PSALM 87
LORD loves Jerusalem as the city of God verse 1- 3
HIS foundation is in the holy mountains
the LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob
glorious things are spoken of you
O city of God SELAH
Spiritual birth into citizenship in Jerusalem verse 4- 6
I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon
to them that know ME
behold Philistia and Tyre – with Ethiopia
this man was born there
And of Zion it
shall be said
This and that man was born in her
and the HIGHEST HIMSELF shall establish her
the LORD shall count – when HE writes up the people
that this man was born there SELAH
Jerusalem is the source of all blessing verse 7
As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there
all MY springs are in you
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 2 The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. (157 “loves” [ahab] means to like, to flirt, to endear, to have a great affection or care for or loyalty towards, human love for another includes family and sexual, human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom.)
DEVOTION: Here we have the LORD having a great affection for the gates of Zion or Jerusalem. HE brought the people out of captivity and then under the leadership of David had the kingdom organized with the ability to protect itself. He wanted to build the Temple but HE called David a man of war and so had his son Solomon build the Temple.
However, David did collect the material for the building of the Temple. He made it easier for Solomon to build this place of worship that was the center of all the worship of Israel. The people were to come to Jerusalem to worship the LORD on a number of occasions.
God had blessed the nation with a place that could honor HIM alone.
We need to realize that God wants us to worship HIM on a regular basis. This should take place in our homes when we have family devotions with our children. It should take place with husbands and wives having daily devotions together for their growth in the LORD and with each other.
God loves HIS people and wants them to honor HIM in spirit and it truth throughout their lifetime. Watching HIS people come to the Temple to worship was something that HE enjoyed.
We need to make sure that we are ones who understand the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for our sins and this should cause us to endear our times of getting together with God’s people to honor HIM.
Today it seems that even Christians are not taking the time to genuinely appreciate what the LORD has done for us through Christ, just like, what happened to the children of Israel once they had an opportunity to worship the LORD in the Temple and yet found time to worship other gods that took their eyes off the LORD.
CHALLENGE: Do we love our times of worship in the house of God each week? Are we training our children to have a great affection for going to church to worship the LORD?
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 3 “Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God!” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982). (City – 8179 שַׁעַר [shaʿar /shah·ar/] n m. From 8176 in its original sense; TWOT 2437a; GK 9133; 371 occurrences; AV translates as “gate” 364 times, “city” three times, “door” twice, “port” once, and “porters” once. 1 gate. 1A gate (of entrance). 1B gate (of space inside gate, ie marketplace, public meeting place). 1B1 city, town. 1C gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle). 1D Heaven, Sheol (fig). James Strong, Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2001).
DEVOTION: Psalm 87 is a song about the glorious things said about Zion, the city of God. The first verse stands as a single-line summary of the psalm’s theme: God has set His foundation on the holy mountain (cf. 43:3; 48:1; 99:9), that is, He has chosen Zion as His dwelling place above all others. Yet, in the New Testament God establishes a new place to reside and to call His own! He loves to impart to us the knowledge necessary to live for Him. In John 16:7 Jesus tells us, “…It is to your advantage that I go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” In John 14:16-17 Jesus teaches that that comforter will, “…abide with you forever- the Spirit of truth…” Paul also makes it clear where the Spirit dwells when he states in Romans 8:11, “But is the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Again in 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? Finally James states in 4:5 “Or do you think that the Scriptures says in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?’”
As the dwelling place of God in the Old Testament was important and God emphasized its significance, particularly in the Psalms, so we who are the temple of God in the New Testament are vital as well. Christ wants us to understand how essential we are as a major contributor in God’s program. We are the temple, dwelling place and holy sanctuary for God’s Spirit in this age of grace. He is jealous of His residence!
CHALLENGE: Take some time to contemplate what being the dwelling place of God means for you! (Dr. Brian Miller – board member)
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: 5 “And of Zion it shall be said, ‘This and that man was born in her:’ and the highest himself shall establish her.” (“Establish,” 3559 כּוּן [kuwn], 219 occurrences; AV translates as “prepare” 85 times, “establish” 58 times, “ready” 17 times, “stablish” five times, “provide” five times, “right” five times, “fixed” four times, “set” four times, “direct” three times, “order” three times, “fashion” three times, “variant” twice, “certain” twice, “confirmed” twice, “firm” twice, “preparation” twice, and translated miscellaneously 17 times. 1 to be firm, be stable, be established [Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software]).
