The Lord Reigneth!

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-28-2026

Psalm 97

 

Introduction:

A.  We live in a time prophesied throughout the Bible, but there is much biblical ignorance among God’s people.  I fear that many in our day believe that everything is out of control.

 

1.  In nature.  Stronger storms, greater tragedies.  Romans 8:22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

 

2.  Among the saved.  Greater confusion, greater apostasy among the saved, greater falling away, and a lack of spiritual concern.

 

2 Timothy 3:13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

 

3.  Among the unsaved.  Greater wickedness, greater spiritual blindness and unconcern for eternal things, more atheism and agnosticism, more idolatry.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  (2)  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.  (3)  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

 

4. Politically.  Greater turmoil in government, more wars and political unrest worldwide, greater hatred for the Nation of Israel and the United States.

 

Matthew 24:6-7  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  (7)  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

 

5. More questions seemingly unanswered.

 

B. Psalm 97 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereign rule over all the earth. In a world filled with uncertainty, injustice, and fear, this psalm reminds us that God is still on His throne. The central message is simple yet profound:

 

C. "The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice" (Psalm 97:1).

 

1. Rejoice Because God Reigns (Psalm 97:1-6)  "The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice..."

 

a. His Rule Is Universal.

 

God is not merely King of Israel; He is King over all creation. Nations rise and fall, but God's kingdom stands forever.

Nothing catches God by surprise.

 

b. His Rule Is Righteous.

 

"Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne" (v. 2).

God never makes a mistake.

His decisions are always just and holy.

 

c. His Presence Is Powerful.

 

Fire, lightning, and trembling mountains reveal His majesty.

These images remind us that God is not a weak or distant ruler.

He is all-powerful and worthy of reverence.

When circumstances seem out of control, remember that God is still in control.

 

2. Rejoice Because God Overrules. (Psalm 97:7-9)  "Confounded be all they that serve graven images..."

 

a. Idols Always Fail.

 

Ancient idols were made of wood and stone.

Modern idols may be money, pleasure, success, popularity, or self.

Anything that takes God's place in our hearts becomes an idol.

 

b. God Alone Is Exalted.

 

"For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth" (v. 9).

No person, possession, or power compares to Him.

Every knee will ultimately bow before Him.

Examine your heart. What receives your devotion, attention, and trust more than God?

 

3. Love the Lord and Hate Evil. (Psalm 97:10-11)  "Ye that love the LORD, hate evil..."

 

a. Genuine Love Produces Holy Living.

 

Loving God means embracing what He loves and rejecting what He hates. Christians are called to separate from sin.

 

b. God Preserves His Saints.

 

God protects and keeps His people.

Though believers face trials, they are secure in His hands.

 

c. Light Awaits the Righteous.

 

"Light is sown for the righteous."

Dark seasons do not last forever.

God has prepared joy and blessing for those who trust Him.

The evidence of true love for God is not merely words but a life that turns from evil.

 

4. Respond with Joyful Worship (Psalm 97:12)  "Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness."

 

a. Rejoice in Who God Is.

 

Our joy is rooted in God's character, not our circumstances.

His holiness, power, and faithfulness never change.

 

b. Remember His Holiness.

 

Worship begins with seeing God as He truly is.

The more we understand His holiness, the more we appreciate His grace.

 

c. Give Thanks Continually.

 

Gratitude is the natural response to God's goodness.

Thankfulness strengthens faith and glorifies God.

A believer who understands God's reign cannot help but rejoice and give thanks.

 

Conclusion: No matter what is happening in our nation, churches, families, or personal lives, the message of Psalm 97 remains unchanged: "The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice."

The Realization of Revival

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-28-2026

Deuteronomy 30:1-10

 

Introduction:  Deuteronomy – Deutero, Second or repetition, and nomy,Law.

A.  In the preceding chapters, the Lord caused Israel to pass between Mt. Ebal, where blessing of God were pronounced, and Mt. Gerizim, where the cursing of God were pronounced.   God gave Israel a choice and, many times, they chose the cursing over the blessing. 

 

1.  Their Fathers stood at Kadesh Barnea 38 years ago, ready to go into the Promised Land, turned back, and wandered in the wilderness until all that generation died.  Willful actions that brought the judgment of God.

