measures against the infiltrating false teachers (11-23). 

          1.  Summary Description: The infiltrating false teachers are like Cain, Balaam, and Korah (11). 

               a.  They go the way of Cain whose trouble began with the offering of an unacceptable sacrifice which
                    led to murder.
               b.  They run into the error of Balaam who perverted his office for gain which led to immorality.
               c.  They will perish like Korah who led a rebellion against God’s constituted authority. 

          2.  Their Corrupt Worship: We must view the unbelieving selfish worship of the infiltrating false teachers in light
               of their coming judgment (12-15). 

The words “These are . . .” introduce three successive sections which describe these false teachers and how to guard against them (12, 16, 19).  The three sections fill out how they are like Cain, Balaam, and Korah.
 
               a.  Description: Illustrations from the church assembly, sky, land, and sea picture the false worship of
                    the infiltrators (12-13). 

                    1)  “These are” stains that mar the fellowship of the Lord’s Supper as they care only for themselves.
                    2)  They are like waterless clouds carried by winds — they are driven by their lusts and unable to
                         provide blessing or refreshment.
                    3)  They are like autumn trees at harvest time that yield no fruit, are doubly dead — spiritually dead
                         and doomed to an eternal second death, having been uprooted — having no moral or
                         spiritual grounding.
                    4)  They are like wild waves that are restless and foam up their shameless deeds.
                    5)  They are like a comet streaking across the sky and disappearing in the black darkness forever. 

               b.  Defense: We are to be aware of the vision God gave Enoch concerning the judgment of all
                    such ungodliness at the coming of the Lord (14-15). 

This was a prophecy handed down in Jewish tradition.  Jesus may have affirmed the validity of this account in the Enoch traditions to His half-brother Jude.
 

          3.  Their Corrupt Words: We must view these faulting, flattering false teachers in light of the
               apostles’ forewarnings (16-18). 

               a.  Description: These (“These are . . .”) infiltrating false teachers fault and flatter to fulfill their lusts and
                    gain an advantage (16). 

               b.  Defense: But we (“But you . . .”) ought to remember the forewarnings of the apostles concerning
                    such mockers who follow their ungodly lusts (17). 

          4,  Their Divisive Ways: We must counter the divisiveness of these worldly minded unspiritual false teachers
               by keeping ourselves in the love of God and seeking to rescue those who fall prey to them (19-23). 

               a.  Description: These (“These are . . .”) divisive false teachers are worldly-minded and unspiritual (19). 

               b.  Defense: But we (“But you . . .”) must keep ourselves in the love of God and seek to rescue those who
                    fall prey to them (20-23). 

                    1)  Concerning Ourselves: Keep in the love of God (20-21). 

                         a)  Building: We keep in the love of God by developing a mature understanding of doctrine.
                         b)  Praying: We keep in the love of God by maintaining a vital relationship with God in prayer.
                         c)  Waiting: We keep in the love of God by looking to the coming of Christ. 

                    2)  Concerning Others: Rescue those who fall prey (22-23). 

                         a)  The Doubting: Minister to the doubting with compassion.
                         b)  The Deceived: Minister to the deceived with compulsion.
                         c)  The Defiled: Minister to the defiled with caution. 

IV.  Doxology: God is gloriously sufficient to sustain a life of holiness (24-25). 
​
Christ is able to give us spiritual victory through this life until He presents us blameless before His Father to God’s eternal glory.  Amen.
 
Theological Reflection and Application
 
God will judge those who live in an ungodly manner and teach others to do so.  Believers are to keep in the love of God and rescue those who fall prey to ungodly false teachers.  God is able to keep believers from stumbling to stand blameless before Him.
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3 John Survey

8/5/2020

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THIRD JOHN SURVEY
Supporting Workers of the Truth
 
Those who walk in the truth welcome and support workers of the truth.
 
Introductory Matters
 
2 and 3 John both state that they are written by “the elder.”  The style and vocabulary of 3 John is similar to that of 1 and 2 John.  This makes the apostle John the likely author of 3 John.  The letter is addressed to Gaius and concerns the matter of offering hospitality and support to traveling Christian workers.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.   Opening Statement: The elder greets Gaius affectionately and prays that he would be in as good a
     physical condition as he is spiritually (1-2). 

     A.  The elder conveyed a spiritual fatherly affection for Gaius (1, cf. 4). 

     B.  The elder conveyed a spiritual and physical concern for Gaius (2). 

II.  Commendation: The elder commends Gaius for his walk in the truth and his welcome and support of workers of
     the truth (3-3-8). 