DEVOTION: This psalm is a psalm praising God for His selection of Jerusalem as the place on earth where He would dwell. There is a triumphant note to the description, yet we know that God’s dwelling there was conditional based on the continued obedience of His people to Him. We know that God allowed Jerusalem to be destroyed both by Babylon and by Rome because the children of Israel didn’t worship Him for who He really was.
God does not promise that the Christian life will be trouble-free. He does, however, promise to go with us through the process of sanctification. He says that God is the one who will establish us in the Christian faith (1 Peter 5:10), as well as perfecting and confirming us. What that means is that He will dwell in our lives in a way that is analogous to the way that He dwelled in the temple when it was here on earth (1 Corinthians 6:19).
This will give us great confidence if we accept this. He is the one who is ultimately responsible for our eternal security (John 10:28). He is the one who will insure that we have eternal life (1 John 5:13). While things here in this life are not sure, He is the one who knows all that will happen to us.
CHALLENGE: How much are you depending on your own effort or faith for the outcome of your ministry and life? Are you willing to trust God to establish what He is doing in your life and ministry and then leave the results up to Him? If so, pray now and ask the Lord to help you accept His lordship over this important area of your life. (Dr. Marc Wooten – board member)
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 6 The LORD shall count, when he writes up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. (3789 “writeth” [kathab] means to grave, to inscribe, prescribe, subscribe, record, or describe.)
DEVOTION: The LORD is keeping a journal. Two books are opened in the final judgment of those who are outside of Christ. One book is the Book of Life. The other we are not given the name of but it records the life of those written therein. HE will not miss inscribing the names of all of HIS children in the journal.
Here we find that the LORD is recording people that are spiritual citizens in Jerusalem. HE includes nations that have been enemies of Israel in the past. HE wants the entire world to know that some from every nation will be included in HIS future kingdom. The children of Israel understood this promise, as they knew that in Abraham all the nations of the earth are going to be blessed.
When we look at the psalm we see many nations mentioned and people from these nations are recorded as having been born in Jerusalem. It is thought that the LORD is recording those who have their “spiritual” heritage in Jerusalem. There is a future time when many will come to Jerusalem to be saved. This happened in the Old Testament time to those who converted to be followers of the LORD. The LORD keeps records.
We read of a NEW JERUSALEM that will be coming down from heaven that has rooms in it for the saints of God. The measurements are given. It will be suspended above the earth. Can we fully understand what is going to happen in the future? HE has a plan and is going to work HIS plan.
Are we in the book of life? Only those who have accepted Christ are recorded in HIS book. We need to reach out and touch the lives of those who might be considered the enemies of Christ and tell them the good news of the gospel. They can be members of the family of God through Christ. What a truth to share with others
CHALLENGE: Realize that we have daily battles that the LORD allows in our lives to prepare us for our future dwelling in heaven with HIM. Work until HE returns to win those who are not followers of Christ to become followers. Pray for their names to be written in the Book of Life!!!
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: 7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in you. (4599 “springs” [ma‘yan] means headwaters, a natural flow of ground water, source of life, source of happiness, source of enjoyment, or source of live.)
DEVOTIONS: Jerusalem or Zion is not only a place of stability and glory but also a place of joy and freshness. It is a city where HIS people can be glad because they come to worship HIM in spirit and in truth.
There is much singing when they worship the LORD. There is the giving of sacrifices to the LORD as a thank you for HIS provision for them throughout the year or any other time period.
Today, our worship mainly to thank HIM for HIS gift of salvation that promises heaven for eternity with HIM. We come to worship HIM in spirit and in truth. We come to worship HIM for HIS provision of food and drink. We worship HIM because of HIS protection. We worship HIM because we know that HE keeps HIS word.
Our happiness should be centered around HIM each day of our lives. It should bring joy to our heart that we have someone who loves us so much that HE allowed HIS Son to die on the cross for our sins. HE is the one who provides for all of needs daily.
We need to sing to the LORD not only on Sunday but throughout the week to thank HIM for HIS love and gift of eternal life with HIM>
Too often we tend to look at the negative that is happening in our lives instead of all the positives that we have because of our salvation and the blessings that HE gives us.
CHALLENGE: We need to focus on singing HIS praises each day because of all that HE has provided for us instead of thinking of other things we think we need. Our focus needs to be on praise and not on what we think we don’t have!
