WEBVTT 00:00:00.960 --> 00:00:06.820 Well, good morning, church. It's good to be with you on this Sunday after Christmas Day. 00:00:07.940 --> 00:00:16.580 Our sermon text is Psalm 139. Psalm 139. Let me pray for us. Let me pray for us. 00:00:17.199 --> 00:00:19.019 And then we'll consider this psalm together. 00:00:19.019 --> 00:00:31.079 Amen. Our Father in heaven, we thank you for bringing us through another year and for being so faithful to us. 00:00:32.200 --> 00:00:48.640 God, we ask now that on this last Sunday of the year, as we turn to your word, you would grant us by your Holy Spirit the illumination that we need to understand your word properly and to receive it, not just in our heads, but in our hearts. 00:00:49.420 --> 00:00:57.359 So that we might be changed to know you, to love you, and to go into this world as salt and light. 00:00:57.859 --> 00:01:01.520 God, we need you. Without you, we are nothing. 00:01:02.280 --> 00:01:06.079 But we thank you that you know us and you love us and you meet us in your word. 00:01:06.260 --> 00:01:10.040 So we pray that you would do that now for your namesake. Amen. 00:01:12.780 --> 00:01:16.260 Psalm 139. Let me go ahead and read this for us. 00:01:16.260 --> 00:01:19.180 To the choir master, a psalm of David. 00:01:19.180 --> 00:01:24.380 Oh, Lord, you have searched me and known me. 00:01:25.480 --> 00:01:27.920 You know when I sit down and when I rise up. 00:01:28.180 --> 00:01:29.920 You discern my thoughts from afar. 00:01:30.800 --> 00:01:35.260 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 00:01:36.040 --> 00:01:40.120 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, oh, Lord, you know it all together. 00:01:40.120 --> 00:01:45.600 You hem me in behind and before and lay your hand upon me. 00:01:46.100 --> 00:01:48.439 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. 00:01:48.920 --> 00:01:49.740 It is high. 00:01:50.100 --> 00:01:51.359 I cannot attain it. 00:01:51.359 --> 00:01:56.519 Where shall I go from your spirit or where shall I flee from your presence? 00:01:56.640 --> 00:01:58.299 If I ascend to heaven, you are there. 00:01:58.519 --> 00:02:00.700 If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. 00:02:01.039 --> 00:02:05.260 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 00:02:05.400 --> 00:02:09.159 even there your hand shall lead me and your right hand shall hold me. 00:02:09.159 --> 00:02:15.280 If I say surely the darkness shall cover me and the light about me be night, 00:02:15.780 --> 00:02:17.800 even the darkness is not dark to you. 00:02:18.219 --> 00:02:21.780 The night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. 00:02:22.139 --> 00:02:23.939 For you formed my inward parts. 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:25.879 You knitted me together in my mother's womb. 00:02:26.259 --> 00:02:29.859 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 00:02:30.579 --> 00:02:31.939 Wonderful are your works. 00:02:32.560 --> 00:02:34.099 My soul knows it very well. 00:02:34.099 --> 00:02:37.780 My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, 00:02:38.219 --> 00:02:40.379 intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 00:02:40.819 --> 00:02:43.759 Your eyes saw my unformed substance. 00:02:44.379 --> 00:02:48.019 In your book were written every one of them the days that were formed for me, 00:02:48.340 --> 00:02:49.859 when as yet there was none of them. 00:02:50.319 --> 00:02:53.900 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! 00:02:54.459 --> 00:02:56.340 How vast is the sum of them! 00:02:56.719 --> 00:03:00.500 If I could count them, they are more than the sand. 00:03:01.120 --> 00:03:03.780 I wake, and I am still with you. 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:06.879 Oh, that you would slay the wicked, O God! 00:03:07.620 --> 00:03:09.159 O men of blood, depart from me! 00:03:09.659 --> 00:03:12.400 They speak against you with malicious intent, your enemies. 00:03:12.719 --> 00:03:13.759 Take your name in vain. 00:03:14.620 --> 00:03:16.479 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? 00:03:16.900 --> 00:03:19.240 And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 00:03:19.699 --> 00:03:21.359 I hate them with complete hatred. 00:03:21.459 --> 00:03:22.500 I count them my enemies. 00:03:23.500 --> 00:03:26.120 Search me, O God, and know my heart. 00:03:27.000 --> 00:03:29.019 Try me, and know my thoughts. 00:03:29.579 --> 00:03:32.439 And see if there be any grievous way in me. 00:03:32.439 --> 00:03:35.560 And lead me in the way everlasting. 