WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:19.240 We are looking at Psalm 25 this afternoon, so I invite you to turn to Psalm 25, looking at the last half of Psalm 25. 00:00:19.240 --> 00:00:25.060 Psalm 25, verses 12-22 is our text for this evening. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:40.820 Psalm 25, verses 12-22, the very words of our living God. 00:00:43.179 --> 00:00:49.379 Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. 00:00:50.120 --> 00:00:54.320 His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. 00:00:54.320 --> 00:01:00.659 The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. 00:01:01.820 --> 00:01:10.140 My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. 00:01:11.620 --> 00:01:16.260 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 00:01:16.260 --> 00:01:21.920 The troubles of my heart are enlarged. Bring me out of my distresses. 00:01:22.260 --> 00:01:26.120 Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. 00:01:27.560 --> 00:01:33.020 Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. 00:01:34.700 --> 00:01:36.840 O guard my soul and deliver me. 00:01:37.520 --> 00:01:41.140 Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. 00:01:41.140 --> 00:01:47.000 May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. 00:01:48.400 --> 00:01:51.859 Redeem Israel, O Lord, out of all his troubles. 00:01:52.659 --> 00:01:55.760 There we'll end the reading of God's holy and inspired word. 00:01:56.359 --> 00:01:58.719 May God now be pleased to bless it to us. 00:02:01.540 --> 00:02:03.500 Well, when you think of fear, 00:02:04.500 --> 00:02:08.139 what is the first thing that pops into your mind? 00:02:11.139 --> 00:02:14.239 I think for most of us, it would be something threatening. 00:02:15.259 --> 00:02:17.979 A danger that is going to harm us. 00:02:19.359 --> 00:02:22.439 Something that we need to run from. 00:02:23.419 --> 00:02:27.439 An intruder that needs to stay out of our life. 00:02:29.279 --> 00:02:31.919 However, when we think of the fear of the Lord, 00:02:32.099 --> 00:02:34.599 which is a statement that comes up quite a bit in Scripture, 00:02:34.599 --> 00:02:37.739 when we think of that, 00:02:37.859 --> 00:02:40.460 we should not think of a threat, 00:02:41.460 --> 00:02:43.259 but rather a friend. 00:02:45.560 --> 00:02:48.919 We should not think of a danger to avoid, 00:02:49.919 --> 00:02:52.139 but an intimate friend 00:02:52.139 --> 00:02:55.060 that we want to draw near to. 00:02:56.539 --> 00:02:59.719 Now, this does not negate the high reverence 00:02:59.719 --> 00:03:02.959 with which we view the Lord. 00:03:02.960 --> 00:03:05.300 A reverence that causes us 00:03:05.300 --> 00:03:09.280 to want to be careful to walk in His ways 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:11.500 and do the things that are pleasing to Him. 00:03:13.400 --> 00:03:17.100 But this is not in light of Him being an angry judge, 00:03:18.100 --> 00:03:22.200 but of Him being a friend, 00:03:23.200 --> 00:03:24.319 our God and Savior. 00:03:25.900 --> 00:03:28.900 And that's what we see in this psalm here. 00:03:28.900 --> 00:03:31.039 And I want us to consider three benefits 00:03:31.039 --> 00:03:33.560 that stem from fearing the Lord. 00:03:35.120 --> 00:03:36.860 They are God's relationship to us. 00:03:37.640 --> 00:03:39.900 And second, our relationship to God. 00:03:40.620 --> 00:03:43.280 And then third, our relationship to others. 00:03:43.420 --> 00:03:46.860 So first, God's relationship to us. 00:03:47.040 --> 00:03:49.300 And he begins with a question here in verse 12. 00:03:49.740 --> 00:03:51.319 Who is the man who fears the Lord? 00:03:52.759 --> 00:03:55.060 This is a pivot point in this psalm. 00:03:55.060 --> 00:03:56.379 And David's asking this question 00:03:56.379 --> 00:03:57.460 not to take a census. 00:03:57.800 --> 00:03:59.300 How many of you are out there 00:03:59.300 --> 00:04:00.060 who fear the Lord, 00:04:00.439 --> 00:04:03.960 but rather in order to drive home a point 00:04:03.960 --> 00:04:05.960 as a teaching moment 00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:08.920 in order to show us the benefits? 00:04:09.819 --> 00:04:11.120 But we have to ask the question, 00:04:11.259 --> 00:04:14.039 what is the fear of the Lord? 00:04:15.520 --> 00:04:16.540 Again, fear of the Lord 00:04:16.540 --> 00:04:17.840 is not fear of His judgments 00:04:17.840 --> 00:04:21.340 that cause us to free from Him. 00:04:21.339 --> 00:04:24.179 But such a high regard for the Lord 00:04:24.179 --> 00:04:27.239 from seeing His great glory 00:04:27.239 --> 00:04:31.939 that causes us to want to draw near. 00:04:33.639 --> 00:04:35.599 To serve Him and to worship Him. 00:04:36.500 --> 00:04:37.699 It's not the same. 00:04:37.779 --> 00:04:39.159 This illustration is going to fall short. 00:04:39.259 --> 00:04:41.779 But it's similar to seeing a celebrity. 00:04:43.239 --> 00:04:45.519 We're drawn towards that person. 00:04:45.759 --> 00:04:47.359 We want to run up and get their autograph 00:04:47.359 --> 00:04:48.279 or meet them. 00:04:48.279 --> 00:04:50.619 Because we see their greatness 00:04:50.619 --> 00:04:52.119 and we see their status 00:04:52.119 --> 00:04:54.299 and we see that they have the ability to bless. 00:04:55.399 --> 00:04:57.579 And so we want to run up to Him or her 00:04:57.579 --> 00:04:59.659 rather than run away from them. 00:05:01.439 --> 00:05:03.479 I still remember when I was a teenager 00:05:03.479 --> 00:05:07.899 and my favorite rock band 00:05:07.899 --> 00:05:08.939 was coming in town. 00:05:09.219 --> 00:05:10.299 They were in town 00:05:10.299 --> 00:05:12.219 and we were going to see the concert later on. 00:05:12.839 --> 00:05:14.679 And my friend calls me and says, 00:05:15.239 --> 00:05:17.899 hey, I found out which hotel they're staying at. 00:05:19.139 --> 00:05:21.500 And so we hopped in the car 00:05:21.500 --> 00:05:23.059 and we went across town, downtown 00:05:23.059 --> 00:05:25.459 to go to the hotel that they were at. 00:05:25.500 --> 00:05:26.339 We had no plan. 00:05:26.459 --> 00:05:29.059 I had no idea how this was going to turn out. 00:05:29.139 --> 00:05:30.399 But hey, it was worth a shot. 00:05:31.159 --> 00:05:32.279 And of course we get there 00:05:32.279 --> 00:05:34.519 and there's kind of a crowd out front 00:05:34.519 --> 00:05:36.219 and they had heard the same news. 00:05:36.299 --> 00:05:37.139 And so we decided, 00:05:37.779 --> 00:05:39.439 you know, we're going to just run in there 00:05:39.439 --> 00:05:41.539 and act as if we belong there. 00:05:41.659 --> 00:05:42.599 You know, walk by the desk, 00:05:42.659 --> 00:05:43.719 say hi, how's it going? 00:05:43.819 --> 00:05:45.599 And just keep going in. 00:05:45.600 --> 00:05:46.600 And so we did that. 00:05:47.280 --> 00:05:48.360 And lo and behold, 00:05:48.560 --> 00:05:51.180 we ran into the lead singer. 00:05:52.080 --> 00:05:53.560 And we were so excited. 00:05:53.660 --> 00:05:54.900 We didn't want to run away from him. 00:05:54.980 --> 00:05:56.000 We ran up to him. 00:05:56.080 --> 00:05:57.379 We wanted to get his autograph. 00:05:58.000 --> 00:06:00.439 And then he started to ask us questions. 00:06:00.920 --> 00:06:02.879 He started to ask us where we're from 00:06:02.879 --> 00:06:04.160 and take an interest in us. 00:06:04.220 --> 00:06:05.480 And we just couldn't believe it. 00:06:06.520 --> 00:06:08.320 And then the mob starts coming. 00:06:08.439 --> 00:06:09.340 He goes, hey, I have to go. 00:06:09.400 --> 00:06:11.160 And he bolts and runs off. 00:06:11.160 --> 00:06:13.800 But we were just amazed at that. 00:06:14.620 --> 00:06:17.540 And every illustration falls short. 00:06:18.140 --> 00:06:20.100 But what I want you to pick up from that 00:06:20.100 --> 00:06:22.660 is that is what it looks like to fear the Lord. 00:06:23.580 --> 00:06:26.560 It's not this lead singer running away 00:06:26.560 --> 00:06:29.580 as what happened when the mob started to come. 00:06:29.760 --> 00:06:33.160 But rather it's us wanting to run up to him, 00:06:33.220 --> 00:06:34.220 wanting to draw near 00:06:34.220 --> 00:06:36.580 because we see a level of greatness. 