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Sermon: Extrication
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MP3-2021
by Chris Cumming
Let us begin by turning to Psalm 23
Psalm 23:1-6
1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for
his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort
me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and
I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
All but twelve of these 122 words are absolute declarations about God:
…the Lord is my shepherd. …He restoreth my soul.
…He leadeth me in and to righteousness. …I will fear no evil.
…He provides for me. …He anoints me. …He fills my cup.
Then there are those twelve words that we find in verse 4:
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”
In fact, virtually every other word of the psalm is focused on our
common and frequent journeys through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
Let us talk about that valley for a moment. Let’s look at it in the
physical sense, the way David probably did. Who here wants to walk into
the Valley of the Shadow of Death? Is it possible that if I go into
this valley that I could die? Surely this is the case.
The question is not whether we will ever enter this valley but what our
attitude is going to be each time we do. The words of Psalm 23
absolutely tell us what David’s attitude is.
When we read of a youthful David going out to meet Goliath in 1 Samuel
17, we see him in verse 48 running headlong to face the mighty Goliath.
He ran into the Valley of the Shadow of Death. His attitude was
faithful and positive.
However there is another attitude on this battlefield. Notice:
1 Samuel 17:23-24
23 And as he talked with them, behold,
there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out
of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words:
and David heard them.
24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and
were sore afraid.
The word for this is, “Defeatism.” Some people, like David, run into
the valley with a positive attitude. Others run from it sore afraid and
with a negative attitude knowing they are going to die.
Which are you? What is your attitude? My purpose today is to encourage
and embolden all of us to run into the valley with the power of God.
What does David say in Psalm 23:4?
“I will fear no evil for thou art with me.”
What’s true is that He is with you in all the valleys we have to cross.
All through our lives we enter these valleys. There are physical,
emotional, mental, and spiritual valleys that must constantly be
crossed.
They are not always valleys of death but almost always valleys of
defeat. To enter these valleys is to say there is a possibility of
defeat. Whether you make it or not will depend almost exclusively on
your attitude and faith.
Let us take a look at that word, “defeatism.”
de•feat•ism
---the attitude, policy, or conduct of a person who admits, expects, or
no longer resists defeat, as because of a conviction that further
struggle or effort is futile; pessimistic resignation.
---a ready acceptance or expectation of defeat,
---a ready attitude that defeat is inevitable because it is possible.
---a state of mind in which one expects and accepts defeat too easily.
I can tell you right now that if a man enters into the valley of defeat
with the expectation of defeat and/or an attitude that defeat is
inevitable, then he is already lost. My advice to him is, “Don’t enter
that valley!!!”
Case in point: Several years ago I entered into a business deal
with a friend of mine. As we were carrying out our various duties, he
began expressing to me the possibility of our losing our investment in
the business. It then got really bad when he began expressing to me
that our defeat was inevitable simply because it was possible. His main
expression was, “If it is possible for us to lose everything, then we
probably will. His attitude was one of pessimistic resignation despite
the fact our investment was doing just fine, thank you very much. I had
to rebuke him more than once that his negative attitude was pulling me
down and that if this continued we WOULD find ourselves failing.
Well, things went from bad to worse. His pessimism became so profound
that he could not remember any of his assigned duties and could not even
remember any aspect of our business plan. It was so bad that we had to
end our business arrangement and totally liquidate our investment.
His abysmal attitude literally blew every fuse in my head. I was about
to explode into a million pieces. Just thinking about that incident
leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth, a churning stomach and a
throbbing headache.
This is just what a negative attitude can do to you. Do not allow it.
Notice some positive quotes about being positive.
Watch as I go through these quotes as they get closer and closer to God
and His spiritual pathway.
Michael Jordan said, "If you accept the expectations of others,
especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome."
"If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a
negative thought."
“Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power”
“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start
having positive results.”
"God never ends anything on a negative; God always ends on a positive.”
“Man is lost and is wandering in a jungle where real values have no
meaning. Real values can have meaning to man only when
he steps on to the spiritual path, a path where negative emotions have
no use.”
What does the Bible have to say on the subject?
Should we be thinking negative thoughts or anything that leads to a
negative attitude?
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Note:
Anything in this verse about listening to negative statistics or
discussing potential or possible negative outcomes?
What does a negative attitude do to our health?
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the
bones.
Should we be anxious about anything?
Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Can we be successful at everything?
