Who Did Sin?

 

JOHN 9:1-7 

SUBJECT: ADVERSITY’S SOURCE

THEME: Understanding that Sin is often the Source of Our Troubles and Adversities Could Prompt Us to Make Decisions That Help Us Avoid Some of Life’s Difficulties and Trials.  We Must Also Learn How to Respond to Adversity to Ensure That It is a Help to Us and Not Our Ruin.

RELEVANCY: How do we respond when various forms of testing come into our lives? Do we complain bitterly against the misfortunes of life, or do we rejoice and thank the Lord for them?  Do we advertise our trials or do we bear them quietly?  Do we live in the future, waiting for our circumstances to improve, or do we live in the present, seeking to see the hand of God in all that comes our way? Do we indulge in self-pity and seek sympathy or do we submerge self in a life of service for others? 

INTRODUCTION:

As Jesus and His disciples passed through Jerusalem, they came upon a man who had been blind from birth. This surfaced a question in the minds of the disciples that they must have been wrestling with for some time.

John 9:2, And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

Their Dilemma Was Based upon a Wrong Assumption They Had Been Taught All Their Lives, Namely, That Illness Is a Sign of God's Judgment. There was no question in their minds that someone had sinned. But who?

The Disciples Were Trying from Their Limited Perspective to Answer a Question We Often Find Ourselves Asking. It Is the Why Question. Why did this happen? Who is responsible for this? Why did my son run away? Why did my father contract cancer? Why did our house burn? Why did I lose my job? Why was I sued?   Subconsciously or consciously, verbally or silently, these questions spring to our minds and lips.   Are they good questions to ask?

The questions are endless. Each of us has a specific list.  Sometimes there is so much emotion involved we dare not even allow ourselves to verbalize the frustration we feel because asking for and finding no clear-cut answer threatens the foundation of all we believe about God and His goodness. And yet, the questions still linger.       

We have already looked at the fact that God is sometimes the source of our adversity, and we said that God always has our good in mind when He is responsible for our troubles. We also admonished you to be sure to respond to adversity with an attitude of trust in God’s plan and will working in our in your lives. Today we want to look at another sources of adversity…sin.

MESSAGE:

COULD SIN BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY ADVERSITY?

James 1:14-15, But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. [15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Matthew 15:19, For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

God is not the only source of adversity. Oftentimes adversity comes as a result of our own actions. Jesus’ disciples were not completely off base in their approach to discerning the cause behind the man’s blindness. Adversity is in many cases the result of sin. In fact, sin always results in adversity of some kind. James writes about it in chapter 1 verses 14 and 15.

A. SIN ALWAYS RESULTS IN SOME FORM OF DEATH.

Genesis 2:17, But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Certainly, sin results in eternal spiritual death—the final separation of a person from God.  Sometimes it is immediate physical death, but usually it is more subtle. Sin causes our relationships to die. It causes our self-esteem to die. Certain sins kill healthy ambition and discipline. All of these forms of death result in adversity to some degree. 1 Tim. 5:6, But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

A Christian living in sin is wasting their lives and utterly failing to fulfill the purpose for which God saved them.  To be out of fellowship with God for a Christian is a form of the living dead.

   1.  Sin is the Source of Death in The Garden of Eden.

Romans 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

ILLUSTRATION:  The classic case would be the story of Adam and Eve. Their lives were free of adversity. There was no sickness, death, decay, or suffering of any kind in the Garden of Eden. There was no tension in their relationship with each other. Neither was there any conflict between them and the environment. They could not have wished for anything more. We are not sure how long Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden. We are certain, though, about why they had to leave-sin.

   2.  Sin is the Original Source of Many Adversities. (Gen. 3:14-24)

After they disobeyed God by eating of the forbidden fruit, everything changed.

      a.  Eve would experience pain in childbirth.

      b.  There would be the potential for conflict between the man and the woman.

      c.  There would even be conflict between man and his environment.

      d.  To top it all off, man would have to experience death and thus live his life under the shadow of that monumental foe.

      e.  Death brought with it fear, sorrow, doubt, and insecurity. All of these were the result of sin. From that moment on, life for Adam and Eve would be full of adversity-and all because of sin. 

