A Dark Time: Praying in a Cave

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-8-2026

Psalm 142

Introduction:

A.  “A Prayer when he was in the cave.”  Psalm 142 has a short title that explains David’s plight and underscores the Psalm's importance to the believer. 

 

1.  In Psalm 142, we see the Psalmist David in the dark room of God…he’s in a cave.  From the text, we learn that he was fleeing from King Saul's pursuit.  David was at the lowest and darkest place he had ever been.  

 

2.  Before we examine the text, note that this is one of the thirteen Maschil Psalms. The word 'Maschil' means to instruct, so this is a Psalm of instruction. There are lessons to be learned from the Psalmist's experience here.

 

B.  Though there are some exceptions (Bathsheba and numbering the people), I believe that every believer would love to be called “a man after God’s own Heart,” as there was never a king before or a king after that measured up to this man of God who established a throne that was eternal.

 

C.  Though King David was a man after God's heart, he was also just a frail man, such as we are.   It was the hardships that David suffered that molded him into the man that God wanted him to be!  This man may change many minds, as we have become accustomed to comfort and the pleasures of this life. 

 

1.  Raised shepherding sheep was essential to such a life.  Most want to start at the top rather than do the menial tasks of shepherding.  Most young preachers are searching for an established church with a bi-vocational free life, a good starting salary, an automobile, and a place to live.  David was put in charge of the innocent sheep.  His job was to lead them, feed them, and protect them. How long he held this position is unknown, but he faithfully carried out his duties when he killed Goliath with the same skill and courage he used to kill a bear and a lion.

 

2.  Anointed King as a teenager, David was not yet ready to ascend to the throne of Israel.  He needed to attend God’s school of hard knocks to prepare him for the daunting task ahead. 

 

3.  Life as God’s anointed started well for David, who was chosen by God and anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16), and killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17)in his late teens.  Anointed but not ready.  There is a difference.  Anointed shows divine approval, but even in the ministry, the Bishop or pastor is not to be a novice!

 

4.  David learned to make instruments and write songs.  He had the solitude in which to do so.  Many great musicians honed their skills in solitude.  David became notable before

Saul chose him as his personal musician, but jealousy drove Saul to try to kill him.  During this time, David proved himself in the art of war as he led Israel’s military and killed tens of thousands.  He also won the hearts of the people.  David spent the next 8-10 years running and hiding in the wilderness.  David was 30 years old when he was finally seated upon the throne of Israel (2 Samuel 5:4).  

 

5.  When Saul died, David arose to sit on the throne. Later, King David would spend less than a year fleeing and hiding from Absalom before finally reigning for the rest of his life. Hardship shaped David’s life and the throne, which he established as an eternal throne that Christ will one day occupy.

 

6.  I said all that to say this: God uses hardship to shape men from boys, transforming young, innocent wives into women who are battle-hardened and ready to face difficulty while trusting the Lord.

 

D.  Here, in Psalm 142, we find him hiding in a cave.  The title of the Psalm does not indicate whether this was the cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 22) or En-gedi (1 Samuel 24).

 

E.  We do know that David had his men with him in the cave, but he also knew that the cave should have been a castle!  Though out of order, Verses 3-4 show something of great interest to us, as God’s children.  You can be in a crowded place and yet feel overwhelmed and all alone!

 

1.  Verse 3.  In the middle of a crowd, David’s spirit was overwhelmed in his spirit!  Psalms 142:3a  When my spirit was overwhelmed within me … 

 

a.  It is in our spirit that we worship God.  Spirit and truth.  There will be times of trouble and confusion when our worship is gone.  We may come to the house of worship, but our spirit has been broken, and we go through the motions with no true worship or joy. 

 

b.  Overwhelmed is a dangerous place to be, as it breeds disappointment, which leads to discouragement if we fail to trust God enough to put Him in His proper place.

 

1)  Warren Wiersbe made a statement worth quoting: “What life does to us depends on what life finds in us.”   

 

2)  Dr. H. B. Smith used the process of film development to explain this Psalm.  “It is in God’s darkroom that the true test, and the validity of our spirituality is made known.  Faith is like film…It only develops in the dark.” 

 

3)  It is in the absence of light that a picture is developed.  Here is the process: 

 

a)  In order to properly develop the film, it must first be taken into the dark room.  (David was in a dark place.) 