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Note:
If it be God’s will for you, you will know success in what you put your
hand, heart or mind to.
Additionally, remember the individual I described who stated that if
defeat or death was possible, then it would probably happen. My answer
to him in the form of a question is, “Isn’t overwhelming success
possible here to the same and even greater degree than the possibility
of defeat?” THEN THINK ON THE OVERWHELMING SUCCESS!!
Are negative attitudes the possession of a fool? If so, where will
his attitudes lead?
Proverbs 18:7
A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his
soul.
Does being negative and making negative statements defile us?
Matthew 15:11
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which
cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
What should we do with all the negative statements and thoughts?
Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil
speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Note:
How can one possibly be kind and tenderhearted to others if all that is
coming out of his mouth is defeatism?
Do negative thoughts and defeatism give rise to anger?
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
The Matthew Henry commentary says, “A right cause will be better pleaded
with meekness than with passion. Nothing stirs up anger like grievous
words.”
The word, “Grievous” means “causing grief, pain, or anguish.” Clearly
negativity and defeatism cause grief, pain and anguish. Negative
statements and attitudes are driven by negative passions like fear,
resentment and personal anguish.
How do we receive what we pray for?
Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall
receive.
Note:
How can we possibly pray before the Living God if your mind is full of
negativity and defeat?
Why are firstfruits without fear?
Hebrews 13:6
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear
what man shall do unto me.
Note: Negative
individuals are the opposite of boldness and they are always full of
fear.
Do negative statements have power in our life? Do negative
statements result in negative outcomes? Do positive statements result
in success?
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it
shall eat the fruit thereof.
Notice the commentary on this verse:
Death and life are in the power of the
tongue - Of witnesses, according to
the testimony they bear; of judges, according to the sentence they pass;
of teachers, according to the doctrine they preach; of all men, who, by
their well or ill speaking,
bring death or life to themselves and others.
Some, by their tongues, by the too free use of them, or falsehood they
utter, are the cause of death to themselves and others; and some, by
their silence, or by their prudent speech and prevalent intercession,
secure or obtain life for themselves and others; yea, judgment at the
last day will proceed according to a man's words, "By thy words thou
shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned", Matthew
12:37; the tongue is the instrument either of a great deal of good, or
of a great deal of evil; and they that love it shall eat the fruit
thereof - that delight to be talkative; that love to use the tongue,
whether in a good or in a bad way, shall accordingly be recompensed;
shall enjoy the advantages or disadvantages arising from it. ~John
Gil
Is defeatism about fear? Are negative people troubled in their
hearts and minds? Is this what Christ wants for us?
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it
be afraid.
How can a firstfruit be full of defeatism and expect things to work
out?
Romans 8:28-31
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he
called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also
glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be
against us?
Note:
Verse 28: How can one be negative and think that he or she loves
God?
Verse 28: Were we called to be negative? Is that God's purpose?
Verse 29: How can we be a defeatist and conform to the image of
Christ? Is He a negative thinker?
Verse 30: How can a negative mind expect to be glorified? What
glory is there in always expecting the worst in every situation?
Verse 31: If God is for you, then what power do negative thoughts
and expectations have?
Someone might be thinking here, "What do all these spiritual scriptures
have to do with my physical, mental and emotional life?" What does God
care about my job or pastimes or projects and goals?
How many times have I preached about all the living metaphors of this
human life? God is fully involved in all our endeavors to include our
education, job or career, our finances, our health and even our hobbies
and entertainment. He wants us to win at everything. All of these
elements like our job and hobbies are training ground for invoking all
the positive laws and promises of God. Notice:
Deuteronomy 29:9
Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may
prosper in all that ye do.
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in
health, even as thy soul prospereth.
1 Chronicles 22:13
Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and
judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be
strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
Read the end of that verse again: "Be strong, and of good courage;
dread not, nor be dismayed." Positive people are strong and full of
courage. Negative people are full of dread and dismay.
Questions for the individual who says, "If it CAN happen, it probably
WILL happen."
1] Every day about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Should I
give up swimming?
2] In the US in 2009, 93 individuals died
each day in car accidents. Should I give up driving my car?
3] 1.6 to 2 million people die every year
from violence? Should I stay home for the rest of my life or avoid all
people?
4] 5,600 pedestrians die each year and 80,000
injured, mostly at crosswalks. Should I refuse to cross any street?
5] 20 commercial airliners crash each year
killing about 185 people. Should I give up air travel?