00:06:37.260 --> 00:06:38.760 And we want to be near him. 00:06:38.759 --> 00:06:40.860 And not only that, 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:43.300 we want to be like him. 00:06:45.039 --> 00:06:48.039 The former quarterback 00:06:48.039 --> 00:06:49.680 for the Nebraska Cornhuskers 00:06:49.680 --> 00:06:53.639 looked almost exactly like Patrick Mahomes, 00:06:53.779 --> 00:06:55.939 who's the famous NFL quarterback. 00:06:56.860 --> 00:06:58.480 And they even showed this on TV. 00:06:58.579 --> 00:06:59.360 They showed a comparison. 00:06:59.539 --> 00:07:00.379 He had the same haircut. 00:07:00.639 --> 00:07:01.939 He had the same even earbuds. 00:07:02.159 --> 00:07:03.279 He had the same mannerisms. 00:07:04.039 --> 00:07:05.740 He had the same swagger, 00:07:05.740 --> 00:07:06.980 as the kids say nowadays. 00:07:06.980 --> 00:07:10.620 Too bad he didn't play as well. 00:07:10.879 --> 00:07:11.780 But nevertheless, 00:07:12.160 --> 00:07:15.000 he looked just like Patrick Mahomes. 00:07:15.480 --> 00:07:18.860 And that's because he saw his greatness 00:07:18.860 --> 00:07:20.780 and therefore wanted to be like him. 00:07:21.280 --> 00:07:23.220 And that is a snapshot 00:07:23.220 --> 00:07:26.120 of what it means to fear the Lord. 00:07:26.700 --> 00:07:28.240 We see his greatness 00:07:28.240 --> 00:07:30.360 and we want to draw near to him 00:07:30.360 --> 00:07:32.259 and we want to be like him. 00:07:32.259 --> 00:07:34.699 And so that is a picture 00:07:34.699 --> 00:07:35.759 of what it means 00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:37.680 to fear the Lord. 00:07:37.939 --> 00:07:39.399 You know, oftentimes we treat God 00:07:39.399 --> 00:07:40.920 as if it's a privilege 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:42.819 for him to have us 00:07:42.819 --> 00:07:44.159 on his team. 00:07:45.060 --> 00:07:48.099 Or as if he fears us. 00:07:48.839 --> 00:07:50.319 Desperately hoping that 00:07:50.319 --> 00:07:51.740 we'll come to him. 00:07:54.839 --> 00:07:56.219 But our God 00:07:56.219 --> 00:07:58.199 is the most blessed being there is. 00:07:58.199 --> 00:07:59.920 And we should marvel 00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:01.560 at the privilege 00:08:01.560 --> 00:08:02.620 that the King 00:08:02.620 --> 00:08:06.000 has summoned us 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:07.240 to him. 00:08:08.579 --> 00:08:10.279 To be in his presence 00:08:10.279 --> 00:08:11.879 where he blesses us. 00:08:12.740 --> 00:08:15.079 And he even takes note of us. 00:08:15.419 --> 00:08:16.099 It says here, 00:08:16.159 --> 00:08:17.560 who is the one who fears the Lord? 00:08:18.419 --> 00:08:20.259 Him will he instruct 00:08:20.259 --> 00:08:21.980 in the way that he should choose. 00:08:22.839 --> 00:08:24.319 Now this is not the sense of 00:08:24.319 --> 00:08:25.860 God will just tell you 00:08:25.860 --> 00:08:27.639 what decisions you should make 00:08:27.639 --> 00:08:28.459 in life. 00:08:28.639 --> 00:08:29.899 Of course, there's guidance 00:08:29.899 --> 00:08:31.099 from the Lord 00:08:31.099 --> 00:08:32.460 in his sovereign providence. 00:08:33.259 --> 00:08:34.580 But this is in light 00:08:34.580 --> 00:08:36.340 of the context of Psalm 25, 00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:38.480 specifically verses 4-5, 00:08:38.860 --> 00:08:39.879 where we saw that God 00:08:39.879 --> 00:08:41.399 teaches us his way 00:08:41.399 --> 00:08:42.840 to walk in his way. 00:08:42.960 --> 00:08:44.399 That's what this is referring to. 00:08:44.879 --> 00:08:47.879 He personally instructs us. 00:08:48.779 --> 00:08:50.379 And this should amaze us. 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:52.480 It would be like 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:54.220 meeting that lead singer. 00:08:54.920 --> 00:08:56.340 And not only does that lead singer 00:08:56.340 --> 00:08:57.560 take an interest in us, 00:08:57.620 --> 00:08:57.900 but says, 00:08:57.980 --> 00:08:59.660 hey, I tell you what, 00:09:00.500 --> 00:09:01.980 why don't you come with me 00:09:01.980 --> 00:09:03.200 and I will teach you 00:09:03.200 --> 00:09:04.660 how to play guitar like me. 00:09:05.640 --> 00:09:07.740 What a privilege that would be. 00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:12.520 It actually is a great privilege. 00:09:12.660 --> 00:09:13.760 It costs a lot of money 00:09:13.760 --> 00:09:16.040 to learn from the greatest. 00:09:17.040 --> 00:09:19.720 Well, that is what we get with God. 00:09:20.380 --> 00:09:21.020 For nothing. 00:09:22.140 --> 00:09:23.960 He teaches us his way. 00:09:24.320 --> 00:09:25.640 He instructs us 00:09:25.640 --> 00:09:29.300 in the way we should walk 00:09:29.300 --> 00:09:30.280 to be like him. 00:09:31.379 --> 00:09:32.480 And this will bring true 00:09:32.480 --> 00:09:33.379 and ultimate blessing. 00:09:33.540 --> 00:09:34.200 Verse 13, 00:09:34.640 --> 00:09:36.340 His soul shall abide in well-being 00:09:36.340 --> 00:09:38.760 and His offspring shall inherit the land. 00:09:39.900 --> 00:09:41.720 There are two amazing blessings here. 00:09:42.300 --> 00:09:43.620 First, the one who fears the Lord 00:09:43.620 --> 00:09:44.580 and has taught his way 00:09:44.580 --> 00:09:46.520 abides in well-being. 00:09:47.020 --> 00:09:47.500 And of course, 00:09:47.560 --> 00:09:48.300 this doesn't mean 00:09:48.300 --> 00:09:49.300 that you get health, wealth, 00:09:49.299 --> 00:09:50.079 and prosperity. 00:09:51.859 --> 00:09:53.479 It's our idolatry 00:09:53.479 --> 00:09:54.639 of this world 00:09:54.639 --> 00:09:55.539 that would cause us 00:09:55.539 --> 00:09:56.439 to think that. 00:09:57.219 --> 00:09:57.699 Rather, 00:09:58.259 --> 00:09:59.479 it says our soul 00:09:59.479 --> 00:10:01.699 will abide in well-being 00:10:01.699 --> 00:10:03.419 even in the midst of difficulty. 00:10:04.179 --> 00:10:05.459 Even in the midst 00:10:05.459 --> 00:10:08.459 of troubles and trials, 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:10.359 our soul will rest secure. 00:10:10.360 --> 00:10:12.039 This could be translated 00:10:12.039 --> 00:10:14.019 as His soul shall dwell at ease. 00:10:15.680 --> 00:10:17.019 And the second blessing 00:10:17.019 --> 00:10:17.960 is that His offspring 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:19.100 shall inherit the land. 00:10:19.759 --> 00:10:20.860 That's not referring 00:10:20.860 --> 00:10:21.980 to our physical children. 00:10:22.340 --> 00:10:24.080 Although God is often pleased 00:10:24.080 --> 00:10:26.980 to work through the means 00:10:26.980 --> 00:10:29.419 of our catechizing them, 00:10:29.519 --> 00:10:31.259 of our sharing the gospel with them. 00:10:31.259 --> 00:10:33.679 But this is referring 00:10:33.679 --> 00:10:35.120 to being a part 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:36.080 of that family 00:10:36.080 --> 00:10:36.840 that will inherit 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:38.620 the true and better promised land 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:41.200 of which the land of Israel 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:43.200 was a type in shadow. 00:10:44.279 --> 00:10:45.580 Really, this is ultimately 00:10:45.580 --> 00:10:47.159 referring to Jesus' offspring, 00:10:47.419 --> 00:10:48.379 the people given to Him 00:10:48.379 --> 00:10:49.919 by His Father 00:10:49.919 --> 00:10:50.779 to redeem them. 00:10:51.120 --> 00:10:54.000 As Isaiah 53 says, 00:10:54.460 --> 00:10:56.539 Christ will see His offspring 00:10:56.539 --> 00:10:58.740 and will be satisfied. 