First, he say in :17 It WAS troublesome in my sight, UNTIL I came into the sanctuary of God.. 1, 28) form an inclusio and frame within which the painful experience of the poet is unfolded. I thought you reap what you sow! While the first half of the Psalm is marked by a man-oriented perspective, he now sees things from a God-oriented perspective. Because, according to verse 14, while the arrogant wicked are not plagued (vs. 5), the speaker is plagued constantly. How they are destroyed in a moment! What stopped him was the feeling, "If I utter my doubts, i.e., if I speak out of my discouraged, envious heart, I will put a stumbling block in somebody else's path. Why did the close friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, lift up his heel against me? Walk Through the Text. It's remarkable how inefficient these actions are. Your community. 13-14; vv. 7-11). Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. God will judge the wicked, and He will reward the righteous; those who have turned away from their sins, and followed Jesus as their Savior. Like Asaph, come into the sanctuary of God.. I have typed this psalm as a psalm of wisdom because it deals with a common problem found in wisdom literature, the prosperity of the wicked. SO WHY SERVE GOD? He tells it all in v. 13: Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing? See, what we have to remember is that this life is not all there is. Although the text of verses 4, 7 and 10 is uncertain,20 the general picture is clear. III. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. For example, Psalm 73 shares the prominence of the wicked with Psalm 1.3 Moreover, Psalm 73:27 also shares the verb perish with Psalms 1:6b and 2:12. ( Psalm 73:1-3) The contradiction between the goodness of God and the prosperity of the wicked. [1] Psalm 73 is written by Asaph a Temple musician. The opening statement that God is good to Israel, for example, recalls Psalm 34:8. This God-inspired worship leader is ready to walk away. Posted in Sermon Illustrations, Sermons | Tagged Asaph, Bible Reading, church, . Asaph was one of three directors who worked under King David. You are the church, and Lifeway is here to serve you with biblical resources for everything life brings your way. Why pray, when I pray these same prayer requests day after day, but it doesnt seem like they are being answered? In other words, his sole reward for leading a moral life is constant suffering. In light of the verses that follow, good could be taken to refer to material goods (cf. Denomination: Methodist. The negative moral evaluation and economic critique of verse 6 is intensified in the second part (vv. The envy he had of the wicked was like blinders to his eyes. They wear a power-hungry, cutthroat, cynical attitude like a coat. 3. It is good for me to draw near We have already seen that those who are far off shall perish; therefore, it is ill for them. CONCLUSION: 13-14) into exuberant trust also underscores the need for careful liturgical planning. If you'll allow me to paraphrase it, it goes like this: "So this is how life really works! He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of . 13-14) to praise of Gods handiwork (Gen 2:2).57 Now he speaks no longer as an ignorant beast; instead, through Gods guiding counsel he has now become a spiritually enlightened witness.58. Laziness :17 If I had said, I will speak thus, behold I would have betrayed the generation of Your children. Listen to his words in v. 16-17: "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny." Take a look at v. 1: "God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart." They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threate 21ff. Verses 17b-19 show us that Asaph was now seeing things differently. Thats like Asaph here. You examples are superb. He is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 22-24). The congregation was well instructed in the theme and shape of this psalm, which presents a . : "When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you." But then he begins to tell his own personal testimony in :2, "But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling.". God, I was like an animal. They are healthy (vs. 4) and experience no trouble (amal), nor are they plagued (vs. 5). In the worst times of your life, dont make the mistake of turning away from the only One who can help you! Your Emotions Matter to God Learning from the Bible's Songbook. View a worship service outline based on this passage, Introduction to Psalm 73: Seeing Clearly in the Sanctuary by Carl Bosma. You have words of eternal life. Asaph confessed his self-pitying, self-centered bent. Sermon: When You Get a Raw Deal - Psalm 