B.  SIN IS THE ROOT OF ADVERSITY; THIS WAS NOT GOD’S ORIGINAL PLAN. (Gen. 1 & 2)

   1.  Adversity Is Not a Part of God’s Original Plan for Mankind.

This biblical narrative does more than simply illustrate the possible connection between sin and adversity.

      a.  This Passage Serves as the Foundation for Answering Many of Life's Toughest Questions. It is clear from even a casual reading of these first few chapters that God never intended for man to experience the adversity and sorrow brought about by our forefather’s sin.

      b.  Death Was Not a Part of God’s Original Plan for Man. Death Is an Interruption. It is God's enemy as well as man's. It is the opposite of all He desired to accomplish.

   2.  Sickness and Pain Are Not a Part of God’s Original Plan for Mankind. (Gen. 3:8-19)

Sorrow, Shame, Hiding, Fear, Blame Shifting, Strife/Enmity, and Pain all came into the world as a result of man’s sin.

       a.  Sickness and Pain Are Certainly No Friends of God. There was no sickness in the Garden of Eden. It was not a part of God's original plan for man.

       b.  The Ministry of Christ Bears Witness to this Truth. Everywhere He went He healed the sick. God shares our disdain for disease. Sickness is an intruder. It had no place in God's world in the beginning; it will have no place in His world in the end.

      c.  Death, Disease, Famine, Earthquakes, War-these Things Were Not Part of God's Original Plan. Yet they are part of our reality. Why? Did God loose His grip? Has He abandoned us? Is He no longer a good God? No. Our reality has been fashioned by Adam's choice to sin. And sin always results in adversity. Romans 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

C.  GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL GOODNESS; THIS IS STILL GOD’S PLAN. James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  

Sometimes we are quick to blame God for some of the tragedies we face, when in reality we brought these things upon ourselves.  When we blame God, we also question His goodness and integrity.

   1.  God's Goodness and Power Are Not to Be Measured in the Balance of the Tragedy and Adversity We Experience Day in and Day Out. If His goodness is to be questioned, let it be done in light of His original purpose as well as His ultimate plan.

Rev. 21:3-4, And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. [4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

It is God who will wipe away every tear. It is God who will do away with death, crying, pain, and sorrow.

   2.  Many Times We Have Adversity Because We Are Reaping What WE Have Sown!

Galatians 6:7-8, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

ILLUSTRATION: Jonah would have never ended up in a storm on the seas nor in the belly of a whale if he had obeyed God in going to Nineveh instead of going to Tarshish.  (Jonah 1; 1-5, 7, 9, 12, 14-15, 17).  He was reaping what he had sown.

   3.  God is Motivated to Bring About Good Because HE is Good!

Why will He do these things? Because He is a good and faithful God. How can He do such things? By the strength of His might. He is the all-powerful Sovereign of the universe. Nothing is too hard for Him.

       a.  God Has a Purpose for Everything That Happens to You.

Romans 5:3, And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

2 Cor. 4:17-18, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

            1.  Adversity Has a Positive Side. I realize that isn't a statement you are likely to hear very often. Your first response may have been, “Oh, really? You don't know what I'm going through!”

            2.  Viewing Adversity as Helpful Demands Real Faith.  To see the positive side of adversity is not wishful thinking, denial of reality, or pie-in-the-sky optimism. Rather, it is a statement of faith.

The positive side of adversity is rooted in two strong beliefs:

       b.  God Has a Plan and a Purpose for the Life of Every Believer, Including You. If you desire for God's plan and purpose to be accomplished in your life, the Lord will go to whatever lengths are necessary to see His plan and purpose fulfilled in your life. He will not go against your will, but if your will is to desire His will, then the Lord will move heaven and earth to see that His will is done in and through you. Believing this means, of course, that God can use any adversity that comes your way for His plan, to further your purposes on the earth or to work His purposes within your life.

         c.  Second, God Can Turn Things to Good for You Regardless of the Situation You Are Facing Today. You may think your life has derailed and crashed beyond any repair. But the Scriptures say, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28).

D.  WE ALL ARE LIVING EXAMPLES OF SIN LEADING TO ADVERSITY. The idea that adversity is sometimes the result of sin hardly needs biblical support. Each of us could give testimony to this principle.

