What Will The Righteous Do?

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.