Psalm 16 “Preserved by Jesus”
Intro about self preservation and wanting to insulate ourselves from the problems of this world.
We all have to come to the point in life in which we realize that we cannot preserve our own lives or insulate ourselves from trouble and rely on the Lord to preserve us from and through troubles.
Psalm 16 is entitled Michtam-golden Psalm. The contents are a treasure that should be valued more then Gold. Why? Because what the Lord promises is sure and it is does things that Gold can never do. Provides a refuge for us in life.
Vrs 1 Asking the Lord for preservation. Job 7:20 “The Preserver of men”
How??
• We can only do that when we realize…
Vrs 2 -Life without the Lord is not good (how your life was before and after) What has the Lord pulled you through?
Vrs 3 -It is good to be with other believers. Why people do not want to be with other believers…
1. Conviction of personal sin
2. Christians that are off focus tend to be self righteous. How do you know if you are self righteous? If things always have to be the way you think they should be.
How have God’s people helped you through difficult times?
Vrs 4 -true hope cannot be found apart from Jesus. It is a travesty to pursue something other then the Lord and will increase the pain of life. We should be like David steer clear of being involved in that.
As a Christian what are trusting in that is actually infecting your trust of the Lord?
• When David realized those things his response was…
Vrs 5-6 -Rest in Jesus’
Control – We need to be satisfied that the situations of our life under the care of the God of the universe.
Blessings - David is comparing the Lord with the best inheritance a person can receive. The Lord has given him a wonderfully full life.
What has the Lord blessed you with?
If you doubt His blessings…
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all will He not also graciously give us all things. Romans 8:32
Remember the GOSPEL
Vrs 7-8 –Go to Jesus’ council. I go to Him and listen to Him and He builds my foundation. David was modeling a life that consisted of devotion or quiet time with the Lord. This should consist of reading His Word and spending time in prayer. Know this is the simplest most difficult thing that you can do.
What is your devotion life like? Ideas DB, DW, M&E,
Vrs 9-10 -Overwhelming joy. It impacts Him physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Vrs 10 Messianic value Acts 2:25-28 (Peter) & Acts 13:35-37 (Paul) Our refuge is proven in the resurrection of Jesus, it shows that God is capable of preserving us. Even if this life is rough…Our future promise of resurrection.
Vrs 11 His promise is eternal and here is the path.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
"Seeing Jesus in the Psalms": The Majestic Name of Jesus
Psalm 8 Read verse 1 Majestic-stately grand
Psalm 8 begins and ends with the same verse which gives us the hint that this Psalm is going to answer the question…why God’s Name is Majestic. It tells us three reasons His Name is Majestic…
I. Because He deals with His enemies Vrs 2 - 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 This brings people to the realization that there is no way around God.
(Zane beating me in Chess humiliating) God takes care of business, He does not shrink back. Maybe you do not deal with those who oppose you?
II. Because of His creation Vrs 1b & 3 Vrs 1 “set” God is more glorious then the heavens (when we look out and see creation and are in aw God is more then that) Romans 1 tells us that people without excuse as far as the knowledge of God (General Revelation) also Psalm 19
III. Because He gave us a great responsibility. Vrs 4-8
Missiology-is tracking the culture around you and being influential within that culture. The temptation for churches and communities of faith is to get stuck into doing things the way we have always did them, not wanting to change and making the culture seem evil by only looking at the good old days.
This becomes difficult because culture moves fast due to media and also there are so many sub cultures today that have to do with music, art sports education and age groups. So how do we as individual Christians answer that call and become missionaries to our own people group?
What is man? God gave man dominion Gen 1:26 from the beginning. Man is God’s representation on the earth.
What is our responsibility to the world around us?
Christians should care about…
1. Where we live. Twofold… firs ist Creation in general. Christians should be concerned with the environment and living things that God has made. It is a stewardship issue and in our culture it is a testimony issue.
The ways of nature teach us more about the Lord Vrs 8 “paths of the sea” Us Naval Officer Matthew Fontaine Maury in the 1800’s was very sick and bed ridden, he asked his daughter to read to him from the Bible and she chose Psalm 8 and his response to verse 8 was “Paths of the sea, paths of sea, if God says paths of the sea, then they are there, and if I ever get out of this bed I will find them”
As a sailor, Maury noted that there were numerous lessons that had been learned by ship-masters about the effects of adverse winds and drift currents on the path of a ship. The captains recorded these lessons faithfully in their logbooks, but they were then forgotten. At the Observatory, Maury uncovered an enormous collection of thousands of old ships' logs and charts in storage in trunks dating back to the start of the United States Navy. Maury pored over these documents to collect information on winds, calms, and currents for all seas in all seasons.