   1.  Every Day Life Is Filled with Examples of Sin Resulting in Adversity.

ILLUSTRATIONS:  

       a.  Every speeding ticket or fine we have ever paid serves as evidence.

       b.  The last argument you had with your spouse, parent, or child probably stemmed from sin in some form or another.

       c.  The sorrow and pain caused by a divorce or even separation are always related in some way to sin.

       d.  Sometimes it is personal sin that brings adversity into our lives.

       e.  On other occasions the sin of someone else causes us difficulty. Jesus' disciples were not completely wrong; adversity and sin do go hand in hand.

As self-evident as this may seem, it is amazing how we sometimes cannot see, or refuse to see, the relationship. We tend to want to shift the blame on someone or something else.  (Gen. 3:12-13).

ILLUSTRATION:   I recently read about a mother who brought her teenage son to see a certain pastor in Atlanta, Ga. The problem, as she saw it, was her son's involvement with "the wrong crowd." She went on to explain how her son's interaction with this group had caused him to develop a bad attitude toward authority. As a result, he had become impossible to live with.

After several meetings, the truth finally surfaced. The situation was one in which the boy's mother had left her husband (the boy's father), and she was completely unwilling to work toward reconciling the relationship. The boy wanted to live with his father, but his mother would not hear of it. The pastor talked with the father on several occasions. He took responsibility for his part in the conflicts at home. He was willing to do whatever he had to do to get his family back together. His wife, on the other hand, would not budge.

When the pastor explained to the woman how a hostile separation usually affects the children involved, she became angry. "I told you why he is acting the way he is," she said, "It's his friends." Nothing that pastor said made any difference. She could not (or would not) see any connection between her son's behavior at home and her response to her husband. As far as she was concerned, the problem was her son's. On several occasions she was willing to publicly request prayer for herself in regard to the sorrow her son was causing her. But she never came to grips with the fact that the conflict she was experiencing with her son was directly related to her own sin.

   2.  Over Half of Our Adversities Are Sin Related.

It is hard to put a percentage on this, but I would guess that 60 to 70 percent of the people I counsel are suffering from the consequences of their own sin or the sin of another.

      a.  Our Sin Will Affect/Hurt Others.

Some of the most difficult counseling situations I deal with are those in which an innocent party is suffering from the disobedience of another. It always seems so unfair. Yet part of coping with that type of adversity is realizing its source-sin.

      b.  Sometimes All We Can Do Is Suffer.

I admit that this is not a very satisfying answer in some cases. One reason is that if I am suffering because of someone else's sin, there is really nothing I can do about it, except suffer! If it is my sin I am suffering from, I can at least take some consolation in the fact that if I had not erred in some way, I would not be suffering. But when it is truly someone else's fault, the situation can be extremely frustrating.

Later on we will discuss how to respond to different types of adversity. The point I am making here is that sometimes there is no explanation for adversity other than the fact that we are feeling the effects of our sin or someone else sin.

CONCLUSION:

Have you been so hung up on trying to figure out why adversity has come your way that perhaps you have missed God? Has the adversity in your life strengthened your faith, or has it weakened your faith? Adversity is a reality that none of us can avoid. Therefore, it is in your best interest to begin responding in such a way that the negative can be used, to accomplish the will of God in your life. And as you begin responding correctly, perhaps you will begin to understand why!

The Lord Has a Way of Arranging Things So That Good Comes from Bad. That's His very nature as Redeemer—to take what attempts to enslave us and to use it to free us. Not only that, but when the Lord redeems a situation, He also sends a message to other people who observe what God is doing in our lives. That message may bring about many different reactions—from conviction to repentance to praise. What God does for good in our lives is never limited to us; it is always for others, too.

Jesus taught this to His disciples through the healing of a man who was blind in Jerusalem. There was purpose to the man's adversity. The disciples saw his blindness as being caused by something bad. Jesus taught that the man's blindness was for the cause of something good.

 

A Choice Rooted in Grace

 

ROMANS 9:6-13 (VS. 11)

SUBJECT: ROMANS/ ISRAEL’S PAST

THEME: God’s entire redemptive economy rests on the foundation of his unchanging nature and character. As a result, we are assured without any disappointment by his mercy, power, and faithfulness.

