WEBVTT 00:00:00.820 --> 00:00:11.000 Let's open up our Bibles to the book of Psalms this morning, and we'll read Psalm chapter 3, the psalm that Treg just prayed from together this morning. 00:00:11.080 --> 00:00:18.960 If you're using the pew Bibles there in front of you, if you didn't bring your own Bible with you, you can find this passage on page 418. 00:00:19.440 --> 00:00:22.260 So Bibles open, let's read together Psalm chapter 3. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.140 This is a psalm of David when he fled from Absalom, his son. 00:00:37.140 --> 00:00:42.920 O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me. 00:00:43.620 --> 00:00:48.260 Many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. 00:00:48.920 --> 00:00:54.280 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. 00:00:55.019 --> 00:00:58.519 I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. 00:00:58.520 --> 00:01:03.900 I lay down and slept. I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. 00:01:04.420 --> 00:01:10.659 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 00:01:11.719 --> 00:01:15.000 Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! 00:01:15.680 --> 00:01:20.340 For you strike all my enemies on the cheek. You break the teeth of the wicked. 00:01:21.460 --> 00:01:25.980 Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing be on your people. 00:01:25.980 --> 00:01:29.540 This is the word of God. Let's bow and pray once more. 00:01:29.760 --> 00:01:36.900 Lord, we thank you for the privilege and the joy it is to open up your word and to hear from you this morning. 00:01:37.000 --> 00:01:44.480 So we pray now that you would give us ears to hear, eyes to see, hearts to receive what you've written here in Psalm chapter 3. 00:01:44.580 --> 00:01:46.820 We pray this in Christ's name. Amen. 00:01:46.819 --> 00:01:52.379 How do we respond in times of danger? 00:01:53.779 --> 00:01:58.519 I mentioned last week that all of the Psalms, the book of Psalms, they all hold together. 00:01:58.699 --> 00:02:02.259 This is one organized, intentionally structured book. 00:02:02.359 --> 00:02:04.379 Well, we're past the introduction now. 00:02:04.539 --> 00:02:07.199 Psalm 1 and Psalm 2 were the introduction of the book. 00:02:07.200 --> 00:02:17.500 And now, here in Psalm chapter 3, we're beginning the first of a collection of Psalms that are specifically attributed to King David. 00:02:18.120 --> 00:02:21.259 Last week from Psalm chapter 2, the question was, 00:02:21.840 --> 00:02:23.140 Why do the nations rage? 00:02:23.900 --> 00:02:25.680 Why do the peoples plot in vain? 00:02:25.800 --> 00:02:33.180 Why do the kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed? 00:02:33.180 --> 00:02:41.879 And here in Psalm chapter 3, we begin to see a specific example of this taking place in David's life. 00:02:42.640 --> 00:02:46.640 In fact, Psalms 3 through 9, where we're going to spend the rest of our time together this summer, 00:02:46.740 --> 00:02:54.040 Psalms 3 through 9, all of them deal with a specific rebellion against David by his son Absalom. 00:02:55.060 --> 00:02:57.080 See, David is in danger. 00:02:57.900 --> 00:02:59.060 The nations are raging. 00:02:59.260 --> 00:03:00.100 The people are raging. 00:03:00.100 --> 00:03:02.460 Although now, it's not just outside of him. 00:03:02.460 --> 00:03:03.879 It's not all the other nations. 00:03:04.040 --> 00:03:05.680 It's within his own nation. 00:03:05.920 --> 00:03:07.760 It's within his own household. 00:03:07.900 --> 00:03:09.659 It's within his own family. 00:03:10.439 --> 00:03:17.020 But instead of responding like I might respond, instead of closing his eyes and ignoring the problem, he sees it clearly. 00:03:17.719 --> 00:03:23.960 Instead of trusting in his own strength to bring him deliverance, he trusts in the Lord's protection. 00:03:24.860 --> 00:03:31.540 And instead of plotting and planning his way out of his problems, he calls out to the Lord in prayer. 00:03:31.539 --> 00:03:34.159 I wonder how you would respond to a danger like this. 00:03:35.219 --> 00:03:38.299 Here's the big idea for us this morning from Psalm chapter 3. 00:03:39.599 --> 00:03:46.099 Because the Lord is our salvation, God's people face every danger with confidence. 00:03:47.120 --> 00:03:48.159 That's a big idea for us. 00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:48.780 I'm going to say it again. 00:03:48.780 --> 00:03:55.860 Because the Lord is our salvation, God's people face every danger with confidence. 00:03:56.039 --> 00:03:59.219 You may know the old John Newton hymn that goes like this. 00:03:59.539 --> 00:03:59.699 It says, 00:03:59.840 --> 00:04:08.199 Though troubles assail and dangers affright, though friends should all fail and foes all unite, yet one thing secures us. 00:04:08.300 --> 00:04:13.199 Whatever be tied, the scripture assures us the Lord will provide. 00:04:13.360 --> 00:04:13.920 Do you know that hymn? 00:04:13.919 --> 00:04:20.339 See, that's the confidence that believers have in the face of any and all danger. 00:04:20.500 --> 00:04:28.019 So this morning, what we'll see then, in light of God's salvation, we'll see three responses in times of danger. 00:04:28.860 --> 00:04:32.120 Three responses in times of danger. 00:04:32.219 --> 00:04:35.259 This will be our outline for us this morning to help you follow along. 00:04:35.379 --> 00:04:38.740 Three responses in times of danger. 00:04:38.740 --> 00:04:47.579 First, because God is our salvation, God's people recognize the dangers. 00:04:48.500 --> 00:04:53.560 Because God is our salvation, God's people recognize the dangers. 00:04:53.720 --> 00:04:55.500 Look there to the beginning of our psalm. 00:04:55.560 --> 00:04:58.879 Not to verse 1, actually above verse 1. 00:04:59.319 --> 00:05:02.259 There should be some text there that helps give us some context. 00:05:02.519 --> 00:05:02.740 It says, 00:05:02.740 --> 00:05:07.639 This is a psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son. 00:05:07.639 --> 00:05:11.959 And I love when the psalms do this because it helps us to understand the context. 00:05:12.099 --> 00:05:18.060 It helps us to read this psalm within a specific context of what was happening in the author's life. 00:05:18.159 --> 00:05:24.579 This time, specifically, he tells us this was about when he fled from Absalom his son. 00:05:24.620 --> 00:05:30.879 If you don't know that story, I would encourage you to go home and read 2 Samuel 15-18. 00:05:30.879 --> 00:05:34.339 2 Samuel 15-18. 00:05:34.339 --> 00:05:41.159 Because this will be the background context for the next several weeks as we cover together Psalms 3-9. 00:05:41.259 --> 00:05:42.079 But here's the summary. 