PSALM 73
3 Outlines
Psalm 73
A CLASSIC PROBLEM
Wicked people prosper.
Righteous people suffer. “It’s
not fair”, we cry, and yet the problem has existed for thousands of years. Asaph tells of his personal struggle with the
issue in this Psalm.
A CLOSE CALL – Vss. 1-3
Asaph almost slipped in spite of God’s goodness when
he became envious at the prosperity of the wicked.
A CONFUSING PERPLEXITY – Vss. 4-14
Asaph describes the condition of the ungodly “who
prosper in the world”.
A CORRECTED UNDERSTANDING – Vss. 15-20
It was not until Asaph consulted with God in His
sanctuary that he began to understand the actual plight of the ungodly.
A CONTRITE HEART – Vss. 21-22
He was convicted of his own foolish perspective before
he consulted with God.
A CONFIDENT CONCLUSION – Vss. 23-28
Asaph shows how good the righteous actually have it.
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Psalm 73
DEALING WITH INEQUITY
Life is not fair! Those who should be punished seem to be
rewarded. Those who should be rewarded
appear to be punished! This is not a new
problem. Asaph dealt with the same
problem in this Psalm.
THE PSALMIST'S COMPLAINT
ABOUT INEQUITY - Vss. 1-16
Asaph admits that God is
good to Israel, but he had almost slipped because of a wrong attitude. Vss. 1-2
Asaph had a problem with
the prosperity of the wicked (Vss. 3-12) and the affliction of the righteous
(Vss. 13-16).
THE PSALMIST'S CHANGE OF
ATTITUDE - Vss. 17-20
When Asaph went to the
"sanctuary of God" he finally received understanding.
We will understand
things better when we bring them to God.
Asaph realized that the
ungodly were in a precarious position, and would be judged by God.
This is still true
today. Those without Christ are in
danger of eternal punishment (John 3:17-18, Revelation 20:11-15).
THE PSALMIST'S
CONVICTION OF SIN - Vss. 21-22
Asaph confessed just how
foolish he was.
THE PSALMIST'S COMPANION
FOR LIFE - Vss. 23-25
God is ever present with
His children, and the outlook for the future is
glorious!
THE PSALMIST'S
CONFIDENCE IN GOD - Vss. 26-28
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Psalm 73:24-26
SURVIVAL
MY FUTURE - Vs. 24 - Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and
afterward receive me to glory.
MY FAITHFULNESS - Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
MY FORTIFICATION - My flesh and my heart faileth:
but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.