Psalm 23:1-6

Psalm 23:1-6 I. ITS POSITION - 1 TheLord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Notice Its Setting — Between Two Great Psalms. 1. Psalm 22 — Reveals The Cross Of Christ The Shepherd Crucified For The Sheep 22:1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? The Good Shepherd—Past, What He Did John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 2. Psalm 23 — Reveals The Companionship Of Christ The Shepherd Communicating With The Sheep The Great Shepherd—Present, What He Is Doing Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 3. Psalm 24 —Reveals The Coronation Of Christ The Shepherd Coming For His Sheep The Glorified Shepherd —Prospects, What He Will Do 1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

He is the Saviour Shepherd - He can pardon from sin

He is the Good Shepherd - He paid the penalty for sin John 10:11 I am the good shepherd:

The Great Shepherd - He saves from the power of sin.

The Chief Shepherd, He saves from the presence of sin

II. ITS PROVISION - 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 1. The Shepherd’s Job — “He maketh me” (1) Fear is Expelled by His Protection (2) Friction is Eliminated by His Priority

2. The Shepherd’s Joy— “He Leadeth Me” He Provides :-

1. REST 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

2. REFRESHMENT he leadeth me beside the still waters. (Philippians 4:19) “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”

3. RESTORATION 3 He restoreth my soul: ie. David's Sin

4. RIGHTEOUSNESS he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness (Psalms 37:23) The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

III. ITS PROTECTION - 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 1. By His Companionship - He Protects against Shadows 2. By His Comfort - He Protects against Stumbles - His Rod & Staff 3. By His Counsel - He Protects against Sin IV. ITS PREPARATION - 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 1. The Supply Of The Food — “Thou preparest a table” 2. The Sight Of The Foes — “in the presence of mine enemies”

V. ITS PROSPECTS - 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 1. The Sheep’s Attendants — Two sheep dogs follow us (1) Goodness — To Record Facts for rewards (2) Mercy — To Reveal Forgiveness for Restoration 2. The Sheep’s Anticipation - To Dwell forever with the Lord The Certainty of It - "Surely.....I will dwell."

The Company of It - "The house of the Lord."

The Constancy of It - "forever."