Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Last week we started this study of Philippians 4:8 by noticing the instruction given to the believer about the importance of thinking. There is a battle that is fought over the mind of the believer. Satan started that battle in the garden of Eden when he came to Eve and said “. . . Yea, hath God said Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” The serpent (Satan) put doubt in the mind of Eve about the Word of God. He then changed the Word of God and the battle for the mind of mankind has raged on and on and will continue till the Lord puts an end to Satan once and for all.
The mind of the man, as is every other part, is under the control of the flesh or under the control of the Holy Spirit. We make a choice. Paul is exhorting us to make the choice to think on things that are honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report. Of course, the perfect thing to think on is the Word of God and when we do great things happen. Paul put it this way in Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, . . .” As we think on the Word of God our lives are transformed. So you see how important our mind is in our growth.
First of all, Paul gives instructions. Secondly:
PAUL GIVES ITEMS
Paul not only gives some instructions as to the importance of thinking but he goes on to give some items that ought to be in the thinking process of the child of God. Notice verse 8 as he gives the believer a list: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
1. Right Thinking Guards Our Character
This is covered in the first three items mentioned. This has to do with the personal inner life or character of the believer.
Someone has described Character as “Being achieved; not received.” Character grows out of the substance of a person’s soul. Notice the items listed that guard our character:
True Thoughts
Paul tells us that we’re to think true thoughts. He’s talking about those things which are true in character. He’s talking about things that are real in contrast to that which is phony. The only thing that fits that description is the Word of God. Jesus Himself said in John 17;17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
Honest Thoughts
Paul is talking about those things that are worthy and respectable. The word “honest” is the same word that’s used in the qualification for deacons. The deacons were to be men “of honest report.” The idea there is integrity. They were to be men of integrity.
Paul is really saying here that we are to have thoughts of integrity.
Just Thoughts
Paul is saying to us believers that our thoughts are to be righteous and godly. Remember this: the things we think influence our lives. As we think on things which are “true, honest and just,” we will find ourselves behaving in the same way. That should cause us to think about what kind of thoughts that we have.
2. Right Thinking Guides Our Conduct
In verse 8 Paul lists three things that apply to our public life. He’s talking about how we relate to each other.
Pure Thoughts
There is more here than just our actions. Paul is including our motives. What a person does is important, but it’s also important why a person does what he does.
In Paul’s writings he emphasized purity in a person’s life. How can a person live pure, unless their thoughts are pure. Remember, our lives must be pure because we’re indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
Lovely Thoughts
The word “lovely” speaks of that which exercises love. Paul is speaking about thoughts which promotes brotherly love and creates agreement.
How can we be loving toward one another if our thoughts toward one another are not right? Think about that person who is irritating to be around. What kind of thoughts do you have toward them? Are we supposed to love them? We read in John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” There is no exception clause in that verse.
Good Report Thoughts
This speaks of that which is winsome and attractive.
All these things mentioned here in this verse involve our relationship with other people. Thinking these kind of thoughts lead to actions that develop our relationship with them.
If a person is always thinking about revenge, hurts and wounds, he will behave in that manner toward others. But, if he’s thinking pure thoughts, lovely thoughts and thoughts of good report, he will act differently toward others.
Two last thoughts:
1. On what do we think? Our thoughts are in need of examination. We read in Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts?” This should be our desire and prayer!
2. How can we improve our thought life? You answer that for yourself and I’ll answer it for myself. It may mean more time in the Word of God. It could mean less time reading certain printed material or watching certain movies or television. Consider what we think on.
That’s my view; how about you?
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
HOW IMPORTANT IS THINKING?
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, what soever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
For the next two weeks I want us to consider what the Lord has to say about the use of our mind. I’m afraid that early in my life I didn’t apply myself to the potential the mind has, and if I did, I was guilty of programming it with useless information. Let’s consider what God has to say.