Much of the sea charts were developed due to his work because of being inspired by the Word talking about creation.
From nature we learn there is a God (Romans 1) but we also learn that He is purposeful creative and cares about the details of His creation. We should pay attention to that.
The second is the community we live. This is where we need to ask some questions.
-Am I a good neighbor?
-Do I have concern for beauty and health of the community?
-How do I contribute to the community I live in?
2. Who lives around us. The call of the Christian is to love our neighbor. This does not only mean be good to others but it also means we should step in when bad is happening. (there are evil people that plan and promote evil) Christians can’t ignore injustice and oppression of others. That means we do not ignore mistreatment of other people. When we ignore the mistreatment of others it can lead to great consequences Vrba and Wetzel report
Rudolf Kastner By the beginning of May 1944, Kastner and many other Jewish leaders had received the Vrba-Wetzler report and other evidence that Hungary's Jews would be sent to their deaths. The report was released to the leaders of Jewish organizations in the hope that Hungarian Jews would be warned that they were being deported to a death camp and were not being resettled, as they had been led to believe. However, the report was not made public by the Jewish Council in Hungary or by Kastner.[23]
But by then 437,000 Hungarian Jews had been deported to Auschwitz, where the overwhelming majority were murdered on arrival.
It is not always easy to care about where we live and who lives by us, many times we fail because we are selfish.
We see how man has failed and as the writer of Hebrews points out man has failed when he sinned and Jesus comes and makes that right and restores man to his rightful place with Him in which we will reign as well.
This is what makes this a Messianic Psalm
3. Sharing the Gospel- Jesus is the ideal human because He is also divine Hebrews 2:6-10 quotes this Psalm and puts it all together.
God’s Name is not only majestic because He deals with His enemies, because of His creation or because He gives us responsibility. He is because He lays everything down for us.
Psalm 8 begins and ends with the same verse which gives us the hint that this Psalm is going to answer the question…why God’s Name is Majestic. It tells us three reasons His Name is Majestic…
I. Because He deals with His enemies Vrs 2 - 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 This brings people to the realization that there is no way around God.
(Zane beating me in Chess humiliating) God takes care of business, He does not shrink back. Maybe you do not deal with those who oppose you?
II. Because of His creation Vrs 1b & 3 Vrs 1 “set” God is more glorious then the heavens (when we look out and see creation and are in aw God is more then that) Romans 1 tells us that people without excuse as far as the knowledge of God (General Revelation) also Psalm 19
III. Because He gave us a great responsibility. Vrs 4-8
Missiology-is tracking the culture around you and being influential within that culture. The temptation for churches and communities of faith is to get stuck into doing things the way we have always did them, not wanting to change and making the culture seem evil by only looking at the good old days.
This becomes difficult because culture moves fast due to media and also there are so many sub cultures today that have to do with music, art sports education and age groups. So how do we as individual Christians answer that call and become missionaries to our own people group?
What is man? God gave man dominion Gen 1:26 from the beginning. Man is God’s representation on the earth.
What is our responsibility to the world around us?
Christians should care about…
1. Where we live. Twofold… firs ist Creation in general. Christians should be concerned with the environment and living things that God has made. It is a stewardship issue and in our culture it is a testimony issue.
The ways of nature teach us more about the Lord Vrs 8 “paths of the sea” Us Naval Officer Matthew Fontaine Maury in the 1800’s was very sick and bed ridden, he asked his daughter to read to him from the Bible and she chose Psalm 8 and his response to verse 8 was “Paths of the sea, paths of sea, if God says paths of the sea, then they are there, and if I ever get out of this bed I will find them”
As a sailor, Maury noted that there were numerous lessons that had been learned by ship-masters about the effects of adverse winds and drift currents on the path of a ship. The captains recorded these lessons faithfully in their logbooks, but they were then forgotten. At the Observatory, Maury uncovered an enormous collection of thousands of old ships' logs and charts in storage in trunks dating back to the start of the United States Navy. Maury pored over these documents to collect information on winds, calms, and currents for all seas in all seasons.
Much of the sea charts were developed due to his work because of being inspired by the Word talking about creation.
From nature we learn there is a God (Romans 1) but we also learn that He is purposeful creative and cares about the details of His creation. We should pay attention to that.
The second is the community we live. This is where we need to ask some questions.
