WHEN GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO BAD PEOPLE
Psalm 73
Introduction: In the old westerns, the good guys wore white hats and won in the end. Isn't that the way it is supposed to be in real life? One of our greatest disappointments is to discover that good things do happen to evil people.
I.. Confused view of life
Explanation: Asaph opens Psalm 73 with a declaration of God's goodness toward Israel and those of pure heart, v. 1. But without changing pace in thought, the Psalmist revealed the fright he personally was experiencing. He was experiencing a confused view of life which filled him with a sense of slipping from the foundation of faith. Why?
Asaph's view was confused by focusing solely upon the world around him. He saw the condition of the wicked of the earth and wondered, "How can such good happen to such bad people?" He had a problem with the prosperity (vv. 3-5), their pride (vv. 6-9), and their popularity (vv. 10-12).
The Psalmist's problem was compounded when he began to look within for a response to what he saw. He felt envious of the wicked because of their prosperity and plenty, v. 3. He also felt sorry for himself and doubted the value of faithfulness to God, v. 13.)
Transition Statement: Sound familiar? When . . .
Illustration: 1,000 homosexuals march and receive national coverage, and 500,000 - 1,000,000 Christians meet for a Rally for Jesus and virtually no mention of it is in the secular press! Who is gaining?
Application: Is the Christian faith without significance and impact? Does it ... will it make any difference? We truly wonder when great throngs gather to hear hard rockers peddle drugs, illicit sex, rebellion, etc., and it takes great effort to get a few to hear an evangelist. We wonder when we see drug pushers and syndicated crime leaders gain places/positions of responsibility and admiration.
Many people are confused when they look around and discover good going to the bad.
Transition Statement ...
Psalm 73
Introduction: In the old westerns, the good guys wore white hats and won in the end. Isn't that the way it is supposed to be in real life? One of our greatest disappointments is to discover that good things do happen to evil people.
I.. Confused view of life
Explanation: Asaph opens Psalm 73 with a declaration of God's goodness toward Israel and those of pure heart, v. 1. But without changing pace in thought, the Psalmist revealed the fright he personally was experiencing. He was experiencing a confused view of life which filled him with a sense of slipping from the foundation of faith. Why?
Asaph's view was confused by focusing solely upon the world around him. He saw the condition of the wicked of the earth and wondered, "How can such good happen to such bad people?" He had a problem with the prosperity (vv. 3-5), their pride (vv. 6-9), and their popularity (vv. 10-12).
The Psalmist's problem was compounded when he began to look within for a response to what he saw. He felt envious of the wicked because of their prosperity and plenty, v. 3. He also felt sorry for himself and doubted the value of faithfulness to God, v. 13.)
Transition Statement: Sound familiar? When . . .
Illustration: 1,000 homosexuals march and receive national coverage, and 500,000 - 1,000,000 Christians meet for a Rally for Jesus and virtually no mention of it is in the secular press! Who is gaining?
Application: Is the Christian faith without significance and impact? Does it ... will it make any difference? We truly wonder when great throngs gather to hear hard rockers peddle drugs, illicit sex, rebellion, etc., and it takes great effort to get a few to hear an evangelist. We wonder when we see drug pushers and syndicated crime leaders gain places/positions of responsibility and admiration.
Many people are confused when they look around and discover good going to the bad.
Transition Statement ...
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