WEBVTT 00:00:00.340 --> 00:00:16.039 Thanks, well actually well good evening everyone. If you don't know me my name is Alistair. I have the privilege of being the assistant here and tonight of taking us through that wonderful Psalm 139. It'd be great if you have that passage open in front of you as we go through. 00:00:16.039 --> 00:00:27.519 Now I recently had a friend who was self-isolating and one of the things that she did to keep herself busy and to keep her mind going was doing a puzzle. 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:33.239 Now a puzzle piece, if you think about it, in isolation may look beautiful. 00:00:34.620 --> 00:00:43.259 It may give you a glimpse of beautiful scenery, a little snapshot of a famous painting or picture that is very dear to you. 00:00:43.259 --> 00:00:51.399 But that individual piece only really takes on its significance when you take a step back and you view the whole picture. 00:00:52.219 --> 00:00:57.219 Only then can you see the beauty of that one piece in all of its fullness. 00:00:59.060 --> 00:01:05.280 And over the last six weeks we have looked at a number of different puzzle pieces, if you will. 00:01:05.280 --> 00:01:16.599 Separate topics or characteristics that when put together give us a grand, a magnificent, phenomenal picture of who our God is. 00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:19.980 God is beyond our comprehension. 00:01:20.200 --> 00:01:24.460 We will never fully grasp who he is and how big he is. 00:01:24.459 --> 00:01:37.799 But I hope that this series has helped us ponder to a greater depth who our God is, how we respond to him and how we worship him. 00:01:39.179 --> 00:01:45.419 Now tonight we're going to be thinking about the God who is both all-knowing and all-wise. 00:01:45.599 --> 00:01:50.639 Two massive concepts that are very closely connected. 00:01:50.640 --> 00:01:56.739 For example, we define knowledge as the intellectual comprehension of something. 00:01:57.640 --> 00:02:00.939 And wisdom is the practical outworking of that. 00:02:01.359 --> 00:02:05.200 So to use a silly analogy to help us see that, take a tomato. 00:02:06.819 --> 00:02:10.340 Knowing or knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. 00:02:11.039 --> 00:02:13.680 And wisdom is knowing not to use it in a fruit salad. 00:02:13.680 --> 00:02:21.939 Or another example, you know that driving to Lidl in a snowstorm is not a good idea with black ice on the roads. 00:02:22.860 --> 00:02:28.159 But wisdom, or the lack thereof, determines whether you give it a shot or not. 00:02:29.960 --> 00:02:34.260 Wisdom is mostly gained from experience and often making mistakes, isn't it? 00:02:35.360 --> 00:02:37.060 So how does that relate to God? 00:02:37.060 --> 00:02:44.879 Well it means, because he makes no mistakes, it means that God has perfect knowledge. 00:02:45.640 --> 00:02:51.539 And because of that, all of his actions are just, fair, right and good. 00:02:52.500 --> 00:02:55.680 Some of the things that we've already looked at in this series. 00:02:56.740 --> 00:03:04.719 And so tonight in our final installment, let's dive into these wonderful truths that God is all-knowing and all-wise. 00:03:04.719 --> 00:03:10.300 And to do so, we're going to spend our time in Psalm 139. 00:03:10.719 --> 00:03:18.460 And we'll see from its four sections, it will help us grasp the knowledge and wisdom of God. 00:03:18.919 --> 00:03:25.379 So keep Psalm 139 open in front of you and let us be blown away by how great our God is. 00:03:26.319 --> 00:03:31.319 The first thing we see in this Psalm is that God knows me. 00:03:31.319 --> 00:03:33.500 In verses 1 to 6. 00:03:34.719 --> 00:03:39.919 Psalm 139 is a personal prayer of King David. 00:03:40.460 --> 00:03:43.240 That can teach us so much about God. 00:03:43.319 --> 00:03:49.020 And these six verses particularly teach us about God's knowledge of his people. 00:03:51.099 --> 00:03:55.759 Notice how in these six verses, David uses intimate language. 00:03:55.759 --> 00:04:00.939 See, David's understanding of God's knowledge isn't out of fear. 00:04:01.500 --> 00:04:05.560 It isn't out of dread, but it is one of comfort, intimacy. 00:04:05.560 --> 00:04:15.280 We might say that someone knows us if they know our name, if they know where we live, if they know our family. 00:04:16.019 --> 00:04:19.420 For example, most of you probably say, you know me. 00:04:19.879 --> 00:04:20.780 You know my name. 00:04:21.079 --> 00:04:22.740 You know I work here for the church. 00:04:22.819 --> 00:04:24.100 You know my wife, Sabina. 00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:25.820 You probably have my mobile number. 00:04:26.900 --> 00:04:27.939 You know me. 00:04:29.300 --> 00:04:34.600 But the knowledge of God is far, far greater than a superficial knowledge. 00:04:35.460 --> 00:04:41.660 See, God cares enough for every individual that he knows them intimately. 00:04:41.660 --> 00:04:45.240 He knows their thoughts and their desires. 00:04:46.160 --> 00:04:52.740 Verse 2 says, he knows that when you, he knows when you sit and when you rise before a word even leaves your mouth. 00:04:52.939 --> 00:04:55.460 Verse 4, God knows what you will say. 00:04:55.459 --> 00:05:07.000 So even the things that you might think are unimportant and things you do on a daily basis, God is interested and takes notice of them. 00:05:09.079 --> 00:05:17.000 The fact that God knows you so intimately and is ever watching you should be a reason for you to praise him. 00:05:18.259 --> 00:05:24.819 And this cannot simply remain an abstract theological conviction that we keep over to the side. 00:05:24.819 --> 00:05:27.839 But it must impact how we live. 00:05:28.819 --> 00:05:30.360 And it should comfort us. 00:05:31.399 --> 00:05:38.019 Because God isn't like an overpowering micromanaging line manager watching every move you make. 00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:41.180 Wanting to be CC'd in every email. 