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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
LORD writes down names – book of life verse 6
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Singers verse 7
Players of instruments verse 7
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 2, 6
God – Elohim (Creator, Sovereign) verse 3
City of God verse 3
Highest established Jerusalem verse 5
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Rahab verse 4
Babylon verse 4
Philistia verse 4
Tyre verse 4
Ethiopia verse 4
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Descendants of Korah wrote Psalm verse 1- 7
LORD loves gates of Zion (Jerusalem) verse 2, 3, 7
Great things are spoken of city
City of God
Source of life
Gates of Zion verse 2, 5
Dwellings of Jacob verse 2
City of God verse 3
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
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DONATIONS:
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QUOTES regarding passage
In its enigmatic, staccato phrases this remarkable psalm speaks of Zion as the destined metropolis of Jew and Gentile alike. Nothing is explained with any fullness, yet by the end there remains no doubt of the coming conversion of old enemies and their full incorporation in the city of God. Here (with Isa. 54) is the vision behind Paul’s phrase, ‘The Jerusalem above … is our mother’ (Gal. 4:26). The most memorable commentary on the psalm is John Newton’s masterly hymn whose first line we have borrowed as the general heading, above. ….
The names are well chosen: Rahab (i.e. Egypt, the blustering monster, 89:10; Isa. 30:7) and Babylon, the two great powers and persecutors of Israel’s world; nearer home, Philistia, the enemy which Israel never dislodged, and Tyre, the affluent merchant; finally Ethiopia (or ‘Cush’; see on 68:31), the symbol of the remoter nations. ….
87:7. City of joy
Here is the response to the prospect of verses 4–6 and to the realities already enjoyed in 1–3. It is praise in two of its most exuberant forms: cf. 68:25; 150:4. True to character, this final outburst is as abrupt as the rest of the psalm (even the word say is left to be understood), and translations therefore differ among themselves in smoothing its roughness by small changes. rsv, however, fairly represents the Hebrew text as we have it, to show Zion as a place not only of the stability and glory already described, but of joy and freshness. The expression, in you, could grammatically refer either to the Lord or to the city; the context points to the latter, somewhat as in 46:4 with its ‘river whose streams make glad the city of God’, or as developed further still in Ezekiel 47, where the waters that issue from the temple threshold flow out to revive the very desert.
(Kidner, D. (1975). Psalms 73–150: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 16, p. 345). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
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This psalm expands on the idea in Psalm 86:9, that nations will someday worship the Lord. Psalm 87 is a song about the glorious things said about Zion, the city of God. After depicting Zion as God’s glorious city, the psalmist described how the nations will gather to her as children, and how joyful are those who dwell there.
87:4. The psalmist listed some of the nations that will be gathered to Zion. They will be like children who were born there (vv. 4–6). God’s purpose is to reconcile people to Himself, and these statements anticipate that five nations—Rahab … Babylon … Philistia, Phoenicia (represented by Tyre), and Cush (present-day southern Egypt, Sudan, and northern Ethiopia)—will be among the peoples who acknowledge Him. “Rahab,” representing Egypt (cf. Isa. 30:7), was probably the name of a powerful demonic force thought to be behind that nation.
87:7. This verse is a brief glimpse of the rejoicing that the other believing nations will bring to Zion. The second line of the verse states the substance of their musical praise: All my fountains are in You. “Fountains” signifies that Zion will be the source of all blessing and pleasure, because of the Lord’s presence there.
(Ross, A. P. (1985). Psalms. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 856). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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Three OT themes converge in this psalm and explain its often enigmatic lines: (i) The ‘city’ theme: (Is. 2:2–4; 26:1–4; 54–55; 60; Heb. 12:22–24). Man’s first attempt to organize the world without reference to God resulted in a city (Gn. 11:1–9) and the Bible pictures the consummation of the recreative work of God as his coming world-city (Rev. 21:1–2, 15–27). (ii) The ‘birth’ theme. When Nehemiah wished to populate his new Zion, its would-be citizens had to prove that they had a birthright to live there (Ne. 7:4ff., 64; cf. Ezr. 2:59, 62). This corresponds to the ‘new birth’ (Jn. 1:12–13; 3:3–8). (iii) The ‘book’ theme: (Ex. 32:32; Ps. 56:8; 69:28; Ezk. 13:9; Dan. 12:1; Lk. 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 3:5). Isaiah 4:3 is important as linking the ‘book’ theme to Zion. These three themes form the substance of Psalm 87. It is a Zion-psalm (1–3)—a ‘birth’-psalm (4–5), and a ‘book’-psalm (6). In essence it proclaims the coming world-city of God in which birthright will be extended to formerly hostile and pagan nations (4), on the basis of their inclusion by the Lord in his register (6). (Carson, D. A., France, R. T., Motyer, J. A., & Wenham, G. J. (Eds.). (1994). New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 541). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.)