     A.  The elder greatly rejoiced at reports of Gaius’s walk in the truth (3-4). 

     B.  The elder commends Gaius for his welcome and support of workers of the truth (5-8). 

III. Condemnation: The elder condemns Diotrephes for his improper treatment of workers of the truth (9-10). 

     A.  The elder had written a letter to the church recommending the support of workers of the truth which
          the domineering Diotrephes rejected (9). 

     B.  The elder hopes to come and call attention to the deeds of Diotrephes which include his unjust accusations,
          his refusal to receive the brethren, and his driving out of the church those who disagreed with him (10). 

IV. Recommendation: The elder recommends the support of Demetrius (11-12). 

     A.  The elder encourages the imitation of what is good which reflects that one is in harmony with God (11). 

     B.  Demetrius had a good reputation and this letter serves as a letter of recommendation for him — he may
          have been the bearer of this letter and a traveling worker of the truth (12). 

V.  Closing Statement: The elder hopes to make a personal visit soon to share much more, gives a blessing of
     peace, conveys the greetings of the friends, and recommends the greeting of the friends by name (13-15). 

Theological Reflection and Application
 
The church and its members have a responsibility to be fellow workers with the truth.  This means practicing hospitality and when possible to support those who go out for the sake of the Name, that is Jesus.  We are to encourage those who act faithfully and call out those who are self-seeking and domineering.
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2 John Survey

7/1/2020

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SECOND JOHN SURVEY
Fellowship in the Truth
 
Churches and their members must walk in the truth and watch out for falsehood.
 
Introductory Matters
 
The author identifies himself simply as “the elder.”  Several Christian writers of the second and third century ascribe the letter to the apostle John.  Similarities in vocabulary to 1 John supports his authorship.  He would likely have written the letter later in life, perhaps around 90 AD.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
I.   Opening Statement: The apostle John writes a personal letter to a church and its members whom he loves in
     truth, with others who know the truth, for the sake of the truth; and extends a benediction of grace, mercy,
     and peace from both the Father and His Son which come in truth and love (1-3). 

John addresses the letter to “the chosen lady and her children.”  This is a metaphorical way of saying “the church and its members.”  There is an emphasis on “truth” in John’s greeting.  He refers to “truth” four times in the greeting.  We are to believe the truth.  We are to walk in the truth.  We are to keep to the truth.
 
II.  Walking in the Truth: We walk in the truth by loving each other and living according to God’s commandments (4-6). 

     A.  Churches who walk in the truth bring joy to those who lead (4). 

     B.  We walk in the truth by loving each other according to God’s commandment (5). 

     C.  Living according to God’s commandment is love (6). 

III. Watching out for Falsehood: We watch out for falsehood by holding on to apostolic teaching, by abiding in
     the teaching of Christ, and by rejecting false teachers (7-11). 

     A.  There are many deceivers in the world who reject the incarnation of Christ in keeping with the spirit of
          antichrist (7). 

     B.  We are watch out for ourselves that we do not wander from apostolic teaching, that we may receive a
          full reward (8). 

The truth guards us from falsehood.  Deceivers seek to draw us away from the truth.  Keeping to the truth insures a full reward.  Do not leave the truth.  Do not add to the truth.
 
     C.  We are to abide in the teaching of Christ (9). 

     D.  We are to reject false teachers and not even affirm them with a greeting (10-11). 

IV. Closing Statement: The apostle John has much more to write but desires the joy of coming and speaking in
     person; and extends the greetings of the church from which he is writing (12-13). 
​
Theological Reflection and Application
 
Local churches and the believers in them are to know the truth and live the truth.  There are those who will seek to lead churches and believers away from the truth.  We are to protect the church against those who distort the truth by not welcoming them into fellowship.  The truth specifically centers on the person, teaching and sacrifice of Christ.
 
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First John Survey

6/2/2020

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FIRST JOHN SURVEY
Fellowship in God’s Light, Love, Life

Philippe R. Sterling
 
Enjoy fellowship with God by abiding in His light, love, and life, in accordance with apostolic teaching.
 
Introductory Matters
 
Church tradition ascribes the letter to the apostle John who writes from Ephesus towards the end of his life.  The letter may have been a circular letter sent to the seven churches cited in Revelation.
 
Literary Structure and Content
 
First John is organized around three ideas about God.  God is light.  God is love.  God is life.  There are three corresponding applications for God’s children.  Walk in the light.  Live in love.  Express spiritual life.  Each idea about God grows out of the others and returns to encompass and apply the others.  Love, life and light belong together and cannot be separated.  The ideas about God and the applications for God’s children focus on fellowship with God.  1 John 1:1-4 introduces that focus.
 
