Finding Refuge in God Amidst Eroding Foundations

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound question posed in Psalm 11:3: "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" This inquiry is not just a historical or theoretical one but resonates deeply with the challenges we face in our contemporary world. As we navigate through societal changes and cultural shifts, it is crucial to understand the nature of these foundations and how they are being eroded.

The story of a young man venturing into the mountains serves as a metaphor for the unexpected challenges and fears we encounter. Just as the young man faced the unexpected presence of a bear, we too face unforeseen challenges that test our faith and resolve. The narrative reminds us that while the world may seem daunting, our refuge is in the Lord, who remains sovereign and unshaken.

The psalmist, King David, provides a model of trust and confidence in God amidst chaos. He does not succumb to fear or flee from the challenges but instead takes refuge in the Lord. This posture of trust is a powerful reminder that our security does not lie in the stability of societal structures but in the unchanging nature of God.

David's response to the destruction of foundations is not one of despair but of remembrance. He recalls God's sovereignty, the fate of the wicked, and the promise of seeing God's face. These reflections anchor him and should anchor us in times of uncertainty. The psalmist's confidence is rooted in the knowledge that God is just and that the righteous will ultimately see His face.

In our current context, we observe attacks on ontological, epistemological, moral, and soteriological foundations. These challenges are not just external but also infiltrate the church, leading to a loss of biblical fidelity and a rise in pragmatism and moralism. However, the true foundation of our faith is the gospel, which remains the power of God for salvation.

As we face the erosion of societal and cultural foundations, let us remember that the kingdom of God is not dependent on earthly structures. Our mission is to proclaim the gospel, which redeems and transforms lives. In doing so, we uphold the true foundations that will never be shaken.

Key Takeaways:

- Trust in God's Sovereignty: In times of uncertainty and fear, our refuge is in the Lord. David's confidence in God's sovereignty reminds us that no matter how chaotic the world may seem, God remains in control, reigning from His heavenly throne. [33:48]

- The Fate of the Wicked: The psalmist's reflection on the fate of the wicked serves as a sobering reminder of God's justice. It is a call to remember that God's judgment is real and that our focus should be on proclaiming the gospel to those who are lost. [36:11]

- The Promise of Seeing God's Face: The ultimate hope for the righteous is the promise of seeing God's face. This vision of God is the inheritance of the righteous and serves as a powerful motivator to remain faithful amidst trials. [43:35]

- The Erosion of Foundations: The attacks on foundational truths in our society are not just external but also affect the church. We must be vigilant in upholding biblical truths and not succumb to the pressures of pragmatism and moralism. [23:33]

- The Power of the Gospel: The true foundation of our faith is the gospel. It is the power of God for salvation and the means by which we uphold and advance the kingdom of God. Our mission is to proclaim this gospel to a world in need. [47:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction and Personal Reflection
- [01:03] - Story of the Young Man in the Mountains
- [03:22] - The Erosion of Foundations in Society
- [07:24] - Psalm 11: The Question of Foundations
- [08:13] - Two Discussants in the Psalm
- [10:24] - David's Response to Fear
- [13:14] - Concerns for the Righteous and Society
- [15:36] - Attacks on Ontological Foundations
- [17:22] - Epistemological and Moral Challenges
- [20:05] - Soteriological Foundations Under Attack
- [23:18] - Inroads into the Church
- [27:16] - Fear vs. Faith Among Evangelicals
- [30:03] - David's Confidence in God
- [33:48] - Remembering God's Sovereignty
- [36:11] - The Fate of the Wicked
- [43:35] - The Promise of Seeing God's Face
- [47:35] - The Power of the Gospel

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 11:1-7

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Observation Questions:

1. What metaphor does the sermon use to describe the unexpected challenges we face in life, and how does it relate to the young man's story in the mountains? [01:03]

2. According to the sermon, what are the two main concerns expressed by the questioner in Psalm 11? [13:14]

3. How does David respond to the suggestion to flee like a bird to the mountains, and what does this reveal about his trust in God? [12:29]

4. What does the sermon say about the fate of the wicked as described in Psalm 11, and how does this serve as a reminder of God's justice? [36:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "the Lord is in his holy Temple" in Psalm 11:4, and what does this imply about God's sovereignty amidst societal chaos? [33:48]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the erosion of foundations is affecting both society and the church? How does this relate to the challenges faced by the righteous? [23:18]