00:05:42.620 --> 00:05:43.379 I'll give it to you. 00:05:43.779 --> 00:05:45.500 Absalom, David's son. 00:05:46.180 --> 00:05:46.439 It says, 00:05:46.560 --> 00:05:50.579 He stole away the hearts of the men of Israel from David. 00:05:51.300 --> 00:05:54.560 And now the rebellion was growing, was rising up. 00:05:54.620 --> 00:05:57.819 It grew to the point where now David had to flee from Jerusalem. 00:05:57.819 --> 00:06:05.599 He had to flee from his home, away from his home, away from his kingdom, away from his throne, away from the city of God. 00:06:06.139 --> 00:06:10.439 And as he reflects back on this uprising, he writes these words. 00:06:10.579 --> 00:06:11.279 Psalm chapter 3. 00:06:11.339 --> 00:06:12.139 Look there to verse 1. 00:06:13.659 --> 00:06:15.779 Oh Lord, how many are my foes? 00:06:16.639 --> 00:06:18.680 Many are rising against me. 00:06:18.879 --> 00:06:24.139 Many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. 00:06:24.259 --> 00:06:25.399 Many are rising up. 00:06:25.399 --> 00:06:26.959 Many foes. 00:06:27.019 --> 00:06:27.839 And he's not wrong. 00:06:27.959 --> 00:06:34.519 We learn from 2 Samuel that at least 12,000 fighting men had joined up with Absalom. 00:06:35.479 --> 00:06:38.919 And along with them, David's own counselor, Ahithophel. 00:06:39.039 --> 00:06:39.939 You've got to practice that one. 00:06:40.179 --> 00:06:40.659 Ahithophel. 00:06:41.159 --> 00:06:43.779 He had joined up with Absalom in the uprising. 00:06:43.919 --> 00:06:46.539 He was counseling Absalom now instead of David. 00:06:46.599 --> 00:06:47.479 And what did they say? 00:06:48.139 --> 00:06:48.639 They said, 00:06:48.719 --> 00:06:52.279 There is no salvation for you in God. 00:06:52.279 --> 00:06:54.839 Doesn't that sound like Psalm chapter 2? 00:06:56.059 --> 00:06:58.459 The nations are conspiring together. 00:06:58.619 --> 00:07:04.379 The rulers, the kings, all the people to dethrone the Lord and to dethrone the Lord's appointed king. 00:07:04.459 --> 00:07:06.579 Exalting their plans above God. 00:07:07.099 --> 00:07:09.379 Exalting their power above the power of God. 00:07:09.539 --> 00:07:11.619 Mocking God and mocking God's anointed. 00:07:11.839 --> 00:07:14.639 There is no salvation for you in God. 00:07:15.599 --> 00:07:18.639 Now of course there's a physical element to that statement. 00:07:18.639 --> 00:07:21.319 They're saying God won't save you from the danger that's coming. 00:07:22.079 --> 00:07:23.120 We're coming for you. 00:07:23.279 --> 00:07:24.419 We're going to come get you. 00:07:24.500 --> 00:07:25.419 We're going to come kill you. 00:07:25.479 --> 00:07:26.539 And you can't escape it. 00:07:26.919 --> 00:07:30.199 But there's also a spiritual element there as well. 00:07:30.300 --> 00:07:33.319 There's no salvation for you in God. 00:07:33.459 --> 00:07:36.740 No doubt David's sins are flashing before him. 00:07:37.539 --> 00:07:38.860 As he remembers Bathsheba. 00:07:39.879 --> 00:07:41.899 As he remembers Uriah. 00:07:42.139 --> 00:07:45.099 Why would God save such a sinful man? 00:07:45.100 --> 00:07:50.000 Well we'll see David's response to these accusations here in a moment. 00:07:50.120 --> 00:08:00.000 But first I think it's important that we recognize first that David's first step here in the face of danger is acknowledging the danger that he's in. 00:08:00.800 --> 00:08:07.960 You know sometimes I think we can easily make the mistake of thinking that because God is in control that believers just check out. 00:08:08.920 --> 00:08:09.480 Right? 00:08:10.280 --> 00:08:12.340 We let go and let God. 00:08:12.339 --> 00:08:16.079 But actually I think the opposite is true. 00:08:16.239 --> 00:08:17.819 Knowing God is in control. 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:21.459 It doesn't mean that you close your eyes to the dangers around you. 00:08:21.560 --> 00:08:24.339 Instead you now become more vigilant. 00:08:25.120 --> 00:08:27.099 You now become more aware. 00:08:27.339 --> 00:08:29.879 More attuned to the dangers around you. 00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:34.480 We don't pray that the Lord would close our eyes to the dangers around us. 00:08:34.559 --> 00:08:40.740 But instead that the Lord would open our eyes to see clearly the dangers around us. 00:08:40.740 --> 00:08:41.060 Why? 00:08:42.060 --> 00:08:43.080 Why do I say this? 00:08:43.180 --> 00:08:43.919 Two reasons. 00:08:45.440 --> 00:08:46.019 One. 00:08:46.720 --> 00:08:52.360 Because the dangers that we face as God's people are greater. 00:08:53.220 --> 00:08:54.639 And way bigger. 00:08:54.899 --> 00:08:55.620 Way stronger. 00:08:55.860 --> 00:08:58.480 Way more numerous than we tend to realize. 00:08:58.480 --> 00:08:59.480 First. 00:08:59.480 --> 00:08:59.820 And second. 00:08:59.820 --> 00:09:08.159 Because our awareness of our need is directly correlated with our dependence on his help. 00:09:09.759 --> 00:09:13.259 If you want to grow in your dependence on the Lord. 00:09:13.360 --> 00:09:13.980 I hope you do. 00:09:14.320 --> 00:09:14.800 I do. 00:09:15.700 --> 00:09:19.320 Ask him to show you just how much you need him in every moment. 00:09:20.460 --> 00:09:25.220 Ask him to show you how weak you are and how strong he is. 00:09:25.220 --> 00:09:26.399 John Newton again. 00:09:27.180 --> 00:09:27.879 He says this. 00:09:27.980 --> 00:09:28.200 He says, 00:09:28.200 --> 00:09:50.220 Do you want to walk closely with him? 00:09:50.220 --> 00:09:56.139 And ask him to show you clearly the dangers that we face. 00:09:57.399 --> 00:10:00.340 Just think together about all the dangers that we face for a moment. 00:10:00.440 --> 00:10:04.779 Think of all the external, the physical dangers that we face. 00:10:04.860 --> 00:10:08.840 We face external physical dangers every single day. 00:10:08.980 --> 00:10:13.420 Some of you moms especially seem to be attuned to this more than anybody. 00:10:14.019 --> 00:10:17.660 There are dangers of external physical attack. 00:10:17.659 --> 00:10:21.019 Dangers of potential harm from other men. 00:10:21.159 --> 00:10:23.339 People who would intentionally do us harm. 00:10:23.439 --> 00:10:24.839 There's danger of murder. 00:10:25.719 --> 00:10:27.179 Danger of theft. 00:10:28.139 --> 00:10:31.259 Of course, there's also unintentional dangers that we face every day. 00:10:31.379 --> 00:10:31.939 There's risk. 00:10:32.059 --> 00:10:33.899 There's danger from just driving down the road. 00:10:34.000 --> 00:10:34.879 Highway 17. 00:10:35.399 --> 00:10:36.699 Some of the way that people drive. 00:10:36.779 --> 00:10:37.459 I know not y'all. 00:10:37.579 --> 00:10:38.860 Some other people out there. 00:10:39.120 --> 00:10:40.579 I've seen the way they drive. 00:10:40.659 --> 00:10:42.959 We can get injured just driving down the road. 00:10:43.039 --> 00:10:45.480 We can trip over a rug in our house and hurt ourselves. 