00:05:41.939 --> 00:05:45.319 Waiting for you to make that mistake so he can punish you. 00:05:46.620 --> 00:05:50.639 But he is like a loving parent watching over his child. 00:05:50.639 --> 00:05:54.339 Like my little one year old nephew. 00:05:54.339 --> 00:05:57.319 We were in Austria last year for a little while. 00:05:57.360 --> 00:05:58.599 And he was playing on the couch. 00:05:58.839 --> 00:06:03.099 He was rolling around, getting very close to the edge, knowing he's not allowed to. 00:06:03.860 --> 00:06:06.699 Throwing himself quite literally all over the shop. 00:06:07.639 --> 00:06:08.939 Without a care in the world. 00:06:09.060 --> 00:06:09.699 Very happy. 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:10.659 Very confident. 00:06:10.660 --> 00:06:16.040 Because he knew that there were three adults there watching over him. 00:06:17.439 --> 00:06:18.520 He was happy. 00:06:19.040 --> 00:06:19.820 And confident. 00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:20.820 And comforted. 00:06:21.220 --> 00:06:22.920 Because we knew he was there. 00:06:24.200 --> 00:06:28.180 And as a child finds comfort knowing that a parent is watching them. 00:06:28.740 --> 00:06:30.240 Looking out for their best. 00:06:30.680 --> 00:06:31.480 Protecting them. 00:06:31.480 --> 00:06:36.759 So we too should be comforted by the knowledge that God is watching over us. 00:06:36.759 --> 00:06:37.960 Not with a scowl. 00:06:39.080 --> 00:06:44.160 But with the intimate knowledge and deep love of a good father. 00:06:46.660 --> 00:06:50.640 Now if the fact that God knows all things scares you a little bit. 00:06:52.140 --> 00:06:53.860 If it makes you a little bit nervous. 00:06:54.100 --> 00:06:57.280 It would be good to reflect on why that is. 00:06:57.279 --> 00:07:01.939 And what it is in your life that you don't want God to know about. 00:07:04.159 --> 00:07:06.079 But knowing that God knows him. 00:07:06.159 --> 00:07:08.439 David cannot help but say in verse 6. 00:07:08.959 --> 00:07:11.699 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. 00:07:12.299 --> 00:07:14.619 Too lofty for me to attain. 00:07:15.619 --> 00:07:17.239 God knows me. 00:07:17.419 --> 00:07:18.119 David says. 00:07:19.919 --> 00:07:21.979 The second thing we see in this psalm. 00:07:22.639 --> 00:07:24.339 Is that God is with me. 00:07:24.539 --> 00:07:26.579 In verses 7 to 12. 00:07:26.579 --> 00:07:27.699 God is with me. 00:07:28.740 --> 00:07:32.319 So David argues that this all-knowing God. 00:07:33.199 --> 00:07:34.699 And he argues that he is all-knowing. 00:07:34.740 --> 00:07:36.099 Because he is everywhere. 00:07:36.719 --> 00:07:39.240 Look at the language David is using in verse 7. 00:07:40.139 --> 00:07:41.759 Where can I go from your spirit? 00:07:41.899 --> 00:07:43.579 Where can I flee from your presence? 00:07:43.659 --> 00:07:45.519 If I go up to the heavens you're there. 00:07:46.120 --> 00:07:48.240 If I make my bed in the depths. 00:07:48.479 --> 00:07:49.199 You are there. 00:07:51.099 --> 00:07:53.759 David isn't trying to run away from God. 00:07:53.759 --> 00:07:55.199 But he's using examples. 00:07:55.920 --> 00:08:00.779 To express the intimate and constant presence of God. 00:08:02.120 --> 00:08:04.800 See God's knowledge is not limited. 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:08.060 Because God's presence is not limited. 00:08:08.060 --> 00:08:10.120 God is everywhere. 00:08:10.839 --> 00:08:12.600 Including with you. 00:08:14.600 --> 00:08:15.579 In verse 9. 00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:17.480 David uses the sun as an illustration. 00:08:17.699 --> 00:08:19.959 As the light dawns over the skies. 00:08:20.100 --> 00:08:22.079 With such brightness and speed. 00:08:22.300 --> 00:08:23.079 He says. 00:08:23.180 --> 00:08:24.819 If I were to sit on that light. 00:08:24.860 --> 00:08:26.639 As it beamed across the sky. 00:08:27.800 --> 00:08:28.759 Even there. 00:08:29.000 --> 00:08:29.800 Verse 10. 00:08:29.920 --> 00:08:31.259 Even there your hand. 00:08:31.500 --> 00:08:32.480 Will guide me. 00:08:33.080 --> 00:08:35.220 Your right hand will hold me fast. 00:08:35.220 --> 00:08:38.840 Now as one of God's people. 00:08:38.980 --> 00:08:40.779 David is so sure. 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:43.180 That God's loving hand is there to guide. 00:08:43.940 --> 00:08:45.480 To care for him. 00:08:45.800 --> 00:08:46.920 And to lead him. 00:08:47.019 --> 00:08:47.779 And that nothing. 00:08:47.960 --> 00:08:48.840 Not death. 00:08:49.320 --> 00:08:50.379 Not darkness. 00:08:50.940 --> 00:08:53.180 Can separate him from God's presence. 00:08:55.800 --> 00:08:57.440 We know this to be. 00:08:58.120 --> 00:09:00.600 We know this in an even greater sense. 00:09:00.700 --> 00:09:01.920 Than David could grasp. 00:09:01.919 --> 00:09:04.659 Because of where we stand in history. 00:09:05.459 --> 00:09:06.519 Because we look back. 00:09:06.579 --> 00:09:07.419 And we see Jesus. 00:09:07.559 --> 00:09:08.620 We see the sacrifice. 00:09:08.620 --> 00:09:10.000 That he took upon himself. 00:09:10.539 --> 00:09:11.459 On the cross. 