 

2.  Now, it is the next generation who will decide to either follow God and take the land that is given to them or follow in the footsteps of those who chose cursing over blessing.

 

3.  This morning, the choice is ours!  God does the same for His children today as He wants to bless us. 

 

B.  In out text, we find that God also provided a remedy for Israel wrong choices.  He is a loving, compassionate God.  This simple remedy is also available to God’s children today in the word revival!  To revive or to bring back to life!  From the curse of disobedience to the blessing of obedience.

 

C.  On July 19-22, Bro. Tom Holbrooks will be with us for what we call “Revival.”  These are times that we set each year to bring in a man of God to call the Church “back to God.” 

 

D.  It is a shame to us all that we must be called “back to God” when we are commanded to walk in continual fellowship with Him.  These are the days of Laodicea, and lukewarmness is the rule of the day.

 

E.  It would be great for Bro. Holbrooks to come into a church that is revived and on fire for God!  Man cannot bring Revival!  Most so-called Revivals are no more than a series of meetings where God’s Word is preached with neither immediate nor lasting results. 

 

F.  I believe that it is imperative in these last days that God’s people walk with Him, for without Him we can do nothing.  The Christian of today is more affected by the world than by affecting the world. 

 

G.  Deuteronomy 30** There are some things that we need to know concerning Revival:

 

1.  Revival Requires Realization - vs 1 “thou shalt call them to mind”

 

a.  The Danger of Spiritual Blindness

 

Revelation 3:14-18  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

 

Isaiah 42:17-20  They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.  Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.  Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?  Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.

 

1)  We Do Not Know – “knowest not”

 

2)  We Do Not Hear – “hear, ye deaf”

 

3)  We Do Not See – “Look, ye blind”

 

            b.  The Devastation of Spiritual Blindness

 

1)  Spiritual Blindness Will Cause Us To Lead Others Astray - Matthew 15:14  Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. 

 

2)  Spiritual Blindness Will Cause Us To Major On The Minors - Matthew 23:24  Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 

                       

3)  Spiritual Blindness Will Cause Phariseeism - Matthew 23:26  Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 

 

4)  Spiritual Blindness Will Cause Spiritual Immaturity - 2 Peter 1:9  But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 

 

5)  Spiritual Blindness Will Cause Sinful Living - 1 John 2:11  But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 

 

2.  Revival Requires A Return - vs 2 “return unto the Lord”

 

a.  The Desire of Return - “and return”

 

1)  It is one Thing To Realize Where You Are

 

2) It is Another Thing To Return To God

 

a)  Return is made up of Turn and the prefix Re: RE,  a prefix in the composition of words, denotes return,  

 

b)  Means that you have turned once (away from God) and now must RETURN

b.  The Direction of Return

 

1)  A Turn From Iniquity - Job 22:23  If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

 

Job 36:10  He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.

 

2)  A Return From Destruction - Psalms 90:3  Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. 

 

 

3)  A Return From Sorrow - Isaiah 35:10  And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 

 

3.  Revival Requires Repentance - vs 2 - “shalt obey...all thine heart...all they soul”

 

2 Corinthians 7:10  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 

 

a.  Legal Repentance - In theology, the pain, regret or affliction which a person feels on account of his past conduct, because it exposes him to punishment.  This sorrow proceeding merely from the fear of punishment, is called legal repentance, as being excited by the terrors of legal penalties, and it may exist without an amendment of life. (the sorrow of the world worketh death!)

 

b.  Evangelistic Repentance (usually dealing with salvation) - Real penitence; sorrow or deep contrition for sin, as an offense and dishonor to God, a violation of his holy law, and the basest ingratitude towards a Being of infinite benevolence.  This is called evangelical repentance, and is accompanied and followed by amendment of life.  Repentance is a change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God.  (godly sorrow worketh life)

 

4.  Realization, Return, and Repentance Brings About Restoration - vs 3-10 “then” and only “then”

 

a.  God Will Turn Thy Captivity - vs 3

 

b.  God Will Return - vs 3 (means He has turned also!)

