The Lord, He is God: Our Light and Salvation
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! Today, we explored the profound truth that "The Lord, He is God." This revelation sets us apart and gives us hope, strength, and confidence even in dark times. We began by reading Psalm 27:1-5, which highlights the peace and security we have because the Lord is our light and salvation. In contrast, Isaiah 59 paints a bleak picture of those who live without this revelation, groping in darkness and confusion. This stark difference underscores our role as the light of the world, as Jesus described in Matthew 5:13-16.
We delved into various scriptures to emphasize that the Lord being God is not just a theological statement but a practical truth that impacts our daily lives. Psalm 100:3 reminds us that we are His people, created by Him, and Psalm 46:10 calls us to be still and know that He is God. This knowledge should shape our worldview and our responses to life's challenges.
We also examined historical examples from the Bible, such as David and Goliath, Elijah and the prophets of Baal, and Hezekiah's prayer, to show how recognizing God's sovereignty brings victory and clarity. These stories illustrate that when we acknowledge the Lord as God, we can face any challenge with confidence.
Furthermore, we discussed three key implications of this truth:
1. God made us in His image: This means we are created with purpose and identity, as seen in Genesis 1:27.
2. His Word is the highest authority: Scriptures like Jeremiah 1:5 and Luke 1:41-44 affirm that God's Word is final and absolute.
3. He has a plan for every person: Jeremiah 29:11-13 assures us that God has a good plan for our lives, filled with hope and a future.
In conclusion, understanding that the Lord is God brings light to our lives and enables us to be a light to the world. This truth is a compass for every conversation and decision, providing us with peace and direction.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Lord is Our Light and Salvation: Psalm 27:1-5 reveals that the Lord being our light and salvation gives us unparalleled peace and confidence. In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, this truth anchors us and sets us apart. We can face any challenge knowing that God is our refuge and strength. [50:03]
2. The World Without God: Isaiah 59:1-13 paints a grim picture of life without the revelation that the Lord is God. People stumble in darkness, seeking light but finding none. This contrast highlights our role as the light of the world, bringing clarity and hope to those lost in confusion. [54:57]
3. God's Sovereignty in History: Stories like David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47) and Elijah's contest with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:30-39) demonstrate that recognizing God's sovereignty brings victory. These historical examples remind us that God's power and authority are unmatched, and acknowledging Him as God changes the outcome of our battles. [01:06:44]
4. Implications of God Being God: If the Lord is God, then His Word is the highest authority, and we are created in His image. This means we don't get to redefine what God has already established, such as the sanctity of life and the institution of marriage. These truths bring clarity and stability in a world of shifting values. [01:14:17]
5. God's Plan for Our Lives: Jeremiah 29:11-13 assures us that God has a good plan for each of us, filled with hope and a future. This knowledge frees us from the pressures of comparison and fear of the future. We can trust that our times are in His hands, and He will guide us according to His perfect plan. [01:33:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[49:08] - Introduction and Psalm 27
[50:03] - The Lord is Our Light and Salvation
[51:09] - Dark Times and God's Strength
[52:15] - The Lord, He is God
[53:07] - Isaiah 59: The World Without God
[54:57] - Compassion for the Lost
[56:27] - Being the Light of the World
[57:08] - Jesus' Teaching on Light
[57:45] - Illustration: Playing in the Dark
[59:00] - Turning on the Light
[01:00:06] - Prayer and Transition
[01:01:01] - Psalm 100: The Lord is God
[01:02:00] - God's Passion for Us to Know Him
[01:03:08] - Psalm 95: The Great God
[01:04:18] - Deuteronomy 4:35: Knowing God
[01:05:10] - David and Goliath: God's Sovereignty
[01:06:44] - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
[01:09:45] - Hezekiah's Prayer
[01:11:11] - Daniel and King Darius
[01:12:38] - Why This Matters
[01:14:17] - Implications: Created in God's Image
[01:16:00] - God's Design for Marriage
[01:20:37] - God's Word as the Highest Authority
[01:24:18] - Life Begins in the Womb
[01:27:05] - God's Promise for the Earth
[01:28:22] - The Reality of Hell
[01:30:36] - Sin and Its Consequences
[01:31:43] - Jesus: The Only Way
[01:33:19] - God's Plan for Every Person
[01:36:07] - Government and God's Sovereignty
[01:37:40] - You Are Not Your God
[01:38:40] - Conclusion and Final Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 27:1-5: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock."
