Weekly Sermon
 
In Psalm 119:6 the psalmist gave the testimony, “Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.”  Furthermore, in verse 15 the psalmist expressed the commitment, “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.”  Finally, in verse 117 the psalmist expressed the commitment, “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.”
 
In all three of these verses, we find the psalmist employing the verb “have respect” in relation to the Word and ways of the Lord.  Concerning the Word of the Lord, the psalmist declared in the closing portion of Psalm 119:6, “When I have respect unto all thy commandments [that is – unto all the commandments of the Lord’s Word].”  Concerning the ways of the Lord, the psalmist declared in the closing portion of verse 15, “And have respect unto thy ways.”  Then again concerning the Word of the Lord, the psalmist declared in the closing portion of verse 117, “And I will have respect unto thy statutes [that is – unto the statutes of the Lord’s Word] continually.”  So then, what does this verb “have respect” mean?  It means “to view with a high regard, to view as being worthy of high honor and priority affection, to hold a spirit of high regard, honor, esteem, and even love and joy toward someone or something.”  This is just the heart attitude that the psalmist, this young man of God, determined to have toward the Word and ways of the Lord.  Even so, this is just the heart attitude that we also ought to have toward the Word and ways of our Lord.

Thought for Meditation

Biblical hope is not to be defined as a characteristic optimism 
that the future holds something good for us,
but is to be defined as a confident trust in our good Lord God 
who holds us and the future.

Weekly Sermon

James 1:6-8 reads, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

As we have previous noted, the opening matter about which the epistle of James provides pastoral counsel concerns the trials, troubles, and tribulations of our lives.   Concerning this matter James delivers a series of four instructions under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit.  The first is found in verses 2-3 and speaks concerning our regard and attitude toward the trials of life, saying, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”  The second is found in verse 4 and speaks concerning our response of submission in the trials of life, saying, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”  The third is found in verse 5 and speaks concerning our prayerfulness unto the Lord concerning the trials of life, saying, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

The fourth of these instructions is found in the opening portion of verse 6.  It provides an additional requirement in relation to the previous instruction.  Therein we are instructed to “ask of God” whenever we lack the true, spiritual wisdom of God for the direction, decisions, and difficulties of our lives.  The instruction of verse 6 then adds, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”  Thus it speaks concerning our trust in the Lord through the trials of life.  This truth is then expanded in the remainder of verse 6 through verse 8, wherein a significant warning is given to those who waver with doubt toward the Lord.

Grammatically, verses 6-8 present four individual sentences and may be divided into four individual thoughts concerning the matter.  First, there is the complementary prerequisite of the first sentence -- “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”  Second, there is the comparative picture of the second sentence -- “For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”  Third, there is the explanatory prohibition of the third sentence -- “For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”  Fourth, there is the defining principle of the fourth sentence -- “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

Weekly Sermon

James 1:5 reads, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

As we have previous noted, the opening matter about which the epistle of James provides pastoral counsel concerns the trials, troubles, and tribulations of our lives.   Concerning this matter James delivers a series of four instructions under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit.  The first is found in verses 2-3 and speaks concerning our regard and attitude toward the trials of life, saying, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”  The second is found in verse 4 and speaks concerning our response of submission in the trials of life, saying, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

The third of these instructions is found in verse 5.  It flows out of the closing thought of the previous instruction.  Therein we are informed that the “perfect work” of patient endurance in our lives will develop our spiritual character and maturity so that we might become spiritually “perfect and entire, wanting [or, lacking] nothing.”  The instruction of verse 5 takes up the idea of “lacking” from verse 4 (which the word “wanting” means in this context) and challenges us with one particular area of lack in our lives.  “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.”  Thus it speaks concerning our prayerfulness unto the Lord concerning the trials of life. 

Grammatically, the instruction of James 1:5 can be divided into four parts.  First, there is the individual problem of the conditional clause -- “If any of you lack wisdom.”  Second, there is the encouraging precept of the main clause -- “Let him ask of God.”  Third, there is the assured provision of the subordinate clause -- “That giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.”  Fourth, there is the divine promise of the coordinate clause -- “And it shall be given him.”