One of the most interesting things in the entire world is something that weighs only about 1.5 kg – the human brain. I’m told that this small creation of God has a computing power greater than that of the 100 largest computers that have ever been invented. I’m amazed about these facts but the most incredible thing about the human brain is that it can think the things of God. I Corinthians 2:16 Paul writes “For who hath known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” Think about it! We can know the mind of God!
The human mind is very powerful. If our mind believes something and desires to obtain it, then our affections will automatically follow. That could be scary because original sin started as a thought. But, on the other hand, when guided by the Word of God the individual can know the will of God for his or her life.
Someone has said the battles of life are won or lost in the mind. I have learned that’s why Satan concentrates his attack at tge mind. Satan know that our brain is like a sponge soaking up information around us. Dr. Tim LaHaye wrote a book entitled “The Battle For Your Mind.” He reminds that there is a battle that rages for our mind (thought life). If he wins the battle, Satan controls our life.
Of course, God knows this and has given us instruction about the use of that mind.
PAUL GIVES INSTRUCTION
Notice verse 8 again “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; (notice this last part) if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
The word “if” is not a word of uncertainty. Paul's not saying that he's not sure about these things. You could interject the word "since" or "because." - since or because there is virtue and since or because there is praise, think on these things.
The Word of God has a lot to say about our thought life. Even the Psalmist wrote about it. Notice Psalm 119:78 "Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts." He was going to meditate on that which was important - the Word of God.
What does Paul say we’re to think upon:
1. We’re To Have Proper Thoughts
The word “virtuous” means “excellent”. A question we must ask ourselves is what we’re thinking excellent? Does the TV, radio, movie or conversation with family and friends cause us to think excellent thoughts?
The word “praise” carries the meaning of “praiseworthy’. Is what I’m thinking praiseworthy or condemning?
In both of these words Paul is describing a proper thought life. As a child of God we should desire a proper thought life. In fact, we ought to develop a proper thought life. That’s what the Apostle Paul is exhorting us in this verse.
This is why the Psalmist wrote in 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
2. We’re To Have Practical Thoughts
Look at the last part of verse 8 "whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
The word “think” means “to give careful reflection.” This word has the idea of calculation. Paul is trying to get across to us that the thoughts of the believer should be thoughts that are careful and logical.
In other parts of the Word of God the word “think” is translated “account, reckon, reason and conclude.” The idea behind the word "think" is taking account of things with the view of committing ourself to it once we've considered it. When we consider what Paul is saying here, the child of God will turn what we think about into practical deeds and actions. That means our thinking must be proper and practical.
I am not a farmer. I don’t pretend or even desire to be one, but I do know that when the farmer goes out to raise his crops, he sows to reap. If he wants to harvest a good crop, he has to sow good seed. That's what it is in the life of us believers. What we think about will end up being put into shoe leather. We will end up acting as we think. The wise man Solomon wrote in Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: . . .” So our thinking must be right.
This thought will be continued next week!
That’s my view; how about you.
For the next two weeks I want us to consider what the Lord has to say about the use of our mind. I’m afraid that early in my life I didn’t apply myself to the potential the mind has, and if I did, I was guilty of programming it with useless information. Let’s consider what God has to say.
One of the most interesting things in the entire world is something that weighs only about 1.5 kg – the human brain. I’m told that this small creation of God has a computing power greater than that of the 100 largest computers that have ever been invented. I’m amazed about these facts but the most incredible thing about the human brain is that it can think the things of God. I Corinthians 2:16 Paul writes “For who hath known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” Think about it! We can know the mind of God!
The human mind is very powerful. If our mind believes something and desires to obtain it, then our affections will automatically follow. That could be scary because original sin started as a thought. But, on the other hand, when guided by the Word of God the individual can know the will of God for his or her life.
Someone has said the battles of life are won or lost in the mind. I have learned that’s why Satan concentrates his attack at tge mind. Satan know that our brain is like a sponge soaking up information around us. Dr. Tim LaHaye wrote a book entitled “The Battle For Your Mind.” He reminds that there is a battle that rages for our mind (thought life). If he wins the battle, Satan controls our life.
