INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. David’s Question
2. David’s Observation
3. David’s Answer
Introductory Remarks.
1. David’s question: “If the foundation is destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalms 11:3.
2. David’s observation: “I was young, but now I am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread,” Psalms 37:25.
3. David’s answer: "I will lift mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my Help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth you will not slumber…from this time forth, even for evermore," Psalms 121:1-8. (Text shortened for brevity). Micah also wrote: “That we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before our God,” Micah 6:8. With this brief introduction, let's consider our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I DAVID’S QUESTION
A. David’s question: “If the foundation is destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalms 11:3. We would do what every faithful saint can do, hold to God’s unchanging hand.
1. If the earth's foundations would be no more, what can the righteous do: but trust the Lord and hold to His promises? This world is not to abide forever, 2 Peter 3:10-12.
2. What if the fundamental foundations of the truth are forsaken, rejected, or abandoned? What would the righteous do? See 2 Timothy 4:3-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3.
a. Would they continue to “stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free?" Galatians 5:1. And not being entangled again with the yoke of bondage?
b. Would they continue to “be not conformed to this world, but being transformed by the renewing of their minds…what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God,” Romans 12:1-2. (Text shortened for brevity).
c. Would they continue to build their house on a solid rock: “That rock being Christ?” 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.
3. Trust the Lord! Build on the proper foundation, Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount concluded with this warning of two foundations. Observe,
a. Building upon a rock: “Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock,” Matthew 7:24-25. He continued,
b. Building upon the sand: "And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and those winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell: and great was the fall of it," Matthew 7:26-27.
c. Conclusion: The Rock of faith and trust in Christ are sure foundations. The shifting sands of time and worldly pleasure are a foundation for destruction. Jesus speaks of the principles of one's faith and trust in God. We are to build our lives upon truth, righteousness, and godliness. Listen to John,
4. He wrote: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him… All that is in the world…are not of the Father but the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever," 1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4.
5. The righteous would continue in the grace of God. Paul wrote: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this world," Titus 2:11-12; Romans 12:1-2.
B. Christ is that sure foundation. He is the Rock on whom we should build our life and establish our path: “As we walk by faith and not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7. Hear Paul,
1. For other foundation: “Can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 3:11. Our foundation of faith must be built upon the words of the Lord, and not in the world's wisdom. I wish I had some help in this lesson!
2. The foundation of God: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And let everyone that nameth the name of Christ departs from iniquity,” 2 Timothy 2:19.
3. Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me,” John 10:27. It is not enough to say we know and believe the Lord, but do not walk in His commandments. He said also: “If you love me keep my commandments,” John 14:15.
4. John wrote: “And hereby we do know that we do know Him if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth, not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him,” 1 John 2:3-4; 1 John 2:9-11.
C. David identifies humanity within two groups. One is righteous, and the other is wicked. Turn to Psalms 37:21. Let’s consider David’s words. He wrote,
1. First, “The wicked borroweth, and pay not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth. For such as be blessed of Him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed shall be cut off,” Psalms 37:21-22.
NOTE: What would the righteous do? He would give out of a heart of charity. Then wait on God's blessings. Christians should have a heart of giving and not receiving! Acts 20:35.
2. Further, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in His way,” Psalms 37:23. God has ordered our steps, but it is up to us to walk within them.
3. Finally, “Though he falls he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand,” Psalms 37:24. Listen to Paul,
4. Conclusion: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed,” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. Do not stress, do not despair, you are not forsaken, and you, the righteous, shall not be destroyed. Beloved of the Lord, "If God is for us, none can be against us," Romans 8:28-37. Now let's make some practical applications of these promises.
D. We are in troubled times when even the foundation of our Democracy is being weighed in the balance. We are preparing to vote now for our new elected officials. How would the righteous vote? The people of God should vote during times of dysfunction and political confusion. They should vote for what uplifts and sustain our Democracy! These freedoms are not guaranteed; they must always be protected. What will the righteous do?