 

b)  There are different chemicals that must be added to enhance the quality of the prints to be developed.  (God was doing something in David’s life that would help to grow in faith later.) 

 

c)  After the right chemicals are added, it is safe to expose the film to the light that will eventually produce the details and quality of the picture developed.  (God uses these dark times that often overwhelm us to introduce us to the final picture of life.)

 

4)  “Then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.”  Though God often allows hard things to come our way, He knows and controls them! 

 

c.  In an overwhelmed state, David did the right thing; he cried unto the Lord.  When we cannot track God, trust Him!

 

2.  Verse 4.  In the middle of a crowd, David felt alone.  He said that no man cared for his soul! 

 

Psalms 142: 4  I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. 

 

a)  But King David was not alone in the cave.  He had 400 men with him who looked up to and followed him!

 

1 Samuel 22:1-2  David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.  (2)  And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.

 

b)  Here is one of the dangers of self-pity, and that is what David had.  As their leader, he was supposed to encourage those with him.  I Samuel 22:1...there came to David about 400 men in distress, debt, discontented.  It was not a lack of company that discouraged him, but a lack of companionship.

 

c)  These men probably fear and he who killed his ten thousands was to face his challenges as he did in the Valley of Elah when he faced and killed a giant!

 

d)  Now, let’s see what King David did that was right and would deliver him in his dilemma.

 

3.  Verses 1-2.  He brought his fears to the Lord in prayer!

 

Psalms 142:1-2  I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.  (2)  I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.

 

4.  Verse 5.  He remembered who the Lord was!  His true Hiding Place is not the cave.

 

Psalms 142:5  I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.

 

5.  Verse 6-7.  He placed his faith in the Lord, who could do the impossible, and ended with a promise of praise!

 

Psalms 142:7  Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

 

Conclusion:  When we are going through dark times, God is still God and He stands with us, but we need to recognize Him for who He truly is.

 

1.  In our hours of darkness and loneliness, God is still worthy of our praise.  Just praise the Lord anyway!

 

2.  God uses darkness to teach us that we walk by faith and not by sight.  A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted!

 

3.  It is the hard times that make us what we need to be.

7 Sayings of the Cross – Part 3 - Woman, Behold Thy Son

Temple Baptist Church - 3-8-2026

John 19:25-27

 

Introduction:

A.  The last 2 weeks, we saw our Lord forgive those who crucified Him because they knew not what they did.  Then we saw our Lord forgive a repentant, believing thief simply because he asked.  In both sayings, we find the amazing grace of God!

 

B.  This third saying of the cross gives us insight into the dual nature of Christ. 

 

1.  In the study of Theology, this is referred to as the Hypo-static Union of Christ.  The Hypo-static Union is the biblical doctrine that the Lord Jesus Christ is one Person with two complete natures—fully God and fully man—united without mixture, change, division, or separation.

 

2.  Jesus Christ was 100% God and 100% man at the same time.  Though this defies human comprehension, it is a Biblical reality.  The two Persons of Christ never mixed nor caused either division or separation.  Thus, Jesus Christ was the God-Man. 

 

3.  As 100% God, He could die for our sins and fully satisfy the just righteous demands of the Father.  As 100% man, He could be touched with the feeling of our infirmities and become our faithful High Priest. 

 

C.  Much heresy is refuted in the gospel: the death, burial, and bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Here are just a few examples.

 

1.  “Father, forgive them” refutes teachings that the church and the priests can forgive sin.  Only God can forgive sin!

 

2.  “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise” refutes both multiple ways of salvation (Christ is the only Way to heaven), the doctrines of Limbo, Purgatory, and soul sleep (today … with me).

 

3  Our verses for this morning, “Woman, behold thy son  … behold thy mother” refutes Mariolatry.  Our Lord dispelled the heresy that Mary was the “Mother of God” as is believed by many.  God had no mother!  There are no verses of Scripture where Jesus ever referred to Mary as mother.

 

D.  From the cross, our Lord made statements from both the human side and the divine side of His person.  Here, in the third saying of the cross, we find our Lord dispensing the care of His earthly mother to John the Beloved.  An obligation that He took seriously and set forth an example for us to follow.  In this third saying, it is interesting that He dealt with the family unit.