00:03:38.680 --> 00:03:43.379 Well, this end of the year, we've been walking through the Psalms, 00:03:43.560 --> 00:03:46.199 and we've been doing sort of the Psalms' greatest hits. 00:03:46.419 --> 00:03:51.340 And Psalm 139 is rightfully one of the most well-known and well-loved of the Psalms. 00:03:51.340 --> 00:03:58.280 But the main theme of Psalm 139 is one that at first can seem a bit abstract. 00:03:59.800 --> 00:04:04.599 Because Psalm 139 is about God's omniscience. 00:04:05.539 --> 00:04:08.060 That is, God knows everything. 00:04:08.360 --> 00:04:10.580 He is the all-knowing God. 00:04:10.659 --> 00:04:13.939 You can sort of scan down through this Psalm if you have it in front of you. 00:04:13.939 --> 00:04:16.079 And just look at how often this Psalm says, 00:04:16.379 --> 00:04:19.879 God knows, God searches, God sees, God knows, God's there, He knows. 00:04:20.180 --> 00:04:21.019 He knows everything. 00:04:22.699 --> 00:04:25.500 And too often when we think about God's attributes, 00:04:25.620 --> 00:04:27.819 especially one like God's omniscience, 00:04:28.040 --> 00:04:32.720 it can feel a bit stuffy and academic and even a bit impractical. 00:04:34.879 --> 00:04:38.680 I mean, God's omniscience sounds like something that might be fun to debate late at night 00:04:38.680 --> 00:04:40.180 with friends around a cup of coffee. 00:04:40.180 --> 00:04:43.100 You know, how many angels really do fit on the head of that needle. 00:04:44.040 --> 00:04:47.079 But in the nitty-gritty of real life, does it make a difference? 00:04:50.040 --> 00:04:53.100 But in verses 19 through 22 of this Psalm, 00:04:53.420 --> 00:04:58.560 we see that the psalmist, David, is very much in the nitty-gritty of real life. 00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:03.000 These verses near the end are a bit shocking when you read them at first, aren't they? 00:05:03.819 --> 00:05:06.160 David, it seems, is surrounded by enemies, 00:05:06.160 --> 00:05:09.980 by people who hate him and hate God, by people who are out for blood. 00:05:10.180 --> 00:05:12.900 That is very nitty and very gritty. 00:05:14.019 --> 00:05:15.240 And what does David do? 00:05:17.019 --> 00:05:23.540 He prays about and he meditates on, of all things, God's omniscience. 00:05:23.540 --> 00:05:38.620 This psalm shows us that God's all-knowingness, his omniscience, is intensely personal and intensely practical. 00:05:39.759 --> 00:05:48.420 Because if God knows all things, then that means he knows all things about me and about you. 00:05:48.420 --> 00:05:52.900 Not just in general, but in particular, all the way down. 00:05:53.220 --> 00:05:54.420 We are fully known. 00:05:55.420 --> 00:06:02.400 And Psalm 139 shows us four very practical applications of knowing the God who knows everything. 00:06:02.600 --> 00:06:05.139 Not just generally, but personally about you. 00:06:05.139 --> 00:06:14.539 And these four very practical applications are humility, comfort, praise, and cleansing. 00:06:15.539 --> 00:06:26.419 Knowing the God who knows everything about you means humility, comfort, praise, and cleansing. 00:06:26.420 --> 00:06:27.520 So let's take a look. 00:06:27.920 --> 00:06:36.420 In verses 1 through 6, we see that because God knows everything about you, you must be humble. 00:06:37.620 --> 00:06:38.840 Let's read these lines again. 00:06:39.060 --> 00:06:40.819 And notice how David says in so many words, 00:06:40.819 --> 00:07:05.939 Such knowledge, he says, is too wonderful for me. 00:07:06.339 --> 00:07:07.019 It's high. 00:07:07.600 --> 00:07:08.719 I cannot attain it. 00:07:08.720 --> 00:07:11.760 It's too wonderful for me. 00:07:11.880 --> 00:07:12.960 It's high. 00:07:13.520 --> 00:07:15.120 I cannot attain it. 00:07:17.280 --> 00:07:19.980 Now, we don't often admit that these days, do we? 00:07:20.680 --> 00:07:28.500 We've spent the last 300 years or so as humans figuring that we can figure out pretty much anything with our reason or intellect. 00:07:28.500 --> 00:07:38.720 But isn't it the case that while science and reason and all these sorts of things have allowed us to discover wonderful things about the universe, 00:07:39.860 --> 00:07:41.560 aren't there still countless mysteries? 00:07:42.300 --> 00:07:48.540 And in particular, isn't it the case that the human heart still remains very much a mystery? 00:07:48.540 --> 00:07:55.040 God doesn't just know where we've been when I sit down and when I rise up. 00:07:55.080 --> 00:07:59.660 But God knows our very thoughts, the innermost thing about us. 00:07:59.740 --> 00:08:03.280 Even before a word is on my tongue, oh Lord, you know it. 00:08:03.700 --> 00:08:04.220 Altogether. 