Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 11 -- Stay and Fight

STAY AND FIGHT

TEXT:  Psalm 11:1-7

Psalms 11:1-7 KJV  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?  [2]  For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.  [3]  If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?  [4]  The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.  [5]  The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.  [6]  Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.  [7]  For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

I.                 INTRODUCTION—A MAN WHO WAS DETERMINED TO STAY AND FIGHT

On June 26, 1949 there was a funeral in Tel Aviv, Israel, like none that world had ever seen or known before.  The newspapers reported there were tens of thousands of people present in and around the Great Synagogue on that day.  In the main hall of the synagogue a glass box that was five feet long held thirty porcelain urns.  The newspapers reported that inside of these thirty urns were the ashes of an estimated 200,000 Jews who had been murdered in the Holocaust. 

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 10 -- A Prayer of Justice for the Wicked

Psalms 10:1-18 KJV  Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?  [2]  The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.  [3]  For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.  [4]  The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.  [5]  His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.  [6]  He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity.  [7]  His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.  [8]  He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.  [9]  He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.  [10]  He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones.  [11]  He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.  [12]  Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.  [13]  Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.  [14]  Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.  [15]  Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.  [16]  The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.  [17]  LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:  [18]  To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.

I.                 INTRODUCTION—THE MATTER OF INJUSTICE

-When Paul made mention of something that we may have overlooked in our rapid, hurried, and sometimes desperate look at the Scriptures.  But if Paul had the stature of one of the greatest saints and preachers who has ever lived, I think that what he may have spoken should warrant our attention. 

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 9 -- Praise for the Power of God

Psalms 9:1-20 KJV  To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.  [2]  I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.  [3]  When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.  [4]  For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.  [5]  Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.  [6]  O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. 

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 8 -- The Glory of the Lord

Psalms 8:1-9 KJV  To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.  [2]  Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.  [3]  When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;  [4]  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?  [5]  For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.  [6]  Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:  [7]  All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;  [8]  The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.  [9]  O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

I.                 INTRODUCTION—A “NATURE” PSALM

-This psalm is another that has been written by David.  Just to refresh your memory, from Psalm 3-41, it is noted in the superscription, “A Psalm of David.”  There are only two that do not have this notation with those being Psalm 10 and 33.    

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 7 -- How to Endure a Grudge

Psalms 7:1-17 KJV  Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:  [2]  Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.  [3]  O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;  [4]  If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)  [5]  Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.  [6]  Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.  [7]  So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.  [8]  The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.  [9]  Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.  [10]  My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.  [11]  God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.  [12]  If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.  [13]  He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.  [14]  Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.  [15]  He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.  [16]  His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.  [17]  I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

I.                 INTRODUCTION—On Dealing with Grudges         

Jimmy Carter ran for president of the United States against Ronald Reagan in 1980.  According to David Wallis in the New York Times Magazine, prior to a televised debate between the two candidates, columnist George Will came upon Carter’s debate notes and sneaked them to the Reagan camp.  Many pundits felt that Reagan won that debate, and he went on to win the election.  Carter did not forget what George Will had done to him.

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 6 -- A Sleepless Conscience

A SLEEPLESS CONSCIENCE

TEXT:  Psalm 6:1-10

Psalms 6:1-10 KJV  To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.  [2]  Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.  [3]  My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?  [4]  Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.  [5]  For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?  [6]  I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.  [7]  Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.  [8]  Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.  [9]  The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.  [10]  Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

I.                 INTRODUCTION—THE SLEEP INDUSTRY

-Time Magazine did an article in January 2013 on the sleep industry.  The article was entitled, “The Sleep Industry:  Why We’re Paying Big Bucks for Something That’s Free.”  Here are some of the snippets of the article:

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 5 -- A Prayer for Protection

Psalms 5:1-12 KJV  To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.  [2]  Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.  [3]  My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.  [4]  For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.  [5]  The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.  [6]  Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.  [7]  But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.  [8]  Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.  [9]  For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.  [10]  Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.  [11]  But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.  [12]  For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

I.                 INTRODUCTION—THE PSALMS SPEAK TO US TODAY

-The Psalms were written over a period of around 900-1000 years.  The oldest psalm was written around 1410 B.C. and the last one was written around 430-500 B.C.

-The oldest psalm being Psalm 90 describes the wanderings of Israel in the wilderness as Moses observed what all took place during that time.  It is marked by descriptions of the severe testings of Israel during their wanderings.  There is a flavor of living life with gritted teeth and having to endure things that aren’t necessarily enjoyed but required.  It is sort of like just grinding through life as one commentator put it in his study on the Psalms.      