00:10:58.740 --> 00:11:01.940 What an amazing blessing it is 00:11:01.940 --> 00:11:03.200 that the greatest, 00:11:03.680 --> 00:11:04.519 most glorious, 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:06.659 most blessed being 00:11:06.659 --> 00:11:10.379 would not only give us 00:11:10.379 --> 00:11:11.560 access to Himself, 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:14.460 not only personally teach us, 00:11:15.460 --> 00:11:17.259 but even adopts us 00:11:17.259 --> 00:11:18.039 into His family 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:19.919 and allows us to live 00:11:19.919 --> 00:11:21.039 in His presence 00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:24.200 and dwell with Him forever. 00:11:25.700 --> 00:11:27.019 And we are part of His 00:11:27.019 --> 00:11:28.360 intimate group of friends. 00:11:28.360 --> 00:11:29.539 We see in verse 14, 00:11:29.659 --> 00:11:30.899 the friendship of the Lord 00:11:30.899 --> 00:11:32.580 is for those who fear Him, 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:34.279 and He makes known to them 00:11:34.279 --> 00:11:34.940 His covenant. 00:11:36.500 --> 00:11:37.860 So for those who fear the Lord, 00:11:38.279 --> 00:11:39.620 those who by His grace 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:40.379 have had their eyes 00:11:40.379 --> 00:11:41.560 opened to His glory 00:11:41.560 --> 00:11:43.139 to behold the glory of God 00:11:43.139 --> 00:11:44.820 in the face of Christ. 00:11:44.899 --> 00:11:46.120 That is through the gospel. 00:11:48.100 --> 00:11:50.379 We are His friends. 00:11:51.240 --> 00:11:53.100 Now, this word means 00:11:53.100 --> 00:11:54.320 secret counsel, 00:11:54.539 --> 00:11:55.720 but the idea is 00:11:55.720 --> 00:11:57.180 stuff that you would only share 00:11:57.179 --> 00:11:58.039 with friends. 00:11:58.479 --> 00:12:00.000 And it's not that God 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:01.679 has some secrets for you, 00:12:01.839 --> 00:12:03.559 but this is referring 00:12:03.559 --> 00:12:05.279 to that specific knowledge 00:12:05.279 --> 00:12:06.819 of the Lord 00:12:06.819 --> 00:12:08.079 and His ways 00:12:08.079 --> 00:12:10.159 that believers have, 00:12:10.299 --> 00:12:12.000 that the world does not have. 00:12:12.559 --> 00:12:14.620 It's what Jesus is talking about 00:12:14.620 --> 00:12:16.019 in John 15, 15, 00:12:16.179 --> 00:12:16.959 where He says, 00:12:16.960 --> 00:12:19.320 No longer do I call you servants, 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:21.860 for the servant does not know 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:23.420 what his master is doing, 00:12:23.920 --> 00:12:25.820 but I have called you friends. 00:12:26.460 --> 00:12:28.519 For all that I have heard 00:12:28.519 --> 00:12:29.560 from My Father, 00:12:29.680 --> 00:12:31.180 I have made known to you. 00:12:32.740 --> 00:12:34.600 Jesus communicates to us 00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:36.259 this saving knowledge of God, 00:12:36.379 --> 00:12:37.320 revealing His will, 00:12:37.780 --> 00:12:39.100 revealing the way of salvation, 00:12:39.259 --> 00:12:41.400 and He is our friend. 00:12:41.399 --> 00:12:44.679 He is for us. 00:12:45.620 --> 00:12:47.299 He comes alongside us 00:12:47.299 --> 00:12:48.079 and helps us 00:12:48.079 --> 00:12:49.159 and bears our burdens. 00:12:50.699 --> 00:12:52.240 And this should cause us 00:12:52.240 --> 00:12:53.720 to want to draw nearer to Him. 00:12:54.600 --> 00:12:55.459 A second benefit 00:12:55.459 --> 00:12:56.879 that stems from fearing the Lord. 00:12:57.379 --> 00:12:59.539 First, we saw God's relationship to us. 00:12:59.620 --> 00:13:00.220 Now, let's look at that 00:13:00.220 --> 00:13:01.000 from a different angle. 00:13:01.399 --> 00:13:02.740 Our relationship to God. 00:13:02.840 --> 00:13:03.860 Our speaking to God. 00:13:04.139 --> 00:13:06.120 We see in verses 15-20 00:13:06.120 --> 00:13:08.220 some pretty intense suffering. 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:11.820 Pluck my feet out of the net. 00:13:12.340 --> 00:13:13.259 I am lonely. 00:13:13.940 --> 00:13:15.019 I am afflicted. 00:13:15.639 --> 00:13:17.019 The troubles of my heart 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:18.100 are enlarged. 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:21.279 Bring me out of all my distresses. 00:13:21.379 --> 00:13:21.779 Plural. 00:13:22.779 --> 00:13:24.279 Forgive all my sins. 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:26.560 How many are my foes? 00:13:26.560 --> 00:13:28.600 With violent hatred, 00:13:29.060 --> 00:13:29.740 they hate me. 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:32.519 You see here, 00:13:32.600 --> 00:13:34.980 this is intense suffering. 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:39.980 But before we jump right to us, 00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:43.159 we need to realize 00:13:43.159 --> 00:13:44.100 that this is ultimately 00:13:44.100 --> 00:13:44.799 the suffering 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:46.600 that our Lord Jesus Christ went through. 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:48.560 And it's the suffering 00:13:48.560 --> 00:13:49.759 that He went through 00:13:49.759 --> 00:13:52.060 for us 00:13:52.060 --> 00:13:54.399 on account of our sin. 00:13:54.860 --> 00:13:57.100 Because this is what was required. 00:13:57.460 --> 00:13:59.080 A whole life of suffering, 00:13:59.179 --> 00:14:00.440 not just on the cross, 00:14:00.440 --> 00:14:02.700 but a whole life of suffering 00:14:02.700 --> 00:14:04.879 in order to pay for 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:05.860 and atone for 00:14:05.860 --> 00:14:07.120 your sin 00:14:07.120 --> 00:14:08.439 and my sin. 00:14:09.779 --> 00:14:11.399 And so when we read the Psalms, 00:14:11.519 --> 00:14:14.139 we read of our Lord Jesus Christ's suffering. 00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:15.620 We read of His sufferings. 00:14:15.879 --> 00:14:17.220 The sufferings He went through 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:18.639 for our sake. 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:21.939 But this also describes 00:14:21.939 --> 00:14:23.539 the sufferings we go through. 00:14:24.279 --> 00:14:25.419 For a disciple 00:14:25.419 --> 00:14:27.000 is not above his master. 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:29.139 And if the world hated him, 00:14:29.799 --> 00:14:30.879 it will hate us. 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:34.019 But when we fear the Lord, 00:14:34.759 --> 00:14:37.580 we bring our fears to Him. 00:14:39.059 --> 00:14:40.759 When we fear the Lord, 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:45.100 we bring our fears to Him. 00:14:47.580 --> 00:14:48.779 As we see here, 00:14:49.580 --> 00:14:51.179 consider all the troubles I'm going through. 00:14:51.279 --> 00:14:52.120 Consider my enemies. 00:14:52.279 --> 00:14:54.080 Consider their violent hatred. 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:56.360 We bring this to the Lord. 00:14:57.159 --> 00:14:58.399 In verse 15, He says, 00:14:58.399 --> 00:15:00.500 My eyes are ever toward the Lord. 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:02.679 For He will pluck my feet 00:15:02.679 --> 00:15:03.759 out of the net. 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:06.519 The psalmist describes himself 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:08.679 as prey that's been caught 00:15:08.679 --> 00:15:09.939 in a hunter's trap. 00:15:10.819 --> 00:15:11.959 And that's the suffering 00:15:11.959 --> 00:15:14.100 that He went through in this world. 00:15:14.199 --> 00:15:15.179 That's some of the suffering 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:16.259 that we go through 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:17.419 in this world. 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:20.240 The enemy wants to lay a trap for us. 