-Am I a good neighbor?
-Do I have concern for beauty and health of the community?
-How do I contribute to the community I live in?
2. Who lives around us. The call of the Christian is to love our neighbor. This does not only mean be good to others but it also means we should step in when bad is happening. (there are evil people that plan and promote evil) Christians can’t ignore injustice and oppression of others. That means we do not ignore mistreatment of other people. When we ignore the mistreatment of others it can lead to great consequences Vrba and Wetzel report
Rudolf Kastner By the beginning of May 1944, Kastner and many other Jewish leaders had received the Vrba-Wetzler report and other evidence that Hungary's Jews would be sent to their deaths. The report was released to the leaders of Jewish organizations in the hope that Hungarian Jews would be warned that they were being deported to a death camp and were not being resettled, as they had been led to believe. However, the report was not made public by the Jewish Council in Hungary or by Kastner.[23]
But by then 437,000 Hungarian Jews had been deported to Auschwitz, where the overwhelming majority were murdered on arrival.
It is not always easy to care about where we live and who lives by us, many times we fail because we are selfish.
We see how man has failed and as the writer of Hebrews points out man has failed when he sinned and Jesus comes and makes that right and restores man to his rightful place with Him in which we will reign as well.
This is what makes this a Messianic Psalm
3. Sharing the Gospel- Jesus is the ideal human because He is also divine Hebrews 2:6-10 quotes this Psalm and puts it all together.
God’s Name is not only majestic because He deals with His enemies, because of His creation or because He gives us responsibility. He is because He lays everything down for us.
Monday, May 16, 2011
"Seeing Jesus in the Psalms": Responding to King Jesus
Psalm 2
Intro to Psalms “Songs” or “praises” in poetic form
Psalm 2 is known as a Royal Psalm written by David during his reign 10th century BC (900-1000years Before Jesus). The Israelites would realize that the blessing from the Lord was tied to the house of David and the Kings that were anointed would come from David’s line. So in this Psalm we see the coronation or the crowning of an earthly King with the duel purpose of looking toward the future King of Kings Jesus Christ. So in this Psalm as pretty much in all the Messianic Psalms we will see something that is true for the day that it was written but we will also see things that are true to Jesus and His ministry.
In particular Psalm 2 deals with how people respond to King Jesus
I. Some respond in rebellion against the Lord. Verses 1-3
Acts 4:24-25 Quotes this Psalm
Vrs 1 Why do people go against the Lord?
Vrs 2 Because their leaders (those they look up to) do and they follow
Vrs 3 Because they do not want to answer to anyone
2 forms of rebellion, 1. unbelief 2. disobedience(Christian)
II. The Lord responds to the rebellious people. Verses 4-6
Verse 4 God laughs, “derision” ridicules them “anthropomorphic” the psalmist describes God’s response in human terms
What are you doing that God is laughing at? When we act as if we are God and we are in control, “no one will tell me what I can or can’t do” (pride)
Did you hear about the clever salesman who closed hundreds of sales with this line: "Let me show you something several of your neighbors said you couldn't afford."
Foolishness of the Lord is wiser then mans wisdom.
Verse 5-6 God Speaks: Here is God’s wrath setting His King in Zion which was Canaanite city that David had conquered (2 Sam 5:7)
He places His King where He chooses.
When God speaks He acts…He does not go back on His promises, sometimes He is mad. Active wrath….& Passive wrath (Romans 1 “Give over”)
What are you doing that makes God mad or upset?
-Maybe you have an inappropriate relationship with your boyfriend or girlfriend? -Maybe you have a secret sin? Maybe you are not being fair or honest with your spouse?
III. The Lord responds to “the Son” Verses 7-9
Promises. I am putting this in 3 groups
Vrs 7 David as he was installed as king 2 Sam. 7:14 Sonship brings the right to discipline. 2 Sam 12:9-11 “Sword will not depart
Vrs 8 David’s inheritance is that his line will bring forth Jesus
Vrs 9 David’s reign will be accomplished in Jesus
Vrs 7 Us When a person trusts in Christ they become a child of God.
1 John 3:1 “Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called the Sons of God” The Lord takes interest in disciplining His children for rebellion
What do you think He would say to you? Because of your sin
Maybe He has already made it clear to you to stop and is doing that through discipline. How are you responding to His discipline?
As a father my discipline on my children immediately becomes lighter when they respond the right way.
