Intro: In 1 Sam. 13:1-14, Saul disobeyed God. His throne was taken away and given to another. David was anointed by Samuel to be Israel’s new king. Then and now the Lord is seeking for a man or a woman who is “after His own heart.” In Psalm 26:1-12 we see the characteristics of such a person.
I. He is Confident in the Lord’s Judgment (v.1a).
A. Notice in this verse that the man who seeks after God’s own heart is ready for the Lord’s scrutiny and judgment.
B. Only the guilty and corrupt should fear God’s exposure and judgment of their secrets (Eccl. 12:14; Rom. 2:16).
II. He Trusts in the Lord His God (v.1b).
A. Notice: It is not just “I have trusted” but “I have trusted in the Lord.” Trust is only as effective as its basis – science, technology, medicine, politics, man’s promises (Psa. 118:8-9).
B. This is a full and complete trust. Not just lip service, but a trust that leads to life service filled with love for God – with all his heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30).
III. He Guards Himself Against Backsliding (v.1c).
By: (1) Prayer; (2) Church attendance; (3) Fellowship; (4) Bible reading and study; and (5) Finding and doing God’s will.
IV. He Desires to be Examined by the Lord (v.2).
A. The man who seeks after God’s own heart does not fear the Lord’s judgment or examination of his life.
B. He says: (1) “Examine me” (test my will and motives); (2) “Prove me” (like the refiner tries the silver); (3) “Try my reins and my heart” (innermost being and emotions).
C. Are you willing to have God look deep inside your heart and reveal to you all your rebellion and iniquity? If so, will you: confess and forsake them to obtain mercy? (Prov. 28:13)
V. He Remembers the Lord’s Lovingkindness (v.3a).
The man who seeks after God’s own heart is ever aware of God’s goodness, mercy and grace upon him (Rom. 8:28).
VI. He Walks According to God’s Word (v.3b).
A. How? By: (1) Believing it; (2) Reading it; (3) Studying it; (4) Meditating it; (5) Obeying it; and (6) Loving it.
B. The Holy Bible is the ONLY thing on earth that possesses the attributes of God. It is: (1) Holy; (2) Eternal; (3) Perfect; (4) Good; (5) Light; (6) Spirit; (7) Saving; and (8) Sanctifying.
C. The Bible will judge men in the last day (John 12:48).
VII. He Separates Himself from the Ungodly (vv.4-5).
A. Notice: "Not Sat" or hang out with four particular types of unbelievers (cf. Psa. 1:1): (1) “vain persons” (cannot contribute to spiritual growth for they are spiritually bankrupt); (2) “dissemblers” (pretenders hiding some corrupt agenda); (3) “evil doers” (willfully enjoy and promote sin shamelessly); (4) “wicked ones” (ever guilty with no signs of repentance). [cf. vv. 9-10; 1 Cor. 15:33]
VIII. He Offers Sacrifices (v.6).
When one enters the temple to offer sacrifices, he stopped at the giant laver to wash his hands, signifying His purity. We must offer to God a pure living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1).
IX. He Testifies of God’s Work (v.7).
He simply tells what God has done in His life with an attitude of thanksgiving, not bragging (Psa. 89:1)
X. He Loves the House of God (v.8).
He attends it; prays for it; supports it; prays for it; loves it – because the honor of the Lord is there (Psa. 122:1).
XI. He Walks in Integrity (v.11).
Integrity is the quality of having strong moral and spiritual principles; that is – honesty, righteousness, goodness – as opposed to the character of those who are sinners, murderers, troublemakers, bribers, and corrupt men – society’s plague!
XII. He is in the Right Place and Blesses the Lord (v.12).
He “standeth in an even place” – suggesting balance. He is always at the right place, at the right time, with the right person, and the right motive; that is, to bless and praise God –
A. In the congregation (Psa. 111:1).
B. In everything (Psa. 103:1-2)
Conclusion: These are the characteristics of a man who seeks after God’s own heart. Now I don’t know about you, but this is the kind of man I want to become in 2012. What about you brethren, won’t you come to the altar and pray to be one too?
