Sermon Central
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A Fortress Of Faithfulness Series
Contributed by David Hill on Jul 15, 2004 (message contributor)
Summary: God’s faithfulness is a fortress in life.
A Fortress of Faithfulness Psalm 91:14-16
Martin Luther was one of the most influential leaders of the protestant reformation in the 14th century. This man who used of God in a great way also was given to times of deep dark depression. One time he got really down and depressed and locked himself away in a room and wouldn’t come out for anything or anyone. His wife Kathy tried to coax him out of the room with no success. Finally she went and dressed with a black veil, and black gloves, totally decked out in black and went into the room with Martin Luther. Martin asked her, “dear Kathy, who died? She replied, “Why God died, Martin.” Martin jumped to his feet in an outburst of emotion and said, “that’s blasphemy woman how dare you talk like that?” To that she replied, “yes it is Martin, and so is the way you’re living.” He got up out of the room and went and wrote the great gospel hymn “A Mighty Fortress is our God”.
God is faithful! Meaning He’s authentic...exact ...reliable...true
Of the faithfulness of God Scripture says...
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness
O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD , and your faithfulness surrounds you.
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
God is...
-Faithful in His Presence – I’ll never leave or forsake
-Faithful in His Promises – He does not...can not lie
-Faithful in His Provision – Meeting your ever need
-Faithful in His Protection – He is your shelter, refuge & fortress
God is a fortress of faithfulness....a fortification of faith for all who believe!
“Fortress” – castle...citadel...fort.....stronghold
The Hebrew word “Fortress” means "the one who keeps me”
Why is being kept important? Because life can get UGLY!
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
* Life is not for the cowardly....weak....or timid! * Life is too complicated to go it alone! * Life was given by God...to be share w/ God...to accomplish the purposes of God!
The Psalmist understood that & found in God a...Refuge of Rest.....A Shelter of Strength &...
III. A Fortress of Faithfulness: vs 14-16 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Because the Psalmist made God his shelter...refuge....& fortress God covered him w/ His faithfulness!
Notice verse 14: God has now picked up the pen & He is writing! "Because he loves me," says the LORD, he will take pleasure in my faithfulness!
* Now there’s an interesting word... “Pleasure” ! * Pleasure is finding enjoyment, happiness, contentment, satisfaction.
Notice God says he who rest....dwells....& abides in me will....
I. Take Pleasure in My Love: v-14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
-God is speaking of a reciprocal love! -You are loving God & He is loving you! - Russ Lee said it this way, “As I press into Jesus He presses into me.”
James the Lord’s brother said it this way,
Come near to God and he will come near to you... James 4:8
Because of this common...mutual...& shared love! God said himself:
a. I will rescue him!
Psalm 22:8 David
"He trusts in the LORD ; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."
If anyone understood how God rescue’s His own it was David! God rescued him from the hand of Saul...a coupe by his own son & his enemies.
“because he loves me, I will rescue him!
This morning what has God rescued you from?
Well if your not sure...consider the following. God has rescued you from...
-Sin...it’s bondage...it’s evil...it’s wrath...& it’s author satan himself! -Heart ache... danger...despair.... trouble... misery -Eternal hell & separation from God
Because you take pleasure in God He has rescued you but notice also He says...
b. I will protect him!
In verses 9-13 God’s word reveals that He has commissioned His Angels to care & protect those He loves & just who are those? Those who accept & love Him!
Psalm 37:28 David
For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, Proverbs 2:8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