Of course, God knows this and has given us instruction about the use of that mind.
PAUL GIVES INSTRUCTION
Notice verse 8 again “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; (notice this last part) if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
The word “if” is not a word of uncertainty. Paul's not saying that he's not sure about these things. You could interject the word "since" or "because." - since or because there is virtue and since or because there is praise, think on these things.
The Word of God has a lot to say about our thought life. Even the Psalmist wrote about it. Notice Psalm 119:78 "Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts." He was going to meditate on that which was important - the Word of God.
What does Paul say we’re to think upon:
1. We’re To Have Proper Thoughts
The word “virtuous” means “excellent”. A question we must ask ourselves is what we’re thinking excellent? Does the TV, radio, movie or conversation with family and friends cause us to think excellent thoughts?
The word “praise” carries the meaning of “praiseworthy’. Is what I’m thinking praiseworthy or condemning?
In both of these words Paul is describing a proper thought life. As a child of God we should desire a proper thought life. In fact, we ought to develop a proper thought life. That’s what the Apostle Paul is exhorting us in this verse.
This is why the Psalmist wrote in 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
2. We’re To Have Practical Thoughts
Look at the last part of verse 8 "whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
The word “think” means “to give careful reflection.” This word has the idea of calculation. Paul is trying to get across to us that the thoughts of the believer should be thoughts that are careful and logical.
In other parts of the Word of God the word “think” is translated “account, reckon, reason and conclude.” The idea behind the word "think" is taking account of things with the view of committing ourself to it once we've considered it. When we consider what Paul is saying here, the child of God will turn what we think about into practical deeds and actions. That means our thinking must be proper and practical.
I am not a farmer. I don’t pretend or even desire to be one, but I do know that when the farmer goes out to raise his crops, he sows to reap. If he wants to harvest a good crop, he has to sow good seed. That's what it is in the life of us believers. What we think about will end up being put into shoe leather. We will end up acting as we think. The wise man Solomon wrote in Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: . . .” So our thinking must be right.
This thought will be continued next week!
That’s my view; how about you.
Monday, August 16, 2010
GOD WANTS TO DO GREAT THINGS
One of my favorite verses in the entire Word of God is Joshua 3:5 “And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
In this address to the people, Joshua gives them a message from God. His words here in verse 5 contain not only a command, but a tremendous promise. Remember, this challenge was given to a people who had just lost their leader (Moses) and had spent the past forty years wandering in the wilderness. They had seen funeral after funeral as their friends and relatives had died because of their lack of faith. The message must have brought encouragement and anticipation, but at the same time maybe a little apprehension. They were approaching a land flowing with “milk and Honey,” but there were also giants and walled cities.
Notice what God’s man does as he prepares the people of God to enter Canaan, the land that God had promised years before: (I’m not going to spend much time on the first two points, nor the last point)
1. THERE IS A COMMAND (v 1-2)
Notice verses 1-2 “And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. And they commanded the people, saying When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.”
Joshua, the general, moves the army of Israel (probably 600,000 or more) from Shittim in the plains of Moab, to the river Jordan. It is here that Joshua reminds his officers of the role each tribe would play in this engagement. They also prepared everything they needed for this invasion.
2. THERE IS A CHALLENGE (v 3-4)
Many times there is a test before God works a miracle. This is to be no exception. Notice “. . . When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.” When God moved, they were to move. They were not to move if God didn’t move. Oh, I wish I had been mature enough to know this as a young man. Too many times, I moved when God didn’t move. How about you?
Notice verse 4 “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go for ye have not passed this way heretofore.” They were not to get too close to the Ark (presence of God). Remember Uzzah? Today, there is not enough respect for God, even among believers. Dr. Warren Wiersbe writes ““God is our companion as we go through life, but we dare not treat him like a ‘Buddy.’” He’s not the “Big guy up there” or “Our Co-Pilot.” He’s Almighty God. The nation of Israel was to respect that and we must too.
