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‘True Confessions of a Grumbling Christian’ (Pg.#1)

(A lesson I learned from Psalm 117.) – Mark all the answers you see as correct.

Psalms 117 (NLT) (1) Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth.
(2) For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the LORD’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD!

— An important translation footnote: Vs.1 “Praise the LORD, all you nations.”

• The first use of the English word ‘Praise‘ here is translated from the original Hebrew word “hâlal’, (pronounced haw-lal’), MEANING – to boast; to rave; causatively to celebrate; also to make renowned, shine.

The second use of this word in Vs.1 “Praise him, all you people of the earth.”

• The second use of the English word ‘Praise‘ here is translated from a slightly different original Hebrew word ‘shâbach’, (pronounced shaw-bakh’) MEANING – to properly to address in a loud tone, that is, (specifically) loud; figuratively to pacify (as if by words): – commend, glory, keep in praise, triumph.

Okay, language lesson over, you may ask, “What’s that got to do with your TRUE CONFESSION?

— I want to point out that either use of God’s Word penned by the psalmist, commands us to a thankful praise of God’s victorious power and glory. One in a quieter note of celebrating God’s great goodness. The second use calls us to a much more loud and boisterous thankful proclamation of God’s power.

— Q1. Can we follow this command from a place of grumbling need?

O – No, that would be very hard and hypocritical.     O – Yes, for all praise is superficial anyway.

O – (further comment) ______________________________________________________________

In essence, that is my confession…

Our last sermon in Church started with a question to be answered as to what we were most thankful for.

— Our table had to think about that for a while. And I struggled to find something off the top of my list that I’ve been thankful for. WHY?

— This psalm answered my question as to why I struggled to find something to be thankful for.
(Please let me explain.)

• You see, I follow diligently what is going on in this world, for it allows me to pray targetted prayers for the needs of our fellow mankind, and especially God’s people all over the world.
• This can lead to a negative, “glass half empty” spirit because the News focuses on strife and tragedy.
• Psalm 117 calls me to correct that viewpoint.

(1) Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth.

(2) For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the LORD’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD!

— Q2. From this psalm, what is the focus of our praise to be?

O – Praise for God’s unfailing love.     O – Praise that God’s love is powerful.

O – Praise that God is ever faithful.     O – Praise that when we die, our suffering finally ends.

O – I see something more… __________________________________________________________

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‘True Confessions of a Grumbling Christian’ (Pg.#2)

— Q3. Is it wrong to be aware of the evils going on in our world?

O – Yes, because it will depress our spirits.     O – No, for we need to be aware of Satan’s attacks.

O – No, but we must remember God’s promises to protect, deliver from, and lead us through bad times.

O – (Other comments) ________________________________________________________________

The following scriptures may help us properly answer question #3…

Read Hebrews 13:1-8 (ESV) Let brotherly love continue.  (2)  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.  (3)  Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.  (4)  Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.  (5)  Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  (6)  So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”  (7)  Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.  (8)  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:3 tells us to be aware of the evils going on in our world… “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”

• Verses 5-8 speak of how we keep a victorious spirit despite knowing of the evils happening around us and to some of us.

Reread Verses (5-6)… Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (6)  So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

— Q4. How can this help us keep a thankful, joyful, victorious spirit?

O – Love of money leads to greed and an unsatisfied life.     O – Being content makes you happy.

O – Knowing that despite the circumstances, God is with us, helps us rise above the situation.

O – (Other comments)_______________________________________________________

Please answer the following questions, they turned me from a grumbling Christian to a thankful one…

— Q5. Have you enough to eat?   O – Yes     O – No

— Q6. Do you have water to drink?   O – Yes     O – No

— Q7. Do you have a home to go to?   O – Yes     O – No

— Q8. Do you have suitable clothes to wear?   O – Yes     O – No

— Q9. Is your life under threat of violence or imprisonment?   O – Yes     O – No

— Q10. Are you content and thankful?   O – Yes     O – No

And now maybe the most important questions…

— Q11. Do you try to help and also pray for those who are living without these?  O – Yes   O – No

— Q12. When we pray for others do you have faith that God hears our prayers?  O – Yes   O – No

Hebrews 13:8 tells us that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

– He is and always will be the one who leads us through all things to VICTORY! – So let’s rejoice in Him.