The Tabernacle Today

I fought the Law and…

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3:16-17

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. -Hebrews 4:12-13

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. -Romans 15:4

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. -2 Timothy. 2:15

Read Matthew 5:17-20

I fought the Law and… the Law won! V. 17-19

Already in Jesus’ day there were those who abolished some or all of the O.T.. For instance, the Sadducees rejected everything after the Torah.

Every part of the Old Testament had a purpose to fulfill, and every bit of it will fulfill its purpose.

Here Jesus reinforces the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Bible. That phrase means that every WORD of the Bible (verbal) is inspired, as well as the ENTIRETY (plenary-fullness) of the Bible!

But more than anything else when referring to ‘Law’ the Old and New Testament both speak of the Law of Moses, also called the Law of the Lord and the Book of the Law, located in the first 5 books of the Bible.

After Deuteronomy the remaining Old Testament books are filled with stories, sermons, songs, and sayings illustrating Israel’s life as it did and didn’t follow the Law before the prophesied Messiah came.

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it. -Romans 3:20-21

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach His statutes and rules in Israel. -Ezra 7:10

Careful study shows the Law of Moses had 3 components:

Moral Law (applicable for all time)

Anything repeated as sin in the New Testament is Moral Law, it is always sinful.

The moral law STILL shows us our need of Christ.

The moral law becomes the Christian’s guide to faithful living.

Priestly Law (laws about priests, sacrifices, rituals- all fulfilled in Christ)

Civil Law (rules just for Israel at that time- made obsolete in Christ, although it still teaches us much about the character of God)

So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. -Galatians 3:24-25

I fought the Law and… Grace won! V. 20

Whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of it all. -James 2:10

God made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him! -2 Corinthians. 5:21

Under the law everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. -Hebrews. 9:22

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us – for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree,” – so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. -Galatians. 3:13-14

Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. -Genesis 15:6

Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to all who believe. -Romans 10:4

Run John run, the law demands,

But gives him neither feet nor hands.

Far better news the gospel brings,

It bids John fly, and gives him wings!

-John Bunyan

Psalm 58

Psalm 58 is another Trouble and Trust Psalm within the series of 8 complaint Psalms from 52-59.

Psalm 58 has some of the most difficult Hebrew to understand in the Psalter, both in how specific words should be translated and the understanding of certain phrases.

Vivid description of what the wicked are like V. 1-5

The first hard to translate word is in verse 1, translated by the New King James as “silent ones.” It is the Hebrew word elem, and is only found here!

In cases like this, we have to be humble as to the meaning of the word, and make sure we make much of how the words around it and the context help us understand what is meant.

Instead of living by God’s truth about what is right, the wicked people David is referring to think that they are right because they have gotten away with what they have done, and nobody has stopped them. They embraced pragmatism, “the end justifies the means” and did not reallt believe God would hold them to account one day.

Psalm 58 has elements of chiastic structure in it. Chiastic structure has parallel words and/or thoughts at the beginning and end, and the verses unfold with parallel thoughts with a middle thought.

Notice the progression of wickedness in verse 2 – first wicked plots are made in the head, and then carried out with the hands.

According to verse 2, the sinful actions people think are okay because they get away with them are actually wickedness in God’s eyes!

We need to judge things using His standard of right and wrong, the Holy Bible – First for ourselves, and then as we call the wicked to repentance.

Verse 3 goes right along with what David taught in Psalm 51:5 – we all have a sin nature that leads to sin choices early in life. Instead of turning to God, the perpetually wicked keep living in sin.

Imprecatory prayer for the destruction of the wicked V. 6-11

A toothless snake or lion can still lash out and try to bite you, but can’t do you lasting damage. So David prays that God will de-fang the wicked, make them only able to ‘gum’ at the saints instead of devour them!

Notice David is turning vengeance over to the Lord, and not taking action himself. The Lord may lead us to fight in a just cause and defend ourselves and others, but Old Testament saints weren’t just looking to take matters into their own hands.

Interestingly, teeth are featured in almost all the Psalms in the Psalm 52-59 series – 52:2; 53:4; 55:21; 56:1-2; 57:4; 58:6; 59:7,12.

What do you think he has in mind by the figures of speech in verse 7?

What do you think he has in mind by the figures of speech in verse 7?

What do you think he has in mind by the figures of speech in verse 7?

Taken together, David is obviously praying for the wicked’s plans to be frustrated, his resources wasted, his instruments of harm to be rendered ineffectual, his movements to be stopped in their tracks, and for their judgment to come.