3. THERE IS CLEANSING (v 5)
Notice verse 5 “And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
As I said in my introductory remarks, this is both a command and a promise. God promises that He is going to do something miraculous in their midst, but first they were to “sanctify” themselves. And what does that mean? What is entailed? How does it relate to us?
Adam Clark’s Commentary: “(Sanctify yourselves) What was implied in this command we are not informed; but it is likely that it was the same as that given by Moses, Ex 19:10-14. They were to wash themselves and their garments, and abstain from everything that might indispose their minds from a profitable attention to the miracle about to be wrought in their behalf.”
The image of washing and changing clothing was a symbol of a new beginning with the Lord. Since sin is a defilement, God has to cleanse us before we can truly follow Him, or even worship Him for that matter.
Do you remember the story of David’s baby at death’s door. David mourned and cried for his baby, but then the baby died. What did he do? Notice what we read in II Samuel 12:20 “Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.”
Before David worshiped, there was a time of cleansing. He didn’t want to enter into the presence of God, without doing what was necessary to be clean and pure.
I’m writing this on Saturday evening. Tomorrow I will go to church to worship God, not that this is the only time in the week I can worship. This will be public worship with other like-minded believer. Will I be clean? Will I be in a right relationship so that I can worship? Is there sin in my life? These are questions that should be answered before tomorrow morning. If I find that there is sin in my life then I must take care of that by confessing those sins and I’m glad that God promises He will forgive. We read in I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” To “confess” means to say the same thing about our sin as God say about our sin.
Cleansing is important for God’s people. We cannot see God perform the miracle we need without having a clean heart and life.
4. THERE IS CONQUEST (v 17)
Notice verse 17 “And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.”
The nation of Israel saw a great miracle as the army of the Lord’s people walked through the water on dry ground. This was the first of God’s miracle on behalf othe His people. They saw the Lord conquer the city of Jericho and give them victory after victory through the land of promise.
There is no end to the victories that a clean vessel in the hands of Almighty God can experience.
Are we willing to believe God, sanctify ourselves. and trust God in our lives? What miracle do we need in our life?
That's my view; how about you?
In this address to the people, Joshua gives them a message from God. His words here in verse 5 contain not only a command, but a tremendous promise. Remember, this challenge was given to a people who had just lost their leader (Moses) and had spent the past forty years wandering in the wilderness. They had seen funeral after funeral as their friends and relatives had died because of their lack of faith. The message must have brought encouragement and anticipation, but at the same time maybe a little apprehension. They were approaching a land flowing with “milk and Honey,” but there were also giants and walled cities.
Notice what God’s man does as he prepares the people of God to enter Canaan, the land that God had promised years before: (I’m not going to spend much time on the first two points, nor the last point)
1. THERE IS A COMMAND (v 1-2)
Notice verses 1-2 “And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. And they commanded the people, saying When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.”
Joshua, the general, moves the army of Israel (probably 600,000 or more) from Shittim in the plains of Moab, to the river Jordan. It is here that Joshua reminds his officers of the role each tribe would play in this engagement. They also prepared everything they needed for this invasion.
2. THERE IS A CHALLENGE (v 3-4)
Many times there is a test before God works a miracle. This is to be no exception. Notice “. . . When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.” When God moved, they were to move. They were not to move if God didn’t move. Oh, I wish I had been mature enough to know this as a young man. Too many times, I moved when God didn’t move. How about you?
Notice verse 4 “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go for ye have not passed this way heretofore.” They were not to get too close to the Ark (presence of God). Remember Uzzah? Today, there is not enough respect for God, even among believers. Dr. Warren Wiersbe writes ““God is our companion as we go through life, but we dare not treat him like a ‘Buddy.’” He’s not the “Big guy up there” or “Our Co-Pilot.” He’s Almighty God. The nation of Israel was to respect that and we must too.
