God's People Are Always In His Presence (Psalm 139:7)
Introduction:
1. In Psalm 139:7, David asked 2 questions that relate to God's people being in His presence. 2. In our lesson we will: a. consider briefly why we need to answer David's questions b. search the Scriptures to find an answer to David's questions c. make several points of application.
Discussion:
I. WHY WE NEED TO ANSWER DAVID'S QUESTIONS
A. As you know we have faced a variety of tragedies recently, including: 1. the taking of innocent lives 2. natural disasters. B. When tragedies such as these occur, people often react by expressing their doubts concerning God's presence. C. Such doubts are very serious because they can lead to: 1. misunderstandings about God's nature 2. unbelief. D. We need to answer David's questions for our benefit and so we may be able to assist others who are searching for answers.
II. THANKFULLY, THE BIBLE ANSWERS DAVID'S QUESTIONS
A. Let us examine information presented in Psalm 139. 1. David showed how he was always in God's presence, regardless of: a. location (vs.8-10) 1) Jonah thought he could flee from the presence of the Lord (Jonah 1:3). 2) He later prayed from the great fish's belly (Jonah 2:1-2). b. time of day (vs.11-12; Psalm 121:4-6). 2. (vs.13-16) David was in God's presence when he was in his mother's womb. 3. Notice how being in God's presence affected David. a. (vs.1-4) David realized that God was aware of his thoughts, his actions, and his words. b. (vs.23-24) David wanted his life to be right with God. B. Let us observe how God was with great Old Testament characters, including: 1. Isaac (Genesis 26:3, 24) 2. Jacob (Genesis 28:15) 3. Joseph (Genesis 39:2-3, 21-23) 4. Moses (Exodus 3:12) 5. Joshua (Joshua 1:5, 9). C. The New Testament teaches that the Lord is with His followers today. 1. Jesus made this promise in Matthew 28:20b. 2. He is present when His followers worship (Matthew 18:20). 3. He is present at all times (Philippians 4:5b -- "The Lord is at hand"). D. The Bible answers David's questions by clearly showing that the Lord's people are always in His presence.
III. LET US MAKE SEVERAL POINTS OF APPLICATION
A. The fact that the Lord is always present should affect our behavior (Hebrews 4:13). B. Because the Lord is always present we need to approach Him for help (Hebrews 4:16; Psalm 145:18). 1. He will help us when we face temptation (Matthew 6:13a). 2. He will help us when we face difficulties (2 Timothy 4:16-18). 3. He will help us overcome covetousness and fear (Hebrews 13:5-6; Psalm 23:4a).
Conclusion:
1. Are God's people always in His presence? 2. We are in His presence today, and He is aware of our thoughts, our words, our actions, and the condition of our hearts. 3. Does He approve of what He knows about you?
