Psalms 84:9
The sermon emphasizes the blessedness of being in Christ and the benefits that come from trusting in God's promise and grace.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the blessedness of dwelling in God's presence as depicted in Psalms 84:9. He highlights that Christ is our shield and defense, allowing us to be seen as complete in Him, and stresses the importance of recognizing our glorious place in Christ. Smith explains that God provides grace and glory, with no good thing withheld from those who trust in Him, and concludes with the psalmist's declaration of happiness for those who place their trust in the Lord. The sermon encourages believers to appreciate their relationship with Christ and to rely on His promises and grace.
Text
"GRACE AND GLORY"
Intro: The whole Psalm devoted to the blessedness of dwelling in the presence of God
represented by His tabernacle. Three strophes, the first is reflection and desire
to be in His tabernacle. Second the pilgrimage to, third the experiences in the
presence of God.
I. OUR BLESSED PLACE IN CHRIST "LOOK UPON THE FACE OF THINE ANOINTED" OR "MESSIAH"
OR "CHRIST."
A. Christ has become our shield.
1. Our rock of defense.
2. The enemy has to come past Him to get to me, as I abide in Him.
B. God now sees us "in Christ."
1. He sees not my failings, He sees me complete in Christ.
2. Those who lived far from Jerusalem would look forward to that day
when they would gather to the court of God. They would sometimes travel
for weeks just to get there.
3. We are in danger of taking for granted our glorious place in Christ.
D. "I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house . . ."
1. The lowest place in Christ is better than the highest place in Satan.
2. The lowest place in heaven better than the highest place in hell.
3. I would rather pick up trash in heaven than be king in hell.
II. OUR BLESSED BENEFITS IN CHRIST.
A. For the Lord God is our sun and shield.
1. Sun is the source of our energy.
a. Through it life is possible.
b. In talking of the other Son, God's only begotten, John says, "He
who has the Son . . ."
2. Christ has become the source of our strength.
3. Not only does He strengthen us, He also protects us. "Our shield."
B. "The Lord will give grace and glory."
1. God's gift of His only begotten Son is a gift of grace that brings us
to glory.
a. Grace is undeserved favor.
b. Christ is the greatest gift of Grace.
1. Through Him all other graces come.
Peace "in Christ"
Joy
Righteousness
Life
Salvation
C. "No good thing will He withhold."
1. Not only will the Lord shield you from the evil things.
2. He will not hold back any good thing.
a. "For if God spared not His own Son but delivered Him up for
us all..."
3. All things that come into my life in Christ came through God's filter.
a. There are some things I thought would be good for me, it seemed
God was holding back.
III. THE PSALMIST FINAL EXCLAMATION "O JEHOVAH OF HOST, BLESSED OR HAPPY IS THE MAN
WHO TRUSTETH IN THEE."
A. Don't trust yourself.
B. Trust in His promise.
C. Trust in His grace.
Sermon Outline
- Our Blessed Place in Christ points: - Christ has become our shield - God now sees us 'in Christ' - The lowest place in Christ is better than the highest place in Satan
- Our Blessed Benefits in Christ points: - For the Lord God is our sun and shield - The Lord will give grace and glory - No good thing will He withhold
- The Psalmist's Final Exclamation points: - Don't trust yourself - Trust in His promise - Trust in His grace
Key Quotes
“The lowest place in Christ is better than the highest place in Satan.” — Chuck Smith
“The Lord will give grace and glory.” — Chuck Smith
“No good thing will He withhold.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should recognize and appreciate our glorious place in Christ and not take it for granted.
- We should trust in God's promise rather than ourselves and rely on His grace to bring us to glory.
- We should not withhold our trust in God's goodness and filter all things in our lives through Him.