Psalm 22:1

[By Ron Halbrook]

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• Introduction

1. Ps. 22:1 Good people suffer bad things

1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

How can this happen?!

Where is God?!

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• Introduction

2. Ps. 22:1-5 We can’t bear this burden alone

2. Ps. 22:1-5 We can’t bear this burden alone

1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. 4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. 5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

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• Introduction

3. Ps. 22 Psalm of faith in time of suffering Vv. 1-21 Plea for deliverance Vv. 22-31 Praise for deliverance

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• Introduction

4. Good things happen when good people suffer bad things

We ask, “Why?” &, “How long?” God’s Word sustains us We draw closer to God in prayer God’s people sustain us Christ is our perfect example

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I. We Ask, “Why?” &, “How Long?” A. Ps. 22:1-2 David Cries, “Why?...How Long?”

1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

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B. Why the Godly Suffer Gen. 2:16-17 World plagued by sin & its consequences

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

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I. We Ask, “Why?” &, “How Long?” B. Why the Godly Suffer

Gen. 2:16-17 World plagued by sin & its consequences Gen. 3:16-24 Separated from

Eden we suffer physical hardship & death

Gen. 3:6; 4:8 Separated from God sinners hurt themselves & others

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I. We Ask, “Why?” &, “How Long?” B. Why the Godly Suffer

Job 1:9-11; 2:4-5 Satan is malicious Uses affliction to destroy us physically

& spiritually

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I. We Ask, “Why?” &, “How Long?” B. Why the Godly Suffer

Prov. 13:15 Personal sin leaves scars

15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

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I. We Ask, “Why?” &, “How Long?” B. Why the Godly Suffer

Some tragedies defy explanation, yet God rules the universe Job 38:4-7; 40:3-4 Many

things beyond our understanding

Job 38:4-7; 40:3-4 Many things beyond our understanding

4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Job 38:4-7; 40:3-4 Many things beyond our understanding

3 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

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I. We Ask, “Why?” &, “How Long?” C. How Long Must We Suffer?

2 Pet. 3:10 General suffering: until the end of time

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

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I. We Ask, “Why?” &, “How Long?” C. How Long Must We Suffer?

Rev. 6:9-11 Personal suffering: trust God to rule time & events

Rev. 6:9-11 Personal suffering: trust God to rule time & events

9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

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II. God’s Word Sustains Us A. Ps. 22:4-5 David Knew Faith of Fathers

4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. 5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

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II. God’s Word Sustains Us B. Ps. 19:1, 7 One God of Nature & Scripture

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 7 The law of the LORD is perfect,

converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

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II. God’s Word Sustains Us B. Ps. 19:1, 7 One God of Nature &

ScriptureGod reveals HimselfGod defines our relationship to HimGod guides us through all life’s experiences

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II. God’s Word Sustains Us C. Rom. 15:4 Our Fathers’ Faith Strengthens Us

4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

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II. God’s Word Sustains Us D. Ja. 5:10-11 Learn from Suffering of Godly Men

10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

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II. God’s Word Sustains Us D. Ja. 5:10-11 Learn from Suffering of Godly

MenJob: delivered after he sufferedProphets: delivered after they sufferedChrist: delivered after he sufferedSaints today: delivered after we suffer

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II. God’s Word Sustains Us D. Ja. 5:10-11 Learn from Suffering of Godly Men

Heb. 11:4 Abel died righteous: speaks to us!

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

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II. God’s Word Sustains Us D. Ja. 5:10-11 Learn from Suffering of Godly Men

Heb. 11:5 Enoch’s faith & hope rewarded

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

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II. God’s Word Sustains Us D. Ja. 5:10-11 Learn from Suffering of Godly Men

Heb. 11:8, 16 Abraham’s faith rewarded

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

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II. God’s Word Sustains Us D. Ja. 5:10-11 Learn from Suffering of Godly Men

Heb. 11:35 Some rewards immediate, some later!