Verse 10 reminds us of the difference between the spiritual dispensation we are now living in compared to the age of Old Testament Israel. Israel had physical enemies that would do them harm, and it was a good thing when God gave His people victory over them, and the blood on their feet was the enemy’s blood, not their own. During this age of grace, Christians pray for their enemies to find the same salvation in Christ that they have.

This is also a good place to say that Baptists have always been right to reject the idea of the state and church being tied together in supposedly “Christian” countries.

Christians may serve their country to stop the Adolph Hitler’s of the world, and rejoice when they stop him. But we are leaving the physical defense of Christ’s honor to Christ Himself for when He returns to earth, and as Revelation 20 tells us, the blood of His enemies will again flow.

Shine, Christians, Shine!

Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father's glory

Blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire

Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth Your word, Lord, and let there be light

(Chorus of Shine Jesus Shine by Graham Kendrick)

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - Jesus in John 8:12

Last time we saw that if we follow Jesus and His upside down teachings, we can expect trouble. Today we will see that as we follow Him, we will get to have a preserving and light giving influence in the world.

Read Matthew 5:13-16

Followers of Jesus ‘season’ life on the earth - V. 13

Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt? - Job 6:6a

How do we do ‘salt’ the earth? By showing up and living out our faith in Jesus, loving others like He would if He was physically here. Jesus is spiritually present when His committed followers are physically present!

Make sure you see clearly that Jesus did not say you are just the salt of the church, but of the entire earth.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. - Col. 4:5-6

Make sure you don’t lose your ‘saltiness’ by damaging or ruining your testimony.

Interestingly, pure salt cannot lose its saltiness! Sodium Chloride is a stable compound. But Jesus knew that most salt they used came from salt marshes and contained impurities mixed in.

But Jesus puts this warning to us here to guard our testimonies, because He wants us to make the maximum impact we can on the lives of others, and have maximum reward when the Day of Christ comes!

Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward! - 2 John 1:8

Followers of Jesus ‘light up’ the world - V. 14-16

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. - John 9:5

The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. - Proverbs 4:18

Your Christian faith will never grow to maturity if your aren’t sharing good words and works with others. You will always just be a flickering flame.

These pews are filled with the light of the world – God’s plan for the world to see goodness, to hear truth, to learn about salvation through Jesus – don’t leave your light here – Shine, Christians, Shine!

Psalm 57 Worksheet

Psalm 57 is another Trouble and Trust Psalm within the series of 8 complaint Psalms from 52-59.

David gives notes to the Chief Musician, with the note that the tune should be “Do Not Destroy,” which is also the suggested tune for Psalms 58, 59, and 75.

What kind of tune do you think will best bring out the concept “do not destroy?”

Michtam (H4387) appears in the heading for Psalm 16, and then every Psalm from 56 to 60. It’s meaning is uncertain, but definitely refers to a type of poem. Based on the 6 Psalms it is over, I think it may refer to something like a prayer for ___________________________.

As I read Psalm 57, look for the 2 different ways we could outline it.

What 2 verses are identical?

David’s _________________________ from his “Lion’s den” V. 1-5

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say “Destroy!” -Deut. 33:27

The concept of going to God for refuge goes back to Moses (Deut. 33:27), but David’s family owned it in such a way that when he didn’t have a ___________________ to go for refuge, he went to God!

Sometimes the Selah is there to make you think of what came before – here it may be to emphasize the ________________________ line: God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.

Mercy is the great Hebrew word Hesed and truth is the great Hebrew word emets, which often go together like peanut butter and jelly!

Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. -Prov. 3:3 Remember also Ex. 34:6ff

Saul and his men were hunting David like lions do; The Philistines would love to get him back for the tens of thousands he killed; Here he is in a cave with men described as distressed, in debt, and discontented (1 Samuel 22:1-2). I would be __________________________ out to God also!

Verse 5 is a benediction to end the first section. David has full confidence that God is in control despite the seeming chaos he is in the middle of. I believe the ____________________ of God is the number one theme in the Bible.

David’s ____________________ in his “Lion’s Den” V. 6-11

I love how David describes what will happen to his _______________________ – they spread a net for him, but they got trapped in it; they dug a pit for him to fall into, and in they went.

In verse 1 David doubled up on asking for God’s mercy; here he doubles up on pledging his own steadfastness no matter his _______________________________!