3. THERE IS CLEANSING (v 5)
Notice verse 5 “And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
As I said in my introductory remarks, this is both a command and a promise. God promises that He is going to do something miraculous in their midst, but first they were to “sanctify” themselves. And what does that mean? What is entailed? How does it relate to us?
Adam Clark’s Commentary: “(Sanctify yourselves) What was implied in this command we are not informed; but it is likely that it was the same as that given by Moses, Ex 19:10-14. They were to wash themselves and their garments, and abstain from everything that might indispose their minds from a profitable attention to the miracle about to be wrought in their behalf.”
The image of washing and changing clothing was a symbol of a new beginning with the Lord. Since sin is a defilement, God has to cleanse us before we can truly follow Him, or even worship Him for that matter.
Do you remember the story of David’s baby at death’s door. David mourned and cried for his baby, but then the baby died. What did he do? Notice what we read in II Samuel 12:20 “Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.”
Before David worshiped, there was a time of cleansing. He didn’t want to enter into the presence of God, without doing what was necessary to be clean and pure.
I’m writing this on Saturday evening. Tomorrow I will go to church to worship God, not that this is the only time in the week I can worship. This will be public worship with other like-minded believer. Will I be clean? Will I be in a right relationship so that I can worship? Is there sin in my life? These are questions that should be answered before tomorrow morning. If I find that there is sin in my life then I must take care of that by confessing those sins and I’m glad that God promises He will forgive. We read in I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” To “confess” means to say the same thing about our sin as God say about our sin.
Cleansing is important for God’s people. We cannot see God perform the miracle we need without having a clean heart and life.
4. THERE IS CONQUEST (v 17)
Notice verse 17 “And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.”
The nation of Israel saw a great miracle as the army of the Lord’s people walked through the water on dry ground. This was the first of God’s miracle on behalf othe His people. They saw the Lord conquer the city of Jericho and give them victory after victory through the land of promise.
There is no end to the victories that a clean vessel in the hands of Almighty God can experience.
Are we willing to believe God, sanctify ourselves. and trust God in our lives? What miracle do we need in our life?
That's my view; how about you?
Monday, August 9, 2010
GOD IS MY SOURCE
For the last two weeks we have been looking at the declarations made by the Psalmist in Psalm 36:7-10. He first talked about GOD IS MY SAFETY. He declared that the lovingkindness of God resulted in the child of God finding shelter “under the shadow of thy wings.” That’s comforting to know that we can run to him and find shelter in times of need.
Secondly, the Psalmist declared that GOD IS MY SATISFACTION. At God’s table there is abundant fatness and rivers of pleasures. The unsaved have no clue as to the satisfaction that comes when we trust God. The lost world looks for satisfaction in the things of the world, but they are never satisfied. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
This week we are going to place our focus on the source of our safety and satisfaction: GOD IS MY SOURCE
Notice our text verses again: Psalm 36:7-10 “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.”
Who or what is the source of our life? God? Are we able to say "God is my Source!" Notice what the psalmist says about God being his source:
HE IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE – Notice the first part of verse 9 “For with thee is the fountain of life: . . .”
Notice other scriptures:
• John 1:4 "In him was life; and the life was the light of men."
• John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
• John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
In our text the phrase “fountain of life” means “spring of water” or “living water.” This was the spring that the woman at the well experienced from Jesus Christ.
When I was a kid my grandfather worked at the Anniston Water Works in Coldwater , Alabama. The springs which were located there was pumped to towns and countryside all around that area of Alabama. I loved to go down there and visit my grandfather at the “Pumping Station” as we called it. I also liked to go out to the spillway where all the water that was excess from useage, spilled over and developed Coldwater Creek. Granddad kept a cup tied to the bridge for his own private use, and of course that included grandchildren. As I would dip that cup in the cold water of the springs, it would be refreshing to my taste.