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87:1–7 This psalm describes the Lord’s love for Jerusalem and exalts this city as the religious center of the world in the coming messianic kingdom (cf. Ps 48). Though the nations of the world (even including some of Israel’s former enemies) will worship the Lord then, Israel will still be the favored nation (cf. Is 2:2–4; 19:23–25; 45:22–25; 56:6–8; Zec 8:20–23; 14:16–19).
87:4 Rahab and Babylon. Rahab was a monster of ancient pagan mythology and symbolized Egypt in the OT (cf. Ps 89:10; Is 30:7; 51:9). Two of the superpowers of the ancient world, fierce enemies of Israel, will one day worship the Lord in Zion (cf. Is 19:19–25). Philistia … Tyre … Ethiopia. Three more Gentile nations, ancient enemies of Israel, whose descendants will worship the Lord in Jerusalem (cf. Is 14:28–32; 18:1–7). This multinational worship is pictured as a great joy to the Lord Himself. This one was born there. To be born in Jerusalem will be noted as a special honor in the messianic kingdom (cf. vv. 5, 6; also Zec 8:20–23).
87:7 All my springs … are in you. “Springs” is a metaphor for the source of joyful blessings. Eternal salvation, including the death and resurrection of Christ, is rooted in Jerusalem. The prophets also tell of a literal fountain flowing from the temple in Jerusalem which will water the surrounding land (cf. Joel 3:18; Eze 47:1–12).
(MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Ps 87:1–7). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
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FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
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Daily Hope
Today’s Scripture
Job 6-9
We were in Chicago for the past two days to conduct a funeral for a friend and neighbor of over twenty years. It is not easy to bring comfort when grief and sorrow is so present.
Job exclaims his anguish and rawness of heart in the beginning of chapter 6. His statements and questions are exclamations of a hurting heart and one that is trying to understand what is incomprehensible. Job looks to his friends for answers and comfort. How can we encourage others who are deeply distressed and ask difficult questions that seemingly have no answer?
Job desired to hear from his friends because his cries to God were not answered. While a friend’s intentions may be good and the desire to encourage or correct may exist, they are human and can give faulty answers! James 1:19 says, “… let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak…”. At times, the best friend is a good listener, not a counselor.
In Chapter 8, observe how Job’s friend answers Job’s deep questions and consider how we might answer Job’s grief and sorrow. Job’s understanding of the ways of God were both correct and incorrect. As we read these chapters, may we consider how God’s power and wisdom are different than Job’s understanding of God.
As we break for the weekend, take this time to review the chapters you have read. God’s creative works, man’s fall, the flood, and Job’s questions give us much to consider and examine before continuing with Job 10 on Monday!
With an Expectant Hope, (Pastor Miller)
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Genesis 9
God covenants with Noah never to flood the earth again.
INSIGHT
A person is only as good as his word. If he is true to his word, he can be trusted; if he is not, he cannot. It is as simple as that. God promised that He would never destroy the earth with a flood again. He went even further by saying, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease” (based on Genesis 8:22). Then God set a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His promise.
For thousands of years, God has been true to His Word. We sometimes get discouraged during the tough times in life, because we tend to focus on our particular circumstances rather than the promises of God.
We must remember the rainbow. God is true to His Word. He can be trusted. (Quiet Walk)
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THE HOLY SPIRIT’S DEITY
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit…. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. 1 Corinthians 12:4,6
We must demonstrate the Holy Spirit’s deity. This is a vital part of the doctrine of the Trinity. It is only Christians who believe this doctrine; all other religions fail to do so, as do all errors and heresies. The Trinity is the key that unlocks all truth. So we must look at the evidence.
The Scripture itself specifically asserts the deity of the Spirit. I take you back to that terrible incident with Ananias and Sapphira. After asking, “Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” Peter continued, “Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God” (Acts5:3-4). “The terrible thing that you have done,” said Peter in effect, “is that you have not only been lying to men; you thought that you were just lying to us, the apostles, and to the other Christians, but no, you have been lying to God.” And just previously he had said that Ananias had lied to the Holy Spirit. So clearly that is a specific statement that the Holy Spirit is God.