INTRODUCTION:

Grace has been defined in several ways to convey its undeserved nature and to express its freedom of choice. Divine grace has historically and consistently conveyed God’s willingness to deal with mankind in the most undeserved fashions. In each case the choice is God’s as to whom he will show such unmerited favor to. When everyone of us deserved to be condemned because of our sin, God intervenes to show mercy on some…those who believe his promises…those who engaged him by faith.

It is also true that we humans get our inclinations for justice from God our Creator. He shared this trait with humanity. But that does not automatically mean we are ‘just’ in our behavior or that we hold fair views in all things. We all know there are times we actually reject what’s pure, consistent, warranted, fair, right, and just. Obviously, at times our system of justice needs to be updated and corrected to match our Creator’s. Certainly, we correctly expect God to do right and be fair.  

Now there are a few questions I hope to answer through this study:

1) What does it mean when the God of love says He loved Jacob but hated Esau?

2) Was God fair in putting Israel aside temporarily? What about all of God’s national promises?    

3) Have the promises of God failed Israel? Can they fail in our case also?   

4) After looking at His record, can God still be trusted today?

LESSON:

GOD’S REDEMPTIVE PLAN IN THE HISTORY OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD IN ISRAEL’S PAST SELECTION IS ACCORDING TO GRACE. (Rom. 9:6-13)

Rom. 9:11, (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

The “purpose of God according to election might stand” is key to grasping the importance of this passage.

“The purpose of God according to election means His determination to distribute His favors according to His sovereign will and good pleasure. This verse, incidentally, disproves the idea that God’s choice of Jacob was based on His foreknowledge of what Jacob would do. It specifically says that it was not made on the basis of works!”^[a]

Another point that needs to be understood from the outset is this term, “him that calleth”.

“God’s plan (8:28; 9:11), and not man’s works (4:2–6), is the basis of His election.”^[b]

GOD’S CALLINGS IN QUESTION: WHAT IS THE BASIS FOR ALL OF GOD’S CALLINGS CONCERNING ISRAEL? GOD’S CALLINGS ARE CONSISTENT WITH HIS PLAN. Rom 9:6-7, Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: [7] Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

The significance of “seed” contrasted with “children” is vital to our understanding.  

     1.  Historically Who Did God Call?

         a. God Called the Second-born Isaac Instead of Ishmael. The example of Ishmael and Isaac. Rom. 9:6, Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

God’s Callings is always effective, and God’s Word and Promises are never barren nor voided.

This verse is the heart of this discussion, and it supports the credibility of all of God’s claims, purposes and promises concerning Israel.  And reassures the Believer that there will be no breach of promise concerning our salvation.

                 1) They Are Not All Israel, Which Are of Israel. There is a difference between the Physical Descendants and the Spiritual Children of Abraham. God’s blessings did not belong to someone merely because they had the birthright or ethnically traced their heritage back to Abraham. He had offsprings by Hagar, Sarah, and Katurah, but the “Seed” was called in Isaac!

Rom. 9:7, Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called (Rom. 9:6-7).

God chose Isaac (Abraham's son through Sarah) over Ishmael (his son through Hagar).  Isaac in this usage is the “Promised Seed” of Abraham and as such, he is a picture and type of the Lord Jesus Christ the Promised Seed.  Just as in Isaac shall the seed be called also in Christ shall we be counted for the seed—heirs of God and children of promise!

Gal 4:28, Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

Gal 3:26-29, For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. [27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

                2) The Children of the Promise Are Counted for the Seed.

Rom. 9:8, That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. [9] For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.

                       a)  Nationally: Nationality and Being Born a Jew or a Descendant of Abraham has never been the basis for a person becoming an heir to the promises of God.  God’s sovereign election was never based on physical lineal descent.  Just because a person was born a Jew, does not automatically mean that they are saved.  It has always been salvation through faith and therefore we see how God can now justify Gentiles who believe on Christ.

                       b)  Spiritually: The principles of salvation are set forth in the calling and sovereign election of God because of His grace and through faith.  That means that salvation is not according to the products of the flesh or human desires, works, and efforts.  Those who believe the “promise” concerning the Seed Christ, are the Spiritual Children of Abraham.  These are the saved according to the grace of God and not according to their works!

        b.  God Called the Second-born Jacob Instead of Esau.  The example of Esau and Jacob

Rom. 9:10-13, And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; [11] (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) [12] It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. [13] As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

God chose Jacob (second-born twin of Isaac) over Esau (firstborn twin). Some have been troubled over Paul's statement here in verse 13: “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.” It should be noted that the statement obviously does not refer to the two boys, but to the nations they founded, namely, Israel and Edom. This Old Testament prophet Obadiah clearly tells us why God hated Edom.