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:23.019 Our enemies of sin, death, 00:15:23.079 --> 00:15:23.659 and the devil 00:15:23.659 --> 00:15:25.340 wants to trap us. 00:15:25.899 --> 00:15:27.299 Wants to snag us. 00:15:27.299 --> 00:15:29.899 And sometimes we get snagged, 00:15:29.979 --> 00:15:31.059 but we look to the Lord 00:15:31.059 --> 00:15:32.019 to pluck us out. 00:15:32.099 --> 00:15:33.120 We look to the Lord 00:15:33.120 --> 00:15:34.339 to keep us safe. 00:15:34.919 --> 00:15:37.079 And then He says in verses 16-18, 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:39.679 Turn to me and be gracious to me, 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:42.279 for I am lonely and afflicted. 00:15:43.079 --> 00:15:44.500 The troubles of my heart 00:15:44.500 --> 00:15:45.559 are enlarged. 00:15:46.399 --> 00:15:48.599 Bring me out of my distresses. 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:50.779 Consider my affliction 00:15:50.779 --> 00:15:52.299 and my trouble 00:15:52.299 --> 00:15:55.319 and forgive all my sins. 00:15:55.320 --> 00:16:00.140 Beloved, this describes this life. 00:16:00.520 --> 00:16:01.540 It's a life of suffering. 00:16:01.660 --> 00:16:02.760 It's a life of sorrows. 00:16:03.180 --> 00:16:04.580 We live in a sin-cursed world 00:16:04.580 --> 00:16:07.400 where things are not always alright. 00:16:08.680 --> 00:16:10.360 Where we go through deep, 00:16:10.740 --> 00:16:12.580 deep affliction and trouble. 00:16:13.040 --> 00:16:14.080 And what do we do? 00:16:15.960 --> 00:16:17.360 We bring it to the Lord. 00:16:18.100 --> 00:16:19.260 And we ask Him 00:16:19.260 --> 00:16:20.740 to turn to us. 00:16:20.780 --> 00:16:21.940 That's what the psalmist asks. 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:22.780 Turn to me 00:16:22.779 --> 00:16:24.100 and be gracious to me 00:16:24.100 --> 00:16:25.159 as if to say, 00:16:25.600 --> 00:16:27.879 let the sunshine of your face 00:16:27.879 --> 00:16:29.959 come back upon me again. 00:16:30.459 --> 00:16:31.759 It's hiding behind 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:33.120 these dark clouds 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:35.579 and I can't feel the warmth. 00:16:36.439 --> 00:16:37.799 Turn again to me. 00:16:38.539 --> 00:16:40.079 Let the sunshine of your face 00:16:40.079 --> 00:16:41.720 come out upon me again. 00:16:42.720 --> 00:16:45.120 Satisfy me in my deepest distress. 00:16:45.120 --> 00:16:48.279 When we are lonely. 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:48.360 When we are lonely. 00:16:50.200 --> 00:16:51.440 When we are all alone 00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:52.139 and it feels like 00:16:52.139 --> 00:16:53.279 no one understands. 00:16:54.679 --> 00:16:56.279 When we are afflicted. 00:16:56.740 --> 00:16:57.860 When we are going through 00:16:57.860 --> 00:16:59.679 some of the greatest difficulties 00:16:59.679 --> 00:17:01.799 of this sin-cursed life 00:17:01.799 --> 00:17:03.320 that come upon us. 00:17:05.099 --> 00:17:06.140 When the troubles 00:17:06.140 --> 00:17:09.180 of our heart are enlarged. 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:12.420 when we just carry them 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:13.240 in our chest 00:17:13.240 --> 00:17:15.279 and feel it in the pit 00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:15.920 of our stomach 00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:17.420 and we are carrying it around. 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:22.640 We go to God 00:17:22.640 --> 00:17:23.740 in prayer. 00:17:23.920 --> 00:17:25.060 We are invited 00:17:25.060 --> 00:17:26.000 to come to Him. 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:28.500 Crying out to Him. 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:30.240 Laying these burdens 00:17:30.240 --> 00:17:31.200 before Him. 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:32.680 We ask Him 00:17:32.680 --> 00:17:33.880 to bring us out 00:17:33.880 --> 00:17:35.200 of these distresses. 00:17:35.980 --> 00:17:37.019 Out of our affliction. 00:17:37.019 --> 00:17:39.220 Because He does see. 00:17:39.720 --> 00:17:40.960 He does hear. 00:17:41.980 --> 00:17:43.139 And He will 00:17:43.139 --> 00:17:44.900 deliver us. 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:48.599 For only our eternal God 00:17:48.599 --> 00:17:50.720 who is infinite in power. 00:17:51.660 --> 00:17:52.920 Glorious in might. 00:17:54.779 --> 00:17:56.000 Only He 00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:57.799 can deliver us. 00:17:58.500 --> 00:17:59.740 And only His face 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:01.420 can satisfy us. 00:18:04.119 --> 00:18:05.599 There might be a barrier 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:07.819 to see. 00:18:07.819 --> 00:18:08.659 In our affliction 00:18:08.659 --> 00:18:11.099 we may wonder 00:18:11.099 --> 00:18:11.539 if the Lord 00:18:11.539 --> 00:18:12.619 will really hear us 00:18:12.619 --> 00:18:13.159 because 00:18:13.159 --> 00:18:15.659 we have sinned 00:18:15.659 --> 00:18:16.339 against Him. 00:18:17.959 --> 00:18:18.959 We have this 00:18:18.959 --> 00:18:20.039 remaining pollution 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:23.119 that doesn't go away 00:18:23.119 --> 00:18:23.819 fully 00:18:23.819 --> 00:18:25.059 until we get to heaven. 00:18:26.719 --> 00:18:27.819 And so we may wonder 00:18:27.819 --> 00:18:29.539 if the reason why 00:18:29.539 --> 00:18:30.139 we are going through 00:18:30.139 --> 00:18:30.500 affliction 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:32.199 is because we have sinned. 00:18:33.639 --> 00:18:34.699 And often times 00:18:34.700 --> 00:18:36.759 it's our own sin 00:18:36.759 --> 00:18:38.380 that can afflict us. 00:18:39.180 --> 00:18:40.740 When we blow it again. 00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:41.920 When we struggle 00:18:41.920 --> 00:18:42.799 with the same sin 00:18:42.799 --> 00:18:44.860 over and over again. 00:18:45.100 --> 00:18:46.680 When we fall again. 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:47.440 When we know 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:48.259 that we shouldn't 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:48.920 and we said 00:18:48.920 --> 00:18:50.039 that we weren't going to 00:18:50.039 --> 00:18:50.819 and we were going to 00:18:50.819 --> 00:18:51.960 try really hard. 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:56.120 Our first call 00:18:56.120 --> 00:18:59.600 is usually not God. 00:18:59.599 --> 00:18:59.659 God 00:18:59.659 --> 00:19:03.679 is the last person 00:19:03.679 --> 00:19:04.559 we want to go to 00:19:04.559 --> 00:19:05.379 with our shame. 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:09.139 Why would He 00:19:09.139 --> 00:19:10.000 want to hear from me 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:10.359 anyway? 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:11.719 Look at what I've done 00:19:11.719 --> 00:19:12.299 again. 00:19:15.299 --> 00:19:17.039 We prefer to avoid Him 00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:18.279 thinking that certainly 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:18.980 He doesn't want to 00:19:18.980 --> 00:19:19.779 hear from us. 00:19:20.699 --> 00:19:21.379 And so we tend 00:19:21.379 --> 00:19:22.439 to then handle it 00:19:22.439 --> 00:19:23.079 ourselves. 00:19:24.619 --> 00:19:25.539 Carry the weight 00:19:25.539 --> 00:19:26.839 of our guilt 00:19:26.839 --> 00:19:27.980 and shame 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:28.599 ourselves. 00:19:28.599 --> 00:19:29.599 struggle 00:19:29.599 --> 00:19:32.619 against our sin 00:19:32.619 --> 00:19:33.079 ourselves. 00:19:33.159 --> 00:19:33.879 Try to conquer 00:19:33.879 --> 00:19:34.759 our sin 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:35.279 ourselves 00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:36.039 in hopes that 00:19:36.039 --> 00:19:37.919 if I can get a handle 00:19:37.919 --> 00:19:38.439 on this 00:19:38.439 --> 00:19:39.919 then I can finally 00:19:39.919 --> 00:19:40.799 have confidence 00:19:40.799 --> 00:19:41.599 before God 00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:42.559 that I'm acceptable. 