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Nearness to God Psalm 16. Church of Christ at Medina December 9 th , 2012. Reference sermon entitled “Safe in God’s Arms” by Kenneth Neller. Recognize our dependence upon God. (16:1-2 ). “You are my Lord.” David recognizes that he belongs to God.
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Nearness to GodPsalm 16 Church of Christ at Medina December 9th, 2012 Reference sermon entitled “Safe in God’s Arms” by Kenneth Neller
Recognize our dependence upon God. (16:1-2) • “You are my Lord.” • David recognizes that he belongs to God. • David wanted God to protect and sustain him. • Joshua 24:17 • Psalm 31:23 • Psalm 37:28 • Psalm 40:11 • Proverbs 2:8 • 2 Timothy 4:18 • We cannot feel close to God until we acknowledge His greatness and recognize our need for Him. Self-sufficiency pushes God away. Developing a Nearness to God
Recognize our dependence upon God. (16:1-2) • Declare our Allegiance to God. (16:3-4) • Verses 3-4 have a clear meaning – Be committed to God only! • We cannot be close to God until we give Him our undivided loyalty. • Deuteronomy 6:13 (Matthew 4:13) • Example: 1 Samuel 7:3 • Example: 2 Chronicles 15:15 • Matthew 6:24 • Revelation 3:15-16 • We must show our complete allegiance to God in every aspect of life – words, actions, companions, thoughts, dress, etc. Developing a Nearness to God
Recognize our dependence upon God. (16:1-2) • Declare our Allegiance to God. (16:3-4) • Express our Thankfulness to God (16:5-6) • To feel close to God, we must recognize and be grateful for what God has done for us. • Psalm 73:26 • David recognized God as the source of all blessings. It is no different today. • If we truly believe that God is our inheritance, then we will be willing to do His will (Psalm 119:5) Developing a Nearness to God
Recognize our dependence upon God. (16:1-2) • Declare our Allegiance to God. (16:3-4) • Express our Thankfulness to God (16:5-6) • Develop an Awareness of God (16:7-8) • “In this beautiful description of spiritual intimacy, we see God guiding David’s life and David listening to God’s counsel and seeking to keep God near him. The same closeness can be ours if we develop our awareness.” (Neller) • To develop an awareness of God, we must be willing to listen. • Proverbs 8:32-36 • Developing an awareness of God is developed through… • Study • Reflection • Prayer Developing a Nearness to God
Recognize our dependence upon God. (16:1-2) • Declare our Allegiance to God. (16:3-4) • Express our Thankfulness to God (16:5-6) • Develop an Awareness of God (16:7-8) • Enjoy the Confidence of God (16:9-11) • “. 9Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” • “Therefore…” • Because David depended upon God, had committed himself to God, was thankful for the blessings from God and knew that God was near, David could have joy and hope in this life. • David’s confidence was not only in this life, but he had confidence that God would still be near even in death. • Psalm 139:7-8 Developing a Nearness to God
Recognize our dependence upon God. • Declare our Allegiance to God. • Express our Thankfulness to God. • Develop an Awareness of God. • Enjoy the Confidence of God. Developing a Nearness to God