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PSALM 73

"THE PLACE OF UNDERSTANDING"

Intro: I know a dear dedicated couple, tithe faithfully, serving God as active laymen
       in church, their first baby was born horribly deformed. One of the sweetest,
       finest men I have ever known is in Norwalk hospital. I know a man who is very
       wealthy, touch of Midas, mind is a cesspool. I know a Godly woman prays continually
       has to manage carefully, just barely enough for needs. I know of a woman, hangs
       around bars, three beautiful babies, born without defects, etc. . .

The Problem:

I. "I WAS ENVIOUS OF THE FOOLISH WHEN I SAW THE PROSPERITY OF THE WICKED."
        A. "Foolish" "The fool hath said in his heart."
        B. "Their strength is firm."
                1. They dissipate their bodies, yet healthy.
                2. They never seem to get caught.
                        a. I am glad for everytime I got caught.
                        b. I think if you're a child of God He lets you get caught.
        C. "They are not in trouble as other men."
                1. Fallacy of logic.
                2. Many get into trouble - but Satan doesn't hold these up as examples.
        D. "Full of pride."
                1. Always talking about the success of their children.
                2. They seem to have "more than their heart could wish."
        E. "They are corrupt."
                1. Their mouths are as an overflowing cesspool.
                2. They are blasphemous.
                        a. "How does God know?"
                        b. "Is there knowledge in the most High?"
        F. "Behold these are the ungodly who prosper in the world."
                1. It would seem that it pays to serve Satan.

II. THE DIFFICULTY OF UNDERSTANDING "WHEN I THOUGHT TO KNOW THIS, IT WAS TOO
    PAINFUL FOR ME."
        A. It doesn't pay to serve God. "verily I have cleansed my heart in vain."
        B. I would be better off to forget God. "My feet were almost gone, my foot had well
           nigh slipped."
                1. Satan had presented a powerful case. Cheat and you can get rich, stay
                   honest & you will go broke.
                        a. He has presented only half truths.
                        b. Half truths are meanest kind of lies.

III. THE ANSWER "I WENT INTO THE SANCTUARY OF GOD, THEN UNDERSTOOD I THEIR END."
        A. Here the whole truth was seen.
                1. Oh the value of coming to the sanctuary.
                2. Skip church a few times and how quickly you can lapse into materialism
                   Weigh according to material.
        B. I understood their end - "What should it profit...?"
                1. "Thou hast set them in slippery places."
                        Deut.:  "To Me belongeth vengeance, and recompense, their foot
                                shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at
                                hand, and the things that come upon them shall make haste."
                2. Considering eternity -is sin worth it?
        C. The answer came in the sanctuary.
                1. Amazing how Holy Spirit can answer questions.
        D. Vs. 21 "Thus my heart was grieved."
                1. Envy turned to pity - what victory!

IV. OUR BLESSEDNESS.
        A. "I am continually with thee."
        B. "He holds our right hand."
        C. "Guides us with His Counsel."
        D. And, afterward receive me into glory. (All this & heaven too)

Vs. 25, 28