But we also find that the Spirit’s name is coupled with the name of God, and this not only establishes His personality but His Deity. This is seen in the baptismal formula, in the apostolic benediction, and also in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul writes, “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit…. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all” (verses 4,6). At one point we are told it is the Spirit who does this, and the next moment we are told that it is God—the same God who works all and in all, and He is the Spirit. Therefore the Spirit is God—His deity is proved.
A Thought to Ponder: Scripture specifically asserts the deity of the Spirit.
(From God the Holy Spirit, p. 15, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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An excellent wife cares for her home, is kind to the needy, and is an example of good character.
INSIGHT
One view of women is that they are merely caretakers of the home and have no role other than changing diapers, cooking, and cleaning house. Another view seeks to free women from the responsibilities at home. Both are wrong. Women are to care for their homes and maintain certain responsibilities–just as men should. But their role carries with it great flexibility and variety. The Proverbs 31 woman is a skillful, industrious person who models integrity and esteems her home and family highly. (Quiet Walk)
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Genuine Hope
In the early 1960s, the US was filled with anticipation of a bright future. Youthful President John F. Kennedy had introduced the New Frontier, the Peace Corps, and the task of reaching the moon. A thriving economy caused many people to expect the future to simply “let the good times roll.” Then the war in Vietnam escalated, national unrest unfolded, Kennedy was assassinated, and the accepted norms of that previously optimistic society were dismantled. Optimism simply wasn’t enough, and in its wake, disillusionment prevailed.
Then, in 1967, theologian Jürgen Moltmann’s A Theology of Hope pointed to a clearer vision. This path wasn’t the way of optimism but the way of hope. The two aren’t the same thing. Moltmann affirmed that optimism is based on the circumstances of the moment, but hope is rooted in God’s faithfulness—regardless of our situation.
What’s the source of this hope? Peter wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Our faithful God has conquered death through His Son, Jesus! The reality of this greatest of all victories lifts us beyond mere optimism to a strong, robust hope—every day and in every circumstance.
By Bill Crowder (Our Daily Bread)
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Shun Babblings
“But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus.” (2 Timothy 2:16-17)
Paul’s earlier warning about “word fights” (2 Timothy 2:14) is strengthened in the text above with a different emphasis. Word fights are “picky” debates started by quarrelsome people. They are useless and divisive. They create conflicts and schisms.
Profane and vain babblings, however, are worldly and valueless “noise.” Less obvious and more subtle than fighting, they have the effect of destroying godliness. “But refuse profane [ungodly] and old wives’ fables [myths, baseless stories], and exercise thyself rather unto godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).
Because “godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8), Paul strongly urged Timothy to “keep [guard] that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which some professing have erred concerning the faith” (1 Timothy 6:20-21).
The “oppositions” spoken of are the “antithesis”—the conflict, the stand against knowledge. Paul calls this anti-knowledge a pseudonumos—a false name. It sounds like knowledge but is not true.
The results of these “babblings” are not good. Ungodliness will increase. Error will eat away at spiritual health and truth like gangrene. The two church leaders that Paul mentions, Hymenaeus and Philetus, are listed as examples of such a cancer. They taught that the resurrection had already occurred for the saints.
Peter’s warning is very similar: “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness” (2 Peter 3:17). (HMM III, The Institute for Creation Research)
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I Talk Back to the Devil by A.W. Tozer
There He sits at God’s right hand – a living man, our representative and advocate and great High Priest. Believing this, we ought to be the most fearless, the most relaxed, the happiest and most God-assured people in the whole world! (p.4)
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I say, “Yes, Devil, sin is terrible – but I remind you that I got it from you! And I remind you, Devil, that everything good – forgiveness and cleansing and blessing – everything that is good I have freely received form Jesus Christ!”
Everything that is bad and that is against me, I got from the devil – so why should he have the effrontery and the brass to argue with me about it? Yet he will do it because he is the devil, and he is committed to keeping God’s children shut u in a little cage, their wings clipped so that they can never fly! (p. 4-5)
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Brethren, we have been declared “not guilty!” by the highest court in all the universe. Still there are honest Christians, earnestly seeking the face of God, who cannot seem to break loose and find real freedom. (p. 5)
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The devil wants you to live in a state of discouraged chagrin and remorse. (p. 6)
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If you think that there is anyone in the world so good that God could do something, for that person’s sake, you don’t know sin; and if you think there is anything that God will not do for you for His sake and for His name, you don’t know God! (p. 7)
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But the devil is a liar and the father of lies! (see John 8:44). He never tells the truth unless he can use it to whip you and embarrass you – unless he can use it in his attempts to ruin you and destroy you! (p. 12)
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