That took place from about 1945 through early 1950’s. That spring has never run dry and the living water which Jesus gives never runs dry either. I tasted of that living water in 1948 as an 8 year old boy and that water, which satisfies eternally, is available to anyone who would answer the call of the Holy Spirit today. I have never regretted tasting of that water.
HE IS THE SOURCE OF LIGHT – Notice the rest of verse 9 “. . . : in thy light shall we see light.”
Notice also the words of Jesus in John 8:12 ". . . I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Adam Clark writes “No man can illuminate his own soul; all understanding must come from above.” The world is walking in darkness because they do not know the light. Sometimes we get frustrated or even angry with the lost world around us, but in reality they can’t do anything but walk in darkness. Why? Because they don’t have the light of life. They don’t know Jesus as their personal Savior. They can’t walk in light because they don’t have the light.
Since you and I have been given the light, we then have a responsibility. Jesus spoke about that in Matthew 5:14 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
It is our responsibility to let our light shine and look for opportunities to tell the lost world where they too can receive the light of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ.
HE IS THE SOURCE OF LOVINGKINDNESS – Notice the first part of verse 10 “O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; . . .”
The Psalmist is actually asking no more than the mercy and grace thah has already been shown to the believer. The lovingkindness of our God is full of mercy and compassion as He looks upon us.
Notice these verses:
• Psalms 63:3 “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.”
• Psalms 26:3 "For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth."
I’m not sure that the Psalmist had doubts about God continuing to show His mercy and grace but is asking in accordance to the character of God. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and will continue to shower his mercy and grace upon His trusting children.
There’s a very good illustration of this found in the life of Rachel. When God blessed her with a son she named him Joseph, which signifies adding or increase. She said "The Lord shall add to me another son." What Rachel was saying that since God has begun to show kindness to me, He will give me another son also.
Likewise, since God has begun to shower His lovingkindness upon me, He will continue to do so. What a joyful thought that is.
God is all we need. He is the sounce of Life; the source of Light; the source of Lovingkindness. What else could we need!
That’s my view: how about you?
Secondly, the Psalmist declared that GOD IS MY SATISFACTION. At God’s table there is abundant fatness and rivers of pleasures. The unsaved have no clue as to the satisfaction that comes when we trust God. The lost world looks for satisfaction in the things of the world, but they are never satisfied. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
This week we are going to place our focus on the source of our safety and satisfaction: GOD IS MY SOURCE
Notice our text verses again: Psalm 36:7-10 “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.”
Who or what is the source of our life? God? Are we able to say "God is my Source!" Notice what the psalmist says about God being his source:
HE IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE – Notice the first part of verse 9 “For with thee is the fountain of life: . . .”
Notice other scriptures:
• John 1:4 "In him was life; and the life was the light of men."
• John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
• John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
In our text the phrase “fountain of life” means “spring of water” or “living water.” This was the spring that the woman at the well experienced from Jesus Christ.
When I was a kid my grandfather worked at the Anniston Water Works in Coldwater , Alabama. The springs which were located there was pumped to towns and countryside all around that area of Alabama. I loved to go down there and visit my grandfather at the “Pumping Station” as we called it. I also liked to go out to the spillway where all the water that was excess from useage, spilled over and developed Coldwater Creek. Granddad kept a cup tied to the bridge for his own private use, and of course that included grandchildren. As I would dip that cup in the cold water of the springs, it would be refreshing to my taste.
That took place from about 1945 through early 1950’s. That spring has never run dry and the living water which Jesus gives never runs dry either. I tasted of that living water in 1948 as an 8 year old boy and that water, which satisfies eternally, is available to anyone who would answer the call of the Holy Spirit today. I have never regretted tasting of that water.
HE IS THE SOURCE OF LIGHT – Notice the rest of verse 9 “. . . : in thy light shall we see light.”