3. The sermon mentions the promise of seeing God's face as a motivator for the righteous. How does this promise influence the way believers should live amidst trials? [43:35]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of the gospel in upholding the true foundations of faith, and why is it considered the power of God for salvation? [47:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced an unexpected challenge that tested your faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from David's example of taking refuge in the Lord? [12:29]

2. The sermon highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's control over your life, especially during uncertain times? [33:48]

3. Consider the ways in which societal and cultural foundations are being eroded today. How can you remain vigilant in upholding biblical truths in your personal life and within your church community? [23:18]

4. The sermon emphasizes the power of the gospel. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel message. How can you share this message with them in a meaningful way this week? [47:35]

5. Reflect on the promise of seeing God's face as the ultimate hope for the righteous. How does this promise shape your perspective on current trials and challenges? [43:35]

6. The sermon warns against the infiltration of pragmatism and moralism in the church. How can you ensure that your faith remains rooted in the gospel rather than in cultural trends or personal preferences? [23:33]

7. Think about a specific area in your life where you feel the foundations are being challenged. What steps can you take to reinforce your faith and reliance on God's unchanging nature? [13:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Trust in God's Unchanging Sovereignty
In times of uncertainty and fear, it is essential to remember that our refuge is in the Lord. The world may seem chaotic, but God remains in control, reigning from His heavenly throne. This truth is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that our security does not depend on the stability of societal structures but on the unchanging nature of God. As King David demonstrated, even amidst chaos, we can find peace and confidence by trusting in God's sovereignty. [33:48]

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Reflection: What specific fears or uncertainties are you facing today? How can you actively place your trust in God's sovereignty over these situations?


Day 2: The Sobering Reality of God's Justice
The psalmist's reflection on the fate of the wicked serves as a sobering reminder of God's justice. It is a call to remember that God's judgment is real and that our focus should be on proclaiming the gospel to those who are lost. This awareness should motivate us to live righteously and to share the message of salvation with urgency and compassion. Understanding the reality of God's justice helps us to align our lives with His will and to prioritize the eternal over the temporal. [36:11]

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (ESV): "In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel message? How can you take a step today to share God's love and truth with them?


Day 3: The Promise of Seeing God's Face
The ultimate hope for the righteous is the promise of seeing God's face. This vision of God is the inheritance of the righteous and serves as a powerful motivator to remain faithful amidst trials. The assurance of this promise encourages us to persevere in our faith, knowing that our struggles are temporary and that eternal joy awaits us in God's presence. This hope is not just a future reality but a present source of strength and encouragement. [43:35]

Revelation 22:3-4 (ESV): "No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads."

Reflection: How does the promise of seeing God's face influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes can you make to live with an eternal perspective?


Day 4: Vigilance Against the Erosion of Foundations
The attacks on foundational truths in our society are not just external but also affect the church. We must be vigilant in upholding biblical truths and not succumb to the pressures of pragmatism and moralism. This vigilance requires a commitment to studying and living out God's Word, ensuring that our beliefs and actions align with His truth. By doing so, we protect the integrity of our faith and provide a solid foundation for future generations. [23:33]

Jude 1:3 (ESV): "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."

Reflection: In what areas of your life or community do you see a need to uphold biblical truths? How can you actively contend for the faith in these areas?


Day 5: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The true foundation of our faith is the gospel. It is the power of God for salvation and the means by which we uphold and advance the kingdom of God. Our mission is to proclaim this gospel to a world in need, trusting in its power to redeem and transform lives. As we face the erosion of societal and cultural foundations, let us remember that the kingdom of God is not dependent on earthly structures but on the transformative power of the gospel. [47:35]

Romans 1:16 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in sharing the gospel in your community? What steps can you take today to demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in your own life?

Quotes


In the Lord I take refuge how then can you say to me flee like a bird to your Mountain for look the wicked B their bows they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the Shadows at the upright in heart when the foundations are being destroyed what can the righteous do the Lord is in his holy Temple the Lord is on his Heavenly Throne he observes the sons of men his eyes examine them the Lord examines the righteous but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates on the wicked he will rain fiery Cals and burning sulfur a scorching wind will be their lot for the Lord is righteous he loves Justice upright men will see his face. [00:08:36]

David says in the Lord I take my refuge and he's saying this in response to what we see in verses 2 to three the second half of verse one into verse three it seems as there's someone speaking to David telling David that he should flee like a bird to his mountain and the the evidence for that the the basis for that is there in verse two for look the wicked bend their bows they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the Shadows at the upright in heart. [00:11:26]

