WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.299 You know, there's a lot of fear in this country right now. 00:00:05.299 --> 00:00:12.120 A lot of surveys that show that Americans are fearful about all kinds of things. 00:00:13.800 --> 00:00:18.240 Near the top of most people's list really is something to do with government. 00:00:19.879 --> 00:00:23.960 Government's ineffectiveness or just the lack of credibility. 00:00:23.960 --> 00:00:28.359 But also near the top is a fear of terrorism. 00:00:28.359 --> 00:00:33.719 Some people think about it all the time. 00:00:34.700 --> 00:00:38.780 They're fearful of something like 9-11 again. 00:00:40.179 --> 00:00:42.100 Radical Islamic terrorism. 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:52.899 But there's a lot of people who are afraid of some individual crazy person 00:00:52.899 --> 00:00:58.560 doing like what took place last Sunday night in Las Vegas. 00:00:59.979 --> 00:01:05.859 Some people are right now in fear that we're on the brink of war with North Korea. 00:01:05.859 --> 00:01:13.859 And that we, here in this country, could experience a nuclear attack. 00:01:13.859 --> 00:01:17.079 What are your fears? 00:01:19.159 --> 00:01:20.579 How do you deal with them? 00:01:22.579 --> 00:01:28.760 You know, we all have certain things that cause us to be a little bit anxious. 00:01:30.819 --> 00:01:37.900 There's some things that tempt us if we don't just give in to it and be all stressed out. 00:01:37.900 --> 00:01:39.900 Stay worried. 00:01:39.900 --> 00:01:40.520 Stay worried. 00:01:42.120 --> 00:01:45.400 What do you do to try to deal with your fears? 00:01:45.480 --> 00:01:46.800 Try to calm your fears. 00:01:47.860 --> 00:01:54.840 Try to deal with the uncertainties and the hard things that come up in your life. 00:01:54.840 --> 00:02:07.560 In Psalm 139, David describes how he found comfort, how he found help in knowing that God was always with him. 00:02:08.240 --> 00:02:10.680 And that God knew everything about him. 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:14.719 That's what we've been looking at over the past three weeks. 00:02:15.340 --> 00:02:22.800 We've been looking in detail at Psalm 139 at the things that helped David. 00:02:22.800 --> 00:02:29.700 David found that God knew him. 00:02:30.719 --> 00:02:31.980 God was always with him. 00:02:32.980 --> 00:02:36.120 In fact, God knew him and was always with him because God made him. 00:02:36.200 --> 00:02:40.160 That's how connected we are to God. 00:02:41.900 --> 00:02:48.460 We have tried to see in these studies that God will help us just like he helped David. 00:02:48.460 --> 00:02:52.560 God will calm our fears just like he did David. 00:02:52.800 --> 00:02:54.520 If we will trust him. 00:02:55.640 --> 00:02:58.760 If we'll believe that he is who he says he is. 00:02:59.140 --> 00:03:01.520 That he can do what he promises to do. 00:03:02.120 --> 00:03:10.720 God is able and willing to help us, his children, deal with whatever it is that causes us to fear. 00:03:11.840 --> 00:03:14.140 Whatever it is that's hard in our life. 00:03:14.139 --> 00:03:19.179 Whatever it is that is on the horizon. 00:03:19.799 --> 00:03:20.479 It's uncertain. 00:03:21.059 --> 00:03:22.599 We know there's something coming. 00:03:23.919 --> 00:03:25.779 But the only way that's ever going to happen. 00:03:26.739 --> 00:03:31.119 The only way we're really going to experience God's comfort, his help in these kinds of situations. 00:03:31.120 --> 00:03:36.379 Is if we have an accurate understanding of really who he is. 00:03:37.080 --> 00:03:39.219 And how he works in our lives. 00:03:40.120 --> 00:03:44.219 I want us to review what we have looked at over the past three weeks. 00:03:44.680 --> 00:03:45.640 Very quickly. 00:03:46.439 --> 00:03:48.140 Noting three things about God. 00:03:48.300 --> 00:03:49.920 First, God's knowledge. 00:03:50.560 --> 00:03:52.040 God knows everything. 00:03:52.039 --> 00:03:55.159 That's the first six verses of Psalm 139. 00:03:55.679 --> 00:04:00.319 But throughout these studies, we are focusing on how David makes this personal. 00:04:01.359 --> 00:04:05.120 And we're trying to emphasize, I need to make this personal. 00:04:05.659 --> 00:04:06.719 God knows me. 00:04:07.599 --> 00:04:09.479 Second, God's presence. 00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:10.399 God is everywhere. 00:04:11.120 --> 00:04:13.239 That's what he's talking about in verses 7 through 12. 00:04:13.819 --> 00:04:15.319 And again, we want to make this personal. 00:04:15.840 --> 00:04:19.779 You think, God is always with me. 00:04:19.779 --> 00:04:22.679 Last week, we looked at God's power. 00:04:22.799 --> 00:04:24.139 How God can do anything. 00:04:24.819 --> 00:04:26.399 Verses 13 through 18. 00:04:27.699 --> 00:04:32.019 But then again, you think more personally. 00:04:32.859 --> 00:04:34.839 God made me. 00:04:36.059 --> 00:04:38.519 He made you like you are. 00:04:39.479 --> 00:04:41.899 Because he has a purpose for your life. 00:04:43.099 --> 00:04:45.179 For you as you are. 00:04:45.299 --> 00:04:48.919 Not as maybe you think you ought to be. 00:04:49.779 --> 00:04:52.179 Well, today we're going to look at the final section. 00:04:52.359 --> 00:04:53.559 The last six verses. 00:04:54.479 --> 00:04:56.119 Where we see a change. 00:04:56.199 --> 00:04:59.500 A noticeable change in how David addresses God. 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:05.459 It begins with David asking God to destroy wicked people. 00:05:06.299 --> 00:05:09.379 Who have set themselves up as enemies of God. 00:05:10.679 --> 00:05:13.039 And also, they're enemies of God's people. 00:05:13.040 --> 00:05:15.360 Now, David knows. 00:05:15.480 --> 00:05:16.460 As we're going to read this. 00:05:16.640 --> 00:05:18.140 And I hope it's obvious to you. 00:05:18.379 --> 00:05:21.780 David knows he is praying a dangerous prayer. 00:05:23.240 --> 00:05:25.620 And so, he concludes in the last two verses. 00:05:26.340 --> 00:05:28.800 By asking God to search his own heart and mind. 00:05:29.040 --> 00:05:32.000 He's asking God to check his motives. 00:05:33.280 --> 00:05:37.040 To make sure he is praying rightly. 00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:37.760 Rightly. 00:05:39.180 --> 00:05:40.160 Let's look at it. 00:05:40.379 --> 00:05:41.040 Psalm 139. 00:05:42.220 --> 00:05:43.040 Beginning in verse 19. 00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:48.220 Oh, that you would slay the wicked. 00:05:48.879 --> 00:05:49.840 Oh, God. 00:05:50.420 --> 00:05:51.760 Oh, men of blood. 00:05:52.379 --> 00:05:53.820 Depart from me. 00:05:54.960 --> 00:05:57.820 They speak against you with malicious intent. 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:01.520 Your enemies take your name in vain. 00:06:01.519 --> 00:06:07.599 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? 00:06:08.419 --> 00:06:13.719 And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 00:06:14.279 --> 00:06:17.159 I hate them with complete hatred. 