Psalm 91

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Committed Believer is Safe and Secure in God's Protection

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Believers are immune to the normal fears of life.

  2. Believers are immortal until their work in life is over.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Watch out for Satan's wrong use of Scripture.

QUESTIONS

  1. What do we know about the background of Psalm 91?

  2. How did Satan misquote Psalm 91?

  3. Review the four names of God used in verses 1-2.

  4. Give some biblical examples of believers in life-threatening situations in which the Lord delivered them.

ANSWERS

  1. Not much, since there is no title to this psalm. We don't know who wrote it or the occasion of the psalm. Some scholars see a strong parallel between this psalm and Psalm 90, written by Moses, but we can't be sure.

  2. Satan quoted verses 11-12 of this psalm during Christ's temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 4). Of course he quoted these verses out of context in order to tempt the Lord Jesus. Notice he did not quote verse 13, which predicted his own doom.

  3. Most High (El Elyon) - emphasizing the strength and sovereignty of God Almighty (El Shaddai) - the all-powerful God Lord (Yahweh or Jehovah) - the self-existent God who redeems His people God (Elohim) - emphasizing the power, majesty, and Deity of the Creator

  4. In Luke 4, the multitude tried to throw Jesus over a cliff, but He walked right past them. Daniel was spared out of a den of lions (Daniel 6). Paul was spared although he was bitten by a poisonous snake (Acts 28). Other examples could be given.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Scripture does not say there will be no terrors by night or no arrows by day. It says that we don't have to be afraid of them (Psalm 91:5). What protection do believers have from the normal fears of life? Refer also to 2 Timothy 1:7.

  2. Have you ever contemplated the truth "Believers are immortal until their work in life is over"? Discuss what this promise means and what it does not mean.

CHALLENGE

  1. Satan is crafty and he uses God's powerful Word out of context to deceive us. Remember, God's Word will not contradict itself. Watch out for Satan's wrong use of Scripture.

KEY VERSES

  • "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

  • "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11



Psalms, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsPsalm 91