The Doctrine of God’s Presence

1. Read: Psalm 139:1-18

2. About the Text:

1) This Psalm is about who God is.

2) We need to know who God is.

3) We want to have a relationship of love with Him (Matthew 22:37).

4) Part of that relationship of love is understand God’s presence.

5) He is always with us anywhere we are.

6) This is what the Psalmist is seeking to communicate with us.

7) We cannot escape God’s presence.

8) We don’t want to escape God’s presence.

9) When we have a loving relationship with God, we are blessed by His presence.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. Some do not accept the doctrine of God’s presence.

1) Atheist – Psalm 14:1 – “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”

2) Some believe in God, but don’t believe God really cares.

3) In essence they are saying that God isn’t there for them.

4) 1 Peter 5:7 – “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

2. We need to accept the truth that God is always present.

1) Hebrews 13:5-6 “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”

2) Ephesians 4:6 – “one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

3. When no one else is there, God is there (Psalm 142).

1. When we are acknowledging God’s presence in our life we are actively thinking about God’s presence.

2. We call upon Him for help – Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

3. We are able to rejoice knowing He is there. Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore;”

4. We can rely upon God’s knowledge of injustice. Psalm 17:2 says, “Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.”

5. We can take courage from His presence. Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

1. Prayer

1) Because God is present, He hears.

2) Psalm 17:6 – “I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.”

3) Psalm 66:19-20 – “But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”

2. Living right.

1) Know that God is near and He helps us to live right.

2) Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

3) Knowing that we are presently “in the Lord” encourages us to be faithful (1 Corinthians 15:58).

3. Telling others the gospel.

1) Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus promised to be with us always.

2) Acts 18:9-11 – “Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.’ And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”

1. When we understand the doctrine of God’s presence, we will . . .

1) Accept God’s Presence

2) Acknowledge God’s Presence

3) Act Upon God’s Presence

2. Invitation