SUCCESS!

Psalm 37

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. SUCCESS IS NOT THE POSSESSION OF GREAT RICHES [v. 16-18]

In 1923 nine of the world's richest men met in a Chicago hotel. The combined financial power of these men was more than the Federal Reserve Bank. But 25 years later 2 of the men had just gotten out of prison, 2 were wanted by the law, 1 was living on borrowed money, 1 was in a mental institution and 3 had committed suicide.

II. SUCCESS IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF MISTAKES [V. 23-24]

The boll weevil statue in Enterprise, AL is testimony to that truth.

Success is having the right perspective of failure. - Pastor Bill Monroe

I would rather fail in the cause that will someday triumph than triumph in the cause that will someday fail. - President Woodrow Wilson

III. SUCCESS IS NOT THE PRIVILEGE OF POWER [v. 35-36]

IV. SUCCESS IS NOT THE PRESENCE OF GREAT PERSONAL GIFTS [Judges 14-16]

Marilyn Monroe, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, Samson and Solomon all had great gifts but had unhappy or short lives.

The one talent man that is using that talent to the best of his ability is more successful than the ten talent man who is only using five of his talents. - Bill Monroe

V. SUCCESS IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF PAIN OR GREAT TESTING [II Cor. 12:7-9]

Paul certainly had his share of problems according to II Cor. 11:23-28.

Was he a success? Look at II Tim. 4:6-8. If you could die with what Paul had you could count yourself a success.

1. His Readiness Based on His Salvation [v. 6]

No man who goes to Hell forever can be considered a success! - Unknown

2. His Realization Based on His Surrender [v. 7]

In God's will there can be no failure; outside God's will, there can be no success. - Bill Monroe

3. His Reward Based on His Service [v. 8]

In my notes from the first time I preached a version of this sermon back in 1986 I credited the inspiration for this message to J.R. Sandberg and Wm. T. Monroe.