1. In this verse David asked 2 questions that relate to God's people being in His presence. 2. In our lesson we will: a. consider why we need to answer David's questions b. search the Scriptures to answer David's questions c. make several points of application.
Discussion:
I. WHY WE NEED TO ANSWER DAVID'S QUESTIONS
A. As you know, tragedies occur on a regular basis today, including: 1. violence and the senseless taking of innocent lives 2. disasters such as the condo collapse. B. When tragedies such as these occur, people sometimes express 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. Joseph (Genesis 39:1-3, 20-23) 2. 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. Being in the Lord's presence should affect our behavior (Hebrews 4:13). B. Because we are always in the Lord's presence 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 to overcome covetousness as well as fear (Hebrews 13:5-6; Psalm 23:4a).
Conclusion:
1. This morning we showed how "we can know that God is with us." 2. This evening we have answered David's questions that relate to being in God's presence. 3. We are in the Lord's presence today, and He is aware of our thoughts, our words, our actions, and the condition of our hearts. 4. Let us adopt David's approach that we read about in Psalm 19:14; 18:3.
