Sermons and Biblical Studies

PSALM 55 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it.… But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance (Psalm 55:12–13). Throughout the Psalms David recounts a variety of trials he faced at the hands of his enemies. He frequently endured attacks not only from … Continue reading “BETRAYED BY A FRIEND”

PSALM 54 Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your strength (Psalm 54:1). David composed Psalm 54 during one of the most dangerous times in his life. As Saul sought to kill him, David and his men fled to Horesh in the Desert of Ziph (1 Sam. 23–24). Obsessed with capturing … Continue reading “VENGEANCE IS THE LORD’S”

PSALM 53 Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! (Psalm 53:6a). Psalm 53 is nearly identical to Psalm 14 in which David describes the corruption of mankind. In both psalms by contemplating God’s salvation he finds consolation amid a wicked generation. David ultimately longs for the promised redemption to shine forth … Continue reading “SALVATION FROM ZION”

PSALM 52 Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually (Psalm 52:1). David composed Psalm 52 after Doeg killed the priests of the Lord when Ahimelech helped David escape from the clutches of Saul’s army (1 Samuel 21–22). David had fled to Nob where Ahimelech the priest served … Continue reading “BOASTING OF EVIL”

2 CORINTHIANS 11 For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14b). Satan enters the drama of human history as a mysterious figure in the form of a subtle serpent. No introductions are made—we’re given simply a sparse scattering of details throughout Scripture that paint a portrait of this evil and … Continue reading “THE ANGEL OF LIGHT”

MATTHEW 12:22–37 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men (Matt. 12:31). Jesus makes one of the most sober warnings in Scripture when He warns the Pharisees to beware of committing the unpardonable sin—blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Jesus … Continue reading “THE UNPARDONABLE SIN”

1 TIMOTHY 1:3–11 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully (1 Tim. 1:8). Two extremes we find in applying God’s law are antinomianism and legalism. Legalism has several errors: legislating things that God has not, conforming to the letter of the law but not the spirit, and regulating Old … Continue reading “FUNCTIONS OF THE LAW”

ROMANS 3 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin (Rom. 3:20). We live in a society that has abandoned absolute moral standards. We are caught in a flood of relativity as people decide for themselves what is right … Continue reading “SIN AND THE LAW”

PSALM 51 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You (Psalm 51:13). In the previous lesson we discovered how David’s understanding of the depth and nature of sin propelled him to the mercy seat of God. Following his confession at the beginning of Psalm 51, he promised to teach … Continue reading “TESTIFYING OF GOD’S MERCY”

PSALM 51 For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me (Psalm 51:3). The greatest fall of one of the church’s most beloved saints brought forth one of the most cherished psalms in the Scriptures. David penned the penitential Psalm 51 following Nathan’s confrontation concerning David’s affair with Bathsheba. David’s prayer of … Continue reading “KNOWING YOUR SIN”