Verse 8 Romans 8:16 calls us “Heirs” Our inheritance as sons & daughters is citizenship in heaven Phil 3:20
Verse 9 We become more then conquerors Romans 8:37
Jesus is the ultimate Son, that is who we need to see in this Psalm
Quted in the NT Hebrews 1:5 & 5:5 Acts 13:33
Vrs7 GOSPEL the only begotten that took our sins
Vrs 8 Enemies become His footstool
Vrs 9 Jesus will come back and eventually clean house as the reigning King. Everyone will bow to Jesus, the King is the King whether you say He is or not.
So how should we respond? The King tells us.
IV. The King responds to the rebellious people. Verses 10-12
“Be warned Be wise” Vrs 10 Why does the King call out to the kings and rulers? 3 reasons…-people follow them -pride needs to broken down -Jesus was crucified by the Jewish leaders (Acts 4:25-26 Paul identified them)
Vrs 11 Obedience - Serve the Lord and rejoice. A call to the Christian…live for the Lord not for self. Why live in rebellion?
Vrs 12 Belief - Trust Jesus “Kiss the Son” Only in the Son is there refuge from God’s wrath…because the Son has taken the wrath. People do not like to hear or think that God has wrath but I have grown to love the fact that God has wrath…why? Because through the Son Jesus taking the wrath shows us just how much and how strong His love is for us by taking the wrath on Himself. “Blessed are those who take refuge in the Son”
Intro to Psalms “Songs” or “praises” in poetic form
Psalm 2 is known as a Royal Psalm written by David during his reign 10th century BC (900-1000years Before Jesus). The Israelites would realize that the blessing from the Lord was tied to the house of David and the Kings that were anointed would come from David’s line. So in this Psalm we see the coronation or the crowning of an earthly King with the duel purpose of looking toward the future King of Kings Jesus Christ. So in this Psalm as pretty much in all the Messianic Psalms we will see something that is true for the day that it was written but we will also see things that are true to Jesus and His ministry.
In particular Psalm 2 deals with how people respond to King Jesus
I. Some respond in rebellion against the Lord. Verses 1-3
Acts 4:24-25 Quotes this Psalm
Vrs 1 Why do people go against the Lord?
Vrs 2 Because their leaders (those they look up to) do and they follow
Vrs 3 Because they do not want to answer to anyone
2 forms of rebellion, 1. unbelief 2. disobedience(Christian)
II. The Lord responds to the rebellious people. Verses 4-6
Verse 4 God laughs, “derision” ridicules them “anthropomorphic” the psalmist describes God’s response in human terms
What are you doing that God is laughing at? When we act as if we are God and we are in control, “no one will tell me what I can or can’t do” (pride)
Did you hear about the clever salesman who closed hundreds of sales with this line: "Let me show you something several of your neighbors said you couldn't afford."
Foolishness of the Lord is wiser then mans wisdom.
Verse 5-6 God Speaks: Here is God’s wrath setting His King in Zion which was Canaanite city that David had conquered (2 Sam 5:7)
He places His King where He chooses.
When God speaks He acts…He does not go back on His promises, sometimes He is mad. Active wrath….& Passive wrath (Romans 1 “Give over”)
What are you doing that makes God mad or upset?
-Maybe you have an inappropriate relationship with your boyfriend or girlfriend? -Maybe you have a secret sin? Maybe you are not being fair or honest with your spouse?
III. The Lord responds to “the Son” Verses 7-9
Promises. I am putting this in 3 groups
Vrs 7 David as he was installed as king 2 Sam. 7:14 Sonship brings the right to discipline. 2 Sam 12:9-11 “Sword will not depart
Vrs 8 David’s inheritance is that his line will bring forth Jesus
Vrs 9 David’s reign will be accomplished in Jesus
Vrs 7 Us When a person trusts in Christ they become a child of God.
1 John 3:1 “Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called the Sons of God” The Lord takes interest in disciplining His children for rebellion
What do you think He would say to you? Because of your sin
Maybe He has already made it clear to you to stop and is doing that through discipline. How are you responding to His discipline?
As a father my discipline on my children immediately becomes lighter when they respond the right way.
Verse 8 Romans 8:16 calls us “Heirs” Our inheritance as sons & daughters is citizenship in heaven Phil 3:20
Verse 9 We become more then conquerors Romans 8:37
Jesus is the ultimate Son, that is who we need to see in this Psalm
Quted in the NT Hebrews 1:5 & 5:5 Acts 13:33
Vrs7 GOSPEL the only begotten that took our sins
Vrs 8 Enemies become His footstool
Vrs 9 Jesus will come back and eventually clean house as the reigning King. Everyone will bow to Jesus, the King is the King whether you say He is or not.