00:06:17.879 --> 00:06:20.819 I count them my enemies. 00:06:22.159 --> 00:06:26.899 That's about as strong a prayer as anyone could pray, isn't it? 00:06:27.959 --> 00:06:29.399 And David understands that. 00:06:29.399 --> 00:06:32.639 So, look how he concludes. 00:06:33.500 --> 00:06:34.679 Search me, O God. 00:06:35.179 --> 00:06:36.699 And know my heart. 00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:39.219 Try me and know my thoughts. 00:06:39.899 --> 00:06:43.479 And see if there be any grievous way in me. 00:06:43.979 --> 00:06:46.259 And lead me in the way everlasting. 00:06:48.199 --> 00:06:50.699 David now is telling us about God's holiness. 00:06:51.959 --> 00:06:55.199 How God deals justly with everyone. 00:06:55.199 --> 00:06:58.339 And again, let's make it personal. 00:06:59.319 --> 00:07:01.479 God deals justly with me. 00:07:02.299 --> 00:07:08.219 But before we get into that last section about how God deals justly with us, his people. 00:07:09.339 --> 00:07:16.679 We need to look at what David says about God dealing justly, severely even, with his enemies. 00:07:16.680 --> 00:07:21.000 You know, we've looked at Psalm 139 over, this is the fourth week now. 00:07:22.040 --> 00:07:23.959 The first 18 verses. 00:07:25.319 --> 00:07:28.920 David's been encouraging us as God's people. 00:07:29.980 --> 00:07:33.180 Praise God because of who he is. 00:07:33.460 --> 00:07:34.780 What he knows about us. 00:07:35.139 --> 00:07:38.519 How active he is involved in our lives. 00:07:38.519 --> 00:07:46.219 But the truth is, not everyone appreciates God's involvement in our lives. 00:07:47.599 --> 00:07:52.919 And if we're Christians, it should thrill us to know that God loves us. 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:53.919 He cares about us. 00:07:53.959 --> 00:07:54.699 He knows us. 00:07:54.779 --> 00:07:56.959 He's involved according to his knowledge. 00:07:57.159 --> 00:07:58.159 According to his power. 00:07:58.719 --> 00:07:59.599 For our benefit. 00:08:00.259 --> 00:08:02.099 For his glory and our good. 00:08:02.100 --> 00:08:10.040 But some people just hate the very thought that God is involved in our lives. 00:08:11.100 --> 00:08:13.260 Some people just hate God. 00:08:14.400 --> 00:08:18.400 And they fight against God and God's people. 00:08:20.180 --> 00:08:24.180 And people who willfully, intentionally do that, that makes them enemies of God. 00:08:24.180 --> 00:08:27.860 And enemies of God's people. 00:08:29.000 --> 00:08:31.040 We need to understand this. 00:08:31.980 --> 00:08:39.259 Because sometimes we need to deal with God's enemies the way God does. 00:08:40.259 --> 00:08:46.840 And the way David does in these first few verses. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:49.279 Let's look at it. 00:08:49.379 --> 00:08:50.820 Verses 19 through 22 first. 00:08:52.019 --> 00:08:52.700 I want you to note. 00:08:52.700 --> 00:08:56.960 We may pray for God to deal with evil people around us. 00:08:57.860 --> 00:09:01.900 We may pray like David. 00:09:02.680 --> 00:09:07.400 For God to deal with evil people around us. 00:09:09.259 --> 00:09:10.540 We don't have to. 00:09:12.379 --> 00:09:13.500 We may. 00:09:14.800 --> 00:09:18.540 I want us to look at three things about this part of the prayer. 00:09:18.539 --> 00:09:19.759 Number one. 00:09:20.199 --> 00:09:24.159 This is an imprecatory psalm or prayer. 00:09:24.559 --> 00:09:27.240 It's a prayer calling down God's judgment. 00:09:27.599 --> 00:09:30.919 A curse from God on evil people. 00:09:31.419 --> 00:09:32.099 You see it. 00:09:33.599 --> 00:09:34.879 But what I want you to understand is. 00:09:35.240 --> 00:09:36.539 This is not an isolated statement. 00:09:38.279 --> 00:09:40.559 If you have read through the book of Psalms. 00:09:40.699 --> 00:09:41.379 You know. 00:09:41.379 --> 00:09:46.700 There's really a lot of verses like this. 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:51.840 There's at least 25 psalms. 00:09:51.840 --> 00:09:54.960 Where the psalmist. 00:09:54.960 --> 00:09:56.139 And it's usually David. 00:09:57.500 --> 00:09:59.100 Says such things. 00:09:59.940 --> 00:10:01.700 About God's enemies. 00:10:03.120 --> 00:10:05.120 Two of the longest and strongest. 00:10:05.540 --> 00:10:06.800 In addition to what we've just read. 00:10:07.100 --> 00:10:08.160 Are Psalm 69. 00:10:08.820 --> 00:10:10.420 And Psalm 109. 00:10:10.560 --> 00:10:11.399 Psalm 69. 00:10:11.980 --> 00:10:13.060 And 109. 00:10:13.059 --> 00:10:15.199 I'll give you an example. 00:10:15.759 --> 00:10:16.339 Just to show you. 00:10:16.399 --> 00:10:17.219 This is not. 00:10:17.859 --> 00:10:19.500 Just an isolated verse. 00:10:20.159 --> 00:10:21.479 David was having a bad day. 00:10:22.319 --> 00:10:23.359 And so he sort of vented. 00:10:23.519 --> 00:10:23.779 No. 00:10:24.119 --> 00:10:26.000 Look at Psalm 5 verse 10. 00:10:27.059 --> 00:10:27.519 He says. 00:10:27.859 --> 00:10:29.339 Make them bear their guilt. 00:10:29.399 --> 00:10:29.919 Oh God. 00:10:30.159 --> 00:10:32.979 Let them fall by their own counsels. 00:10:33.159 --> 00:10:35.619 Because of the abundance of their transgressions. 00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:37.279 Cast them out. 00:10:37.279 --> 00:10:40.099 For they have rebelled against you. 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:42.759 Now I'm going to think. 00:10:44.899 --> 00:10:46.279 There's some people in this room. 00:10:46.340 --> 00:10:46.779 And you think. 00:10:47.639 --> 00:10:48.820 That's the Old Testament. 00:10:51.080 --> 00:10:52.460 That's how God. 00:10:53.340 --> 00:10:54.620 Works sometimes. 00:10:54.620 --> 00:10:55.460 In the Old Testament. 00:10:56.279 --> 00:10:57.740 God and his people. 00:10:58.139 --> 00:10:59.420 They're just more harsh. 00:11:01.580 --> 00:11:02.740 In the Old Testament. 00:11:03.960 --> 00:11:05.040 Well that's not true. 00:11:06.820 --> 00:11:08.820 There are statements like this. 00:11:08.820 --> 00:11:09.899 From the New Testament. 00:11:11.080 --> 00:11:11.560 One. 00:11:12.040 --> 00:11:13.159 From the Apostle Paul. 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:15.240 I want you to look at what he said. 00:11:17.120 --> 00:11:19.519 In Galatians chapter 1 verse 9. 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:22.019 Writing to a Christian church. 00:11:22.940 --> 00:11:23.540 He says. 00:11:23.920 --> 00:11:25.240 As we have said before. 00:11:25.899 --> 00:11:27.420 So I now say again. 00:11:27.759 --> 00:11:29.340 He just said it in the previous verse. 00:11:29.340 --> 00:11:32.379 If anyone is preaching to you a gospel. 00:11:32.620 --> 00:11:34.420 Contrary to the one you received. 00:11:34.720 --> 00:11:35.800 Let him be accursed. 00:11:36.300 --> 00:11:37.200 Some translations say. 00:11:37.580 --> 00:11:39.340 Let him be eternally condemned. 00:11:40.100 --> 00:11:41.720 I want you to look at what Paul is saying. 00:11:42.720 --> 00:11:44.480 Paul is writing to a Christian church. 