Triumphant Living

Triumphant Living

2004016

Topic # 0344

Introduction:

A. What others mean for evil, God can intend for good.

1. Every personal trial teaches believers to trust God more fully.

2. Martin Luther: Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain, that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.

B. Psalm 3 is a hymn of individual lament.

1. It paints for us a clear picture of what triumphant faith looks like when it is tested in the fires of adversity.

C. The inscription for this psalm says it is a psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom, his son.

1. This story is given to us in 2 Sam. 15-18.

a) David’s sin w/Bathsheba brought more consequences than he could have ever imagined. (2 Sam. 12:10-12)

b) Sometime after this, David’s son led a political coup against his father.

2. Details of the conspiracy’s beginning are told in 2 Sam. 15:1-12.

a) 15:12.

b) 15:13-14 – David and a few loyal friends/servants flee.

D. It is in the midst of this ordeal – surrounded by innumerable enemies – David calls upon God w/absolute trust – believing that God would rescue him.

1. Let us never forget God is LORD over life. Even in times of adversity.

2. He ALWAYS works for His glory & for the good of His people.

3. It is because of Him & through Him that we can get through the trials & truly experience triumphant living!

I. Psa. 3:1-2 – David’s problems.

A. When David cries out – he is not on his throne in a place of power. He is running for his life from his rebellious son.

1. Oh Lord, how many are my foes…

2. “Many” used 3 times in 2 short verses. Represents the growing opposition against David.

a) what a contrast to 2 Sam. 7:1

b) Now his greatest danger comes from within Israel – even from within his own household!

c) How many rise up against me!

4. 3:6 - We could say he felt part of a minority that was shrinking.

B. Some have said this was David’s darkest hour.

1. Even those closest to him were telling him God was no longer on his side.

a) Public opinion said not even God could help him now.

b) 1 Sam. 15:26 – was there part of David that had begun to wonder?

2. Did they have a point? Consider his present circumstances:

3. Driven away from his throne.

a) God had not protected him – even in security of his own palace!

4. Now a forsaken fugitive – fleeing – almost alone – seeking place of safety.

5. If God had allowed him to be driven away – was there any reason to believe that God would now intercede & deliver him from his enemies?

6. Imagine how low we might feel if our enemies rejoiced in the apparent fact that we were totally abandoned – even by God!

a) Don’t think for a moment this didn’t deeply affect David’s heart!

b) David relates to us REAL experiences!

C. Christians are not exempt from dark hours.

1. You may be in midst of one & be crying out for deliverance & wonder when it will ever end.

2. Maybe been tempted to think even God is against you. (Only light at end of tunnel = train…)

a) Ever find yourself in situation because of your own sin - & feel it useless to plead w/God?

b) Never forget that when it seems all is against us – God is still for us!

c) Instead of turning against Him – seek him! Seek his mercy!

3. Consider 1 Chron. 21:13

a) David never been in this situation if he had not sinned. Still called out for mercy!

II. Psa. 3:3-4 – David’s protection

A. At very height of crisis – David makes right choice. He turns to God.

1. God was his impenetrable defense! God was his shield!

a) As a shield covers/defends body from attacks of enemy – so will God! He will rise up & defend us!

b) Psa. 7:10; 18:30; 28:7

2. God is unassailable protection in midst of danger!

B. When David reflects on God’s divine protection – His spirits are lifted.

1. 3:3 – note how the terms grow more & more positive.

2. We see progress from reassurance to extreme confidence!

C. Just as it did w/David – God can help us break through the gloom!

1. We can be refreshed when we look to God & trust in Him.

2. 2 Sam. 15:30 – yes..This a time David stripped of all his earthly pomp/honor.

3. Psa. 3:3- but he couldn’t be deprived of God!

D. How often do we feel let down by life?

1. How often does reality crash in reminding us life is not fair?

2. No matter how bad it gets – Christian still has hope!

3. God is our hope – because he is the shield that protects us!

a) Eph. 6:10-17 – our faith is our shield!

b) 6:16 – we will be able to quench ALL the flaming arrows…

E. God can restore our crumbling lives & provide great deliverance!

1. Psa. 9:13

2. Back to 3:4 – David, a king, looked to a greater King – Almighty God – and called on him.

3. even in darkest hour, with decisive, resolute faith he commits himself to God – 3:4b

F. Brethren…God stands ready to answer our prayer. In fact he answers every prayer!

1. Prayer connects us w/God! Are you connected?

2. Phil. 4:4-7 – God will hear our pleas for help!

III. David’s peace – 3:5-6

A. Remember Phil. 4:7 – peace that surpasses all comprehension…

1. David experienced it. We can too!

2. He commits his soul & the handling of this situation to God & was at peace.

a) 3:5 – sleep & distressful circumstances do not go together.

b) Imagine being able to sleep – in such a time as this.