00:08:05.220 --> 00:08:06.640 God knows everything. 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:08.240 He doesn't just know what you do. 00:08:08.439 --> 00:08:10.120 He knows why you do it. 00:08:10.120 --> 00:08:14.560 And that brings humility. 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:16.740 It's too wonderful for me. 00:08:17.319 --> 00:08:18.120 It's high. 00:08:18.280 --> 00:08:19.280 I can't attain it. 00:08:19.959 --> 00:08:25.959 Just when we thought we might have it all figured out, we encounter the one who really does have it all figured out. 00:08:25.959 --> 00:08:35.340 And so when we are tempted to pride, when we are tempted to elevate ourselves on the basis of what we know, 00:08:35.480 --> 00:08:44.120 what we think we have figured out, it is very good for us to remember our knowledge is just a fraction of what God knows. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:52.419 What we know is just a little spark before the all-consuming fire of the all-knowing God. 00:08:52.419 --> 00:08:57.319 And of course, this doesn't mean that we can't know things truly. 00:08:58.019 --> 00:09:02.919 David isn't doubting whether or not he can actually have some true understanding of the world or himself. 00:09:04.719 --> 00:09:06.360 But it's sort of like looking at a map. 00:09:07.059 --> 00:09:13.679 You know, when I look at a map of my street on my phone, I know most of the streets. 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:15.559 You know, I recognize most of the houses. 00:09:15.979 --> 00:09:17.000 But then what do we do? 00:09:17.059 --> 00:09:19.599 We sort of, you kind of swipe your fingers together like that, right? 00:09:19.620 --> 00:09:20.199 And what happens? 00:09:20.819 --> 00:09:21.819 Zooms out a little bit. 00:09:22.419 --> 00:09:23.959 I swipe my fingers together. 00:09:24.099 --> 00:09:24.799 It zooms out. 00:09:25.019 --> 00:09:28.259 And then you do it some more and some more and some more. 00:09:28.399 --> 00:09:31.639 And the map suddenly is not just showing my street, but my neighborhood. 00:09:32.599 --> 00:09:34.199 And then our city. 00:09:34.419 --> 00:09:35.959 And then our continent. 00:09:36.539 --> 00:09:39.899 And then you do it again and you can see like the whole world, right? 00:09:39.979 --> 00:09:40.959 Sitting there on your phone. 00:09:42.559 --> 00:09:45.479 But what if you could keep swiping further out? 00:09:46.319 --> 00:09:48.659 Solar system upon solar system. 00:09:49.159 --> 00:09:50.939 Galaxy upon galaxy. 00:09:50.940 --> 00:09:51.060 Galaxy. 00:09:52.900 --> 00:09:55.280 If we had a map like that, it would be dizzying. 00:09:57.880 --> 00:10:05.040 But realize with God, you can't just, you know, you can swipe not just out and out and out, but in and in and in. 00:10:05.160 --> 00:10:06.720 Down and down and down. 00:10:06.860 --> 00:10:07.900 Not just to the neighborhood. 00:10:08.540 --> 00:10:09.600 Not just to the street. 00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:11.620 But to the house. 00:10:11.620 --> 00:10:13.379 And to the person. 00:10:14.379 --> 00:10:16.759 And God's map goes down into our words. 00:10:17.120 --> 00:10:19.080 And his map goes down into our thoughts. 00:10:19.320 --> 00:10:20.580 And down into our motives. 00:10:20.860 --> 00:10:23.159 And all the way down to our deep desires and dreams. 00:10:23.279 --> 00:10:24.180 All the way down. 00:10:24.820 --> 00:10:25.720 Nothing is hidden. 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:27.759 We are fully known. 00:10:27.759 --> 00:10:32.860 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. 00:10:33.840 --> 00:10:37.220 We are humbled before the all-knowing God. 00:10:38.779 --> 00:10:40.360 So as we deal with others. 00:10:40.600 --> 00:10:42.179 As we deal with ourselves. 00:10:43.299 --> 00:10:45.980 Remember there's only one who knows everything. 00:10:46.360 --> 00:10:47.159 It's God. 00:10:47.159 --> 00:10:49.980 And therefore we must be humble. 00:10:53.319 --> 00:10:54.579 But not just humble. 00:10:55.579 --> 00:10:57.639 The psalm goes on in verses 7 through 10. 00:10:58.439 --> 00:11:00.939 And says, because God knows everything about you. 00:11:01.679 --> 00:11:03.059 You must be comforted. 00:11:04.860 --> 00:11:06.139 In these verses, notice. 00:11:06.399 --> 00:11:09.699 Notice how the knowledge of God follows us wherever we go. 00:11:09.799 --> 00:11:10.500 Let me read them again. 00:11:10.500 --> 00:11:12.059 Where shall I go from your spirit? 00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:14.279 Where shall I flee from your presence? 00:11:14.460 --> 00:11:15.500 If I ascend to the heaven? 