Not One Of Them Is Broken

Not One of Them is Broken

Feb. 12, 2006 FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Pastor

Introduction:

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones, not one of them is broken. Psalms 34:19-20 (NASB)

A Our text is about a righteous person who is suffering with affliction.

1 Almost contrary to the popular thought that Christians don’t experience hard times & heartache.

a If you’ve been a Christian for over a week, you know that isn’t true!

b The scripture bluntly promises us "afflictions." v.19

2 In this same text, the tired Christian/righteous person can find comfort.

B Up to this time, most of us have suffered no real damage from our afflictions.

1 Preacher, my husband left me; I’ve lost friends/job/health; buried babies; people have turned their back on me; gossip, etc.

a REAL hurt, pain, suffering, emotion. I’m not diminishing the significance.

b Remember, we’re promised affliction

2 We can experience affliction without throwing in the towel

a I’ve never lost faith, hope, love

b These bones have never been broken

3 During the affliction my faith, hope, & love have flourished, not floundered!

a With the affliction I gain experience on how to...

aa Trust in God when I can’t see His hand

bb Stay on the Ship of Zion when the winds howl & the waves crash

b The trials have strengthened my bones, not broken them.

C What about joy? (Who can enjoy affliction?)

1 The devil has not stolen my joy

2 He’s tried to steal/hide it, but the Holy Spirit stops him at the door!

D I’ve been in battle, & I have the battle scars to prove it.

1 Many of the bruises we have gained come from sickness, bereavement, depression, slander, & opposition.

a Life has been tough!

b Good news: bruises heal!

2 v. 20 My bones (faith, hope, love) remain intact.

a Bruises I’ve got-heal

b Broken bones-will not have them

E How do our bones keep from breaking?

1 We trust in the Lord

a Regardless of affliction-trust!

b If we trust in the Lord, we trust Him with our bones

c If He keeps our bones, we know He will not let one bone break

2 Our hearts may be aching, but our bones are not breaking.

F Close eyes

1 What affliction are you facing?

2 Are you trusting God with your bones?

3 Read text again

4 Altar is open to come & cast your cares, concerns, confidence on the Lord.

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Respectfully,

Mike Fogerson