Maintaining This Old House: Lessons from Psalm 131-132
Pastor David Rose uses the metaphor of an old house to illustrate what it means to maintain our faith over the long haul. He shows how humility before God leads to contentment and how God’s flawless faithfulness invites us into deeper obedience.
Key Takeaways
- God hears the confession of the humble. (131:1)
- God gives contentment to the humble. (131:2-3)
- God has a flawless record of faithfulness. (132:1-11)
- God stirs obedience because of His faithfulness. (132:12-18)
Further Study
- In Psalm 131:2, the psalmist compares his soul to a weaned child. How does this correspond to Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11-13 about being content in all circumstances? What was the secret to Paul’s great contentment?
- Psalm 132:9 prays for the priests to be clothed with righteousness. How does this foreshadow the imputed righteousness we receive through Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21)? How does this truth humble us and spur us to obedience?
- Psalm 132:17-18 prophesies about a “horn” growing for David and a “lamp” for God’s anointed. How do these messianic images find their fulfillment in Jesus (cf. Luke 1:68-69)? Take a minute to praise Him for His truly flawless record of faithfulness to us, His children.
The Gospel
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it.
Reach outThe Gospel is the transformative truth that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead, according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This Good News is the heart of our faith and the foundation for the “long obedience in the same direction” Pastor David mentioned.
At its core, the Gospel reveals that we are all sinners, dead in our transgressions and unable to save ourselves. As Pastor David said, “Jesus didn’t come so that bad people could become good people. Jesus came so that dead people could become living people.” It’s a powerful point that emphasizes our complete dependence on God’s grace for salvation.
The Gospel tells us that God, in His infinite love and mercy, sent His Son Jesus Christ to live the perfect life we couldn’t live and die the death we deserved. On the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the punishment for our sins, bridging the gap between holy God and sinful humanity. His resurrection three days later demonstrated His victory over sin and death, offering us the hope of eternal life.
Through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness of sins and are clothed in His righteousness. Jesus came “taking away your shame and giving you his honor, taking away your filthy rags of sin, and giving you his righteousness.” This beautiful exchange is at the heart of the Gospel.
The Gospel doesn’t just save us from something (sin and death), but to something – a new life in Christ. When we come to Christ, we are transferred “out of death and brought to life.” This new life is characterized by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live in obedience to God and bear fruit for His kingdom.
The Gospel is not just a one-time event but an ongoing reality that shapes our daily lives. It calls us to continual repentance and faith, to daily “die to ourselves and live for Christ,” spending time with Him daily, and sharing His hope with others.
The Gospel reminds us that our salvation and ongoing transformation are not based on our own efforts but on God’s faithfulness and grace. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This truth should humble us, satisfy us, and motivate us to live lives of grateful obedience.
Ultimately, the Gospel gives us hope – hope for transformation now and hope for eternity with God. It assures us that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us, enabling us to persevere in faith and grow in Christlikeness until the day we see Him face to face.