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:46.019 He went. 00:11:46.120 --> 00:11:47.000 He preached the gospel. 00:11:47.340 --> 00:11:48.100 People were saved. 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:49.180 Church was formed. 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:50.540 In a region. 00:11:50.700 --> 00:11:51.200 Galatia. 00:11:52.100 --> 00:11:53.139 Churches are formed. 00:11:53.820 --> 00:11:54.820 After Paul left. 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:56.620 Some false teachers went in there. 00:11:56.620 --> 00:11:58.620 And undermined his teaching. 00:11:59.340 --> 00:12:00.340 They went in there. 00:12:00.340 --> 00:12:01.259 And said things like. 00:12:01.580 --> 00:12:01.759 Yes. 00:12:01.799 --> 00:12:02.620 It's important. 00:12:02.700 --> 00:12:03.720 You need to believe in Jesus. 00:12:03.940 --> 00:12:05.100 You need to trust him. 00:12:05.100 --> 00:12:08.840 But in addition to trusting Jesus as your savior. 00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:10.259 That he died on the cross for your sins. 00:12:10.480 --> 00:12:11.740 You need to keep the law. 00:12:12.060 --> 00:12:12.460 In fact. 00:12:12.600 --> 00:12:14.460 It's not enough just to believe in Jesus. 00:12:14.659 --> 00:12:16.180 You've got to do what the law says. 00:12:16.240 --> 00:12:16.980 You've got to do this. 00:12:17.040 --> 00:12:17.399 Do that. 00:12:17.540 --> 00:12:17.920 In other words. 00:12:18.159 --> 00:12:19.279 They taught that salvation. 00:12:20.659 --> 00:12:21.920 Is through faith in Jesus. 00:12:22.040 --> 00:12:23.440 Plus your own good works. 00:12:23.440 --> 00:12:26.580 And Paul. 00:12:26.900 --> 00:12:28.760 He was outraged. 00:12:29.400 --> 00:12:31.820 Not just because they came in. 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:32.900 And said that. 00:12:33.380 --> 00:12:34.840 And contradicted what he taught. 00:12:35.360 --> 00:12:36.360 Paul was outraged. 00:12:36.360 --> 00:12:39.960 Because they were undermining the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:12:40.120 --> 00:12:42.340 They were undermining what Jesus taught. 00:12:42.780 --> 00:12:44.220 They were undermining the word of God. 00:12:44.280 --> 00:12:45.420 The truth of God. 00:12:46.320 --> 00:12:47.300 And so he says. 00:12:47.400 --> 00:12:48.160 If anyone. 00:12:48.340 --> 00:12:49.460 I don't care who it is. 00:12:50.080 --> 00:12:51.280 If anybody. 00:12:51.680 --> 00:12:52.760 My prayer is. 00:12:52.759 --> 00:12:54.019 If anybody comes in here. 00:12:54.139 --> 00:12:54.659 Or anywhere. 00:12:54.939 --> 00:12:56.200 And preaches a false gospel. 00:12:56.419 --> 00:12:57.620 Leads people astray. 00:12:57.899 --> 00:13:00.039 Let them be eternally damned. 00:13:00.159 --> 00:13:00.919 Is what he said. 00:13:01.559 --> 00:13:02.779 He was that strong. 00:13:03.840 --> 00:13:05.419 He was that serious. 00:13:06.740 --> 00:13:08.240 You don't oppose God. 00:13:08.360 --> 00:13:09.139 And God's word. 00:13:09.200 --> 00:13:10.059 And God's truth. 00:13:11.319 --> 00:13:12.639 And it's just okay. 00:13:13.980 --> 00:13:15.159 I want you to look at what Jesus said. 00:13:15.179 --> 00:13:17.039 To the hypocritical religious leaders. 00:13:17.840 --> 00:13:18.740 That he encountered. 00:13:19.559 --> 00:13:21.299 People who should have known the truth. 00:13:21.299 --> 00:13:22.639 But they perverted the truth. 00:13:22.759 --> 00:13:24.019 And they led people astray. 00:13:24.019 --> 00:13:25.759 Look at what Jesus said. 00:13:26.139 --> 00:13:29.319 In Matthew chapter 23. 00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:34.000 There's really a number of these woes. 00:13:34.039 --> 00:13:35.559 He pronounced on these people. 00:13:36.740 --> 00:13:38.200 But I want to just show you two. 00:13:39.620 --> 00:13:40.519 Jesus is teaching. 00:13:41.700 --> 00:13:42.879 But woe to you. 00:13:43.120 --> 00:13:44.620 That's the word of condemnation. 00:13:45.139 --> 00:13:46.100 Woe to you. 00:13:46.259 --> 00:13:47.519 Scribes and Pharisees. 00:13:47.919 --> 00:13:48.519 Hypocrites. 00:13:48.519 --> 00:13:51.159 For you shut the kingdom of heaven. 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:52.000 In people's faces. 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:54.000 For you neither enter yourselves. 00:13:54.679 --> 00:13:56.319 Nor allow those who would enter. 00:13:56.419 --> 00:13:56.980 To go in. 00:13:57.980 --> 00:13:58.539 Excuse me. 00:13:59.539 --> 00:14:00.240 Woe to you. 00:14:00.299 --> 00:14:01.759 Scribes and Pharisees. 00:14:02.439 --> 00:14:03.039 Hypocrites. 00:14:03.539 --> 00:14:06.299 For you travel across sea and land. 00:14:06.699 --> 00:14:08.399 To make a single proselyte. 00:14:08.860 --> 00:14:10.000 And when he becomes a proselyte. 00:14:10.980 --> 00:14:12.259 You make him twice. 00:14:12.259 --> 00:14:14.919 As much a child of hell. 00:14:15.639 --> 00:14:16.759 As yourselves. 00:14:18.939 --> 00:14:20.559 That's strong language. 00:14:23.439 --> 00:14:23.960 Pronouncing. 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:25.159 Woe. 00:14:25.360 --> 00:14:25.840 Gloom. 00:14:26.100 --> 00:14:26.700 Judgment. 00:14:27.700 --> 00:14:29.899 Upon these people by Jesus. 00:14:29.899 --> 00:14:31.699 Now. 00:14:32.039 --> 00:14:33.519 Here's where we need to be real. 00:14:34.159 --> 00:14:34.480 Clear. 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:36.679 These are not. 00:14:37.159 --> 00:14:38.480 Statements or prayers. 00:14:40.879 --> 00:14:42.559 That come from their. 00:14:43.259 --> 00:14:43.620 Uncontrolled. 00:14:44.120 --> 00:14:45.500 Outbursts of anger. 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:48.459 Or desire for personal vengeance. 00:14:51.419 --> 00:14:53.139 Paul and Jesus and David. 00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:54.360 In writing the things they did. 00:14:54.799 --> 00:14:55.539 They didn't just. 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:57.000 Lose it. 00:14:58.059 --> 00:14:59.360 Like we do sometimes. 00:14:59.899 --> 00:15:02.179 They didn't just let people have it. 00:15:03.179 --> 00:15:06.259 Because they felt personally offended. 00:15:07.039 --> 00:15:08.079 And it made them mad. 00:15:09.579 --> 00:15:09.899 No. 00:15:10.319 --> 00:15:11.259 They made. 00:15:12.399 --> 00:15:13.159 Deliberate. 00:15:13.519 --> 00:15:14.340 Intentional. 00:15:14.759 --> 00:15:16.079 Strong statements. 00:15:16.079 --> 00:15:17.299 Of judgment. 00:15:18.079 --> 00:15:19.299 Of condemnation. 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:21.319 Against evil people. 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:25.139 Who dishonored God. 00:15:25.819 --> 00:15:26.960 And his truth. 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:29.720 And were leading his people. 00:15:30.100 --> 00:15:30.500 Astray. 00:15:33.019 --> 00:15:33.660 They're. 00:15:34.100 --> 00:15:35.519 Praying against. 00:15:35.920 --> 00:15:36.920 People who are guilty. 00:15:37.300 --> 00:15:39.259 Of very serious sin. