Psalm 73 wrestles with a deep struggle—why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? Asaph, the psalmist, begins with doubt but ends with faith. He realizes that God’s justice prevails in the end. This passage speaks to anyone who has questioned God’s fairness. It reminds us to trust in Him, even when life seems unfair.
The following sample sermon outlines highlight key themes in Psalm 73. Each outline focuses on a specific lesson, offering clear points for preaching and teaching. These outlines will help communicate biblical truth effectively, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith.
Sample Outlines for a Sermon on Psalm 73
#1. God is My Strength and Portion Forever (Psalm 73:26)
Theme
This sermon highlights God as our ultimate source of strength. When everything else fails, He remains faithful and sufficient for our needs.
Introduction
Life brings trials that leave us weak and broken. We may feel abandoned or overwhelmed. Yet, Psalm 73:26 reminds us that our strength is not in ourselves but in God. Our bodies may fail, but He remains our portion forever. This truth is an anchor for our faith. It calls us to trust in Him, especially in moments of weakness.
Main Text
Psalm 73:26
Key Doctrines
1. God is the true source of strength
- Human strength is limited. We grow tired, discouraged, and weak. Yet, Isaiah 40:31 tells us that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. God supplies power when we have none left.
- The Apostle Paul acknowledged this in 2 Corinthians 12:9. God’s grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We do not rely on our own ability but on His divine power.
2. God alone is our portion
- Earthly things fail us. Health declines, relationships break, and wealth disappears. But Lamentations 3:24 reminds us that the Lord is our portion. He is the only lasting inheritance.
- Jesus taught in Matthew 6:19-21 to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. What we have in God is eternal. He alone satisfies our deepest needs.
3. Faith in God sustains us in trials
- Life’s hardships test our faith. Yet, Psalm 46:1 calls God our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble. Trusting in Him gives us endurance.
- Suffering is not meaningless. James 1:2-4 teaches that trials develop perseverance and mature our faith. When we lean on God, He carries us through.
Questions for Application in Daily Life
- When have you felt too weak to continue? How did God sustain you?
- What are you relying on for strength—yourself, others, or God?
- How can you shift your focus from temporary struggles to eternal security in God?
- In what ways can you remind yourself daily that God is your portion?
Call to Commitment
God does not promise an easy life, but He does promise His presence. When we feel weak, He is strong. When we feel empty, He fills us. This truth calls for a response. Will you trust in God alone as your strength and portion? Will you surrender your weakness and allow Him to sustain you?
This week, take time to reflect on where you seek strength. If you rely on things that will fail, turn back to God. Open your heart in prayer, study His Word, and rest in His promises. He is enough—yesterday, today, and forever.
Closing Prayer
God,
Thank You for being our strength when we are weak. You never fail, even when everything around us crumbles. We confess that we often rely on our own strength, forgetting that You are our portion forever. Help us to trust in You completely.
Give us faith to believe that You are enough. When trials come, remind us that You are our refuge. Strengthen us to endure hardships with confidence in Your promises. Lead us to rely on You above all else.
We commit our lives to You. Teach us to walk in faith, knowing that You hold us in Your hands. May we find our true security in You alone. Thank You for Your unchanging love and power.
Amen.
#2. My Feet Had Almost Slipped (Psalm 73:2)
Theme
This sermon explores the danger of doubt and spiritual stumbling. It reminds us that even strong believers struggle but can find stability in God.
Introduction
Faith is not always easy. Even those who trust in God experience moments of doubt. Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73, admitted that he almost lost his footing. He saw the wicked prosper and questioned God’s justice. Many of us have faced similar struggles. This sermon calls us to acknowledge our doubts but not be overcome by them. God provides firm ground for those who seek Him.
Main Text
Psalm 73:2
Key Doctrines
1. Doubt is a common struggle in faith
- Many biblical figures wrestled with doubt. John the Baptist, who proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, later questioned if He was truly the Messiah (Matthew 11:3). Doubt is not a sign of weak faith but a moment to seek deeper understanding.
- God does not condemn honest questions. In James 1:5, we are encouraged to ask Him for wisdom. Instead of running from doubts, we should bring them to Him.
2. Comparison leads to spiritual instability
- Asaph struggled when he saw the wicked prosper. Comparison made him question God’s fairness. When we focus on others instead of God, we become vulnerable to spiritual discouragement.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to trust in the Lord, not our own understanding. God’s justice may not be immediate, but it is sure. Our role is to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
3. God provides stability in uncertain times
- Though Asaph almost slipped, he did not fall. Psalm 37:23-24 reminds us that the Lord upholds those who follow Him. Even when we struggle, He holds us steady.
