Those Who Seek God's Favor Series

BIG IDEA:

THOSE WHO SEEK GOD’S FAVOR IN THE MORNING REJOICE

IN GOD’S PROTECTION AGAINST ALL ENEMIES

I. (:1-3) MORNING DEVOTIONS ARE CRITICAL: CRY FOR HELP

IN THE MORNING

A. Attempt to Gain a Hearing

"Give ear to my words"

"Consider my groaning"

"Heed the sound of my cry for help"

B. Address Your Cry to the One Who Can Help

"O Lord"

"my King"

"and my God"

"For to Thee do I pray"

"I will order my prayer to Thee"

C. Await Answers to Prayers Offered in the Morning

"In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice;

In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch."

II. (:4-6) GOD HATES THE BAD GUYS

A. Expressions of Hatred

1. does not "take pleasure"

2. does not "dwell with" any wickedness

3. will not allow the wicked to "stand before Thine eyes"

4. "dost hate"

5. "dost destroy"

6. "abhors"

B. Expressions of Wickedness

1. "wickedness"

2. "evil".3. "boastful"

4. "all who do iniquity"

5. "those who speak falsehood"

6. "the man of bloodshed and deceit"

III. (:7-8) GOD LOVES THE GOOD GUYS

A. (:7) God’s Love Makes Worship a Reality and a Priority

"But as for me, by Thine abundant lovingkindness I will enter Thy house,

At Thy holy temple I will bow in reverence for Thee."

B. (:8) God’s Righteousness Guides My Path

"O Lord, lead me in Thy righteousness because of my foes;

Make Thy way straight before me."

IV. (:9-10) THE BAD GUYS DESERVE GOD’S JUDGMENT

A. (:9) They Are Bad News

1. Not Dependable

"There is nothing reliable in what they say"

2. Destructive

"Their inward part is destruction itself;

Their throat is an open grave"

3. Deceptive

"They flatter with their tongue"

B. (:10) Their Rebellion Deserves God’s Judgment

1. Verdict = Guilty

"Hold them guilty, O God"

2. Punishment Should Fit the Crime

"By their own devices let them fall!

In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out"

3. Problem = Rebellion

"For they are rebellious against Thee"

V. (:11-12) THE GOOD GUYS RECEIVE GOD’S PROTECTION

A. Joy for Those Under God’s Protection

1. Our Responsibility

"take refuge in Thee"

2. Joy and Gladness."be glad"

"Let them ever sing for joy"

3. God’s Responsibility

"And mayest Thou shelter them"

B. Boasting for Those Enjoying God’s Protection

"That those who love Thy name may exult in Thee"

C. Favor for Those Surrounded by God’s Protection

"For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O Lord,

Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield."

* * * * * * * * * *

DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:

1) How important do we feel it is to start off the morning in prayer with our King and

our God? Do we look throughout the day for God-moments = those times when God

shows His presence with us and answers our prayers?

2) Study the evils of the tongue that are detailed here as characteristic of the wicked.

How careful are we in our speech? Do we build others up or tear them down? Are we

reliable and faithful in keeping our word? What does our speech reveal about what is in

our heart?

3) What does this psalm teach about the leading of the Lord?

4) Can you picture yourself surrounded in a bubble of God’s favor and protection that

functions as a shield? What a cause for joy and gladness! Are we actively taking

refuge in the Lord? How do we go about doing that?

Download the entire Psalms commentary in pdf format

(including notes on each psalm from other commentators)

from:

http://www.bibleoutlines.com