6] 8 to 9 out of every 10 new businesses fail
within the first year? Should I avoid starting a new business?
7] Over 180,000 homes went into foreclosure
in September of 2012 alone. Should I give up the idea of buying a home?
8] In the prophetic parable of the ten firstfruit virgins, five of them
have the door to eternal life shut in their face. Apparently I have a
50% or less chance of being in the Kingdom. Matthew 22:14 says, "Many
called, few chosen." Matthew 24:12 says, "the love of many shall wax
cold." Should I just admit defeat and leave the Salvation Process
now? God forbid!
Extrication
God sees us through every valley we have to cross and He extricates us
from the elements we find therein. We see this in both the Old and the
New Testament. We see both physical and spiritual deliverance.
Old Testament
Let us go back to 1 Samuel 17 and our example of David with Goliath.
1 Samuel 17:37…deliverance
from enemies
David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the
lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand
of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with
thee.
Psalm 17:13 …deliverance
from the wicked
Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the
wicked, which is thy sword:
Psalm 59:1-2 …deliverance
from workers of iniquity
1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise
up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.
Psalm 33:18-19 …deliverance
from death in famine or lack of food
18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them
that hope in his mercy;
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Psalm 86:13 …from
physical death—the grave.
For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from
the lowest hell.
God often saved Israel not because they deserved it but rather as a show
of His mercy and love.
Psalm 71:1-3
1 In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine
ear unto me, and save me.
3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou
hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
Note the phrase in verse one here, “let me never be put to confusion.”
Notice this from the commentary, "Treasury of David":
Let me never be put to confusion. -
So long as the world stands, stand thou by me; yea, for ever and ever be
faithful to thy servants. If thou forsake me, men will ridicule my
religion, and how shall I be able to answer them? Confusion will silence
me, and thy cause will be put to shame. This verse is a good beginning
for prayer; those who commence with trust shall conclude with joy. ~Treasury
of David
Ridicule is also rendered “mocking,” “taunting” and “deriding.” This is
what our negative comments to ourselves and others are doing. They pull
everyone down and make them doubt their own actions, plans, procedures
and goals. With defeatism and pessimistic negativity one is thrown into
confusion and everything tends to fail. God frees us from the confusion
physically and spiritually.
New Testament
The descriptions of temporal deliverance in the Old Testament serve as
symbolic representations of the spiritual deliverance from sin which is
available only through Christ. God, through Christ delivers us from
sin, judgment and the second death.
Galatians 1:3-4 …deliverance
from sin and this world
3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus
Christ,
4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this
present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Colossians 1:13 …deliverance
from Satan and his power
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us
into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Romans 4:25 …deliverance
from our offences
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our
justification.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 …extrication
from the wrath to come
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even
Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Note: “wrath
to come” here is the divine indignation which will come upon the
guilty. Because of the fact that Jesus died for our sins, we are
delivered from the wrath of God and the curse of the law which is due
unto us for our sins.
2 Peter 2:9 …deliverance
from trials and temptations
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to
reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Clearly these scriptures speak to the spiritual but the principle of
deliverance in our valleys of defeat apply to all our physical, mental
and emotional endeavors. He wants us to win, to achieve, to succeed and
to prosper in all things as we saw in verses already referenced above.
Notice the familiar promise in 1 Corinthians 10:
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God
is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are
able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye
may be able to bear it.
Ephesians 6:12-18
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able
to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having
on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which
is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints;
Applying these verses in your battle against defeatism…
Verse 12: Those rulers of darkness are the authors of all
defeatism and negative statement.
Verse 13: Withstand all negative thought.
Verse 14: There is no room for defeat in righteousness.
Verse 15: The Word of God brings peace. We immerse ourselves in
it and this is the preparation against pessimism.
Verse 16: Those fiery darts are being thrown in an attempt to
bring you down. Negativism is with each of those darts.
Verse 17: The Word of God continually lifts you up to a positive
spirit that brings power, boldness, prosperity and success.
Verse 18: Perseverance will get you across every valley of defeat
and shadow of death. Encourage other firstfruits to run to each valley.
It was the noted U.S. sports psychology professor and motivational
coach, Rob Gilbert who said, “Losers visualize the penalties of
failure. Winners visualize the rewards of success.” My addition to his
words are, “firstfruits visualize everything FROM the Kingdom
perspective. Firstfruits experience Extrication continually. They have
already won!!!
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