- Jesus is the solid rock (Matthew 7:24-25). Those who build their lives on Him will not be shaken, even when doubts arise.
Questions for Application in Daily Life
- Have you ever questioned God’s justice? How did you overcome it?
- How does comparing yourself to others affect your faith?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God during uncertain times?
- How can you encourage others who are struggling with doubt?
Call to Commitment
Doubt does not mean defeat. Like Asaph, we may feel like we are slipping, but God is our foundation. He invites us to bring our questions to Him. Instead of focusing on what seems unfair, we must trust His wisdom and timing.
This week, examine areas where you struggle with doubt. Are you comparing yourself to others? Are you questioning God’s plan? Surrender these concerns to Him in prayer. Stand firm in His promises, knowing He will not let you fall.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
We come before You, acknowledging our struggles with doubt. There are times when we question Your justice and plan. Yet, we know that You are faithful. Help us to trust in You even when we do not understand. Keep our feet from slipping.
Strengthen our hearts when we compare our lives to others. Remind us that Your ways are higher than ours. Give us wisdom to see beyond temporary struggles and rest in Your eternal truth.
May we walk in confidence, knowing that You hold us secure. Thank You for Your patience, love, and guidance.
Amen.
#3. The Prosperity of the Wicked is Temporary (Psalm 73:17)
Theme
This sermon teaches that worldly success is fleeting. True security comes only from God.
Introduction
The world often rewards the wicked. The dishonest gain wealth. The selfish rise to power. The unfaithful seem to thrive. This reality troubled Asaph. He wondered why the wicked prospered while the righteous suffered. But in the presence of God, he understood the truth. Their success is temporary, and their end is destruction. This sermon challenges us to fix our eyes on eternal rewards, not fleeting riches.
Main Text
Psalm 73:17
Key Doctrines
1. Earthly success does not equal God’s approval
- Many assume that prosperity is a sign of God’s blessing. But Jesus warned in Matthew 16:26 that gaining the world means nothing if we lose our souls. Success without God leads to destruction.
- Psalm 37:1-2 reminds us not to envy the wicked, for they will fade like grass. What seems like triumph today will not last.
2. The wicked will face God’s judgment
- Asaph found peace when he entered God’s presence. He realized that the wicked are on slippery ground (Psalm 73:18-19). Their end is sudden destruction.
- Hebrews 9:27 declares that everyone will face judgment. No wealth, power, or success can protect against God’s justice.
3. True prosperity comes from God
- Real success is found in knowing God. Jeremiah 9:23-24 tells us not to boast in riches or power but in understanding the Lord. He is our greatest treasure.
- Jesus promised in Matthew 6:33 that when we seek first His kingdom, all we need will be provided. Instead of chasing worldly success, we must pursue God.
Questions for Application in Daily Life
- Have you ever envied the success of those who do not follow God? Why?
- How can you remind yourself that worldly success is temporary?
- What does true prosperity look like in your own life?
- How can you encourage others to seek God instead of temporary success?
Call to Commitment
The world’s success is a fading illusion. Wealth, fame, and power will all disappear. But those who trust in God will never be shaken. Like Asaph, we must change our perspective. Instead of envying the wicked, we must focus on eternity.
This week, evaluate where you place your trust. Are you pursuing things that will pass away, or are you investing in eternal treasures? Choose to seek God above all else. His reward is far greater than anything the world offers.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding us that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary. The world chases after wealth and power, but we desire something greater—Your presence. Help us to focus on eternal treasures, not fleeting success. Keep our hearts from envy and our minds fixed on Your truth.
Give us wisdom to see life through Your eyes. When we are tempted to compare ourselves to others, remind us of Your promises. Strengthen our faith so we may seek You above all else.
May we walk in obedience, trusting that Your reward is far greater than anything this world can give. We praise You for Your justice and faithfulness.
Amen.
#4. God is My Portion Forever (Psalm 73:26)
Theme
This sermon emphasizes that God alone is our true and lasting treasure. Everything else fades, but He remains forever.
Introduction
Life is full of loss. Health declines, wealth disappears, and relationships change. But for those who trust in God, there is one thing that never fails—His presence. Asaph recognized this truth in Psalm 73:26. Even when his flesh and heart failed, God remained his strength and portion forever. This sermon calls us to anchor our hope in God, not in temporary things.
Main Text
Psalm 73:26
Key Doctrines
1. Human strength and resources are limited
- No matter how strong we feel today, we will grow weak. Our bodies age, our health declines, and our abilities diminish. Ecclesiastes 12:1 reminds us to remember our Creator before these days come.