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:41.580 Against God. 00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:43.040 And God's people. 00:15:45.240 --> 00:15:46.540 When we read this. 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:47.500 Psalm. 00:15:48.180 --> 00:15:49.220 When we read what Paul said. 00:15:49.280 --> 00:15:50.040 What Jesus said. 00:15:50.039 --> 00:15:53.899 We sort of. 00:15:54.899 --> 00:15:55.339 Wonder. 00:15:55.459 --> 00:15:55.959 Is that okay. 00:15:57.360 --> 00:15:58.219 We're sort of. 00:15:58.219 --> 00:15:59.179 Hesitant to. 00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:00.779 Approve it maybe. 00:16:01.899 --> 00:16:03.059 Several commentators. 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:03.620 Pointed out. 00:16:03.679 --> 00:16:04.379 That the reason why. 00:16:04.459 --> 00:16:04.779 David. 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:05.179 Paul. 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:05.659 And Jesus. 00:16:06.379 --> 00:16:07.519 Why they were not. 00:16:07.599 --> 00:16:08.299 Bothered. 00:16:08.519 --> 00:16:09.439 By such prayers. 00:16:09.439 --> 00:16:11.579 And we are. 00:16:11.580 --> 00:16:13.160 Is because. 00:16:13.440 --> 00:16:13.820 They were. 00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:15.360 Deeply sensitive. 00:16:15.680 --> 00:16:16.320 To sin. 00:16:16.440 --> 00:16:17.520 Against God. 00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:19.780 And we're not. 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:24.800 When they found people. 00:16:24.940 --> 00:16:25.740 Rising up. 00:16:26.200 --> 00:16:27.100 Opposing God. 00:16:27.560 --> 00:16:28.460 And his truth. 00:16:30.379 --> 00:16:31.740 That brought out. 00:16:31.900 --> 00:16:32.320 Anger. 00:16:32.860 --> 00:16:33.460 Righteous. 00:16:33.860 --> 00:16:34.500 Indignation. 00:16:34.580 --> 00:16:35.320 Type of anger. 00:16:36.580 --> 00:16:37.259 Because. 00:16:38.140 --> 00:16:38.700 God. 00:16:38.840 --> 00:16:39.720 Was being dishonored. 00:16:39.720 --> 00:16:42.620 We should do. 00:16:42.720 --> 00:16:43.080 Likewise. 00:16:44.460 --> 00:16:45.160 Second thing. 00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:45.720 I want us to note. 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:46.560 About this prayer. 00:16:46.840 --> 00:16:47.259 Is that. 00:16:47.399 --> 00:16:48.000 This is a prayer. 00:16:48.100 --> 00:16:48.879 Asking God. 00:16:49.259 --> 00:16:50.220 Asking God. 00:16:50.940 --> 00:16:52.160 To judge evil people. 00:16:53.180 --> 00:16:53.759 David is not. 00:16:53.860 --> 00:16:54.820 Declaring his intent. 00:16:54.920 --> 00:16:55.920 To destroy the wicked. 00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:57.000 Look at verse 19 again. 00:16:57.860 --> 00:16:58.779 Oh that you. 00:16:59.500 --> 00:17:00.420 You God. 00:17:01.100 --> 00:17:02.340 Would slay the wicked. 00:17:02.340 --> 00:17:03.139 Oh God. 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:05.680 David's not. 00:17:06.140 --> 00:17:06.600 Saying. 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:07.559 He's going to do it. 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:10.519 He's asking God. 00:17:10.519 --> 00:17:11.000 To. 00:17:12.039 --> 00:17:13.079 Judge people. 00:17:13.720 --> 00:17:14.539 Kill people. 00:17:15.159 --> 00:17:16.019 Who have chosen. 00:17:16.159 --> 00:17:17.220 To defy him. 00:17:19.379 --> 00:17:19.940 God. 00:17:20.399 --> 00:17:21.519 Kill these. 00:17:22.059 --> 00:17:22.460 Who have. 00:17:23.119 --> 00:17:23.899 Shaken their fist. 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:24.639 In your face. 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:26.899 Who has. 00:17:27.039 --> 00:17:27.299 Who have. 00:17:27.679 --> 00:17:28.240 Blasphemed. 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:28.839 You. 00:17:29.399 --> 00:17:30.200 Your name. 00:17:30.419 --> 00:17:31.339 And your honor. 00:17:32.679 --> 00:17:33.200 These are people. 00:17:33.299 --> 00:17:33.579 Who have. 00:17:34.339 --> 00:17:34.859 Intentionally. 00:17:34.940 --> 00:17:35.599 Not by accident. 00:17:35.599 --> 00:17:36.399 They have intentionally. 00:17:36.399 --> 00:17:37.219 Set themselves up. 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:38.159 As enemies of God. 00:17:38.519 --> 00:17:39.299 Look at how they're described. 00:17:39.399 --> 00:17:39.759 In verse. 00:17:40.079 --> 00:17:41.179 The last part of verse 19. 00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:42.740 They're men of blood. 00:17:42.939 --> 00:17:44.139 Some translations say. 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:45.099 Blood thirsty. 00:17:45.419 --> 00:17:46.379 They're murderous. 00:17:46.639 --> 00:17:47.199 Type people. 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:48.559 Verse 20. 00:17:48.939 --> 00:17:50.019 They speak against God. 00:17:50.059 --> 00:17:51.279 With malicious intent. 00:17:51.399 --> 00:17:52.500 They take God's name. 00:17:52.579 --> 00:17:53.119 In vain. 00:17:53.919 --> 00:17:54.339 Look at how. 00:17:54.339 --> 00:17:55.000 Chuck Swindoll. 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:55.719 Describes. 00:17:55.799 --> 00:17:57.139 These kind of people. 00:17:57.719 --> 00:17:58.079 He says. 00:17:58.139 --> 00:17:58.559 They're not. 00:17:58.759 --> 00:17:59.240 Moderate. 00:17:59.359 --> 00:17:59.899 Passive. 00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:00.659 Foes. 00:18:00.699 --> 00:18:01.159 Of the Lord. 00:18:01.379 --> 00:18:01.839 They were. 00:18:02.059 --> 00:18:02.579 Unashamed. 00:18:02.579 --> 00:18:03.179 Hateful. 00:18:03.179 --> 00:18:03.659 Open. 00:18:03.659 --> 00:18:04.679 And blatant. 00:18:05.119 --> 00:18:05.919 Despisers. 00:18:05.919 --> 00:18:06.980 Of God. 00:18:07.699 --> 00:18:08.460 And God's people. 00:18:09.899 --> 00:18:11.059 And make no mistake. 00:18:11.139 --> 00:18:11.740 Look at verse 21. 00:18:12.179 --> 00:18:13.399 David hates them. 00:18:14.799 --> 00:18:16.720 Because they hate God. 00:18:18.019 --> 00:18:20.359 David counts them as his enemies. 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:22.779 Because they have made themselves. 00:18:23.240 --> 00:18:24.619 God's enemies. 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:28.079 Charles Spurgeon wrote. 00:18:28.079 --> 00:18:30.879 Godless men are not the stuff. 00:18:31.059 --> 00:18:31.599 Out of which. 00:18:32.099 --> 00:18:33.199 True friends. 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:34.939 Can ever be made. 00:18:36.240 --> 00:18:37.720 Let's just pause here for a moment. 00:18:38.679 --> 00:18:39.819 Who are your friends? 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:44.480 Who is it that you like to associate with? 00:18:45.799 --> 00:18:47.720 Who is it that you do things with? 00:18:47.720 --> 00:18:49.960 And by your association with them. 00:18:50.799 --> 00:18:52.779 They influence you. 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:58.279 Are you close to people. 