 |
Return to the outline
archives (listed by topic)
here.
Psalm 73
In these scriptures, we see
a serious struggle in the heart of a child of God who is
concerned by the seeming contradiction he finds around
him.
He looks around him and sees the prosperity of the wicked:
| |
(1) There are people who do not care for
God, who do not try to live for God. |
| |
(2) They have an easy time on their jobs,
they seem to have all the material things they want;
never does misfortune seem to come to them. |
| |
(3) The wicked seem to prosper better than
those who live for the Lord. |
* When we read vs 13-16,
we see King David's brokenness over this and his hasty
conclusion: "That it just isn't worth it." He says what
some think.
But notice vs 17
* In light of eternity, in light of God's
word, it really did matter about living for the Lord.
(vs 24-28)
[Notice Three Reasons Why It Matters]
| 1. |
In light of our Past, it is worth
it |
We may come from different places, our life's
experiences may be different, but we all identify with
one thing: (Romans 3:23)
* Even saved, our sinful past brings
baggage with it.
| |
(1) The Guilt of
Sin
Some live day after day with guilt, things they
cannot change now: Joseph's brothers, who sold him
into slavery
David's adultery and
murder; no doubt walking out on his
balcony reminded him |
| |
(2) Condemnation of Sin
(John 3:18)
(Romans 8:1) |
| |
(3) Burden of Sin
The devil does his utmost to cause us to live in
constant sorrow and remorse, but Jesus bore all our
guilt, our condemnation, our burden of sin and was
nailed to the Cross, giving us a new life. (II Corinthians 5:17-21) |
| 2. |
In light of our Present, it is
worth it
|
People seem to have more and more, but are
enjoying it less and less. Some seem miserable.
The book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon,
who reveals the emptiness of not serving God:
| |
(1) Solomon tried Riches; Today's
money - 20 million a year. |
| |
(2) Solomon tried Alcohol. |
| |
(3) Solomon tried Lust; 700 wives, 300
concubines. |
| |
(4) Solomon tried Education; 3,000
proverbs, 1,005 songs, yet he said
"All is vanity and vexation of
spirit" (Romans 8:28)
Your struggles today can bring shouts of victory
tomorrow. |
| 3. |
In light of our Future, it is
worth it |
Everyone has a Future; The question is what
is the future going to bring for you?
|