I love how often the words of David show his heart for the peoples beyond Israel to hear the praises of God. His own future reign shows people from different backgrounds who had turned to Yahweh with him.

There’s those words again, Hesed and emets – God’s faithful love and His truth are the _______________________’s defining realities for David and Israel.

Jesus turns the world upside down! - Matthew 5:1-12

Today we come to Jesus’ great Sermon on the Mount(ain), the first of 5 sermons in Matthew’s gospel. Having called sinners to repentance, the sermon shows the traits Jesus expects of His repentant followers. Doing these things is not the root of salvation – that’s faith in Jesus. Doing these things are the fruit of repentance and true faith in Jesus.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV)

The Sermon begins with the Beatitudes, so named from the Latin word for Blessed, Beatus. As we will see, every Beatitude is the opposite of what the Satanic world system says will make you successful and happy.

Jesus came into a world that does everything upside down from Heaven’s perspective. Jesus was from the “Upside,” Heaven! He brought the “Upside” down so that we would learn how to put the rightside “Up!”

The world says successful and happy are the rich, but Jesus says blessed are the wretched (v. 3)

Jesus starts the beatitudes by going right to the heart of the matter – all people are ‘bankrupt’ spiritually before God no matter how rich they are. The richer we are, the more self-sufficient we tend to be, failing to comprehend our true need as sinners before a holy God.

The word blessed is the Greek word Makarios, which occurs 50 times in the New Testament (9 in this passage). It refers to the inner gladness that will characterize followers of Jesus in this life and later in Heaven.

The world says successful and happy are those who laugh things off, but Jesus says blessed are those who mourn (v. 4)

It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. - Ecclesiastes 7:2 (ESV)

Jesus Himself wept at Lazarus’ death, because death is a by-product of sin. And we should take time to mourn what sin has cost the world and look to redemption in Christ.

The world says successful and happy are the mighty, but Jesus says blessed are the meek (v. 5)

When processing what makes something right to do, one cynical philosopher said, “Might makes right.” If you can do it, and no one can stop you, it becomes the right thing to do.

The world says that ‘meekness is weakness.’ But biblically meekness is not weakness but putting any strength we have under God’s control.

The world says successful and happy are those who act on their lusts, but Jesus says blessed are those who desire righteousness (v. 6)

Positional righteousness happens when we trust Christ (Gen. 15:6; 2 Cor. 5:21). Personal righteousness is our desire to do the kind of things that Christ would do if he was living my life for me (Galatians 2:20).

The world says successful and happy are the cruel, but Jesus said blessed are those who show mercy (v. 7)

The world says successful and happy are those who sinfully indulge, but Jesus says blessed are those who get clean (v. 8)

The word for pure is the Greek word catharos. We think of medical people cauterizing something to clean it out so it can heal.

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem…do not stir up or awaken love until its time. - Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5; 8:4 (ESV, paraphrased)

The world says you are successful and happy if you don’t get involved, but Jesus said blessed are the peacemakers (v. 9)

The Son of God became the Son of Man so that children of men could become children of God!

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all. - 1 Timothy 2:5-6a (ESV)

The world says you are successful and happy if you lash out against belief, but Jesus says blessed are those the world persecutes (v. 10-12)

Not only will it be worth it to have lived by faith in Jesus in a world that does not, verse 12 says it will be greatly rewarded in Heaven!

Psalm 56 Worksheet

Psalm 56 is another Trouble and Trust Psalm within the series of 8 complaint Psalms from 52-59.

What would it be like to be a silent dove far from your homeland?

Who is probably the most famous man in the Bible from Gath?

1 Samuel 21:7-15 1 Samuel 27:1-12

As we read Psalm 56 look for the occurrences of “I will” and “I will not” as we read!

David complains to God about ___________________________ by enemies V. 1-2

The word swallow in verse 1 and the word hound in verse 2 are actually the exact same word in the Hebrew, so I am not sure what is gained in using 2 different words to translate sa’ap (H7602).

What other words also occur in both verses 1-2?

David’s ___________________ in God helps him not be afraid when he is very afraid V. 3-4

What three words or phrases occur in both verses 3-4?

Verses 3-4 could be summarized by saying, “Because I trust in God when I am afraid I will not be afraid.”

David gets more _____________________ about how his enemies mistreat him V. 5-7

As a matter of fairness, seek to avoid twisting people’s words to present them in a __________________ light.