1. We have become a nation divided along party lines (red states and blue states) and also divided over the truth in the past election.
a. Some claiming faith in God have embraced the “Big Lie” (that Donald J. Trump won the 2020 election).
b. The election results have been settled in Congress, the Courts, and in the admission of the former President: that he lost the election.
c. What more would the righteous need to settle this matter?
d. Why are faithful members still disputing "the decision of the people?" The people of America rejected the former President.
2. What will the righteous do? Vote to save our Democracy? One party seeks to destroy it. The other to defend it! It's in our hands. Only God can know the genuine sincerity of your hearts. I cannot and will not judge. Everyone in America has the right to vote, not just one party.
3. When have party affiliations (Republican or Democrat) caused the righteous to hate and oppose another party member in the assembly? In the church of Christ!
4. President Joe Biden won the 2020 election fairly and without voter fraud. If you believe differently, I ask you this question: "Did the seats in local, state, and federal elections where the other party won, was those seats gained by the same election fraud?” Consider,
a. Why is the other party’s seats won in the same election considered fraudulent?
b. Didn’t the ballots from both parties go through the same voting machines in every state?
d. The other political party is not claiming voter fraud in their lost elections. Why? They respect the will of the people.
e. Apparently, the other party doesn't respect the will of the people, the rule of law, or the Constitution of the United States of America. I'm trying to be kind unto the beloved in the Lord!
E. Save Democracy. If you want to save Democracy, here is your choice: Vote for the party trying to preserve Democracy. One party desires freedom in America for all citizens. The other party is for overturning Democracy by any means necessary. Is your party loyalty more important than our continued freedoms in America? I don't need to tell you how to vote. But I will ask you again: "What would the righteous do?" They will always do the right thing: Vote to save the Union! Let’s now consider David’s observation.
II DAVID’S OBSERVATION
A. David’s lifelong observation: “I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread,” Psalms 37:25. What does he mean in this verse? David gives us two assurances of his lifelong observation. They are,
1. God will not forsake the righteous. He is ever vigilant. To care for and protect His people.
2. The seed of the righteous will never beg for bread. Your “barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall your cruse of oil fail,” 1 Kings 17:14. Both will always contain plenty!
This was the Lord’s promise to the widow in Zarephath, 1 Kings 17:10-16. Amen, sister Ceilings. Jesus promises to provide,
3. Pray to God: “Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors,” Matthew 6:11-12.
NOTE: Peter asks the Lord: How often should I forgive my brother if he repents? Luke 17:3-5. He suggested: seven times. Jesus responded: no, but 7 times 70, or 490 times. We must learn to forgive and let it go! Forgiveness is more for us than the other party.
4. Paul wrote Ephesus: "Let all bitterness, wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you," Ephesians 4:31-32. We continue to forgive others because God continues to forgive us.
B. Another observation. When God blesses the righteous, a little will always be plenty. David penned: "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked," Psalms 37:16. Little is more than enough. God will provide.
C. Lord lovest judgment. David continued: "He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil, does good, and will dwell always. For the Lord loves judgment, and forsaketh, not his saints; they are preserved forever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off," Psalms 37:26-28. David said,
1. First, “He is ever merciful, and lendeth.” Who? “The righteous (man or woman) showeth mercy, and giveth,” Psalms 37:21b. What will the righteous do?
a. He lendeth because they have a heart of mercy. “But the wicked borroweth, and payeth not again," Psalms 27:21. I hope you are still with me.
NOTE: Illustration, A brother or sister needs Help. Would you help them or give them your blessings?
b. James wrote: We say “depart in peace: be ye warmed and filled,” James 2:14-17. Can words of peace and blessings fill a hungry belly? But we do not give that which is necessary for the body?
c. John wrote: “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother has a need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongues; but in deeds and truth," 1 John 3:17-18. David continues,
2. Further, "His seed is blessed." The righteous man’s seed is blessed. The children of his children are also blessed! Whose seed? Praise the Lord!
