Sermon Central
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A Study Of Psalm 23 Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Nov 13, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: Once we see God as our provider, not our convenience, we will share Him with others because of what He's given us. He satisfies all that we could ever need/want, and deserves all the credit for what He has done.
A Study of Psalm 23
Introduction
- Psalms broken into 5 books, covered an extensive time period
- Gathered together as songs of praise & words of encouragement/warning
- We are studying book 1, Psalm 1-41 … Info: we’ll take break for Advent
- If we apply ourselves, this could be a life changing study (expound today)
- I want us, as a church, to examine if we can’t rejoice more
- We ought to be able to praise and want more of God every day
- Psa. 22: The way David wrote, you’d almost think he was standing at the cross
- He gives a complete story of all that Jesus will ensure:
• The son of God will be born
• He will be forsaken by all … and God
• He will be put to death by evil men who want Him dead
• Yet, His faithfulness is what brought about our salvation today
• IMP: B/C it is God who delivers Him – God gets to declare the victory
- When we consider all that God does, it is incredible. For ex, Psalm 23 …
- Read Psalm 23 / Pray
Point 1 – The Good Shepherd
- Recognize the relationship
• God is my shepherd (v1a)
- Relationship is key with David; it is intimate
- David declares that God is all he needs – incredible testimony (can we?)
• I am his sheep – in need of His care (v1a)
- Left on their own, sheep will wander, stray and be picked off
- The Shepherd is the constant protector; risking everything for them
APP: What does a faithful servant’s relationship look like? (4 “I will nots”)
1. I will not want (v1b)
- Sheep are defenseless; look to shepherd for needs
- What does shepherd provide? Rest, guidance, and safety (next three)
2. I will not lack rest (v2)
- Sheep are fearful, will not just lay down and sleep
- The shepherd provides calm assurance to rest
- Sheep trust in his ability is complete … EX: protection from prey
3. I will not lack guidance (v3)
- Sheep are refreshed by what the shepherd offers
- Even the paths and next choices are marked out; instructional
- APP: God’s commands are not punitive … but protective
- IMP: We need to stop thinking that God is ruining our fun
- His guidance has one purpose: “for his name’s sake”
- It is not for our glory … not for our honor but His (read Psalm 22:29-31)
- HUGE: Christian, life is not about you … our guidance for life is His
4. I will not lack safety (v4)
- Sheep are always led from place to place
- They have no sense of direction; they are wanderers by design
- Often traveling through dangerous territory (met w/ predators)
- Need to stop looking at God like a favorite uncle who always has money
- If we are ever going to get serious about Him, it has to be in this space
- We must look to God as provider, comforter, teacher, and Savior
- Why? Once again, “for his name’s sake” (v3)
- CHALLENGE: Sin is a choice we make … consider your choices!
- TRUTH: At no time, are we saved b/c of who we are … but b/c of who He is!
- TRANS: The Shepherd is a wonderful leader, but He’s also a gracious host
Point 2 – The Gracious Host
Here are 2 steps to a picture-perfect relationship
• God is my loving host (v5a)
- In the face of tragedy, David knew his God
- This is not a point of ego (ex: “Ha-ha, look what God did for me …”)
- It is a place of humility: “Look what my God has prepared for me…”
- Even in the most adverse conditions, David’s trust in God is affirmed
- Ref v1 … David declares to want for nothing that he needed (place at the table)
• I am his lowly guest (v5a)
- Customary to offer a guest in your home a chance to freshen up
- Scented oil would be offered to help cover up normal traveling odors
- Don’t miss: David’s insight is that coming into God’s presence is refreshing
- In God’s presence, he will be made to feel welcome
- How did you come into His presence today? Resentful? Hopeful? Angry?
For David, a relationship with God is to be enjoyed
• I will not lack provision (v5b-6)
- My cup overflows – my God is an infinite source of all that we need
- David’s confession is one of victory; rejoicing in all that he has been given
- Rejoicing is a choice; being content is a choice … see how David is both here
