Praying Golden Prayer

19/09/2021 19:55

Link to sermon.

 

Text: Psalm 16

 Title: PRAYING GOLDEN PRAYERS

 

 ill. Our kids are at the age where they are seeking employment.

- Kay Lee is now a cook at Ambassador as well as working in the coffee shop.

- Benson is seeking to get a job and has done some interviews recently.

exp. Up to this point Benson has done well on ebay, buying and selling some things.

Benson has a knack for doing well 

- getting change at the Post Office - realizing that they just gave him 50p coins that are collectible, asking the clerk to give him change with those coins.

Recently Benson obtained a necklace that looked like silver, but the halmark was white gold. 

exp. As you would imagine this was a very good thing, 

PURE GOLD IS MORE VALUABLE THAN PURE SILVER.

 

Gold signifies the most precious of metals in the Word of God.

Jesus in glory wears a crown of gold.

Rev 14:14  And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

ill. The New Jersualem is pure gold.

Revelation 21:18  And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

Rev 21:21  And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

 

our text: Psalm 16 - is a Golden Psalm

"michtam of David" - Treasuries of David - C. H. Spurgeon "This is usually understood to mean the golden psalm, such a title is most appropriate, for the matter is as the most fine gold."

exp. And so our text this morning is the golden Psalm of David. And I am going to call it the Golden Prayer this morning, because it is a prayer and a declaration of faith in God.

 

note:Though the author is David - it is a Messianic Psalm - and reveals the heart of the God man, Christ Jesus to us. It also reveals to us the quality of His prayers to God.

 

I want to encourage us this morning to PRAY GOLDEN PRAYERS.

Are your prayers golden (michtam), like the prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ?

 

I. Get in the position of golden prayer.

 ill. There are prayer positions in the Word of God.

1Timothy 2:8  I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

2Ch 6:13  For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

Dan 6:10  Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Acts 7:60  And he (Stephen) kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Act 9:40  But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed;

Acts 20:36  And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

Acts 21:5  And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

Luk 22:41  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

exp. I think there is a lot to be said for kneeling in prayer. The Bible doesn't command kneeling, but it is certainly exeplified in God's Word.

 app. The positions I want to consider this morning, have more to do with kneeling in our heart, than kneeling in our body.

A. Take a position of faith.

1  Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

exp. This golden psalm is a golden prayer. This prayer is a messianic Psalm. (prophesying of Christ)

ill. Peter preached from this Psalm about Jesus Christ. (beginning at v.8 of our text)

Acts 2:25  For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

26  Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

27  Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

28  Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

29  Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

30  Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

31  He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

note: Jesus is God. But, when Jesus took humanity upon Himself he entered into man's position of dependence upon God. 

PRESERVE ME, O GOD: FOR IN THEE DO I PUT MY TRUST.

exp. God preserved Him until it was His time to die on the cross for our sins.

John 7:30  Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

John 8:20  These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

Joh 19:11  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

question: Is your trust really in God?

 ill. I received an email this week warning of the possible severe devaluation of the US dollar. I'm paid in US dollars. My retirement savings are in US dollars.

 exp. I want to be wise, however, it made me think - what am I trusting in? God or my accounts.

note: I need to be wise and trust not in US currence, but in what US currency says, "In God we trust."

 app. What are you trusting in today? You won't pray golden prayers without a position of faith.

B. Take a position of obedience.

2  O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: 

exp. The Son of God looks within his human heart and acknowledges his position of obedience. My soul says to JEHOVAH God, Thou art my master.

 quote: Spurgeon "In his inmost heart the Lord Jesus bowed himself to do service to his Heavenly Father, and before the throne of Jehovah his soul vowed allegiance to the Lord for our sakes. We are like him when our soul, truly and constantly in the presence of the heart searching God, declares her full consent to the rule and government of the Infinite Jehovah, saying, 'Thou art my Lord.'"

 note: Jesus never deviated from the Father's will for his life.

Joh 4:34  Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

exp. Jesus submission to God as Lord was not just lip service.

ill. Only complete obedience to the will of God would take Jesus Christ to the Cross. He prayed 3 x's in the garden, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not as I will but as thou wilt."

exp. A lot of people want to say they are right with God and call God their Lord. However, there is only one way to show that God is your master - and that is to do His will.

