In the Shadow
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Psalm 36
Psalm 36 (ESV)
1 Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
3 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
4 He plots trouble while on his bed;
he sets himself in a way that is not good;
he does not reject evil.
5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O Lord.
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.
10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 There the evildoers lie fallen;
they are thrust down, unable to rise.
Sermon Outline
God’s steadfast love (v5,7,10) makes a crucial difference in our formation, outlook and experience.
1. In the Darkness
v1 “no fear of God before his eyes”
v2 “his iniquity cannot be found out and hated”
v1 “transgression speaks…”
2. In the Shadow
v7 “the children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings”
v9 “in your light do we see light”
v10 “continue your steadfast love to those who know you”
Prayer of Confession
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! We assemble before you in need of mercy, forgiveness, light and life. We have foolishly welcomed darkness to cover our shameful acts and feelings. We have ignored your voice and let transgression speak. We have been ruled by our desires. We have put ourselves before you and others. Forgive our many sins. Jesus came into the darkness so that your light would shine. We draw near, in the shadow of your wings and pray that in your light we would see light. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What thoughts do you have that you would horrify you if people discovered them? What things do you do that you hope no one will see?
What is the relationship between our failure to connect with the reality of God’s greatness, and our desires having too much power in our lives? Are those things related? How?
What are differences between healthy and unhealthy fear? How does a lack of healthy fear of God foster the growth of unhealthy fear in us?
How is God a refuge? In what ways can we turn to Him for help?
How is life “shadowy”? What difference does it make to be in the shadow under God’s wing?
Why is the steadfast nature of God’s love essential for navigating difficulties in life?
How can you be more steadfast in love?
How does God’s light help you see things differently? What kinds of things could you discern more of if you live attuned to God’s light?