So how should we respond? The King tells us.
IV. The King responds to the rebellious people. Verses 10-12
“Be warned Be wise” Vrs 10 Why does the King call out to the kings and rulers? 3 reasons…-people follow them -pride needs to broken down -Jesus was crucified by the Jewish leaders (Acts 4:25-26 Paul identified them)
Vrs 11 Obedience - Serve the Lord and rejoice. A call to the Christian…live for the Lord not for self. Why live in rebellion?
Vrs 12 Belief - Trust Jesus “Kiss the Son” Only in the Son is there refuge from God’s wrath…because the Son has taken the wrath. People do not like to hear or think that God has wrath but I have grown to love the fact that God has wrath…why? Because through the Son Jesus taking the wrath shows us just how much and how strong His love is for us by taking the wrath on Himself. “Blessed are those who take refuge in the Son”
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Mary's Song
Often times in life when good things or blessing come our way we take them and enjoy them. Many times we get to points in our life in which we expect good things to be the norm, we take them for granted and we start to forget where those good things come from. But James 1:17 tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from the Father above” So how do we respond to those gifts? Our passage of study this evening Luke 1:46-55 records a song sung by Mary the Mother of the Lord Jesus. This song demonstrates that when good things come our way…”God alone should be the center of our praise” There are at least three ways Mary demonstrates this
Before we look at the passage I want to fill you in On what just happened to Mary
I. Mary praises God for who He is. Verses 46-47
Verses 46 “Soul magnifies” “The Magnificat”
Magnify-to increase apparent size or to attribute much importance to.
This actually gives us one of the purposes for praise…so others will see how great God is.
Verses 47 “my spirit rejoices in God MY SAVIOR”
Is God your Savior?
GOSPEL we need to rejoice in our salvation.
T: It is interesting because when we start to praise God for who He is (The Savior) we realize that He is a personal God who is intimately involved in our lives. Which we see with Mary in these next verses because…
II. Mary praises God for His special favor on her. Verses 48-50
“the generations call His servant blessed” Verses 48 Why?
Some misconceptions & false teaching about Mary, that are not backed by Scripture. I don’t want to offend but I want to tell you the truth from the Bible.
These beliefs are based upon man’s tradition
1. Perpetual virgin (We know from the Scriptures that Jesus had half brothers and sisters) Mathew 1:25 tells us “Joseph knew her not until she gave birth top a Son”
2. Assumption of Mary. (Mary’s body did not decay)
3. Was sinless (Immaculate conception) Remember she said God was “Her savior”
4. Should be prayed to (Mary hails Jesus)
5. Mother of God (She was the Mother of the Lord Jesus (John 2:1) as He came in human flesh but God has no Mother) “Just as Christ’s human nature had no father, His divine nature had no mother”
These are not reasons why Mary is called blessed
Here are reasons why we call her blessed
Because He uses His strength and purity to do a great thing in Mary’s life. Verses 49
-She was the mother God the Father chose for His Son. Spent much time with Him (Just think of that special time) (clip at church))
He has mercy on those who fear Him Verses 50
-Mercy-compassion and kindness. God found favor in her because she did “fear” Him (have respect for Him)
-She was part of God’s prophetic plan (Isaiah 7:14)
From this we learn that we need to praise and give glory to God for the things He has specifically done for us.
What are those things in your life? Maybe it is your spouse, Children, your job, your financial situation, friendships
What are the ways He specifically uses you? Ministry, impact on your neighbors. Specifically for moms…He gave you children to impact
When you come to church to worship the Lord one of the things that should be on your mind is all the blessings you have received from the Lord.
T: So we have found that we should like Mary praise God for who He is and praise God for His special favor on us and now we will find that we should praise God for His special favor on His people.
III. Mary praises God for His special favor on His people.
-He takes down those who go against His people, Justice will be served by our Lord for His people. Verses 51-52a Miriam in Ex 15 praise God for taking down the enemies of His people.
-He helps those in need. Verses 52b-54 (Shannon baptism illustration)
Maybe you are need?
-He has a plan to save His people. Verses 55 That blessing promised to Abraham comes through the offer of Salvation from the Lord Jesus Christ and we know that all those who believe have a reason to praise Him because their eternal home is with Him.
Did you know that sometimes it is difficult to rejoice and praise God when others are blessed?
Sometimes jealousy sets in because we feel that we are more deserving or that we never get blessed and that person does.