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 42 -- Hope for the Downcast Soul

Psalms 42:1-11 KJV  To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  [2]  My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?  [3]  My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?  [4]  When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.  [5]  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.  [6]  O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.  [7]  Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.  [8]  Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.  [9]  I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?  [10]  As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?  [11]  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

I.                 INTRODUCTION—THE BLESSING OF THIS BOOK

-There is a great blessing in being able to hold and read the Book that you have in your hand.  I realize that times have changed and that Bibles are now available on all sorts of electronic devices but there is nothing like holding a hardcopy of the Bible.

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 27 -- The Lord of Light and Salvation

Psalms 27:1-14 KJV  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  [2]  When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.  [3]  Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.  [4]  One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.  [5]  For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.  [6]  And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.  [7]  Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.  [8]  When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.  [9]  Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.  [10]  When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.  [11]  Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.  [12]  Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.  [13]  I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  [14]  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

I.                 INTRODUCTION—PSALM 27

-The psalms are true to life because they are drawn from life, from the stuff that life is made out of.  Things like hope and fear, love and hate, jubilation and frustration, faith and anxiety, joy and despair.  One moment the songs roll from the soul of the worshipper and the next he is trapped in the quicksand of doubt. 

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 13 -- From Sinking to Swimming

Psalms 13:1-6 KJV  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?  [2]  How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?  [3]  Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;  [4]  Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.  [5]  But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.  [6]  I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

I.                INTRODUCTION—THE PSALMS OF COMFORT

The fall of 1996 was not a kind time during the life of the Bridge City UPC.  Brother Harrell told me at least ten years after that time that everywhere he looked in that church that people were under some of the greatest strains of life that he had ever seen.  He never has told me that problems that they faced during that time and if the truth be told, I would love to know what the challenges were.  But knowing life as I have come to know it, I have a feeling that whether it was 1996 or 2013 or even the ‘80’s, life sometimes can punch you when you least expect it. 

Brother Harrell told me that beginning on the Sunday nights in October, November, and some of December that he went into that pulpit with one thing on his mind—comfort.  He told me he preached comfort from every single angle he could find in the Bible.  To this there are still some of the saints in Bridge City that can recall how much the Word helped them to keep walking!

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 4 -- An Evening Prayer of Trust

Psalms 4:1-8 KJV  To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.  [2]  O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.  [3]  But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.  [4]  Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.  [5]  Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.  [6]  There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.  [7]  Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.  [8]  I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

I.                 INTRODUCTION—LOOKING BACK TO WHERE WE HAVE BEEN

-There is a richness in the Word of God that comes to those who desire to know it and understand it.  The Psalms, the prayers of Israel and the praises of Israel, all pour forth from the various writers in this book. 

-There are more than seven men who composed the Psalms.  Some of those men are easily identifiable while others are hidden to us and will only be known to us when we get to heaven. 

·        David—Wrote at least 73 of the Psalms.

·        The sons of Korah—Accounted for ten of them (42; 44-49; 84-85; & 87).

·        Asaph—Wrote 12 of them (50; 73-83).

·        Solomon—Wrote two (72, 127).

·        Moses—Wrote one (90).

·        Heman—Wrote one (88).

·        Ethan—Wrote one (89).

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 3 -- The Dark Hour of Sunrise

Psalms 3:1-8 KJV  A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.  [2]  Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.  [3]  But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  [4]  I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.  [5]  I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.  [6]  I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.  [7]  Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.  [8]  Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

I.                 INTRODUCTION—THE BACKGROUND OF THE THIRD PSALM

-There are some things that we see in this psalm that have not been present in the previous two.  The real crux of the psalms are about to get started with this third psalm.  What we also begin here is the first of a collection of psalms written by David.  They actually cover Psalms 3-41.   

Preaching Through the Psalms -- Psalm 1 -- The Two Trails of Life

Psalms 1:1-6 KJV  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  [2]  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  [3]  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  [4]  The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.  [5]  Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.  [6]  For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

I.                 INTRODUCTION—THE TRAILS OF LIFE

A.               Kit Carson—Scout

Hampton Sides wrote a book about Kit Carson called Blood and Thunder:  The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West.  The truth of the matter is that Kit Carson actually was a man who was fleeing from the East to get away from the cities and the early spread of industrialization.  He was very short in stature, somewhere around 5’4” tall, but he would be pressed into filling the role of a scout for wagon trains and the US Calvary.  To do this effectively, he had to learn the different trails of the West and be able to understand the terrain both its benefits and its dangers.  Because of this, history documents in multiple times where that he was able to save an expedition, a wagon train, and even the US Calvary because of his knowledge of the trails.  Some of the trails were developed and others were not but he had the savvy to know what to do.