I resolved a long time ago to spend more time trying to catch people doing things right and commend them for it rather than to try and catch people doing something wrong so I will feel _____________________ to them.

David turned his frustration into a _____________________ in verse 7. Saul was telling others to “Get David.” David did not let his men “get Saul.” Instead he left it with God to take care of Saul.

David gets more specific about his trust in God despite his ____________________ V. 8-11

Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. -Rev. 5:8

Sometimes we wonder if anybody sees us trying to live for God and do right things for Him. Here David assures himself that God sees it all, remembers it all, and will __________________ the life of faith.

Malachi 3:16-18

Indeed, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie – indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. -Rev. 3:9

Note verses 10-11 is a “callback” of verse 4, ______________________ by restating it using Yahweh!

David preached trust in God to himself in the ______________________ of life’s fears and frustrations – and we need to do the same thing!

David expresses his ______________________ commitment to the things of God V. 12-13

The question of whether or not God cares was settled on the _____________________!

A Beautiful Savior for a Broken World!

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

Isaiah 6:1-9

God’s Calling (commissioning) on Isaiah’s life!

God is on a Mission!

Isaiah's Vision of the Lord

6 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;the whole earth is full of his glory!”

4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

Isaiah's Commission from the Lord

8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” 9 And he said, “Go, and say to this people:

“‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand;keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’

Uzziah was, for the most part, a good king. 52 years. Sought out the prophet Zechariah, was a strong king with an honorable name. He defeated the Philistines and others godless nations in various battles.

But sadly, Uzziah’s life ended tragically.

2 Chronicles 26:16 says: “…But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.” In response, God struck Uzziah with leprosy, and he was an isolated leper until his death.

“*How many Christian men and women start out well for the Lord and finish tragically?”

Why?

“Isaiah’s 7 C’s”

A comprehension of God.

A conviction of personal & collective sin.

A confession of His sin.

A cleansing of his heart.

A call to Go

A cooperation with God.

A commission by a Holy God!

5 SAWS!

1. He SAW the Lord

2. He SAW himself

3. He SAW the Source of his need-God’s grace

4. He SAW his calling

5. He SAW the lost!

Six Key Points

1. Isaiah Saw the Lord in His Glory!

2. He saw that God was holy and he was not!

3. Isaiah got right with the Lord in sincere repentance.

4. God is looking for (calls) His messengers? Who will GO?

5. Isaiah showed his repentance in a response of life surrender and sacrifice. I’ll GO!

6. GOD COMMISSIONED ISAIAH TO A PEOPLE WHO WOULD, BY IN LARGE, REJECT GOD AND REJECT ISAIAH’S MESSAGE!

What Can The Tabernacle Do?

You are already doing so much here at the Tabernacle. Praise God! Keep at it. Open your homes and hearts continually.

VLIF Started 2/27 Every Saturday night!

Getting on site at TSMC to start relationships. Ken Lin Contact Person.

Taiwanese pastor.

Pray, Come join us when you can, Give financially-Thank you.

Pray for us as we start the church-open & searching hearts, attendees, open doors, leadership united in Christ, strength for volunteers.

1. Touch Others by Your Life, Conduct & Words.

2. Build trust then Start Faith Conversations: “So thankful for this beautiful day; great weather.

3. Share Your OWN Story.

4. Be Ready to Answer Questions: Be ready to defend the faith that is in you.

5. Inviting People for a meal, a hike, a game of tennis, etc,.

6. Invite them to Believe in Jesus.

Psalm 55 Worksheet

Psalm 55 is another Trouble and Trust Psalm within the series of 8 ________________ Psalms from 52-59.

At 23 verses, Psalm 55 is one of the longer Psalms…

1 to 10 verses = 58 Psalms (39%)

11-20 verses = 59 Psalms (39%)

21-30 verses = 20 Psalms (13%)

31-40 verses = 6 Psalms (4%)

41-49 verses = 3 Psalms (2%)

50+ verses = 4 verses (3%)

David is having a hard time ___________________________ what is happening to him V. 1-8

Verses 1-8 are some of the _____________________ expression of emotions in the Bible.

What other ways can you describe things a restless person experiences?

David actually says he is having _______________________ pains because of his stress.

What is David saying there in verses 7-8?

That he just wishes he could _____________________ these rough circumstances.

David asks God to destroy evil works and __________________ evil tongues V. 9-11

David’s problem was ___________________ by one he previously trusted V. 12-15

According to verses 13-14, what are some of the words David used to describe his one-time friend?

