Day of The Christian Martyr 2023
Day of the Christian Martyr • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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You are with me!
You are with me!
Psalm 23 (ESV)
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
YOU ARE WITH ME! Psalm 23 This psalm, believed to be written by David, is beloved by Christians on every continent. It is a song of confidence and trust in the Lord. The words of this psalm reveal both deep theological treaties and practical outcomes for the reader. As you read Psalm 23, allow Abdiwelli’s story to guide your focus to the God of the psalm more than the shepherd of the psalm.
Sermon Introduction “Are you with me?” is a powerful question. Whether asked by a child on a nighttime adventure or an adult facing an immediate crisis, the presence of another adds great comfort. What greater value is added to the life of biblical disciples than when God Almighty is with us?
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The shepherd’s declaration, found in Psalm 23:4, offers a view of God that brings hope and courage to the committed believer that they may continue living sacrificially for Christ Jesus our Lord, no matter the situation.
ILLUSTRATION: SHOW THE VOICE OF THE MARTYRS’ DAY OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYR ABDIWELLI SHORT FILM, AVAILABLE AT vom.org/martyr FOR FREE DOWNLOAD.
The Inevitability of the Valley
A. “EVEN THOUGH”
1. The psalmist language points us to a realization that is certain for every Christ follower — the valley walk will happen. His language was not of complaint — it was simply a declaration of that reality.
SERMON OUTLINE “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Psalm 23:4
Let’s take some time this morning and look at some of the different valleys you may face in life.
Types of valleys
a. Valleys of circumstance from living in the fallen world
1. Illness
2. Harm from one person to another
3. Disaster
b. Valleys brought on by sinful behavior
1. Self-induced illness or disease: a person in a promiscuous lifestyle may contract a disease, or a glutton eats himself or herself into failing health.
c. Valleys that happen because we face opposition for living as biblical disciples
1. This is what Abdiwelli’s story reflects. The Bible calls this suffering for the sake of Christ’s name or suffering for righteousness’s sake
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
2. Jesus called every biblical disciple to a life of dying to self as we carry our cross daily
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
3. Jesus told his closest followers that trouble would follow their faithfulness
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Let’s look at some valleys the early church faced.
4. The early church experienced opposition for the activity of their faith that included the valleys of arrest and imprisonment
1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,
2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.
17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy
18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.
24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
What other valleys did they face? Look at Acts 16:22-23 with me.
22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods.
23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.
The early church faced beatings
54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.
55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.
58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
The early church faced death
B. The pace of the valley
1. “I WALK”: The shepherd psalmist was familiar with walking. Keeping up with sheep daily trained his ability to walk difficult terrain. His pace afforded him the ability to reserve energy to endure the rigors of his daily shepherding demands.
2. For biblical disciples facing persecution, there is often not an easy or quick resolution (unlike a 30-minute television show where every problem is resolved); therefore, our endurance can be tested when we walk the valley.
3. However, for Christians, the pace of the valley walk is accompanied by the presence of the God of all comfort
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
How can we face the valley and have peace? How can I hear a mad man like Vladimir Putin threaten to use Nuclear weapons and lay my head down at night and sleep like a baby? Verse 4 that is how. You are not alone. If you have genuine faith in Jesus, you are not alone. You don’t need to worry and fret about this world. Because our shepherd has overcome this world and we are waiting for Him to lead us home. Amen?
4. God’s presence allows us to embrace a joy that is untenable to a watching world.
The circumstances of our lives don’t dictate whether we are joyful; instead, the presence of Jesus Christ our Lord affords us the privilege of a joyful walk, no matter what.
If you only hear one thing this morning, let it be this quote, at least it is what hit me the most as I prepared.
5. Other references:
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.
3 when his lamp shone upon my head, and by his light I walked through darkness,
6. OPTIONAL QUOTE: “…I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. To walk indicates the steady advance of a soul which knows its road, knows its end, resolves to follow the path, feels quite safe, and is therefore perfectly calm and composed. The dying saint is not in a flurry, he does not run as though he were alarmed, nor stand still as though he would go no further, he is not confounded nor ashamed, and therefore keeps to his old pace.” –Charles Spurgeon,
C. The darkness of the valley
1. “THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH”: The valley was the most vulnerable place for the shepherd psalmist — a place where danger lurked. The setting sun could not illuminate the recesses of the valley, and darkness increased his awareness of danger.
2. For biblical disciples facing persecution, the valley is painful, hard, and can end in death. Some translations do not use the phrase “shadow of death” but translate the Hebrew word tsalmawethas [Strong’s #6757] as “the darkest valley.” [Note: Job 10:21–22 is a cross-reference to the same usage of the Hebrew word but translated differently as deep shadow because of context.]
