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Intro:
We are looking at four truths contained in Psalm 112. Psalm 112 is a companion psalm written by
Ezra to the returnees from Persia and Babylon.
He was given the task of teaching them their language, religion,
culture, and heritage. He chose to use
an acrostic psalm which is a letter of the Hebrew alphabet with a corresponding
truth about God. It is similar in
pattern to Psalm 119 but in a shorter form.
Psalm 111 is a psalm about who God is and Psalm 112 is how we apply our
knowledge of Him in practical ways.
1. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, Ezra reveals truth about sowing and reaping. When you sow good and that is what will come
back to you. It is the law of the
harvest. Jesus spoke about this many
times. In fact, He talks more about
generosity, giving, and charity than heaven or hell.
a. Goodwill is an outgrowth or benefit of being generous. Generosity is the quality of being kind and
generous. It is being liberal, abundant,
and giving. It is an attitude follow by
action. It is a thought demonstrated
through activity. It is putting others
before ourselves. It is a fruit of the
Spirit. Generosity is love in
action. It is sacrificial giving. It is time, talents and resources releasedfor
the glory of God.
b. The Bible teaches six ways to give secretly, generously. purposely.
cheerfully, sacrificially and
proportionately.
c. You are to lend freely.
Giving without expecting anything in return and without interest. Your
love for God motivates you.
2. Who conduct their affairs with justice. The word “justice” means “to
make right.” Justice is, first and foremost, a relational term — people living
in the right relationship with God, one another, and the natural creation. As God is just and loving, so we are called
to do justice and live in love.
a. This means that you treat people how you want to be treated. It is the golden rule. The relationship with God compels, drives,
convicts you to treat people with love.
Jesus says people will know we are His disciples by the way we love one
another. Ezra is reminding the people of
his day that being a covenant people have certain responsibilities
b. All aspects of our lives are done in love, spouses, family, church,
work, and in the greater world. It means
walking in the fruit of the Spirit.
Practical faith is the clearest expression of our relationship with
God. Being in harmony and unity with God
and man is the best way to live.
3. Surely the righteous will never be shaken. When you serve and follow
the Lord no matter what happens you will not be shaken. You are guided by faith, not fear. You know all things work together for
good. You trust the Lord and lean not to
your understanding, you acknowledge Him and He directs your path.
a. You have an anchor, rock, and refuge. You are hidden in the palm of His hand. You know the fourth man in the fire. You are like Daniel in the lion’s den. You are like David facing Goliath. You know that giant is going down. Every mountain becomes a plain like Zech 4:6. Your hope is built on nothing less than
Jesus' blood and righteousness.
b. You know all the promises are yes and amen, All things will be added when you seek the
Lord and His righteousness. The devil
has to flee because you have submitted to Christ. That greater who is you is greater than He
that is in the world. You know Jesus
came to destroy the works of confidence is in God so we will not be shaken.
4. They will be remembered forever. Ezra once again talks about legacy. Joshua did when he said, “As for me and my
house we will serve the Lord. (Josh
24:15), David said Ps 128:3, that our children should be like olive branches
around our table.
a. Ezra hits this theme over
and over. He says you want to influence
and be remembered for what has been shown in this psalm. These are qualities of a godly person. They are communicated attributes of God and
will outlive you
b. David is known as a man after God’s own heart. Joseph and Daniel are known as men who were
able to navigate an ungodly world through godliness. Peter is known as the pastor of the
church. John as the beloved
disciple. Paul was the gentile apostle
and writer of half the New Testament.
Jesus as the Savior of the world
c. Your life does matter. Only
you can influence your world. Your
prayers, example, and lifestyle can touch so many.
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