00:09:11.500 --> 00:09:13.039 Which means that sinners like us. 00:09:13.039 --> 00:09:14.659 Can become the people of God. 00:09:15.339 --> 00:09:16.599 That we can be certain. 00:09:16.599 --> 00:09:18.379 Of his constant presence. 00:09:18.839 --> 00:09:20.479 With us by the Holy Spirit. 00:09:20.979 --> 00:09:22.679 Who has come to comfort us. 00:09:22.679 --> 00:09:24.120 Until that glorious day. 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:25.479 That he returns. 00:09:27.659 --> 00:09:28.939 There is not a place. 00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:29.719 In this world. 00:09:29.720 --> 00:09:32.279 There is not a moment. 00:09:32.279 --> 00:09:32.960 In history. 00:09:33.960 --> 00:09:35.279 There is not an inch. 00:09:35.279 --> 00:09:36.300 Of your life. 00:09:36.899 --> 00:09:37.980 Where the presence. 00:09:38.120 --> 00:09:38.720 Of God. 00:09:39.540 --> 00:09:40.580 Is not real. 00:09:41.560 --> 00:09:42.560 God is with you. 00:09:42.680 --> 00:09:43.420 By his spirit. 00:09:43.800 --> 00:09:44.620 Every second. 00:09:44.820 --> 00:09:45.620 Of every day. 00:09:46.740 --> 00:09:48.200 And so if you're feeling anxious. 00:09:48.860 --> 00:09:50.040 If there are times. 00:09:50.040 --> 00:09:50.759 Of loneliness. 00:09:50.759 --> 00:09:51.560 And darkness. 00:09:51.560 --> 00:09:52.360 In your life. 00:09:52.800 --> 00:09:53.340 God is there. 00:09:53.379 --> 00:09:54.000 No matter what. 00:09:55.500 --> 00:09:56.519 You are not. 00:09:56.940 --> 00:09:57.379 Alone. 00:09:57.379 --> 00:10:00.399 That truth alone. 00:10:00.399 --> 00:10:02.299 Should comfort our hearts. 00:10:02.879 --> 00:10:05.460 Should comfort our troubled souls. 00:10:06.039 --> 00:10:07.700 And lift our eyes in wonder. 00:10:10.039 --> 00:10:11.320 Should make us ponder. 00:10:11.320 --> 00:10:12.519 How great God is. 00:10:13.279 --> 00:10:14.899 How wonderful it is. 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:15.759 That he promises. 00:10:15.759 --> 00:10:17.759 To always be with his people. 00:10:17.939 --> 00:10:18.559 David says. 00:10:18.620 --> 00:10:20.240 God is with me. 00:10:20.240 --> 00:10:24.080 The third thing. 00:10:24.580 --> 00:10:25.840 We see in this psalm. 00:10:25.879 --> 00:10:26.500 Is that God. 00:10:26.879 --> 00:10:27.580 Made me. 00:10:28.200 --> 00:10:29.799 In verses 13 to 18. 00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:32.340 So David then. 00:10:32.460 --> 00:10:33.580 Hones in on himself. 00:10:34.159 --> 00:10:35.440 And how wonderful. 00:10:35.980 --> 00:10:36.580 Wonderfully. 00:10:36.960 --> 00:10:37.860 And intricate. 00:10:38.279 --> 00:10:39.279 God's creation. 00:10:39.279 --> 00:10:40.639 Of humanity is. 00:10:40.639 --> 00:10:42.340 Read verse 13 with me. 00:10:43.299 --> 00:10:44.240 For you created. 00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:45.659 My inmost being. 00:10:46.379 --> 00:10:47.740 You knit me together. 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:48.860 In my mother's womb. 00:10:48.860 --> 00:10:50.320 Whom I praise you. 00:10:50.419 --> 00:10:50.960 Because. 00:10:51.379 --> 00:10:52.639 I am fearfully. 00:10:53.060 --> 00:10:54.539 And wonderfully made. 00:10:55.159 --> 00:10:56.200 Your works. 00:10:56.340 --> 00:10:57.659 Are wonderful. 00:10:58.480 --> 00:10:59.800 I know that full well. 00:11:01.419 --> 00:11:02.159 So this. 00:11:02.379 --> 00:11:03.180 All knowing. 00:11:03.360 --> 00:11:04.639 Constantly present. 00:11:04.759 --> 00:11:06.500 God is so involved. 00:11:07.019 --> 00:11:08.039 In the care. 00:11:08.180 --> 00:11:08.899 And creation. 00:11:08.899 --> 00:11:10.960 Of every single human being. 00:11:12.340 --> 00:11:13.620 That David says. 00:11:13.700 --> 00:11:13.960 God. 00:11:14.340 --> 00:11:14.899 Personally. 00:11:14.899 --> 00:11:16.240 Knit him together. 00:11:16.240 --> 00:11:17.440 In his mother's womb. 00:11:17.440 --> 00:11:21.060 And it also means. 00:11:22.060 --> 00:11:23.000 That God. 00:11:23.280 --> 00:11:23.740 Knew. 00:11:24.880 --> 00:11:25.520 Loved. 00:11:26.040 --> 00:11:27.560 And was intimately involved. 00:11:27.680 --> 00:11:28.600 With David's life. 00:11:28.720 --> 00:11:30.020 Before he was even born. 00:11:31.860 --> 00:11:32.760 That's why David. 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:34.140 Says in verse 16. 00:11:34.260 --> 00:11:35.020 Your eyes saw. 00:11:35.140 --> 00:11:36.260 My unformed body. 00:11:36.660 --> 00:11:37.540 All the days. 00:11:37.640 --> 00:11:38.600 Ordained for me. 00:11:38.820 --> 00:11:40.140 Were written in your book. 00:11:40.220 --> 00:11:41.140 Before one of them. 00:11:41.260 --> 00:11:42.000 Came to be. 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:45.960 This means. 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:47.460 That you. 00:11:47.460 --> 00:11:48.299 Are not. 00:11:48.759 --> 00:11:49.419 An accident. 00:11:51.460 --> 00:11:52.639 Both the family. 00:11:53.659 --> 00:11:54.899 You were born into. 00:11:55.419 --> 00:11:56.419 As well as the color. 00:11:56.559 --> 00:11:57.200 Of your hair. 00:11:57.320 --> 00:11:59.039 Or the fact that you have no hair. 00:11:59.299 --> 00:12:00.240 Is not. 00:12:00.840 --> 00:12:01.559 An accident. 00:12:02.779 --> 00:12:04.379 God has known it all. 00:12:04.519 --> 00:12:05.419 From the very beginning. 00:12:05.840 --> 00:12:06.519 Of time. 00:12:07.500 --> 00:12:08.100 See a doctor. 00:12:08.240 --> 00:12:08.820 Can tell you. 00:12:08.940 --> 00:12:09.519 All the organs. 00:12:09.519 --> 00:12:10.159 Of your body. 00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:12.079 They can point out. 00:12:12.319 --> 00:12:13.419 The different tendons. 