 

1.  Jesus never called Mary His mother in the Scriptures.  He addressed her as “Woman.”  This is important because of the Mariolatry being taught today.  Thus, “Woman, behold thy son!”  When addressing John, the Beloved, He said, “Behold thy mother!”  Jesus knew what kind of mother Mary was and that Mary would be a good mother to John.

 

2.  Though Mary was blessed to be chosen as the mother of the “Son of Man,” the human side of Christ, she was not the mother of the “Son of God,” the divine side of Christ.  The man, Christ Jesus, had a mother, but Jehovah God had no mother!

 

1.  Jesus’ Love for Mary.  Mary was His devoted mother!  In Mary’s life, we find both devotion to Jesus on the human side, as a mother, and on the spiritual side, as her Saviour.

 

a.  Mary was a godly mother.  Mary’s Selection - Luke 1:26-27, 28  And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,  (27)  To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary … (38)  And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. 

 

Mary was pure and highly favored, but not divine! After the birth of Christ, Joseph and Mary had a normal husband-and-wife relationship, and their other sons (Mark 6:3) and daughters are mentioned in the Bible.  She did not ascend to heaven as a virgin.

 

Mark 6:3  Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

 

 

b.  Mary was a saved mother.  Mary’s Salvation - Luke 1:46-47  And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,  (47)  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 

 

Only Sinners need a Saviour.  Mary was just like you and me.  A good woman, a godly woman, but Mary was born a sinner and a sinner by choice, just like we are.

 

Romans 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

 

c.  Mary was a sorrowful mother.  Mary’s Sorrow - Luke 2:35  (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,)

 

John 19:25  Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

 

How many times did she “ponder” these things in her heart?  Mary, the one who gave Him birth; Mary, the one who nursed Him on her breast; Mary, the one who swaddled and took care of Him; Mary, the one who raised Him during His formative years; Mary, the one who pondered His being while He was growing up; Mary, the one who accompanied Him during His earthly ministry; Mary, the one who stood by Him while other forsook Him.  Mary had to watch Him crucified!

 

d.  Mary was a faithful mother.  Mary’s Steadfastness - John 19:25  Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother …

 

Mary never left His side! Her love and devotion were to her Saviour, not just her son! If you are reading my notes, you will notice that “son” is not capitalized in this last statement. Though He was God, He was still her “son” in the flesh. She, of course, sorrowed as everyone else did, but she knew who He was, why He came, and what He was doing.

 

2. Jesus’ Duty to Mary! As was customary, the transfer of a mother’s care after her death was usually handled within the family. Our Lord could have easily arranged this before Calvary, but He chose to address it from the cross instead. By doing so, He revealed an important truth openly for all to see.

 

a. His duty. After Joseph’s death—which is not recorded—since He was the firstborn, it was our Lord’s duty to care for His earthly mother. It was the responsibility of the eldest son to care for aging parents, and our Lord was no exception.

 

b. His desire. As God, all men and women were equal, but as a “son,” His mother held a special place in His heart. As one writer said, “Christ’s sufferings surpassed all conception, yet they did not drown the memory of His mother.” Like any of us, our Lord held great respect for the one who gave Him life. He never disrespected Mary nor was He ever disobedient to her. As God’s children, we are encouraged to honor and obey our parents.

 

c. His decision!  As the firstborn son, Jesus had the blessed task of caring for His earthly mother.  He gave Mary to John, not to the second-oldest brother.

 

1) Our Lord Jesus did not entrust His earthly mother to the second-born brother. This would have been both a natural succession and biblically correct, as at that time, the care of a mother belonged to the second-born son. This highlights a failure within the family structure. Satan has undermined the American family by shifting God from the first to the second, third, or last place in the home. The family structure is the foundation of both the church and the nation. As goes the home, so goes everything else.

 

2) Our Lord Jesus did not entrust His earthly mother to the church. Mary was not a “widow indeed” and thus was not the congregation’s responsibility to care for her. While debates may continue about the early church, we can all agree that there was a body of believers to whom the Lord gave the Great Commission and the church ordinances.

 

3) Our Lord Jesus chose John the Beloved, a man who could be trusted! The only disciple who remained at His side until the end. No other disciples are mentioned.

 

Conclusion: In the third saying from the cross, we see the importance of family and duty. Family holds significance to God because He established the family unit in the Garden of Eden. 