00:18:58.759 --> 00:19:00.619 Who despise God. 00:19:01.619 --> 00:19:04.519 And show it by some of the things they say. 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.680 And do. 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:08.779 Don't misunderstand. 00:19:10.119 --> 00:19:12.220 David is not telling us here. 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:15.079 We shouldn't have anything to do with sinful people. 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:16.119 All people are sinful. 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:17.160 Including us. 00:19:18.099 --> 00:19:19.759 And David fully knew. 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:21.839 About his own sin. 00:19:21.839 --> 00:19:22.399 He knew. 00:19:23.899 --> 00:19:24.659 He knew. 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:25.779 That's why he prays it in. 00:19:25.879 --> 00:19:26.720 Search me oh God. 00:19:29.279 --> 00:19:31.819 We need to be in this world as Christians. 00:19:33.159 --> 00:19:34.539 Relating to sinful people. 00:19:35.199 --> 00:19:36.859 And we can do that very easily. 00:19:36.939 --> 00:19:38.139 Because we're sinful people ourselves. 00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:40.720 But. 00:19:42.339 --> 00:19:43.359 The average. 00:19:44.279 --> 00:19:46.279 Person who's not a Christian in Pickens. 00:19:47.639 --> 00:19:49.579 The average person who's not a believer. 00:19:49.839 --> 00:19:50.159 Period. 00:19:50.159 --> 00:19:50.799 Anywhere. 00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:54.119 They're not like the kind of person. 00:19:54.119 --> 00:19:55.819 David describes in this psalm. 00:19:57.220 --> 00:19:58.639 Most unbelievers. 00:19:58.980 --> 00:20:00.919 Don't just hate God. 00:20:01.720 --> 00:20:03.039 And intentionally. 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:04.279 Show contempt. 00:20:04.619 --> 00:20:05.559 For the things of God. 00:20:05.659 --> 00:20:06.539 The truth of God. 00:20:10.139 --> 00:20:10.659 Most. 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:11.740 Unbelievers. 00:20:12.919 --> 00:20:15.139 We need to be involved in their lives. 00:20:15.240 --> 00:20:16.439 Building relationships with them. 00:20:16.799 --> 00:20:17.159 Living. 00:20:17.160 --> 00:20:18.860 The Christian life in front of them. 00:20:18.860 --> 00:20:20.019 And sharing the gospel with them. 00:20:20.420 --> 00:20:21.300 That's what Jesus did. 00:20:21.440 --> 00:20:22.540 That's what we're supposed to do. 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:28.600 We need to seek the good of such people. 00:20:29.560 --> 00:20:31.440 But there are some people in this world. 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:33.560 For example. 00:20:33.660 --> 00:20:35.860 Like the dictator of North Korea. 00:20:35.859 --> 00:20:36.459 America. 00:20:36.459 --> 00:20:38.759 Like terrorists. 00:20:41.839 --> 00:20:42.740 They're evil. 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:44.000 To the core. 00:20:45.339 --> 00:20:47.079 They have no regard for God. 00:20:47.539 --> 00:20:49.639 They have no regard for human life. 00:20:50.219 --> 00:20:50.719 A lot of them. 00:20:50.799 --> 00:20:53.019 They have no regard for their own family members. 00:20:54.019 --> 00:20:55.159 They have no regard. 00:20:55.719 --> 00:20:56.959 For their fellow countrymen. 00:20:56.960 --> 00:21:00.100 I'm talking about people who hate God. 00:21:00.579 --> 00:21:01.360 They hate God. 00:21:01.400 --> 00:21:03.480 As he has revealed himself in the Bible. 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:04.640 And in Jesus. 00:21:06.440 --> 00:21:06.880 You know. 00:21:06.940 --> 00:21:07.559 A lot of these people. 00:21:07.700 --> 00:21:08.180 Terrorists. 00:21:09.180 --> 00:21:10.019 A lot of them. 00:21:10.579 --> 00:21:11.759 Claim to be doing what they're doing. 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:12.680 In the name of Allah. 00:21:12.840 --> 00:21:13.460 Their God. 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:14.720 Their God is no God. 00:21:15.799 --> 00:21:16.860 There's one God. 00:21:16.900 --> 00:21:17.980 Who created all things. 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:18.700 There's one God. 00:21:18.799 --> 00:21:20.340 Who rules and reigns over this universe. 00:21:20.700 --> 00:21:22.600 And he has made himself known. 00:21:22.600 --> 00:21:24.600 In the Bible. 00:21:24.600 --> 00:21:25.120 In the Bible. 00:21:25.819 --> 00:21:26.799 Through his people. 00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:27.319 Israel. 00:21:27.819 --> 00:21:29.319 And most clearly. 00:21:29.680 --> 00:21:30.819 In his son. 00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:31.519 Jesus. 00:21:32.339 --> 00:21:33.440 He alone is God. 00:21:35.599 --> 00:21:37.440 People who reject him. 00:21:38.419 --> 00:21:39.799 They're rejecting God. 00:21:39.859 --> 00:21:41.960 No matter what their religious language says. 00:21:43.700 --> 00:21:44.619 So anyone. 00:21:45.960 --> 00:21:48.240 Who aligns with another God. 00:21:48.619 --> 00:21:49.839 Or no God. 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:52.099 They're setting themselves up. 00:21:52.099 --> 00:21:52.740 As opponents. 00:21:52.740 --> 00:21:53.960 Of the true God. 00:21:55.299 --> 00:21:56.519 What I'm talking about. 00:21:56.519 --> 00:21:57.359 Make this clear. 00:21:58.099 --> 00:21:59.819 We're talking about people who hate God. 00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:01.660 We're talking about people who. 00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:04.079 Who live a life that demonstrates that. 00:22:04.900 --> 00:22:05.420 Evil. 00:22:05.819 --> 00:22:06.900 Bloodthirsty people. 00:22:06.900 --> 00:22:07.900 And we need to ask God. 00:22:07.900 --> 00:22:12.000 We need to ask God. 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:13.280 To stop them. 00:22:13.280 --> 00:22:15.700 Any way possible. 00:22:17.380 --> 00:22:18.800 There are some people. 00:22:19.060 --> 00:22:19.920 There's some situations. 00:22:20.040 --> 00:22:20.740 We ought to pray. 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:23.019 A prayer like David prayed. 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.500 About such people. 00:22:24.900 --> 00:22:25.860 Just to take one example. 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:26.700 We can all understand. 00:22:27.140 --> 00:22:28.420 Last Sunday night. 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:33.480 If we could have been. 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:34.140 You or me. 00:22:34.140 --> 00:22:35.160 If we could have been. 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:36.060 On the ground. 00:22:36.620 --> 00:22:37.620 And somehow or another. 00:22:37.740 --> 00:22:38.660 We looked up. 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:39.340 And we saw. 00:22:39.600 --> 00:22:40.920 That crazed guy. 00:22:41.140 --> 00:22:42.640 Setting up his rifles. 