3. Next, the righteous man: "Departs from evil, do good, and dwell for evermore," Psalms 37:27. The righteous man's deeds of goodwill preserveth him forever.
4. Finally, “For the Lord loves judgment (justice and good), and”
a. “Forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved forever.”
b. “But the seed of the wicked (man or woman) shall be cut off,” Psalms 37:28.
c. Conclusion: What we do for self will pass, but that which we do for others and the Lord will last!" I hope you are getting all this, beloved of the Lord.
D. Behold the upright. David again: “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace,” Psalms 37:37. This is God's promise to the righteous. His days will end in peace. Though they may be full of trials and suffering, they will end in peace and rest, Revelation 14:13; Psalms 116:15.
E. David ends this Psalms: "But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; He is their strength in times of trouble. And the Lord shall help and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them because they trust in Him,” Psalms 37:39-40. Listen to Paul as he reminds Timothy of the reasons for his imprisonment. He wrote,
1. First, "Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, apostle, and teacher of the Gentiles. For which reason, I also suffer these things: nevertheless, I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He can keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day," 2 Timothy 2:11-12.
2. Further, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing," 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
3. Finally, "At my first answer, no man stood with me, but all forsook me: I pray to God that this sin may not lay it to their charge. Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever, Amen," 2 Timothy 4:16-18.
4. Conclusion: What a profound section of scriptures testifying how God was first his counselor, then his deliverer, and finally, the preserver of his soul unto the heavenly kingdom. And he concludes this doxology with words of thanksgiving and praise. He has no sorrow or regrets for his present condition because he looks to the rest and peace that God shall give him, and a crown of righteousness awaits him on that day! Amen. Now let's look at the last point in this lesson. Turn to Psalms 121:1, and we will begin to close this lesson. Thanks for being so patient!
III DAVID’S ANSWER
A. David’s answer. He wrote: "I will lift mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my Help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth you will not slumber…from this time forth, even for evermore," Psalms 121:1-8; Psalms 87:1; Psalms 123:1. (Text shortened for brevity). We now move from the Psalms to the prophecies of Micah. He will tie it all together for us. Turn your Bible to Micah, chapter 6, and look at verses 6-8. Stay with me.
B. And Micah also wrote: “That we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before our God,” Micah 6:8. He was a contemporary of Isaiah, and both ministered in the Southern Kingdom (Judah). The name Micah means, "Who is like Jehovah?" Observe,
1. First, the theme of Micah’s prophecy is: "To hear." A recurring theme unto God's people: "The first of all commandments is to: Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord...There are no other commandments greater than these," Mark 12:29-31. Recall,
a. Jesus reconstituted this law during His ministry: “That we should love God…and our neighbor as ourselves,” Matthew 22:37-40. The lawyer discussed God’s commandments with the Lord.
b. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, "thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
c. What would the righteous do? Can they love only those that love them? Or should they love even their enemies, Matthew 5:43-48? Change begin with us!
d. Look around in the assembly. Are there any enemies among you now? If you perceive so, God requires that you even love them. Your brother and sister in Christ are not your enemies. Who has said differently?
e. Can we sit in silence and witness your brothers and sisters being treated differently in the church, the community, and the state of Alabama? These are the same conditions in Micah and Isaiah's times. The prophets spoke against these practices. Why are all our pulpit silent in these matters of injustice and indifference?
2. Further, Isaiah prophesied in the king's Court, while Micah humbly spoke unto the ordinary people. Micah, like Amos, prophesied strongly against immorality, social injustices, and the oppression of the poor by the rich and powerful. These seem to be similar sins that now plague our Nation.
