0242. THREE STAGES IN CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.

THREE STAGES IN CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.

Psa_27:5.

Introduction.

Time of Trouble. This message is for a time of trouble. Surely there never was such a time of trouble as in our day.

Eastern Custom.

1. This verse has always been beloved, but more so since understanding the Eastern custom behind it.

2. Sheik of a tribe has a position of importance.

3. On deciding to camp, the first care of tribe is to secure a suitable site to pitch the Chief’s tent. They desire a wee mound or hillock, but if not, will make one by horse or camel saddles.

4. His tent would be pitched on the mound over the rock, and a pavilion erected outside, and leading up to the tent.

5. Any in distress would approach the Chief’s tent-

a. Lift the curtain and enter the pavilion.

b. If favoured and invited, passed into the tent, i.e., tabernacle.

c. If chief desired to specially honour, would invite to take the rock, the seat of honour, his own seat.

I. God First. God’s Desire.

1. You see their first concern was for their chief.

2. Ah, God comes second, or even last, in the thoughts of many.

3. Striking. The Jews on returning from Babylon, their first act was to erect the Altar before they troubled to erect their own dwellings.

II. God’s Magnanimity.

1. Some only seek the Lord when trouble comes.

2. Trouble compels them to think and seek Him.

3. It does seem mean to use the Lord like an umbrella- make use of Him only for rainy days.

4. But see how graciously He treats such when they come to Him.

5. He not only receives, but is prepared to honour, as the Psalmist points out.

III. Three Stages in Christian Experience.

1. Pavilion Christians.

a. Safe from pursuers and from danger.

b. Place of feasting (1Ki_20:12, 1Ki_20:16).

c. But "go on." Do not make a goal of the starting point.

d. You can press on to the Holy Place from the Court.

2. Tabernacle Christians.

a. A stage further.

b. A closer intimacy.

c. Treated as one of the family.

3. Rock Christians.

a. Promise for the overcomers.

b. He will make you an overcomer now.

c. It is not only the seat of honour, but of victory.

IV. Purpose of Sorrow.

1. Every fresh sorrow should lead us to a fresh discovery of God.

2. And to spiritual advancement.

V. Why Psalmist not only Was a Follower of the Lord, but Sought a Richer Experience. "You." See previous verse.

Autor: James Smith