 

c.  God Will Bring Thee - vs 4-5 (back to Canaan’s blessings)

 

d.  God Will Circumcise Thine Heart - vs 6  “to cut away”

 

e.  God Will Curse Your Enemies - vs 7 “all these curses” (yours on them)

 

f.  God Will Rejoice Over Thee For Good - vs 9 (blessing instead of cursing)

Evil Communications Corrupt Good Manners

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-24-2026

1 Corinthians 15:33-34

 

Introduction: 

A.  It is of no casual interest that the Holy Spirit placed these verses in the great resurrection chapter of 1 Corinthians.  Paul, in his first Corinthian Epistle, has worked tirelessly and lovingly to help this carnal church to GROW UP and, therefore, become more like Christ than the world from which they were delivered!

 

B. Reproving and rebuking are, unfortunately, a constant need for all of us as we are saved and sinners at the same time!

 

2 Timothy 4:1-5  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  (3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine (if there is a sound doctrine, there must also be unsound doctrine); but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers (there are good teachers and false teachers), having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (if there is truth, there must also be untruths).  (5)  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

 

C.  As we near the end of 15 chapters of open reproof and rebuke, in this great chapter, we find two great resurrections. 

 

1.  I Corinthians speaks of their resurrection unto newness of life.  This truth is well established in both Romans chapter 6 and 2 Corinthians chapter 5.

 

Romans 6:1-16  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. 15  What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

 

2 Corinthians 5:16-17  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.  (17)  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

2.  The resurrection of our sinful body to a state of incorruption and eternality. I will just lightly reference this resurrection as we will look at it in detail later.

 

1 Corinthians 15:50-55  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  (51)  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  (55)  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

D.  The crux of this message is “evil communications corrupt good manners!”  Why is such carnality found in the Corinthian believers?   I want to use two biblical illustrations to show both the cause and the effect of “evil communications corrupt good manners.”  Both found in Genesis, the Seedbed of the Bible.

 

1.  Lot.  2 Peter 2:6-8  And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;  (7)  And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:  (8)  (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

 

a)  Lot was a saved man.  “just … righteous”

 

b)  Lot chose to dwell among them.  “For that righteous man dwelling among them.”  “Dwelling” is to settle in, and “among” means to be positioned.  We are in this world, but must position ourselves out of this world!

 

c)  Lot vexed!  This is something that Lot did to himself, not what the world did to him!

 

d)  How did Lot vex his righteous soul?  By seeing and hearing!  “Evil communications” are perceived in these two ways, seeing their ungodly “conversations.”  Seeing, observing the world’s lifestyles intently.  Hearing, listening to the world’s philosophy! 

 

e.  Lot failed to turn away.  “from day to day”  One day at a time led up to the corruption of his righteous soul!  He got used to the dark!

 

2.  Eve. The First Mention found in Genesis chapter 3.

 

a)  Eve heard.  Genesis 3:1-4  Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  (2)  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  (3)  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.  (4)  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

 

a)  Eve saw!  Genesis 3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

 

3. Satan’s devices.  2 Corinthians 2:11  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

 

E.  Therefore, the reason for much preaching and teaching on the most unpopular subject in the Bible: Separation!  We are to be salt (which gives savour) and light (which shows Christ).

 

Matthew 5:13-16  Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  (14)  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  (15)  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  (16)  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

F.  As a general rule, sinners have a greater influence upon the saved than the saved have upon the sinners.  Throughout biblical history, God’s children have been constantly drawn away from God through the influence of the world around them. 

 

G.  KISS:  Keep it simple, Stupid!  What I am preaching is the “milk” of the Word tonight.  Something that every believer is faced with from day one in salvation!  Satan tries his best to keep the sinner from salvation, but he cannot touch that; therefore, he begins his war against the believer in separation because that is one of the greatest “tools” that God uses to convert the lost!

 

1. A lack of Communication - 1 Corinthians 15:33-34  Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.  (34)  Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

 

We spend more time communicating with the world than we do with God! We need to learn the lesson: we are in the world but not of the world.

 

2.  A lack of Concentration - 1 John 2:15-17  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  (17)  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

We are seeing so much while in the world that it takes on more importance than living and serving God.

 

3.  A lack of Continuance - Luke 9:57-62  And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.  (58)  And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.  (59)  And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.  (60)  Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.  (61)  And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.  (62)  And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

 

At this point, our eyes are off of Christ, the straight and narrow way, and on the world that we once trod, the wide gate and broad way!  That which once turned us to Christ becomes our point of focus, and we begin to slack off.