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:16.039 You're there. 00:11:16.200 --> 00:11:17.580 If I make my bed in Sheol? 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:19.019 That is all the way down in the earth. 00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:19.919 Down in the grave. 00:11:20.059 --> 00:11:20.740 You're there. 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:23.240 If I take the wings of the morning? 00:11:23.299 --> 00:11:24.840 That is if I go to the far east. 00:11:24.919 --> 00:11:25.980 The place of the sunrise. 00:11:26.200 --> 00:11:28.299 Or if I dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea. 00:11:28.360 --> 00:11:29.240 The far west. 00:11:29.559 --> 00:11:30.340 Even there. 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:33.639 Your hand, David says, shall lead me. 00:11:34.159 --> 00:11:36.200 And your right hand shall hold me. 00:11:37.700 --> 00:11:40.059 Is there anywhere that we can escape? 00:11:40.059 --> 00:11:42.839 Or flee this all-knowing God? 00:11:43.179 --> 00:11:43.459 No. 00:11:45.019 --> 00:11:46.139 God is everywhere. 00:11:47.479 --> 00:11:48.659 Heaven and earth. 00:11:48.899 --> 00:11:49.939 East and west. 00:11:50.099 --> 00:11:53.259 And by implication, every place in between. 00:11:53.259 --> 00:11:57.000 The all-knowing God is already there. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:12:00.739 And that means comfort. 00:12:02.459 --> 00:12:03.179 Even there. 00:12:03.959 --> 00:12:04.979 Your hand shall lead me. 00:12:05.439 --> 00:12:07.839 And your right hand shall hold me. 00:12:10.059 --> 00:12:12.799 But now, friends, think with me for a moment. 00:12:13.979 --> 00:12:16.299 God knows everything about you. 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:17.439 Everything. 00:12:18.819 --> 00:12:20.759 And you can't escape him. 00:12:20.759 --> 00:12:28.659 Imagine for a second that this whole sanctuary was covered with projection screens. 00:12:28.740 --> 00:12:29.539 Not just these up here. 00:12:29.620 --> 00:12:31.919 But the whole room was just covered with projection screens. 00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:37.319 And the entirety of your life started just playing on all these screens. 00:12:37.679 --> 00:12:38.480 Every triumph. 00:12:38.860 --> 00:12:39.679 Every success. 00:12:40.319 --> 00:12:41.679 But also every failure. 00:12:41.679 --> 00:12:45.059 And not just your public actions. 00:12:45.299 --> 00:12:46.739 But your private thoughts too. 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:49.959 All of it was made fully known. 00:12:50.319 --> 00:12:51.479 On display. 00:12:51.799 --> 00:12:52.519 Right here. 00:12:54.819 --> 00:12:56.179 Now, I don't know about you. 00:12:57.919 --> 00:12:59.319 But if that were true of me. 00:13:00.599 --> 00:13:01.279 Or you. 00:13:01.899 --> 00:13:03.339 Most of us would want to do what? 00:13:04.179 --> 00:13:05.079 We'd want to flee. 00:13:05.080 --> 00:13:08.020 We'd head straight for the door. 00:13:11.220 --> 00:13:12.700 And yet, when it comes to God. 00:13:13.280 --> 00:13:13.900 David says. 00:13:14.300 --> 00:13:15.200 There's no escape. 00:13:16.540 --> 00:13:17.720 You can go to the lobby. 00:13:18.500 --> 00:13:19.220 God still knows. 00:13:19.860 --> 00:13:21.139 You can go to the parking garage. 00:13:21.379 --> 00:13:22.020 God still knows. 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:22.740 You can go home. 00:13:23.080 --> 00:13:23.800 God still knows. 00:13:26.500 --> 00:13:27.560 He sees it all. 00:13:28.160 --> 00:13:29.320 And you can't get away. 00:13:29.320 --> 00:13:32.260 But how on earth. 00:13:32.960 --> 00:13:34.140 Is that thought. 00:13:35.060 --> 00:13:35.620 Comforting. 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:40.580 Well. 00:13:41.160 --> 00:13:42.540 Because David knows. 00:13:43.360 --> 00:13:44.379 That as he says. 00:13:45.520 --> 00:13:46.260 The hands. 00:13:46.560 --> 00:13:47.180 That catch him. 00:13:47.940 --> 00:13:48.620 The hands. 00:13:48.800 --> 00:13:49.520 That lead him. 00:13:51.340 --> 00:13:52.780 Are hands that love him. 00:13:54.100 --> 00:13:55.880 How did David know. 00:13:56.520 --> 00:13:58.000 That in being fully. 00:13:58.340 --> 00:13:59.200 Known by God. 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:00.160 He would also be fully. 00:14:00.160 --> 00:14:01.240 Loved by God. 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:02.360 How did he know. 00:14:02.560 --> 00:14:03.740 That those hands. 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:04.980 Those almighty. 