Tag: Philippians

Psalm 94

Reflect on the state of the United States in light of this psalm. What is next? How long? This psalm is a cold, hard reminder to the truth that it does not matter what you believe if you are not willing to defend it, proclaim, and live it. If we are not willing to do these tasks, how can we say we love Him?

Psalm 94 (Cf. Psalm 73)

This psalm is considered to be written by David as an explanation of the theological issues of Psalm 1 (Read the sermon on Psalm 1). Many have difficulty reading this psalm due to the attributes of God it presents. A. W. Pink writes:

It is sad to find so many professing Christians who appear to regard the wrath of God as something for which they need to make an apology, or at least they wish there were no such thing … Others harbor the delusion that God’s wrath is not consistent with His goodness, and so seek to banish it from their thoughts. … But God is not ashamed to make it known that vengeance and fury belong to Him … The wrath of God is as much a Divine perfection as His faithfulness, power or mercy … The very nature of God makes Hell as real a necessity as Heaven is (The Attributes of God, 1975, p 75).

See our discussions on this subject as seen in Psalm 58 and in Psalm 109.

  • Verses 1-7-David asks the question as to how long God will allow those who practice injustice to continue in their ways. They act as though God does not see what is happening. Worse, they think He does not care about what happens to the widows and the orphans. The answer is in God’s timing. Deuteronomy 32.35 and Romans 12.19 present the case that recompense is God’s prerogative not man’s occupation. With this, God promises to make the wrong right in His timing. An apt description of them is found in Psalm 10. Verse seven presents the unjust rulers as Israelites and not a foreign power. Foreign powers believed their god would be stronger than the God of Israel. The phrase “God of Jacob” would only be found on the lips of the Jewish rulers. This makes the atrocities worse. They knew the right thing to do but refused to do it for sake of gain.
  • Verses 8-11-David answers those who say God does not know, see, or care. He is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and just. The logic of verse ten is telling the Israelites who are guilty of these transgressions that God does judge and He will judge them. This is the same argument that Paul uses in Romans 2-3. Listen to our sermons on Romans 2-3.
  • Verses 12-19-David asks, like he asked in 1 Samuel 17, who will arise as the champion to stand in the gap for those oppressed? The world today has need of men like Martin Luther who stated rather somberly: “Here I take my stand; I cannot do otherwise: May God be my help! Amen.” For our society to be restored to any sense of civility, we need people to stand for what they know is true. David shows that our sense of whom God is determines our desire to stand for Him and what He values. Have we lost the sense of the reality of our God? Do we believe as did David, and Paul in 2 Corinthians 12.9-10, that when we are weak He becomes our strength? Or do we attempt to stand for Him in our own might. Paul had something to say on this subject too. Read 1 Corinthians 16.13, Ephesians 6.10-20, Philippians 4.1-9, 1 Thessalonians 3.6-8, 2 Thessalonians 2.13-15, and 1 Peter 5.12. In these passages Paul and Peter command us to stand firm in the Lord, in our faith, in His Word, not in ourselves.

As we grow older, life does not come easier except that our faith in God grows through our Bible studies, our prayers, our memorizing His Word, and our fellowship with Him and others. This is what John was describing throughout the book of 1 John and specifically in 1 John 1.1-4 and 1 John 2.12-14.

These verses show us eight blessings for following God:

  1. God disciplines
  2. God instructs
  3. God develops faith over time
  4. God will never forsake His own
  5. God judges with righteousness
  6. God helps defend His own against evil
  7. God upholds when His own are in danger of falling
  8. God comforts the soul of those who are His
  • Verses 20-23-God tells us there is no fellowship between light and darkness in 1 Corinthians 6.14-16. Here, David, reminds us of this same truth. God cannot have fellowship with evil. God is the one who will expose the unrighteous deeds of those outside of Him. We are to let our light so shine before men that they have to proclaim the goodness of God, which is what Jesus taught us in Matthew 5.13-16. Look closely at verse 21. Does this sound like the abortion laws coming into full effect? Who will stand up for what is right? Not violently, for vengeance is the Lord’s, but in votes, in teachings, in practice?