00:10:45.480 --> 00:10:50.720 Anywhere we go, we face some sort of external physical danger. 00:10:51.399 --> 00:11:00.060 But on top of this, of course, we face dangers of social suffering, isolation, loneliness, exclusion. 00:11:00.779 --> 00:11:06.639 I bet if you poll the general population, they would act like the biggest danger that we face is disapproval. 00:11:06.639 --> 00:11:12.460 But all of this, I hope you see, all of this is outside of us. 00:11:13.240 --> 00:11:14.580 External dangers. 00:11:14.699 --> 00:11:17.960 Think about the internal physical dangers that we face. 00:11:18.899 --> 00:11:25.179 We face dangers of physical suffering from disease and sickness, mental distress. 00:11:25.519 --> 00:11:27.919 Our bodies grow weak and grow tired. 00:11:28.059 --> 00:11:28.639 They wear out. 00:11:28.759 --> 00:11:33.779 And ultimately, all of us face the great enemy of death. 00:11:34.279 --> 00:11:35.220 No one is immune. 00:11:35.220 --> 00:11:36.220 No one is immune. 00:11:36.700 --> 00:11:43.500 But for many of us, this is where our awareness of our dangers stops. 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:51.060 For many, this is what most concerns us. 00:11:51.180 --> 00:11:55.519 For many, this is what most preoccupies our thoughts and our worries. 00:11:55.519 --> 00:12:05.419 But what I want us to understand is that there is a whole other level of danger that most people in the world are completely oblivious to. 00:12:06.120 --> 00:12:11.059 Do you realize that we face an army of spiritual dangers every day? 00:12:11.059 --> 00:12:15.459 These dangers aren't as immediately obvious to us. 00:12:15.519 --> 00:12:17.279 They aren't as visible to us. 00:12:17.339 --> 00:12:21.919 But don't let that fool you into thinking that they aren't as harmful to you. 00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:28.859 These dangers, these spiritual dangers that we face are infinitely, eternally dangerous. 00:12:28.860 --> 00:12:36.759 Do you realize that we face dangers every day of external spiritual attack? 00:12:37.980 --> 00:12:40.240 Paul says in Ephesians chapter 6, 00:12:40.240 --> 00:12:57.620 See, some of us aren't wrestling because we don't even know that the threat is there. 00:12:57.620 --> 00:13:05.960 Do you realize that we face an enemy who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour? 00:13:06.060 --> 00:13:08.340 Not everything is a satanic attack. 00:13:08.940 --> 00:13:10.580 And not everything is an attack of Satan. 00:13:10.580 --> 00:13:15.740 But you can be sure that the enemy wants to destroy you. 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:20.500 You can be sure that the enemy wants to destroy your family. 00:13:21.400 --> 00:13:24.740 You can be sure that the enemy wants to destroy your marriage. 00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:26.320 That he wants to destroy your faith. 00:13:26.440 --> 00:13:28.600 That he wants to destroy your relationship with the Lord. 00:13:28.700 --> 00:13:31.360 That the enemy wants to destroy this church. 00:13:32.420 --> 00:13:38.200 Are we aware of the spiritual dangers that we face as God's people? 00:13:38.200 --> 00:13:41.120 But you know what? 00:13:42.520 --> 00:13:47.759 The greatest danger to us is not outside of us, is it? 00:13:48.580 --> 00:13:55.540 The greatest danger that we face is the internal threat of our own sin. 00:13:56.879 --> 00:13:59.460 More dangerous than pain and suffering. 00:14:00.440 --> 00:14:04.720 More dangerous than any physical threat or social isolation. 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:07.040 More dangerous than the devil himself. 00:14:07.039 --> 00:14:10.319 Our sin is our greatest enemy. 00:14:11.719 --> 00:14:12.719 Do you see it? 00:14:14.099 --> 00:14:15.599 And do you see it in yourself? 00:14:15.699 --> 00:14:16.759 Are you aware of it? 00:14:17.459 --> 00:14:21.379 Or do we close our eyes to it and ignore it? 00:14:22.860 --> 00:14:27.879 Too many pastors, too many churches, too many Christians, I'm afraid. 00:14:27.959 --> 00:14:29.879 We want to talk about the good news of Christ. 00:14:30.019 --> 00:14:31.299 The good news of the gospel. 00:14:31.879 --> 00:14:36.439 Without clearly understanding the bad news that makes the gospel so good. 00:14:36.440 --> 00:14:45.360 We can't make much of our Savior without first knowing, without seeing, without recognizing what we have been saved from. 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:51.420 The greater our awareness of our sin, the deeper our love for Christ will be. 00:14:52.080 --> 00:14:55.120 The deeper our dependence on him will be. 00:14:55.660 --> 00:15:00.900 So I ask you, what specific sins are threatening you right now, believer? 00:15:00.899 --> 00:15:01.899 What specific sins? 00:15:01.899 --> 00:15:06.399 What specific sins are threatening your joy? 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:08.779 Are threatening your peace? 00:15:08.860 --> 00:15:10.620 Are threatening your prayers? 00:15:11.879 --> 00:15:20.840 Pray that the Lord would do the painful grace of revealing them to you so that you can find rest in him. 00:15:20.840 --> 00:15:25.019 This is exactly what David does here in verses 3 through 6. 00:15:25.080 --> 00:15:25.639 Look there with me. 00:15:25.720 --> 00:15:32.440 Second, because God is our salvation, God's people rest in our defender. 00:15:33.440 --> 00:15:39.340 Because God is our salvation, God's people rest in our defender. 00:15:39.460 --> 00:15:40.220 Look there to verse 3. 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:43.019 He sees the dangers. 00:15:43.019 --> 00:15:44.240 He sees them clearly. 00:15:44.240 --> 00:15:46.920 But his response isn't what we might think. 00:15:47.019 --> 00:15:48.220 He doesn't take up arms. 00:15:48.340 --> 00:15:49.840 He doesn't plot and plan. 00:15:50.220 --> 00:15:51.180 He doesn't do anything. 00:15:51.680 --> 00:15:53.620 He rests in the Lord. 00:15:53.720 --> 00:15:54.779 He says there in verse 3. 00:15:55.560 --> 00:16:00.860 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. 00:16:01.360 --> 00:16:05.460 I cried aloud to the Lord and he answered me from his holy hill. 00:16:06.100 --> 00:16:07.879 I lay down and slept. 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:10.980 I woke again for the Lord sustained me. 00:16:11.279 --> 00:16:17.779 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:20.500 Is this how we respond when we're faced with danger? 00:16:21.820 --> 00:16:24.019 David is totally helpless. 00:16:24.259 --> 00:16:25.580 He can't do a thing about it. 00:16:25.620 --> 00:16:28.039 Yet at the same time, he is totally confident. 00:16:28.220 --> 00:16:28.439 Why? 00:16:29.080 --> 00:16:31.700 Because the Lord is his salvation. 