Mark 3:35  For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

 app. Are you in a position of obedience to God? Are you doing the will of God? The position of golden prayers is a position of obedience.

C. Take a position of humility.

...my goodness extendeth not to thee;

exp. Jesus work was perfectly good.

1 Peter 2:22  Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

 note: Jesus work though good and powerful for man's salvation did nothing to increase the greatness and goodness of Jehovah God. 

 quote: Spurgeon "Although the life-work and death-agony of the Son did reflect unparalleled lustre upon every attribute of God, yet the Most Blessed and Infinitely Happy God stood in no need of the obedience and death of his Son; it was for our sakes that the work of redemtion was underaken, and not because of any lack or want on the part of the Most High. How modestly does the Saviour here estimate his own goodness! What overwhelming resason have we for imitating His humility!"

  ill. Jesus lived the humility He taught.

Luke 17:7  But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

8  And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

9  Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

10  So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

exp. The Master doesn't congratulate a servant for doing his duty. The servant humbly does his duty.

 app. Golden prayers are offered by those in a position of humility. Do you understand that no matter what you have ever done, AT BEST it was your duty and did nothing to increase the greatness of God - though it may have exhibited the greatness of God.

D. Take a position of ministry.

1. Minister to the saints.

....my goodness extendeth not to thee; 3  But to the saints that are in the earth, 

exp. Whereas the work of Christ did nothing to increase the greatness of God (though it revealed it), it greatly benefited mankind.

note: If Jesus had not died, ALL OF MANKIND WOULD STILL BE HOPELESSLY LOST.

1 Corinthians 15:17  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

Joh 8:24  I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

ill. Evangelism - I'm an atheist - to each their own.... (Where will you go when you die?) In the ground. (Heaven and hell?) That's what you believe.....

 ill. An atheist is someone who thinks they have escaped the punishment for their sins by refusing to believe in a righteous judge who has the authority to cast them into hell.

exp. The problem - they are still guilty before God - they are still in their sin. All mankind is sin - UNTIL THEY TRUST IN THIS GOOD WORK OF JESUS ON THE CROSS.

Col 2:13  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

14  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

exp. Jesus works administered God's grace, mercy and forgiveness to us.

app. If Jesus was at Free Baptist Church how important would he view our ministry of the Gospel - preaching, teaching, evangelism, missions? How importantly do you view it?

2. Fellowship with the saints.

....and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

exp. Man is not excellent, until Jesus changes us by His power. HE THEN DELIGHTS IN US.

Gal 1:4  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Tit 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

question: If Jesus was at Free Baptist Church, how important would our church be to Him. (Our fellowship, organization, growth, vitality, worship, giving, exercise of gifts, etc?) How imporant is it to you.

 app. Jesus offered golden prayers. He was focused on ministry that was dear to His heart. Have you taken a position of ministry?

E. Take a position of faithfulness.

 note: In our day, I find myself often echoing the words of King David when he said, "Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men." (Psalm 12)

exp. The church in our day is seeking to hold hands with the world instead of taking a clear position against ungodliness and a clear position for God.

1. Faithfulness is - A position against ungodliness.

4  Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: 

exp. Jesus felt badly for those who would run after a false god.

 ill. Our world wants to have it both ways - woman in Livingstone "I'm a Christian" "You don't have to go to church to be a Christian" "You aren't going to give me a telling." (We spoke about plants, I thought we could speak about church.) "I don't want to talk."

 exp. She's saying by her life - I AM A CHRISTIAN - I just run after other gods.

Mat 6:24  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 app. Believers, do not be afraid to condemn that which God condemns. It is to their sorrow that men depart from the truth.

2. Faithfulness is - A position for God.

...their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

exp. Jesus had nothing to do with the wicked ways of false religions.

 ill. We stand in a day of great wickedness in churches and great compromise.