I normally do not place large quotes from commentaries in my writings, yet this is the second one in this post. This quote is taken from Word in Life Study Bible (1997):

Have you ever felt frustrated by problems in society that just seem to go on and on? Perhaps you’ve lamented, “Why doesn’t someone do something? Why don’t things ever change?”

The composer of Psalm 94 appears to have felt that way. Looking around at the injustices of society, the writer cried out to God, the righteous Judge, to do something, yet also wondered how long wickedness would continue (Ps. 94:1–3). This psalmist’s frustration compares with an urban pastor who appeared in housing court one day, where many of his poor parishioners were having their cases decided. The minister sat for hours, witnessing one case after another. In every verdict, the judge was siding with the rich and powerful, even when the facts seemed to overwhelmingly favor the poor.

Finally the pastor could take no more of what he saw as blatant injustice. Shaking with outrage, he leaped to his feet and cried, “Your Honor, if it please the court, I have a question.”

The judge stopped his proceedings and acknowledged the pastor. “Yes, Reverend, what is it?”

“Your Honor, I’ve been watching all day long as case after case after case has gone against these poor people. Where is the justice in this court?”

Immediately the judge replied, “Reverend, you don’t understand. This is not a court of justice. This is a court of law. If you want justice, go change the law.”

The judge’s point is well taken. When evil triumphs in society, or when justice is not served, it could be the result of an imperfect system or institution “which devises evil by law” (94:20). In such cases, things will change if the righteous engage in reforming the system, with God’s help.

Sometimes the real question is not Why don’t things change? but Why don’t believers change things?

Reflect on the state of the United States in light of this psalm. What is next? How long? This psalm is a cold, hard reminder to the truth that it does not matter what you believe if you are not willing to defend it, proclaim, and live it. If we are not willing to do these tasks, how can we say we love Him?

Psalm 113

As God is in this world, so are we to be in this world. Do you walk by the poor and needy or do you stoop to help those in need? What would Jesus say about your actions and attitude? Take a moment to read Matthew 24-25 and listen to Keith Green’s song The Sheep and the Goats. There is no faith without action for faith creates action (James 2.14-26).

Psalm 113 (cf. Philippians 2.5-8 [He is immanent] and 1 Timothy 6.11-16 [He is transcendent])

This is the first of the Hallel Psalms or Praise Psalms used at the Passover Meal (Psalms 113-118, 136). Some have attributed this psalm to Samuel because the reference in verse nine imitating 1 Samuel 2.5, 8. Although this could be, it is not the view held here.

  • Verses 1-3-A call to praise God. All those who are His are to praise Him. We praise Him by thanking Him for who He is in our lives. We are to do this perpetually and everywhere our feet trod.
  • Verses 4-6-He is to be praised because He is great, He is without equal, and He has humbled Himself to be concerned with the affairs of man.
  • Verses 7-9-He is to be praised because He cares for the poor, needy, and barren, which are examples of His humbling of self to care for the needs of man.

As God is in this world, so are we to be in this world. Do you walk by the poor and needy or do you stoop to help those in need? What would Jesus say about your actions and attitude? Take a moment to read Matthew 24-25 and listen to Keith Green’s song The Sheep and the Goats. There is no faith without action for faith creates action (James 2.14-26).

Is God conceited? Read these articles by John Piper and NewLife Christian Fellowship to determine for yourself.

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Psalm 112

We become consumed with raising our families and making ends meet in this life. We become anxious for everything. This psalm states that God will care for the family and provide for those who earnestly seek Him (Matthew 6.25-34). We can remove anxiety by trusting Him to do what He said He would do (Philippians 4.4-9).

Psalm 112
This psalm begins where Psalm 111 ends. It also mimics the acrostic in the same manner (eight verses with two letters and two verses with three letters). It mimics the outline with a change at the ending. The topic of Psalm 111 is God in His holiness and this psalm is the holiness of the man who follows God.
Verse 1-A call to praise God
Verses 2-9-God is worthy of praise based on what He has done. As with Psalm 111, we should praise God because He is upright, righteous, gracious, compassionate, generous, true, steadfast, benevolent. The rewards for those who fear Him are also great. We will prosper, have insight into His Word, find goodness and security, be generous, have no fear, while growing in honor.
Verse 10-The wicked will be destroyed because they do not seek Him, He cannot bless them as He does those who fear Him.