When I was little my mom and the red ribbon. Did a little research. Italians Malocchio “Evil Eye” believed this protected them from the “evil Eye”
How do you know if this is you? If you are always criticizing… they can’t afford that… they should do this or that. Or you are generally not happy for other people when they are blessed.
Thomas Lindberg said…One sign of jealousy is when it's easier to show sympathy and "weep with those who weep" than it is to exhibit joy and "rejoice with those who rejoice."
This passage helps us because the way we can combat falling to envy and jealousy is praising God for how He has blessed those around us.
…be happy for them, rejoice and celebrate with them.
In conclusion we see that God alone should be the center of our praise. Because of who He is, His special favor on us individually and His special favor on His people.
Before we look at the passage I want to fill you in On what just happened to Mary
I. Mary praises God for who He is. Verses 46-47
Verses 46 “Soul magnifies” “The Magnificat”
Magnify-to increase apparent size or to attribute much importance to.
This actually gives us one of the purposes for praise…so others will see how great God is.
Verses 47 “my spirit rejoices in God MY SAVIOR”
Is God your Savior?
GOSPEL we need to rejoice in our salvation.
T: It is interesting because when we start to praise God for who He is (The Savior) we realize that He is a personal God who is intimately involved in our lives. Which we see with Mary in these next verses because…
II. Mary praises God for His special favor on her. Verses 48-50
“the generations call His servant blessed” Verses 48 Why?
Some misconceptions & false teaching about Mary, that are not backed by Scripture. I don’t want to offend but I want to tell you the truth from the Bible.
These beliefs are based upon man’s tradition
1. Perpetual virgin (We know from the Scriptures that Jesus had half brothers and sisters) Mathew 1:25 tells us “Joseph knew her not until she gave birth top a Son”
2. Assumption of Mary. (Mary’s body did not decay)
3. Was sinless (Immaculate conception) Remember she said God was “Her savior”
4. Should be prayed to (Mary hails Jesus)
5. Mother of God (She was the Mother of the Lord Jesus (John 2:1) as He came in human flesh but God has no Mother) “Just as Christ’s human nature had no father, His divine nature had no mother”
These are not reasons why Mary is called blessed
Here are reasons why we call her blessed
Because He uses His strength and purity to do a great thing in Mary’s life. Verses 49
-She was the mother God the Father chose for His Son. Spent much time with Him (Just think of that special time) (clip at church))
He has mercy on those who fear Him Verses 50
-Mercy-compassion and kindness. God found favor in her because she did “fear” Him (have respect for Him)
-She was part of God’s prophetic plan (Isaiah 7:14)
From this we learn that we need to praise and give glory to God for the things He has specifically done for us.
What are those things in your life? Maybe it is your spouse, Children, your job, your financial situation, friendships
What are the ways He specifically uses you? Ministry, impact on your neighbors. Specifically for moms…He gave you children to impact
When you come to church to worship the Lord one of the things that should be on your mind is all the blessings you have received from the Lord.
T: So we have found that we should like Mary praise God for who He is and praise God for His special favor on us and now we will find that we should praise God for His special favor on His people.
III. Mary praises God for His special favor on His people.
-He takes down those who go against His people, Justice will be served by our Lord for His people. Verses 51-52a Miriam in Ex 15 praise God for taking down the enemies of His people.
-He helps those in need. Verses 52b-54 (Shannon baptism illustration)
Maybe you are need?
-He has a plan to save His people. Verses 55 That blessing promised to Abraham comes through the offer of Salvation from the Lord Jesus Christ and we know that all those who believe have a reason to praise Him because their eternal home is with Him.
Did you know that sometimes it is difficult to rejoice and praise God when others are blessed?
Sometimes jealousy sets in because we feel that we are more deserving or that we never get blessed and that person does.
When I was little my mom and the red ribbon. Did a little research. Italians Malocchio “Evil Eye” believed this protected them from the “evil Eye”
How do you know if this is you? If you are always criticizing… they can’t afford that… they should do this or that. Or you are generally not happy for other people when they are blessed.
Thomas Lindberg said…One sign of jealousy is when it's easier to show sympathy and "weep with those who weep" than it is to exhibit joy and "rejoice with those who rejoice."
This passage helps us because the way we can combat falling to envy and jealousy is praising God for how He has blessed those around us.
…be happy for them, rejoice and celebrate with them.
In conclusion we see that God alone should be the center of our praise. Because of who He is, His special favor on us individually and His special favor on His people.
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