3. The dark valley walk is as ordained of God as the abundance of green pasture (Psalm 23:2).
ILLUSTRATION: For many of our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters, their experience can only be described as a dark valley. Helen, an Eritrean Christian, was imprisoned for nearly three years in a shipping container for the activity of her faith — evangelizing, singing, discipling, preaching. She served others out of the reservoir of love that Christ had shown her. The extreme conditions, heat, rodents, lice, and even the mental illness of a fellow inmate could not thwart her belief and trust in Christ. Though the valley was dark and the torment was real, she proclaimed the Lord’s goodness by singing praise despite the pain, isolation and persecution.
D. The victory of the valley
1. “THROUGH THE VALLEY”: (optional speaker prompt: “Say that with me, church, ‘THROUGH THE VALLEY!’” – “Now say it with the tone of victory!”) The shepherd psalmist saw victory as he continued the valley walk, knowing that getting through the valley brings life.
2. When confronted with the valleys of life, we don’t often equate the experience with the concept of victory. However…
3. There is hope in the word through. The psalmist, inspired by the Holy Spirit as he penned this song, didn’t choose that word randomly. Through indicates that the valley of the shadow of death does not, for the one trusting the Shepherd, end in death. God provides victory to the one trekking this dark valley, either in this life or in eternity. In either scenario, the disciple has experienced victory in the valley walk.
4. God’s purposes are not thwarted in the valley walk of biblical disciples. He accomplishes everything he intends.
ILLUSTRATION: Abdiwelli’s valley walk was arduous. Yet, as he remained faithful to his calling, there was a tremendous victory for the purposes of Christ.
“I WILL FEAR NO EVIL”
A. What is the origin of the evil each of us faces?
1. Fallen world — This world is not what God intended it to be. Because of the destruction of sin that was introduced by Adam and Eve’s disobedience, everyone and everything in creation is stained by that sin
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
Romans 5:19
19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
2. Our enemy — Satan, called the father of lies, is seeking only to kill, steal and destroy
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
3. Our flesh — Any of our human desires or affections that do not submit to dependence upon the Holy Spirit will not glorify Christ
14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.
15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.
17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.
22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being,
23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
B. What choices do we make regarding fear?
1. Fearing other people is a trap because they hold no power over biblical disciples
25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
2. Fearing circumstances that only God controls is fertile ground for worry and anxiety
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
3. Trust God in all situations
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
5 C. OPTIONAL ILLUSTRATION: When Communist authorities in Romania forced Richard Wurmbrand into a van as he walked to church on February 29, 1948, he had a good reason to be scared. But he remembered something that morning that calmed his fear. This is what he said: “I knew that I faced questioning, ill-treatment, possibly years of imprisonment and death, and I wondered if my faith was strong enough. I remembered then that in the Bible it is written 366 times — once for every day of the year — ‘Don’t be afraid!’ 366 times, not merely 365, to account for leap year. And this was February 29 — a coincidence that told me I need not fear! –Richard Wurmbrand, In God’s Underground “FOR YOU ARE WITH ME”
A. “YOU”: The God who is with me.
Think about the nature and character of the God whom the shepherd psalmist declares is present in the valley walk.
1. Almighty God:
1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,
3 God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples.
14 May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, and may he send back your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”
3 And Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me,
2. Master, Lord: Genesis 18:3, 27, 30–32; Exodus 4:10; Joshua 7:8 [Strong’s H136]
3. Emmanuel (God with us): Matthew 1:23; 2 Chronicles 32:8; Isaiah 8:10
B. APPLICATION QUESTION: Pause and think about the nature and character of God. Who has he revealed himself to be in your life during your own valley walk?
Is he sufficient in all things? Is he healer? Is he provider? Is he Savior? That is who is with you.
C. “ARE WITH ME”: What was the result of the shepherd psalmist’s realization that God is with him during the darkness of the valley walk? The rest of the chapter details it, but let’s summarize here: 1. Provision — vv. 1, 5 2. Leading my life —vv. 2, 4 3. Restoration — v. 3 4. Comfort — v. 4 5. God’s presence — v. 4 6. Goodness and mercy — v. 6 7. Eternity in the house of the Lord
ILLUSTRATION: Abdiwelli, like the shepherd psalmist, received the blessing of God’s presence even in the face of death. Because God was with him, Abdiwelli continued to serve the Lord faithfully, even paying the ultimate price — giving his life for the sake of Christ. How does Abdiwelli’s example inspire you today?