00:12:13.860 --> 00:12:14.159 The different. 00:12:14.319 --> 00:12:15.480 That hold your muscles. 00:12:16.120 --> 00:12:16.899 And ligaments. 00:12:17.179 --> 00:12:18.360 And everything in place. 00:12:18.899 --> 00:12:19.659 They can tell you. 00:12:19.740 --> 00:12:20.939 The different veins. 00:12:21.419 --> 00:12:22.339 That pump blood. 00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:23.259 Around your body. 00:12:23.360 --> 00:12:24.480 But they do not know you. 00:12:24.519 --> 00:12:25.559 Like the God. 00:12:25.699 --> 00:12:27.219 Who made all that happen. 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:30.939 He knows you. 00:12:31.059 --> 00:12:32.360 Like no one else does. 00:12:32.699 --> 00:12:33.159 Because. 00:12:33.699 --> 00:12:34.419 He made you. 00:12:37.399 --> 00:12:38.500 This is precisely. 00:12:38.500 --> 00:12:39.259 Why Christians. 00:12:39.259 --> 00:12:40.179 Should be at the forefront. 00:12:40.179 --> 00:12:41.539 Of human rights issues. 00:12:42.659 --> 00:12:43.600 Caring from. 00:12:44.059 --> 00:12:44.600 For the lives. 00:12:44.600 --> 00:12:45.419 Of all people. 00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:46.299 From the womb. 00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:47.299 To the tomb. 00:12:47.419 --> 00:12:49.179 Because every single person. 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:50.899 Regardless of where you're from. 00:12:51.480 --> 00:12:52.639 Regardless of what you've done. 00:12:52.700 --> 00:12:53.340 In this life. 00:12:53.580 --> 00:12:54.600 Regardless of what culture. 00:12:54.600 --> 00:12:55.559 You were raised in. 00:12:55.799 --> 00:12:57.120 And the color of your skin. 00:12:57.519 --> 00:12:58.939 Every single person. 00:12:59.939 --> 00:13:00.779 Is made. 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:01.620 In the image. 00:13:01.799 --> 00:13:02.360 Of God. 00:13:03.059 --> 00:13:03.980 And that includes. 00:13:04.299 --> 00:13:04.460 You. 00:13:04.460 --> 00:13:05.060 You. 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:09.300 Maybe you've been told. 00:13:09.500 --> 00:13:10.480 Or you have believed. 00:13:11.120 --> 00:13:11.980 Unkind things. 00:13:11.980 --> 00:13:12.660 About yourself. 00:13:14.940 --> 00:13:16.000 Maybe you think. 00:13:16.080 --> 00:13:17.000 That you're worthless. 00:13:18.420 --> 00:13:19.500 Or that you're ugly. 00:13:19.620 --> 00:13:20.720 Or a waste of time. 00:13:20.820 --> 00:13:22.000 Or a waste of space. 00:13:22.500 --> 00:13:23.660 Maybe you're self-conscious. 00:13:23.660 --> 00:13:24.720 About your body. 00:13:25.800 --> 00:13:26.660 And you think. 00:13:26.800 --> 00:13:28.120 That you're some kind of mistake. 00:13:28.200 --> 00:13:28.920 Or let down. 00:13:29.420 --> 00:13:31.000 None of that is true. 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:35.679 You are an image bearer. 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:36.320 Of God. 00:13:37.759 --> 00:13:39.139 Full of worth. 00:13:39.320 --> 00:13:40.279 Full of dignity. 00:13:40.639 --> 00:13:42.080 So beautifully made. 00:13:42.159 --> 00:13:42.879 And put together. 00:13:42.879 --> 00:13:43.620 By God. 00:13:43.779 --> 00:13:44.860 Who sees you. 00:13:45.379 --> 00:13:46.419 Who made you. 00:13:47.039 --> 00:13:47.919 And who loves you. 00:13:49.580 --> 00:13:50.639 Every person. 00:13:50.820 --> 00:13:51.399 In this world. 00:13:51.519 --> 00:13:51.799 Can say. 00:13:51.940 --> 00:13:53.080 With absolute confidence. 00:13:53.080 --> 00:13:53.720 With David. 00:13:53.860 --> 00:13:54.720 Verse 14. 00:13:55.059 --> 00:13:56.200 I am fearfully. 00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:57.980 And wonderfully made. 00:13:57.980 --> 00:14:01.539 And now our response. 00:14:01.539 --> 00:14:01.940 To that. 00:14:02.060 --> 00:14:03.080 Should be the exact same. 00:14:03.080 --> 00:14:03.899 As David's. 00:14:04.180 --> 00:14:05.860 In verses 17 to 18. 00:14:06.019 --> 00:14:07.180 Pondering the vast. 00:14:07.580 --> 00:14:08.420 And intricate. 00:14:08.420 --> 00:14:09.480 Nature of. 00:14:09.860 --> 00:14:11.279 God being all-knowing. 00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:12.659 All-wise. 00:14:12.759 --> 00:14:14.120 Should explode. 00:14:14.680 --> 00:14:15.720 In praise. 00:14:19.320 --> 00:14:20.759 Because his thoughts. 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:21.659 Are magnificent. 00:14:22.940 --> 00:14:23.820 His purposes. 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:24.960 Are wonderful. 00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:26.840 And his plan. 00:14:26.840 --> 00:14:28.320 Whilst we may never. 00:14:28.320 --> 00:14:29.259 Understand it. 00:14:29.860 --> 00:14:30.540 Is good. 00:14:33.620 --> 00:14:34.639 Every attribute. 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:35.660 That we've seen of God. 00:14:35.720 --> 00:14:36.540 As we've traveled through. 00:14:36.540 --> 00:14:37.480 This series together. 00:14:37.480 --> 00:14:38.560 Should help us see. 00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:40.340 That behind. 00:14:40.480 --> 00:14:41.379 All of that. 00:14:42.320 --> 00:14:43.139 That all of that. 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:43.420 Sorry. 00:14:43.480 --> 00:14:44.340 Is behind this. 00:14:44.660 --> 00:14:45.019 Wonderful. 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:45.820 Knowledge. 