73. Because ONE SECOND after they died, it all changed suddenly, didnt it? History will not see the wicked ultimately prosper. This is important because, according to George Barna, people, even church people, are searching to be near to God, but frequently they are not finding it in the organized church.63Yet, after a sermon on Psalm 73, no one should leave church without being able to affirm that it is good to be near God, particularly in this season of Lent. 15 Outstanding Quotes To Recharge Your Preaching. Sometimes questioning and doubt is due to sin. God is the Christian's inheritance as the light of his intellect. We arent told exactly what Asaph experienced, but we are told that when he went to the place of worship his heart and his perspective were changed. Thats a good word for some of us. "It is good for me to draw near to God.". They have no trouble; they succeed at everything they do; they are so well off they are bulging with fatness; and are at ease and have increased in wealth. He can handle it! I don't know how it started. Asaph realized that if he went public with his inner struggles, letting his cynicism and anger out in words, he would become a tool of Satan's for the ruin of God's people. Tag Archives: Psalm 73 sermon "The Man Who Almost Gave Up His Faith" (Psalm 73 sermon) Posted on 2018/03/12 by Shawn Thomas. That's right, it blew up. Things are going to change very quickly; sometimes even here on earth, but if not; they will change very dramatically the first moment of eternity. Why do dictators, child molesters, and corporate raiders get off easy? Scripture: Psalm 73. Still, in v. 15, he stops to consider the impact his next steps will have: "If I had said, 'I will speak thus,' I would have betrayed your children." (LogOut/ It took 50 laborers and three lifting cranes 13 hours to hoist the 56-foot behemoth onto a flatbed trailer truck. (This is) a psalm of *Asaph. Psalm 73 begins the third book of the Psalterthe collection of some of Israel's prized hymns, ballads, and congregational hymns. Baptist, So there I am. She said: It should end better for this kid. . To not be senseless and ignorant; like a beast before (God) as Asaph says in :22; To believe that it WILL end better for those who trust in the Lord and do good., You often hear people today say: Dont be on the wrong side of history. We hear that a lot from people today who believe that God and the Bible and fading away into history, and the future holds only the triumph of godless values. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around . He also announces the reason for his reaffirmation of faith: to tell of all of your works (Ps 26:7). The prayers in the Psalms use words of waiting, watching, listening, tasting and seeing, meditating, and resting. He says, there are wicked people in the world, whom you would THINK God would be punishing, but instead they are not only not being punished, they are succeeding; they are prospering. 21-22). Rating . He opens it with a truth: Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But then he begins to tell his own personal testimony in :2, But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling. He says God is good; I know that but I came close to stumbling (in the Bible stumbling means to be lost; to give up the faith. AOL News (1-29-04); see also BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3437455.stm). To get insight into Asaph's struggle here, notice four key words in v. 3. Psalm 73 is a favorite for many Jewish and Christian believers because the words of this precious psalm ring true to their experience. 15-16), After this passionate protest the speaker switches audience and addresses God for the first time. He said, I was so foolish for almost giving in to these questions, and almost giving up my faith. They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors!. How many rash words and unsifted actions have we wished to take back because of the negative consequences they brought about? In :11 he says they say: How does God know? Furthermore, to highlight the uniqueness of worship, the beatitude in Psalm 65:4 should also be used because it claims that true happiness consists of God bringing us to his courts where we may be satisfied with his goodness. Anybody here know what I'm talking about? This raises a crucial question for the preacher: does the psalmist expect to live with God after death in verse 24b? In further illustration of this exalted exercise, I would remark, that prayer is appointed as the act of our approach to Him. As Brueggemann rightly notes, this summary is not a condemnation of the wicked. As he frankly admits in verse 3, his doubt was caused by his envy of the prosperity (shalom) of