February 26, 2007

Text: Psalm 127

THE PLACE OF GOD IN LIFE
1. Often taken for granted

2. Sometimes not appreciated

3. At times cast aside

FRESH APPRECIATION AND RECOGNITION OF GOD'S PLACE
"Unless the LORD builds the house, they labour in vain that build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."    Psalm 127:1

1. With reference to the house
a) Individual home (Cf. 2 Samuel 6:11; 7:2)

b) Reference to dynasty -
i) House of Saul    2 Samuel 3:1
ii) House of David    2 Samuel 3:1

2. With reference to building of the house or the guarding of the city
a) God's role in building the house

b) God's role in guarding the city

WHEN THERE IS ONLY TOTAL RELIANCE ON SELF
"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows,
For so He gives His beloved sleep"    Psalm 127:2

1. Where the Lord's Presence is not relied upon fully
a) Rising up early

b) Staying up late

c) Eating the bread of sorrows

2. Where there is a strong relationship with the Lord
a) Where one is called "beloved" by the Lord

b) He grants "sleep" (freedom from worry/fear)

THE BLESSING OF THE LORD ON THE HOUSEHOLD THAT FEARS HIM
"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate"    Psalm 127:3-5

1. A heritage from the Lord
a) The fruit of one's womb

b) Children

2. Kind of Children

a) Arrows in the hand of a warrior
    i) Strong and many

    ii) Straight and true

b) Speaking with enemies in the gate
    i) Courageous

    ii) Loyalty

3. Blessing of the Lord upon the man who acknowledges God in his life
(Cf. 2 Samuel 7:1-17 God's special word to David)