- Church of Scotland - clear departure from truth. (homosexual marriage)

- Methodist church - clear departure from truth. (Homosexual marriage)

2 Co 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

exp. As a church, we don't have joint fellowship with churches who have compromised the truth of God. Why? Because we are to be faithful to God. Gal 1:10  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

 app. Are you as clear in your faithfulness to God. Do you take a clear position against ungodliness and a clear position for God?

 

 transition: I. Get in the position of golden prayer.

1) faith 2) obedience 3) humility 4) ministry 5) faithfulness.

 

II. Get priviliges through golden prayer.

 ill. We have nearly finished our study of Romans - Romans 8 is the believer's priviliges. The rest of this Psalm emphasizes the priviliges God gives to those who depend upon Him.

A. Satisfaction.

5  The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

exp. Satan tried to tempt Jesus into idolatry.

Matthew 4:8  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

9  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

10  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

 exp. Jesus was satisfied with the portion which God had given him. He didn't need what Satan offered.

note: Our world is not content - stronger alcohol, more perverse sensuality, stronger drugs....

 app. Believer, have you found contenment in Christ. 1Ti 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.

B. Blessing.

6  The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

exp. Jesus didn't begrudge his lot in life. He delighted to do what God had sent Him to do.

Psalm 40:7  Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

8  I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

 quote: sent to me this week.....

"You are not a product of your circumstances, you are a product of your choices."

 exp. In our world - everyone is a victim - I am this way because.... I hate my life....

 note: Jesus was homeless, overwhelmingly busy, surrounded by people who hated him and eventually put onto the cross.....but he loved his life in the will of God.

 app. Do you know the blessing of a life abandoned to God? Mat 16:25  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

C. Guidance.

7  I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel:  my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

 exp. Jesus wasn't being tossed through life. He was being guided through life.

- He had God's counsel guiding Him. "Hath given me counsel"

Psa 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

- He had internal conviction guiding Him. "My reins also instruct me in the night seasons."

 ill. Picture Jesus - in the Garden of Gethsamane - or on a Galilean hillside - in the dark praying.

exp. How often our Lord spent a night, an evening, or a morning in prayer. Seeking God's direction.

 app. If you want direction in your life, get this privilige through golden prayer.

D. Stability.

8  I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: 

ill. Have you ever awakened and realized that the problem that was troubling you as you went to bed was still present?

- Jesus would awaken day after day to....

- people clamoring for healing

- crowds who needed to hear the preaching

- false teachers mocking the message which he preached.

exp. Whatever the difficulty of the day - it was all right because GOD WAS AT HIS RIGHT HAND. HE WOULD NOT BE MOVED. HIS HEART WAS GLAD, HIS GLORY REJOICED.

App. Are you glad and rejoicing? Jesus didn't have an easy life. BUT, he had a happy life. He had this privilige through faith. 

E. Eternal life.

...my flesh also shall rest in hope.

10  For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

exp. Have you ever stopped to consider that Jesus body and soul would be separated? Eternal God would die. Jesus faced death without fear because of His faith in God.

ill. His resting in hope was not in vain - Acts 2:31  He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

app. We can rest in Hope today and know that our body and soul will be reunited!

Joh 11:25  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

F. Abundant life.

John 10:10  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 exp. Jesus didn't just live a life. Jesus lived an abundant life.

1. God's path.

11  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: 

exp. The path of life is NARROW, but those who obediently take it - find it is LIFE.

2. God's presence.

in thy presence is fulness of joy; 

exp. God created man to know the FULLNESS OF JOY in His presence.

 ill. Adam and Eve had that - until they were separated from God by sin.

 app. The blood of Jesus has opened this fountain up to man.

3. God's pleasures.

at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

 exp. Our world says... pleasure is in a cup, a pill, entertainment, power, prestige, money....

app. They look in all the wrong place. Eternal pleasure is found in God.

 

Conclusion: The golden psalm of David - shows us the Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

It is a prayer of the Son of God. A golden prayer which the Father would answer.

 

God helping us we need to pray golden prayers....

 

I. Get in the position of golden prayer.

1) faith 

2) obedience 

3) humility 

4) ministry 

5) faithfulness.