 

4.  A lack of Contentment - 1 Timothy 6:8-11  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  (9)  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  (10)  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  (11)  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 

Enough is no longer enough!  Satisfaction breeds contentment while dissatisfaction breeds discontentment!  The difference between men and boys is the price they pay for their toys!

 

5.  The end result of all the above is a lack of Commitment - 2 Timothy 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

 

Another one of these days, one of us will be a part of the “falling away” of 2 Thessalonians chapter 2!  Just another statistic!

The Millennial Psalm

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-21-2026

Psalm 47

 

Introduction:

A.  The reason for my naming this psalm “The Millennial Psalm” is that it continually references a future event, not something that has already been or now is. 

 

1.  In the beginning, God established the truth of six literal days of creation.  Found in two texts: Genesis chapters 2-3 with the terminology “the evening and the morning” in each of the six consecutive days of creation and His rest from His work on the seventh. 

 

Exodus 20:11  For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

 

2.  These seven days were an analogy to the seven millenniums of time before the end of times as we know it. 

 

2 Peter 3:7-8  But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  (8)  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

 

3.  It was a period of four days or four thousand years (four days in God’s economy) from the creation to Christ, two thousand years from Christ to the end time the Church Age ended by the Rapture of the Church (two days in God’s economy),  and one thousand years (one day in God’s economy) consisting of Jacob’s Trouble, also known as The Tribulation Period and Millennium.

 

4.  Eschatology is the study of last things.  J. Dwight Pentecost wrote a book on eschatology titled “Things To Come.”

 

B.  There are two distinct possibilities, both times of peace and prosperity, with the former being the 1,000-year reign of Christ and the latter being eternal, mentioned in the Book of Isaiah.  I will give you both, but the Millennial Reign of Christ is probably the one mentioned in this psalm.

 

1.  God’s Millennial Reign - Isaiah 11:1-10  And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:  (2)  And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;  (3)  And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:  (4)  But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.  (5)  And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.  (6)  The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.  (7)  And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  (8)  And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.  (9)  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.  (10)  And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

 

2.  God’s Eternal Reign - Isaiah 65:17-25  For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.  (18)  But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.  (19)  And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.  (20)  There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.  (21)  And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.  (22)  They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.  (23)  They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.  (24)  And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.  (25)  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

 

C.  Both occur after the Second Coming of Christ, which takes place in Revelation chapter 19.

 

D.  In this psalm, we see the joy and anticipation of the people of Israel as they have been the most hated people on earth over the millennia.   Today, many of the Orthodox Jews go to the Wailing Wall and pray for the coming of the Messiah.  

 

E.  Psalm 47 emphasizes a timeless truth, "For God is the King of all the earth" (Psalm 47:7), that will be glorious for both the Nation of Israel and all the kingdoms of the earth.

 

F. The time of this writing took place approximately 3,000 to 3,500 years ago, when Israel was in the beginning stages of spiritual and physical decline after the rule of David and Solomon. 

 

G.  Now, let us break down the Psalm verse by verse.

 

1.  The introduction of the psalm: “To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.”

 

a.  "To the chief Musician" indicates that the psalm was given to the leader of music in Israel's worship, likely the director of the temple choir and orchestra. It was intended to be sung publicly in worship, not merely read privately.  Much like our congregational singing out of our hymnal with musical accompaniment, songs with a message.

 

1)  The psalm was part of Israel's corporate worship.

 

2)  The Psalm was meant to be performed with musical accompaniment.

 

3)  The Psalm carried an important message for the congregation.

 

b.  "A Psalm" - The Hebrew word mizmor refers to a song sung with instrumental accompaniment, especially stringed instruments. Psalm 47 is therefore a song of praise and celebration.

 

c. "For the sons of Korah" - The "sons of Korah" were a family of Levites who served as temple singers and gatekeepers.  Korah was the man who led a rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16) and was judged by God. However, his descendants were spared (Numbers 26:11) and later became devoted servants in temple worship.  The Sons of Korah were known for composing several psalms, including Psalms 42–49, 84, 85, 87, and 88.

 

2.  Verse 1.  God’s Praise.  “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”  Here we find enthusiasm!  “Clap … shout!”  Not because of our personal situations of sorrow and defeat, but with joy and excitement!

 

3.  Verse 2.  God’s Position.  “For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.”  He is great in His power, lofty in His dominion, eminent in His wisdom, and elevated in His glory.  There is none like Him!