I believe the best candidate for this one-time counselor is Ahithophel, whose son was Eliam (2 Samuel 23:34) and whose granddaughter was Uriah’s wife _________________________ (2 Samuel 11:3).

2 Samuel 15:10-14 2 Samuel 16:15-17-23

David ___________________ personal trust in God with imprecatory prayers V. 16-23

Notice David expresses confidence that he can pray to God and be heard at _____________ time of the night or day!

Verse 22 reminds us of many great verses in the New Testament. Can you think of any?

Matthew 11:28 1 Peter 5:7

The Healer’s Demands

Like so many people today, back in the 1500’s Martin Luther was making a critical mistake – he thought for God to accept him, he first had to clean up his act in his own strength, and then he could come to God.

Matin Luther discovered in 1517 that the word repent, the word metanoia in the Greek, had been wrongly translated into Latin as “do penance.” For 1,000 years people had been reading it wrongly. They were trying to “be perfected” in their own strength to bring themselves to Christ, whereas Christ was calling for a change of mind that would lead them to ‘be perfected’ by faith in Christ alone.

And to the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. -Romans 4:5

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. -Galatians 5:6

Read Matthew 4:12-25

Jesus changes His address V. 12-16

John’s arrest brought his public ministry to an end. He would never leave prison, and be executed there. The forerunner’s public job was done – Jesus’ public ministry was just beginning.

Capernaum was an important town on the trade route at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee, linking Damascus of Syria in the North with Egypt in the South. It was also the home of Peter, Andrew, John, James, and…Matthew (9:9).

Jesus demands we change our minds V. 17

Jesus didn’t tone the message back because He already had encountered opposition – He demanded repentance from everyone He met. Change your mind and turn to Jesus for eternal life.

Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. -Luke 24:46-48

Jesus demands we change our focus V. 18-22

Following Jesus means putting Him first in every area of your life.

If these men had rejected following Jesus they would have been the ones to miss the eternal blessing of being on mission with God. They said yes and became their best selves, although it cost them and their families.

Christ heals, but His call to repent and follow disrupts our agenda. Sins we once did with no thought we now cast away, and we embrace being His disciples in every area of our life.

The vast extent of Christ’s ministry (and ours) V. 23-25

Notice the threefold ministry of Jesus – Teaching; testifying; healing.

We want to be like Jesus, don’t we? So we teach each other here at church, and then we testify everywhere following Him takes us during the week, and meet needs for people in all the ways we can as His followers.

Speaking of valuing people, look at the extent of Jesus’ ministry. From Galilee He reached out to Jews and Gentiles, men and women, rich and poor, soldiers and those they occupied. He ministered beyond borders – to Jews in Gentile places and Gentiles in Israel, as Isaiah the prophet had predicted!

Psalm 54 is another Trouble and Trust Psalm within the series of 8 ________________ Psalms from 52-59.

You will remember that Psalm 52 was a complaint against Saul and Doeg’s evil actions that led to the death of the Priests of Nob. Here in Psalm 54 David complains about another group that meant him harm – the Ziphites.

1 Samuel 23:14-29

David recounts his ___________________ to the LORD V. 1-3

Note David’s use of 4 imperatives in verses 1-2 to sum up his request.

Notice the parallel of God’s name and strength in verse 1. To the Jews, a name represented the person _______________________. To invoke God’s name was to invoke the person.

Vindicate me could be translated “__________________ me.”

There are 5 ______________________ for trouble in the Psalm – two in verse 3; One in verse 5; and two in verse 7.

What does David say the Ziphites real problem is in verse 3?

They are ___________________ – they have not set God before them.

We think again of how Psalm 53 is between these two Psalms about those who have troubled God’s man David.

David states his ______________________ in the LORD V. 4-7

In 1 Samuel 23 David actually delivered the Kenites from the Philistines, and then they too betrayed him into the hands of Saul, but after getting divine guidance in ________________ David and his men got out of there before Saul got there.

And there’s the greatest promise in the Bible there in verse 4 – The Lord is _____________ you. David knows God is with him, and that since his cause is just, God is with those who help him stay alive rather than assist paranoid King Saul.

Sometimes all we can do is turn our situation over to God. We need to trust God to take care of those who unjustly cause us ____________________.

Notice David does not say that ___________________ his troubles clear up he will sacrificially worship the Lord. He says He will do it even as he trusts God to deliver him this time, even as God has done in past times!