“God’s “love” for Jacob was revealed in His choice of Jacob and God’s “hatred” for Esau was seen in His rejecting Esau for the line of promise. Hatred in this sense is not absolute but relative to a higher choice (cf. Matt. 6:24; Luke 14:26; John 12:25).”^[c]

“The words Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated must be understood in the light of the sovereign decree of God that stated, The older shall serve the younger. The preference for Jacob is interpreted as an act of love, whereas bypassing Esau is seen as hatred by comparison. It is not that God hated Esau with a harsh, vindictive animosity, but only that He loved Esau less than Jacob, as seen by His sovereign selection of Jacob.

This passage refers to earthly blessings, and not to eternal life. God’s hatred of Edom doesn’t mean that individual Edomites can’t be saved, any more than His love of Israel means that individual Jews don’t need to be saved. (Note also that Esau did receive some earthly blessings, as he himself testified in Gen. 33:9.)”^[d]

    2.  God’s Callings Demonstrate His Absolute Sovereignty! 

In each case here (9:6-13), God rejected men who had been firstborn into patriarchal families. In each case the parent wished to see the rejected one inherit the promise. Abraham pleaded for Ishmael (Gen. 17:18) and Isaac attempted to pass the blessing on to Esau (Gen 27:1,4, 30, 33). 

In both cases God rejected the ideas, desires, works, efforts, physical origin, and plans of men to accomplish His sovereign will!  Why is it then, difficult to accept the fact that UNBELIEVING Israel has been set aside?  The point here is simple, God’s callings in the past are consistent with his present work in the world.  His plan of redemption still stands on the same principles.  Salvation by Grace through Faith!

CONCLUSION:

The entire redemptive economy of God rests upon the foundation of his unchanging nature and character, therefore we can rest without any prospect of disappointment! God is merciful, all-powerful, and faithful. He can be trusted!

God’s fairness with Israel can be observed in the believing minority and with the blinded majority.  It was God’s fathomless wisdom (Rom. 11:2-4) and finished work (Rom. 11:5-6) which served as the main factors among the believing minority.  In contrast, the blinded majority rejected Christ and fell under God’s judgment in the form of a national stupor, snares, and servitude in accordance with verses seven through nine of chapter eleven.  All of this demonstrates the fairness and consistency of the Lord in dealing with Israel. God governs Himself by fixed principles and pure righteousness always.

After looking at his record, can God still be trusted today?  The answer is absolutely…yes of course!  God has been faithful to His redemptive plan as demonstrated throughout the history of Israel. Therefore, we have every reason to believe He will be faithful to His promises to us.

---

^[a] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1717.

^[b] John A. Witmer, “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 477.

^[c] John A. Witmer, “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 477.

^[d] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1717.

So, You Have a Few Challenges

 

Psalm 62:1-12

Subject: Trusting God

Theme: Place your Trust in God instead of man-made schemes and strategies to have security and protection from threats.

Introduction:

Fear in the form of insecurity can become a vicious circle. If you feel bad about how you look or doubt your value, you may shy away from interpersonal situations or shun experiences that would examine or assess your aptitude, reasoning, and abilities. And in doing so, you cripple or even wreck your potential for effectiveness, victory, and interrelationship.

How else may you be impacted by being insecure? 1) You’ll have difficulty trusting others. 2) You may feel paranoid in many things and worry people are coming over to get you. 3) You may be mistakenly perceived as superior or conceited when trying too hard to cover up your insecurities. 4) You may feel at times like panicking over small issues and exaggerating the problems.

Relevance: This Psalm contrasts the security of trusting God with the insecurity of relying on man-made strategies.  We are often tempted to give in to our fears and insecurities, but the Lord presents Himself as the only viable alternative to the devices that threaten us. Psalm 62 says trust God instead. The Psalm is a healthy reminder for troubled times…when we feel threaten as we live a God-focused life. In Psalm 62, David affirmed that the Eternal God of heaven is the Source of his personal security, therefore David could not be shaken…he was secure! Likewise, God is our Deliverer, our Rock, our Defense, and our Refuge, always trust him.

