Sunday Message for the Bilingual Brethren - 6 June 2021 : "You will show me the path of life”

Text: Psalm 16
6 June 2021

INTRODUCTION

1. The theme of Abundant Life

a. This is how we should view our lives
b. We have already been given Abundant Life, because of our faith in God

2. One person who perceived his life this way: the Psalmist David

3. He experienced such Life, as he developed a close relationship with God

DAVID’S EXPRESSIONS OF A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

1. He expressed a deeply personal faith in God   (Psalm 16:2)

a. “You are My Lord”
b. He felt this deeply
“Oh my soul, you have said to the LORD…”
c. He recognised that every goodness in his life is derived from God
“My goodness is nothing apart from You”

2. He expressed deep satisfaction in God   (Psalm 16:5-6)

a. “You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup”
i. What mattered to David was not earthly riches
ii. What mattered most instead: God Himself
b. He also understood that God maintained his lot
i. Protection/ Preservation
ii. Sustenance
c. He was deeply satisfied
“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes I have a good inheritance.”

3. He acknowledged the counsel that he received from God   (Psalm 16:8)

a. He sought counsel from God
b. He opened his heart to receive instruction from God

THE EFFECTS OF A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

1. With regards to others

a. Delight in God’s people   (Psalm 16:3)
“They are excellent ones in whom is all my delight”
b. Rejection of those follow after another god   (Psalm 16:4)

2. With regards to self

a. Gladness and rejoicing   (Psalm 16:9)
b. Hope   (Psalm 16:9)
c. No fear of death   (Psalm 16:10)

3. David’s conclusion   (Psalm 16:11)

a. God will show him the path of life
b. In God’s presence is fullness of joy
c. At God’s right hand are pleasures forevermore

EVERY ENCOURAGEMENT TO DRAW CLOSE TO GOD

1. Trust   (Psalm 16:1)

“For in You I put my trust”

2. Praise   (Psalm 16:7)

“I will bless the LORD…”

3. Focus   (Psalm 16:8)

“I will set the LORD always before me”