We become consumed with raising our families and making ends meet in this life. We become anxious for everything. This psalm states that God will care for the family and provide for those who earnestly seek Him (Matthew 6.25-34). We can remove anxiety by trusting Him to do what He said He would do (Philippians 4.4-9).

Psalm 138

This world has established for itself many gods. Materialism is a god to which culture bows. Celebrity is another god to which society bows. Fortune is elevated as well. There are countless gods with which we have to deal with on a daily basis. In spite of these gods and those who worship them, we need to bow before the God of all and over all.

Psalm 138

This psalm closes with a reminder that God has a purpose and a direction for your life and the power to accomplish it. This is much like what Paul mentions in Philippians 1.6. David’s desire to live the life God created him for runs through this psalm. He embodies Paul’s words in Ephesians 2.10 and Philippians 2.12-13.

This world has established many gods for itself. Materialism is a god to which culture bows. Celebrity is another god to which society bows. Fortune is elevated as well. There are countless gods with which we have to deal with on a daily basis. In spite of these gods and those who worship them, we need to bow before the God of all and over all.

Psalm 131

So, the question for us is where do we place our confidence? Is it in us, mankind, our things, or in God?

Psalm 131

Jesus said in Matthew 5.5, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” He would later tell us in Matthew 18.3, “Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (NRSV). Paul would remind us of the same ideal in Romans 12.16 and 1 Corinthians 14.20. We are to have an attitude of childlike faith in this world of evil. When we look to ourselves as entities without need of help from another, we make ourselves god. Think about your life today. In what areas are you taking upon yourself and not bringing before godly counsel (Proverbs 15.22)and to God in prayer? This is, then, an area where you are making yourself into god. When we attempt to be gods, we stop God from operating in our life and things become frustrating, we become anxious, and we have no help (Philippians 4.4-9, cf. James 4.6). When we live in humility before Him, having the mind of Christ (Philippians 2.5-8), we find contentment (2 Corinthians 12). This is because our hope, our trust, our life, is in God. This is the essence of this short three-verse psalm. It directs our attention to our need for humility, our reliance or trust in God, and our only source of hope, which is solely found in God. Remember, hope is not wishful thinking but the full assurance that what God has said is and will forever be trustworthy.

Verse one implies that David had not always been humble before God (think of our recent studies in 1 Chronicles with the census). David sought refuge in his military strength and not in God’s omnipotence. David humbly submits his heart, eyes, and actions to God. He wants to live his life according to Romans 12.1-2 and 1 John 2.5-17. A. W. Tozer understood this when he wrote in “The Pursuit of God”: “Never forget that it is a privilege to wonder, to stand in delighted silence before the Supreme Mystery and whisper, ‘O Lord God, thou knowest.’”

Verse two mentions weaning. Weaning is resisted by the child because it longs for the closeness of the mother. However, without weaning there is no growth. We need to begin to feed ourselves and not rely on the milk of another to feed us.  Hebrews 5.11-14 presents this truth quite well.

So, the question for us is where do we place our confidence? Is it in us, mankind, our things, or in God?

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Psalm 108

Psalm 108 (Cf. our study of Psalm 57 and Psalm 60)

  • Verses 1-5 (Psalm 57.7-11)-David prays for himself.
  • Verses 6-13 (Psalm 60.5-12)-David prays for the nation, pleading God’s promises.

God asks us to have an undivided heart, one that is upright and fixed on Him (1). He then promises us that we can do all things through Him (Philippians 4.13).

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Psalm 30

This psalm is ultimately a psalm of praise and joy amidst, despite, or through the difficult times God allows for us to go through. We must always remember, there is no circumstance given us save it first goes through God’s loving hands.