Weekly Sermon

James 1:1-8 reads, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

As a whole the epistle of James is written with a focus upon the daily character and conduct of the believer.  It is filled with imperative instructions, exhortations, and even correctives.  James, the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19), was the leader among the pastoral leadership of the church at Jerusalem. (Acts 12:17; 15:13-21; 21:18; Galatians 1:19; 2:9)  Therefore, as a pastor James originally wrote this epistle under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit to the Jewish believers who were scattered throughout the empire of Rome.  His Holy Spirit inspired purpose was to provide pastoral counsel for a spiritually mature walk in the lives of these believers.

The opening paragraph of this epistle (verses 2-8) moves immediately to the subject of life’s many, various trials, troubles, and tribulations.  This contextual situation and setting for the paragraph is established through the closing portion of verse 2 – “When ye fall into divers temp-tations.”  Now, in this context the phrase “divers temptations” refers to the many trials of our lives; for these “divers temptations” are described in verse 3 as “the trying of your faith.” 

Brethren, we all will face many, various trials, troubles, and tribulations in our lives.  Concerning this matter, God’s Word does not use the word “if,” but the word “when.”  It is not if we might fall into diverse temptations, but when we will fall into diverse temptations.  So then, how are we to deal aright with these many, various trials, troubles, and tribulations of our lives?  James 1:2-8 gives a series of four instructions concerning the matter.  Along with each of these instructions, a motivational reason is also provided in order to encourage our obedience therein.

Weekly Sermon

Acts 20:22-24 reads, “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.  And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” 

In this passage of Scripture, we pick up the life of the apostle Paul at the end of His third missionary journey.  While going about the areas of Galatia, Asia, and Macedonia, establishing and confirming churches in the faith, Paul collected money for the financially destitute church of Jerusalem.  Here we find Paul in Miletus for a few days, as the ship on which he had booked passage is resupplied and outfitted for the journey.  The apostle Paul, never one to waste time, takes this opportunity to send for the elders of the church at Ephesus, (Ephesus being approximately thirty miles distant).  Now, as the New Testament Scriptures often use the term “elder” as a reference for the official leadership of churches, we recognize these men in our common terminology as the pastors of the church at Ephesus. 

Unto these pastors the apostle Paul spends the whole of Acts 20:18-35 in a farewell address.  Contextually, this address can be divided into four parts.  First, in verses 18-21 there is Paul’s recollection of His past ministry with these men.  Second, in verses 22-24 there is Paul’s intention to follow the Spirit’s leading.  Third, in verses 25-31 there is Paul’s exhortation to these pastors concerning their ministry.  Fourth, in verses 32-35 there is Paul’s commendation of these pastors unto God.  In this message let us consider the second of these matters – Paul’s intention to follow the Spirit’s leading.  In the three verses of Acts 20:22-24, the phrase with which verse 24 begins stands out with great strength and emphasis – “But none of these things move me.”  The apostle Paul was like an unmovable rock.  Regardless of how the storms might blow, he remained a steadfast man of God.  Yet there are two questions that come to mind – By what things was Paul not moved, and from what things was Paul not moved?  So then, in this first part of the message, let us consider the answer to the first of these two questions – By what things was the apostle Paul unmoved as a man of God?  Furthermore, through Paul’s example let us consider how we also as men and women of God may also be unmoved in our spiritual walk with the Lord.

Meditations in Joshua

Joshua 6:1-2 – “Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.  And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.”

Joshua and the children of Israel did not acquire victory over the city of Jericho through their own ability or ingenuity.  Rather, they acquired victory over the city of Jericho only through the power of the Lord their God.  The Lord’s favor was upon them, and the Lord’s power granted the victory.  Yet there were a number of prerequisites that the Lord required of them before He would grant the victory.  These prerequisites are revealed in the earlier chapters of Joshua.  In like manner, we ourselves can only find victory in the spiritual battles of our daily lives through the favor and power of the Lord our God.  Yet again, there are a number of prerequisites that the Lord our God requires for us to fulfill in order that He might grant us His favor and power for victory. 