00:16:32.820 --> 00:16:35.720 This is the sweet rest of the Christian. 00:16:35.720 --> 00:16:40.820 And I see at least five truths here that support David's trust. 00:16:41.420 --> 00:16:43.920 Five truths here that support David's trust. 00:16:44.040 --> 00:16:49.820 And each one of these in Christ can be applied to you in your situation, Christian. 00:16:50.480 --> 00:16:55.139 Any danger you face in Christ, each one of these can be applied to you. 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:55.879 Look there with me. 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:59.779 David trusts in the person of God. 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:08.460 This may be a little bit hard for us to see in the English, but the name that David uses there for the Lord is Yahweh. 00:17:09.399 --> 00:17:13.960 And in fact, whenever you see the Lord and it's all capitalized there in your Bible, all caps, 00:17:14.319 --> 00:17:18.879 that tells us that the writer is using the personal name of God, Yahweh. 00:17:19.480 --> 00:17:21.279 This is his covenant name. 00:17:21.279 --> 00:17:25.319 It's kind of hard for us to grasp the depths of the richness of what this means, 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:30.779 but baked within this name, Yahweh, are all of the glorious truths, 00:17:31.139 --> 00:17:36.740 all of the glorious promises, all of the glorious attributes of who God is, 00:17:36.879 --> 00:17:39.259 and who God is for his people. 00:17:40.079 --> 00:17:42.000 That he's a promise-keeping God. 00:17:42.680 --> 00:17:44.039 That he's faithful. 00:17:44.200 --> 00:17:45.160 That he's trustworthy. 00:17:45.680 --> 00:17:48.639 All of this is communicated in that name, Yahweh. 00:17:48.640 --> 00:17:55.980 See, David's confidence in the face of danger was that God would keep his promises to him. 00:17:56.680 --> 00:18:01.360 So, in light of this, number two, David trusts in the protection of God. 00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:05.840 He is a shield about me, he says there in verse three. 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:10.720 Not just a one-dimensional like most shields that we would think of. 00:18:10.780 --> 00:18:13.100 He is a shield all around me. 00:18:14.040 --> 00:18:15.740 And don't you think that David had protection? 00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:19.980 And don't you think that David had an army with him? 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:22.839 Don't you think that David was skilled in war himself? 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:24.099 Yes, of course he did. 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:26.160 But what was his confidence, ultimately? 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:30.019 His confidence, his trust was in the Lord. 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:34.740 He is a shield about me, where my eyes can see and where they can't, 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:37.240 where my hand can reach and where it can't. 00:18:37.940 --> 00:18:41.319 He, David, trusted not in his own strength, not in his own ability, 00:18:41.319 --> 00:18:44.740 but in the sovereign protection of an almighty God. 00:18:45.419 --> 00:18:51.859 Which is why, number three, David trusted in the praiseworthiness of God. 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:55.159 God is my glory, he says. 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:58.639 God is the only thing worthy of praise. 00:18:58.779 --> 00:19:00.720 God is the lifter of my head, not me. 00:19:01.500 --> 00:19:04.720 You see, David knew that if he was to be restored, 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:08.000 if he was to be saved, if he was going to be delivered, 00:19:08.100 --> 00:19:10.579 if he was going to get out of this situation at all, 00:19:10.880 --> 00:19:13.860 it would not be by his own doing. 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:18.720 If he was going to be protected, it wouldn't be by his own strength. 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:21.400 It would have to be the work of the Lord. 00:19:22.339 --> 00:19:25.279 And because of this, who would receive the glory? 00:19:25.860 --> 00:19:28.200 Not him, but God. 00:19:28.940 --> 00:19:31.700 He alone would receive the glory. 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:38.100 But not only this, fourth, David trusted in the presence of God. 00:19:39.380 --> 00:19:41.620 Now this is remarkable to me, isn't it? 00:19:42.200 --> 00:19:44.180 He trusted in the presence of God. 00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:46.200 David had fled from Jerusalem, 00:19:46.360 --> 00:19:48.700 he fled from the place where God's presence dwelt, 00:19:49.140 --> 00:19:52.039 but yet he calls out to him, 00:19:52.759 --> 00:19:54.500 and the Lord answers him. 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:57.019 I cried aloud to the Lord, 00:19:57.100 --> 00:19:59.620 and he answered me from his holy hill. 00:19:59.700 --> 00:19:59.980 Why? 00:19:59.980 --> 00:20:04.200 Because his protection was not in his nearness to a place, 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:07.000 but in his nearness to a person. 00:20:08.420 --> 00:20:09.940 And because of this, fifth, 00:20:10.059 --> 00:20:14.799 David trusted in the power of God to preserve him. 00:20:16.120 --> 00:20:18.000 Look there to verses five and six. 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:20.180 I love this. 00:20:21.880 --> 00:20:25.099 In the face of threats against his life, 00:20:25.160 --> 00:20:25.880 what does David do? 00:20:25.880 --> 00:20:28.440 He goes to sleep. 00:20:30.280 --> 00:20:32.060 I lay down and slept. 00:20:32.640 --> 00:20:33.600 I woke again. 00:20:33.680 --> 00:20:33.940 Why? 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:39.280 For the Lord himself sustained me. 00:20:41.780 --> 00:20:45.580 You know, sometimes the most productive thing we can do, 00:20:46.220 --> 00:20:48.780 when we're faced with any issue, 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:54.039 sickness, stress, doubt, disease, danger, 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:55.279 the devil himself, 00:20:56.399 --> 00:20:59.160 is to stop tossing and turning, 00:20:59.639 --> 00:21:01.079 to stop tossing it in our minds, 00:21:01.139 --> 00:21:03.220 to stop tossing and turning in bed all night, 00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:04.539 trying to resolve it, 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.859 just for a minute, 00:21:05.960 --> 00:21:08.500 to stop trying to solve your problems, 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:11.559 and then to go to sleep, 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:14.940 to trust the Lord, 00:21:15.460 --> 00:21:17.180 that he is in control, 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:19.700 knowing that God is more capable to work it out 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:21.339 than we tend to realize. 