MAN’S TROUBLE AND GOD’S HELP
September 28, 2021
A. Starting point: 1 Tim. 2:1-6

B. Praying from: PSALM 3

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
WORLDLY HOST
“ LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
SOUL’S ENEMIES (Ps. 86.:14; Jer. 2:34, 18:20; Ezek. 13:18, 22:25; Luke 22:31; Eph. 6:12)
SELAH (a pause or a musical note,often used in Psalms and Hab 3:3) [STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN]
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
GOD A SHIELD
3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
FEARLESSNESS
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
SALVATION SOUGHT
7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
GOD’S BLESSINGS
8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.”

I. The problem—vv. 1, 2
WORLDLY HOST
A. People—v. 1. The people who opposed the Psalmist. Many were against him. Note Jesus’ words in John 15:18, 19. You will always face opposition when you serve God.

SOUL’S ENEMIES (Ps. 86.:14; Jer. 2:34, 18:20; Ezek. 13:18, 22:25; Luke 22:31; Eph. 6:12)
SELAH (a pause or a musical note,often used in Psalms and Hab 3:3) [STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN]
B. Plight—v. 2. These people discourage the Psalmist, saying God isn’t concerned about his problems. However, God is; He asks us to cast our care upon Him—1 Peter 5:7.
II. The protection—vv. 3, 4
GOD A SHIELD
A. The Lord—v. 3. Notice how God is our shield. He protects man. Only God could lift up the head of the Psalmist; that is, encourage him. God encourages us in many ways.
B. The listening—v. 4. The Psalmist calls upon the Lord, and the Lord hears him. The Bible has much to say about how God answers our prayers—Jer. 33:3; Matt. 7:7–9.
III. The peace—vv. 5, 6
A. Faithful—v. 5. The Psalmist lay down and went to sleep. He had faith God would take care of him. God has promised never to leave us—Matt. 28:20.
FEARLESSNESS
B. Fearless—v. 6. Though ten thousand people are against me, I will not be afraid. If God is for me, it doesn’t matter who is against me—Rom. 8:31. “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me”—Heb. 13:6.
IV. The power—v. 7
SALVATION SOUGHT
A. Plea—“Arise, O Lord; save me.” If we pray according to God’s will, he will hear us—1 John 5:14, 15.
B. Personal—“Oh, my God.” David knew the Lord personally. He said, “The Lord is my shepherd”—Ps. 23:1. Paul desired to know God personally—Phil. 3:10.
C. Protection—“For thou hast smitten all mine enemies, upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.” Even the strongest animal drops his prey and flees when struck upon the cheek bone.
V. The pardon—v. 8
GOD’S BLESSINGS
A. Hope. Man’s only hope of salvation is God. Outside of God there is no salvation—Acts 4:12; John 14:6. We are saved not by what we do, but by what God had done for us—Eph. 2:8, 9.
B. Happiness. Salvation always produces joy—John 15:11. See also 1 Peter 1:8.
VI. THE A-MEN OF ROMANS 16:20, 24, 27
16:20 “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. A-men.”
16:24 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. A-men.”
16:27 “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. A-men.”