Psalm 30

This psalm states it was written by David for the dedication of the Temple. The content of the psalm also provides insight into the context. David was reeling from the judgement God sent him, he repents, and rejoices in God. This is the context of the time of 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21-22 (see our studies: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21, 22). Today it is used in celebration of the Feast of Chanukah, which is a dedication of the Temple after it was desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes.

  • Verses 1-3-David knows he has erred and his desire is to place God where He truly belongs in life, lifted up, in place of preeminence (Colossians 1.15-20).

David here speaks of being healed (2). Although he was never afflicted by the plague sent in 1 Chronicles 21, it affected him in the deepest way. It sends him into prayer and repentance. His prayer is expanded in verses 8-10.

David identified with those around him so much that when they hurt he hurt. How is this with you? Do you mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12.15)?

  • 4-5-The plague lasted throughout the day where many died. Therefore, the night was filled with weeping.
  • 6-10-David held his confidence in the number of men of military age he had in his kingdom. The pride was his downfall. When David looked to himself, God’s favor was removed. Whenever we choose to walk out of fellowship with God, we should not expect to have Him actively involved in our lives. When we repent, He relents.
  • 11-12-David, like all the mourners, would wear sackcloth to demonstrate their grief.

The discipline of the Lord for our sin produces the image of His Son in our lives, which is the goal of all Christians (Romans 8.29 and Philippians 3.12-14). This produces the joy that follows the mourning (Hebrews 12.5-11, James 1.2–4, and 1 Peter 1.6-9).

This psalm is ultimately a psalm of praise and joy amidst, despite, or through the difficult times God allows for us to go through. We must always remember, there is no circumstance given us save it first goes through God’s loving hands.

Have you dared to thank Him for your present circumstances?

“Don’t shake your head when you see a mom or dad with a Downs Syndrome child and say, No way could I face that. Most likely you couldn’t. Which is precisely why God hasn’t asked you to. Instead, take time to seriously consider how you will remain joyful within your own particular, unique, individual situation. Accept your circumstances as a gift from His hand. Dare to thank Him for them.” Joni Eareckson Tada, Glorious Intruder

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Psalm 95

What gods have you allowed to interfere with your worship of the great and mighty God who saved us? Does your schedule, your family, your job, your church, your health, your ___________, battle for the place God rightly deserves?

Psalm 95

Hebrews 4.7 attributes this psalm to David. Psalm 95 is used to introduce the Sabbath in Jewish Synagogues and as a daily prayer in Western churches. The psalm divides in two parts, which are verses 1-7 and 8-11. The first is a call to worship and the second is a call to obedience as is fitting for a true worshiper. This psalm reminds us that going to church is not enough, we must be obedient to the One we proclaim to worship. In other words, people can manipulate others to believe they worship in church but obedience cannot be faked over the long haul.

  • Verses 1-7-Corporate worship involves all we are and should include joyful voices and humility before others and before God. This corporate worship involves both celebration (1-5) and contemplation (6-7). Looking at these two aspects of corporate and personal worship, David is calling us to acknowledge that God is the Great Omnipotent One and then calls us to recognize that He is also a personal God with whom we must deal on a personal basis. In verses 3-5, David calls God by three distinct names. He uses El (Great Omnipotent God), Jehovah (YWHW-the covenant God of Israel), and Elohim (the Creator God). The God we worship is Great.

The three “comes” of verses 1-3 are different Hebrew words. Verse one “come” is an invitation. Verse two “come” states “let us approach God’s presence.” And the “come” in verse three is “enter.”

  • Verses 8-11-The opposite of proper corporate worship would be proud grumblers (Meribah [Exodus 17.1-7] is a reference to grumbling and stubbornness and literally means “rebellion”).

The writer of Hebrews describes this event and a robber of rest (Hebrews 3.7-15). When the biblical description of rest is studied, it is a sense of worship. Grumbling, complaining, stubbornness, and doubt are a few disruptions of rest. Corporate worship involves obedience to God’s Word. Obedience is to be done by individuals and by those He calls to salvation. This is what Paul meant when he told us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. It is plural. This involves the Body of Christ, not merely the individual (Philippians 2.12-13).

