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If the LORD Were Not On Our Side. Psalm 124. A psalm of ascents ( 120-134 ) A psalm of David A psalm that declares the deliverance of God people Repetition of vs. 1 & 2, possibly vs. 1 is a title, or vs. 2 is designed as responsive. If the LORD had not been on our side.
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If the LORD Were Not On Our Side Psalm 124
A psalm of ascents (120-134) • A psalm of David • A psalm that declares the deliverance of God people • Repetition of vs. 1 & 2, possibly vs. 1 is a title, or vs. 2 is designed as responsive
If the LORD had not been on our side • The Lord IS on our side • God is with us. There is nothing He cannot do for His people • Romans 15:4, we learn from the Old Testament about Him! Consider examples.
If the LORD had not been on our side • The Lord IS on our side • Abraham – Genesis 12:3 • Joseph in Egypt • Moses – Exodus 3:12 • Joshua and Caleb – Numbers 14:9 • David and Goliath – 1 Samuel 17:37, 44-45 • Elijah vs. prophets of Baal – 1 Kings 18
If the LORD had not been on our side • The Lord IS on our side • Isaiah 41:10, Haggai 1:14 • Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - Daniel 3:16-18 • Daniel in Lion’s den – Daniel 6:16 • Peter delivered – Acts 12 • While intervention today is not miraculous, know that God CAN deliver us
If the LORD had not been on our side • The Lord IS on our side • Romans 8:31, 37, if God is for us, who can be against us • Matthew 28:20, I am with you always • Hebrews 13:5-6, the Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do… • 1 John 4:4, He is greater than He who is in the world.
If the LORD had not been on our side • The Lord IS on our side • Beware of false assumptions • Sometimes nations think God is with them because of some victory, or prosperity. • Is America a Christian nation? • No! • Sometimes individuals assume the Lord is with them because all is well – but see Matthew 5:45, Acts 4:24-25
If the LORD had not been on our side • WHO is on the Lord’s side? • He who obeys His will! • Psalm 24:3-4, who will ascend to His holy hill? Clean hands and pure heart. Also Psalm 15 • 1 John 3:24, he who keeps His commandments abides in Him • Luke 9:23, he denies himself, takes up his cross and follows Him • Matthew 6:33, seeking Him first
If the LORD had not been on our side • They would have been overwhelmed • Waters would have overwhelmed, men would have swallowed us alive, our souls would have been flooded • The exact event are unknown. Could be many occasions. • 2 Samuel 5:17-25, David faced the Philistines after being coroneted in Israel.
If the LORD had not been on our side • They would have been overwhelmed • When we feel overwhelmed. We are living in uncertain times. It may seem that the world is winning. • This is nothing new – Phil. 3:18-20, 2 Timothy 3:13 • NEVER forget that He is in control! • True faith is a calm spirit with the most troubling of circumstancesProverbs 29:25
Our help is in the Name of the LORD • Blessed be the Lord! • Praise Him always, regardless of what we are facing • Snares – traps, cf. 2 Corinthians 2:11. We can face them – James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5 • Floods – things overwhelming – sometimes enemies, but sometimes our own emotions • Don’t give up – Philippians 3:12-14, Galatians 6:9
Our help is in the Name of the LORD • He has delivered us - • Not given as prey to the enemy. They have escaped, as a bird freed from the snare
Our help is in the Name of the LORD • He has delivered us - • Deliverance – to be set free, saved. • Matthew 6:13 – pray for deliverance from the evil one • 2 Cor. 1:9-10 – delivered from so great a death
Our help is in the Name of the LORD • He has delivered us - Deliverance • Colossians 1:13 – delivered from the powers of darkness • 2 Thess. 3:1-2 – Paul’s request, delivered from unreasonable and wicked men • 2 Timothy 3:10-11 - delivered out of various persecutions
Our help is in the Name of the LORD • He has delivered us - Deliverance • 2 Timothy 4:17-18– even when alone, Paul knew the Lord stood with him and could deliver him • 2 Peter 2:9 – He knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation
Our help is in the Name of the LORD • God can deliver us – in His own time and in His own way! Luke 18:7-8 • Our help is in the name of the LORD who made heaven and earth – ultimate trust in Him!