John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that our joy may be full … These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1Jo 1:3-4; 1Jo 5:13 (emphasis added)
This compilation of notes represents the truths found in the Epistle of First John.
Gene Cunningham - October 26, 2003
Psalm 4 - Confidence in God
Psalm 3 has David fleeing from Absalom anticipating the rejection of Christ. Psalm 4 presents confidence in God. Psa 4:1-8 He runs to the aid of afflicted believers(1Pe 3:12, Heb 4:16, Heb 13:6). David's righteousness comes from God. God deals with us and our assurance rests on the basis of His imputed righteousness (Rom 5:1-3). Confidence comes from experiencing His grace in the past (Psa 4:1) ":... you have enlarged me when I was in distress [in the past]...". Prayer is the proper response to affliction. Key to prayer is confidence in God. Recognizing the tactics of unbelievers which indicate Satan's strategies (Psa 4:2-5). There are always people wanting to tear down not build up (Psa 4:2). We are set apart or "saints" by position, not practice (Psa 4:3, Heb 10:10-14). We must respond by spiritual, not natural grounds (Psa 4:4-5). Don't let natural anger lead you into sin (Psa 4:4, Eph 4:26). "Righteous indignation" is natural but not from God (Jam 1:20). We must review God's word and commit the outcome to Him "... meditate in your own heart upon your bed and be still." (Psa 4:4, 1Pe 2:23). Praise God for His sure and certain deliverance. "Sacrifices of righteousness" are gratitude and thanksgiving (Psa 4:5, Heb 13:15, 1Pe 5:7). Don't reason with the doubters, but respond in prayer (Psa 4:6-8, 1Sa 30:3-8). Rejoicing in the Lord "gladness in the heart" displays to doubters that God will work it out (Psa 4:7, 1Pe 1:5-9). God's faithfulness works with our faith (Psa 3:3, Psa 4:8, Act 12:6). God always deals with us with Grace; we need to reach out and take it by faith.
Scripture References: Psalms 3:3, Psalms 4:2-5, Ephesians 4:26, Psalms 4:7, Psalms 4:1, Psalms 4:4, Psalms 4:6-8, Romans 5:1-3, Psalms 4:4-5, Hebrews 13:15, Hebrews 13:6, Hebrews 10:10-14, Psalms 4:5, Hebrews 4:16, Acts 12:6, Psalms 4:3, Psalms 4:4, Psalms 4:1-8, Psalms 4:8, Psalms 4:2, James 1:20
From Series: "Psalms - 2001"
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