(Sermon Notes)

Scriptural Text: Psalm 91

1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust :his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6. Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high , because he hath known my name.
15. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

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Psalm 91:1-2

(KJV):

1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

(Amplified):

1. HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
2. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

SUBJECT: “The Believer’s Trust” (The Foundation of our Faith)

Psalm 125:1-2:

(1)  They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.

(2) As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even forever.

INTRODUCTION

As we reflect upon this scripture we realize that as believers in Christ, we have a mandate and responsibility to trust God.  It is the very foundation of our Christian walk – to have faith.  For the just, the righteous, must have a walk of faith.

How is it that we can come to God that we do not see?  How is it that we can come to God and know that He is real?  This is a walk by faith. We put our trust in God.  Our hope is in Him.  In this 91^st Psalm, we find that it is a psalm about faith and describes the perfect security of one who trusts in the Lord.  In addition it tells us of the benefits and blessings of the One Who puts His trust in the Lord.

Many of the Psalms talk about God’s greatness and His Majesty; of His lovingkindness and His protection to those who are His children.

The book of Psalms was the national hymn book of the Hebrew people. All of its chapters were set to music for worship. These Psalms, or songs, emphasized the personal relationship that man can have with Almighty God.

The Psalms are expressions of man’s feelings, ranging from great joy and happiness to deep sorrow and depression. Some psalms express the attitude of repentance and confession of sin, which leads to renewal and worship of God.

Even on today as New Testament believers in Christ – we are admonished in Ephesians 5:19-20:” (19) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hear to the Lord; (20) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

These chapters in the Book of Psalms contain the fillings that stem from every type of human experience. The Psalms were written in the midst of particular situations that happened in centuries gone by, yet this book is timeless and applicable to every age.

The Psalms, however, were heard and sung whenever the Israelites worshiped, whether in their meetings or in pilgrimage festivals at the temple. They were the vehicles of the people’s worship and a primary means of how they learned about their faith.

In the pre-exilic period at least, they were thus the most widely known portion of the Old Testament. It was not until the second Temple period that  the written “Torah” was regularly read in public  -[don’t read- an example of such a reading would be that of which was read in Nehemiah 8:1-8 (after the wall had been built in Jerusalem and the doors to the wall were set up – after )]

From about the time of Ezra, the book of Psalms in the original Hebrew was subdivided into five books or divisions. These divisions are included in most modern translations of the Bible, but are omitted in the King James version. Each of the five divisions end with a doxology.

In the titles or superscriptions of the Psalms, 73 psalms are ascribed to David, 12 to Asaph, 11 to the sons of Korah, two to Solomon (72, 127), one to Moses (9), and one to Ethan (89); and 50 of the psalms are anonymous.

There are some who believe that the 91^st Psalm was written by Moses due to the fact that Psalm 90 has been attributed to Moses (by many scholars) and it is believed by some theologians that Psalm 91 is a continuation of Psalm 90 --  which in stanzas 1 and 2 say: (1) Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.(2) Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God –

Yet there are some who attribute the 91^st Psalm to David.

And still there are others who attribute this writing to one of the temple priest or Levite – as a word of assurance to godly worshippers.

For the purposes of that which we are bringing forward on today, it is not really that important “who” wrote it.  However, it is important for us to know  that throughout the  generations the people of God forged appropriate ways of addressing God, and God guided the whole process.

It is here that we see the mystery of divine inspiration:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us: (16) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Peter 1:20-21 says: (20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

So we can be assured today that this is the Word of the Lord.

And the Word of the Lord has been given to us for:

• Doctrine (it gives us a foundation for the teaching of our knowledge and understanding of who we believe and why we believe – it provides the substance for the foundation of faith – faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.  Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.)
• Reproof  -- it is a standard and measuring rod – it is that thing that shows us and convicts us of sin and with that conviction, it provides
• Correction (the Word tells how to get it right. [All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God – we need a Saviour – because of the sin of Adam –we were born in Sin and we need a Saviour – thank God for Jesus. . . .Rom 10:9:  and 1 John 1:9); [after receiving Christ in lives – if we sin, we know that we have an advocate that we can go to and confess our sins – for He is faithful and just to forgive us of all our sin.  (So the Word of God is given for doctrine, reproof, and correction -- and lastly, it is given to us for
• Instruction in righteousness (it shows us how to live right: how to conform to God’s will  --- in thought, purpose, and action)

Often we block our blessings because we do not Perceive, Pursue and Practice the Word of God in Our Lives.

We cry out to God in trouble – and that’s allright --- for He is a present help in the time of trouble.

We told to come boldly to throne of grace, to obtain mercy and find help in time of need. ().