 

II. Get the priviliges of golden prayer.

A. Satisfaction.

B. Blessing.

C. Guidance.

D. Stability.

E. Eternal Life.

F. Abundant Life.

Text: Psalm 16
 Title: PRAYING GOLDEN PRAYERS
 
 ill. Our kids are at the age where they are seeking employment.
- Kay Lee is now a cook at Ambassador as well as working in the coffee shop.
- Benson is seeking to get a job and has done some interviews recently.
exp. Up to this point Benson has done well on ebay, buying and selling some things.
Benson has a knack for doing well 
- getting change at the Post Office - realizing that they just gave him 50p coins that are collectible, asking the clerk to give him change with those coins.
Recently Benson obtained a necklace that looked like silver, but the halmark was white gold. 
exp. As you would imagine this was a very good thing, 
PURE GOLD IS MORE VALUABLE THAN PURE SILVER.
 
Gold signifies the most precious of metals in the Word of God.
Jesus in glory wears a crown of gold.
Rev 14:14  And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
ill. The New Jersualem is pure gold.
Revelation 21:18  And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
Rev 21:21  And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
 
our text: Psalm 16 - is a Golden Psalm
"michtam of David" - Treasuries of David - C. H. Spurgeon "This is usually understood to mean the golden psalm, such a title is most appropriate, for the matter is as the most fine gold."
exp. And so our text this morning is the golden Psalm of David. And I am going to call it the Golden Prayer this morning, because it is a prayer and a declaration of faith in God.
 
note:Though the author is David - it is a Messianic Psalm - and reveals the heart of the God man, Christ Jesus to us. It also reveals to us the quality of His prayers to God.
 
I want to encourage us this morning to PRAY GOLDEN PRAYERS.
Are your prayers golden (michtam), like the prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ?
 
