Centering Our Lives on God's Faithfulness and Mission

 

Summary

In the heart of our faith lies the unwavering truth that God is the center of our existence, the rock upon which we build our lives, and the source of our hope and salvation. As we delve into the depths of Psalm 71, we are reminded of the profound commitment we must have towards God, much like David, a man after God's own heart. David's life, though marred by imperfections, exemplifies a high view of God, a view that should resonate within each of us. His trust in God was absolute, his hope was continual, and his praise was unceasing.

David's declaration to hope continually is a call for us to maintain an unwavering expectation of God's faithfulness, regardless of life's circumstances. This hope is not passive; it is an active, persistent trust in God's promises. David also commits to praising God more and more, recognizing that public adoration and thanksgiving keep our focus on the Almighty. His resolve to tell of God's righteousness and salvation is a testament to the depth and limitlessness of God's love and grace. David understood that sharing the stories of God's faithfulness would inspire awe and worship.

The command to go is not just for the ordained or the missionary but for every believer. We are all called to share the good news, to be the many ways through which God reaches out to the world. Our lives are not meant to be lived in isolation or comfort but in active obedience to God's call to spread His message of hope and salvation. This call to action is not just for the young; it is a lifelong mission. The older generation has a wealth of experiences and testimonies that the younger generation yearns to hear. Our stories of God's faithfulness are not just our legacy; they are the tools God uses to build faith in others.

Our view of God must not be compartmentalized into a convenient segment of our lives. He is not a mere part of our existence; He is the essence of it. We are challenged to reorient our lives so that God is not just included but is the central focus around which everything else revolves. This reorientation requires us to hope without ceasing, to praise without reservation, to tell of His righteousness without end, and to go wherever He leads us.

Key Takeaways:

- Hope is the anchor of our souls, and to hope continually is to steadfastly await God's fulfillment of His promises. This hope is not a fleeting emotion but a firm stance that, despite life's trials, God's faithfulness is sure and His return is certain. Our hope in God is a beacon that guides us through the darkest nights and the fiercest storms. [42:31]

- Praise is not merely a song we sing; it is a life we live. When we choose to praise God more and more, our lives become a testament to His glory. Praise reorients our hearts towards God, allowing us to see every moment as an opportunity to honor Him. In praise, we find strength, joy, and the courage to face life's challenges with a spirit of gratitude. [44:38]

- Telling of God's righteousness is our sacred duty as believers. It is through sharing the stories of God's transformative power in our lives that we bear witness to His limitless salvation. Each testimony is a unique reflection of God's grace, a narrative that can touch hearts and draw others closer to Him. Our salvation stories are not just personal memories; they are the very means by which God's love is made known to the world. [45:33]

- The command to go is an imperative that transcends age, occupation, and comfort. It is a divine mandate that compels us to step out in faith, to be the vessels through which God's love and salvation are delivered to those around us. Going requires courage, a willingness to be used by God, and a recognition that our purpose is found in obedience to His call. [48:45]

- The legacy we leave for the next generation is not found in material possessions but in the spiritual heritage we impart. The older generation's experiences of God's faithfulness are invaluable treasures that must be shared with the young. By mentoring and guiding the next generation, we ensure that the strength and salvation of God are known and that His works continue to be declared. [01:01:39]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 71:14-18 (ESV)

But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.


#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four commitments David makes in Psalm 71:14-18?
- David commits to hoping continually, praising God more and more, telling of God's righteousness and salvation, and going in the strength of the Lord. [40:00]

2. How does David describe his relationship with God from his youth to his old age?
- David acknowledges that God has taught him from his youth and expresses a desire to continue proclaiming God's strength and power even in his old age. [57:02]

3. What does David say about the limitlessness of God's righteousness and salvation?
- David states that God's righteous acts and deeds of salvation are beyond his knowledge, indicating their boundless nature. [45:25]

4. What does David request from God regarding his enemies?
- David asks God to confound and consume his adversaries, showing his trust in God's protection and justice. [38:01]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to hope continually in the context of Psalm 71 and the sermon?
- Hoping continually involves maintaining an unwavering expectation of God's faithfulness and promises, regardless of life's circumstances. [42:06]

2. How does public praise and thanksgiving help keep our focus on God, according to the sermon?
- Public praise reorients our hearts towards God, allowing us to see every moment as an opportunity to honor Him and find strength, joy, and courage in life's challenges. [44:38]

3. Why is it important to share stories of God's righteousness and salvation, as emphasized in the sermon?
- Sharing these stories bears witness to God's transformative power, inspires awe and worship, and helps build faith in others. [45:33]

4. What is the significance of the command to "go" in the sermon, and how does it apply to all believers?
- The command to "go" is a divine mandate for all believers to actively share God's message of hope and salvation, transcending age, occupation, and comfort. [48:45]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How can you maintain an unwavering hope in God's promises, especially during difficult times?
- Consider specific promises of God that you can hold onto and how you can remind yourself of His faithfulness daily. [42:06]

2. In what ways can you incorporate more public praise and thanksgiving into your daily routine?
- Think about practical steps such as sharing testimonies, singing worship songs, or expressing gratitude in conversations. [44:38]

3. Identify a recent experience where you witnessed God's righteousness or salvation. How can you share this story with others to inspire their faith?
- Plan a specific time and place to share your testimony, whether in a small group, with a friend, or on social media. [45:33]

4. What are some practical ways you can respond to the command to "go" and share God's message in your current context?
- Consider opportunities in your workplace, neighborhood, or social circles where you can be a vessel of God's love and salvation. [48:45]

5. For those in the older generation: How can you mentor and guide the younger generation with your experiences of God's faithfulness?
- Think about specific younger individuals you can reach out to and share your stories of God's work in your life. [01:01:39]

