Resurrection!

Introduction:

· Resurrection: proving wasn’t difficult then but is now; interpreting was difficult then, not now

· Both Peter and Paul opened their bibles to Psalm 16: the supreme joy of God for us

SO, WHAT WE WANT TO DO TODAY IS ASK – HOW DOES PSALM 16 POINT US TO THE SUPREME JOY OF THE RESURRECTION?

I) God is Our Greatest Good (vv. 1-5)

A. A Contrast: Which “God” will We Serve? (vv. 2-4)

i. Many today spend their life running after other gods (vs. 4b)

1. Chasing after gods means seeking in others what only God can give

2. EXAMPLE: Beauty/appearance; health/wellness; ideology

ii. Yet, this leads only to sorrow (vs. 4a)

1. The problem with these other gods is they never satisfy

2. EXAMPLE: Appearance (Every time you lookin a mirror à flaws!)

B. Take Refuge in God, our Greatest Good! (vs 1, 5)

i. We are Invited to Find refuge in God (vs. 1)

1. Refuge is a place of safety, security, protection – a “home”

2. The Cross & tomb: God becomes the “refuge” that no idol can possibly be

ii. We Have no Good apart from God, our “portion”  (vs. 5)

1. For some: Christianity = “God-Plus” Marriage? Family? Career? Money?

2. But God is sufficient – even when we lose what is dear to us

THE PSALMIST THEN BUILDS ON THIS IDEA.

II) God is the Source of Good Gifts (vv. 6-8)

A. God Provides Gifts for our Enjoyment

i. A hedonist at heart?

1. QUOTE: C.S. Lewis’ idea of God’s pleasure

2. Many were introduced to a God who is stern, stingy, restrictive

ii. Boundary lines in pleasant places (vs. 6)

1. The Psalmist describes God’s gracious provision – more than we deserve!

2. EXAMPLE: Thanking God for the many good gifts: Music; food; art…

B. God Provides Counsel for Our Good (vv. 7-8)

i. God’s gracious provision for our life:

1. God provides guidance and instruction for how to live

2. Not a burden, but a blessing!

ii. Applying this truth:

1. Some of us want God as an advisor, or emergency back up

2. A person who loves you enough to die deosn’t get get to be backup

THIS LEADS US TO THE CORNERSTONE OF ALL OF THIS PSALM.

III) God is Gives Life that Cannot Be Destroyed By Death (vv. 9-11)

A. While Earthly Relationships End in Death

i. The Psalmist points us to the God who delivers

1. The Psalmist says that God’s relationship won’t even be ended by death

2. THAT is the problem with even our relationships today

ii. Like other relationships – what about death?

1. Even our stories point us to a longing for a love that is stronger than death

2. EXAMPLE: Cinderella, Snow White –

B. …God’s Love for us is Stronger than the Grave

i. The Early Church: (See Acts 2:25-31; Acts 13:35-37)

Acts 13:35–37 ESV

Therefore he says also in another psalm, “ ‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’ For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.

1. Puzzle pieces: Jesus (NOT David) would be brought out of the grave!

2. Jesus is the refuge for God who is stronger even than death

ii. Jesus Shares this good news with us

1. If you take refuge in Christ, these promises apply to you too!

2. QUOTE: Moody – you’ll hear that Moody is dead…don’t you elieve it!

3. APPLICATION: Take refuge in One who is stronger even than death

Transition:

Conclusion:

A young father explains death to his children