And that’s all good – but as Christians – we must begin to see ourselves as God sees us ---

• He sees us as the redeemed
• He sees us as the set free
• HE sees us as the Victorious Ones
• He sees us as Mighty Conquerers in Christ.

So we must learn how to walk in the Word at an even higher than where are on today.

In order for us to understand the promises and privileges that God has for us the believer, we must research the Scripture and even understand the context in which it is written.

Scripture says that we know in part, and we prophecy and part.

But as we study to show ourselves approved unto God (workmen that needeth not be ashamed, God sheds light on His Word, and give gives us revelation and practical application of His Word.  Even on today, Words that written still have life and impact us and move us closer into an understanding of that which God has for us.

“Jesus said: “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63b)..

John 10:10: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly

I have been given a mandate to remind the people of God that God has come that we might have abundant life – I am called also to sharpen the believers in Christ to be discerning in our walk with God.

To remind us we have an adversary – the devil who walks about seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:8:-10:

(8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

(9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren in the world.

(10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

As we tune our hearts to the 91^st Psalm we see words of life, confidence, and face that will help us in our walk with the Lord:

Psalm 91 is a Psalm of Protection and reminds us of the Believer’s Trust – and  Our Foundation of Faith – for it says:

(KJV):

3. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
4. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

As we look back on our subject: “The Believer’s Trust” (The Foundation of our Faith), several scriptures remind of us of who put in our trust in (The Lord):

2 Samuel 22:3-4:

(3)  The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

(4) I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Psalm 9:10:

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Psalm 20:7:

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

For many years we have sung the song: “I will Trust in the Lord” --  I will Trust in the Lord, I will Trust in the Lord Until I Die . . .

We sing it as a song of hope, praise and affirmation.

This 91^st Psalm reminds us of our:

• FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH,
• FOES OF FAITH,
• FRIENDS OF FAITH,
• THE FRUIT OF FAITH ;AND
• FELLOWSHIP OF FAITH.
• In stanzas 1-2 we see the “FOUNDATION OF FAITH”

• (The psalmist employs four names for God)
• 1.  Elyon (91:1): “The Most High”
• 2.  Shaddai (91:1): “The Almighty”
• 3.  Yahweh (91:2): “THE LORD”
• 4.  Elohim (91:2): “My God”

• B.  Believing in the promises of God (91:2): 
• (The psalmist trusts God as his refuge

Verse 1-2. Four names of God.

1. We commune with him reverently, for he is the Most High.
2. We rest in him as the Almighty.
3. We rejoice in him as Jehovah or Lord.
4. We trust him as EL, the mighty God.

In verses 1 through 2 we discover God’s Dwelling Power

In verses 3-8 we discover God’s Deliverance Power and

In verses 9-16 we see God’s Definite Promise.

[Psalm 91:1-2]

(KJV):

1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

(Amplified):

3. HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

Smith, William; Strong, James; Easton, Matthew; Nave, Orville; Webster, Noah (2012-04-19). Ultimate Bible Study Suite; KJV Bible (Red Letter), Hebrew/Greek Strong's Concordance, Easton's & Smith's Bible Dictionaries, Nave's Topical Guide, (Over 1 Million Links) (Kindle Locations 210864-210868). Packard Technologies. Kindle Edition.

AS WE EXPLORE GOD’S DWELLING POWER –

• We realize that We Must Remain in; to Settle; to Connect in Covenant and endure in the presence of God – It is that secret place.  That place where we are protected from the enemy
• If we do so He will allow us to come in to that Secret place where we can abide under His Shadow

James 4:8: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded

In order to go into the secret place of God, we must be in rightstanding with the Lord:

Psalm 24:3-4:

(3) Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place?

(4) He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

(5) He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

THE PROBLEM WITH SOME OF US IS THAT WE EXPECT GOD TO “BLESS OUR MESS.”   -- No – WE HAVE TO GET IT RIGHT:

Romans 6:1-4

1.  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2.  God forbid.  How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

3.  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4.  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the gory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

So we ask ourselves:

I. Where do we dwell? Psalm 91:1

a. The Psalmist declares that his dwelling is in the secret place, under the shadow of the Almighty. 
 

(The interesting thing about a shadow is that we may not always see the physical person that is allowing the shadow.  The fact that we see the shadow, let’s us know that someone is there – the same to is with our walk with the Lord. . . We may not see Him face to face, just yet – but we sense His presence moving in our lives.

b. Later in verse 9, he declares that the Lord is his refuge and for those who have made Him their refuge, we have nothing to fear!
 

c. Romans 8:37-39

37.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39.  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

d. Where have I found my refuge?
 

Is my refuge, and my strength in the Lord Jesus Christ?

