Psalms 46
We can have confidence in God because He is our refuge, strength, and help in times of trouble, and He will ultimately vindicate us in the future.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the believer's confidence in God as a refuge, strength, and help in times of trouble, encouraging believers not to fear despite the chaos of the world. He highlights the nearness and power of God, asserting that while the earth may shake, God remains unshaken and in control. Smith also discusses the future vindication of God's people, reminding them that despite the apparent triumph of evil, God's ultimate plan will prevail, leading to peace and exaltation. The sermon reassures believers of God's presence among them, reinforcing their faith in His promises.
Text
"THE BELIEVER'S CONFIDENCE"
I. STATEMENT OF CONFIDENCE - 1 - 3
A. Three things declared of God.
1. Refuge - hiding place - harbor - shelter.
a. The conie is a feeble folk.
2. Strength - not "will give me strength."
3. Help in trouble "a very present help."
a. "Help me Lord."
B. Because God is Refuge - Strength - Help -we will not fear.
1. Living in world fraught with fears.
a. Hydrophobia, claustrophobia - acriphobia -
b. "Men's hearts failing them for fear."
2. Will not fear natural catechisms. vs. 2,3,
a. Especially significant today.
II. THE REASON FOR CONFIDENCE 4-7.
A. The consciousness of the nearness of God. "God is in the midst of her."
1. Though the earth be moved - God is not moved.
2. Though the mountains be shaken - God is never shaken.
3. Though all may fall - God stands.
B. The consciousness of the power of God. vs. 6
"He uttered His voice the earth melted."
1. Nations are like the dust of the balances.
2. Looks like nations getting out of hand.
"The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved."
C. The consciousness of the Greatness of God "The Lord of hosts."
1. Gen. 2 the host of heaven stars.
2. Announcement to shepherds - "A heavenly host."
3. To Peter in Garden - "Put away thy sword."
D. The consciousness of the smallness of God.
"The God of Jacob" not Israel.
1. Mean, hard, convincing Jacob.
2. Small thinking, dust on speck called earth.
Ill. THE VINDICATION OF CONFIDENCE 8-11.
A. "The works of the Lord in the earth."
1. This passage carries us out to the kingdom age.
2. This shall be the time of final vindication.
Now -
Evil, godless men seem to prosper.
Evil seemingly is triumphant over good.
B. The three stages of future vindication.
1. Judgment - Great Tribulation "What desolations he hath made in
the earth."
2. Establishing His Kingdom in peace. vs. 9
3. His exhaltation throughout the earth. vs. 10
a. "Wherefore God hath also highly exhalted Him."
C. Jehovah of Hosts who is bringing this to pass, who is moving all things toward
this culmination is with us.
"He dwells in the midst of His people..." "where two or three are gathered..."
Sermon Outline
- I. Statement of Confidence
- A. Three things declared of God
- 1. Refuge - hiding place - harbor - shelter
- 2. Strength - not 'will give me strength'
- 3. Help in trouble 'a very present help'
- B. Because God is Refuge - Strength - Help - we will not fear
- II. The Reason for Confidence
- A. The consciousness of the nearness of God
- B. The consciousness of the power of God
- C. The consciousness of the Greatness of God
- D. The consciousness of the smallness of God
- III. The Vindication of Confidence
- A. 'The works of the Lord in the earth'
- B. The three stages of future vindication
Key Quotes
“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.” — Chuck Smith
“He uttered His voice, the earth melted.” — Chuck Smith
“The God of Jacob is our God.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We can trust in God's presence and power to help us in times of trouble.
- We should not fear the world's fears because God is with us and will never leave us.
- God will ultimately vindicate us and establish His kingdom in peace.