Understanding Spiritual Gifts - Part 2 - The Gifts and Work of the Holy Ghost

Temple Baptist Church - 3-4-2026

1 Corinthians 12:1

 

Introduction:

A. As we begin dealing with the use and abuse of the gifts of the Spirit, it is essential that we understand both that the transitional Period and the Book of Acts, and the work of the Holy Ghost in the life of the believer in our day.

 

1. The Transition Period (400 silent years plus 100 years during the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles) was to transition from the Old Covenant of Atonement and implementation of the New Covenant of a Finished Salvation through the Gospel.

 

2. The work of the Holy Ghost in the Transition Period, during the absence of the New Testament completion, was to give credibility to the apostles, through transitional or passing gifts, manifesting the Power of God in the Apostolic Church.

 

3. As there was confusion in the Corinthian Church, there is ignorance in our day concerning these passing gifts.

 

B. There continues to be tremendous ignorance concerning this blessed Third Person of the Trinity, who is called the Comforter (παράκλητος paraklētos par-ak'-lay-tos: an intercessor, consoler: - advocate, comforter. ), the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Ghost. The Charismatic Movement makes much of the Holy Ghost, which is contrary to His biblical position.

 

C. The first danger sign of the Pentecostal, Holiness, and Charismatic Movements is their emphasis upon the work of the Holy Spirit and not on the work of Jesus Christ. They may mention Christ, but the Holy Ghost is the One who is magnified. We will look at the Holy Ghost's work in a few minutes.

 

1. First, we need to understand what a gift is. Gifts – χάρισμα charisma char'-is-mah – To grant as a favor. In Etymology (Etymology is the study of words: their origin and evolution of words), the term charismatic derives from the Greek word χάρισμα charisma ('gift', itself derived from χάρις (charis), meaning grace or favor.

 

2. We use the word “gift” in the same manner today. Something given willingly to someone without payment; a present.

 

3. The Charismatic and Pentecostal movements are built upon passing spiritual gifts, which are extra-biblical, so-called direct revelations from God. The King James Bible is the completed revelation of Jesus Christ from God today. Thus, the word “Charismatic.”

 

D. The second danger of the Pentecostal, Holiness, and Charismatic Movements is that they “cherry pick” the gifts that they misuse instead of seeking and using all the permanent gifts mentioned in this chapter that remain available, along with the gifts found in Romans 12:6-8.

 

1. Gifts Listed in Romans 12:6–8 (Ministry / Service Gifts)

 

These emphasize function within the body:

Prophecy – Speaking forth God’s truth.

Ministry – Serving (practical service).

Teaching – Explaining doctrine.

Exhortation – Encouraging and urging obedience.

Giving – Liberality in material support.

Ruling – Leadership/administration.

Mercy – Compassionate care.

 

These were ongoing (permanent) service gifts for the edification of the local church, yet no one seems to pray for them. Why? Because they are not charismatic!

 

2. Gifts Listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8–10 (Sign / Manifestation Gifts)

 

Word of wisdom

Word of knowledge

Faith (extraordinary faith beyond saving faith)

Gifts of healing

Working of miracles

Prophecy

Discerning of spirits (Biblically, trying them with the Word of God – 1 John 41:1

Divers kinds of tongues (notice divers kinds – plural. An Angelic tongue, which tongue talkers speak of, would all be the same tongue)

Interpretation of tongues

 

Given in a specific historical context at Corinth:

 

E. We will deal with them later also.

 

F. First, what is the work of the Holy Ghost? The Holy Ghost, in our day, never draws attention to Himself, but is the One who points others to Christ. If a person or supposedly spiritual acts glorify the Holy Spirit, beware! He NEVER glorifies Himself, nor does He want you to do so. Here is what our Lord said concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit (referring to His Person) and the Holy Ghost (referring to His work).

 

John 16:13-14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

 

1. What is meant by the “Spirit of truth?” It means that all that the Holy

Ghost does will be done scripturally. Today, the Holy Ghost is blamed for things that He does not do! He will never lead you or cause you to do anything contrary to the Scriptures! The Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements do things that are contrary to clear Scripture (such as being “slain in the Spirit,” uninterpreted “tongues,” “laughing revivals,” “barking like dogs,” etc.) and say that it is the work of the Holy Spirit. Many so-called Christians do things contrary to Scripture and say that God led them to do so! Doctrines such as being “slain in the Spirit” have absolutely no Scriptural basis, and their very nature (falling backwards [as the unsaved did in the Bible] instead of forward on their faces [as the saved did in the Bible] before the power of God) is satanic.