3. David – God always awake to protect him. He slept & was refreshed.

a) We would do well to do this.

b) How often do we wake refreshed b/c we truly place ALL trust in God?

B. Why do we make it harder for self & refuse to lay our troubles on God’s shoulder?

1. How often do we needlessly toss/turn through sleepless nights?

2. How often are we agitated over troubling circumstances?

3. How often do worry & distress impact our lives & lives of those we love – negatively?

a) It is to my shame that I’ve allowed this to happen – even taking it out on wife/children.

b) It perplexes me that all the while devil said, “It’s OK. You’re justified in saying this because you’re hurting/distressed.”

4. How often do we slap God in the face & say:

a) I’m my own man…I can handle this

b) I don’t need you God

c) I got myself into this – I’ll get myself out

C. And yet Jesus stands by – patiently waiting saying, “just let Me help…”

1. Mt. 11:28-30; Heb. 2:14-18

D. Never forget God is our all sufficient protector!

1. Psa. 3:6 – when God is on our side- we’re in the majority!

2. With God we can face the worst case scenario with confidence!

IV. David’s protection – 3:7

A. David petitions God to action.

1. Imagine asking a King to get off his throne & personally take care of something.

2. He we see a confident appeal to God to rally to his defense & defeat his enemies.

B. 3:7 – note the language used here

1. 3c – an act of rebuke. Those against David had insulted him.

2. 3d – David is saying “render my enemies harmless.”

a) This goes along w/ 2Sam. 15:31

C. It is OK for us to pray to God for deliverance/mercy & for justice!

1. He is our Father; He will protect us!

2. Deliverance & mercy is seen in 1 Cor. 10:13

V. From God comes deliverance – 3:8

A. NIV says “deliverance” NASV says, “Salvation.” NLT says, “Victory.”

B. There is a definite connection b/t salvation & deliverance!

1. God specializes in hopeless situations.

a) Ex. 14 – Israel trapped between wilderness; sea; and Egyptians.

b) 14:7-14; 14:15-22, 30a

2. Only God could have delivered them out of that predicament.

3. Another “hopeless” situation:

a) Acts 12:5-6 – next AM – Peter’s a dead man.

b) 12:7-12 – seeing a vision?

c) 12:13-17 – reunited w/his brethren.

d) Only God could have done this. W/o God’s power – Peter would have been executed!

C. What’s the lesson for us? Look for miracles? No!

1. But we need to develop an extreme trust in God & ACT upon our faith!

2. Do we possess a daring confidence in God’s grace?

D. Maybe you’re praying for deliverance. Maybe you’re in a hopeless situation:

1. Working through a problem marriage.

2. Changing your character; worldly habits to godly ones.

3. Dealing with a terrible job situation; testy coworkers; impossible boss.

4. coping w/health problems; cancer

5. Struggling through grief.

E. God can deliver you from these situations. Are you placing your trust in Him?

Conclusion:

A. From the Lord comes deliverance!

B. He can deliver you from a truly hopeless situation – your sin!

1. Sin has a way of boxing us in.

2. We’ve no doubt been encircled & had the devil closing in.

3. Psa. 22 – prophecy of Messiah’s suffering but relevant for us:

a) 22:11 – do you feel trouble is near & no one can help?

b) 22:16 – surrounded on all sides b/c of your sin?

c) 22:19 – God is not far off!

d) 22:19b-21a – only He can do these things!

