Meeting the Lord Jesus
Preaching Outline on Psalm 39:6-7 – “Indeed, every man walks like a shadow; in vain they fret: they heap up riches, and know not who will carry them away. Now then, Lord, what do I hope for? My hope is in you.”
Introduction to Psalms 39:6-7
THE CRISIS OF HUMAN IDENTITY
Man without Christ is like a shadow: without form, without substance, without eternity.
- The shadow has no definition: Such is the life of the one who lives far from the Lord. It takes the form of what is around it (the world, sin, vanities), but has no light of its own (John 8:12).
- The shadow only exists in the absence of light: When man opposes God, he lives in spiritual darkness (John 3:19-20). But when he comes to Christ, the Light of the world, he gains purpose and identity (2 Co 5:17).
I. THE VANITY OF LIFE WITHOUT GOD
“They fret in vain” (v. 6)
- Man spends his life with passing anxieties (Matthew 6:25-34).
- Example: The rich young man (Mark 10:17-22) clung to his possessions, but lost his salvation.
“They heap up riches” (v. 6)
- Material wealth, fame, or human knowledge cannot save the soul (Luke 12:15-21).
- The parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-20) — his riches did not save him from death.
“They don’t know who will take them” (v. 6)
- Everything we accumulate here remains (Ecclesiastes 5:15).
- Question: Which is worth more: having much on Earth or everything in Heaven? (Matthew 16:26).
II. THE ONLY TRUE HOPE
“Now then, Lord, what do I hope for? My hope is in you.” (v. 7)
Jesus is the answer to human restlessness
- Only He fills the emptiness of the soul (John 4:13-14).
- Testimony: “Once empty, now complete” (as Augustine said: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You”).
Hope in Christ brings transformation
- Light for our steps (Psalm 119:105).
- Peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7).
- Eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4).
True wealth
- Knowing Jesus (Philippians 3:8).
- Having the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) > gold and silver.
Conclusion of Psalms 39:6-7
THE CALL FOR A DECISION
“What do I expect?” (v. 7)
Stop chasing shadows
- Money, pleasures, and fame are illusions (Ecclesiastes 1:2).
Turn to Light
- Jesus is the only one who gives eternal form to your life (John 1:4-5).
Give it all to Him today
- Like David, say, “My hope is in you.”
- Invitation: “Come to Christ and find what your soul has always sought!”
For the unconverted: Accept Jesus now – He’s your only hope!
For believers: Revive your faith! Don’t live as shadows, but as children of the Light (Ephesians 5:8).
“Seek first the kingdom of God, and the rest will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Pray: “Lord, take my life out of the shadows and place me in your eternal light!”
Preaching Outline on Psalm 39:6-7 – “Indeed, every man walks like a shadow; in vain they fret: they heap up riches, and know not who will carry them away. Now then, Lord, what do I hope for? My hope is in you.””
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