O taste and see!

I. David's drama

*Hiding in the enemy's territory was a failure of faith!

  1. But the servants of Achish said to him, "Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of this one as they danced, saying, 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?" David took these words to heart and greatly feared Achish king of Gath (1 Samuel 21:11, 12).
  2. Then Achish said to his servants, "Behold, you see the man behaving as a madman. Why do you bring him to me? Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this one to act the madman in my presence? Shall this one come into my house?" (1 Sam. 21:14, 15).

II. David's decision

*An antidote when faith fails is to praise the Lord!

  1. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together (Psalm 34:1-3).
  2. I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them (Psalm 34:4-7).
  3. O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, you His saints; for to those who fear Him there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing (Psalm 34:8-10).

III. David's direction

*An antidote when faith fails is to take refuge in the Lord!

  1. Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life and loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:11-14).
  2. Review Psalm 34:15-21.
  3. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned (Psalm 34:22).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, January 29th, 2023

Life group flow and discussion questions

"O taste and see"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Our souls need to internalize the truths of Scripture in order to transform us. It cannot just be a cognitive process. Discuss some ways we can "Taste and See" the Lord in our worship.

Getting Started:

  1. How did David's drama (1 Samuel 21:10-22:2) prompt him to write Psalm 34? Have you ever experienced a situation because your faith failed? How did you respond?
  2. Have you ever come to a worship service and not encountered our Lord? How sad is it when we just go through the motions. Ask the Lord to help you Taste and See Him!

Discussing Truths:

  1. What was David's first take away from this life-threatening crisis according to Psalm 34:1-3?
  2. Why did David invite his readers to join him in magnifying the Lord (Psalm 34:3)? How can we also invite others to experience the Lord?
  3. What does Psalm 34:7 tell us about the spiritual battle that rages around us in the invisible realm?
  4. How does Peter exhort us to "Taste and See" that the Lord is good (1 Peter 2:2, 3)? Have you experienced the goodness of the Lord (Nahum 1:7)?
  5. Peter also referenced Psalm 34 to encourage us with the difficult task of godly living (1 Peter 3:10-12); how does this relate to our submission to God, our suffering for God, and our blessing from God?
  6. What does it mean to fear the Lord (Proverbs 9:10)? Describe the difference between negative fear and positive fear. How can we develop a wholesome fear of displeasing our Lord?
  7. Brainstorm on how you can "keep your tongue" and "seek peace" (Psalm 34:13, 14).

Now What? Application:

  1. How can you take refuge in the Lord when you're being afflicted?
  2. When you are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit, remember the Lord is near and wants to deliver you (Psalm 34:18); therefore, seek Him diligently!