C. He can take away the guilt! He can take away the dread. He can give you hope! From the Lord comes deliverance!

1. He can take you as you are – wherever you are – no matter how far you find yourself buried in the quicksand of sin.

2. Rev. 3:20; Mt. 11:28-30

D. Struggling with sin? Wrestling w/guilt? Dreading death & judgment?

E. Become a Christian today.

1. Everyone has the ability to experience triumphant living because of the mercy, love, and grace of God.

2. We can live because of Him!

F. I N V I T A T I O N



Triumphant Living 2004016 Topic # 0344 Introduction: A. What others mean for evil, God can intend for good. 1. Every personal trial teaches believers to trust God more fully. 2. Martin Luther: Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain, that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times. B. Psalm 3 is a hymn of individual lament. 1. It paints for us a clear picture of what triumphant faith looks like when it is tested in the fires of adversity. C. The inscription for this psalm says it is a psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom, his son. 1. This story is given to us in 2 Sam. 15-18. a) David’s sin w/Bathsheba brought more consequences than he could have ever imagined. (2 Sam. 12:10-12) b) Sometime after this, David’s son led a political coup against his father. 2. Details of the conspiracy’s beginning are told in 2 Sam. 15:1-12. a) 15:12. b) 15:13-14 – David and a few loyal friends/servants flee. D. It is in the midst of this ordeal – surrounded by innumerable enemies – David calls upon God w/absolute trust – believing that God would rescue him. 1. Let us never forget God is LORD over life. Even in times of adversity. 2. He ALWAYS works for His glory & for the good of His people. 3. It is because of Him & through Him that we can get through the trials & truly experience triumphant living! I. Psa. 3:1-2 – David’s problems. A. When David cries out – he is not on his throne in a place of power. He is running for his life from his rebellious son. 1. Oh Lord, how many are my foes… 2. “Many” used 3 times in 2 short verses. Represents the growing opposition against David. a) what a contrast to 2 Sam. 7:1 b) Now his greatest danger comes from within Israel – even from within his own household! c) How many rise up against me! 4. 3:6 - We could say he felt part of a minority that was shrinking. B. Some have said this was David’s darkest hour. 1. Even those closest to him were telling him God was no longer on his side. a) Public opinion said not even God could help him now. b) 1 Sam. 15:26 – was there part of David that had begun to wonder? 2. Did they have a point? Consider his present circumstances: 3. Driven away from his throne. a) God had not protected him – even in security of his own palace! 4. Now a forsaken fugitive – fleeing – almost alone – seeking place of safety. 5. If God had allowed him to be driven away – was there any reason to believe that God would now intercede & deliver him from his enemies? 6. Imagine how low we might feel if our enemies rejoiced in the apparent fact that we were totally abandoned – even by God! a) Don’t think for a moment this didn’t deeply affect David’s heart! b) David relates to us REAL experiences! C. Christians are not exempt from dark hours. 1. You may be in midst of one & be crying out for deliverance & wonder when it will ever end. 2. Maybe been tempted to think even God is against you. (Only light at end of tunnel = train…) a) Ever find yourself in situation because of your own sin - & feel it useless to plead w/God? b) Never forget that when it seems all is against us – God is still for us! c) Instead of turning against Him – seek him! Seek his mercy! 3. Consider 1 Chron. 21:13 a) David never been in this situation if he had not sinned. Still called out for mercy! II. Psa. 3:3-4 – David’s protection A. At very height of crisis – David makes right choice. He turns to God. 1. God was his impenetrable defense! God was his shield! a) As a shield covers/defends body from attacks of enemy – so will God! He will rise up & defend us! b) Psa. 7:10; 18:30; 28:7 2. God is unassailable protection in midst of danger! B. When David reflects on God’s divine protection – His spirits are lifted. 1. 3:3 – note how the terms grow more & more positive. 2. We see progress from reassurance to extreme confidence! C. Just as it did w/David – God can help us break through the gloom! 1. We can be refreshed when we look to God & trust in Him. 2. 2 Sam. 15:30 – yes..This a time David stripped of all his earthly pomp/honor. 