00:21:21.440 --> 00:21:23.880 He's more than capable to solve your problems 00:21:23.880 --> 00:21:25.380 without you getting involved. 00:21:26.200 --> 00:21:27.000 Just think about this. 00:21:27.099 --> 00:21:29.299 There is no other time 00:21:29.299 --> 00:21:30.500 when we're more vulnerable, 00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:31.380 more helpless, 00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:32.579 more unaware, 00:21:32.819 --> 00:21:33.980 more unproductive 00:21:33.980 --> 00:21:35.299 than when we are sleeping, 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:35.799 right? 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:38.299 John Piper, he says, 00:21:38.860 --> 00:21:41.460 sleep is our daily reminder from God 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:43.180 that we are not God. 00:21:45.299 --> 00:21:47.240 And we lay down six hours, 00:21:47.460 --> 00:21:48.019 seven hours, 00:21:48.099 --> 00:21:48.519 eight hours, 00:21:48.539 --> 00:21:49.039 if you're lucky, 00:21:49.720 --> 00:21:51.779 and we just check out completely. 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:53.559 All of our troubles 00:21:53.559 --> 00:21:55.400 are still just floating out there in the world, 00:21:55.500 --> 00:21:56.079 and meanwhile, 00:21:56.579 --> 00:21:57.039 guess what? 00:21:57.799 --> 00:22:00.120 God continues to run the universe 00:22:00.120 --> 00:22:01.900 just fine without us. 00:22:01.940 --> 00:22:02.940 It's amazing, isn't it, 00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:03.599 how that happens? 00:22:03.980 --> 00:22:07.480 Now, I'm afraid that far too often 00:22:07.480 --> 00:22:09.259 we put too much trust 00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:11.180 in our own productivity, 00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:13.960 in our own strength, 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:16.640 in our own problem-solving ability, 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:17.920 in our own power, 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:19.940 when really, 00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:22.319 it's the Lord who sustains us. 00:22:24.059 --> 00:22:26.620 David here with 12,000 men 00:22:26.620 --> 00:22:27.660 out for his head, 00:22:27.720 --> 00:22:30.079 he lays down and he rests with confidence, 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:31.460 and then he rises again. 00:22:31.559 --> 00:22:31.819 Why? 00:22:31.819 --> 00:22:33.160 Because it was the Lord 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:35.100 who sustained him. 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:37.820 Christian, I know that we face 00:22:37.820 --> 00:22:38.940 all sorts of trials, 00:22:39.060 --> 00:22:40.240 all sorts of difficulties, 00:22:40.440 --> 00:22:41.600 all sorts of enemies, 00:22:41.740 --> 00:22:44.279 but we can rest confidently, 00:22:44.519 --> 00:22:46.240 not in our own strength, 00:22:46.880 --> 00:22:48.660 and not in our own ability, 00:22:49.360 --> 00:22:50.480 but in the power, 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:51.759 the protection, 00:22:52.320 --> 00:22:55.980 the person of a great and sovereign God. 00:22:55.980 --> 00:22:58.240 And this is what Paul says 00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:59.299 in Romans chapter 8, 00:22:59.360 --> 00:23:00.180 we read it this morning, 00:23:00.319 --> 00:23:01.839 I'm sure that neither death, 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:02.900 nor life, 00:23:03.440 --> 00:23:04.200 nor angels, 00:23:04.339 --> 00:23:04.940 nor rulers, 00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:05.839 nor things present, 00:23:05.960 --> 00:23:06.819 nor things to come, 00:23:06.880 --> 00:23:07.500 nor powers, 00:23:07.620 --> 00:23:08.079 nor height, 00:23:08.160 --> 00:23:08.599 nor depth, 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:10.620 nor anything else in all creation, 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:12.660 will be able to separate us 00:23:12.660 --> 00:23:13.779 from the love of God 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:15.259 in Christ Jesus, 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:16.079 our Lord. 00:23:16.079 --> 00:23:17.159 So what do we have to fear? 00:23:19.500 --> 00:23:20.299 So now, 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:21.779 recognizing the dangers 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:23.359 and resting in the Lord, 00:23:23.559 --> 00:23:23.859 third, 00:23:24.879 --> 00:23:26.879 because God is our salvation, 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:30.980 God's people request deliverance. 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:35.419 God's people request deliverance. 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:36.680 Having recognized his enemies, 00:23:36.820 --> 00:23:38.120 having found rest in the Lord, 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:38.820 now, 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:39.860 now, 00:23:40.600 --> 00:23:43.279 David prays for God to act. 00:23:43.340 --> 00:23:44.120 Look there to verse 7. 00:23:46.360 --> 00:23:47.420 Arise, O Lord, 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:48.940 save me, 00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:50.120 O my God. 00:23:50.180 --> 00:23:51.779 Do you see the contrast here with verse 1? 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:53.519 If you've got your Bibles there, 00:23:53.600 --> 00:23:55.680 just look at the contrast with verse 1. 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:57.500 In light of the many foes 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:58.700 rising up against him, 00:23:58.759 --> 00:24:01.019 12,000 rising up against him, 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:03.039 David now calls to the Lord, 00:24:03.160 --> 00:24:04.840 you arise, O Lord. 00:24:05.420 --> 00:24:06.800 In light of their claim, 00:24:06.880 --> 00:24:09.140 there is no salvation for you in God. 00:24:09.180 --> 00:24:10.240 What does he ask God to do? 00:24:11.100 --> 00:24:11.880 Save me, 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:13.060 O my God. 