A Study of Psalm 13 and 14 and 15
Psalm 13, 14, 15
Introduction
- Psalms broken into 5 books, covered an extensive time period
- Gathered together as songs of praise & words of encouragement/warning
- We are studying book 1, Psalm 1-41 … then will move to something else
- There are psalms of wisdom, royal psalms, lament psalms, & thanksgiving
- There are also psalms of pilgrimage and enthronement (majesty of God) psalms
- If we determine to apply ourselves, this could be a life changing study
- Even though we are all facing challenges, I believe that God is still at work
- This study: I want us, as a church, to examine if we can’t rejoice more
- We ought to be able to praise and want more of God every day
- Tonight, we are going to cover three short Psalms
-- Love for us to see how each tie together … and bring us to place of trust
- If we would get one thing it is this: Bible has already told us how we should live
- Read Psalm 13-15 / Pray
Point 1 – Psalm 13 (Trouble leads us to prayer)
David’s questions of God
• How long will God forget? (1)
• How long will God hide His face? (1)
- The implication here is David is struggling because God is silent
-- He cries out for relief, and God says nothing in the face of his pleas
-- APP: This is a definite struggle for lots of us when we pray
• How long must I be discouraged? (2)
• How long must I be defeated? (2)
- His heart aches for relief, and here, David seems at the end of his rope
-- How long God must I continue to feel as if you do not care about me?
David’s prayer
• Remember me, God (3)
• Rescue me, God (3-4)
- David’s belief is that God’s forgetting him will lead to his demise
-- But still (v4) he cries out because he knows what his enemy will say
-- APP: they will boast and rejoice, unless your victory is shown here, God
David’s praise
• I will rely on God (5)
• I will rejoice in God (6)
- With unwavering faith, David proclaims who he will rely on
- David rejoices in what God is able to do, and in the promises of God to him
- Salvation causes his heart to praise, even in the face of destruction
-- APP: Therefore, I (David) will praise God for all He has done
- TRANS: Taken by itself, this is a great Psalm of praise and hope … continue on
Point 2 – Psalm 14 (Who are we?)
- David’s view of humanity takes an in-depth examination here
- IMP: David uses the word fool; meaning: one who is morally deficient
- The world’s actions are clearly self-centered
• Denying God (1a)
• Dismissing God (1a)
- The entire world has issues
• It has a destructive character (1b)
• Even its conduct is detestable (1b)
- Further, taking this action the world is unable to see their wrong
• None understand (2a)
• None seek after God (2b)
- The examination beings a conclusion that we see today: the world is ignorant
• They never learn (4) – they never call on God
• They never rest (5) – they never recognize what God does
• They never win (6) – they won’t realize that God is a protector; refuge
- So, David appeals to God in Heaven
• For their salvation (7a)
• For their restoration (7b)
• For their celebration (7c)
- IMP APP: Don’t have anything to pray for? Why not start here?
-- FACT: When God’s people pray for God to be revealed; He will show up!
- TRANS: Therefore, David leads us to seek after God
Point 3 – Psalm 15 (x)
- David asks a key question for us to absorb, discuss, and apply:
-- Who may approach God? Who can reside with Him? (1)
- Great news … David answers the questions for us to learn and apply!
1. Character must be holy (2); walk is blameless
2. Conversations must be holy (2-3); speaks with God’s love
3. Contacts must be holy (3); doesn’t seek to promote himself
4. Company must be holy (4); associates with righteous
5. Commitments must be holy (4); keeps his/her word
6. Commerce must be holy (5a); gives freely; doesn’t accept bribes
And what does this give us? ASSURANCE!
Re-read Psalm 15, verse 5b
Big Idea
Someone who walks, lives, prays, and devotes themselves to God …
… will NEV ER be shaken because their refuge is in HIM!
- David’s examination of humanity ought to bring us to examine ourselves
-- What we do next tells us a lot about our character and how we feel about Him
-- CHAL: Does David’s words strike a painful chord in you?
-- If so, the time to change (repent) is now!
- Pray