Notice also the words of Jesus in John 8:12 ". . . I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Adam Clark writes “No man can illuminate his own soul; all understanding must come from above.” The world is walking in darkness because they do not know the light. Sometimes we get frustrated or even angry with the lost world around us, but in reality they can’t do anything but walk in darkness. Why? Because they don’t have the light of life. They don’t know Jesus as their personal Savior. They can’t walk in light because they don’t have the light.
Since you and I have been given the light, we then have a responsibility. Jesus spoke about that in Matthew 5:14 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
It is our responsibility to let our light shine and look for opportunities to tell the lost world where they too can receive the light of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ.
HE IS THE SOURCE OF LOVINGKINDNESS – Notice the first part of verse 10 “O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; . . .”
The Psalmist is actually asking no more than the mercy and grace thah has already been shown to the believer. The lovingkindness of our God is full of mercy and compassion as He looks upon us.
Notice these verses:
• Psalms 63:3 “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.”
• Psalms 26:3 "For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth."
I’m not sure that the Psalmist had doubts about God continuing to show His mercy and grace but is asking in accordance to the character of God. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and will continue to shower his mercy and grace upon His trusting children.
There’s a very good illustration of this found in the life of Rachel. When God blessed her with a son she named him Joseph, which signifies adding or increase. She said "The Lord shall add to me another son." What Rachel was saying that since God has begun to show kindness to me, He will give me another son also.
Likewise, since God has begun to shower His lovingkindness upon me, He will continue to do so. What a joyful thought that is.
God is all we need. He is the sounce of Life; the source of Light; the source of Lovingkindness. What else could we need!
That’s my view: how about you?
Monday, August 2, 2010
GOD IS MY SATISFACTION
Psalm 36:7-10 “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.”
Last week our focus was on verse 7 where we emphasized that “GOD IS MY SAFETY.” This week we are to understand what the Psalmist is saying about God. Notice verse 8 “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.”
I don’t know that America has ever seen such times of dissatisfaction. People are dissatisfied with their job, house, church, physical looks, and circumstances. Many are dissatisfied with both the democrats and republicans. In regard to the latter, I just don’t blame them. And in this case, the dissatisfaction is probably going to be seen in the ballot box.
Many people want more of what they have. If having more would satisfy, then we would be the most satisfied people in the world. All of us have more than our parents and even more than we had when we were younger. But, having more does not make us happy or satisfied.
So what brings satisfaction. It’s according to what a person values or does not value. Meir Kahane wrote “Every man judges his own happiness and satisfaction with life in terms of his possession or lack of possession of those things that he considers worthwhile and valuable.”
That brings us to the question: “What do we consider worthwhile? What is valuable to us?” I’ve come to realize that satisfaction is not found in ourself or anything tangible. The wise man Solomon wrote in Proverbs 19:23 "The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil."
In our study today we see that the Psalmist has found his satisfaction for living in the safety of his God. Let’s think about a couple of things in regard to this satisfaction in God:
HE SATISFIES ABUNDANTLY – Notice the first part of verse 8 “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house;. . .”
We can enjoy all that’s in God’s house. One of the greatest stories in all the Bible is the story of Grace that was extended by David to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. If you’ll remember, instead of killing all of Saul’s family, David sought out this lame prince who was found in the city of Lodebar, which was the “arm pit” of the world. The king’s chariot took this young man from where he was to the king’s palace; not to be a servant but to eat at the king’s table.
What a picture of what has happened to the believer. Only the child of God has enough of all things concerning this life and the life to come. Truly, God satisfies abundantly.
HE SATISFIES OUR APPETITE – Notice these phrases in verse 8 “. . . satisfied with the fatness
. . and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.”
The “fatness” is the most excellent food you could imagine. Because God expects the best from us, so he gives the best to us. Notice the response of David in Psalm 63:5 "My soul is filled as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips." David couldn’t keep quiet when he feasted at the Lord’s table.