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:15.900 He calls out to the Lord in confidence 00:24:15.900 --> 00:24:17.880 because despite what they say, 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:19.700 despite how many they have, 00:24:19.800 --> 00:24:21.300 despite what they may do, 00:24:21.300 --> 00:24:24.340 he knows and trusts in who God is 00:24:24.340 --> 00:24:26.759 and who God is towards him. 00:24:27.300 --> 00:24:29.060 He calls out to the Lord to save him. 00:24:29.140 --> 00:24:29.360 Why? 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:31.080 Because ultimately, 00:24:31.300 --> 00:24:33.320 he knows two things to be true 00:24:33.320 --> 00:24:35.180 because of the promises of God. 00:24:35.420 --> 00:24:37.039 Two things to be true. 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:39.320 God will judge the wicked. 00:24:40.100 --> 00:24:42.039 God will save his people. 00:24:43.500 --> 00:24:45.039 God will judge the wicked 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:48.580 and God will save his people. 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:50.620 These two certainties are 00:24:50.620 --> 00:24:54.200 certain hope for God's people. 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:56.759 This is solid ground for us 00:24:56.759 --> 00:24:58.259 in face of any danger, 00:24:58.420 --> 00:24:59.759 physical, social, spiritual, 00:24:59.860 --> 00:25:00.420 or otherwise. 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:02.960 No matter what comes in this life, 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:04.900 we can know with certainty 00:25:04.900 --> 00:25:07.640 and then pray in light of the fact 00:25:07.640 --> 00:25:09.779 that our God will judge the wicked 00:25:09.779 --> 00:25:13.519 and our God will save his people. 00:25:13.620 --> 00:25:14.759 Look there again to verse 7. 00:25:15.740 --> 00:25:17.840 We see a picture here of judgment, 00:25:18.200 --> 00:25:18.600 don't we? 00:25:19.640 --> 00:25:20.080 He says, 00:25:20.300 --> 00:25:20.940 Save me, 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:21.980 Oh my God. 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:26.519 For you strike all my enemies on the cheek. 00:25:27.340 --> 00:25:30.000 You break the teeth of the wicked. 00:25:31.140 --> 00:25:34.500 This is an image of humiliation and defeat. 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:38.180 Our God will put to shame all of his enemies 00:25:38.180 --> 00:25:40.779 and he will render them powerless. 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:42.700 This is like a toothless snake. 00:25:43.380 --> 00:25:44.820 What can it do to you? 00:25:45.840 --> 00:25:47.120 Now, I realize, 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:48.240 and I want to address this 00:25:48.240 --> 00:25:51.519 because this may seem harsh to some of you. 00:25:52.100 --> 00:25:53.799 If you're not used to reading the Psalms 00:25:53.799 --> 00:25:55.500 and seeing this type of language 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:56.400 in the Psalms like this, 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:57.060 you may wonder, 00:25:57.240 --> 00:26:00.799 is it right for us to pray like this? 00:26:01.440 --> 00:26:03.820 How should we pray against the wicked? 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:06.939 When we see all of the wickedness around us, 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:09.019 when we see people rebelling against the Lord, 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:10.859 when we see persecution, 00:26:11.119 --> 00:26:12.819 people afflicting God's people 00:26:12.819 --> 00:26:13.899 throughout the nations, 00:26:14.759 --> 00:26:17.359 how should we pray against the wicked 00:26:17.359 --> 00:26:19.919 when we read of the persecution of Christians 00:26:19.919 --> 00:26:21.220 happening throughout the world? 00:26:22.899 --> 00:26:24.079 Well, our first prayer 00:26:24.079 --> 00:26:27.200 should be for repentance. 00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:31.039 Christ has come 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:33.279 to make forgiveness 00:26:33.279 --> 00:26:35.960 and reconciliation possible 00:26:35.960 --> 00:26:38.920 for the worst of God's enemies. 00:26:39.859 --> 00:26:41.059 This is why Christ came. 00:26:41.980 --> 00:26:44.559 And this is what we long to see from our enemies. 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:46.559 And so our first hope for the wicked 00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:49.339 is that they would be brought to repentance, 00:26:49.559 --> 00:26:50.879 that the Lord would grant them 00:26:50.879 --> 00:26:52.559 the same heart of repentance 00:26:52.559 --> 00:26:53.980 that he granted us 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:55.759 when we were his enemies. 00:26:56.740 --> 00:26:57.460 And so we pray, 00:26:57.460 --> 00:27:00.119 Lord, Lord, turn their hearts towards you 00:27:00.119 --> 00:27:02.259 so that they will hate their sin 00:27:02.259 --> 00:27:03.459 and love you. 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:07.259 Lord, pluck them out of this foolishness. 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:09.339 Pluck them out of this wickedness 00:27:09.339 --> 00:27:10.379 and give them a new heart 00:27:10.379 --> 00:27:11.619 that runs towards you 00:27:11.619 --> 00:27:12.439 and not from you. 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:14.039 That's our first prayer, church. 00:27:15.500 --> 00:27:17.959 But if they will not, 00:27:18.959 --> 00:27:21.339 if they refuse, 00:27:22.119 --> 00:27:24.079 then it is right 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:25.219 for us to pray 00:27:25.220 --> 00:27:26.579 for the Lord 00:27:26.579 --> 00:27:28.700 to render them powerless 00:27:28.700 --> 00:27:31.839 and to divert their attacks, 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:34.220 to clog up their wheels, 00:27:34.839 --> 00:27:36.100 to break their teeth, 00:27:36.400 --> 00:27:39.680 and ultimately to bring justice. 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:41.519 We need to know 00:27:41.519 --> 00:27:43.039 that's the Lord's prerogative, 00:27:43.900 --> 00:27:45.000 not ours. 00:27:46.160 --> 00:27:48.880 We don't slap the cheek of the wicked. 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:52.380 We don't break the teeth of the wicked. 00:27:52.380 --> 00:27:53.520 We don't take vengeance 00:27:53.520 --> 00:27:54.600 into our own hands, 00:27:54.700 --> 00:27:56.020 but we do pray 00:27:56.020 --> 00:27:57.120 and we do trust 00:27:57.120 --> 00:27:58.380 that the Lord himself 00:27:59.000 --> 00:28:00.660 will right every wrong. 