6. How can you reorient your life to make God the central focus rather than just a part of it?
- Identify areas of your life where God is not the central focus and make a plan to change that, such as prioritizing prayer, Bible study, or service. [40:05]

7. What steps can you take this week to ensure that your life is a testament to God's glory through continual hope, praise, and sharing of His righteousness?
- Set specific goals for each day to practice hope, praise, and sharing, and reflect on your progress at the end of the week. [42:06]

Devotional

Day 1: Anchored in Unceasing Hope
Hope is not a fleeting feeling but an anchor for the soul, steadfast in the storm. In the midst of life's uncertainties and trials, it is easy to become disheartened and lose sight of the promises of God. Yet, hope in God is not based on the shifting sands of circumstance but on the solid rock of His character and faithfulness. This hope is an active stance, a conscious decision to await God's fulfillment of His promises, even when the horizon seems bleak. It is a beacon that guides through the darkest nights and the fiercest storms, providing stability and assurance that God's faithfulness is sure and His return is certain. This hope is not passive; it is a vigorous, persistent trust that refuses to give in to despair, choosing instead to cling to the truth of God's unwavering love and power. [07:40]

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:21-23

Reflection: How can you actively cultivate hope in God's faithfulness during a current challenge you are facing?

Day 2: Living a Life of Praise
Praise is the melody of a life lived in adoration of God. To praise God more and more is to make every aspect of one's life a reflection of His glory. Praise is not confined to a song sung in church but is expressed in the daily acts of love, kindness, and faithfulness. It is a life lived in constant recognition of God's sovereignty and goodness. When believers choose to praise God in every situation, they reorient their hearts towards Him, seeing every moment as an opportunity to honor His name. This act of praise becomes a source of strength, joy, and courage, enabling them to face life's challenges with a spirit of gratitude. Praise is a powerful tool that not only glorifies God but also transforms the one who offers it, creating a heart that is attuned to the divine and resonant with thanksgiving. [44:38]

"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." - Hebrews 13:15

Reflection: What is one specific situation where you can choose to offer praise to God today, despite the challenges it may present?

Day 3: Bearing Witness to Righteousness
Sharing the stories of God's righteousness is a sacred responsibility entrusted to believers. It is through the recounting of personal encounters with God's transformative power that His limitless salvation is made known. Each testimony is a unique reflection of God's grace, capable of touching hearts and drawing others closer to Him. These narratives are not merely personal memories; they are the means by which God's love is revealed to the world. By telling of God's righteousness, believers bear witness to the depth of His love and the breadth of His grace, inspiring awe and worship in those who hear. These stories of faithfulness are powerful testimonies that can ignite faith in others and demonstrate the reality of God's presence in the lives of His people. [45:33]

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." - Revelation 12:11

Reflection: What is one aspect of God's righteousness you have experienced that you can share with someone this week to encourage their faith?

Day 4: The Divine Mandate to Go
The command to go and share the good news is a divine imperative that applies to every believer, regardless of age or occupation. It is a call to action that requires courage, a willingness to be used by God, and a recognition that true purpose is found in obedience to His call. This mandate compels believers to step out in faith, to be the vessels through which God's love and salvation are delivered to those around them. Going is not about personal comfort or convenience; it is about responding to God's love with active service and witnessing to His transformative power in the world. It is a lifelong mission that invites believers to participate in the grand narrative of redemption that God is unfolding across the ages. [48:45]

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'" - Isaiah 52:7

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to 'go' and be a vessel of God's love in your community or workplace?

Day 5: Imparting a Spiritual Legacy
The legacy that believers leave for the next generation is not found in material possessions but in the spiritual heritage they impart. The experiences and testimonies of God's faithfulness are invaluable treasures that must be shared, especially by the older generation. These stories of strength and salvation are not just a legacy; they are the tools God uses to build faith in others. By mentoring and guiding the younger generation, believers ensure that the knowledge of God's faithfulness is passed down, and His works continue to be declared. This spiritual inheritance is a vital aspect of discipleship, ensuring that the truth of God's love and power is known and celebrated by future generations. [01:01:39]

"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." - Psalm 145:4

Reflection: How can you actively engage in mentoring someone younger in faith, sharing your experiences of God's faithfulness with them?

Quotes

1) "You have to be convinced of who He is. Convinced of the power of Almighty God. Let God take care of the detractors. Go in the strength of God and watch the mighty things He does through your life." [55:59] (Download | )

2) "The strength that he showed to David is still the strength that he has today. The salvation that came through Christ at the beginning is still the salvation that is available today." [01:01:39] (Download | )

3) "His love is limitless. His righteousness knows no bounds. That's the God you serve. That's the God who created this universe." [46:34] (Download | )

4) "I will praise you more and more and more. It's going to get more and continue to grow. And that's going to help me put God in the center of my life." [44:38] (Download | )

5) "I'm going to tell of your righteousness and your salvation all day. Isn't it nice to know the salvation that comes through Christ, the salvation that was sent by God in the person of Christ is limitless?" [45:33] (Download | )

6) "I don't want God to just be a component of my life. I want God to be my life. I want him to be my all in all." [40:49] (Download | )

7) "I will hope continually. No matter how dark it gets, no matter how hard the challenge, no matter what's in front of me, I will not give up hope." [42:31] (Download | )

8) "Imagine what the church would be if we all looked at God the way David did. Wow. If we all had that high view of God, the church would be a force to be reckoned with." [01:03:35] (Download | )

9) "Ask yourself, who is God to me? Pray about it. Ask God to search your heart and try your heart. Ask him to show you exactly where your relationship stands with him." [01:04:43] (Download | )

10) "But how are they gonna go if you don't go? How are they gonna hear if you don't tell them what God has done for you? If you don't tell them about His righteousness." [54:00] (Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?