I. Get in the position of golden prayer.
 ill. There are prayer positions in the Word of God.
1Timothy 2:8  I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
2Ch 6:13  For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,
Dan 6:10  Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Acts 7:60  And he (Stephen) kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Act 9:40  But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed;
Acts 20:36  And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
Acts 21:5  And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
Luk 22:41  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
exp. I think there is a lot to be said for kneeling in prayer. The Bible doesn't command kneeling, but it is certainly exeplified in God's Word.
 app. The positions I want to consider this morning, have more to do with kneeling in our heart, than kneeling in our body.
A. Take a position of faith.
1  Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
exp. This golden psalm is a golden prayer. This prayer is a messianic Psalm. (prophesying of Christ)
ill. Peter preached from this Psalm about Jesus Christ. (beginning at v.8 of our text)
Acts 2:25  For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
26  Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
27  Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
28  Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
29  Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
30  Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31  He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
note: Jesus is God. But, when Jesus took humanity upon Himself he entered into man's position of dependence upon God. 
PRESERVE ME, O GOD: FOR IN THEE DO I PUT MY TRUST.
exp. God preserved Him until it was His time to die on the cross for our sins.
John 7:30  Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
John 8:20  These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
Joh 19:11  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
question: Is your trust really in God?
 ill. I received an email this week warning of the possible severe devaluation of the US dollar. I'm paid in US dollars. My retirement savings are in US dollars.
 exp. I want to be wise, however, it made me think - what am I trusting in? God or my accounts.
note: I need to be wise and trust not in US currence, but in what US currency says, "In God we trust."
 app. What are you trusting in today? You won't pray golden prayers without a position of faith.
B. Take a position of obedience.
2  O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: 
exp. The Son of God looks within his human heart and acknowledges his position of obedience. My soul says to JEHOVAH God, Thou art my master.
 quote: Spurgeon "In his inmost heart the Lord Jesus bowed himself to do service to his Heavenly Father, and before the throne of Jehovah his soul vowed allegiance to the Lord for our sakes. We are like him when our soul, truly and constantly in the presence of the heart searching God, declares her full consent to the rule and government of the Infinite Jehovah, saying, 'Thou art my Lord.'"
 note: Jesus never deviated from the Father's will for his life.
Joh 4:34  Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
exp. Jesus submission to God as Lord was not just lip service.
ill. Only complete obedience to the will of God would take Jesus Christ to the Cross. He prayed 3 x's in the garden, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not as I will but as thou wilt."
exp. A lot of people want to say they are right with God and call God their Lord. However, there is only one way to show that God is your master - and that is to do His will.
Mark 3:35  For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
 app. Are you in a position of obedience to God? Are you doing the will of God? The position of golden prayers is a position of obedience.
C. Take a position of humility.
...my goodness extendeth not to thee;
exp. Jesus work was perfectly good.
1 Peter 2:22  Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
 note: Jesus work though good and powerful for man's salvation did nothing to increase the greatness and goodness of Jehovah God. 
 quote: Spurgeon "Although the life-work and death-agony of the Son did reflect unparalleled lustre upon every attribute of God, yet the Most Blessed and Infinitely Happy God stood in no need of the obedience and death of his Son; it was for our sakes that the work of redemtion was underaken, and not because of any lack or want on the part of the Most High. How modestly does the Saviour here estimate his own goodness! What overwhelming resason have we for imitating His humility!"
  ill. Jesus lived the humility He taught.
Luke 17:7  But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
8  And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
9  Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
10  So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
exp. The Master doesn't congratulate a servant for doing his duty. The servant humbly does his duty.
 app. Golden prayers are offered by those in a position of humility. Do you understand that no matter what you have ever done, AT BEST it was your duty and did nothing to increase the greatness of God - though it may have exhibited the greatness of God.
D. Take a position of ministry.
1. Minister to the saints.
....my goodness extendeth not to thee; 3  But to the saints that are in the earth, 
exp. Whereas the work of Christ did nothing to increase the greatness of God (though it revealed it), it greatly benefited mankind.
note: If Jesus had not died, ALL OF MANKIND WOULD STILL BE HOPELESSLY LOST.
1 Corinthians 15:17  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Joh 8:24  I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
ill. Evangelism - I'm an atheist - to each their own.... (Where will you go when you die?) In the ground. (Heaven and hell?) That's what you believe.....
 ill. An atheist is someone who thinks they have escaped the punishment for their sins by refusing to believe in a righteous judge who has the authority to cast them into hell.
exp. The problem - they are still guilty before God - they are still in their sin. All mankind is sin - UNTIL THEY TRUST IN THIS GOOD WORK OF JESUS ON THE CROSS.
Col 2:13  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
exp. Jesus works administered God's grace, mercy and forgiveness to us.
app. If Jesus was at Free Baptist Church how important would he view our ministry of the Gospel - preaching, teaching, evangelism, missions? How importantly do you view it?
2. Fellowship with the saints.
....and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
exp. Man is not excellent, until Jesus changes us by His power. HE THEN DELIGHTS IN US.
Gal 1:4  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Tit 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
question: If Jesus was at Free Baptist Church, how important would our church be to Him. (Our fellowship, organization, growth, vitality, worship, giving, exercise of gifts, etc?) How imporant is it to you.
 app. Jesus offered golden prayers. He was focused on ministry that was dear to His heart. Have you taken a position of ministry?
E. Take a position of faithfulness.
 note: In our day, I find myself often echoing the words of King David when he said, "Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men." (Psalm 12)
exp. The church in our day is seeking to hold hands with the world instead of taking a clear position against ungodliness and a clear position for God.
1. Faithfulness is - A position against ungodliness.
4  Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: 
exp. Jesus felt badly for those who would run after a false god.
 ill. Our world wants to have it both ways - woman in Livingstone "I'm a Christian" "You don't have to go to church to be a Christian" "You aren't going to give me a telling." (We spoke about plants, I thought we could speak about church.) "I don't want to talk."
 exp. She's saying by her life - I AM A CHRISTIAN - I just run after other gods.
Mat 6:24  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
 app. Believers, do not be afraid to condemn that which God condemns. It is to their sorrow that men depart from the truth.
2. Faithfulness is - A position for God.
...their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
exp. Jesus had nothing to do with the wicked ways of false religions.
 ill. We stand in a day of great wickedness in churches and great compromise.
- Church of Scotland - clear departure from truth. (homosexual marriage)
- Methodist church - clear departure from truth. (Homosexual marriage)
2 Co 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
exp. As a church, we don't have joint fellowship with churches who have compromised the truth of God. Why? Because we are to be faithful to God. Gal 1:10  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
 app. Are you as clear in your faithfulness to God. Do you take a clear position against ungodliness and a clear position for God?
 
 transition: I. Get in the position of golden prayer.
1) faith 2) obedience 3) humility 4) ministry 5) faithfulness.
 
