Sermon Central
-
The Lord Surrounds His People
Contributed by Larry Wilson on Jul 4, 2010 (message contributor)
Summary: In a day when Satan and his allies seem to be fully in charge of society and government, it is comforting to learn that this does not surprise God! He will reward those who follow Him, deal with His enemies and put a hedge of protection around His saints.
The Lord Surrounds His People
4th of July Message
July 4, 2010
OPEN
• One need only look around him today to know that America is in economic, political and moral trouble!
• We are plagued with financial breakdown, immigration struggles, and moral depravity.
• Were we to bring back one who died in 1950, he would not recognize our nation.
INTRODUCTION
• The psalmist rejoiced in the enduring security of Zion and its people but prayed that God would provide just rulers (125:3–5).
• God’s people were secure in Him but groaned because of the evil powers among whom they dwelt. Holman Bible Handbook
• Psalms 120–134 are known as “Songs of Ascent.”
• Tradition says each of these “pilgrim psalms” was to be sung as God’s people approached Jerusalem for one of the major worship festivals.
• Another tradition suggests that the “ascent” was fifteen steps leading up to the temple, and that these psalms were sung by choirs of Levites. Bible Reader’s Companion
READING OF THE TEXT
Psalm 125:1 They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. 2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. 3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. 4 Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. 5 As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
I. THE PROMISES OF GOD (125:1-3)
A. The Security of The Saints (125:1)
Psalm 125:1 They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
1. Their Character
• Many desire to claim the precious promises of God.
• Not all qualify.
• These promises are reserved for the righteous and they that TRUST in the Lord!
The good people here are those who have been saved by faith and who walk in obedience to the Lord. Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Trust in the Lord” does not import a mere general acknowledgment of God as the Governor of the universe: it implies incomparably more, even a deep conviction of his special providence, and of his incessant attention to every the minutest concern of his own peculiar people. Simeon, C. (1832-63). Horae Homileticae
APPLICATION TECHIQUE: Draw smaller circles. It is not mankind. No, it is much narrower than that. It is not religious men, Baptist men, nor Bible carrying men. It is not even saved men. It is narrower than that. It is those who “trust” (seek refuge in) God!
2. Their Comparison
• The righteous are likened unto Mt. Zion.
• To the Jews, the city seemed everlasting.
• We know that all will be destroyed by fire one day. (1 Peter 3)
• Yet this is a figure of speech (like, “The everlasting hills.”)
• The reference is to an impressive symbol of stability.
3. Their Continuance
“abideth forever”
• To have everlasting life is to have the life of God in you.
• The saints, though buffeted here, shall live forever.
• The worst that man can do to us is to send us home early!
ILLUS: School dismissed early. Do any students complain?
B. The Surrounding of the Saints (125:2)
2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
1. Their Comparison
QUOTE: Jerusalem is built on one of seven mountain peaks in the region. The mountains provide some protection for the city, since any invading army would have to march through arduous and dangerous mountain paths. Yet the city’s true protection comes from the Lord. NKJV Study Bible
QUOTE: The mountains that are “round about Jerusalem” are, on the east, the Mount of Olives; on the south, the Hill of Evil Counsel; on the west, the ridge beyond the valley of Jehoshaphat; and on the north, the high ground about Scopas. All these are higher than the platform upon which the city is built. The Pulpit Commentary
• Were one to attack Jerusalem, he must come over and through these mountains.
• Were Satan to attack a believer, he must come over Jehovah God!
2. Their Confidence
a. The Encircling Presence (Job 1:10; 2 Kings 6:17; Zech. 2:5)
Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
2 Kings 6:17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