00:19:44.159 --> 00:19:45.240 And then I can 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:45.799 come to Him. 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:58.339 forgive all my sins. 00:19:58.339 --> 00:19:59.539 We don't handle it 00:19:59.539 --> 00:20:00.039 ourselves 00:20:00.039 --> 00:20:01.480 and re-earn the right 00:20:01.480 --> 00:20:02.200 to come to Him. 00:20:02.599 --> 00:20:02.919 Rather, 00:20:03.119 --> 00:20:04.240 Scripture commands us 00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:05.519 to go to a throne 00:20:05.519 --> 00:20:06.500 not of judgment 00:20:06.500 --> 00:20:08.639 but of grace. 00:20:09.839 --> 00:20:11.440 And what does grace mean? 00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:14.259 grace means that God 00:20:14.259 --> 00:20:15.820 is favorable towards us 00:20:15.820 --> 00:20:16.759 when we deserve the 00:20:16.759 --> 00:20:17.240 opposite. 00:20:18.039 --> 00:20:19.259 That He gives us 00:20:19.259 --> 00:20:19.940 His favor 00:20:19.940 --> 00:20:21.160 even when we've 00:20:21.160 --> 00:20:21.640 merited 00:20:21.640 --> 00:20:23.980 the exact opposite. 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:26.319 And we go to this 00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:27.279 throne of grace 00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:28.640 to receive help 00:20:28.640 --> 00:20:30.900 in our time of need 00:20:30.900 --> 00:20:31.960 timely help 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:33.059 because there 00:20:33.059 --> 00:20:33.940 stands 00:20:33.940 --> 00:20:35.380 a faithful 00:20:35.380 --> 00:20:37.059 and merciful 00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:38.440 and sympathetic 00:20:38.440 --> 00:20:39.880 high priest 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:41.099 waiting 00:20:41.099 --> 00:20:42.220 for us 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:43.220 there to help 00:20:43.220 --> 00:20:44.000 sinners 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:46.339 not the righteous 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:48.000 but sinners. 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:48.200 sinners. 00:20:49.400 --> 00:20:50.119 And that throne 00:20:50.119 --> 00:20:50.660 of grace 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:51.299 will never 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:52.740 run dry 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:54.160 even if it's 00:20:54.160 --> 00:20:54.779 the millionth 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:55.799 time we've come. 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:59.319 God can even say 00:20:59.319 --> 00:21:00.440 you haven't come 00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:00.900 enough. 00:21:01.420 --> 00:21:02.079 You should come 00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:02.480 more. 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.680 And 1 John 2 00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:06.740 says that if anyone 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:07.559 does sin 00:21:07.559 --> 00:21:09.660 we have 00:21:09.660 --> 00:21:10.720 an advocate 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:11.799 with 00:21:11.799 --> 00:21:12.680 the Father 00:21:12.680 --> 00:21:13.400 Jesus 00:21:13.400 --> 00:21:14.259 Christ 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:15.339 the Righteous 00:21:15.339 --> 00:21:15.640 One. 00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:17.380 It doesn't say 00:21:17.380 --> 00:21:19.120 if anyone 00:21:19.120 --> 00:21:19.800 has sinned 00:21:19.800 --> 00:21:21.720 you better 00:21:21.720 --> 00:21:22.260 take it more 00:21:22.260 --> 00:21:22.720 seriously 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:23.580 because God's 00:21:23.580 --> 00:21:24.160 patience is 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:24.720 running out. 00:21:25.980 --> 00:21:26.640 No it says 00:21:26.640 --> 00:21:28.100 we have 00:21:28.100 --> 00:21:29.140 an advocate. 00:21:29.800 --> 00:21:30.280 He is an 00:21:30.280 --> 00:21:30.720 advocate 00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:31.920 for sinners. 00:21:33.240 --> 00:21:34.140 And He 00:21:34.140 --> 00:21:35.420 is the 00:21:35.420 --> 00:21:36.240 Righteous One. 00:21:36.540 --> 00:21:37.360 It goes on to say 00:21:37.360 --> 00:21:37.860 He is our 00:21:37.860 --> 00:21:38.400 righteousness 00:21:38.400 --> 00:21:39.880 and He is our 00:21:39.880 --> 00:21:40.680 propitiation. 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:41.920 He has it 00:21:41.920 --> 00:21:42.400 covered. 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:44.220 He has everything 00:21:44.220 --> 00:21:45.720 covered for us 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:46.060 sinners. 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:46.220 sinners. 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:48.000 Jesus Christ 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:48.339 is our 00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:48.819 righteousness. 00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:49.759 He has fulfilled 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:50.579 the whole law 00:21:50.579 --> 00:21:51.099 for us 00:21:51.099 --> 00:21:52.000 even under 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:52.639 testing. 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:53.779 Not to say 00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:54.740 okay now you 00:21:54.740 --> 00:21:55.779 do the same. 00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:56.619 Let's see how 00:21:56.619 --> 00:21:57.259 you do. 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:58.619 Yes we need 00:21:58.619 --> 00:21:59.359 to follow His 00:21:59.359 --> 00:22:00.200 example but 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:01.279 what we do 00:22:01.279 --> 00:22:01.779 is never 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:02.559 our righteousness 00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:03.579 before God. 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:04.579 Rather our 00:22:04.579 --> 00:22:05.019 righteousness 00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:06.119 ever remains 00:22:06.119 --> 00:22:06.899 the righteousness 00:22:06.899 --> 00:22:07.599 of our Lord 00:22:07.599 --> 00:22:08.440 Jesus Christ. 00:22:08.940 --> 00:22:09.259 And it's 00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:10.379 never transferred 00:22:10.379 --> 00:22:11.159 to us. 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:12.159 Even in our 00:22:12.159 --> 00:22:13.099 good days. 00:22:13.099 --> 00:22:14.779 our righteousness 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:16.579 in and of 00:22:16.579 --> 00:22:17.299 ourselves is 00:22:17.299 --> 00:22:18.919 never considered 00:22:18.919 --> 00:22:20.039 before God 00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:20.740 as our 00:22:20.740 --> 00:22:21.319 righteousness 00:22:21.319 --> 00:22:22.279 before Him. 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:23.299 It is always 00:22:23.299 --> 00:22:23.859 Christ. 00:22:24.199 --> 00:22:24.919 It's always 00:22:24.919 --> 00:22:26.379 His and never 00:22:26.379 --> 00:22:27.519 any of 00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:27.959 ours. 00:22:28.159 --> 00:22:29.000 Ours contributes 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:30.079 nothing to 00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:30.399 it. 00:22:32.439 --> 00:22:33.399 He's fulfilled 00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:34.059 the whole law 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:35.139 for us and we 00:22:35.139 --> 00:22:35.919 get credit for 00:22:35.919 --> 00:22:36.139 it. 00:22:36.819 --> 00:22:37.859 And that includes 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:38.459 Him being our 00:22:38.459 --> 00:22:39.299 propitiation. 