”How to be unshakeable”, Psalm 125, Malcolm Cox, Watford church of Christ

“How to be unshakeable”, Psalm 125

Answer: Trust in the LORD

How and why…….

Introduction, vv1-5

Question: what are their problems? 

• Mixed in with the wicked. 
• In danger of participating with unrighteous behaviour - bad character corrupts.
• Fear may not be able to stay righteous for long enough.
• Fear this will never end.

They are in danger of being shaken - so are we. 

• Wicked can be a category, not just individuals. 
• All that is corrupted, damaged by the fall et cetera.

 

1. Prayer: trust in God because he answers prayer, vv4-5

A. Question: give me a list of answered prayers in the Bible

• Why are they there? inspiration and instruction.
• Take an answered biblical prayer this week, examine it and ask yourself what is meant to inspire you, and what is meant to instruct you.

B. Specific

• His prayer is specific, honest and personal - LORD 
• Asking God to honour his promises - v4
• Asking God to sort out the mess - v5.
• Not agains the wicked - but to the LORD
• Leaving things in his hands
• SPIRIT 
  • “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (Rom. 8:26–27 NIV11)
• JESUS 
  • “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Rom. 8:34 NIV11)
• We trust in God because he answers prayer. Sooner or later. Getting you out of the situation or getting you through it.

2. Passing: trust in God because trials are temporary, v3

• “remain”

A. Light and momentary

• “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Cor. 4:17 NIV11)
• We can handle it - but only with God
• “Nothing counter to God’s justice has any eternity to it.” Peterson, Obedience, 89.  
• It is as if all evil has a sell-by date - we may not see the date, only God does, but it is there.  
• An expiry date exists. 

B. Has a purpose.

• Christ-likeness.

C. Jesus experienced this

• He understands
• “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Heb. 4:15–16 NIV11)
• We trust in God because our trials are temporary and they have a purpose.

3. Presence: trust in God because of his permanent and powerful presence, v2

A. Surrounded

B. How do we access?

• Silence and solitude.
• ““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”” (Matt. 11:28–30 NIV11)
• We trust in God because he is with us every step of the way. Nothing that happens can destroy us.

Conclusion, v1

• Because he answers prayer.
• Because our trials are passing and they have a purpose.
• Because God is permanently present with us.
• We trust God.
• We are “mountain Christians”  
• Unshakeable because of Jesus
• “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”” (Heb. 12:28–29 NIV11)

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

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