Psalms 138:8
God will perfect that which concerneth me, and my salvation, righteousness, and eternal life are all His work in me.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the assurance that God will perfect the work He has begun in us, highlighting that our salvation is entirely God's work and not our own. He encourages believers to focus on their spiritual concerns rather than earthly matters, reminding them of God's enduring mercy that guarantees their salvation. Smith stresses the importance of prayer and active participation in God's work, as believers must invite God into their lives for transformation. Ultimately, he reassures that God's mercy is unchanging and everlasting, providing a foundation for our confidence in Him.
Text
"THE WORK OF THE LORD"
Intro: This scripture not for everyone, the "me" was David so it is for those like
David. Are you concerned about your soul? The things of the Spirit? This
vs. for those who have experienced God's mercy. This vs. for those who have
placed their lives in God's hands.
I. "THE LORD WILL PERFECT THAT WHICH CONCERNETH ME."
A. The "Lord."
1. When there is a work to be done my first concern is the quality and
capacity of the workers.
2. What a comfort, when I think of my salvation to realize it is God's work.
a. I dare not try to add one stitch to my robe of righteousness.
B. "Will perfect." Complete or bring to maturity.
1. He who has begun a good work in you, shall continue to perform it.
2. "The author & the finisher of our faith."
3. We never arrive at a stage when God says alright, take it from here
it's yours now.
4. a. Trust & rest in Him.
b. "He is able."
5. "Will" perfect . . . not might or may.
C. "That" which concerneth "me."
1. What are your chief concerns.
a. Some more concerned with perishing body than eternal soul.
b. Some more concerned with earthly.
c. Some more concerned with time than eternity.
2. Are you concerned about your Christian walk?
a. Your witness for Christ?
3. Are you concerned about your salvation?
II. "THY MERCY O LORD ENDURETH FOREVER."
A. The basis of my confidence the mercy of God.
B. I am certain of my salvation.
1. Because I'm such a neat guy? never.
2. Because of God's mercy.
C. What was it that caused God to choose me?
1. His mercy.
a. He had mercy on me when I was His enemy.
b. Shall He cease now that I am His friend?
c. He had mercy on me when I was wrapped up in sin, & did not care
for righteousness.
d. Shall He cease now, when I am concerned about righteousness
though I fail?
D. God's mercy towards me will not change.
1. It endureth forever.
III. "FORSAKE NOT THE WORKS OF THINE OWN HANDS."
A. Prayer is the result of the believers confidence.
1. Confidence must not lead to idleness but to diligent activity.
B. Through prayer I make possible for God to do the things He desires to do
in my life.
1. There is an area of free moral agency that God does not violate.
a. He does not come into my life uninvited.
b. He does not work in my life uninvited.
2. Sometimes when He revels some dirty area of my life, He wants to
clean up.
a. Now hold on, Lord I'm not so sure I'm ready for that.
b. He'll back off & wait.
C. Salvation is God's work in me.
1. Righteousness is God's work in me.
2. Eternal life is God's work in me.
3. My life becomes the expression of God.
"Ye are His poema."
Sermon Outline
- The Lord Will Perfect That Which Concerneth Me points: - The Lord - When there is a work to be done, my first concern is the quality and capacity of the workers. - What a comfort, when I think of my salvation to realize it is God's work.
- He who has begun a good work in you, shall continue to perform it. points: - Will Perfect - The author & the finisher of our faith.
- What are your chief concerns? points: - That Which Concerneth Me - Are you concerned about your Christian walk?
- Thy Mercy O Lord Endureth Forever points: - The Basis of My Confidence - I Am Certain of My Salvation - What Was It That Caused God to Choose Me?
- It endureth forever. points: - God's Mercy Towards Me Will Not Change
- Forsake Not the Works of Thine Own Hands points: - Prayer is the Result of the Believer's Confidence - Through Prayer I Make Possible for God to Do the Things He Desires to Do in My Life
Key Quotes
“What a comfort, when I think of my salvation to realize it is God's work.” — Chuck Smith
“He who has begun a good work in you, shall continue to perform it.” — Chuck Smith
“Ye are His poema.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Trust and rest in God's ability to perfect His work in you.
- Recognize that your salvation, righteousness, and eternal life are all God's work in you.
- Prayer is the result of the believer's confidence, and it makes possible for God to do the things He desires to do in your life.