2. Isaiah 59:1-13: "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perversity. No one calls for justice, nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; they conceive evil and bring forth iniquity. They hatch vipers' eggs and weave the spider's web; he who eats of their eggs dies, and from that which is crushed a viper breaks out. Their webs will not become garments, nor will they cover themselves with their works; their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their ways; they have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace. Therefore justice is far from us, nor does righteousness overtake us; we look for light, but there is darkness! For brightness, but we walk in blackness! We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes; we stumble at noonday as at twilight; we are as dead men in desolate places. We all growl like bears, and moan sadly like doves; we look for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us. For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities, we know them: in transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood."
3. Matthew 5:13-16: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 27:1-5 say about the Lord's role in our lives during times of trouble? ([50:03])
2. How does Isaiah 59:1-13 describe the state of those who live without the revelation that the Lord is God? ([53:07])
3. According to Matthew 5:13-16, what are believers called to be in the world, and why is this important? ([57:08])
4. What historical examples from the Bible were mentioned in the sermon to illustrate God's sovereignty? ([01:06:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the knowledge that "The Lord is our light and salvation" (Psalm 27:1) provide peace and confidence in today's world? ([50:03])
2. In what ways does Isaiah 59 highlight the consequences of living without God's revelation? How does this contrast with the life of a believer? ([53:07])
3. What does it mean to be the "light of the world" as described in Matthew 5:14-16, and how can this be practically lived out? ([57:08])
4. How do the stories of David and Goliath, Elijah and the prophets of Baal, and Hezekiah's prayer demonstrate the impact of recognizing God's sovereignty? ([01:06:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's peace and confidence during a challenging situation. How did the truth that "The Lord is my light and my salvation" (Psalm 27:1) impact your response? ([50:03])
2. How can you be a light in your community, especially in areas where people are "groping in darkness" as described in Isaiah 59? What specific actions can you take this week? ([53:07])
3. In what ways can you ensure that your life reflects the light of Christ, as instructed in Matthew 5:14-16? Are there areas where you feel your light is hidden? ([57:08])
4. Think about the historical examples of God's sovereignty mentioned in the sermon. How can these stories inspire you to trust God more in your current circumstances? ([01:06:44])
5. The sermon mentioned that understanding "The Lord, He is God" should shape our worldview and responses to life's challenges. How can this truth guide your decisions and conversations this week? ([52:15])
6. How does knowing that God has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11-13) free you from the pressures of comparison and fear of the future? What steps can you take to trust in His plan more fully? ([01:33:19])
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of God's Word as the highest authority. How can you prioritize Scripture in your daily life to ensure it guides your decisions and actions? ([01:14:17])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Lord is Our Light and Salvation
Description: Psalm 27:1-5 reveals that the Lord being our light and salvation gives us unparalleled peace and confidence. In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, this truth anchors us and sets us apart. We can face any challenge knowing that God is our refuge and strength. This understanding is not just a comforting thought but a transformative reality that shapes our daily lives. When we internalize that the Lord is our light, we are empowered to walk through dark times with a sense of security and hope. This peace is a testimony to others, showing the difference that faith in God makes in our lives. [50:03]
Bible Passage: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current fear or challenge you are facing. How can you actively remind yourself today that the Lord is your light and salvation in this situation?
### Day 2: The World Without God
Description: Isaiah 59:1-13 paints a grim picture of life without the revelation that the Lord is God. People stumble in darkness, seeking light but finding none. This contrast highlights our role as the light of the world, bringing clarity and hope to those lost in confusion. As believers, we are called to be a beacon of light in a dark world, reflecting the love and truth of Christ. This responsibility is both a privilege and a duty, urging us to live in a way that draws others to the light of God. [54:57]
Bible Passage: "Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us; we hope for light, and behold, darkness, and for brightness, but we walk in gloom." (Isaiah 59:9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who seems to be walking in darkness. How can you be a light to them today, offering hope and clarity through your words and actions?
### Day 3: God's Sovereignty in History
Description: Stories like David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47) and Elijah's contest with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:30-39) demonstrate that recognizing God's sovereignty brings victory. These historical examples remind us that God's power and authority are unmatched, and acknowledging Him as God changes the outcome of our battles. When we face our own "giants" and challenges, remembering these stories can bolster our faith and give us the courage to trust in God's sovereignty. [01:06:44]
Bible Passage: "Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'" (1 Samuel 17:45, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge you are facing. How can you acknowledge God's sovereignty in this situation and trust Him for the victory?
