Not One of Them is Broken
Feb. 12, 2006 FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Pastor
Introduction:
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones, not one of them is broken. Psalms 34:19-20 (NASB)
A Our text is about a righteous person who is suffering with affliction.
1 Almost contrary to the popular thought that Christians don’t experience hard times & heartache.
a If you’ve been a Christian for over a week, you know that isn’t true!
b The scripture bluntly promises us "afflictions." v.19
2 In this same text, the tired Christian/righteous person can find comfort.
B Up to this time, most of us have suffered no real damage from our afflictions.
1 Preacher, my husband left me; I’ve lost friends/job/health; buried babies; people have turned their back on me; gossip, etc.
a REAL hurt, pain, suffering, emotion. I’m not diminishing the significance.
b Remember, we’re promised affliction
2 We can experience affliction without throwing in the towel
a I’ve never lost faith, hope, love
b These bones have never been broken
3 During the affliction my faith, hope, & love have flourished, not floundered!
a With the affliction I gain experience on how to...
aa Trust in God when I can’t see His hand
bb Stay on the Ship of Zion when the winds howl & the waves crash
b The trials have strengthened my bones, not broken them.
C What about joy? (Who can enjoy affliction?)
1 The devil has not stolen my joy
2 He’s tried to steal/hide it, but the Holy Spirit stops him at the door!
D I’ve been in battle, & I have the battle scars to prove it.
1 Many of the bruises we have gained come from sickness, bereavement, depression, slander, & opposition.
a Life has been tough!
b Good news: bruises heal!
2 v. 20 My bones (faith, hope, love) remain intact.
a Bruises I’ve got-heal
b Broken bones-will not have them
E How do our bones keep from breaking?
1 We trust in the Lord
a Regardless of affliction-trust!
b If we trust in the Lord, we trust Him with our bones
c If He keeps our bones, we know He will not let one bone break
2 Our hearts may be aching, but our bones are not breaking.
F Close eyes
1 What affliction are you facing?
2 Are you trusting God with your bones?
3 Read text again
4 Altar is open to come & cast your cares, concerns, confidence on the Lord.
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Respectfully,
Mike Fogerson