Message:

I.               God’s Character Invites Our Trust—this is Why we Trust Him.

A.   The Lord is the Source of our Deliverance (v. 1). Why rest in God this way? Why Him?

                                                  1.     Psalm 62:1, says, “from him cometh my salvation.” David is ruthlessly making himself silently wait to overcome his insecurities. By waiting in silence, David is physically placing his confidence in God.

                                                  2.     David is “on purpose” enduring, persevering, and trusting God with absolute certainty that God will answer, and God will come through because it is who God is. We are urged on to quiet victory by trusting God alone.

                                                  3.     This same kind of confidence is also detailed in the Word of God. There are several verses that can encourage us in Him (Ps. 23; 91; 27; 90; 86; 42; 63; 136)

B.   Yet, the Lord is Rejected by Some for Poor Reasons (v. 3 & 4). Remember trusting God is the key! “This psalm reflects David’s confident trust in the Lord in spite of opposition. In silence he waited for God, his Strength and Security, to deliver him from his deceitful enemies.”^[1]

                                                  1.     By those who “imagine mischief” …overthrowing…toppling the perceived vulnerable king.

                                                  2.     By those who will “be slain” because of their weakness and susceptibility.

                                                  3.     By those who come together to Dethrone the King using Lies and Deceit.

i.       They hoped to accomplish this through lies. They blessed David with their words, but in their hearts they cursed him.^[2]

ii.     Let us understand David’s action under the bitter attack of Shimei. While David was on the throne, Shimei bowed like the rest of them; but, when he was free to express his heart of hatred, we find him cursing David and hurling rocks after him as he fled from Jerusalem. David had a loyal captain by the name of Abishai, a son of Zeruiah, who said to the king, “… Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head” (2 Sam. 16:9).

iii.   My friend, if you want an example of what the Scripture means by “… Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19), listen to David as he replies to his captain: “And the king said … so let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?” (2 Sam. 16:10). In other words, David tells him “God has permitted him to curse me; you let him curse me.” Have you ever stopped to think, my friend, that God has given you certain enemies for a definite purpose to test you that you might become a better Christian? Do not become alarmed at the presence of enemies and difficulties that God has permitted to cumber your path. He is not bearing hard on you. Would that we would trust God to the extent that we would not cry out at a time like that!^[3]

C.   The Lord is the Focus of our Trust for Many Reasons. These are just some of the incredible ways that God is presented to us. He is portrayed as….

                                                  1.     As the Source of our Salvation (v. 2, 6, 7). What is “salvation” referring to in Psalm 62? David testifies that his trust is only in God; there is no greater source of safety or confidence (Psalm 62:2). The same is true of salvation, which is found only in the Lord (Psalm 3:8; 146:3–5). David anticipates deliverance from his enemies because God is capable.

                                                  2.     As Our Rock (v. 2, 6, 7). By mentioning metaphors such as “rock,” David points to the stability, reliability, strength, impregnability, and solidity of God—the secure foundation.

                                                                                            i.     “That is the central truth of the psalm. That is the central truth of David’s life. That is the dynamo that ran his life. That is the thing that caused him to stand head and shoulders above other men on the horizon of history. It has caused him to cast a long shadow down the corridor of time. “He only is my rock.”^[4]

                                                                                          ii.     David emphasizes the unshakable nature of his deep faith in this unshakable God. He encourages others to make the same choice: trusting the Lord with sincerity (Ps. 62:8). David asserts that he places all trust and faith in the Lord God alone.

                                                  3.     As Our Defense (v. 2, 6). The Lord is like a fortress, and it refers to a secure high place or a safe retreat (See Exo. 15:2; Ps. 89:18; 94:22). We remain or become unshakable when the Lord is our defense.

                                                  4.     As the Foundation of our Expectation or Hope (v. 5). This refers to the Lord’s anticipated outcomes. He is the bases and reason for hopeful results. We can anticipate good outcomes when God is our expectation.

                                                  5.     As Our Glory (v. 7). 156 times this Hebrew word is translated “glory.” It often refers to God’s abundance, dignity, honor, wealth, and reputation that he shares with those who call upon him in trust (v. 8). Our ‘honor’ depends on God’s ability to render the enemy ineffective (v. 6).