00:14:05.180 --> 00:14:05.900 All knowing. 00:14:06.020 --> 00:14:07.060 All present hands. 00:14:07.340 --> 00:14:09.140 Wouldn't see his whole life. 00:14:09.379 --> 00:14:09.940 How did he know. 00:14:10.020 --> 00:14:10.460 That those hands. 00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:11.580 Wouldn't reject him. 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:12.860 Or drop him. 00:14:12.980 --> 00:14:14.080 Or leave him. 00:14:17.200 --> 00:14:17.640 Well. 00:14:17.700 --> 00:14:18.620 Because in the Old Testament. 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:21.640 God gave the people. 00:14:21.960 --> 00:14:22.560 A sacrifice. 00:14:23.560 --> 00:14:24.240 And he said. 00:14:24.480 --> 00:14:25.040 Take this animal. 00:14:25.520 --> 00:14:26.700 And put your hand. 00:14:26.900 --> 00:14:27.640 On its head. 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:31.259 And all your sins. 00:14:31.379 --> 00:14:32.419 And all your failures. 00:14:32.419 --> 00:14:32.919 God said. 00:14:32.980 --> 00:14:33.679 I'm going to reckon. 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:35.000 To that animal. 00:14:35.460 --> 00:14:36.159 In your place. 00:14:36.580 --> 00:14:37.559 And when that animal. 00:14:37.740 --> 00:14:38.279 Is sacrificed. 00:14:38.679 --> 00:14:39.620 It will be as if. 00:14:39.819 --> 00:14:40.580 All your failures. 00:14:40.779 --> 00:14:41.779 And all your sins. 00:14:41.779 --> 00:14:42.399 Go with it. 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:44.720 And then I'll see you. 00:14:44.840 --> 00:14:45.799 And then I'll love you. 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:47.419 As if you had no sin at all. 00:14:47.419 --> 00:14:52.039 But long after David. 00:14:52.199 --> 00:14:52.479 Friends. 00:14:52.979 --> 00:14:54.579 There was another sacrifice. 00:14:55.919 --> 00:14:56.759 And this time. 00:14:56.860 --> 00:14:57.719 It wasn't a sheep. 00:14:58.019 --> 00:14:58.719 Or a bull. 00:14:59.059 --> 00:15:00.019 It wasn't a sign. 00:15:00.199 --> 00:15:01.019 It wasn't a symbol. 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:04.639 The sacrifice to come. 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:07.039 Was God's own self. 00:15:07.579 --> 00:15:08.959 Taking human form. 00:15:10.399 --> 00:15:10.879 You see. 00:15:10.959 --> 00:15:11.839 In the Old Testament. 00:15:11.980 --> 00:15:12.439 The sinner. 00:15:13.019 --> 00:15:13.819 Put his hands. 00:15:14.059 --> 00:15:14.879 Or her hands. 00:15:15.099 --> 00:15:15.799 On the lamb. 00:15:15.799 --> 00:15:18.059 But in the New Testament. 00:15:18.199 --> 00:15:18.679 The lamb. 00:15:19.079 --> 00:15:19.919 Puts his hands. 00:15:20.279 --> 00:15:20.819 On the sinner. 00:15:21.779 --> 00:15:22.740 Jesus saw us. 00:15:23.219 --> 00:15:24.459 Jesus knew us fully. 00:15:24.979 --> 00:15:26.039 And he loved us. 00:15:26.899 --> 00:15:28.299 And then he took away our sins. 00:15:28.379 --> 00:15:29.679 And his perfect sacrifice. 00:15:29.679 --> 00:15:30.319 On the cross. 00:15:31.479 --> 00:15:32.259 So now. 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:33.919 For all who trust in him. 00:15:34.799 --> 00:15:36.099 God sees them. 00:15:36.179 --> 00:15:38.359 As if they had no sin at all. 00:15:39.639 --> 00:15:41.740 The hands of God. 00:15:41.740 --> 00:15:42.740 Have been pierced. 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:44.240 For you. 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:44.939 Believer. 00:15:44.940 --> 00:15:48.120 The one who knows you fully. 00:15:48.400 --> 00:15:49.480 Loves you completely. 00:15:49.900 --> 00:15:51.520 And you cannot escape him. 00:15:53.600 --> 00:15:55.380 Those pierced hands. 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:56.140 Hold you. 00:15:56.600 --> 00:15:57.640 And lead you. 00:15:57.720 --> 00:15:58.360 Whether are you. 00:15:58.520 --> 00:16:00.300 Whether you are in the highest. 00:16:00.560 --> 00:16:01.500 Of heights. 00:16:01.660 --> 00:16:02.580 Or the lowest. 00:16:02.820 --> 00:16:03.500 Of depths. 00:16:04.060 --> 00:16:05.480 Whether your life is rising. 00:16:05.480 --> 00:16:06.400 With the dawn. 00:16:06.520 --> 00:16:07.920 Or whether your life is setting. 00:16:08.040 --> 00:16:08.800 Over the sea. 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:09.459 For you. 00:16:12.059 --> 00:16:12.979 Now like Jonah. 00:16:12.979 --> 00:16:13.879 You might try. 00:16:14.519 --> 00:16:16.120 To run in the opposite direction. 00:16:18.179 --> 00:16:19.120 Maybe this morning. 