00:22:39.299 --> 00:22:41.319 that is He 00:22:41.319 --> 00:22:42.180 has satisfied 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:43.279 God's justice 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:43.980 against us. 00:22:44.319 --> 00:22:45.259 It is 00:22:45.259 --> 00:22:46.099 satisfied. 00:22:46.579 --> 00:22:47.079 It is 00:22:47.079 --> 00:22:47.619 finished. 00:22:48.559 --> 00:22:49.240 Forever. 00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:51.759 Never to 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:52.460 flare up 00:22:52.460 --> 00:22:53.960 even when 00:22:53.960 --> 00:22:55.059 we fall 00:22:55.059 --> 00:22:55.759 into sin. 00:22:56.779 --> 00:22:57.259 He ever 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:57.980 remains our 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:58.399 advocate. 00:22:58.839 --> 00:22:59.240 He ever 00:22:59.240 --> 00:22:59.879 remains our 00:22:59.879 --> 00:23:00.359 righteousness. 00:23:00.819 --> 00:23:01.359 He ever 00:23:01.359 --> 00:23:02.079 remains our 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:02.940 propitiation. 00:23:03.139 --> 00:23:03.500 It's all 00:23:03.500 --> 00:23:03.919 Him. 00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:04.859 He has done 00:23:04.859 --> 00:23:05.379 it all. 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:06.480 The Father 00:23:06.480 --> 00:23:07.299 is satisfied 00:23:07.299 --> 00:23:08.119 and has 00:23:08.119 --> 00:23:08.819 raised Him 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.159 from the 00:23:09.159 --> 00:23:09.579 dead and 00:23:09.579 --> 00:23:09.939 He is 00:23:09.939 --> 00:23:10.579 seated at 00:23:10.579 --> 00:23:11.000 the right 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:11.819 hand of 00:23:11.819 --> 00:23:12.359 the Father 00:23:12.359 --> 00:23:12.939 on high. 00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:13.960 That means 00:23:13.960 --> 00:23:14.639 He is 00:23:14.639 --> 00:23:15.240 forever 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:16.220 satisfied 00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:17.480 with us. 00:23:20.439 --> 00:23:21.200 And so 00:23:21.200 --> 00:23:21.720 we can go 00:23:21.720 --> 00:23:22.179 to Him 00:23:22.179 --> 00:23:23.700 in all our 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:24.279 afflictions, 00:23:24.339 --> 00:23:24.819 even our 00:23:24.819 --> 00:23:25.779 self-afflicted 00:23:25.779 --> 00:23:26.259 wounds. 00:23:26.899 --> 00:23:27.779 We come 00:23:27.779 --> 00:23:28.200 to Him 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:30.200 and we 00:23:30.200 --> 00:23:30.559 say, 00:23:31.139 --> 00:23:31.759 deliver us 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:32.460 from our 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:33.000 afflictions 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:34.319 and forgive 00:23:34.319 --> 00:23:35.859 all my 00:23:35.859 --> 00:23:36.319 sins. 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:38.240 and so 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:38.879 we come 00:23:38.879 --> 00:23:39.639 to Him 00:23:39.639 --> 00:23:40.099 as beloved 00:23:40.099 --> 00:23:40.639 children 00:23:40.639 --> 00:23:42.240 and not 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:42.859 ever as 00:23:42.859 --> 00:23:43.200 enemies, 00:23:43.339 --> 00:23:43.899 asking God 00:23:43.899 --> 00:23:45.139 to deliver 00:23:45.139 --> 00:23:45.519 us from 00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:45.659 our 00:23:45.659 --> 00:23:46.000 enemies. 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:47.700 Verses 19-20 00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:49.019 Consider how 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:49.559 many are 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:50.379 my foes 00:23:50.379 --> 00:23:51.220 and with 00:23:51.220 --> 00:23:52.019 what violent 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:52.700 hatred they 00:23:52.700 --> 00:23:53.220 hate me. 00:23:53.879 --> 00:23:54.359 Oh, guard 00:23:54.359 --> 00:23:54.980 my soul and 00:23:54.980 --> 00:23:55.559 deliver me. 00:23:55.899 --> 00:23:56.539 Let me not 00:23:56.539 --> 00:23:57.119 be put to 00:23:57.119 --> 00:23:57.879 shame, for I 00:23:57.879 --> 00:23:58.720 take refuge 00:23:58.720 --> 00:23:59.639 in you. 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:02.480 we have 00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:03.840 foes 00:24:03.840 --> 00:24:05.020 that hate 00:24:05.020 --> 00:24:05.400 us 00:24:05.400 --> 00:24:06.440 with violent 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:06.900 hatred. 00:24:07.780 --> 00:24:08.460 We may not 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:09.180 experience this 00:24:09.180 --> 00:24:09.880 all the time 00:24:09.880 --> 00:24:11.480 among unbelievers, 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:14.259 but we do 00:24:14.259 --> 00:24:14.900 have a cruel 00:24:14.900 --> 00:24:15.920 enemy, Satan, 00:24:16.060 --> 00:24:16.520 who wants to 00:24:16.520 --> 00:24:16.900 bring us 00:24:16.900 --> 00:24:17.220 down. 00:24:18.140 --> 00:24:18.500 He will do 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.000 whatever he 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:20.280 can to 00:24:20.280 --> 00:24:20.720 bring us 00:24:20.720 --> 00:24:21.000 down. 00:24:22.380 --> 00:24:23.300 He hates 00:24:23.300 --> 00:24:23.780 us with a 00:24:23.780 --> 00:24:24.100 cruel 00:24:24.100 --> 00:24:24.800 hatred. 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:28.220 but greater 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:29.399 is our 00:24:29.399 --> 00:24:29.720 Lord. 00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:31.000 And we 00:24:31.000 --> 00:24:31.419 come to 00:24:31.419 --> 00:24:32.279 him and 00:24:32.279 --> 00:24:32.700 we say, 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:33.940 oh, this 00:24:33.940 --> 00:24:34.599 enemy, he 00:24:34.599 --> 00:24:35.220 hates me 00:24:35.220 --> 00:24:36.740 with utter 00:24:36.740 --> 00:24:37.079 hatred. 00:24:37.200 --> 00:24:37.559 He hates 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:38.079 your people 00:24:38.079 --> 00:24:38.599 with utter 00:24:38.599 --> 00:24:39.079 hatred. 00:24:40.299 --> 00:24:40.940 And the 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:41.639 Lord knows 00:24:41.639 --> 00:24:42.779 and the 00:24:42.779 --> 00:24:43.359 Lord keeps 00:24:43.359 --> 00:24:44.279 us and 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:44.579 the Lord 00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:45.059 preserves 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:45.519 us. 00:24:46.180 --> 00:24:46.519 And our 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:47.519 own sin, 00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:47.919 our own 00:24:47.919 --> 00:24:48.740 flesh, it's 00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:49.180 the same 00:24:49.180 --> 00:24:49.619 way it 00:24:49.619 --> 00:24:49.899 wants to 00:24:49.899 --> 00:24:50.379 drag us 00:24:50.379 --> 00:24:50.879 down, but 00:24:50.879 --> 00:24:51.259 we come 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:51.680 to him, 00:24:52.319 --> 00:24:52.859 we ask 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:53.200 him to 00:24:53.200 --> 00:24:53.759 help us. 00:24:53.759 --> 00:24:54.839 our greatest 00:24:54.839 --> 00:24:55.539 temptations. 