3. Psa. 3:3- but he couldn’t be deprived of God! D. How often do we feel let down by life? 1. How often does reality crash in reminding us life is not fair? 2. No matter how bad it gets – Christian still has hope! 3. God is our hope – because he is the shield that protects us! a) Eph. 6:10-17 – our faith is our shield! b) 6:16 – we will be able to quench ALL the flaming arrows… E. God can restore our crumbling lives & provide great deliverance! 1. Psa. 9:13 2. Back to 3:4 – David, a king, looked to a greater King – Almighty God – and called on him. 3. even in darkest hour, with decisive, resolute faith he commits himself to God – 3:4b F. Brethren…God stands ready to answer our prayer. In fact he answers every prayer! 1. Prayer connects us w/God! Are you connected? 2. Phil. 4:4-7 – God will hear our pleas for help! III. David’s peace – 3:5-6 A. Remember Phil. 4:7 – peace that surpasses all comprehension… 1. David experienced it. We can too! 2. He commits his soul & the handling of this situation to God & was at peace. a) 3:5 – sleep & distressful circumstances do not go together. b) Imagine being able to sleep – in such a time as this. 3. David – God always awake to protect him. He slept & was refreshed. a) We would do well to do this. b) How often do we wake refreshed b/c we truly place ALL trust in God? B. Why do we make it harder for self & refuse to lay our troubles on God’s shoulder? 1. How often do we needlessly toss/turn through sleepless nights? 2. How often are we agitated over troubling circumstances? 3. How often do worry & distress impact our lives & lives of those we love – negatively? a) It is to my shame that I’ve allowed this to happen – even taking it out on wife/children. b) It perplexes me that all the while devil said, “It’s OK. You’re justified in saying this because you’re hurting/distressed.” 4. How often do we slap God in the face & say: a) I’m my own man…I can handle this b) I don’t need you God c) I got myself into this – I’ll get myself out C. And yet Jesus stands by – patiently waiting saying, “just let Me help…” 1. Mt. 11:28-30; Heb. 2:14-18 D. Never forget God is our all sufficient protector! 1. Psa. 3:6 – when God is on our side- we’re in the majority! 2. With God we can face the worst case scenario with confidence! IV. David’s protection – 3:7 A. David petitions God to action. 1. Imagine asking a King to get off his throne & personally take care of something. 2. He we see a confident appeal to God to rally to his defense & defeat his enemies. B. 3:7 – note the language used here 1. 3c – an act of rebuke. Those against David had insulted him. 2. 3d – David is saying “render my enemies harmless.” a) This goes along w/ 2Sam. 15:31 C. It is OK for us to pray to God for deliverance/mercy & for justice! 1. He is our Father; He will protect us! 2. Deliverance & mercy is seen in 1 Cor. 10:13 V. From God comes deliverance – 3:8 A. NIV says “deliverance” NASV says, “Salvation.” NLT says, “Victory.” B. There is a definite connection b/t salvation & deliverance! 1. God specializes in hopeless situations. a) Ex. 14 – Israel trapped between wilderness; sea; and Egyptians. b) 14:7-14; 14:15-22, 30a 2. Only God could have delivered them out of that predicament. 3. Another “hopeless” situation: a) Acts 12:5-6 – next AM – Peter’s a dead man. b) 12:7-12 – seeing a vision? c) 12:13-17 – reunited w/his brethren. d) Only God could have done this. W/o God’s power – Peter would have been executed! C. What’s the lesson for us? Look for miracles? No! 1. But we need to develop an extreme trust in God & ACT upon our faith! 2. Do we possess a daring confidence in God’s grace? D. Maybe you’re praying for deliverance. Maybe you’re in a hopeless situation: 1. Working through a problem marriage. 2. Changing your character; worldly habits to godly ones. 3. Dealing with a terrible job situation; testy coworkers; impossible boss. 4. coping w/health problems; cancer 5. Struggling through grief. E. God can deliver you from these situations. Are you placing your trust in Him? Conclusion: A. From the Lord comes deliverance! B. He can deliver you from a truly hopeless situation – your sin! 1. Sin has a way of boxing us in. 2. We’ve no doubt been encircled & had the devil closing in. 3. Psa. 22 – prophecy of Messiah’s suffering but relevant for us: a) 22:11 – do you feel trouble is near & no one can help? b) 22:16 – surrounded on all sides b/c of your sin? c) 22:19 – God is not far off! d) 22:19b-21a – only He can do these things! C. He can take away the guilt! He can take away the dread. He can give you hope! From the Lord comes deliverance! 1. He can take you as you are – wherever you are – no matter how far you find yourself buried in the quicksand of sin. 2. Rev. 3:20; Mt. 11:28-30 D. Struggling with sin? Wrestling w/guilt? Dreading death & judgment? E. Become a Christian today. 1. Everyone has the ability to experience triumphant living because of the mercy, love, and grace of God. 2. We can live because of Him! F. I N V I T A T I O N