Epistle for April 15, 2011
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E-pistle
FreeWay Foundation April 15, 2011
They growl like a dog
(Psalm 59:1-17)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on verses 6 and 14
"At evening they return, they growl like a dog, and go all around the city," Psalm 59:6, 14.
II. Meditation: on the biblical, derogatory usage of the word "dog"
1. "Dog" was a term of contempt and self-abasement, I Samuel 17:43; 24:14.
2. Evil persons who surrounded the cross of Christ were pictured as "wild dogs,"
Psalm 22:16-21.
3. Worthless, lazy, blind, ignorant, greedy, dumb, and drunken watchmen (and shepherds)
were called "dogs." Isaiah 56:10-11.
4. "Dogs" were used by Jesus to illustrate to the disciples the need to be discriminating in
whom they taught the things of God, for unbelievers could become extremely dangerous,
Matthew 7:6.
5. "Little dogs" were words spoken by the Lord and by a Canaanite woman as they discussed
God's blessings available to both Jews ("children") and Gentiles ("little dogs") through
faith, Matthew 15:25-28.
6. Paul insulted his Judaizing opponents, calling them "dogs," Philippians 3:2.
7. "Dogs" refer to unbelievers who continue in their filthy living, and who will not be permitted
to enter heaven, II Peter 2:22; Revelation 22:15.
III. Revelation: on the "dogs" who threaten God's people (David)
1. They are bloodthirsty animals who lie in ambush, vv. 1-3.
2. They come out at night (under cover of darkness) to arrack, maim, and kill, vv. 6-7, John 3:19.
3. They wander up and down looking for "food" . . . godly people whom they may devour spiritually
v. 15.
4. They howl loudly like beasts, in anger and frustration if their evil desires are not satisfied, v. 15.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Pray for God to deliver me from these "dogs." Vv. 1-2.
2. Make sure that I am not guilty of unconfessed sin (having been forgiven and cleansed) when
I pray for God's help, vv. 3-5.
3. Expect God to scatter them (rather than kill them), as a reminder to others of the mercy of the
Lord, vv. 8-13.
4. Sing praises of the God of mercy, Who is my defense, refuge, and strength, vv. 16-17.
Through god, we will do valiantly!
(Psalm 60:1-12)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on needing God's presence in our battles
1. David feared that God had forsaken him and His chosen people because of their sin, v. 1.
2. David begged God for restoration, v. 2.
3. David admitted that it often was difficult to understand the "hard things" of God . . . that
God's people sometimes became confused, like a person drunk on wine, v. 3.
4. David reminded God that only victorious, delivered people would display the "Jehovah-Nissi"
victory banner, vv. 4-5; Exodus 17:15.
II. Meditation: on the blessings given by God in the past, vv. 6-8
1. Shechem, Genesis 12:6 6. Judah, Genesis 49:10
2. Valley of Succoth, Joshua 13:27 7. Moab, II Samuel 8:2
3. Gilead, Numbers 32:29 8. Edom, II Samuel 8:3, 13
4. Manasseh, Deuteronomy 33:17 9. Philistia, II Samuel 8:14
5. Ephraim, Deuteronomy 33:17
III. Revelation: on the assurance of victory only through God's power
1. Without God's presence, we will be defeated by our enemy, v. 10.
2. Human help ("in the flesh") is useless in spiritual warfare, v. 11.
3. Only God can give His people courage to fight valiantly, v. 12.
4. It is God, alone, who treads down our enemies, v. 12.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Enter into spiritual warfare only after having repented of, confessed, and forsaken my sins
before God . . . so that I may receive forgiveness, cleansing, restoration, and spiritual power.
2. Know that sometimes it is difficult and confusing to understand God's purposes, but know
also that He has promised to enlighten us when we ask, James 1:5.
3. Review regularly all of God's past blessing to me . . . to encourage my heart with the fact that
He will continue to bless me in the future just as He has promised.
4. Praise and worship "Jehovah-Nissi" . . . my banner of victory!
"The best things in life are free!"
--B.G. DeSylva, Lew Brown, and Ray Hendersn
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