00:22:42.640 --> 00:22:43.940 In that hotel room. 00:22:43.980 --> 00:22:45.100 He'd broken out the window. 00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:46.400 He was setting it up. 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:47.640 If somehow or another. 00:22:47.640 --> 00:22:48.640 We could have seen that. 00:22:48.860 --> 00:22:49.800 And understand what was going on. 00:22:49.820 --> 00:22:50.400 Before it happened. 00:22:50.880 --> 00:22:51.880 We should pray. 00:22:52.200 --> 00:22:52.519 Lord. 00:22:52.519 --> 00:22:55.039 Let me shoot that guy. 00:22:55.680 --> 00:22:56.079 Lord. 00:22:56.160 --> 00:22:57.900 Let the police get to him. 00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:58.920 And kill him. 00:22:58.960 --> 00:22:59.859 Before he kills anybody. 00:23:00.200 --> 00:23:01.819 That would be a good prayer. 00:23:02.460 --> 00:23:04.559 That would be a right prayer. 00:23:05.079 --> 00:23:05.940 That in the moment. 00:23:06.099 --> 00:23:07.279 That is an evil person. 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:09.799 Intent on doing evil to humanity. 00:23:09.900 --> 00:23:11.240 To people creating God's image. 00:23:12.359 --> 00:23:13.759 That person should die. 00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:17.400 And if we can be a part of it. 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:19.259 Praying or acting to kill. 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:21.000 Such an evil person. 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:22.880 We need to do that. 00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:27.319 Theologian John Frame. 00:23:27.619 --> 00:23:29.240 Makes an important point. 00:23:29.480 --> 00:23:30.359 About why it's right. 00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:31.539 For us to hate. 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:34.039 And oppose evil in this world. 00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:36.359 Frame's one of the most respected. 00:23:36.519 --> 00:23:38.480 Christian writers on ethics. 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.759 In this country. 00:23:40.420 --> 00:23:41.240 Look at what he says. 00:23:42.000 --> 00:23:43.680 Strange as it may sound. 00:23:44.400 --> 00:23:45.700 We do have a responsibility. 00:23:45.700 --> 00:23:47.559 To cultivate the hatred. 00:23:48.160 --> 00:23:48.640 Of evil. 00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:50.680 In an age that takes. 00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:52.680 The vilest behavior for granted. 00:23:53.120 --> 00:23:53.960 We are called to hate. 00:23:54.060 --> 00:23:54.820 What God hates. 00:23:55.180 --> 00:23:56.279 And to love. 00:23:56.420 --> 00:23:57.799 What God loves. 00:23:58.799 --> 00:23:59.740 Holy hatred. 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:01.240 Holy love. 00:24:01.900 --> 00:24:03.920 Are inseparable. 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:08.160 We need to learn. 00:24:08.279 --> 00:24:08.779 To hate. 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:10.880 What God hates. 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:12.240 Because what God hates. 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:13.840 Ought to be hated. 00:24:13.840 --> 00:24:16.240 When God hates. 00:24:16.360 --> 00:24:16.980 It is right. 00:24:16.980 --> 00:24:19.860 But let's be real clear now. 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:22.400 David is not telling us. 00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:24.319 To hate our personal enemies. 00:24:25.860 --> 00:24:27.240 David is not saying. 00:24:27.360 --> 00:24:28.180 That it's okay. 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:29.579 If anybody offends you. 00:24:29.660 --> 00:24:30.579 You just get mad. 00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:31.339 And you pray down. 00:24:31.420 --> 00:24:32.559 God's judgment on them. 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:33.160 No. 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:36.360 There is no place in this. 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:38.819 About personal vendettas. 00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:40.200 Personal vengeance. 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:40.600 He is telling us. 00:24:41.799 --> 00:24:42.720 He is telling us. 00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:44.319 To hate God's enemies. 00:24:44.860 --> 00:24:45.660 Wicked people. 00:24:45.940 --> 00:24:46.680 Who have said. 00:24:46.740 --> 00:24:47.420 And done things. 00:24:47.660 --> 00:24:48.380 To oppose God. 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:49.660 And God's people. 00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:51.039 People that it's obvious. 00:24:52.120 --> 00:24:53.420 They set themselves up. 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.259 To oppose God. 00:24:55.220 --> 00:24:56.000 Evil people. 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:57.759 Understand. 00:24:57.920 --> 00:24:58.519 They hate God. 00:24:58.580 --> 00:24:59.380 They blaspheme him. 00:24:59.580 --> 00:25:00.340 They murder people. 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:01.220 Created in his image. 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:03.460 I want you to be clear. 00:25:03.460 --> 00:25:06.039 This is not. 00:25:06.160 --> 00:25:06.579 In any shape. 00:25:06.680 --> 00:25:07.279 Form or fashion. 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:08.860 A license. 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:10.940 To unleash. 00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:11.559 Our. 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:12.620 Anger. 00:25:13.120 --> 00:25:13.640 Frustration. 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:14.519 Hostilities. 00:25:14.880 --> 00:25:15.480 On people. 00:25:15.579 --> 00:25:16.380 Who just rub us. 00:25:16.460 --> 00:25:17.100 The wrong way. 00:25:17.900 --> 00:25:18.460 Who just. 00:25:18.880 --> 00:25:19.400 Hurt us. 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:20.059 Personally. 00:25:20.860 --> 00:25:21.279 Or someone. 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.039 We love. 00:25:23.220 --> 00:25:23.980 Let's look at one more. 00:25:24.079 --> 00:25:25.200 Statement about David's prayer. 00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:26.980 This is a prayer. 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:28.100 That we should pray. 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.380 Only pray. 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:30.420 Cautiously. 00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:32.180 And. 00:25:32.980 --> 00:25:33.440 Rarely. 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:38.240 This is not. 