The sermon titled "O Taste and See that the Lord is Good" by Paul Mahan primarily addresses the themes of God’s goodness and the believer's response to both sin and divine grace, as portrayed in Psalm 34:7-22. Mahan emphasizes that David, despite his shame and sin, is a figure of hope and redemption through Christ, illustrating that all believers are "poor in spirit" and yet are heard and delivered by the Lord. Key arguments include the notion that God’s grace is evident in His readiness to hear and rescue the contrite and brokenhearted, as detailed in verses such as Psalm 34:18. Mahan connects this to the Reformed doctrine of total depravity where believers recognize their sinfulness yet can rely on the righteousness of Christ, who perfectly fulfills the law and secures their standing before God. The practical significance lies in the encouragement to seek the Lord amidst trials, assuring that those who fear Him will not lack any good thing and can rest in His providence and faithfulness.
Key Quotes
“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him. Saved him out of all his troubles.”
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Knowledge of the Holy is understanding.”
“He that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, his lips that speak no guile.”
“The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants. None of them that trust in him shall be desperate.”
The Bible encourages us to experience the goodness of the Lord through trust and faith in Him, as noted in Psalm 34:8.
Psalm 34:8 invites believers to 'taste and see that the Lord is good,' emphasizing that experiencing God's goodness is integral to the Christian walk. This metaphor suggests a deep, personal engagement with God's character, which goes beyond mere intellectual assent. Just as tasting food involves sensory experience, knowing God's goodness requires relationship and trust. Furthermore, the context of the psalm illustrates that those who fear the Lord and seek Him will never lack for goodness, reinforcing the importance of relying on Him in all circumstances.
Psalm 34:8
The fear of the Lord is essential as it brings wisdom and keeps believers humble and aware of God's holiness.
The Scriptures consistently highlight the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This fear is not a cringing terror but a profound respect for God's holiness, justice, and majesty. It helps believers maintain humility, recognizing their need for God's grace and leading them to worship. In Psalm 34:9, we are reminded to fear the Lord because there is no lack for those who do so. This reverence keeps our hearts disciplined and our paths aligned with righteousness, leading to a life that seeks to honor God in all aspects.
Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 34:9
God's Word assures us that He hears the cries of the righteous, as seen in Psalm 34:17.
Psalm 34:17 states that 'the righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.' This assurance stems from God's covenant nature, where He is intimately involved with His people. The righteousness mentioned is imparted through faith in Christ, as believers are positioned in Him. Consequently, when they pray, they do so with confidence that God is attentive and responsive. Furthermore, the assurance of God's presence with the righteous, as discussed in this psalm, strengthens our faith that He will deliver, providing both comfort in times of trouble and motivation to remain faithful.
Psalm 34:17
Psalm 34 teaches that God provides abundantly for those who fear Him and seek Him.
In Psalm 34, the provision of God is portrayed as comprehensive and abundant for those who fear Him. Verse 10 declares that 'young lions lack and suffer hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.' This reflects the biblical truth that reliance on God brings not only physical needs being met but also spiritual fulfillment. Believers are reminded that God, who created and sustains all things, is faithfully present to provide what is ultimately good for His people. Thus, trusting in His provision is central to the believer's life, rooted in the assurance of His care and love.
Psalm 34:10
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