The 23rd Psalm

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-13-2021

Psalm 23:1-6

 

Introduction:

 

This morning, I want to look at one of the most notable, quoted of all Psalms as David, a man after God’s own heart—while still just a lad—meditated on his relationship—as a shepherd—with the flock of sheep placed in his care and thought of the Lord—the great Shepherd of the sheep—and His relationship with those who belong to Him.

 

A.  The 23rd Psalm is placed in the funeral service memorial paper and read often at funerals to give peace, but it has nothing to do with the unsaved. 

 

B.  The 23rd Psalm is a Psalm for the saved, not the unsaved.  Though beautiful, it cannot be understood by the natural man as it may only be spiritually discerned by God’s children.

 

C.  The 23rd Psalm is ALL about our relationship to the Lord and His relationship with us.

 

D.  The 23rd Psalm is ALL you need to know about the Christian life.

 

E.  The 23rd Psalm gives blessed assurance and hope to the child of God.

 

1.  The Person of our Salvation – Verse 1a.  “The Lord is my shepherd.”

 

a.  He is our Lord.

 

b.  He is our Leader.

 

2.  The Pleasure of our Salvation – Verse 1b.  “I shall not want”

 

a.  Our Satisfaction in His Lordship.

 

b.  Our Satisfaction in His Leadership.

 

3.  The Provision of our Salvation.  Verse 2 – “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

 

a.  He meets our Physical Needs.

 

b.  He meets our Spiritual Needs.

 

4.  The Path of our Salvation – Verse 3.  “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”

 

a.  The Path of Restoration.

 

b.  The Path of Righteousness.

 

5.  The Peace of our Salvation – Verse 4.  “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

 

a.  He Calms us in the Valley.

 

b.  He Comforts us in the Valley.

 

6.  The Protection of our Salvation – Verse 5.  “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”

 

a.  He gives us Deliverance.

 

b.  He gives us Delight.

 

7.  The Promise of our Salvation – Verse 6a “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”

 

a.  The Goodness of God.

 

b.  The Grace of God.

 

8.  The Permanence of our Salvation – Verse 6b “and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

 

a.  The Promise of our Home.

 

b.  The Permanence of our Home.

 

9.  The Prerogative of our Salvation.

 

a.  The Lord is MY Shepherd.

 

b.  The Lord can be YOUR Shepherd.