E-pistle for November 25, 2011
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E-pistle
FreeWay Foundation November 25, 2011
Let the redeemed of the lord say so!
(Psalm 107:1-43)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the repeating refrain of this Psalm
"Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His
wonderful works to the children of men!" (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31)
II. Meditation: on the blessings for which man should thank God
1. Provision: physical and spiritual – "For He satisfies the longing soul,
and fills the hungry soul with goodness," v.9.
2. Deliverance and victory – "For He has broken the gates of bronze and
cut the bars of iron in two," v. 16.
3. Salvation and healing – "He saved them out of their distresses; He sent
His word and healed them," vv. 19-20.
4. Peace and security – He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then
they are glad because they are quiet; so he guides them to their desired
haven," vv. 29-30.
III. Revelation: on truly wise persons
1. Truly wise persons observe and understand (discern spiritually) all the
manifold blessings of God, v. 43.
2. Truly wise persons testify and witness ("say so") about the redemption of
the Lord, v. 2.
3. Truly wise persons make sacrifices unto the Lord with thanksgiving and
rejoicing, v. 22.
4. Truly wise persons praise and worship Almighty God, v. 32.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Cultivate spiritual discernment through the work of the Holy Spirit.
2. Proclaim that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
3. Give sacrificially to the Lord's work, with joy and thanks.
4. Continually praise and worship the Lord, both privately and corporately.
We will do valiantly!
(Psalm 108:1-13)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on what makes the heart "steadfast" (faithful)
1. Singing praises to the Lord with one's spirit ("glory"), v. 1.
2. Awaking early to offer music unto the Lord, v. 2.
3. Witnessing to all persons the mercies of God, vv. 3-4.
4. Proclaiming God's exalted truths for all to hear, v. 4.
II. Meditation: on places and people about which Holy God has spoken (vv. 7-9)
1. Shechem – city in Canaan where Abram first settled after leaving the land
of Ur, Genesis 12:6.
2. Valley of Succoth – place where Jacob (Israel) settled when he returned
to Canaan, Genesis 33:17.
3. Gilead – Place of retreat for Jacob, Elijah, David, and Jesus; referred to
as a "balm" in Jeremiah 8:22.
4. Manasseh – one of Joseph's two sons; half-tribe of Israel.
5. Ephraim – the other son of Joseph; half-tribe of Israel.
6. Judah – "kingly" tribe of Israel.
7. Moab – hostile nation descended from the child of Lot with his own daughter,
Genesis 19:37; nation of Ruth, Ruth 1:4.
8. Edom – Descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, Genesis 19:30-36.
9. Philistia – heathen Canaanite nation; perennial enemies of Israel.
(See Psalm 60:5-12 for an identical listing)
III. Revelation: on God's sovereignty over these places and peoples
1. God owns and controls ("divides" and "measures") places; Shechem,
Succoth, and Gilead, vv. 7-8.
2. God claims and blesses His chosen people: Manasseh, Ephraim, and
Judah, v. 8.
3. God conquers and uses for His divine purposes the pagan nations: Moab,
Edom, and Philistia, v. 9.
4. It is only through Israel's God that . . . "We will do valiantly," v. 13 . . . for
the help of man is useless, v. 12.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Praise the Lord Almighty with a "steadfast" (faithful) heart.
2. Testify to all persons about the mercies of God's grace and the truths of
God's word.
3. Recognize that God sees, knows, and ultimately controls all nations in all
places on the earth.
4. Receive God's courage to stand bravely ("valiantly") against His enemies,
not relying on human physical strength.
"It doesn't matter how slowly you go – as long as you don't stop!"
--Confucius
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