00:28:01.580 --> 00:28:02.840 And the day will soon come 00:28:02.840 --> 00:28:03.740 when everyone 00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:06.760 will have to give an account to him. 00:28:07.920 --> 00:28:09.440 That's not all that we pray for, 00:28:09.600 --> 00:28:10.020 is it? 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:13.020 No, we pray as David does 00:28:13.020 --> 00:28:15.720 and ask the Lord for deliverance. 00:28:15.800 --> 00:28:16.860 We pray with confidence 00:28:16.860 --> 00:28:19.780 that God will save his people. 00:28:19.779 --> 00:28:21.879 This is what he does here 00:28:21.879 --> 00:28:22.960 in verse 8, isn't it? 00:28:22.980 --> 00:28:24.240 He declares with confidence, 00:28:24.399 --> 00:28:26.319 salvation belongs to the Lord. 00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:29.500 Your blessing be on your people. 00:28:29.619 --> 00:28:30.579 See, both of these truths, 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:33.059 the righteous judgment of the wicked 00:28:33.059 --> 00:28:35.259 and the gracious salvation 00:28:35.259 --> 00:28:36.259 of God's people, 00:28:36.440 --> 00:28:40.139 we know they're only partially realized 00:28:40.139 --> 00:28:40.940 here and now. 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:43.740 We don't experience this in full 00:28:43.740 --> 00:28:44.359 here and now. 00:28:44.440 --> 00:28:46.700 We know that these are eternal truths. 00:28:46.799 --> 00:28:47.779 These are eternal promises, 00:28:47.779 --> 00:28:50.799 promises, promises that will come to pass 00:28:50.799 --> 00:28:52.480 in full one day. 00:28:53.139 --> 00:28:54.420 We pray one day soon. 00:28:55.160 --> 00:28:57.899 And so in light of those eternal promises, 00:28:58.119 --> 00:28:59.700 we pray and we long 00:28:59.700 --> 00:29:01.700 for the experience of that 00:29:01.700 --> 00:29:02.920 to grow and to grow, 00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:04.359 for us to know and to see it 00:29:04.359 --> 00:29:06.339 more and more here and now 00:29:06.339 --> 00:29:08.720 until Christ returns. 00:29:09.859 --> 00:29:10.759 And so we pray, 00:29:10.899 --> 00:29:12.279 God, judge the wicked. 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:15.000 Render them powerless right now. 00:29:15.000 --> 00:29:17.900 God, would you close their mouths 00:29:17.900 --> 00:29:19.119 and bind their arms? 00:29:19.240 --> 00:29:20.859 But even if not, 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:23.680 we know that what we long for now 00:29:23.680 --> 00:29:26.160 will come to pass when Christ returns. 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:28.859 You've promised us this. 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:30.799 And we pray, God, 00:29:30.920 --> 00:29:32.400 God, save your people. 00:29:32.599 --> 00:29:33.440 Bless your people. 00:29:33.920 --> 00:29:35.000 God, deliver your people. 00:29:35.140 --> 00:29:36.720 God, save me from this sickness. 00:29:36.960 --> 00:29:38.059 Save me from this doubt. 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:39.359 Save me from this sin. 00:29:39.500 --> 00:29:40.619 Save me from this struggle. 00:29:40.619 --> 00:29:42.219 But even if not, 00:29:42.899 --> 00:29:43.799 we thank you 00:29:43.799 --> 00:29:45.159 and we praise you 00:29:45.159 --> 00:29:46.819 that what we long for now 00:29:46.819 --> 00:29:49.359 will be brought in full 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:51.279 when Christ returns. 00:29:52.079 --> 00:29:53.319 That's our hope. 00:29:54.459 --> 00:29:55.879 This is what Paul reminds us of 00:29:55.879 --> 00:29:57.959 in 2 Thessalonians 1. 00:29:58.199 --> 00:29:58.579 He says, 00:29:59.379 --> 00:30:00.739 This is evidence 00:30:00.739 --> 00:30:02.819 of the righteous judgment of God, 00:30:03.359 --> 00:30:04.939 that you may be considered worthy 00:30:04.939 --> 00:30:06.139 of the kingdom of God 00:30:06.139 --> 00:30:07.739 for which you are also suffering, 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:10.940 since indeed God considers it just 00:30:10.940 --> 00:30:12.480 to repay with affliction 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:13.880 those who afflict you 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:16.019 and to grant relief to you 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:16.819 who are afflicted 00:30:16.819 --> 00:30:18.000 as well as to us 00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:19.920 when the Lord Jesus 00:30:19.920 --> 00:30:21.500 is revealed from heaven 00:30:21.500 --> 00:30:23.019 with his mighty angels 00:30:23.019 --> 00:30:24.480 in flaming fire, 00:30:25.279 --> 00:30:26.240 inflicting vengeance 00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:28.220 on those who do not know God 00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:30.099 and on those who do not obey 00:30:30.099 --> 00:30:32.180 the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 00:30:32.960 --> 00:30:34.799 They will suffer the punishment 00:30:34.799 --> 00:30:36.420 of eternal destruction 00:30:36.420 --> 00:30:38.240 away from the presence 00:30:38.240 --> 00:30:38.820 of the Lord 00:30:38.820 --> 00:30:39.620 and from the glory 00:30:39.620 --> 00:30:40.460 of his might 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:42.640 when he comes on that day 00:30:42.640 --> 00:30:44.880 to be glorified in his saints 00:30:44.880 --> 00:30:46.080 and to be marveled at 00:30:46.080 --> 00:30:48.539 among all who have believed. 00:30:50.840 --> 00:30:53.000 This is our hope, church. 00:30:54.820 --> 00:30:56.539 In every danger, 00:30:57.480 --> 00:30:58.940 our hope, 00:30:59.460 --> 00:31:00.259 our confidence, 00:31:00.779 --> 00:31:01.600 our protection, 00:31:02.060 --> 00:31:03.200 our deliverance, 00:31:03.200 --> 00:31:04.460 all the assurances 00:31:04.460 --> 00:31:05.160 and promises 00:31:05.160 --> 00:31:06.480 of this psalm 00:31:06.480 --> 00:31:08.840 are realized ultimately 00:31:08.840 --> 00:31:09.840 and finally 00:31:09.840 --> 00:31:11.539 in Christ Jesus. 00:31:13.120 --> 00:31:14.100 Do you see him 00:31:14.100 --> 00:31:15.460 as the hope of this psalm? 00:31:16.920 --> 00:31:19.259 I hope that more and more 00:31:19.259 --> 00:31:20.920 as we read through the psalms together, 00:31:21.080 --> 00:31:22.539 we'll build up that muscle 00:31:22.539 --> 00:31:25.180 of being able to recognize Christ 00:31:25.180 --> 00:31:27.500 in every single one 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:28.580 of these psalms. 00:31:28.680 --> 00:31:29.720 Christ is the hope 00:31:29.720 --> 00:31:31.000 of Psalm chapter 3. 