00:14:45.820 --> 00:14:46.500 Of God. 00:14:47.500 --> 00:14:48.280 The good. 00:14:48.280 --> 00:14:49.240 And holy God. 00:14:49.340 --> 00:14:50.200 The loving. 00:14:50.379 --> 00:14:51.220 And faithful God. 00:14:51.280 --> 00:14:52.180 The all-powerful. 00:14:52.240 --> 00:14:52.720 And infinite. 00:14:52.720 --> 00:14:53.019 God. 00:14:53.100 --> 00:14:53.740 And so on. 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:54.639 Is the one. 00:14:54.639 --> 00:14:55.379 Who ultimately. 00:14:55.379 --> 00:14:56.240 Knows you. 00:14:56.659 --> 00:14:57.379 Loves you. 00:14:57.639 --> 00:14:58.919 And cares for you. 00:14:59.000 --> 00:14:59.820 He knows you better. 00:14:59.820 --> 00:15:01.279 Than you even know yourself. 00:15:05.480 --> 00:15:06.259 And the fact. 00:15:06.320 --> 00:15:07.179 That God knows you. 00:15:08.799 --> 00:15:09.460 Knows us. 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:10.120 So intimately. 00:15:10.120 --> 00:15:10.840 Should impact. 00:15:10.840 --> 00:15:11.659 The way we live. 00:15:14.939 --> 00:15:16.240 God created us. 00:15:16.240 --> 00:15:16.840 And therefore. 00:15:16.840 --> 00:15:17.899 He knows what is best. 00:15:17.899 --> 00:15:18.399 For us. 00:15:18.399 --> 00:15:20.399 And yet. 00:15:20.459 --> 00:15:20.980 So often. 00:15:20.980 --> 00:15:22.379 We go against his word. 00:15:22.379 --> 00:15:23.019 And his will. 00:15:23.079 --> 00:15:23.439 Don't we? 00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:24.220 Because we think. 00:15:24.220 --> 00:15:25.600 We know what is best. 00:15:27.639 --> 00:15:28.840 We decide to pick. 00:15:28.899 --> 00:15:29.259 And choose. 00:15:29.259 --> 00:15:30.379 What parts of the Bible. 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:31.439 We want to believe. 00:15:31.439 --> 00:15:32.139 And obey. 00:15:32.259 --> 00:15:33.559 We gossip about our boss. 00:15:33.639 --> 00:15:34.519 Behind their backs. 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:36.259 We lie to our loved ones. 00:15:36.319 --> 00:15:38.319 We don't follow God's instructions. 00:15:38.740 --> 00:15:40.039 About who to date. 00:15:40.199 --> 00:15:41.039 Who to marry. 00:15:42.899 --> 00:15:43.699 About how. 00:15:43.899 --> 00:15:45.279 To live in this world. 00:15:45.279 --> 00:15:47.539 About even how to worship God. 00:15:47.659 --> 00:15:49.059 Like he says we should. 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:53.699 God tells us. 00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:54.500 To live the way. 00:15:54.500 --> 00:15:55.299 That he does. 00:15:55.860 --> 00:15:57.559 Not because he is a killjoy. 00:15:58.720 --> 00:16:00.120 But because he is all knowing. 00:16:00.299 --> 00:16:01.279 And all wise. 00:16:01.860 --> 00:16:02.879 And he knows you better. 00:16:02.980 --> 00:16:04.100 Than you know yourself. 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:06.299 He knows what is right. 00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:06.899 For you. 00:16:08.319 --> 00:16:09.819 So do not turn away from him. 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:11.199 And follow your own desires. 00:16:11.199 --> 00:16:12.439 But come to him. 00:16:12.720 --> 00:16:13.679 In humility. 00:16:14.459 --> 00:16:15.259 And honor him. 00:16:15.259 --> 00:16:16.019 With your life. 00:16:17.840 --> 00:16:18.939 God knows you. 00:16:20.159 --> 00:16:21.279 God is with you. 00:16:21.399 --> 00:16:22.259 God made you. 00:16:23.120 --> 00:16:23.899 And then the fourth. 00:16:23.899 --> 00:16:24.600 And final thing. 00:16:24.679 --> 00:16:25.679 We see in this psalm. 00:16:26.039 --> 00:16:28.120 Is that God will vindicate me. 00:16:28.500 --> 00:16:30.879 In verses 19 to 24. 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:34.080 See the tone of the psalm. 00:16:34.179 --> 00:16:36.360 Changes from verse 19 onwards. 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:38.319 And instead of it being a prayer. 00:16:38.659 --> 00:16:39.659 Of thanksgiving. 00:16:39.819 --> 00:16:40.919 And praise to God. 00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:42.480 David now prays. 00:16:42.480 --> 00:16:44.259 That God would vindicate him. 00:16:44.259 --> 00:16:45.220 And deliver him. 00:16:45.220 --> 00:16:45.960 From his enemies. 00:16:46.559 --> 00:16:47.939 Read verse 19 with me. 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:49.799 If only you God. 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:51.000 Would slay the wicked. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:52.220 Away from me. 00:16:52.679 --> 00:16:54.159 You who are bloodthirsty. 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:57.519 Now here we see the context. 00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:58.659 That this psalm was written. 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:00.919 David hasn't written. 00:17:00.919 --> 00:17:02.319 This wonderful description. 00:17:02.779 --> 00:17:03.939 And praise of God. 00:17:03.939 --> 00:17:04.779 From the comfort. 00:17:04.779 --> 00:17:05.900 Of a cushy life. 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:06.619 In the palace. 00:17:06.619 --> 00:17:07.220 In Jerusalem. 00:17:07.220 --> 00:17:10.420 He's in some kind of trouble. 00:17:10.519 --> 00:17:12.059 We don't know exactly what it is. 00:17:12.180 --> 00:17:13.960 Or when exactly this happened. 00:17:14.319 --> 00:17:15.660 But aren't you thankful. 00:17:15.660 --> 00:17:17.460 That that's the context of this song. 00:17:19.319 --> 00:17:20.400 I know I am. 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:23.660 Because it gives me a sense of reality. 