February 5 , 2007

Text: Psalm 125
A Song of Ascents

THE POWER OF TRUST IN THE LORD
"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
For as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the LORD surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever"    Psalm 125:1-2

1. The meaning of "trust in the Lord"

a) An unwavering confidence in God

b) No doubts whatsoever

2. The significance of this trust

a) Trust makes a person strong

b) God will bless with even greater strength

3. Comparison with Mount Zion

a) Reference to Jerusalem

b) Symbol of permanence

4. Special protection from the Lord

a) God surrounds His people

b) Forever

THE SCEPTRE OF WICKEDNESS
"For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
On the land allotted to the righteous,
Lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity"    Psalm 125:3

1. The kingdom of wickedness

2. This kingdom will not prevail in the land of the righteous

3. The righteous must resist wickedness

4. God Himself will resist the scepter of wickedness

PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE UPRIGHT
"Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
And to those who are upright in their hearts"    Psalm 125:4

1. An appropriate prayer

2. Prayer for the upright who do good

OBSERVATION OF THOSE WHO TURN TO CROOKED WAYS
"As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways,
the LORD shall lead them away with the workers of iniquity"    Psalm 125:5

1. Those who turn to crooked ways
a) Deliberately choosing to reject the way of the Lord

b) Deliberate choice of crooked ways

2. Justice will be served
a) God will have to lead them to discipline and ultimate punishment

b) As all workers of iniquity will be led away to be punished