How To Stand Upright?

Key Verse: (Psalms 20:7,8)  Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

King David, Joseph, Mordecai, etc., stood upright.

Those brought down and fallen, trusted chariots and horses.

• Chariots = strength

• Horses = wisdom

When trusting God, do not lean on our wisdom or strength.

The Philistines kept shouting threats. Israel feared facing Goliath.

David did not fear because he came in the name of the Lord.

WHO CAN STAND UPRIGHT?

ANOINTED

The saving strength of His right-hand saves the anointed. We are witnesses (Acts 5:32) having received the Holy Spirit. Spirit-baptised are the life (soul) of the church, the breath of his nostrils (Lamentations 4:20).

RIGHTEOUS

Israel stood like a lion (Numbers 23:24). The righteous stand as bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1). Who is righteous? Those washed by the blood of Jesus, called by the Lord, trust in God, etc. Those who confess their sins are righteous (Luke 18:13,14).

Who else can stand upright?

Four living creatures stood upright (Ezekiel 1:7).

LOVE

The face of man (vs 5) - Man shows love (1 Corinthians 13:13). We need to love one another. Love is the greatest. Love produces patience. Those who don't have love lack patience and will always be quarrelsome and unruly.

FAITH

The Lion shows faith. Nehemiah refuses to hide from threats or opposition (Nehemiah 6:10,11). The Lion stands upright without fear (Proverbs 30:30).

WILL OF GOD

The Ox reveals doing the will of God. Oxen must stay strong to labour (Psalms 144:14). Only those who obey God are willing to labour and suffer for God.

HOLINESS

The Eagle reveals holiness. Believers sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). We must set our affections on things above.