3. Next, Micah was answering the question of the people: “Wherewith shall I come before the LORD?” The people asked: "How can they be righteous before God?" Micah wrote: "Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the first of my body for the sin of my soul?" Micah 6:7. Listen to his response,
4. Finally, Micah wrote: "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good (righteous), and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Micah 6:6-8.
a. These are qualities of faith and obedience that God delights in His people.
b. Micah list three qualities of faith and obedience. They are 1) to do justly, 2) to love mercy, and 3) to walk humbly before God.
c. What will the righteous do? Let's quickly review each of them and then conclude.
C. First, to do justly means to render a verdict, sentence, or formal decree of divine law righteously, to judge, give judgment, that is, lawful, due order, rightly, or to issue a just sentence. I will ask a series of rhetorical questions: Answer them in your hearts. I will ask the questions and provide my response.
Question 1: “Do you think the recent Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe V. Wade was righteous, just, and in due order before God and the people? Observe,
1. The Court voted along Party Lines while rejecting 50 years of established judicial precedents that gave women the right to abortion. (I speak neither for nor against this right).
2. Judge Clarence Thomas and other ultra-conservative members of the Court have already vowed to overturn other rights guaranteed by the Constitution merely because they have a majority on the Court. Again, they will all vote along Party Lines, ignoring Constitutional precedents, and against the Nation's needs both in health and safety.
3. The Supreme court has also ruled against "voter rights in America." They have removed the safeguards that protected the "minority vote" in the states. Why? To make it harder for one population of Americans to vote in every election. Is this what the righteous do? Can righteous people agree with such legislative tactics in our voting systems throughout the Nation? Consider this question,
Question 2: Do you believe every American should have the right to vote without fear, intimidation, and threatening’s by others? What would the righteous do? Right now, Voting Drop Boxes are under surveillance by certain militant groups to interrupt the voters' rights to participate in the 2022 election. Is this what the righteous do?
4. When one party Gerrymander’s a state or districts to favor its party and restrict other voters' access to the poles, that party can control the outcome of elections at the local, state, and federal levels. Is this what the righteous do? Do you support these policies and practices?
5. No righteous person could find these practices acceptable before God and support them in good conscience. It is called cheating, brothers, and sisters! We teach our children this is wrong. But accept it within a certain political party. And then behave as if this is the will of God. Who has "bewitched you, believers?” Galatians 3:1; Galatians 5:7-8.
D. Further, to love mercy. The word “mercy” means kindness; piety; or beauty: —favor, good deed, or kind (-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-), merciful, mercy, or to show pity. Micah states the second thing God requires is that we ought to be lovers of mercy and kindness. Listen to him,
1. He wrote: “Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy,” Micah 7:18; Psalms 85:1-7. Jehovah is a God of mercy. The righteous men and women in the faith are people of mercy. Doesn’t this describe you? The children of God. I pray with all my heart I am speaking to saints that love one another with a pure heart fervently, 1 Peter 1:22.
2. God is merciful to all. Therefore, the righteous must willingly give mercy to all people. But especially, “unto the household of faith,” Galatians 6:9-10. Observe,
a. David wrote: “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works,” Psalms 145:8-9; Psalms 33:4.
b. David wrote again: “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations,” Psalms 100:5.
3. Solomon wrote: "He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor," Proverbs 21:21. The wise man wrote of a merciful heart that is given unto all; and that God in return will deal graciously unto them. Hear the Master,
4. Jesus said: “Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy,” Matthew 5:7. Jesus is teaching us that those who are givers of mercy shall also obtain it. In like fashion, those that refuse to grant mercy shall, in the same manner, not obtain mercy. What would the righteous do? Give mercy to obtain mercy. Amen, brother Walls!
5. Paul wrote: "For as we have many members in one body and all members have not the same office... Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us. Whether prophecy...Or ministry...Or he that teacheth...Or he that exhorteth...He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation...Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love... continuing instant(ly) in prayer. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality," Romans 12:4-13; Hebrews 13:1-2. Finally,
6. James wrote: “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment,” James 2:13; James 3:17-18; James 5:10-11. Let's consider our last thought and move to a conclusion.