                                                  6.     As Our Refuge (v. 7, 8). God is our stronghold and shelter during the storms, dangers, and challenges. We can find safety and security in Him; run to him even now!  

                                                  7.     As the Source of Power (v. 11). God is the source of our political, social, and personal strength or ability. “Power belongeth unto God”

                                                  8.     As the Fountain of Mercy (v. 12). Refers to the goodness, kindness, and faithfulness of God.

II.           Things We Tend to Trust Instead of God. There are six other objects in which people often trust, but such trust is sure to be disappointed.

A.   People. “Surely men of low degree are vanity” (v. 9).

                                                  1.     “Men of low degree,” or common people, those who adopt a mob or herd mentality, subjects of groupthink… they are fickle, given to changing, and capricious! They are as substantial and transitory as a vapor. “Vanity” refers to a lack of significance or the fleeting nature of life (Ps. 39:4-6).

                                                  2.     “The psalmist warned that it is foolish to trust in humans. He described how transitory life is, whether a person is of low or high position. People are nothing but a breath (heḇel, “a vapor”; cf. 39:5, 11; 144:4 and comments on Ecc. 1:2). They are so insignificant that, if weighed, the scales would not even move. Their might is powerless against God. Therefore one should not trust in the powerful advances of the wicked.”^[5]

B.   Leaders. “Men of high degree are a lie,” (v. 9).

                                                  1.     These “men of high degree” are rulers or wealthy people…they are prominent in society…some are distinguished and famous…well known stand outs…they enjoy positions, power, and influence!

                                                  2.     These are also a delusion in that they seem to offer help and security, but they are not dependable. Put the rabble or the elite in the scales and they are weightless as far as trustworthiness is concerned.

                                                  3.     “And this is the first thing that a new Christian must learn—not to look to men but to God. Many new Christians have become discouraged, disappointed, and disillusioned, for they have their eyes set upon a man. A young Christian told me recently that he had gotten his eyes on a man, and it had all but made shipwreck of his faith. David knew all of the time that he could not trust men, so his faith was fixed utterly upon God. He rested upon a Rock that could not be moved.”^[6]

C.   Abuses. “Trust not in oppression” (v. 10).

                                                  1.     Oppression is riches obtained by persecution, fraud, and violence…cruel and unfair treatment…prolonged unfair control…a corrupt exercise of power and authority. This is a foolish method to depend on; “it reeks with God’s curse.” (Based on W. McDonald)

                                                  2.     “Oppression is what happens when people grow their own sense of power, comfort, and security at the expense of others. It's the use of violence, coercion, and corruption that makes life easier for some and harder for others. And it's one of the main problems addressed in the Bible, from beginning to end.” (From Youtube.com)

D.   Stealing. “And become not vain in robbery,”

                                                  1.     This is cheating others, charging exorbitant taxes, unashamed swindling, or over charging.

                                                  2.     Robbery might seem to be a quick route to power and wealth, but ill-gotten gain is doomed to the judgment of God.

E.   Money. “If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.”

                                                  1.     “Riches are not to be trusted either (cf. Prov. 11:28; 23:5; 27:24).”^[7]

                                                  2.     Not only are oppression and robbery, which are wicked means of wealth, no grounds of boasting; but even wealth, increasing lawfully, ought not to engross the heart.^[8]

                                                  3.     “…make not the wealth of the world your chief good and highest end: in short, do not make an idol of it.” This we are most in danger of doing when riches increase.”^[9]

F.    Hard Work. Even riches gained through honest industry should never take the Lord’s place in our affections and service. (From W. McDonald)

                                                  1.     Being persistent, dedicated, resilient, and diligent are all desirable traits, but we cannot afford to be independent of God. Hardworking involves constantly, regularly, or habitually engaging in earnest and energetic work… it is being industrious, and diligent. We need more of this, but not at the expense of trusting God.