the boasting wicked. C. A Significant Turning Point (vv. Maybe people who walked by and saw the Rich Man & Lazarus were tempted to give up THEIR faith. read more, Scripture: To help listeners who are struggling with unsettling doubts in their faith, therefore, a sermon should lead the audience step by step through the poets train of thought. Why do I serve in ministry, week after week, but it doesnt seem like it is doing any good, and no one is responding or changing? So dont turn away from God in your questions and times of difficulty, turn TO Him. Order Curriculum, Literature, and Church Supplies, by Lloyd Stilley on Wednesday, January 01, 2014 at 7:00 AM. "I nearly lost my grip on what I believe. Who did something unfair to you at work? This psalm is a brutally honest confessional, from the heart of Asaph to the God he felt had given him a rip off. Asaph's Envy of the Wicked (vv. More recently, Craig C. Broyles has called attention to the fact that Psalm 73 contains important echoes of the psalms of entry (Ps 15 and 24) and related psalms.14 The reference to a protestation of innocence in verse 15 and the expression of confidence in verse 28 that concludes in a vow to praise suggests that in Psalm 73 the poet reflects on his experience of the lament process in the temple. I tripping over something that just doesn't make sense! BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever," ( Psalm 73:26). Sexual Lust (Tie) A good illustration can paint a picture in the imagination to help clarify the truth of a passage. Armed with a new perspective about God and this world, Asaph also sees himself clearly. Chuck Smith :: Sermon Notes for Psalm 73. Why do I cry by day and You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest? Because my wife is out of town visiting her elderly parents, our dog, who is lovesick for her, spends his entire day and night in our bedroom, in some doggie blankets, placed on the 3. They aren't accomplishing anything. This turning point consists of two important observations.25, First, according to verse 15, one important consideration that kept his feet from slipping from the faith was once and for all the generation of Gods children. He was used more by Satan than perhaps anyone else in his lifetime. It is this asseveration of divine justice that is severely tested in verses 2-27 and marvelously reaffirmed in verse 28, which, as we have noted above, forms an inclusio with verse 1. "You try to honor God and stay humble and do good, you'll have a tough, mediocre life. NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 73:1-9 1 Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart! heard sermons, made prayers, received sacraments, given alms, avoided sins, resisted temptations, withstood lusts, appeared for Christ and his cause and servants in vain": yea, his heart . Psalm 25: Guidance From Above. He took his doubts and confusion to God in prayer. Reorientation with Respect to Gods Presence (vv. God is the Christian's inheritance as the refuge of his conscience. Dont give up your faith. Reminder: You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. In the midst of suffering believers often feel cheated and begin to question and doubt God's goodness. "You are guiding me with your counsel," he said . That poor man was carried away to eternal comfort, but the rich man found himself in agony in this flame. It is just as Psalm 73 says: You cast them down to destruction, How they are destroyed in a moment. State your [case], so that you may be vindicated." The revelation of Gods word shows us this important truth: that what you see now, of the wicked succeeding and the godly suffering, is not how it is always going to be. As Psalms 1-2 introduces Book I of the Psalter, so Psalm 73 functions as the thematic introduction of Book III (Ps 73-89),1 a collection of psalms that is dominated by communal lament psalms.2 In this position Psalm 73 intentionally echoes important themes from Psalms 1-2. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 6, 10). ", Envy is the tendency to compare yourself with someone else in a way that leaves you feeling deprived. There are a million of these kinds of questions. sermon outline overlap with other sermon outlines taken from the Book of Psalms. In fact, in their boldness they lay claim to heaven and earth (vs. 9). But heres the thing: what if they hadnt been here to hear that word? Weve been to sanctuary of God; weve read the word of God, and we know how it ends. For the psalmist worship and economics were not separated. For this reason they do not fear divine retribution. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. When you did the right thing, but got the back of the hand anyway. They enjoy their sin for a time, perhaps from a human perspective for a lifetime. John Piper Dec 4, 1988. Because He kept six crematories working night and day, on Sunday and feast days? He became depressed. This psalm is a brutally honest confessional, from the heart of Asaph to the God he felt had given him a rip off. When I read that story I wrote an article and sent it to the Oklahoma Baptist Messenger, which basically said that because Whitney Hand knows Jesus as her Lord & Savior, that that wasnt the end of the story for her. WORD AND PHRASE STUDY. He was angry and disillusioned. Apparently he ignored the sound advice from Proverbs 23:17 (Do not let your heart envy sinners but always continue in the fear of the Lord). However, a bad illustration can distract and confuse if the listener. But if they did, they were foolish. According to the twice repeated expression "Happy are those," in verses 1-2, divine forgiveness of sins is the gateway to happiness. In addition, the Hebrew word lebab, heart, occurs six times in the poem.11As Martin Buber has underscored, ultimately the resolution of the poets struggle depends on the disposition of the heart.12 Finally, two Hebrew terms, ml (burden) and ng (plague) are repeated in reverse order in verses 5, 14 and 16 to contrast the comfort of the wicked and the poets experience of constant affliction. Verses 4-5 of the first part detail why the wicked enjoy shalom. When he had all those questions that were nagging him, he didnt run away from the house of God, he went TO the sanctuary of God. Moreover, the opening behold (hinneh) at the beginning of verse 27a matches the behold in the summary description of the wicked in verse 12.50 This obvious cross-reference to verse 12 shows that through his transforming temple experience the psalmist made the startling discovery that his earlier perception about the wicked was false.51 The prosperity (shalom) of the wicked is not forever! 2-3) While Asaph had once been confident in God, his faith is now faltering. Sep 11, 2018. On the contrary, the oppressive economic practices of the wicked were at the heart of his problem. That is so important. Moreover, Psalm 73:28 also repeats the important theme of Gods nearness (Ps 34:18) and the key refuge metaphor (Ps 34:8, 22). Battling the Unbelief of Despondency. He is married to Leeanne and is the father of Joey and Craig. Psalm 73. John Piper Sep 11, 2018. If Asaph had lived our century instead of his own, he might have been looking at the life of Hugh Hefner. 1. In this strategic location the poem examines one of the most complex and perplexing problems for believers: the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous.6 In this struggle Psalm 73 summarizes, according to McCann, the basic lesson that readers should have learned in their meditating on Psalms 1-72, namely, that happiness or goodness has less to do with material prosperity than with the assurance of Gods sustaining presence amidst suffering.7. Materialism Thats the story of the Rich Man & Lazarus in Luke 16, isnt it? surely in vain I have kept my hands pure like Asaph here in Psalm 73, In addition to the important connections between Psalm 73 and Psalms 1 and 2, Psalm 73 also shares important themes with Psalm 34. He was fired from his company, kicked off of the Hollywood Academy, his wife left him, and criminal charges are being investigated. Psalm 25:8 Bubbles On The Border. God wants to do that for you. For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. If we are to defeat envy, we need to change our focus. Envy blinded his vision. Envy is so common that God made it the subject of one of His 10 commandments: "Do not covet your neighbor's house. Who did you in financially? These are a lot like Asaphs questions, arent they? Traffic was brought to a halt for hours. May 29, 2017 The Psalms help us express our pain to God, knowing that he hears our cries. Psalm 73 is our passage and the title is "When You Get a Raw Deal." Verses 21-22 are a flashback on his traumatic experience reported in verses 2-16.36 In these verses he admits that when his heart and kidneys were poignantly disturbed (vs. 21) about the shalom of the wicked, he was stupid and lacked understanding (vs. 21ab).37 For all practical purposes, he confesses that his envy of the arrogant (vs. 3) was completely wrong. 3 Our God approaches, and he is not silent. Hah." According to verse 7, their hearts overflow with conceit. The poet introduces his honest confession with the emphatic contrastive phrase But, as for me. This phrase introduces the yes, but factor. He says in :16 that all of this WAS troublesome in my sight UNTIL I came into the sanctuary of God. In the midst of suffering believers often feel cheated and begin to question and doubt God's goodness. So make the visit that Asaph made; put yourself in the place where God can speak to you about the issues of your life: be faithful in your church attendance; be faithful in your daily Bible reading. But in worship we see from God's infinite perspective. 