Isn’t it sad when so many so-called believers go through life and are satisfied with the scraps and fragments of what the world has to offer. It reminds me of the children of Israel on their way to a land flowing with milk and honey but came to a place where they longed for the leeks, onions and garlic of Egypt. Too many feast at the table filled with possessions and pleasure. Their appetite is not for spiritual food.
Why would this be? Why would so-called Christians be satisfied with the things of the world? Either they are not truly saved or they do not walk with the Lord on a daily basis. Satisfaction in our lives comes from developing our relationship with our God through the Lord Jesus Christ. That brings us to examine our walk with the Lord. Are we allowing His Word to feed us daily?
Listen to what the Apostle Paul wrote about his relationship with the Lord in Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." You must find your satisfaction in the Lord Himself. What satisfies you?
Last week we examined the Psalmist declaration that GOD IS MY SAFETY and this week GOD IS MY SATISFACTION. We will continue this for one more week.
That’s my view; how about you?
Last week our focus was on verse 7 where we emphasized that “GOD IS MY SAFETY.” This week we are to understand what the Psalmist is saying about God. Notice verse 8 “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.”
I don’t know that America has ever seen such times of dissatisfaction. People are dissatisfied with their job, house, church, physical looks, and circumstances. Many are dissatisfied with both the democrats and republicans. In regard to the latter, I just don’t blame them. And in this case, the dissatisfaction is probably going to be seen in the ballot box.
Many people want more of what they have. If having more would satisfy, then we would be the most satisfied people in the world. All of us have more than our parents and even more than we had when we were younger. But, having more does not make us happy or satisfied.
So what brings satisfaction. It’s according to what a person values or does not value. Meir Kahane wrote “Every man judges his own happiness and satisfaction with life in terms of his possession or lack of possession of those things that he considers worthwhile and valuable.”
That brings us to the question: “What do we consider worthwhile? What is valuable to us?” I’ve come to realize that satisfaction is not found in ourself or anything tangible. The wise man Solomon wrote in Proverbs 19:23 "The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil."
In our study today we see that the Psalmist has found his satisfaction for living in the safety of his God. Let’s think about a couple of things in regard to this satisfaction in God:
HE SATISFIES ABUNDANTLY – Notice the first part of verse 8 “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house;. . .”
We can enjoy all that’s in God’s house. One of the greatest stories in all the Bible is the story of Grace that was extended by David to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. If you’ll remember, instead of killing all of Saul’s family, David sought out this lame prince who was found in the city of Lodebar, which was the “arm pit” of the world. The king’s chariot took this young man from where he was to the king’s palace; not to be a servant but to eat at the king’s table.
What a picture of what has happened to the believer. Only the child of God has enough of all things concerning this life and the life to come. Truly, God satisfies abundantly.
HE SATISFIES OUR APPETITE – Notice these phrases in verse 8 “. . . satisfied with the fatness
. . and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.”
The “fatness” is the most excellent food you could imagine. Because God expects the best from us, so he gives the best to us. Notice the response of David in Psalm 63:5 "My soul is filled as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips." David couldn’t keep quiet when he feasted at the Lord’s table.
Isn’t it sad when so many so-called believers go through life and are satisfied with the scraps and fragments of what the world has to offer. It reminds me of the children of Israel on their way to a land flowing with milk and honey but came to a place where they longed for the leeks, onions and garlic of Egypt. Too many feast at the table filled with possessions and pleasure. Their appetite is not for spiritual food.
Why would this be? Why would so-called Christians be satisfied with the things of the world? Either they are not truly saved or they do not walk with the Lord on a daily basis. Satisfaction in our lives comes from developing our relationship with our God through the Lord Jesus Christ. That brings us to examine our walk with the Lord. Are we allowing His Word to feed us daily?
Listen to what the Apostle Paul wrote about his relationship with the Lord in Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." You must find your satisfaction in the Lord Himself. What satisfies you?
Last week we examined the Psalmist declaration that GOD IS MY SAFETY and this week GOD IS MY SATISFACTION. We will continue this for one more week.
That’s my view; how about you?
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