He fears for the safety of the righteous he fears that in this corrupt culture in this declining culture in this eroding civilization in this perilous time that the righteous are unsaved he says flee like a bird to your Mountain turn tail and run he's saying the gig is up man let's let's get out of here let's fold up the tents and and head to the hills and the reason he gives again is there in verse two he imagines lurking in the shadows of the culture unrighteous people aiming at the very hearts of the righteous with their arrows. [00:13:19]

There are kinds of ontological foundations that are being undermined ontological is just a fancy word having to do with being or Essence and what I have in mind here is the ways in which the culture really attacked a basic distinction between Creator and creature you can see that in in the kind of rebellious attitude of the of the new atheism which Dr Mohler has has written about so so persuasively this this this high-handed thumbing of the nose at at God this Proclamation that he that he does not exist. [00:16:05]

There epistemological foundations being attacked in other words there are all kinds of arguments about ways of knowing how it is we how it is we know things how it is we arrive at the truth and and most supremely of all is an attack against the scripture against the authority and the inspiration and the and the sufficiency of the scripture against the against the scripture as any credible voice at all in a discussion about the foundations of society uh Christian you will be told by the world leave your Bible at the door it's not welcomed here. [00:17:29]

The foundations are being destroyed beloved when when man exalts himself as though he were God when when man limits the ways of knowing to his own intellectual Productions rejecting the inspired word of God the the foundations are being exalted when man rejects moral absolutes and when man dares to set set before himself the goal of saving himself the foundations are being destroyed. [00:22:01]

There's a pragmatism replacing biblical Fidelity in Evangelical churches the Bible is set aside and and anything resembling a regulative principle of worship in life is is set aside in order that we might pursue what we think gets results what we think is effective and and there's a moralism and a worldliness that's that's supplanting the gospel I shutter to think how many on a on an average Sunday sitting at churches trusting their own righteousness rather than clinging solely to Christ and his cross and his finished work. [00:23:30]

David notice is confident he announces that right from the beginning in the Lord I take refuge now his his questioner says flee like a bird run to the mountains his questioner says all is being destroyed and so we need to ask ourselves from the onset when we hear ourselves when we hear that tape playing in our head about our concerns for the culture and the society and the church do we sound more like David's questioner or more like David do we hear ourselves saying I take refuge in the Lord or we should just pack up and run. [00:30:40]

David says in the Lord I take refuge now notice what David Avid does three three things here that David does that he remembers that that help us in our engagement with this this Society number one he remembers God's sovereignty see there in the first part of verse four David sings this the Lord is in his holy Temple the Lord is on his Heavenly Throne when David David refers to God being in his holy Temple he as much as says that wickedness does not and cannot eclipse the Holiness of God whatever is happening in the society however much the the wicked and the unrighteous seem to be winning a holy God continues to fill his temple with his Holiness. [00:33:48]

David says that God's Soul hates the wicked and those who love violence does that not send a shudder up your spine that God's Soul hates the wicked and those who love violence we read these words and and we meet a god with sharp edges he's no teddy bear he's not soft and cuddly he's not the god of our own imagining of of our own making I mean we read these words and so much for for God hates to sin and loves the sinner there's a sense in which that's true absolutely but but consider Psalm chap 5: 5 for example just turn there for a second it's clear in Psalm 55 When God says or when the psalmist says thereof God you hate all who do wrong. [00:36:11]

David saw and we must remember that those who turn from sin and Trust in Christ who believe upon the Lord Jesus and follows him in The Obedience of faith will live eternally before the face of God what am I saying beloved in one bullet point the way in which we protect the true foundations not of a passing civilization and a fading culture not of politics that changes with the wind but the way in which we protect and Advance the the true foundation the foundations of God's word the foundations of God's rulership the the foundations of of this salvation which God has promised is to advance to remember to meditate upon to share to proclaim the gospel itself. [00:47:35]

It is the gospel that we need to hear when the foundations are being destroyed it is the go gospel that we need to meditate upon when the when the wicked run loose it is the gospel that we need to take abroad in order to be that salt and that light that seasoning influence that redeems not just the culture and its Productions not just a civilization and its politics but redeems people and preserves people for all of eternity may we be gospel people in the midst of a culture that is under attack by those who do not know God or love God or submit to him as God and may we PR Proclaim that gospel so that their knees will bow in this life and confess in this life that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. [00:48:00]

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Transcript
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