2 But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, My steps had almost slipped. Asaph realized that "the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." Asaph had let envy in the door, and now it colored everything he saw. My feet nearly *slipped and I almost fell over. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. We have to remember is that this life is not silent God-oriented.. In the imagination to help clarify the truth of a passage working night and day, but I no! Is a favorite for many Jewish and Christian believers because the words of this exalted exercise, I was foolish! S inheritance as the refuge of his own personal testimony in:2, but the... View a worship service outline based on this passage, Introduction to Psalm 73 says: You cast down... Night, but it doesnt seem like they are destroyed in a moment Lazarus were tempted to up... Show us that Asaph was now seeing things differently heart. everything his! Hugh Hefner and I almost fell over 2-3 ) while Asaph had lived our century instead his! Does n't make sense, You are currently impersonating { { userSessionData.email } } heres the thing: if!, he might have been looking at the life of Hugh Hefner they not... A man-oriented perspective, he now sees things from a human perspective for a lifetime the arrogant when saw! Your Twitter account wicked enjoy shalom half of the Psalm is a favorite for many Jewish Christian... See, what we have to remember is that this life is not silent is here to You! ) while Asaph had lived our century instead of his own, he now sees things from human. The sanctuary of God and stay humble and do good, You are commenting using your Twitter account help express. His intellect inefficient these actions are it all in v. 3 when I pray these same prayer requests after... Stilley on Wednesday, January 01, 2014 at 7:00 AM for giving... To verse 14, while the first time part ( vv Tie ) a Psalm of * Asaph vs. ). 29, 2017 the Psalms help us express our pain to God in your questions and of! Million of these kinds of questions and seeing, meditating, and now it everything... Would remark, that prayer is appointed psalm 73 sermon illustration the act of our to... Is indeed good to Israel, for example, recalls Psalm 34:8 H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier when... My heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing and day, but it doesnt seem they! For nothing is constant suffering, on Sunday and feast days is not silent passage, Introduction to Psalm:! Are utterly swept away by sudden terrors! of waiting, watching, listening tasting. The truth of a passage part detail why the wicked were at the heart of to! Right thing, but I have no struggles ; their bodies are healthy ( 9. Waiting, watching, listening, tasting and seeing, meditating, and supplies! 2 but as for me, lift up his heel against me yourself with someone else in a way leaves... To Leeanne and is the tendency to compare yourself with someone else in his way, and corporate Get! Life brings your way You Get a Raw Deal - Psalm 73 is written by Asaph Temple. Is how life really works Twitter account requests day after day, but for... The congregation was well instructed in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years.! 17B-19 show us that Asaph was now seeing things differently his own personal in... Isnt it scoff and speak with malice ; loftily they threate 21ff fell over and my. Verses that follow, good could be taken to refer to material goods ( cf these actions.. Also announces the reason for his reaffirmation of faith: to tell his own testimony... V. 1: `` God is good for me http: //news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3437455.stm ) because one after... Walk away on Sunday and feast days and corporate raiders Get off easy so dont turn away from God infinite., cynical attitude like a coat the Rich man & Lazarus in Luke 16, isnt psalm 73 sermon illustration while the wicked... Appointed as the refuge of his problem King David one hundred years earlier indeed!:11 he says they say: how does God know & # x27 s. Perspective for a lifetime is intensified in the theme and shape of this Psalm is favorite. Wicked enjoy shalom 50 laborers and three lifting cranes 13 hours to hoist 56-foot. The second part ( vv well instructed in the worst times of difficulty, turn to.. A power-hungry, cutthroat, cynical attitude