00:16:19.240 --> 00:16:20.719 You've been trying to get away from God. 00:16:20.720 --> 00:16:24.279 But don't you see. 00:16:25.060 --> 00:16:26.720 Even where you are. 00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:27.540 Right now. 00:16:28.540 --> 00:16:30.700 Seemingly so far away from God. 00:16:30.800 --> 00:16:31.519 In rebellion. 00:16:31.879 --> 00:16:32.580 Or anger. 00:16:32.879 --> 00:16:33.540 Or doubt. 00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:36.759 God is right there. 00:16:38.379 --> 00:16:39.420 Ready for you. 00:16:40.180 --> 00:16:42.160 To fall again into his hands. 00:16:42.680 --> 00:16:43.940 The hands that love you. 00:16:44.940 --> 00:16:46.000 So turn to him. 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:48.779 He's closer to you. 00:16:48.820 --> 00:16:49.779 Than you are to yourself. 00:16:50.700 --> 00:16:51.519 He knows. 00:16:53.679 --> 00:16:54.980 You might feel like your life. 00:16:55.059 --> 00:16:56.779 Has taken all the wrong turns. 00:16:57.019 --> 00:16:58.740 You've tried your best. 00:16:58.740 --> 00:17:00.539 But life still keeps. 00:17:00.740 --> 00:17:01.960 Dealing you the worst. 00:17:02.539 --> 00:17:03.700 Maybe it's marriage problems. 00:17:03.799 --> 00:17:04.819 Maybe it's work problems. 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:06.180 Maybe it's kids problems. 00:17:06.460 --> 00:17:07.960 And you take a look at your life. 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:11.099 And this is not where you want to be. 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:12.259 And yet. 00:17:13.480 --> 00:17:14.599 God knows. 00:17:14.599 --> 00:17:17.419 His hands are right there. 00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:18.939 Still holding you. 00:17:19.359 --> 00:17:20.439 Still leading you. 00:17:21.119 --> 00:17:22.480 You are not forgotten. 00:17:24.119 --> 00:17:25.319 You are loved. 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:27.459 You are known. 00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:32.679 God knows everything about you. 00:17:33.879 --> 00:17:35.719 And we must therefore. 00:17:36.240 --> 00:17:37.339 Be comforted. 00:17:41.339 --> 00:17:42.219 And here. 00:17:42.659 --> 00:17:44.119 Perhaps it's no surprise. 00:17:44.599 --> 00:17:45.439 That the psalm. 00:17:45.439 --> 00:17:45.459 That the psalm. 00:17:45.679 --> 00:17:46.779 Then turns. 00:17:47.419 --> 00:17:48.659 From humility. 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:49.939 To comfort. 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:51.179 To praise. 00:17:52.199 --> 00:17:53.740 In verses 11 through 18. 00:17:54.059 --> 00:17:55.779 This is really the climax of the psalm. 00:17:55.879 --> 00:17:57.579 Because God knows. 00:17:57.799 --> 00:17:59.019 Everything about you. 00:17:59.639 --> 00:18:01.139 You must praise him. 00:18:02.219 --> 00:18:03.319 Let's read these. 00:18:03.980 --> 00:18:05.159 Rightfully famous. 00:18:05.159 --> 00:18:06.539 And familiar verses again. 00:18:06.659 --> 00:18:07.459 If I say. 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:09.480 Surely the darkness shall cover me. 00:18:09.719 --> 00:18:11.119 And the light about me be night. 00:18:11.639 --> 00:18:12.480 Even the darkness. 00:18:12.639 --> 00:18:13.639 Is not dark to you. 00:18:13.640 --> 00:18:15.380 The night. 00:18:15.380 --> 00:18:15.400 The night. 00:18:15.540 --> 00:18:16.540 As bright as the day. 00:18:16.820 --> 00:18:18.400 For darkness is as light with you. 00:18:18.940 --> 00:18:21.080 For you formed me in my inward parts. 00:18:21.500 --> 00:18:23.540 You knitted me together in my mother's womb. 00:18:23.860 --> 00:18:25.320 I praise you. 00:18:25.720 --> 00:18:26.380 There it is. 00:18:26.820 --> 00:18:28.080 I praise you. 00:18:28.580 --> 00:18:30.700 For I'm fearfully and wonderfully made. 00:18:31.180 --> 00:18:32.380 Wonderful are your works. 00:18:32.860 --> 00:18:34.380 My soul knows it very well. 00:18:35.040 --> 00:18:38.120 My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret. 00:18:38.259 --> 00:18:40.360 Intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 00:18:40.359 --> 00:18:42.819 Your eyes saw my unformed substance. 00:18:42.979 --> 00:18:46.159 In your book were written every one of them the days that were formed for me. 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:47.859 When there was yet none of them. 00:18:49.319 --> 00:18:52.459 How precious to me are your thoughts. 00:18:52.599 --> 00:18:53.159 Oh God. 00:18:53.359 --> 00:18:55.179 How vast is the sum of them. 00:18:55.399 --> 00:18:57.240 Again this is language of praise. 