What gods have you allowed to interfere with your worship of the great and mighty God who saved us? Does your schedule, your family, your job, your church, your health, your ___________, battle for the place God rightly deserves?

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Psalm 62

Who or what do you trust the God described above or men who are here today and gone tomorrow, men who we celebrate, oppressing others to get your way, stealing what you want because you cannot trust God to get to you what you need, or wealth? Each of these are mentioned in this psalm as not satisfying our souls.

Psalm 62

This psalm was written during the time of Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 15-18). We can sense the men of David who deserted or lied to him when Absalom rebelled in this psalm. The men were Ahithophel his counselor (4), Shemei the one still loyal to King Saul’s family (4), and Ziba the servant of the crippled Mephibosheth (3).

Another reference to Jeduthun (Psalm 39, 77, and 89). A feature of this psalm is the word “only.” It is repeated six times.

  • My soul waits in silence for God only (1)
  • He only is my rock and my salvation (2)
  • They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position (4)
  • My soul, wait in silence for God only (5)
  • He only is my rock and my salvation (6)
  • Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie (9)

The psalm is neatly divided into three parts by the Selahs (pause).  The first two divisions begin with the same words with one replacement. “Salvation” in verse one is replaced with “hope” in verse five. This presents the one who has received salvation with the surety of its completion (Hebrews 11.1-2).

  • Verses 1-4-As seen above this portion of the psalm is a complaint to God regarding those who have gone against David in his flight from Absalom in 2 Samuel 15. He is trusting in God to bring him safely through this matter.

Selah: Do you desire to wait patiently (Isaiah 40.28-31 and Psalm 103.1-5 [see our study]) or let circumstances and people determine your life?

  • Verses 5-8-David expresses what faith is and it is the essence of things hoped for. David knew that God would bring about His will and that God would be glorified and blessed through these dire circumstances. He then calls people to trust in God even as he does.

Selah: Do you proclaim God’s work in you so that others can glorify Him too?

  • Verses 9-12-David knew that man is temporary and that God is greater. This is the proclamation here.
    • Verses 9-10-The measure of a man is directly related to his relationship with God, which is then defined by his fellowship with God.
    • Verses 11-12-God is a powerful God full of love and mercy. He provides each of us with spiritual gifts and other blessings. He demands that we use these to bless Him and others through Him. We will be judged according to what we have done (Matthew 25.31-46). This is not a judgment of salvation but a critique of works we have done that He has called and created us to do (Ephesians 2.8-10 and Philippians 2.12-14).

When God states something twice as in this verse, it is emphatic. David is telling us to listen carefully (Job 33.14). This is why Jesus would repeat “Amen” to His followers (Verily, verily). He was basically instructing them to listen up, pay close attention, because this will be on the test.

God is described in this psalm as

  • Rock (1-2, 6-7)
  • Salvation (2, 6-7)
  • Defense (2, 6)
  • Glory (7)
  • Refuge (7-8)
  • Power (11)
  • Mercy (12)

Who or what do you trust the God described above or men who are here today and gone tomorrow, men who we celebrate, oppressing others to get your way, stealing what you want because you cannot trust God to get to you what you need, or wealth? Each of these is mentioned in this psalm as not satisfying our souls.

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Psalm 47

Selah-Pause on these two matters. Is God your victory (1 John 4.4 and 5.4) and is Jesus your King (Philippians 2.9-11)? If so, how do those around you know? Do you clap your hands and sing of who He is?

Psalm 47

This is a Maskil of the Korahites probably sung at the annual New Year celebration or at the festive Feast of Tabernacles.

This psalm has been associated with David’s move of the Ark to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6(cf. 1 Chronicles 15).  See our study of 2 Samuel.

The psalmist calls us to praise God in verse one, then asks us to pause and consider who this God is in verse four. He then repeats this pattern in verses six and nine. However, he changes from God the Victor to God the Son the King in subject matter. The first is the Father in the past tense and the second is the Son in the prophetic future.

Selah-Pause on these two matters. Is God your victory (1 John 4.4 and 5.4) and is Jesus your King (Philippians 2.9-11)? If so, how do those around you know? Do you clap your hands and sing of who He is?