1. dwelling  in the secret place--( Psalms 27:5 , 31:20 ) denotes nearness to God. Such as do so abide or lodge secure from assaults, and can well use the terms of trust in Psalms 91:2 .

The secret place is a hiding place:

Psalm 27:5:

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

There is safety in the secret place.

There is security in the secret place

We can seek refuge in the secret place

He will set us on high in the secret place

He will satisfy us in His secret place

We will see His salvation in the secret place.

Psalm 32:7:

Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.  Selah.

As we begin to explore that which God has for us in this 91^st Psalm we must first understand:

This 91^st Psalm is

II. THE FOES OF FAITH

            A.  The trap (91:3): God rescues us.

            B.  The fatal plague (91:3): God protects us.

III.THE FRUITS OF FAITH (91:4-10, 13)

            A.  To find refuge under God’s wings (91:4)

B.  To be protected by the armor of God’s faithfulness (91:4)

C.  To be reassured in times of terror, danger, and evil (91:5-7, 10)

D.  To see the punishment of the wicked (91:8-9)

E.  To tread upon the lion and snake (91:13)

IV. THE FRIENDS OF FAITH (91:11-12)

            A.  Who they are (91:11):  They are angels who do his bidding

            B.  What they do (91:11-12)

1.  They guard believers (91:11-12): They protect us wherever wo go.

                        2.  They guide believers (91:12):  They hold us with their hands.

V.  THE FELLOWSHIP OF FAITH (91:15):

(Faith creates intimacy between the believer and the Lord.)

A.  A mutual love (91:14): He rescues and protects those who love him.

B.  Communication through prayer (91:15): God answers those who call on him.

C.  A long life of honor (91:15-16): He is with them in trouble and satisfies them with a long life and salvation.

WE MUST ASK OURSELVES: WHAT ARE WE SAYING?  ARE OUR WORDS LINING UP WITH THE WORD OF GOD.

II. What will we say? Psalm 91:2
a. The writer tells us his faith confession, “I will say of the Lord…”
 

b. Hebrews 13:5-6

5.  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

6.  So that we may bold say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me

(WHY?  BECAUSE WE ARE ABIDING IN SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH GOD)
Paul says that he will confess what God says about him. God has said, so Paul will say will say in agreement (confession, affirmation).

c. Psalm 107:2: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!!”.

d. What we need to say is: WE ARE THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD WHOM SHALL WE FEAR! (Isaiah 43:1) WE ARE REDEEMED FROM THE HAND OF THE ENEMY. (Psalm 107:2b).

III. Where have we set we our love?
a. The Hebrew idea for the word love in this verse is “delight”. 
b. Psalm 1:3 “his delight is in the law of the Lord.
c. It is within the Word of God that we are going to find answers, direction and comfort in a troubled time.

IV. Who will we call upon for help? 
(See Psalm 91:15)
a. It is in a time of great tragedy or 
conflict that we begin to discern within who or what have we placed our trust.
b. God promises that if we call upon Him, that He will answer and He will deliver.
c. Romans 10:13

Psalm 91

1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

3. snares . . . [and] . . . noisome pestilence--literally, "plagues of mischiefs" ( Psalms 5:9 , 52:7), are expressive figures for various evils.

4. For the first figure compare Deuteronomy 32:11 , Matthew 23:37 . 
buckler--literally, "surrounding"--that is, a kind of shield covering all over.

5. terror--or, what causes it ( Proverbs 20:2 ). 
by night--then aggravated. 
arrow--that is, of enemies.

7, 8. The security is more valuable, as being special, and, therefore, evidently of God; and while ten thousands of the wicked fall, the righteous are in such safety that they only see the calamity.

9-12. This exemption from evil is the result of trust in God, who employs angels as ministering spirits ( Hebrews 1:14 ).

13. Even the fiercest, strongest, and most insidious animals may be trampled on with impunity.

14-16. God Himself speaks (compare Psalms 46:10 , Psalms 75:2 Psalms 75:3 ). All the terms to express safety and peace indicate the most undoubting confidence (compare Psalms 18:2 , 20:1 ,22:5 ). 
set his love--that of the most ardent kind.

16. show him--literally, "make him see" ( Psalms 50:23 , Luke 2:30 ).

ENEMIES OF OUR FAITH:

• Unbelief
• Worry
• Doubt
• Sickness
• Disease
• Poverty
• Debt

HAVING DONE ALL TO STAND WE STAND, BY FAITH:

REFERENCE MARK 2: THE MAN SICK WITH THE PALSY WHO HAD TO GET IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD.

REFERENCE ACTS – WHERE PRAYER WAS MADE FOR PETER.

©2013Beverly Brooks Summers