                                                  2.     F. B. Meyer wrote: “How often have we looked for help from men and money in vain—but God has never failed us.”^[10]

III.        The Results of Placing Our Trust in God. What are the results of placing your confidence and trust in God? These ideas have been developed already to a large degree, so I will reserve my comments in this light. These are the results of trusting the Lord:

A.   We Shall Not be Greatly Moved (v. 2).

B.   We will have Boldness to Rebuke our Enemies (v. 3).

C.   We can see Through our Enemies’ Strategies (v. 4).

D.   We Shall Not Be Moved (v. 6). Life becomes stable and solid to the trusting saint!

E.   We will want Others to know the Joy of Trusting God (v. 8).

                                                  1.     Trust God Always and in Every Situation.

                                                  2.     Pour out your Heart in Prayer to Him with Confidence.

                                                  3.     Regard Him as our Refuge—the place we run to for shelter and safety.

                                                  4.     Come to Him boldly, persistently, and honestly; you can rely on God to meet your need.  

Conclusion:

As we end this thought, we are often tempted to give in to our fears and insecurities resorting to people, leaders, abuses, money, stealing, and even hard work. However, and repeatedly the Lord presents Himself as the only viable alternative to our reservations. Whether insecurities related to physical appearance, spiritual growth, relationships, financial stability, or even professional skills, Psalm 62 says trust God instead.

·       So, bring whatever insecurities surrounding your appearance to the Lord….

·       Bring whatever needs you have for growth in the Lord, whether patience, kindness, selflessness, love, servanthood….

·       Bring your inability to communicate, your shunning people while preferring social media, your awkwardness that drives you to your cell phone instead of towards people….

·       Bring your inabilities, inadequacies, limitations, flaws, needs, and perceived defects and trust the Lord Jesus with them all.  

Through these thoughts, David asserts to us that the Eternal God of heaven is the Source of his personal security, therefore David could not be shaken!  His life became stable, secure, full of assurance, and conviction…secure. Where there was fear, it is replaced by God’s love, where there were worries, they were replaced with Christ-centered affirmations, and where there were anxieties, they are replaced with God’s control. Uncertainties and insecurities have evaporated in the brilliant light of our great Creator, Ruler, and Judge—Elohim! Certainly, there are struggles to overcome and perspectives to embrace, but trusting God should be at the top of our lists. Dear, believer in Jesus Christ, trust Him alone. Find rest in our powerful God instead of human devices.

Finally, one more truth about trust should be observed. One evidence that we all have sinned is the fact that we die physically. This NO ONE can deny. Physical death is also indicative of a pervasive human condition of spiritual separation from God (Rom. 5:12). Eternal death is suffering forever in the Lake of Fire (Rom. 6:23).

God promises to save all who will acknowledge their sins to Him while trusting Jesus Christ as their Savior (Rom. 3:21-26). You see, sin is defined as violations of God’s Laws (Rom. 3:9, 19, 20, 27-31). It is against God that we have sinned. We have put idols before the true and living God. We are guilty of taking God’s Name in vain. We have not honored our parents fully and always. We have not treated people with real love and respect exclusively. We do not measure up to the perfections of God’s standard of morality, the Law. We NEED His forgiveness...He offers us sinners forgiveness not condemnation. With this being the case...condemnation is something you chose by refusing Christ (John 3:15-21).

We are all guilty of transgressing God’s Law. We all have gone beyond the limitations established by God in the Bible, and we must now be punished for our awful sin. We are all facing the death penalty. The only hope is God’s forgiveness made available to each of us through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Beloved, it was Jesus who died for our sins, was buried because he actually died to satisfy the death penalty against sin. He also rose again the third day exactly as he repeatedly stated he would (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ conquered death, hell, sin, and Satan through his cross and resurrection (Luke 24:44-49). He is alive to save you if you turn to him confessing your sin and receiving his sacrifice for you (Rom. 10:8-17). He saved me and he can save you too. Trust the living Lord Jesus as Savior to be forgiven as God promised. 

Jesus is not motivated to condemn us, but to help us see our incredible NEED for God’s forgiveness. Please do not place your trust in a church, a membership, a denominational affiliation, a ritual or ceremony, a work of service, yourself, or a religious creed. These methods will only fail…. Trust Jesus, the Savior now.

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^[1] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.

^[2] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.

^[3] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 2 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 778.

^[4] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 2 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 779.

^[5] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.

^[6] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 2 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 779.

^[7] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.

^[8] Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 1 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 365.

^[9] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 831.

^[10] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 643.