SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION - "I SHALL NOT DIE, BUT LIVE" PT I - PSALM 118:17-24

Series Theme: Intentionality

“I SHALL NOT DIE, BUT LIVE” PT I

(Psalm 118:17–24, KJV)General Theme: Hidden Manna

1. GOD BE SHAPIN’ (v.17–18)

"I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death."

• Big Idea: Hard seasons don’t mean God is finished with you. Struggles shape you, not stop you.

• For Christians: God’s correction is proof you’re still His. You’re being molded for purpose.

• For Non-Christians: Life’s challenges can either break you or build you. They may be shaping you for something bigger than yourself.

• Practical Application:

  • When life feels heavy, remind yourself: This is shaping me, not killing me.

  • Look back and thank God (or life lessons) for what didn’t destroy you.

  • Use scars as stories—share how you’ve come through and grown stronger.

2. GOD BE CALLIN’ (v.19–21)

"Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord… for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation."

• Big Idea: God is always inviting you into a new space—closer, freer, better than before.

• For Christians: Walk through the open doors of righteousness and praise. God calls you to live as saved people, not stuck people.

• For Non-Christians: You don’t have to stay locked out. God (or life’s opportunities) is calling you to a new chapter—if you’ll step through.

• Practical Application:

  • Pay attention to “open gates” in your life—opportunities to grow, forgive, or start fresh.

  • Choose to answer the call with gratitude, not grumbling.

  • Make praise your response—it keeps your spirit strong in every season.

3. GOD BE REVEALIN’ (v.22–24)

"The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

• Big Idea: What others reject, God can elevate. What looks ordinary, God can make marvelous.

• For Christians: Christ is the cornerstone. What seemed discarded is now the foundation of salvation. Rejoice—this is God’s doing!

• For Non-Christians: Sometimes what people overlook—or even what you overlook in yourself—becomes the key to your future.

• Practical Application:

  • Don’t let rejection define you. What was refused yesterday may be the cornerstone tomorrow.

  • See God’s hand in surprising places—trust His reveal even when you don’t understand.

  • Make rejoicing a daily decision: This is the day the Lord has made—I will live it fully.

✅ Key Takeaway:To live intentionally is to know that God is shaping you through trials, calling you into purpose, and revealingmarvelous things—even through rejection. You are alive today not by accident, but for assignment.