Gospel-centered Preaching: April 2005 Archives

"The weakness of much current . . . preaching is that it betrays more a sense of what has yet to be done than of what has already been done" (P.T. Forsyth, Missions in State and Church, p. 17).

Psalm 36 is one of my all time favorite texts. It is a spring of spritually refreshing water that I find myself going to over and over again. Click the link below for my sermon notes on Psalm 36.

The Gospel of the River of Delights - Psalm 36

Psalm 36:1-12
[1] Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
[2] For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
[3] The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
[4] He plots trouble while on his bed;
he sets himself in a way that is not good;
he does not reject evil.
[5] Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
[6] Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O Lord.
[7] How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
[8] They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
[9] For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.
[10] Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
[11] Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
[12] There the evildoers lie fallen;
they are thrust down, unable to rise.

This has been one of those weeks where I've struggled with excessive introspection, particularly as it relates to my own progress in sanctification. My brother David mentioned something to me yesterday that brought 1 Peter 1:13-21 to mind. I preached a sermon on it earlier this year. It reminded me afresh where I need to be daily fixing my eyes, namely, on the cross. I've heard it said (can't remember who said it) that for every one look within we need to take ten long looks at the cross. I've linked the sermon manuscript below. It's not a full manuscript, but you should be able to "fill in between the lines."

1 Peter 1.13-21 - More Than a Mere Outline of a Human Being

P. S. The sermon has a couple LOTR illustrations in it :-)