THE PSALM THAT THE DEVIL CAN QUOTE
TEXT - Psalm 91
INTRO. - Surveys have proved this is one of the favorite
Psalms of the people of God. It was found to be one of
the 50 favorite passages of many Christians. It is the
Psalm that carried many of the missionaries in China
through the turmoil of the Boxer Rebellion at the turn
of the century. One missionary said that her family
would have literally lost their minds had it not been
for the help and strength of the 91st Psalm.
Yet this is the psalm known by the devil and quoted by
him in Matt. 4:11-12 when he tempted Christ.
It is a shame that the devil who hates God and all that
is good knows the Bible while many Christians who say
they love God do not!
Let us look into this great psalm given to us through
Moses and see the message God has for us this hour.
I. NOTICE THAT THE PSALM AND ITS PROMISES ARE ONLY TO A
SELECT FEW - vs.1
As with many passages and verses in the Bible, you
cannot claim the promises unless you meet the
requirements. There are conditional and unconditional
promises of God found in the Bible. Most promises that
begin with the word "if" are conditional. God promises
to do something if we do something. There are some
passages that are also limited to people who live a
certain way. Romans chapter 8 is one such passage. If
you live according to Rom.8:1 then Romans 8 is yours.
Our text, Psalm 91 is another. If you live according to
Psa. 91:1 then the psalm is yours.
Notice the requirements of Psalm 91:1
"He that dwelleth" - not visiteth, professeth, wisheth
"Dwelleth" means "abides". See John 15:4
"in the secret place" - not near, toward, or previously
resided at
"secret place" - many people dwell in the sinful world,
some dwell in the gospel church, but
are you in the secret place with God.
The secret place refers to the Holy of Holies in the
Temple. Symbolically the place where God dwelt with His
people. Only the High Priest could enter it but the
people could all enter it in their hearts. The Secret
Place is the place of heart where I hide in the
fellowship and will of God. What a shade from the heat
of life. What a refuge from the satanic storms. What a
fortress from the temptations and troubles of life
Are we in personal, secret, abiding, communion with God?
II. NOTICE SEVERAL PROMISES OF THE PSALM
He promises refuge in vs. 2-4
He promises protection from fear in vs. 5-10
He promises strength in vs. 7
He promises to give the help of angels in vs.11-12
III. NOTICE THE SEVEN "I WILL’S" OF THIS GREAT PSALM
Vs. 14 - 16
1. I will deliver him - vs.14
I am afraid today to live without this verse.
All people have times when they need God’s help.
Isa. 43:1-2 - apply to Noah and 3 Heb. Children
They all fit vs. 1 of our text.
2. I will set him on high - vs. 14
Maybe this means he will help him to rise above his
problems. Eph.2:6
3. He shall call upon me and I will answer him - vs. 15
The promise of the privilege of prayer. There is a
lot of calling today but little answering. Probably
because we are not in vs. 1. See John 15:7
Psa. 84:10 Jer. 33:3
4. I will be with him in trouble - vs. 15
All the troubles right here in this service today
if really known would probably fill volumes. God
had one son without sin but none without sorrow.
See Job 14:1
You don’t have to look for trouble, it will find
you. Notice vs.11 teaches us that God at times may
send angels to help but at times God says "Move
over, I’ll take charge here".
5. I will deliver him and honor him - vs. 15
Moses honored God and God honored him.
Moses refused the treasures of Egypt and God gave
him treasure in heaven. Moses gave up family in
Egypt and God gave him a nation to family. He gave
up fame and power and God gave him fame and honor.
The Apostle Paul gave up the wisdom of the world
only to be used to write the Epistles.
See I Sam. 2:30
6. With long life will I satisfy him - vs. 16
Satisfaction cannot be bought with money. God will
satisfy you with long life. IT WILL LAST FOREVER!
Rom. 8:18
7. And show him my salvation - vs. 16
Long life now and heaven later!
Are you under his wings?
Ira Sanky’s Hymn - Under His Wings