- Wealth and material security do not last. Proverbs 23:5 warns that riches can disappear in an instant. Trusting in them leads to disappointment, but trusting in God leads to peace.
2. God’s presence is the believer’s greatest treasure
- Asaph realized that nothing compares to God. Psalm 16:11 declares that true joy is found in His presence. Earthly pleasures fade, but God’s love remains.
- Jesus reinforced this in Matthew 6:19-20, urging us to store treasures in heaven, where they will never be destroyed. The greatest wealth is a deep relationship with God.
3. God sustains us in times of weakness
- When we feel weak, God is our strength. Isaiah 40:29 assures us that He gives power to the faint and renews those who trust in Him.
- Paul echoed this in 2 Corinthians 12:9, declaring that God’s grace is sufficient. Our weaknesses become opportunities for His power to be revealed.
Questions for Application in Daily Life
- What are you relying on for security—God or temporary things?
- How can you grow in your trust that God is your portion forever?
- In what areas of your life do you need to depend on God’s strength more?
- How can you encourage others to seek God as their true treasure?
Call to Commitment
Everything we cling to in this life will fade. Health, wealth, and status are temporary, but God is eternal. He alone is our portion. If we build our lives on Him, we will never be left empty.
This week, take time to evaluate your priorities. Where is your heart’s focus? Are you seeking fulfillment in things that pass away, or are you anchoring yourself in God? Surrender your fears and desires to Him, knowing He is your strength forever.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
We acknowledge that we are weak and limited. Our health, wealth, and abilities will fail, but You remain our portion forever. Help us to trust in You more than anything else. Teach us to treasure Your presence above all earthly things.
When we feel empty, remind us that You are enough. When we feel weak, be our strength. Give us the faith to depend on You completely. May we seek first Your kingdom and rest in the security of Your love.
Thank You for being our eternal portion. In You, we have everything we need. We praise You for Your unfailing presence and sustaining grace.
Amen.
#5. Drawing Near to God is Our Greatest Good (Psalm 73:28)
Theme
This sermon highlights that true fulfillment comes from closeness with God. Nothing else can satisfy the soul.
Introduction
People seek satisfaction in many things—success, relationships, and pleasures. Yet nothing brings lasting fulfillment except God. Asaph learned this truth when he declared, “But as for me, it is good to be near God.” This sermon urges us to make drawing near to Him our highest priority.
Main Text
Psalm 73:28
Key Doctrines
1. Seeking God must be intentional
- Growing in faith does not happen by accident. James 4:8 promises that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. Our relationship with Him deepens through prayer, worship, and obedience.
- Psalm 42:1 compares a soul longing for God to a deer panting for water. This hunger should define our pursuit of Him.
2. Nothing in this world can replace God’s presence
- Many chase fulfillment in possessions, status, or entertainment. But Ecclesiastes 1:14 calls these pursuits meaningless. Only God can satisfy the soul.
- Jesus told Martha in Luke 10:41-42 that one thing is truly necessary—sitting at His feet. Prioritizing time with Him brings real peace.
3. Closeness with God transforms our lives
- Drawing near to God changes our desires and perspectives. Romans 12:2 urges us to be transformed by renewing our minds in Him.
- The closer we are to God, the more we reflect His character. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit that develop in us when we walk with Him.
Questions for Application in Daily Life
- What distractions keep you from drawing near to God?
- How can you make spending time with God a greater priority?
- In what ways has seeking God changed your life?
- How can you help others develop a deeper relationship with Him?
Call to Commitment
Life is full of distractions, but nothing is more important than drawing near to God. This is our greatest good. It shapes our hearts, renews our minds, and gives us lasting joy.
This week, commit to seeking God more intentionally. Set aside time to pray, read Scripture, and worship. Remove distractions that keep you distant from Him. The more you draw near, the more you will experience His goodness.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You are our greatest good. Yet, so often we seek fulfillment elsewhere. Forgive us for being distracted by temporary things. Draw us closer to You. Help us to desire Your presence above all else.
Renew our minds and transform our hearts. Let us hunger for Your Word, delight in prayer, and seek You with all our strength. May our lives reflect the joy and peace that come from walking closely with You.
Thank You for always welcoming us into Your presence. We long to know You more and to glorify You in all we do.
Amen.
Closing Thoughts
God alone is our lasting treasure. Everything else fades—health, wealth, and worldly success—but He remains forever. Asaph realized that true fulfillment comes from being near to God. His presence strengthens us when we are weak and satisfies our souls when nothing else can.
This week, take time to reflect. Where do you seek security and joy? Are you drawing near to God daily? Make Him your portion, your strength, and your highest pursuit. When you seek Him first, everything else falls into place. Trust in His presence, and you will never be left empty.