E. Finally, to walk humbly. Micah now instructs us: "to walk humbly before God." This is the final directive Jehovah had given unto His people. Micah now directs us to the relationship that God favors with His people. If God's people humble themselves and obey His commandments and statutes, they are said: "to walk with Him."
1. Micah again: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good (righteous), and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8.
2. To "walk" means going, walking, or coming. And the word "humbly" means to be humble, modest, or lowly, to show humility. Therefore, it means walking in humility before God and men.
3. David wrote: “Have mercy upon us: "O Lord, have mercy on us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is filled with scorning of those at ease, and with the contempt of the proud,” Psalms 123:3-4.
NOTE: If there is one thing God despises is a proud look and a haughty spirit. This Nation is full of men and women who believe they are better than their neighbors. Is this what the righteous do?
4. Solomon wrote regarding the humble in heart and the reward of those full of pride and self-conceit. Observe,
a. First, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,” Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 11:2.
b. Further, "Before destruction, the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility," Proverbs 18:12.
c. Finally, “A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit,” Proverbs 29:23. Remember God: “Resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble,” 1 Peter 5:5-6; James 4:6. Are there any among us filled with pride? My last question. I sadly ask,
Question 3: Are there any supporters of White Nationalists among us? This group advocates and supports the perceived political interests of the white population only within America, especially to the exclusion or detriment of other racial and ethnic groups. This movement has now become a spiritual movement of "white separatists." To some of you, this movement is new. It is now called: "White Christian Nationalism." Observe,
5. The White Nationalists’ movement has taken on a new look and now calls itself the White Christian Nationalism. Their plans and beliefs are the same. Sadly, some of our congregations have adopted this ideology and fake religious movement. I am not accusing any of being a part of this movement, merely informing you of its intent for the Nation and the church. I know to some of you; this is new information. What is it? It is a threat to American Democracy. The article describes,
6. White Christian Nationalism. “White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy is that the ethnonationalism of white Christian nationalism works in concert with Christian libertarianism by combining white Christian nationalism with white Christian individualism, and that recognition of that influence is supported by data published contemporaneously. The extent of the threat to American Democracy is examined." Wikipedia. See the links at the end of this lesson. Let me wrap it up and conclude. Thank you for your patience. What we discussed were these things….
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. David’s Question
2. David’s Observation
3. David’s Answer
B. Introductory Remarks.
1. David’s question: “If the foundation is destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalms 11:3.
2. David’s observation: “I was young, but now I am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread,” Psalms 37:25.
3. David’s answer: "I will lift mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my Help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth you will not slumber…from this time forth, even for evermore," Psalms 121:1-8. (Text shortened for brevity).
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation, H. B. R. C. B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
Commendations.
We thank these prolific writers for their wisdom and insight into the Holy Scriptures. We acknowledge here our consultation of their work in this lesson.
References.
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. Clarke’s Commentary on the New Testament, Volume 6A, by Adam Clarke, SAGE Software, Albany, Oregon, Copyright 1996.
4. W. E. Vine's "Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words," by W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr., published in 1940; without copyright.
5. Senate bid to save Roe v. Wade falls to GOP-led filibuster | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-filibusters-congress-759beeba80ac56aa95271711a8e915da
6. Billy Graham’s Interview with the magazine Christianity Today in 2011.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/26/us/billy-graham-franklin-graham-trump.html
7. What is white nationalism? Take a look at Trump’s agenda. - Vox
https://www.vox.com/21313021/trump-white-nationalism-supremacy-miller-bannon-immigration
8. Wikipedia, Influence of White Christian Nationalism, Philip Gorski, co-author, Samuel L. Perry, in 2022. Link: Philip Gorski – Wikipedia.
9. Shandrick, Anthony, Minister Church of Christ at Pickensville, AL, for his contributions in this lesson.
