Psalm 4 “Confidence In God”

(A Psalm of David To the chief Musician on Neginoth.)

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.” (v. 8)

There is nothing in this psalm, or in the title, to determine the occasion on which it was written. The Jewish interpreters generally, and most Christian expositors, suppose that it was composed on the same occasion as the preceding one, in relation to the rebellion of Absalom. 

The content of our text expresses a general confidence in God, along with a great sense of security. David, having enemies who are seeking to destroy him, is so calm in his mind that he feels that he can lie down and sleep, even though he had no power to defend himself - He put his trust entirely in the Lord. 

The unwavering confidence we see in David here should speak volumes to us as well. To keep our eyes focused on Him who is able to do abundantly more than we could ever ask or think, giving us the confidence to rest in times of distress, and sleep the sleep of kings.

The Truth: “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” ( 1 John 5:14)

Psalm 3 Salvation Belongs To The Lord “

 A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son)

“I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill” (v.4)

Here we find David at what may be considered his lowest of low points. His son, Absalom, had betrayed him and led a rebellion against his throne (2 Sam. 15-19). His enemies surrounded him, and his situation seemed hopeless, yet he demonstrates complete faith that God would deliver him. Why? Because David knew God was greater than the terrible situation he was in, even greater than the betrayal of his own son.

He trusted that God would be his protection and seized on the picture of the Lord as a shield (v. 3a), an image also found in Moses’ final blessing on the Israelites (Deut. 33:9). David further declared his confidence that God would not only save him, but give him the victory (v. 3b). He was sure enough of God’s answer that he could sleep peacefully under the Lord’s protection (v. 5), and not loose heart when foes were drawn up on every side (v. 6).

What do we do when things seem hopeless; panic, give up, toss and turn, loose heart? I suggest we take a page from Psalm 3 and go immediately to prayer knowing God is greater than any situation. Then sleep peacefully under our God's protection knowing with Whom we are aligned. 

The Truth: “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’” (Isaiah 12:2)

Psalm 2 “A Royal Psalm”

 

“I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (v.6)

Psalm 2 (written by David) is called a royal psalm because it was used at the coronation of the kings who were in David’s line. This psalm leaves no doubt about the absolute nature of Christ’s rule when He returns to take His throne as King and rule in His kingdom.

In light of Messiah’s position as God’s Son and chosen Ruler, the psalmist expressed amazement that rebellious nations would even attempt to resist Him, as His kingdom will not be a democracy. He will rule “with an iron scepter” that smashes His foes like pieces of pottery (v.9). 

David goes on to warn Kings and Judges that the only wise response to Messiah’s power and authority is to bow before Him in submission. Failure to do so means being consumed by the fire of His judgment. But those who willingly bow their knees to the King of Kings in submission will find Him to be a refuge, a place of blessing and protection (vv.10-12).

Therefore, take the advise of David in verse 12, “pay homage to the Son, and you will not perish in the way.”

The Truth: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him, which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called, The Word of God.” (Revelation 19:11-13)

Psalm 1 “Influence Matters”

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.” (Psalm 1:1)

Psalm 1 lays out a downward spiral (walking, standing, sitting) one can find themselves in as a result of bad influences in their lives. And yet, it also invites us into an upward path of blessing, and that joy is found by rejecting ungodly influence at every stage.

The advice we hear, the activities we join, and the identities we adopt, are but a few examples that set the tone for the type of life we lead, righteous or unrighteous. 

Scripture tells us that, “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Therefore we should pursue friendships that sharpen our faith rather than dull our convictions. 

The Truth: He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20) 

God’s counsel leads to lasting happiness and sets the tone for a life rooted in His Word. 

Galatians 6 “Bear One Another’s Burdens”

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (v.1-2)

There’s an old saying, “kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life.” Here in out text Paul is encouraging the Galatians to do just that, to come along side someone who is struggling under the weight of a burden and provide relief. Notice the assumption which lies behind this command, namely that we all have burdens and that God does not mean us to carry them alone.

As we bear one another’s burdens, we are fulfilling the simple law of Christ found in John 13: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (vv.34-35). Maybe someone in your world needs an act of kindness. You may be the one who could help lighten their load. By giving a little bit of yourself or your resources for the comfort of another person, you will fulfill the law of Christ, the law of love.

John’s gospel also tells us that sacrifice is the greatest demonstration of love, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (15:13). And, while very few of us may ever find ourselves in that situation, kindness is a trait that we all can share to relieve the struggles of those around us.

Remember, you don't have to have a special talent or gift. You don't have to have much money. You don't even have to be well-known. All you need is a willing heart. Maybe someone in your world needs an act of kindness. Keep your heart open as to how you may help lighten their load, especially during these difficult times. "Never grow weary of doing good, for in due season we shall reap a harvest if we do not lose heart." (v.9)

The Truth: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)

Galatians 5 “The Great Struggle”

 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! (vv.13-15)

To walk in the Spirit is to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. In contrast, to walk in the flesh, is to be controlled by our worldly desires and inclinations towards sin. The struggle to do what is right, to live holy lives, and to be obedient to Jesus Christ is the battle between the two.