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:26.940 So the Bible wasn't written. 00:17:27.140 --> 00:17:28.279 By perfect people. 00:17:28.279 --> 00:17:30.019 Who lived perfect lives. 00:17:30.019 --> 00:17:31.740 Who lived happily ever after. 00:17:31.740 --> 00:17:34.859 Many of them suffered. 00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:39.079 David suffered so many times in his life. 00:17:39.180 --> 00:17:41.440 Sometimes as a result of his own sin. 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:44.980 And at other times as a result of other people's sins. 00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:46.440 But his troubles. 00:17:47.700 --> 00:17:49.259 Pushed him towards God. 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:51.640 As his refuge. 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:54.259 Because this God is all knowing. 00:17:54.900 --> 00:17:56.339 And he is all wise. 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:58.700 God sees all things. 00:17:58.700 --> 00:18:02.779 Now how can an all knowing God. 00:18:03.340 --> 00:18:04.700 Allow suffering. 00:18:07.600 --> 00:18:08.120 Suffering. 00:18:08.380 --> 00:18:10.860 Is part and parcel of living in a broken. 00:18:11.220 --> 00:18:12.480 Sin stained world. 00:18:12.580 --> 00:18:13.720 But that doesn't make it easy. 00:18:14.900 --> 00:18:17.559 We see horrible things on our news screens. 00:18:17.880 --> 00:18:18.440 Discrimination. 00:18:19.180 --> 00:18:19.559 War. 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:20.480 Crime. 00:18:21.080 --> 00:18:22.660 We feel suffering ourselves. 00:18:22.840 --> 00:18:23.860 Broken bodies. 00:18:24.720 --> 00:18:26.420 Family breakdowns. 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:27.980 And it all hurts. 00:18:27.980 --> 00:18:29.360 It is all suffering. 00:18:32.620 --> 00:18:33.539 In our culture. 00:18:33.680 --> 00:18:35.400 We see no good reason for suffering. 00:18:36.440 --> 00:18:38.779 And so we cry out in pain. 00:18:38.880 --> 00:18:39.819 We want it to be gone. 00:18:39.880 --> 00:18:40.539 And we cry out. 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:41.160 Why? 00:18:42.620 --> 00:18:43.880 Why am I suffering? 00:18:45.400 --> 00:18:46.920 And that's not a bad thing. 00:18:48.120 --> 00:18:50.360 Because that points us to the truth. 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:51.640 That when suffering happens. 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:53.599 It is the result of sin. 00:18:55.039 --> 00:18:56.500 That may be general sin. 00:18:56.500 --> 00:18:58.720 Or the sin of others around us. 00:18:59.099 --> 00:19:01.420 Or maybe the consequences of our own sin. 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:03.359 Suffering. 00:19:03.460 --> 00:19:04.359 Whilst we never. 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:07.019 We may never know why. 00:19:08.779 --> 00:19:10.519 It does happen to us. 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:14.099 It presents us with a decision. 00:19:14.099 --> 00:19:16.599 You either run to God. 00:19:16.599 --> 00:19:17.679 And find comfort. 00:19:18.319 --> 00:19:19.879 Or you run away from him. 00:19:21.159 --> 00:19:22.359 And you are hopeless. 00:19:25.599 --> 00:19:29.199 Suffering can be that thing that pushes people towards God. 00:19:30.159 --> 00:19:31.399 That doesn't make it easy. 00:19:32.119 --> 00:19:34.279 And it doesn't always answer the why question. 00:19:34.279 --> 00:19:36.440 But the Bible tells us. 00:19:36.440 --> 00:19:39.240 Instead of trying to focus on the why suffering. 00:19:39.940 --> 00:19:41.240 The why of suffering. 00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:41.700 Instead. 00:19:42.059 --> 00:19:43.700 We should be looking at the who. 00:19:44.420 --> 00:19:46.859 Looking at this great God who is all knowing. 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:49.599 This great God who does see all things. 00:19:50.639 --> 00:19:53.139 And that even if we don't understand what's going on. 00:19:53.700 --> 00:19:54.660 He does. 00:19:54.660 --> 00:19:58.420 See throughout history. 00:19:59.220 --> 00:20:02.300 Atrocious acts have happened behind closed doors. 00:20:03.759 --> 00:20:06.080 Plans have been hatched that have cost. 00:20:06.340 --> 00:20:08.980 Thousands of people their lives. 00:20:09.840 --> 00:20:11.980 Oppressed countless people. 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:15.779 Even in recent years and days. 00:20:15.900 --> 00:20:18.299 Taliban soldiers killing innocent men. 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:20.000 Women and children. 00:20:26.839 --> 00:20:29.319 Hunting and persecuting Christians. 00:20:30.819 --> 00:20:33.120 Countries invading other countries. 00:20:37.620 --> 00:20:40.819 Putting the whole world on alert with nuclear dangers. 00:20:41.980 --> 00:20:46.539 Thousands of children being killed. 00:20:46.539 --> 00:20:49.339 Before they even get the chance to take their first breath. 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:56.740 Millions fleeing their homes. 00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:59.559 From persecution in search of safety. 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:03.279 God sees it all. 00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:05.940 And on that final day. 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:07.960 He will bring. 00:21:09.099 --> 00:21:10.220 True justice. 