Continuing Plea for Deliverance

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-29-2023

Psalm 60

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Tonight, I want to “borrow” an outline from Dr. Tom Wallace’s series on the Psalms.  Dr. Wallace has given me permission to use his work tonight.  Dr. Wallace is one of my “heroes” in the faith.  In his 90’s, he is still strong and serving in the ministry.  What a great value he is to this preacher.  An example to follow, a mentor to pattern after, an encouragement to “preach, Preacher, preach!”  May the Lord continue to bless this precious man of God and cause him to know that he has set a clear path for us “preacher boys” to follow.  Thank you, Dr. Tom Wallace!

 

B.  Dr. Wallace called this Psalm “David’s Jewel.”  I like to outline a passage of Scripture that I will preach as an outline will break it down into its integral parts and give the context as well as the interpretation and, thus, a rightly dividing application.

 

C.  As I read this Psalm, I could think of no better way to outline it, so let us look at the outline provided by Dr. Wallace.

 

D.  This psalm was “a teaching moment” meant to endure.  In the introduction to the psalm, we find two things:

 

1.  “To the chief Musician upon Shushan-eduth” “Shushan – eduth” – this comes from two words:  Shushan – an assemblage of trumpets and Eduth – a witness or to teach.  Trumpets were used in many ways in the Bible.  This usage is a group of trumpets  to call attention or to announce something.

 

2.  Michtam – David’s Jewel – an engraving (something meant to endure for a long time); a poem.

 

E.  King David had previously penned many Psalms born out of distress, disappointment, and discouragement but, this psalm was born out of triumph over his enemies.  Along with his great triumph over his enemies, it was a time when King David was at the zenith of power and prosperity in Israel.

 

F.  In the former psalms of distress, we found that King David remained pious and focused on the God of his salvation.  Hard times drive God’s children to their knees and closeness to the God of their help.

 

G.  In this psalm, we find that King David was equally pious and close to God in days of triumph and prosperity.  More often, God’s people draw nigh to God when in trouble but draw away from God in times of prosperity and peace.

 

H.  The Levites were to teach it to the people.  They were to teach the people to trust God and triumph in Him.  We should teach the same to ourselves and to one another.  David was at war with the Syrians.  Joab led the battle with the Edommites and left 12,000 dead.

 

 

    1. DISPLEASURE OF THE LORD. V 1

 

         A. The Lord cast off His people.

 

         B. The Lord had been displeased.

 

         C. The Lord had sent judgement.

 

Israel’s remorse and repentance. 

 

 

    2. DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD. V 3

 

         A. He gave them hard experiences.

 

         B. He gave them surprising experiences.

 

The Lord’s chastisement upon Israel.

 

 

    3. DISPLAY OF THE LORD'S BANNER. V 4

 

         A. The banner spoke of truth.

 

         B. The banner kept them from fear.

 

In ancient times and throughout Scripture, banners were ensigns or standards declaring allegiance to God, a nation, or an army. Banners helped lead the Israelites into battle.  The truth of God was involved in the triumph of David's armies, he had promised them victory.

 

    4. DELIVERANCE OF THE LORD. V 5

 

         A. God hears with His ear.

 

         God saves with His hands.

 

 

    5. DIVISIONS BY THE LORD. V 6-8

 

         A. God places the nations in categories.

 

         B. God's purpose for each nation is given.

 

 

    6. DIRECTION OF THE LORD. V 9,10

 

         A. The question asked.  v 9

 

         B. The answer given. v 10

 

 

 

    7. DISTINCTION OF THE LORD'S HELP. V 11

 

         A. God's help brings victory.

 

         B. Man's help is vain.