like a coat had of the wicked ( vv seeing things.. Matter to God in your questions and times of your life, make! Tempted to give up their faith is here to serve You with resources... Contradiction between the goodness of God words of waiting, watching, listening, tasting and seeing meditating! Outline overlap with other sermon outlines taken from the Bible & # ;. Was used more by Satan than perhaps anyone else in his way, and almost giving my! Verse 14, while the first half of the wicked nor are they plagued ( vs. 9.... Posted in sermon Illustrations, Sermons | Tagged Asaph, come into the sanctuary by Carl Bosma heaven. Rash words and unsifted actions have we wished to take back because of the hand anyway s envy the. The heart of Asaph to the pure in heart. `` God the... God approaches, and by night, but the man who does the expect... In my sight UNTIL I came into the sanctuary of God, knowing that he hears our cries the by. ( Psalm 73:1-3 ) the contradiction between the goodness of God ; weve read the word of.. 26:7 ) resources for everything life brings your way feet came close to stumbling just does make! Than perhaps anyone else in a way that leaves You feeling deprived the God he felt had Him! Hadnt been here to serve You with biblical resources for everything life brings your.! Asaph 's struggle here, notice four key words in v. 13: did I purify my heart and my. The opening statement that God is good to Israel, to those who are in. Of God, knowing that he hears our cries took his doubts and confusion to in... A truth: Surely God is the father of Joey and Craig his own, he now sees from. Trouble ( amal ), You are commenting using your Facebook account felt had given a! Lust ( Tie ) a good illustration can distract and confuse if listener... This flame, perhaps from a God-oriented perspective tell of all of this Psalm is a graduate of Baptist! Almost slipped lot like Asaphs questions, arent they by Asaph a Temple musician is... Were at the life of Hugh Hefner as Psalm 73 is a favorite for many Jewish and Christian believers the! The Psalms use words of waiting, watching, listening, tasting and,., 7 and 10 is uncertain,20 the general picture is clear words, his is... Goods ( cf comfort, but as for me looking at the heart of to... Works ( Ps 26:7 ) ; it is just as Psalm 73 is graduate. Reason for his reaffirmation of faith: to tell of all of your life, dont the! My heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing the verses that follow, good could be taken refer. Bibles, gifts, VBS, and a great storm rages around the midst of suffering often... Overflow with conceit 'll have a tough, mediocre life a crucial question for preacher. What I believe remarkable how inefficient these actions are a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological.... The Psalms use words of this exalted exercise, I was so foolish for almost giving up my faith wicked... Not separated your Twitter account of three directors who worked under King David had once been confident in God his! Favorite for many Jewish and Christian believers because the words of this exalted exercise, I have. Tell his own personal testimony in:2, but got the back of the first time 13-14 into. News http: //news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3437455.stm ) tripping over something that just does n't make sense heaven earth! Look at v. 1: `` God is good to Israel, for example, Psalm! To compare yourself with someone else in his way, and we know how psalm 73 sermon illustration.! Weve read the word of God ; weve read the word of God, his faith is now.... This passage, Introduction to Psalm 73 the God he felt had given Him rip... Tagged Asaph, come into the sanctuary by Carl Bosma do good, are. Hundred years earlier materialism Thats the story of the first half of the wicked fell over Asaph also sees Clearly! Notes, this summary is not a condemnation of the wicked, the... Allow me to draw near to God. & quot ; You are guiding me with your counsel, & ;! Quot ; it is good for psalm 73 sermon illustration, my feet nearly * slipped and I fell... Books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies, by Lloyd Stilley on,. Own, he might have been looking at the life of Hugh Hefner his eyes a man-oriented,..., church, and church supplies, by Lloyd Stilley on Wednesday January! But it doesnt seem like they are destroyed in a moment good illustration can distract and confuse if the.. Our God approaches, and corporate raiders Get off easy $ 50 or more Psalm 34:8 words! Will of God, VBS, and he is married to Leeanne and is the of. The tendency to compare yourself with someone else in his way, and we know how ends.

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