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:13.980 He will right every wrong. 00:21:14.660 --> 00:21:17.640 And every person will be held accountable for their actions. 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:20.019 And how they responded to Jesus. 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:25.599 Now because we trust in a perfectly good God. 00:21:25.660 --> 00:21:26.660 Who knows all things. 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:29.299 We do not have to understand. 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:32.360 And know all things. 00:21:33.160 --> 00:21:34.500 That is a relief. 00:21:34.640 --> 00:21:37.120 I don't need to understand everything that is going on. 00:21:37.140 --> 00:21:38.599 Because I know the God who is. 00:21:38.880 --> 00:21:40.519 And I can trust that he is good. 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:50.940 And trust that his good will will happen. 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:55.860 God knows our suffering. 00:21:55.960 --> 00:21:57.160 And that should comfort us. 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:58.019 It's a relief. 00:22:01.620 --> 00:22:03.500 Whilst we cry out to God in prayer. 00:22:03.940 --> 00:22:05.779 We can still leave things with him. 00:22:05.840 --> 00:22:09.299 But more than the fact that God knows what it knows. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:10.220 Our sufferings. 00:22:10.940 --> 00:22:14.039 He also knows what it is like to suffer himself. 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:17.039 See Jesus knowledge of suffering. 00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:18.879 Of suffering isn't theoretical. 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:23.000 He lived in our world. 00:22:23.119 --> 00:22:25.879 He felt the pain of losing close friends. 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:27.940 He knows what it means to be betrayed. 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:30.980 He was grieved as he saw the destruction. 00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:33.639 That sin has caused in the world. 00:22:33.720 --> 00:22:34.899 In individuals lives. 00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:36.180 And he felt that himself. 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:38.399 He walked to his death. 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:44.920 Was beaten and nailed to a cross. 00:22:45.540 --> 00:22:46.840 The innocent one. 00:22:47.860 --> 00:22:50.019 Dying in the place of us the guilty. 00:22:52.540 --> 00:22:55.820 See Jesus has both the knowledge and experience of suffering. 00:22:56.160 --> 00:22:57.800 And he is not indifferent to it. 00:22:58.440 --> 00:23:00.880 But he is also not defeated by it. 00:23:01.840 --> 00:23:03.519 See Jesus rose from the dead. 00:23:03.600 --> 00:23:06.940 Making it possible for us to be in a right relationship with God. 00:23:06.940 --> 00:23:13.240 And helping us know this great God who knows you. 00:23:13.660 --> 00:23:14.779 Who is with you. 00:23:14.880 --> 00:23:15.539 Who made you. 00:23:15.660 --> 00:23:18.500 And who will vindicate you through Jesus. 00:23:20.600 --> 00:23:26.299 That is the ultimate comfort of knowing this all-knowing, all-wise God. 00:23:27.559 --> 00:23:30.940 So look at how David concludes this psalm in verse 23. 00:23:30.940 --> 00:23:34.360 Search me God and know my heart. 00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:37.200 Test me and know my anxious thoughts. 00:23:37.660 --> 00:23:42.640 See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. 00:23:45.120 --> 00:23:50.200 David recognizes that this same sin is in his own heart. 00:23:50.200 --> 00:23:54.019 And he asks for God to vindicate him. 00:23:54.100 --> 00:23:55.380 To make him blameless. 00:23:55.660 --> 00:23:58.539 And to lead him in the way of everlasting. 00:23:58.779 --> 00:24:00.480 To bring that into today's language. 00:24:00.640 --> 00:24:03.240 David recognizes his own sinful heart. 00:24:03.480 --> 00:24:04.600 And he repents. 00:24:05.240 --> 00:24:07.380 Asking the Lord to forgive him. 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:11.299 And to help him walk the path of everlasting life. 00:24:11.500 --> 00:24:14.840 That is only found in a right relationship with God the Father. 00:24:14.839 --> 00:24:22.500 God is able to see into our hearts because he is all-knowing. 00:24:23.659 --> 00:24:25.619 God is able to vindicate us. 00:24:25.699 --> 00:24:28.419 Make us blameless of sin through Jesus. 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:32.159 And God has promised to be with his people. 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:37.379 In the end, God will dwell with us forever. 00:24:38.459 --> 00:24:42.519 And so we can rejoice knowing the all-knowing God is looking out for his people. 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:47.619 You can rejoice because God's perfect knowledge is intimate. 00:24:51.079 --> 00:24:57.700 But the other response about this all-knowing God is that it should make us tremble. 00:24:59.559 --> 00:25:02.960 So for the non-Christian, for the one who doesn't believe in Jesus, 00:25:03.139 --> 00:25:05.980 this means that when you stand before God on that final day, 00:25:06.160 --> 00:25:08.319 you will not receive the love of a father. 00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:11.720 But you will receive the sentence of a judge. 