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PSALM 84:9-12

"GRACE AND GLORY"

Intro: The whole Psalm devoted to the blessedness of dwelling in the presence of God
       represented by His tabernacle. Three strophes, the first is reflection and desire
       to be in His tabernacle. Second the pilgrimage to, third the experiences in the
       presence of God.

I. OUR BLESSED PLACE IN CHRIST "LOOK UPON THE FACE OF THINE ANOINTED" OR "MESSIAH" 
   OR "CHRIST."
        A. Christ has become our shield.
                1. Our rock of defense.
                2. The enemy has to come past Him to get to me, as I abide in Him.
        B. God now sees us "in Christ."
                1. He sees not my failings, He sees me complete in Christ.
                2. Those who lived far from Jerusalem would look forward to that day
                   when they would gather to the court of God. They would sometimes travel
                   for weeks just to get there.
                3. We are in danger of taking for granted our glorious place in Christ.
        D. "I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house . . ."
                1. The lowest place in Christ is better than the highest place in Satan.
                2. The lowest place in heaven better than the highest place in hell.
                3. I would rather pick up trash in heaven than be king in hell.

II. OUR BLESSED BENEFITS IN CHRIST.
        A. For the Lord God is our sun and shield.
                1. Sun is the source of our energy.
                        a. Through it life is possible.
                        b. In talking of the other Son, God's only begotten, John says, "He
                           who has the Son . . ."
                2. Christ has become the source of our strength.
                3. Not only does He strengthen us, He also protects us. "Our shield."
        B. "The Lord will give grace and glory."
                1. God's gift of His only begotten Son is a gift of grace that brings us
                   to glory.
                        a. Grace is undeserved favor.
                        b. Christ is the greatest gift of Grace.
                                1. Through Him all other graces come.
                                        Peace "in Christ" 
                                        Joy
                                        Righteousness
                                        Life
                                        Salvation
        C. "No good thing will He withhold."
                1. Not only will the Lord shield you from the evil things.
                2. He will not hold back any good thing.
                        a. "For if God spared not His own Son but delivered Him up for
                           us all..."
                3. All things that come into my life in Christ came through God's filter.
                        a. There are some things I thought would be good for me, it seemed
                           God was holding back.

III. THE PSALMIST FINAL EXCLAMATION "O JEHOVAH OF HOST, BLESSED OR HAPPY IS THE MAN
     WHO TRUSTETH IN THEE."
        A. Don't trust yourself.
        B. Trust in His promise.
        C. Trust in His grace.