35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

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III. We Draw Closer to God in Prayer A. Ps. 22:1-3, 11, 19-20 David Prayed,

Pouring Out His Heart in Supplication & Trust 1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

A. Ps. 22:1-3, 11, 19-20 David Prayed, Pouring Out His Heart in Supplication & Trust

11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. 20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling [precious life] from the power of the dog. 21 Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

[wild oxen]

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III. We Draw Closer to God in Prayer B. Isa. 38:1-5 Hezekiah Sick to Death: Prayed

B. Isa. 38:1-5 Hezekiah Sick to Death: Prayed 1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, 3 And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. 4 Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, 5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

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III. We Draw Closer to God in Prayer C. Dan. 6:10, 19-22 Prayerful Daniel

Delivered from Men & Lions

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

C. Dan. 6:10, 19-22 Prayerful Daniel Delivered from Men & Lions

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? 21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

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III. We Draw Closer to God in Prayer D. Acts 12:5, 11-12 Church Prayed for Peter

D. Acts 12:5, 11-12 Church Prayed for Peter

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

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III. We Draw Closer to God in Prayer E. 2 Cor. 12:7-9 Prayerful Paul

Received Sufficient Grace for His Trial

E. 2 Cor. 12:7-9 Prayerful Paul Received Sufficient Grace for His Trial

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

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III. We Draw Closer to God in Prayer F. Prayer Does Not Exclude All Trials,

But We Learn to Trust God’s AnswerBad things happened to David, Hezekiah, Daniel, Peter, & PaulYES: God answers in way we requestNO: God answers in another wayWAIT: God answers in best time & way

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IV. God’s People Sustain Us A. Ps. 22:4-5 Memories of God’s People

4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. 5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

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IV. God’s People Sustain Us B. Ps. 22:22-25 Surrounded by God’s People

B. Ps. 22:22-25 Surrounded by God’s People

22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. 23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. 24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. 25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.

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IV. God’s People Sustain Us C. 2 Cor. 1:3-7 The God of Comfort Comforts His

People & Teaches Them to Comfort Others

C. 2 Cor. 1:3-7 The God of Comfort Comforts His People & Teaches Them to Comfort Others

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

C. 2 Cor. 1:3-7 The God of Comfort Comforts His People & Teaches Them to Comfort Others

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

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IV. God’s People Sustain Us D. God Equips Christians to Comfort

Those Who SufferRom. 12:10, 15 Spirit of unselfish love 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

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15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

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IV. God’s People Sustain Us D. God Equips Christians to Comfort

Those Who SufferJa. 5:16 Pray for those who suffer

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

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IV. God’s People Sustain Us D. God Equips Christians to Comfort

Those Who SufferActs 4:36-37; 9:26-27; 15:39 Barnabus lifted up suffering saints, Saul, & John Mark

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IV. God’s People Sustain Us D. God Equips Christians to Comfort

Those Who Suffer1 Thess. 4:13, 18 Scripture Equips Us

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

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18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

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V. Christ Is Our Perfect Example A. Ps. 22 Christ’s Steadfast Faith in Suffering

Vs. 1—Matt. 27:46 Cry of anguish to God

1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

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V. Christ Is Our Perfect Example A. Ps. 22 Christ’s Steadfast Faith in Suffering

Vv. 7-8—Matt. 27:43 Mocked

Vv. 7-8—Matt. 27:43 Mocked

7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

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V. Christ Is Our Perfect Example A. Ps. 22 Christ’s Steadfast Faith in Suffering

Vv. 16-18—Matt. 27:35 Crucified, last possession stolen

Vv. 16-18—Matt. 27:35 Crucified, last possession stolen

16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments,

casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

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V. Christ Is Our Perfect Example A. Ps. 22 Christ’s Steadfast Faith in Suffering

Vv. 22-31—Heb. 2:12 Calls all men to praise God for deliverance & victory

22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. 12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

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V. Christ Is Our Perfect Example B. Phil. 3:8-11 Follow Christ in Suffering

B. Phil. 3:8-11 Follow Christ in Suffering

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Sacrifice love of sin & perks of false religionfor the true gospel

Saved in Christ, not by Law of Moses

Raised to a new life—suffer for the truth

Victory after suffering!

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• Invitation

1. Ps. 22:1 Good people suffer bad things

1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

How can this happen?!

Where is God?!

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• Invitation

2. Ps. 22:1-5 We can’t bear this burden alone3. Ps. 22 Psalm of faith in time of suffering

Vv. 1-21 Plea for deliverance Vv. 22-31 Praise for deliverance

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• Invitation

4. Good things happen when good people suffer bad things

We ask, “Why?” &, “How long?” God’s Word sustains us We draw closer to God in prayer God’s people sustain us Christ is our perfect example

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• Invitation

5. Sin curses our lives, Christ renews our lives Mark 16:15-16 Repent & submit to him to become a Christian

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

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• Invitation

5. Sin curses our lives, Christ renews our lives Ja. 5:16 Christ forgives & restores the fallen Christian

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.