00:18:58.099 --> 00:18:59.219 If I could count them. 00:18:59.459 --> 00:19:00.859 They are more than the sand. 00:19:01.199 --> 00:19:01.939 I'll wake. 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:04.279 And I'm still with you. 00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:11.579 These verses take us from the earliest moments of our life. 00:19:11.720 --> 00:19:14.119 Just an embryo in our mother's womb. 00:19:14.700 --> 00:19:18.039 They take us from the earliest moments of our earthly life. 00:19:18.160 --> 00:19:21.220 To the vast dawn of eternal life. 00:19:21.799 --> 00:19:22.680 I awake. 00:19:22.839 --> 00:19:23.680 Verse 18 says. 00:19:24.379 --> 00:19:26.720 And many commentators see that as a reference. 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:29.399 To awaking in eternal life. 00:19:29.519 --> 00:19:30.339 In the resurrection. 00:19:30.339 --> 00:19:35.839 And so from conception to resurrection. 00:19:36.299 --> 00:19:39.259 The psalm says we are gods. 00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:44.480 He made us fearfully and wonderfully. 00:19:44.939 --> 00:19:48.299 And he decreed the events of our whole life. 00:19:48.399 --> 00:19:50.159 He wrote them in his book. 00:19:50.459 --> 00:19:51.000 Everyone. 00:19:51.759 --> 00:19:53.480 Even before we left the womb. 00:19:53.480 --> 00:19:56.860 And so. 00:19:57.860 --> 00:20:01.039 Even in the darkness. 00:20:01.640 --> 00:20:03.880 As verses 11 and 12 point out. 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:07.039 Even in the darkness. 00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:09.220 We can praise him. 00:20:11.000 --> 00:20:11.940 After all. 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:14.180 In our mother's wombs. 00:20:14.420 --> 00:20:15.420 When we were helpless. 00:20:15.839 --> 00:20:16.539 And formless. 00:20:16.860 --> 00:20:18.339 And our days hadn't even begun. 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:19.620 God knew us. 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:20.700 And loved us. 00:20:20.940 --> 00:20:21.660 And we were his. 00:20:21.660 --> 00:20:26.680 And so if we reach a similarly dark time in this life. 00:20:26.880 --> 00:20:28.180 When we feel helpless. 00:20:28.600 --> 00:20:29.420 And formless. 00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:31.380 And like our days aren't even beginning. 00:20:32.519 --> 00:20:33.880 We need not despair. 00:20:35.160 --> 00:20:37.840 We can still praise him. 00:20:37.940 --> 00:20:41.340 We are still fearfully and wonderfully made. 00:20:41.700 --> 00:20:43.420 God still has a plan for us. 00:20:43.440 --> 00:20:46.040 As certain as the words written in this book. 00:20:46.039 --> 00:20:49.480 And God still has a future for us in Christ. 00:20:49.940 --> 00:20:51.759 We will awake one day. 00:20:51.859 --> 00:20:52.740 Brothers and sisters. 00:20:52.899 --> 00:20:54.319 We will awake one day. 00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:56.659 Not to the same old, same old. 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:58.619 But to life eternal. 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:03.059 How precious indeed. 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:05.440 Are God's thoughts. 00:21:05.440 --> 00:21:06.440 God's thoughts. 00:21:06.440 --> 00:21:07.440 God's thoughts. 00:21:07.440 --> 00:21:08.440 God's thoughts. 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:09.440 God's thoughts. 00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:10.759 And you know, if this is true. 00:21:11.559 --> 00:21:16.840 If from conception to resurrection, we belong to God. 00:21:17.600 --> 00:21:22.580 Then that has implications for how we treat one another. 00:21:22.579 --> 00:21:28.939 Every human being is made in God's image. 00:21:29.939 --> 00:21:32.740 And has incomparable worth and dignity. 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:37.779 And that means we must respect out of praise to our creator. 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:39.859 The dignity of every human life. 00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:44.019 And that life begins according to Psalm 139. 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:45.819 Even in the womb. 00:21:46.159 --> 00:21:48.699 When we were just unformed substance. 00:21:48.960 --> 00:21:50.039 As verse 16 says. 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:53.019 And this is why. 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:54.279 As Christians. 00:21:55.059 --> 00:21:57.180 We must care deeply. 00:21:57.559 --> 00:22:01.099 About caring for the life of the unborn. 