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:40.819 We can't pray prayers like this. 00:25:40.900 --> 00:25:42.620 Just because somebody's going slow. 00:25:42.620 --> 00:25:43.900 In front of us. 00:25:44.620 --> 00:25:46.360 Especially in the left lane. 00:25:46.420 --> 00:25:47.400 Of a four lane highway. 00:25:51.579 --> 00:25:52.640 I want to get a bumper. 00:25:52.819 --> 00:25:53.740 I saw a bumper sticker. 00:25:53.860 --> 00:25:54.500 I got to tell you this. 00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:56.340 It said. 00:25:57.079 --> 00:25:58.680 If I passed you. 00:25:58.980 --> 00:26:00.220 On your right. 00:26:00.579 --> 00:26:01.440 You are an idiot. 00:26:01.440 --> 00:26:08.120 That might not be the best witness. 00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:09.080 I'm not going to get one. 00:26:09.600 --> 00:26:10.320 But in my heart. 00:26:10.440 --> 00:26:11.440 I want that bumper sticker. 00:26:14.480 --> 00:26:14.840 Now. 00:26:16.539 --> 00:26:17.960 In looking at a message like this. 00:26:18.019 --> 00:26:19.000 We need to take a little break. 00:26:19.100 --> 00:26:20.299 Sort of calm down a little bit. 00:26:20.299 --> 00:26:24.460 Look at the screen. 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.659 This is a prayer. 00:26:25.659 --> 00:26:26.859 That we should only pray. 00:26:27.460 --> 00:26:28.019 Cautiously. 00:26:29.460 --> 00:26:30.399 And rarely. 00:26:31.839 --> 00:26:32.879 It is a prayer. 00:26:33.000 --> 00:26:34.480 Reserved for the worst. 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:35.619 Of the worst. 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:38.980 It is a prayer. 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:40.039 Against truly. 00:26:40.460 --> 00:26:40.960 Evil. 00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:41.779 People. 00:26:41.779 --> 00:26:45.759 Not just they hate you. 00:26:47.599 --> 00:26:48.379 We are talking about people. 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:49.599 Who hate God. 00:26:50.859 --> 00:26:51.819 And if they hate you. 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:52.579 The reason they hate you. 00:26:52.619 --> 00:26:53.940 Is because you are a Christian. 00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:56.519 We are talking about people. 00:26:56.619 --> 00:26:57.460 Who will do anything. 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:59.279 To oppose God. 00:26:59.339 --> 00:27:00.420 And God's ways. 00:27:00.740 --> 00:27:01.440 And God's people. 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:03.980 But we know. 00:27:04.100 --> 00:27:04.940 Most of the time. 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:06.380 Our anger. 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:07.600 Our hatred. 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:09.720 Are not provoked. 00:27:10.680 --> 00:27:11.860 Because someone has said. 00:27:11.900 --> 00:27:12.400 Or done things. 00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:13.880 Done something against God. 00:27:15.299 --> 00:27:17.140 We get all up in arms. 00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:20.240 We let our emotions. 00:27:20.240 --> 00:27:21.340 Get away from us. 00:27:22.080 --> 00:27:22.980 When people say. 00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:24.539 Or do things against us. 00:27:25.960 --> 00:27:28.360 And they personally insult us. 00:27:30.100 --> 00:27:31.019 That's why. 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:32.539 We need to continue on. 00:27:32.600 --> 00:27:33.279 In this psalm. 00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.220 And pray. 00:27:34.400 --> 00:27:34.880 For God. 00:27:34.980 --> 00:27:35.940 To examine us. 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:37.519 Like David did. 00:27:38.340 --> 00:27:39.120 We need for God. 00:27:39.160 --> 00:27:39.580 To help us. 00:27:39.600 --> 00:27:40.220 To understand. 00:27:40.400 --> 00:27:42.000 Our emotions. 00:27:42.900 --> 00:27:44.220 And our motives. 00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:46.000 When we're angry. 00:27:46.799 --> 00:27:47.840 So that we can deal. 00:27:47.840 --> 00:27:48.340 With them. 00:27:49.019 --> 00:27:49.500 Appropriately. 00:27:49.620 --> 00:27:50.580 That's what David did. 00:27:50.640 --> 00:27:51.299 In the last two verses. 00:27:51.640 --> 00:27:52.539 Here's the second point. 00:27:53.180 --> 00:27:53.660 This morning. 00:27:54.559 --> 00:27:55.680 We must pray. 00:27:56.160 --> 00:27:56.460 For God. 00:27:56.559 --> 00:27:57.620 To reveal the evil. 00:27:58.160 --> 00:27:58.900 Within us. 00:27:59.039 --> 00:27:59.519 That's verses. 00:27:59.940 --> 00:28:00.380 23. 00:28:00.840 --> 00:28:01.320 And 24. 00:28:02.299 --> 00:28:03.279 We may. 00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:03.680 A few times. 00:28:03.680 --> 00:28:04.680 A few times. 00:28:04.680 --> 00:28:05.620 In our life. 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:07.700 Pray for God. 00:28:07.880 --> 00:28:09.160 To deal so severely. 00:28:09.160 --> 00:28:09.900 With certain people. 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:10.559 Around us. 00:28:11.059 --> 00:28:12.279 We pray that they die. 00:28:12.680 --> 00:28:13.620 We pray that God. 00:28:13.740 --> 00:28:14.180 Kill them. 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.380 Pray that God. 00:28:15.460 --> 00:28:16.059 Take them out. 00:28:16.620 --> 00:28:17.600 We may. 00:28:17.820 --> 00:28:18.440 We may not. 00:28:19.400 --> 00:28:20.279 But if we do. 00:28:20.360 --> 00:28:21.480 It would only be a few times. 00:28:21.559 --> 00:28:22.840 A rare thing. 00:28:22.840 --> 00:28:23.779 To pray such a prayer. 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:26.019 But we must always. 00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:26.580 Pray. 00:28:26.579 --> 00:28:28.000 For God. 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:29.519 To reveal the evil. 00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:31.619 That is in us. 00:28:32.359 --> 00:28:33.279 What David says. 00:28:33.359 --> 00:28:34.159 In verse 23. 00:28:34.659 --> 00:28:35.659 Is a great way. 00:28:35.699 --> 00:28:36.859 For us to start every day. 00:28:36.939 --> 00:28:37.399 Look at it. 00:28:37.919 --> 00:28:38.419 Search me. 00:28:38.460 --> 00:28:38.799 Oh God. 00:28:38.859 --> 00:28:39.539 Know my heart. 00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:40.740 Try me. 00:28:40.919 --> 00:28:41.939 And know my thoughts. 00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:43.059 God. 00:28:43.439 --> 00:28:44.339 David wanted God. 00:28:44.419 --> 00:28:45.279 To know his heart. 00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:46.279 Which God did. 00:28:46.679 --> 00:28:47.480 He's already talked about it. 00:28:47.519 --> 00:28:48.240 Back in verse 1. 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:50.259 But he's wanting God. 00:28:50.359 --> 00:28:51.359 To make known. 