Sermon 171

📖 Sermon 171 — Psalm 91:1–4

Date: 1-1-1951
Text: Psalm 91:1–4
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

Every day we are reminded that things do not look very good for the year 1951. Many voices warn us that great danger lies ahead. It almost seems that the only thing worth speaking or writing about is danger.
There is no reason to doubt these warnings. There is good reason to believe that real danger lies ahead. Many people are deeply concerned about safety for themselves and their families.
Is there any possible way of escape?
How can I make myself and my family secure in the face of the dangers which lie ahead — the danger of atomic warfare, the danger of communistic oppression, the danger of economic collapse?
The psalmist tells us it is possible to enjoy perfect safety and perfect security in a dangerous world. He speaks of persons who enjoy that perfect safety and security.

SUBJECT: A SECURE PEOPLE

I. THEIR IDENTITY

A. They are ordinary people of all walks of life

1. Not just the rich.
2. Not just the learned.

B. They are people of all nationalities

1. Their security is not due to citizenship in some particular nation.
2. It is an international people.

C. They dwell in a secret place

1. A place unknown to enemies.
2. A place which belongs to the Most High.
3. The presence of the supreme Ruler of all things.
4. That is their home — they are at home there; they live there.
   Not merely a storm cellar or bomb shelter to run into when danger approaches.
   Not merely an emergency hiding place.
   Their permanent residence is there.

II. HOW DO THEY OBTAIN THIS SECURITY?

A. What it means to dwell in the secret place of the Most High

1. To be under the protecting care of the Most High.
2. To be under the shadow of the Almighty.

B. By simply putting their trust in God

1. Not by merely saying, I trust in God.
2. But by actually placing oneself in God’s charge.
   Like a mother leaving her baby with a trusted friend.
   Making God personally responsible for them.
   As one entrusts money to a vault, so they entrust themselves to Jehovah.
3. Surrendering themselves into the care and keeping of Jehovah.

C. Taking refuge in Jehovah

1. The eternally faithful covenant God.
2. He is my refuge and my fortress.

D. It means placing full confidence in the Word of God

1. Trusting that God will keep His promises.
2. Being assured of God’s complete trustworthiness.

III. JUST HOW SECURE ARE THEY?

A. Are they exempt from physical harm?

1. Some claim that no child of God ever meets violent death — but this is not true.
2. Many known for faith and zeal have met violent deaths.
3. If a bomb fell on this church, would it kill only the hypocrites?
4. The righteous too are subject to dangers common to mankind — and special dangers besides.
   Many martyrs came to awful deaths because of their love for the Lord.

B. Their security consists in this
All things work together for their good.

C. Nothing shall separate them from the love of God.