I.   An Invitation to Fellowship: The apostle John invites all who have believed in Christ for eternal life to abide in
     the apostolic teaching of which he writes and enjoy fellowship with the Father and the Son (1:1-4). 

II.  A Guide for Fellowship: Fellowship involves walking in God’s light, living in love and expressing spiritual life
     (1:5–5:21). 

     A.  Fellowship involves abiding in God’s light (1:5–2:27). 

          1.  We abide in God’s light by confession of sin, obedience and love (1:5–2:1). 

               a.  We abide in God’s light by exposing ourselves to God’s holiness and confessing the sin it reveals
                    (1:5–2:2). 

Walking in God’s light shows up our sins.  We need to acknowledge the sin which God’s light exposes.  God extends to us family forgiveness based on the death of Christ.
 
               b.  We abide in God’s light by living in obedience to God’s commands (2:3-6). 

Walking in the light also means obeying God’s word.  An obedient believer receives a special experience of the love of the Father and Son.  Disobedience brings loss of fellowship.
 
               c.  We abide in God’s light by loving God’s children (2:7-11). 

Light and love go together.  Love is an expression of walking in the light.  Love is a new commandment in that we are to love as Christ has loved.
 
               d.  The life of abiding in God’s light applies to all who believe regardless of physical and spiritual age
                    (2:12-14). 

          2.  We may be hindered from abiding in God’s light by worldliness and deception (2:15-29). 

               a.  We are not to love the world but do the will of God (2:15-17). 

There is a love which God hates — love of the world.  The world in the Bible is Satan’s system for opposing the work of Christ on earth.
 
               b.  We must guard against false teaching by staying with the teaching of the Holy Spirit and by continuing in
                    a life of faith and obedience (2:18-27). 

There are two forces at work in the world.  The first is that of truth working through the church by the Holy Spirit.  The second is that of falsehood working by the spirit of antichrist, Satan who is the power behind the coming antichrist.  It is vital that we detect lies when they come our way.  The spirit of antichrist departs from the apostolic fellowship and denies the Father and the Son.
 
We publicly certify that we are children of God by our practice of righteousness (2:29).  This has nothing do with our personal assurance of eternal life which is founded only on the promise of God (5:11-13).
 
     B.  Fellowship involves abiding in God’s love (2:28–5:3). 

          1.  We may be hindered from abiding in God’s love by sin, hatred, and error (2:28–4:6). 

               a.  We should not practice sin but should purify ourselves by fixing our hope on the return of Christ and live
                    in keeping with our new nature (2:28–3:10a). 

The Father has bestowed a great love upon us in making us His children.  Sin cannot be a part of our fellowship with God.  When we sin we are functioning under the influence of our old nature and taking part in the activity of the devil.  We need to function under the influence of our new nature and take part in the activity of the Holy Spirit.  When a believer sins he conceals his true identity.
 
               b.  We are not to love simply with word and tongue, but in work and truth (3:10b-24). 

Love is the appropriate expression of our fellowship with God.  A failure to love others cannot be traced to God.  We verify our fellowship with God by the operation of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  The fruit of the Spirit is love.
 
               c.  We need to distinguish the Spirit of truth from the spirit of error (4:1-6). 

We are to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.  We distinguish the Spirit of truth from the spirit of error by apostolic doctrine.
 
          2.  We abide in God’s love by trusting His Son, loving His children, and keeping His commandments (4:7–5:3). 

               a.  We love God by first accepting God’s love in Christ (4:7-19). 

God is light.  That refers to His holiness.  God is love.  His love is a holy love, and His holiness is expressed in His love.  By sending Jesus to die for us God manifested both His holiness and His love.
 
               b.  We love God by loving His children (4:20–5:1). 

               c.  We love God by keeping His commandments which are not burdensome (5:2-3). 

     C.  Fellowship involves abiding in God’s life (5:4-21). 

          1.  Possessing Spiritual Life: We enter into life by believing in Christ (5:4-13). 

          2.  Expressing Spiritual Life: We abide in God’s life by prayer, intercession for sinning believers, knowledge
               of our identification with Christ, and loyalty to God (5:14-21). 
​
Theological Reflection and Application
 
God invites us to fellowship with Him by abiding in His light, love and life.  We enter into life by believing in Christ and can express that life in prayer for each other.  We love God by keeping His commandments and loving His children.  We stay in the light by confessing the sin it reveals as God applies the perfect cleansing of Christ’s blood for family forgiveness.
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