00:28:52.079 --> 00:28:53.339 What is in him. 00:28:54.140 --> 00:28:54.859 To him. 00:28:56.720 --> 00:28:57.579 David wants God. 00:28:57.660 --> 00:28:58.200 To search him. 00:28:58.259 --> 00:28:59.079 And convict him. 00:28:59.140 --> 00:28:59.819 Or comfort him. 00:28:59.880 --> 00:29:00.940 Whatever it needs to be. 00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:02.299 He wants God. 00:29:02.339 --> 00:29:03.620 To test and purify. 00:29:03.819 --> 00:29:04.420 His heart. 00:29:04.500 --> 00:29:05.099 Like a refiner. 00:29:05.220 --> 00:29:06.099 Would test and purify. 00:29:06.819 --> 00:29:07.220 Metal. 00:29:09.440 --> 00:29:10.339 Let's think about it. 00:29:10.960 --> 00:29:11.920 Do you want to pray. 00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:12.859 Such a prayer every day. 00:29:14.259 --> 00:29:14.920 Look at it. 00:29:14.980 --> 00:29:15.539 Verse 23. 00:29:16.400 --> 00:29:17.019 Search me. 00:29:17.059 --> 00:29:17.460 Oh God. 00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:18.120 Know my heart. 00:29:18.400 --> 00:29:18.940 Try me. 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:19.700 And know my thoughts. 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.660 Does that appeal to you? 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:25.460 Is that something you would want to pray? 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:28.740 Because you want God to show you your sin. 00:29:29.940 --> 00:29:31.380 So that you can confess it. 00:29:31.400 --> 00:29:32.539 So you can turn from it. 00:29:32.660 --> 00:29:34.079 So you can be forgiven for it. 00:29:34.079 --> 00:29:37.319 Do you want God to work in your life. 00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:38.240 To enable you. 00:29:38.920 --> 00:29:40.039 To be morally pure. 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.779 To be holy. 00:29:45.140 --> 00:29:47.339 In your relationships. 00:29:47.339 --> 00:29:48.639 With people in your home. 00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:49.179 Or at school. 00:29:49.299 --> 00:29:49.799 Or at work. 00:29:49.859 --> 00:29:50.259 Or wherever. 00:29:52.539 --> 00:29:53.839 What David says in verse 23. 00:29:53.939 --> 00:29:56.059 Is a great prayer for us to start every day with. 00:29:56.259 --> 00:29:57.179 But look at verse 24. 00:29:57.599 --> 00:29:58.259 What he says here. 00:29:58.319 --> 00:30:00.319 Is a great way for us to live every day. 00:30:00.679 --> 00:30:03.279 And see if there's any grievous way in me. 00:30:03.799 --> 00:30:06.679 And lead me in the way everlasting. 00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:07.940 We should want to know. 00:30:07.940 --> 00:30:09.980 We should want to know. 00:30:10.600 --> 00:30:13.080 If there's anything in our life that grieves God. 00:30:13.320 --> 00:30:14.400 Or offends God. 00:30:15.060 --> 00:30:16.560 So that we can eliminate it. 00:30:17.600 --> 00:30:18.320 I mean just think. 00:30:18.460 --> 00:30:19.740 If he is our heavenly father. 00:30:20.380 --> 00:30:22.060 If we truly love him. 00:30:22.600 --> 00:30:25.120 We should desire to live in close fellowship with him. 00:30:25.519 --> 00:30:28.140 And just live a life that pleases him. 00:30:28.140 --> 00:30:31.900 Do you? 00:30:34.360 --> 00:30:35.640 Is that your desire? 00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:42.140 You know this morning we're ending our series on dealing with life's hardships and uncertainties. 00:30:43.000 --> 00:30:45.240 Our goal has been to learn to trust God. 00:30:45.320 --> 00:30:46.060 Not worry. 00:30:46.980 --> 00:30:49.920 As we face our difficulties and fears. 00:30:51.020 --> 00:30:53.000 What David tells us in these last two verses. 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:56.900 Can really help us stay close to God. 00:30:58.279 --> 00:31:01.799 And on a daily basis experience his comfort and courage. 00:31:04.539 --> 00:31:06.380 Because we have a right relationship with him. 00:31:06.619 --> 00:31:07.980 Because we trust him. 00:31:08.839 --> 00:31:11.400 Because we seek to live life his way. 00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:14.559 So this morning I want us to close. 00:31:16.220 --> 00:31:17.779 Read it and keep your eyes open. 00:31:18.160 --> 00:31:19.299 But I want us to close. 00:31:20.079 --> 00:31:20.920 And together. 00:31:21.059 --> 00:31:21.900 You pray it silently. 00:31:21.900 --> 00:31:22.880 I'll pray out loud. 00:31:23.619 --> 00:31:26.039 But let's just read verses 23 and 24 together. 00:31:26.880 --> 00:31:30.500 Let this be our prayer to God. 00:31:31.319 --> 00:31:34.299 And I want to encourage you to let it be a prayer every day. 00:31:34.920 --> 00:31:35.500 Look at it. 00:31:35.960 --> 00:31:37.119 Search me oh God. 00:31:37.700 --> 00:31:38.859 And know my heart. 00:31:39.700 --> 00:31:40.420 Try me. 00:31:41.079 --> 00:31:42.460 And know my thoughts. 00:31:43.160 --> 00:31:47.779 And see if there be any grievous way in me. 00:31:47.779 --> 00:31:52.380 And lead me in the way everlasting. 00:31:53.440 --> 00:31:54.380 Let's all bow together. 00:31:55.880 --> 00:31:57.279 In an attitude of prayer. 00:31:58.460 --> 00:31:59.880 I want you to listen to the Lord. 00:32:02.759 --> 00:32:05.980 I want you to respond to him as he has spoken to you today. 00:32:05.980 --> 00:32:12.440 Maybe the Lord has shown you that you don't take sin as seriously as you should. 00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:15.180 Maybe God has made it clear to you. 00:32:16.180 --> 00:32:18.860 What offends you doesn't offend me like it should. 00:32:18.859 --> 00:32:22.459 So confess that to God. 00:32:22.459 --> 00:32:27.740 Ask him to help you to love what he loves and hate what he hates. 00:32:28.479 --> 00:32:37.319 Ask him to give you wisdom and know how to pray in these questionable situations about questionable people. 00:32:37.319 --> 00:32:41.179 But most importantly. 00:32:42.099 --> 00:32:45.299 Admit to God that you can't trust yourself. 00:32:45.419 --> 00:32:47.279 None of us can trust ourselves. 00:32:47.279 --> 00:32:50.599 So we need God to search us. 00:32:52.180 --> 00:32:54.660 To convict us or to comfort us. 00:32:57.799 --> 00:32:58.779 Ask God. 00:32:59.440 --> 00:33:02.420 To show you what needs to be done this morning. 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:04.240 So that you can leave here close to him. 00:33:04.619 --> 00:33:05.500 Trusting him. 00:33:07.720 --> 00:33:11.599 And better equipped to face life's hardships and uncertainties. 00:33:11.599 --> 00:33:13.919 God show us how we should respond. 00:33:15.899 --> 00:33:17.059 Help us to do it. 00:33:18.459 --> 00:33:19.579 And in an attitude of prayer. 00:33:20.179 --> 00:33:21.279 Do what God tells you to do. 00:33:22.079 --> 00:33:23.899 I'd be happy to pray with you here at the front. 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:25.259 If you'd like for me to during this time. 00:33:26.799 --> 00:33:27.740 You just do what God. 00:33:28.419 --> 00:33:30.019 Is calling you to do right now.