God Our Rock and Shield: A Study of Psalm 28 | Edward Jackson Jr | Bible Study Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

God Our Rock and Shield: A Study of Psalm 28

Edward Jackson Jr

Friendship Baptist Church • Sep 30, 2025 • 61 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this study of Psalm 28, Pastor Edward Jackson Jr. teaches that God is our ultimate rock and foundation when facing life's hardships and deceitful people. Though human relationships can falter and circumstances may feel overwhelming, earnest prayer remains our most powerful weapon to seek God's guidance and help. When we trust God's justice, align with His order, and rely on His strength, we can praise Him with joyful hearts, knowing He faithfully protects, guides, and carries us as our Shepherd.

Themes

God as Our RockPower of PrayerSpiritual DiscernmentGod's JusticePraise and ThanksgivingGod as Shepherd

Key Points

1.
People are fickle and temporary, meaning only God can be our true rock, foundation, and ultimate security during difficult times.
2.
When facing hard circumstances, believers must intentionally focus on who God is rather than allowing their problems to consume them.
3.
Lifting up hands toward God's sanctuary reflects an earnest posture of prayer, which remains the believer's greatest weapon in trouble.
4.
Believers must exercise spiritual discernment to avoid being deceived by flattering or sweet words from people who harbor harmful motives.
5.
God is righteous and holds every individual accountable specifically for their own deeds, ensuring that everyone reaps what they sow.
6.
Disregarding and ignoring God's authority and established order disrupts His work and invites divine discipline.
7.
When God hears our prayers and grants His mercy, our natural response should be heartfelt public praise and thanksgiving.
8.
God faithfully acts as a saving shepherd and protective refuge for His people, guiding, rescuing, and carrying them through life's trials.

Sermon Moments

“A person can't be your rock. People get funny and fickle, but God is the only stable foundation that will never leave you.”

“Don't let your circumstances get so big that you forget who God is in your life.”

“The greatest weapon that you and I have when we are in difficult situations is prayer.”

“There are people who will speak peace to you in public, but behind closed doors they scheme against you; that is why we must rely on God's truth.”

“God will never judge you based off of what somebody else did, but He will hold you accountable for how you responded to them.”

“God set order in His church, and when we respect spiritual authority and line up with His word, His kingdom advances.”

“The reason God answers our prayers is not because He owes us, but because His love is unconditional, His grace is sufficient, and His mercy is everlasting.”

“David simply said, 'And I am helped.' Some of the greatest praise we can give God is simply thanking Him because He helped us.”

This Week

Commit to calling on God in prayer before seeking advice or comfort from people when facing tough situations.

Anchor your security and identity in God as your unshakeable rock rather than in fickle human relationships.

Practice spiritual discernment by evaluating people by their long-term actions and fruit rather than sweet words alone.

Surrender unfair mistreatment and grievances to God, trusting Him to deal righteously with every situation.

Align your heart with biblical order and respect spiritual authority within your local church family.

Express intentional daily praise and thanksgiving to God for the specific prayers He has answered.

Remind yourself throughout the week that God is your shepherd, trusting Him to protect, guide, and carry you through every challenge.

Remember This

When life is difficult and people prove fickle, God remains our unshakeable rock, shield, and faithful shepherd who hears our prayers and carries us through.

A Challenge for You

Hold on and do not be dismayed, because God will take care of you and help is on the way.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.