### Day 4: Implications of God Being God
Description: If the Lord is God, then His Word is the highest authority, and we are created in His image. This means we don't get to redefine what God has already established, such as the sanctity of life and the institution of marriage. These truths bring clarity and stability in a world of shifting values. Understanding and accepting God's authority helps us navigate moral and ethical dilemmas with confidence, knowing that His ways are perfect and just. [01:14:17]
Bible Passage: "Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you struggle to accept God's authority. What steps can you take today to align your beliefs and actions with His Word?
### Day 5: God's Plan for Our Lives
Description: Jeremiah 29:11-13 assures us that God has a good plan for each of us, filled with hope and a future. This knowledge frees us from the pressures of comparison and fear of the future. We can trust that our times are in His hands, and He will guide us according to His perfect plan. Embracing this truth allows us to live with a sense of purpose and peace, knowing that God is in control and has our best interests at heart. [01:33:19]
Bible Passage: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you." (Jeremiah 29:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: Think about your future plans and aspirations. How can you seek God's guidance and trust in His plan for your life today?
Quotes
1. "Can you sense the confidence we get to enjoy as children of God? How much peace, how much strength, how much hope and courage because we go back to verse one, the Lord is our light and our salvation. How many of you guys know that we are living in pretty dark times? Would you agree? And how many of you can recognize that what we just read? Is very different than what the headlines are saying to us?" [51:09] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have a strength and a hope. Even when things seem dark. That we can cling to and that we can walk in and truly the Lord is our refuge. And so this is kind of the what I want to share with you guys this morning. I was praying about or what would you have us talk about? And there's one phrase that I just kept hearing in my heart again and again and again. And we're going to look at this from a number of angles. And the message is simply the Lord." [52:15] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Lord, He is God. And I expected it to go over like that. That's okay. It took me some time also. But I believe that that information right there. That sets us apart from everyone on the face of the earth. It sets us apart to have hope when things look dismal. It sets us apart to have strength and confidence when all indicators tell us we should be upset and beside ourselves. And I think as we go through this." [52:15] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "This is the state that our world is in. There's darkness. And the people who don't have the revelation that the Lord, He is God, and they don't have in verse 1 from Psalm 27, the Lord being their light and salvation, this is what they have to look forward to. They grope about as in the dark. They stumble. They can't see clearly. And so I believe today there's an opportunity for us as the church to be a blessing to the world. Amen. By being the light." [56:27] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There needs to be the clarity that only light can bring so that that person can have the help they need. Is that okay? That didn't feel malice. That didn't feel mean, right? Because we're going to speak to some things that have been done in the dark. And the light is the first step to these people experiencing the joy of Psalm 26. The comfort, the confidence, the peace, the strength that we here enjoy because we live in the light. Amen? Amen." [59:36] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The reason this is a big deal is because there is more than just the 30,000, 30,000 foot view with which we can understand this truth. So far, we've just been up here saying the Lord, He is God. There's a banner in the sky of our thinking and it's big and it goes, yeah, amen. But if that truth is alive in your heart, then it changes the conversation down on the ground. And this is where if you're seasick, you know, there's an oxygen mask right above you, you know, get some water. But fasten your seatbelt because we're going to look at a few things that are conversations where we live and we're going to begin to draw that connection." [01:12:38] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If the Lord is God, the next logical conclusion we can enjoy is that God made us in His image. Does that seem like a natural progression? He's God. Okay. So what does that mean to me? The answer to why does that matter to me is, well, God made me in His image. Is that a fair connection? That doesn't seem like a large leap of logic, right? So if God made us in His image, what does that mean?" [01:14:17] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The reason there's no wrestling is because at no point in our discourse do we get to change the first underlying principle, which is the Lord, he is God. We don't get to, because the conversation feels tense, we don't get to change the underlying truth, the truth that brought us to the conversation. But we see time and again, we looked at a few of those examples, when those people were confronted with circumstances that are way beyond them, they didn't throw out all of the truth that they've learned to that point and say, okay, where do we go from here?" [01:20:37] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If God put you in his body as he pleased, who didn't get a vote on where they were going to go in the body? You. You did not get to decide what part you would play in the body of Christ. Why? Because you're not God. God is God. And that means you don't have to wrestle with figuring out your best life. God has a plan, and he's already decided what role you would play in that plan. And so you don't have to be upset or confused about where you're going. You can draw close to him, and he can make it very clear to you, and your life can have great meaning and value and purpose, because he's already thought it through." [01:37:40] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "For with you is the fountain of life. In your light, we see light. The reason the world is groping in darkness is because they have forgotten the first principle. The Lord, he is God. He's the light." [01:37:40] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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