00:24:55.799 --> 00:24:56.319 And we 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:57.180 say in 00:24:57.180 --> 00:24:57.940 verse 21, 00:24:58.079 --> 00:24:58.660 may integrity 00:24:58.660 --> 00:24:59.460 and uprightness 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:00.180 preserve me 00:25:00.180 --> 00:25:00.759 for I wait 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:01.339 for you. 00:25:02.160 --> 00:25:02.559 Oh, the 00:25:02.559 --> 00:25:03.240 enemy wants 00:25:03.240 --> 00:25:03.920 to bring us 00:25:03.920 --> 00:25:04.539 down, but 00:25:04.539 --> 00:25:05.339 oh, Lord, 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:06.720 Lord, let 00:25:06.720 --> 00:25:07.319 me not be 00:25:07.319 --> 00:25:07.920 brought down 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:08.480 with him. 00:25:09.619 --> 00:25:11.059 May integrity 00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:11.839 and uprightness 00:25:11.839 --> 00:25:12.759 preserve me 00:25:12.759 --> 00:25:13.619 for I wait 00:25:13.619 --> 00:25:14.059 for you. 00:25:14.160 --> 00:25:14.700 I come to 00:25:14.700 --> 00:25:15.000 you. 00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:15.500 I depend 00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:16.220 upon you 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:16.920 for this 00:25:16.920 --> 00:25:17.460 integrity. 00:25:17.900 --> 00:25:18.379 I come 00:25:18.379 --> 00:25:19.200 to you. 00:25:20.779 --> 00:25:21.579 You may 00:25:21.579 --> 00:25:22.140 help me 00:25:22.140 --> 00:25:23.319 walk in 00:25:23.319 --> 00:25:24.099 your ways 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:24.500 and not 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:25.480 give in 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:25.720 to the 00:25:25.720 --> 00:25:26.179 enemy or 00:25:26.179 --> 00:25:27.599 stoop to 00:25:27.599 --> 00:25:28.079 his level. 00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:30.419 And so 00:25:30.419 --> 00:25:30.839 that his 00:25:30.839 --> 00:25:33.720 name is 00:25:33.720 --> 00:25:34.619 not reproached. 00:25:35.419 --> 00:25:35.779 A third 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:36.279 and final 00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:37.159 benefit stemming 00:25:37.159 --> 00:25:37.720 from fear in 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:39.079 the Lord is 00:25:39.079 --> 00:25:39.839 our relationship 00:25:39.839 --> 00:25:40.619 to others. 00:25:40.779 --> 00:25:41.000 Look at 00:25:41.000 --> 00:25:41.700 verse 22. 00:25:42.579 --> 00:25:43.099 Redeem 00:25:43.099 --> 00:25:43.599 Israel, 00:25:43.779 --> 00:25:44.339 O God, 00:25:44.980 --> 00:25:45.379 out of 00:25:45.379 --> 00:25:46.700 all his 00:25:46.700 --> 00:25:47.119 troubles. 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:49.240 The 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:49.500 psalmist 00:25:49.500 --> 00:25:50.079 turns 00:25:50.079 --> 00:25:50.920 now from 00:25:50.920 --> 00:25:51.720 himself to 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:52.019 God's 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:52.400 people. 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:53.700 When we 00:25:53.700 --> 00:25:54.019 do not 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:54.420 fear the 00:25:54.420 --> 00:25:54.599 Lord, 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:55.539 when we 00:25:55.539 --> 00:25:55.839 do not 00:25:55.839 --> 00:25:56.380 stand in 00:25:56.380 --> 00:25:57.000 awe of 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:57.160 his 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:57.640 greatness 00:25:57.640 --> 00:25:59.180 and see 00:25:59.180 --> 00:25:59.980 his glory, 00:26:01.440 --> 00:26:02.140 we tend 00:26:02.140 --> 00:26:02.440 to be 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:03.079 consumed 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:04.240 with 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:04.759 ourselves. 00:26:06.519 --> 00:26:07.119 We 00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:08.660 tend to 00:26:08.660 --> 00:26:09.460 be worried 00:26:09.460 --> 00:26:10.099 and fixated 00:26:10.099 --> 00:26:10.480 on our 00:26:10.480 --> 00:26:11.059 problems 00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:11.380 and our 00:26:11.380 --> 00:26:11.779 troubles. 00:26:12.680 --> 00:26:13.119 How is 00:26:13.119 --> 00:26:13.420 this going 00:26:13.420 --> 00:26:13.740 to work 00:26:13.740 --> 00:26:14.119 out? 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:14.980 Will it 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:15.519 work out? 00:26:15.680 --> 00:26:15.980 What do 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:16.319 I need 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:16.799 to do? 00:26:17.099 --> 00:26:17.379 God 00:26:17.379 --> 00:26:17.619 won't 00:26:17.619 --> 00:26:18.079 hear me 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:18.480 because 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:18.899 I'm 00:26:18.899 --> 00:26:19.079 just 00:26:19.079 --> 00:26:19.319 too 00:26:19.319 --> 00:26:19.779 sinful. 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:21.500 He 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:21.680 will 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:21.919 not 00:26:21.919 --> 00:26:22.220 pardon 00:26:22.220 --> 00:26:22.539 my 00:26:22.539 --> 00:26:22.919 guilt. 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:23.759 And so 00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:24.099 we end 00:26:24.099 --> 00:26:24.539 up carrying 00:26:24.539 --> 00:26:24.819 our 00:26:24.819 --> 00:26:25.319 sorrows, 00:26:25.480 --> 00:26:25.720 bearing 00:26:25.720 --> 00:26:26.019 our 00:26:26.019 --> 00:26:26.500 troubles, 00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:27.039 focusing 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:27.299 on 00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:27.680 ourselves, 00:26:27.779 --> 00:26:27.980 and we 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:28.240 have a 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:28.460 weight 00:26:28.460 --> 00:26:28.700 too 00:26:28.700 --> 00:26:29.119 heavy 00:26:29.119 --> 00:26:30.740 to 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:30.980 ever 00:26:30.980 --> 00:26:31.279 bear 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:31.779 another's 00:26:31.779 --> 00:26:32.059 burden. 00:26:34.879 --> 00:26:35.399 We 00:26:35.399 --> 00:26:35.720 end up 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:35.879 being 00:26:35.879 --> 00:26:36.579 self-focused, 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:37.259 self-centered. 00:26:37.399 --> 00:26:37.720 We end 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:38.639 up using 00:26:38.639 --> 00:26:39.279 others to 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:40.139 help bear 00:26:40.139 --> 00:26:40.440 our 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:41.019 burdens, 00:26:41.379 --> 00:26:41.859 being so 00:26:41.859 --> 00:26:42.519 focused on 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:42.899 what we're 00:26:42.899 --> 00:26:43.500 going through 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:43.799 and our 00:26:43.799 --> 00:26:44.279 suffering, 00:26:44.399 --> 00:26:44.700 and therefore 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:45.339 we miss 00:26:45.339 --> 00:26:46.319 others. 00:26:46.799 --> 00:26:47.559 Suffering. 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:51.779 However, 00:26:51.899 --> 00:26:52.240 when we 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:52.960 fear God, 00:26:53.700 --> 00:26:54.059 when we 00:26:54.059 --> 00:26:55.059 see His 00:26:55.059 --> 00:26:56.059 great goodness 00:26:56.059 --> 00:26:57.079 in the 00:26:57.079 --> 00:26:57.539 face of 00:26:57.539 --> 00:26:57.960 Christ, 00:26:58.799 --> 00:27:00.859 we know 00:27:00.859 --> 00:27:01.180 that He 00:27:01.180 --> 00:27:01.879 hears us, 00:27:02.579 --> 00:27:03.519 He cares 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:04.139 for us, 00:27:05.139 --> 00:27:05.960 and He 00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:06.779 loves us 00:27:06.779 --> 00:27:07.779 with an 00:27:07.779 --> 00:27:08.619 infinite love 00:27:08.619 --> 00:27:09.419 that we 00:27:09.419 --> 00:27:09.759 can't 00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:10.240 imagine. 