 

4.  Verse 3.  God’s Power.  “He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.”  Power to protect and elevate the Nation of Israel, as no weapon formed against them shall prosper! 

 

5.  Verse 4.  God’s Prerogative.  “He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.”  Israel, God’s glory!  Israel, the apple of God’s eye!  Israel, God’s chosen!

 

6.  Verse 5.  God’s Promise.  “God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.”  One day He is coming, and we will be leaving with Him.  Oh, glorious day!

 

7.  Verse 6.  God’s People.  “Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.”  He is Israel’s King but also ours!  On white horses, we shall be like Him and come back with Him. 

 

8.  Verse 7.  God’s Performance.  “For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.”  Praise Him for His creation!  He created it; He owns it; and He sustains it!  God is in perfect control of all things.

 

9.  Verse 8.  God’s Perfection.  “God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.”  On that day, the unruly nations of earth will submit to God’s rule, which will be a rule of righteousness and equity!

 

10.  Verse 9.  God’s Purpose.  “The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.”  God’s redemptive purpose is to return His once perfect creation to its former glory for all eternity.  What a day that will be!

Father’s Day – 2026 - Give Me a Man to Fight

Temple Baptist Church - 6-21-2026

1 Samuel 17:1-11

 

A.  First, let me say “Happy Father’s Day” to all the fathers both here and watching on live video.  God bless each of you!

 

B.  I chose the story of David and Goliath this morning because it conveys a truth for all of us fathers and men in general.  I chose this story because Goliath walked that valley for 40 days (morning and evening, 80 times) looking for one man )not a multitude, just one) to fight and, in the entire army of Saul, who were shouting for the battle, found none!  A whole lot of shouting but no battling going on.  Anybody can shout, but not many will fight!

 

1 Samuel 17:20  And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

 

1 Samuel 17:24  And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.

 

1.  Young David, in his mid to late teens (he was too young to go to war, and Goliath despised his youth), asked a very important question.  1 Samuel 17:29  And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

 

Not fighting for nothing, but for something worth dying for.  That was the reason for the entire story, as the Philistines had invaded Israel and threatened their destruction.  Their land, families, and the welfare of their nation.

 

2.  David then chose 5 smooth stones and did what no other warrior would do: he killed a giant named Goliath. 

 

3.  Goliath got what he asked for: a man!  Goliath got more than he bargained for!  This shows us that God can use young men as well as older ones.  A man is not an age; it is a heart that will fight and die for a right cause.

 

C.  We live in a day prophesied in Isaiah chapter 4.  Today, there are fewer and fewer good men or women (the ladies will get a pass this morning).  Because of this, the family unit has failed our children.

 

Isaiah 4:1  And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

 

D.  Notice that Isaiah did not say 7 men would be looking for one good woman!  I cannot overstate the importance of the father in the home or local church.  Men, these women cannot take our place in either!

 

E.  Gentlemen, look around you at all the young people here this morning.  We have a cause!

 

F.  God is still looking for good men!  I want to be that man in our family!  Now for the question:  “What kind of man was God looking for?”  A young man not afraid to die for a cause!  In chapter 16, God chose the youngest of all the brothers because He saw something neither Samuel nor Jesse saw: He used a 16-year-old boy who was the only man available and willing.  Age doesn’t disqualify a man on either side of the spectrum, young or old!

 

G.  This morning, God is looking for:

 

1.  God is looking for Godly Men.  Men who match a godly life with a profession of faith.

 

2.  God is looking for Praying Men.  Men who are neither afraid nor ashamed to pray.

 

3.  God is looking for Faithful Men.  Men who are steadfast in both family and church.

 

4.  God is looking for Following Men.  Men who are only followers of men as they follow Christ.

 

5.  God is looking for Serving Men.  Men who are not only available but active in the work of the Lord.

 

6.  God is looking for Surrendered Men.  Men who are looking for ways to serve rather than being asked.

 

7.  God is looking for Watching Men. Men who protect their homes from the world.

 

8.  God is looking for Guiding Men.  Men who mentor the next generation.

 

9.  God is looking for Mighty Men.   Men who are not afraid of spiritual conflict.

 

10.  God is looking for Fearless Men.  Men who are not afraid to face a giant.