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Does It Pay to Serve the Lord?. Psalm 73. Asaph’s Problem. v. 1-2 Asaph had doubts He almost forsook God v. 3-9 Observed that the wicked prospered Life of ease, lack of disasters, peaceful death v. 10-14 Righteous suffered Doubted that God knew of their suffering
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Does It Pay to Serve the Lord? Psalm 73
Asaph’s Problem • v. 1-2 Asaph had doubts • He almost forsook God • v. 3-9 Observed that the wicked prospered • Life of ease, lack of disasters, peaceful death • v. 10-14 Righteous suffered • Doubted that God knew of their suffering • Began to think that they cleansed their hearts in vain • We observe the same today
Asaph’s Realization • v. 15-17 Did not speak of doubts • Decides to go to house of God to meditate • v. 18-20 Wicked are not safe • They will one day be punished for their sins • v. 21-26 Great fear • Realizes foolishness of doubting • v. 27-28 Final conclusion • Draw near to God, spread His Word
Lessons from Psalm 73 • Prosperity is NOT an indication of God’s approval • Matthew 5:45; Luke 13:1-5 • God will act in His own time • Isaiah 55:6-13; Luke 5:32; Acts 3:19 • Our thoughts can have destructive power • Philippians 4:8; Psalm 14:1
Does It Pay to Serve the Lord? • The reward for serving God outweighs the hardship • Are you serving God? • Believe • Repent • Confess • Be baptized • Live life of faithful service • It IS worth it to serve the Lord!