 

1. He Is The Convictor Of Sin, Not The Cleanser (The error of the doctrine of Sanctification according to the Charismatic.) - 1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; (This is a command to the believer, not a second work of grace that brings about sinless perfection.)

 

2. He Is The Distributor Of The Gifts, Not The Demonstrator (The error of being out of your control while under the Spirit’s control.) - 1 Corinthians 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. (The Holy Ghost never makes you do anything!)

 

b. The Holy Ghost is not given proper credit for the things that He does ! Without the power of God, we can do nothing according to John 15:5 which says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Many times, we tell others what we are doing or have done when we should tell others what He is doing and has done!

 

c. God’s people are being either improperly taught or partially taught on the subject of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual ignorance can lead to a multiplicity of problems in the church. There are many true believers who have not been taught.

 

The Corinthian Church was:

 

1. Carnal - 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

 

2. Contentious - 1 Corinthians 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

 

3. Confused - 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

 

1 Corinthians 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

 

FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO LOOK AT THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BELIEVER!

 

Not only are the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements ignorant concerning the work of the Holy Spirit, but many fundamental Baptists are also ignorant and misled.

 

1. He Convicts And Convinces The Unbeliever - John 16:7-11 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

 

2. He Guides And Points The World To Christ – John 16:12-15 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (The Holy Ghost never brings attention to Himself! The Charismatic Movement gives Him more attention than they do Christ!)

 

2. He Baptizes The Believer Into The Body Of Christ Which Is The Church - Romans 6:1-14 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (This is not a reference to water baptism into a local church, but, at the instant of salvation, an immersing of the child of God into the body of Christ. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is a one-time baptism that places the new believer into the body. It is further clarified in the following verse.)

 

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (Not baptized by man but baptized by the Spirit of God! Those who deny this baptism make a terrific doctrinal mistake. There is the Church, which is His body [Ephesians 5] and the church, which is local. Most references to the church in the Bible are to the local church, but some are to the body of Christ.)

 

3. He Seals The Believer Until The Day Of Redemption - 2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (Earnest - money that in purchases is given as a pledge or down payment that the full amount will subsequently be paid.)

 

2 Corinthians 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

 

Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

 

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (A seal can only be broken by one of equal or greater power. Man cannot break what God has sealed, therefore, he is eternally saved.)

 

4. He Indwells The Believer - Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (The Holy Ghost takes up residence within the believer at the moment of Salvation, not later as the Pentecostal and Charismatic believer.)

 

1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

 

5. He Gives Blessed Assurance To The Believer - Romans 8:15-16 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

 

Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

 

1 John 5:9-10 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

 

6. He Fills The Believer - Ephesians 5:18-21 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 (JOY) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 (CONTENTMENT) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 (SUBMISSION) Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (The signs are Joy, Contentment, and Submission, not speaking in tongues!)

 

7. He Brings Forth Fruit In The Believer - Galatians 5:19-26 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (I wonder why professing people do not have possessing fruits???? By their fruit ye shall know them!)

 

8. He Empowers The Believer - Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Power to witness.)

 

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (Power to live.)

 

Romans 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Power to preach.)

 

9. He Guides The Believer Into All Truth - John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

 

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (The Holy Ghost, who is the Author of the Word of God, is our blessed teacher! God is neither the Author of confusion or ignorance. This is one of the problems that I have with the Charismatic Movement. They do not care what God says and have an unteachable spirit.)

 

10. He Gives The Believer Spiritual Endowment – 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11-12 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (These gifts are not received through effort, education, or emotions, but are given to the believers according to the will of the Holy Ghost!)

 

11. He Comforts And Communes With The Believer - John 14:26-27 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

 

2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

 

12. He Prays For The Believer - Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (This is not “praying in the Holy Ghost,” which is to pray in the will of God with the leadership of the Holy Ghost, but the Holy Ghost praying for us with groanings THAT CANNOT BE UTTERED!)

Flourishing In Old Age

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-1-2026

Psalm 92

 

A.  A Song for the Sabbath Day. 

 

1.  This is the only Psalm labeled as such.  By interpretation, it was meant to be taught on the Jewish day of worship.  By application, it is a Psalm to be taught in all churches of the saints today.

