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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

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

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