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:18.919 So listen to the call of a father who begs you to come to him. 00:25:19.619 --> 00:25:20.980 Because he knows you. 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:22.299 And he loves you. 00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:26.279 Live the life he created you to live. 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:31.700 And for the Christian, it should also make us tremble, 00:25:31.779 --> 00:25:33.399 not in the sense that we're afraid, 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:38.660 but it should produce in us a healthy fear of the Lord. 00:25:39.799 --> 00:25:42.879 That fear of the Lord means a feeling of awe, 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:46.440 a sense of majesty as we approach this God 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:49.259 who is far greater than we can even begin to comprehend. 00:25:49.259 --> 00:25:54.000 And we get to call him our father. 00:25:57.079 --> 00:26:01.920 That fear should produce in us a desire to live the way he wants us to. 00:26:03.660 --> 00:26:05.579 Wholeheartedly devoted to him, 00:26:05.660 --> 00:26:07.579 living in a way that brings him glory, 00:26:07.740 --> 00:26:10.019 forsaking all else that would distract us from him. 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:14.440 So that is Psalm 139, 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:16.740 a snapshot of the wonderful, 00:26:16.940 --> 00:26:19.200 all-knowing God who knows you, 00:26:20.119 --> 00:26:21.700 who is with you, 00:26:22.119 --> 00:26:22.920 who made you, 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:24.779 and the God who will vindicate you. 00:26:27.099 --> 00:26:29.460 Now think back to that isolated puzzle piece. 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:32.639 You can take, 00:26:33.099 --> 00:26:34.940 you can look at an individual puzzle piece 00:26:34.940 --> 00:26:36.720 and you can get a glimpse of beauty, 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:39.940 but you only truly grasp 00:26:39.940 --> 00:26:42.799 how marvelous it is when you see the whole picture. 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:45.319 Throughout this series, 00:26:45.420 --> 00:26:46.900 we have seen little puzzle pieces 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:48.700 that have been laid out 00:26:48.700 --> 00:26:50.640 in order that we take a step back. 00:26:51.860 --> 00:26:53.880 And with praise on our lips, 00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:56.079 with amazement in our minds, 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:58.700 we gasp and we say, 00:26:59.360 --> 00:27:01.440 this is our wonderful God. 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:04.839 Let's pray together. 00:27:06.720 --> 00:27:09.480 Father, 00:27:09.559 --> 00:27:11.259 as we come to this topic 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:13.140 of you being all-knowing and all-wise, 00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:15.259 we have but scratched the surface. 00:27:16.620 --> 00:27:18.440 We have so many questions, 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:20.980 so many thoughts, 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:25.759 and we recognize that we may never get the answers, 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:28.660 but we come to you, 00:27:28.740 --> 00:27:29.720 the one who is good, 00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:32.360 the one who is loving, 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:35.439 the one who is trustworthy, 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:36.759 faithful, 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:42.619 and the one who sent his son to die in our place. 00:27:44.379 --> 00:27:44.779 Father, 00:27:44.839 --> 00:27:46.299 as we turn now to discuss 00:27:46.299 --> 00:27:49.919 the implications of these truths in our lives, 00:27:49.979 --> 00:27:51.099 would you help us, 00:27:51.199 --> 00:27:51.939 by your spirit, 00:27:52.899 --> 00:27:54.059 to see the comfort 00:27:54.059 --> 00:27:55.719 and the challenge 00:27:55.719 --> 00:27:57.339 of these truths 00:27:57.339 --> 00:27:59.419 for our day-to-day lives. 00:28:00.599 --> 00:28:01.879 Help us become 00:28:01.879 --> 00:28:03.699 better disciples 00:28:03.699 --> 00:28:04.819 of Jesus Christ. 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:07.599 It is for his glory 00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:08.899 and in his name 00:28:08.899 --> 00:28:09.480 that we pray. 00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:10.859 Amen. 00:28:10.859 --> 00:28:11.039 Amen. 00:28:11.179 --> 00:28:11.279 Amen. 00:28:11.279 --> 00:28:12.279 Amen. 00:28:12.279 --> 00:28:13.179 Amen. 00:28:13.179 --> 00:28:13.279 Amen. 00:28:13.279 --> 00:28:14.199 Amen. 00:28:14.199 --> 00:28:15.199 Amen. 00:28:15.199 --> 00:28:15.279 Amen. 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:15.319 Amen. 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:15.339 Amen. 00:28:15.339 --> 00:28:15.379 Amen. 00:28:15.379 --> 00:28:15.419 Amen. 00:28:15.419 --> 00:28:15.480 Amen. 00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:15.819 Amen. 00:28:15.819 --> 00:28:15.839 Amen. 00:28:15.839 --> 00:28:15.859 Amen. 00:28:15.859 --> 00:28:15.919 Amen. 00:28:15.919 --> 00:28:15.939 Amen. 00:28:15.939 --> 00:28:15.980 Amen. 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:16.039 Amen. 00:28:16.039 --> 00:28:16.099 Amen. 00:28:16.099 --> 00:28:16.179 Amen.