 

2.  This is not just about a church service, though; it is about a life lived or to be lived.  It teaches us what a righteous life looks like over the years.  I guess you can call it the “Old Folks Psalm.”  For thousands of years, one generation after another has lived and died, leaving an example, good or bad, for those who follow. 

 

3.  There is no authorship given to this particular Psalm as it is meant to represent the life of every believer.  King David said in Psalms 37:25,  “I have been young, and now am old!”  My, how time flies, and the years pass by. 

 

B.  First of all, I want to thank the older folks (Notice I said older and not old) for being so faithful to the Lord, the church, your pastor, and those who watch you.  You are the “rock” of your church.  Built upon Christ because of you!

 

C.  This Psalm is not about an instance or moment of time; it is not about a singular circumstance either good or bad; it is a lifetime!

 

D.  I want to break the Psalm down into three parts tonight, which show that life lived for Christ.

 

1.  Verses 1-4.  They Worship their Saviour.  Notice the words “It is a good thing.”

 

a.  It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  Thankful is thinkful!  Meditating upon the manifold blessings of God!  Get a notebook and a pen.  Begin to count your man blessings, name them one by one.  It will surprise you what God has done.

 

b.  It is a good thing to sing praises unto His name.  Coming into His presence with singing and making a joyful noise.  Ephesians 5:19  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord!

 

c.  It is a good thing to shew forth (to stand boldly, to make manifest) God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness.  Tell the world that we serve a wonderful, loving, faithful God.  Pick up your chin and walk with the same loving grace and faithfulness to Him.  Let your light so shine so that those around you know that you have been with God and He is on your side.

 

d.  It is a good thing if you can play an instrument for the Lord.  I cannot play one, but I can sure enjoy hearing you play one. Music, played in a godly manner, is a blessing to those who cannot play.  God loves it also.  When He created Lucifer, He made him musical:  “the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.”  In heaven, we find one of the most soothing of all stringed instruments, harps.  I believe that heaven will be a musical place as the saints are found singing songs of praise.

 

e.  It is good to triumph in the works of God’s hands.  Worship with joy for God’s works in nature, in our lives, because He careth for you. Learn to enjoy God’s nature as He created it for our pleasure and joy.

 

2.  Verses 5-11.  The Weather Their Storms.

 

a. Verses 5-6.  They have learned to trust in the Lord’s knowledge and power.  What sustains us during the hard times is the knowledge that “nothing has ever occurred to God.”  He knew where we would be before the trial came.  He knows where we are and how we feel during the trial.  Old people have endured hardship and have learned that God is good all the time.

 

Philippians 4:11-13  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  (12)  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  (13)  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

b.  Verses 7-9.  They have come to understand that the prosperity of the ungodly is brief, and justice and judgment will ultimately come.

 

Psalms 37:37-38  Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.  (38)  But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

 

c.  Verses 10-11.  They understand that God does not change.  His love and protection for His children never diminish!  My favorite text on this subject is found in 2 Timothy chapter 4.

 

2 Timothy 4:16-18  At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.  (17)  Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  (18)  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

3.  They Wear Their Salvation – Verses 12-15  

 

a.  Verse 12.  They are Resilient!  They are like the Palm Tree.  They are resilient and bend during the storms.  The mightiest storms on earth cannot blow them away.  Though they may bend in the wind, they straighten up when the storm is over.  You cannot blow them away, you cannot make them quit, they will be there until the end.

 

b.  Verse 12.  They are like the Cedars in Lebanon.  They are known for their strength and longevity.  They grew slowly over the years, they developed a strong root system, and they have lived a long time.  Pattern yourself after them, not after those who have given up and fallen into the ways of the world!

 

c.  Verse 13.  They are planted in the Church.  They come faithfully and stay through the local church's winter seasons.  They are dependable!  Though we am getting older now, these are the backbone of the church.  You're younger, the muscles that are attached to the bones!

 

d.  Verse 14.  They are fruit-bearing.  They do not dry up in the droughts of life.  They are the heart and soul of the local churches.  They act like Christians!  They live like Christians! They are a living sermon of the grace of God!

 

Conclusion:  What will our lives be remembered for?  Learn to worship, trust, and be resilient.  One day, your life will be remembered.  Nehemiah said, “Remember me for good!”