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:13.059 then we 00:27:13.059 --> 00:27:13.740 trust Him. 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:15.079 Then we 00:27:15.079 --> 00:27:15.640 lay our 00:27:15.640 --> 00:27:16.059 burdens 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:16.500 down, 00:27:16.819 --> 00:27:17.299 knowing that 00:27:17.299 --> 00:27:17.859 He will 00:27:17.859 --> 00:27:18.539 take care 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:18.900 of them. 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:19.660 Cast all 00:27:19.660 --> 00:27:20.559 your anxiety 00:27:20.559 --> 00:27:21.279 on the 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:21.500 Lord, 00:27:21.599 --> 00:27:21.900 for He 00:27:21.900 --> 00:27:22.460 cares for 00:27:22.460 --> 00:27:22.700 you. 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:24.680 Then we 00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:25.059 can turn 00:27:25.059 --> 00:27:25.660 our attention 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:26.200 to others 00:27:26.200 --> 00:27:26.660 and help 00:27:26.660 --> 00:27:27.140 bear their 00:27:27.140 --> 00:27:27.500 burdens 00:27:27.500 --> 00:27:28.140 and thereby 00:27:28.140 --> 00:27:28.920 fulfill the 00:27:28.920 --> 00:27:29.359 law of 00:27:29.359 --> 00:27:29.819 Christ. 00:27:30.819 --> 00:27:31.299 We see 00:27:31.299 --> 00:27:31.859 David do 00:27:31.859 --> 00:27:32.299 that here 00:27:32.299 --> 00:27:32.620 in this 00:27:32.620 --> 00:27:33.019 prayer, 00:27:34.220 --> 00:27:34.920 turning and 00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:36.599 praying for 00:27:36.599 --> 00:27:37.579 God's people. 00:27:37.579 --> 00:27:38.619 really the 00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:39.399 top thing, 00:27:39.779 --> 00:27:40.240 not the 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:40.679 only thing, 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:40.960 but the 00:27:40.960 --> 00:27:41.480 top thing 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:41.819 we can 00:27:41.819 --> 00:27:42.639 do in 00:27:42.639 --> 00:27:43.039 service to 00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:43.500 elders is 00:27:43.500 --> 00:27:43.939 pray for 00:27:43.939 --> 00:27:44.179 them. 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:46.480 But this 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:46.960 is also 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:47.839 Christ praying 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:48.480 for us. 00:27:49.199 --> 00:27:49.480 Remember, 00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:50.159 the Psalms 00:27:50.159 --> 00:27:50.439 are the 00:27:50.439 --> 00:27:50.859 words of 00:27:50.859 --> 00:27:51.259 Christ. 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:52.799 He prays 00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:53.339 that we, 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:54.039 the true 00:27:54.039 --> 00:27:54.639 Israel, 00:27:55.339 --> 00:27:55.799 will be 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.199 delivered 00:27:56.199 --> 00:27:57.220 from all 00:27:57.220 --> 00:27:58.000 our 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.399 troubles. 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:01.059 Here we 00:28:01.059 --> 00:28:02.059 see our 00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:02.740 Savior's 00:28:02.740 --> 00:28:03.379 heart. 00:28:04.899 --> 00:28:05.619 He does 00:28:05.619 --> 00:28:05.980 not look 00:28:05.980 --> 00:28:06.659 down at us 00:28:06.659 --> 00:28:07.059 and say, 00:28:07.059 --> 00:28:07.679 suck it 00:28:07.679 --> 00:28:07.980 up. 00:28:08.619 --> 00:28:08.919 Look at 00:28:08.919 --> 00:28:09.259 all I've 00:28:09.259 --> 00:28:09.679 done for 00:28:09.679 --> 00:28:09.919 you. 00:28:10.039 --> 00:28:10.639 I suffered 00:28:10.639 --> 00:28:11.139 worse. 00:28:11.639 --> 00:28:12.019 Stop 00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:12.599 complaining. 00:28:12.779 --> 00:28:13.039 I'm 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:13.480 sovereign. 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:13.859 I'm the 00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:14.099 one who 00:28:14.099 --> 00:28:14.579 brought this 00:28:14.579 --> 00:28:14.899 into your 00:28:14.899 --> 00:28:15.440 life after 00:28:15.440 --> 00:28:15.779 all. 00:28:15.919 --> 00:28:16.419 Deal with 00:28:16.419 --> 00:28:16.720 it. 00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:18.740 Rather, 00:28:18.859 --> 00:28:19.519 he prays 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:20.079 to God, 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.359 oh God, 00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:23.500 deliver my 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.960 people from 00:28:24.960 --> 00:28:25.379 all their 00:28:25.379 --> 00:28:25.879 troubles. 00:28:27.200 --> 00:28:28.000 His heart 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.619 is warm 00:28:28.619 --> 00:28:30.379 and compassionate 00:28:30.379 --> 00:28:31.259 towards us. 00:28:32.399 --> 00:28:32.960 He is 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:34.700 merciful and 00:28:34.700 --> 00:28:35.099 sympathetic. 00:28:35.099 --> 00:28:35.279 prophetic. 00:28:36.279 --> 00:28:37.299 He sees 00:28:37.299 --> 00:28:37.519 our 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:39.379 suffering and 00:28:39.379 --> 00:28:39.799 not our 00:28:39.799 --> 00:28:40.139 sin. 00:28:41.699 --> 00:28:42.199 And because 00:28:42.199 --> 00:28:42.899 our Lord was 00:28:42.899 --> 00:28:43.599 delivered from 00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:44.059 all his 00:28:44.059 --> 00:28:45.019 troubles and 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.480 has entered 00:28:45.480 --> 00:28:46.419 heaven as 00:28:46.419 --> 00:28:47.319 our forerunner, 00:28:48.219 --> 00:28:48.799 so will 00:28:48.799 --> 00:28:49.059 we. 00:28:50.819 --> 00:28:51.219 And this 00:28:51.219 --> 00:28:51.579 beloved, 00:28:52.219 --> 00:28:52.980 she calls us 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:53.839 to marvel in 00:28:53.839 --> 00:28:54.519 standing off 00:28:54.519 --> 00:28:55.279 such a Savior 00:28:55.279 --> 00:28:56.059 who, 00:28:56.179 --> 00:28:56.899 though he is 00:28:56.899 --> 00:28:57.399 high and 00:28:57.399 --> 00:28:57.919 exalted, 00:28:59.119 --> 00:29:00.379 dwells with 00:29:00.379 --> 00:29:00.919 the lowly, 00:29:01.919 --> 00:29:02.899 causing us to 00:29:02.900 --> 00:29:04.480 fear him and 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:05.740 therefore draw 00:29:05.740 --> 00:29:06.700 nearer to 00:29:06.700 --> 00:29:06.960 him. 00:29:07.680 --> 00:29:08.080 Amen. 00:29:08.620 --> 00:29:09.040 Let's 00:29:09.040 --> 00:29:09.340 pray. 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:09.660 Let's 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:09.660 Let's 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:09.660 Let's 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:09.660 Let's 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:09.660 Let's 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:09.660 Let's 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:09.660 Let's 00:29:09.660 --> 00:29:10.160 pray. 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:10.160 00:29:10.160 --> 00:29:40.140 Thank you.