II. Get priviliges through golden prayer.
 ill. We have nearly finished our study of Romans - Romans 8 is the believer's priviliges. The rest of this Psalm emphasizes the priviliges God gives to those who depend upon Him.
A. Satisfaction.
5  The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
exp. Satan tried to tempt Jesus into idolatry.
Matthew 4:8  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
 exp. Jesus was satisfied with the portion which God had given him. He didn't need what Satan offered.
note: Our world is not content - stronger alcohol, more perverse sensuality, stronger drugs....
 app. Believer, have you found contenment in Christ. 1Ti 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.
B. Blessing.
6  The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
exp. Jesus didn't begrudge his lot in life. He delighted to do what God had sent Him to do.
Psalm 40:7  Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8  I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
 quote: sent to me this week.....
"You are not a product of your circumstances, you are a product of your choices."
 exp. In our world - everyone is a victim - I am this way because.... I hate my life....
 note: Jesus was homeless, overwhelmingly busy, surrounded by people who hated him and eventually put onto the cross.....but he loved his life in the will of God.
 app. Do you know the blessing of a life abandoned to God? Mat 16:25  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
C. Guidance.
7  I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel:  my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
 exp. Jesus wasn't being tossed through life. He was being guided through life.
- He had God's counsel guiding Him. "Hath given me counsel"
Psa 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
- He had internal conviction guiding Him. "My reins also instruct me in the night seasons."
 ill. Picture Jesus - in the Garden of Gethsamane - or on a Galilean hillside - in the dark praying.
exp. How often our Lord spent a night, an evening, or a morning in prayer. Seeking God's direction.
 app. If you want direction in your life, get this privilige through golden prayer.
D. Stability.
8  I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: 
ill. Have you ever awakened and realized that the problem that was troubling you as you went to bed was still present?
- Jesus would awaken day after day to....
- people clamoring for healing
- crowds who needed to hear the preaching
- false teachers mocking the message which he preached.
exp. Whatever the difficulty of the day - it was all right because GOD WAS AT HIS RIGHT HAND. HE WOULD NOT BE MOVED. HIS HEART WAS GLAD, HIS GLORY REJOICED.
App. Are you glad and rejoicing? Jesus didn't have an easy life. BUT, he had a happy life. He had this privilige through faith. 
E. Eternal life.
...my flesh also shall rest in hope.
10  For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
exp. Have you ever stopped to consider that Jesus body and soul would be separated? Eternal God would die. Jesus faced death without fear because of His faith in God.
ill. His resting in hope was not in vain - Acts 2:31  He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
app. We can rest in Hope today and know that our body and soul will be reunited!
Joh 11:25  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
F. Abundant life.
John 10:10  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
 exp. Jesus didn't just live a life. Jesus lived an abundant life.
1. God's path.
11  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: 
exp. The path of life is NARROW, but those who obediently take it - find it is LIFE.
2. God's presence.
in thy presence is fulness of joy; 
exp. God created man to know the FULLNESS OF JOY in His presence.
 ill. Adam and Eve had that - until they were separated from God by sin.
 app. The blood of Jesus has opened this fountain up to man.
3. God's pleasures.
at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
 exp. Our world says... pleasure is in a cup, a pill, entertainment, power, prestige, money....
app. They look in all the wrong place. Eternal pleasure is found in God.
 
Conclusion: The golden psalm of David - shows us the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
It is a prayer of the Son of God. A golden prayer which the Father would answer.
 
God helping us we need to pray golden prayers....
 
I. Get in the position of golden prayer.
1) faith 
2) obedience 
3) humility 
4) ministry 
5) faithfulness.
 
II. Get the priviliges of golden prayer.
A. Satisfaction.
B. Blessing.
C. Guidance.
D. Stability.
E. Eternal Life.
F. Abundant Life.
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