However, Paul assures us that this battle is evidence that Christ lives in us. Were there no regeneration by God’s Spirit, there would be no war! The desire cannot be prevented, but its fulfillment can certainly be withheld. And until we allow God to change our desires, our flesh will win the battle.

So what does it look like to walk with the Spirit and allow God to capture more of your soul and take it under His control? It’s a process of surrender. It begins with repentance, praying honestly, confessing you have hung on to some desire to long, then turning it over to Him. It also entails renewing your Spirit daily in His Word to strengthen your inner man for the battle against the flesh. Satin will always try and tempt us, and temptation itself is not a sin, but we must put on the whole armor of God daily so as to “walk in the Spirit” and not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

While walking in the Spirit is the key, it doesn’t always come easily. Often, it is a battle. There is a battle going on inside the Christian, and the battle is between the flesh and the Spirit. As Paul writes, these are contrary to one another – they don’t get along at all. When the flesh is winning the inside battle, you do not do the things that you wish. You don’t live the way you want to; you live under the flesh instead of under the Spirit.

The antidote to the flesh is not found in the law, but in the Spirit – and if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. You don’t need to be, because you fulfill the will of God through the inner influence of the Holy Spirit instead of the outer influence of the law of God. This is exactly the pattern set by Jesus. He had more liberty than anyone who ever walked this earth did. Yet He used His liberty to through love serve one another.

This attitude of service towards one another fulfills the great commandment (You shall love your neighbor as yourself), and it keeps us from destroying ourselves through strife (beware lest you be consumed by one another!). It’s as if Paul addressed the legalists again, and said: “You want to keep the law? Here you have it: Love your neighbor as yourself and you have fulfilled the law in one word.”

The Truth: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11) 

Galatians 4 “Adopted As Sons”

 "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a women, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (vv.4-5)

At just the right time, Jesus Christ came to purchase all who were under the law, who were trying hard to obey it, but powerless to do so. “Born of a woman” is a simple phrase underscoring an amazing truth of Jesus’ human birth: the Incarnation, “God with us.” “Made under law” refers to the Mosaic Law, which until Christ no one had kept perfectly (Rom. 8:3). In the overall context of Galatians, we can conclude from these two phrases that Jesus was a perfect human being.

In keeping with God’s plan, He (Jesus) redeemed us--that is, He paid the price necessary to free us from the “slave market” of sin. More than that, He adopted us into His family with the “full rights of sons” (v. 5). We went from being slaves of sin to children of God, from condemned prisoners on death row to inheritors of heaven (v. 7; Rom. 8:17)! 

Adoption is a beautiful thing, especially when done by believers who want to show the heart of God. We ourselves are a reflection of God’s heart, for we are adopted children of our heavenly Father. But, adoption is not the means of entry into God’s family, but the privilege and standing we receive within God’s family. The only means of entry, as Jesus told Nicodemus in John chapter 3 is, “One must be born again.” The moment that happens we are placed in an adopted state, heirs to the riches of the Father, and have the Spirit of His Son in our hearts. Therefore, we can call God “Abba, Father” (v.6) – and He will respond. 

What a beautiful progression. First we are set free from slavery. Then we are declared sons and adopted into God’s family. Then, as sons, we are made heirs. Heirs inherit something and Paul made it clear just what we inherit: an heir of God through Christ and we inherit God Himself (v.7). For some, this might seem like a small inheritance. Yet for those who are really in Christ and who really love God, to be an heir of God is the richest inheritance of all.

The Truth: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:14-17)

Galatians 3 “A Call For Unity”

 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Jesus Christ. (v.28)

The Christian gospel celebrates unity and equality of all people in the name of Jesus Christ. Differences based upon ethnicity, economic status, and race, do not exist in God’s eyes. His family members are all equal to one another.

This concept was radically new for the believers in Galatia, who were undoubtedly quite familiar with first-century attitudes. It was common for the Pharisees in Paul's time to give thanks to God that they were not Gentiles, slaves, or women. Clearly, a great deal of prejudice existed against these groups (as well as others) at that time. Some would argue that not much has changed today.

But Paul argues here (vv.26-29) when we declare faith in Christ we are baptized into Him, guaranteed to inherit all the divine promises of Abraham, and are then fully and completely adopted by God into His family. In this family it does not matter if one is Jew or Gentile, a slave or free, man or woman, white or black, because what becomes the most defining piece of our identity is that we are “Christian,” (Christ like). 

True unity comes from our recognition that we are all recipients of saving grace from God through Jesus Christ. It is not the Christian gospel that has caused division among races, nor the Church itself, but our own selfish pride and superior attitudes, those who would call themselves Christians and yet hold themselves above their fellow man. Jesus recognized these pridefull attitudes in many in His day and He called them "Hipocrates" and "Whitewashed Tombs" for their self righteous actions. 

To be outside of God's family is to have your identity "of the world." This leads to your actions being in support of the world and its agendas, and not God's. Is it any wonder then that anarchy and lawlessness will follow when man believes he knows better? What this country needs is not division but unity, not restrictions but revival, not fear but faith. 

No political party or person has all the answers for our struggling nation, but God does. Therefore Christian, get on your knees and pray that God will stir this country back to its Christian roots and bring unity of purpose again to the hearts of the American people.   

The Truth: “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)