00:31:31.000 --> 00:31:33.599 See, Christ, like David, 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:35.380 endured the rage 00:31:35.380 --> 00:31:37.359 of many enemies against him. 00:31:37.420 --> 00:31:38.880 They taunted him, didn't they? 00:31:39.940 --> 00:31:40.900 He saved others, 00:31:41.000 --> 00:31:41.980 let him save himself. 00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:45.000 If he's the Christ of God, 00:31:45.079 --> 00:31:45.900 his chosen one, 00:31:46.200 --> 00:31:46.920 save yourself. 00:31:47.019 --> 00:31:47.619 If you're the king, 00:31:47.700 --> 00:31:49.059 come down off the cross. 00:31:49.460 --> 00:31:50.640 There's no salvation 00:31:50.640 --> 00:31:52.160 for you in God. 00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:54.400 But like David, 00:31:54.539 --> 00:31:56.920 God was a shield about him. 00:31:57.819 --> 00:31:59.920 God lifted him up. 00:31:59.920 --> 00:32:00.400 Up. 00:32:00.720 --> 00:32:02.700 God, as Ephesians 1 says, 00:32:02.840 --> 00:32:04.340 raised him from the dead 00:32:04.340 --> 00:32:05.240 and seated him 00:32:05.240 --> 00:32:06.120 at his right hand 00:32:06.120 --> 00:32:07.200 in the heavenly places, 00:32:07.340 --> 00:32:08.880 far above all rule 00:32:08.880 --> 00:32:10.000 and authority 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:11.420 and power and dominion, 00:32:11.680 --> 00:32:12.840 and above every name 00:32:12.840 --> 00:32:13.420 that is named, 00:32:13.500 --> 00:32:14.740 not only in this age, 00:32:14.820 --> 00:32:17.080 but also in the one to come. 00:32:18.180 --> 00:32:18.900 And we know that 00:32:18.900 --> 00:32:20.539 because he now lives 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.160 and reigns, 00:32:21.200 --> 00:32:23.140 because God has lifted him up, 00:32:23.200 --> 00:32:23.960 he now stands 00:32:23.960 --> 00:32:25.740 to offer eternal life, 00:32:26.500 --> 00:32:27.740 eternal salvation, 00:32:27.740 --> 00:32:29.200 eternal protection, 00:32:29.440 --> 00:32:30.740 eternal security 00:32:30.740 --> 00:32:32.620 for any who come to him 00:32:32.620 --> 00:32:33.220 in faith. 00:32:33.839 --> 00:32:35.339 So that all of his people 00:32:35.339 --> 00:32:36.220 can say with David, 00:32:36.339 --> 00:32:37.599 I will not be afraid 00:32:37.599 --> 00:32:39.319 of many thousands of people 00:32:39.319 --> 00:32:40.579 in Christ. 00:32:41.180 --> 00:32:42.120 In Christ, 00:32:42.200 --> 00:32:42.960 I will not be afraid 00:32:42.960 --> 00:32:43.839 of any enemy 00:32:43.839 --> 00:32:44.799 who sets themselves 00:32:44.799 --> 00:32:46.120 against me all around 00:32:46.120 --> 00:32:47.779 because I am in Christ. 00:32:47.880 --> 00:32:48.900 I fear nothing. 00:32:49.900 --> 00:32:51.339 I'm safe in him. 00:32:51.339 --> 00:32:54.559 In this risen Christ, 00:32:54.740 --> 00:32:55.000 church, 00:32:55.059 --> 00:32:56.179 he promises us 00:32:56.179 --> 00:32:58.199 that in this world 00:32:58.199 --> 00:32:59.599 we will have troubles, 00:32:59.720 --> 00:33:00.599 but take heart 00:33:00.599 --> 00:33:02.119 for he has overcome 00:33:02.119 --> 00:33:03.199 the world. 00:33:04.079 --> 00:33:05.539 And he will come again. 00:33:06.859 --> 00:33:07.879 He will return 00:33:07.879 --> 00:33:09.459 to break the teeth 00:33:09.459 --> 00:33:10.439 of the wicked. 00:33:10.659 --> 00:33:12.019 He will finally crush 00:33:12.019 --> 00:33:13.500 the head of the serpent 00:33:13.500 --> 00:33:15.659 and all who join him 00:33:15.659 --> 00:33:17.099 in rebellion against the Lord. 00:33:17.259 --> 00:33:18.079 And he will come 00:33:18.079 --> 00:33:19.599 to bring salvation 00:33:19.599 --> 00:33:21.000 and blessing 00:33:21.000 --> 00:33:21.879 to his people. 00:33:23.980 --> 00:33:26.500 This is the confident hope 00:33:26.500 --> 00:33:29.139 of all of God's people. 00:33:30.539 --> 00:33:31.299 Do you have it? 00:33:32.740 --> 00:33:34.219 Is this how we face 00:33:34.219 --> 00:33:35.019 the dangers 00:33:35.019 --> 00:33:36.059 of our life? 00:33:37.839 --> 00:33:38.839 You may have noticed 00:33:38.839 --> 00:33:39.959 that we've quoted 00:33:39.959 --> 00:33:40.740 from John Newton 00:33:40.740 --> 00:33:41.959 more than a few times 00:33:41.959 --> 00:33:42.379 this morning. 00:33:43.519 --> 00:33:44.719 And we're going to close 00:33:44.719 --> 00:33:46.000 now this morning 00:33:46.000 --> 00:33:47.000 with another one 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:47.599 of his works 00:33:47.599 --> 00:33:48.819 as we respond 00:33:48.819 --> 00:33:49.339 by singing 00:33:49.339 --> 00:33:50.279 Amazing Grace. 00:33:50.539 --> 00:33:51.439 How sweet the sound. 00:33:51.539 --> 00:33:52.799 There's a line in there. 00:33:53.019 --> 00:33:53.740 I'm sure you know it. 00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:54.500 It goes like this. 00:33:55.639 --> 00:33:56.859 Through many dangers, 00:33:57.219 --> 00:33:57.619 toils, 00:33:57.779 --> 00:33:58.480 and snares, 00:33:58.819 --> 00:34:00.579 I have already come. 00:34:01.959 --> 00:34:02.599 T'was grace 00:34:02.599 --> 00:34:03.619 that brought me safe 00:34:03.619 --> 00:34:04.359 thus far, 00:34:04.459 --> 00:34:05.059 and grace 00:34:05.059 --> 00:34:06.559 shall lead me home. 00:34:06.659 --> 00:34:07.439 This is our hope. 00:34:08.099 --> 00:34:08.559 Let's pray. 00:34:08.559 --> 00:34:08.579 Let's pray. 00:34:08.579 --> 00:34:14.779 Lord, 00:34:14.900 --> 00:34:15.699 you know better 00:34:15.699 --> 00:34:16.299 than we do 00:34:16.299 --> 00:34:17.099 the many dangers 00:34:17.099 --> 00:34:17.819 that we face 00:34:17.819 --> 00:34:18.360 every day. 00:34:19.199 --> 00:34:20.480 Not just physically, 00:34:20.799 --> 00:34:20.960 Lord, 00:34:21.039 --> 00:34:21.719 that's real, 00:34:21.900 --> 00:34:23.199 that's a part of it, 00:34:23.279 --> 00:34:23.440 Lord, 00:34:23.519 --> 00:34:24.779 our suffering is real, 00:34:24.880 --> 00:34:25.739 but spiritually, 00:34:26.099 --> 00:34:26.440 God, 00:34:27.159 --> 00:34:28.059 we need you. 00:34:29.079 --> 00:34:30.400 And we praise you 00:34:30.400 --> 00:34:30.960 for the help 00:34:30.960 --> 00:34:31.699 that you've given us 00:34:31.699 --> 00:34:32.319 in Christ, 00:34:32.579 --> 00:34:33.279 the salvation 00:34:33.279 --> 00:34:34.679 that you've given us 00:34:34.679 --> 00:34:35.179 in him 00:34:35.179 --> 00:34:37.480 for eternal security, 00:34:37.659 --> 00:34:38.739 for eternal joy, 00:34:38.859 --> 00:34:40.019 for eternal peace, 00:34:40.099 --> 00:34:41.239 for eternal protection. 00:34:42.039 --> 00:34:42.899 So we long 00:34:42.899 --> 00:34:43.319 and we pray 00:34:43.319 --> 00:34:43.919 for that day 00:34:43.919 --> 00:34:44.759 to soon come 00:34:44.759 --> 00:34:46.759 when Christ would return 00:34:46.759 --> 00:34:47.679 and judge the wicked 00:34:47.679 --> 00:34:49.199 and save his people. 00:34:49.599 --> 00:34:50.519 We pray in Christ's name. 00:34:51.199 --> 00:34:51.460 Amen.