08.02.09 “Though He Stumbles, He Will Not Fall” Message @ FBC Fort Payne, AL
We going to Psalms this morning… The message comes from two verses in the 37th Psalms. Before we jump right in, I want to point to the life of Jesus and the lives of the apostles. We see in Scripture that Jesus and the apostles quoted from Psalms quite often. Their lives were shaped by the message of the Psalms.
Psalms… are ancient prayers and praises of Israel. They are God’s inspired word. In many ways, the psalms provide a bridge to cross between the Old and New Testaments. The themes addressed in psalms find further development in the New Testament… so go there with me: Psalm 37:23-24, but you may also want to jot down a couple of New Testament passages as well… the 37th Psalm will serve as a kind of springboard into Romans (8:1) and 1 John (3:20).
Before I read this treasured passage in Psalm, I must also give you my personal testimony of how these verses were first brought to my attention. Like Cody Farmer, (who shared his testimony earlier this year on youth Sunday) I too have an older brother that I can say has been a “faith-shaper” for me. My brother Scott now works for Passport Christian Camps year-round. This is the same camp that Britt Hester worked with this past summer.
Scott placed a note card in my Bible way back in 1996 (this really isn’t way back for most of us, but too many of the students in fbc’s youth group… 1996 is ancient history), anyway. In ’96 (also the year Jesus Christ became the leader of my life and the Savior of my life) my older brother Scott placed a small note of encouragement in my Bible. He wanted me to know the freedom that I have in Christ. This little card went a long way in encouraging me to hold tight to this faith. Faith is mysterious, difficult, joy-filled, challenge-filled, and a concept that I still wrestle with as I work out my salvation with fear and trembling. I am grateful to people like my brother: Scott Ford, my girlfriend of 3 ½ years and wife of 10 years: Thea, my campus minister: Bob Ford (no relation) and my parents: Glenn and Julia Ford… it was their passion for Jesus, and their passion for missions that has carried me through the difficult patches and the joyful patches of life’s journey.
This isn’t a sermon point, but it may be worth writing down this morning… every “Luke Skywalker” needs an “Obe-one Kanobee”, or use the language of Scripture every “Timothy” needs a “Paul” and I am blessed to have been surrounded by many men and women of passion and wisdom that have pointed me to the truth of the Gospel that Jesus Loves Me. If you don’t have someone in your life that is pointing you to the cross, I pray that you find one here at First Baptist Church.
Psalm 37:23-24
Several translations…
PRAYER J
One commentator tied the New Testament to the Psalms in this way:
“Jesus connects with the dynasty of David in its mission. Jesus connects with the disappointments of God’s chosen people, the Israelites. Where David’s dynasty seemingly failed in the short term historically, Jesus offers hope and victory.”
Through they stumble they will not fall because the Lord holds their hand.
Jesus’ sinless life and his identification with the suffering of the children of God is key to our understanding of the Gospel message. Jesus’ perfect obedience to God and His exaltation open up new perspectives on the many questions raised in the Psalms.
We live by faith that God’s people will completely fulfill God’s purposes and that all nations will submit to the Messiah: Jesus.
So here are 3 areas of these 2 simple verses (Psalm 37:23-24) that I want to explore with you this morning…
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1.
WHEN YOUR LIFE IS IN STEP WITH GOD.
“Lordship” more
Illustration:
Personal Story / My Testimony:
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2.
WHEN YOU STUMBLE
“
Illustration:
Romans 8:1 à There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 John 3:20 à If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
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3.
WHEN GOD HOLDS YOUR HAND (this will also serve as a sermon point of invitation)
How can you know??? Know these 5 things… Gospel Message on Your Hand.
- Good News (thumbs up) John 3:16
- One Big Problem (one) Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned…”
- The Cross (use both hands) Romans 5:8 “God demonstrates his love for us in this…”
- The Commitment (wedding ring) Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth & believe in your heart…”
- All it takes is a little faith (pinky… small step)
I have to say a bit more about this pre-packaged simple way to share the Gospel message… that first step J
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Conclusion…
God doesn’t say, Fix everything and make sure you show up with a smile on your face.
He doesn’t say… Come differently than you really are, clean yourself up first, heal yourself, Rescue yourself, Save yourself…
God says… Come as you are and let Me heal you. Let Me rescue you. Let Me save you. God says I will use your life to impact another.
Whatever your challenge, whatever your stumbles, whatever your mistakes… you will get through it when you allow God to make your steps firm. Yes there are rainy days, but there are also sunny days. Both have their own distinct purposes. You and I have walked through spirit-crushing circumstances, but God’s plans for our lives are good. They were good at the moment we were created and they are still good today.