Weekly Sermon

In Psalm 119:22-23 the psalmist, this faithful servant of the Lord, stated, “Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.  Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.”

As a whole, the theme of Psalm 119 is – The desire of the Lord’s suffering servant to seek the Lord through His holy Word.  In Psalm 119:22-23 the psalmist speaks for the first time concerning the affliction and reproach under which he was suffering.  Indeed, he was suffering reproach and contempt.  He was being slandered.  Many were speaking against him.  Yet the psalmist, as a faithful servant of the Lord, also presented his response unto that affliction and reproach.  In the closing portion of Psalm 119:23, he declared, “But thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.”  Even so, with a study throughout Psalm 119, we may learn how a faithful servant of the Lord responds in the face of affliction and reproach.

Weekly Sermon

Psalm 119:17-24 reads, “Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.  Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.  I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.  My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.  Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.  Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.  Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.  Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.”

The theme of Psalm 119 as a whole is – The desire of the Lord’s suffering servant to seek the Lord through His holy Word.  In verse 17 this servant of the Lord sought the Lord in prayer, saying, “Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.”  Herein the psalmist, this servant of the Lord, expressed his desire to walk aright with the Lord his God – to live a godly life of obedience unto God’s Word.  Yet herein the psalmist, this servant of the Lord, also expressed his understanding of his need for the Lord to help him so that he might walk aright – to deal bountifully with him so that he might live a godly life.  Even so, we also should maintain a desire to walk aright with our Lord; and we should make request daily that our Lord might help us to walk aright.  In Psalm 119:17 we find four ingredients to this request by the Lord’s servant.

Thought for Meditation

Do you possess a heart of faith like Mary did,
or do you possess a spirit of unbelief like Zacharias did?

Outlines in Psalms

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.”

 I.  The Cry and Case of the Lord’s faithful Servant (Psalm 140:1-5)
II.  The Dependence and Desire of the Lord’s Faithful Servant (Psalm 140:6-13)

Outlines in Psalms

“A Psalm of David.”

  I.  The Plea of the Lord’s Servant (Psalm 141:1-2)
 II.  The Passion of the Lord’s Servant (Psalm 141:3-4)
III.  The Perspective of the Lord’s Servant (Psalm 141:5-6)
IV.  The Perseverance of the Lord’s Servant (Psalm 141:7-8)
V.  The Petition of the Lord’s servant (Psalm 141:9-10)

Weekly Sermon

This sermon is a companion to four previous sermons:
                Blessed Be the Most High God - Genesis 14:19-20    
                The Most High Ruleth - Daniel 4:32    
                The Most High Uttereth His Voice - 2 Samuel 22:14    
                Sing Praise to the Name of the Lord Most High - Psalm 7:17    

Psalm 91:1 reads, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”  The Lord our God is the most high God, the almighty and eternal Lord God of heaven and earth.  As the most high God, the Lord our God does indeed involve himself in the affairs of our lives and does indeed care for His own with faithful lovingkindness.  So then, how should we who are God’s own dear children respond unto Him as the most high God?  Through a study within the book of the Psalms, let us consider six ways in which we are to respond unto the Lord our God, as the most high God.

Outlines in Psalms

“Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave.”

  I.  The Supplication of the Lord’s Servant (Psalm 142:1-2)
 II.  The Situation of the Lord’s Servant (Psalm 142:3-4)
III.  The Safety for the Lord’s Servant (Psalm 142:5-7)

Thought for Meditation
This meditation is a companion to a previous meditation: Not Knowing What, but Knowing & Trusting Who (Pt. 1)

An individual with full assurance of faith in the Lord God
does not know how it is all going to work out, but he does know and trust
the God who is going to work it all out.