Psalms 121
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jehovah as our keeper and provider, rather than trying to keep ourselves through our own efforts.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that true help comes from Jehovah, not from within ourselves or our friends. He contrasts the futility of self-reliance and reliance on others with the infinite resources available through faith in God. Smith reassures that God is our keeper, providing protection and support at all times, and encourages believers to trust in God's ability to sustain them. He highlights the importance of understanding God's greatness and the assurance that He will not let us falter. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a shift from self-dependence to complete trust in God's providence.
Text
"JEHOVAH IS THY KEEPER"
Intro: There are many times when we have depleted our own resources and must look
beyond ourselves for help. . . Where do we turn?
I. "FROM WHENCE COMETH MY HELP?"
A. Some looking within themselves, I say "Chuck, you can do it."
1. Just remember the little train that said, "I think I can."
2. You are captain of your fate, the master of your soul, let your head
be bloody but unbowed.
3. Just think positive, possibility thinking will see you through.
4. They said "It couldn't be done," so I lit in with a bit of a grin...
5. Just look to the hills.
a. See how they have stood for centuries, you too can stand.
b. See how majestic they look, now say, I am majestic and strong.
B. So many look to their friends.
1. Any little crisis, "Oh, I can't take it" this is the straw" . . .
to the phone.
2. Before long they wonder why they don't have any more friends.
3. "Vain is the help of man."
C. "My help cometh from Jehovah."
1. Where does looking to the hills fit in?"
a. Song of ascents, sung by pilgrims on way to Jerusalem to worship.
b. Looking to hills of Jerusalem reminded of dwelling place of Jehovah.
2. Looking within myself my resources extremely limited.
3. Looking to friends I expand them to the limit of their willingness
to help.
4. Looking to Jehovah, I have infinite resources.
a. He is the maker of heaven and earth.
b. How big is your God?
c. Concept of God vital to faith.
1. Too many pray in terms of their ability.
d. Disciples prayed, "Oh Lord, thou art God..."
1. That's a powerful fact.
2. Stop for a moment and think, relax.
5. He who holds the universe holds you.
a. "Oh Lord, I'm slipping", no He will not allow your foot to
be moved.
II. JEHOVAH IS THY KEEPER.
A. Church divided into two general classes.
1. Those trying to keep themselves.
2. Those trusting the Lord to keep them.
a. Those trying themselves always defeated.
b. Those trusting the Lord always victorious.
B. The Lord wants to keep you. "Now unto Him, who is able to keep you..."
1. One of the problems of keeping myself, it takes constant vigilance.
a. Some find it hard to sleep nights.
b. He who keeps me will not slumber.
C. "He is your shade upon thy right hand."
1. He is like a protective covering around you.
2. Night & day He protects.
D. "He will keep you from all evil."
E. "He will keep your mind."
F. "He will keep you forever."
He's going to anyway.
Sermon Outline
- From Whence Cometh My Help?
- Jehovah Is Thy Keeper
- A points: - Church Divided into Two Classes - The Lord Wants to Keep You
- B points: - Constant Vigilance - He is Your Shade Upon Thy Right Hand
- C points: - He Will Keep You from All Evil - He Will Keep Your Mind - He Will Keep You Forever
Key Quotes
“He who holds the universe holds you.” — Chuck Smith
“He who keeps me will not slumber.” — Chuck Smith
“He is your shade upon thy right hand.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should trust in Jehovah as our keeper and provider, rather than trying to keep ourselves through our own efforts.
- God wants to keep us and will protect us from harm if we trust in Him.
- Constant vigilance is not necessary when we trust in God's power and protection.