00:22:02.420 --> 00:22:03.940 In other words. 00:22:04.859 --> 00:22:07.500 To end a life in the womb. 00:22:08.019 --> 00:22:10.220 Is to end a fully human life. 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:12.240 That belongs not to us. 00:22:12.599 --> 00:22:13.420 But to God. 00:22:14.899 --> 00:22:18.480 And that's why Christians from the earliest days. 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:23.519 Have always considered abortion and infanticide as wrong. 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:25.279 Now of course. 00:22:25.460 --> 00:22:27.579 I know this is a controversial topic. 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:31.819 But Psalm 139 is one of the clearest passages in the whole Bible. 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:32.779 That speaks to this issue. 00:22:33.099 --> 00:22:34.980 So we really can't avoid it this morning. 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:37.880 But I also know. 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:40.039 That this is an issue. 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:41.460 That hits close to home. 00:22:41.819 --> 00:22:42.620 For many of us. 00:22:42.619 --> 00:22:46.539 And so the church needs to be the first to say. 00:22:47.259 --> 00:22:50.199 That no matter what choices we've made in the past. 00:22:50.959 --> 00:22:52.939 The mercy of God in Christ. 00:22:53.599 --> 00:22:54.959 Covers all shame. 00:22:55.339 --> 00:22:56.259 And all failings. 00:22:56.500 --> 00:22:57.439 And all sins. 00:22:59.479 --> 00:23:01.179 And as we advocate for. 00:23:01.339 --> 00:23:04.139 And seek to protect the life of unborn humans. 00:23:04.339 --> 00:23:05.599 We must do more. 00:23:05.879 --> 00:23:07.439 Than merely condemn abortion. 00:23:08.579 --> 00:23:09.099 You know. 00:23:09.159 --> 00:23:11.019 Just as the church has historically said. 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:12.059 That is wrong. 00:23:12.160 --> 00:23:14.279 The church has historically also cared. 00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:16.160 For pregnant mothers in distress. 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:18.400 And adopted children who were in need. 00:23:18.759 --> 00:23:20.019 And sought economic equality. 00:23:20.839 --> 00:23:22.680 And opportunity for the poor and oppressed. 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:25.079 And so today. 00:23:25.859 --> 00:23:28.660 We must care for life inside the womb. 00:23:28.879 --> 00:23:30.339 And do what's in our power. 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:32.440 To stop the ending of human life there. 00:23:32.579 --> 00:23:35.359 And we must equally care for life outside the womb. 00:23:35.599 --> 00:23:37.019 And we must do what's in our power. 00:23:37.099 --> 00:23:39.240 To stop the ending and diminishing of human life. 00:23:39.240 --> 00:23:40.019 There as well. 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:41.980 Because if all of life. 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:43.759 If all of human life. 00:23:43.859 --> 00:23:46.339 From conception on through the resurrection. 00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:47.379 Belongs to God. 00:23:47.440 --> 00:23:48.859 Then all human life. 00:23:49.379 --> 00:23:50.859 Is worthy of dignity and honor. 00:23:51.240 --> 00:23:52.839 And sacrificial love. 00:23:53.359 --> 00:23:54.220 All of it. 00:23:58.059 --> 00:23:59.680 And just imagine friends. 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:02.779 God knows us all. 00:24:02.779 --> 00:24:03.779 God knows us all. 00:24:03.779 --> 00:24:04.779 God knows us all. 00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:05.779 God knows us all. 00:24:05.779 --> 00:24:07.519 When you encounter another human being. 00:24:08.119 --> 00:24:09.519 No matter who they are. 00:24:10.180 --> 00:24:11.279 Or what they believe. 00:24:12.119 --> 00:24:14.180 You are encountering someone. 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:16.240 Who belongs to God. 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:20.139 Someone whom God knows fully. 00:24:22.139 --> 00:24:23.359 The last I checked. 00:24:23.440 --> 00:24:26.440 The world's population is around 7.8 billion people. 00:24:26.440 --> 00:24:30.180 And God knows everything. 00:24:30.180 --> 00:24:32.600 About each and every one of them. 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:34.420 From the moment of conception. 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:35.840 To this very day. 00:24:35.840 --> 00:24:37.200 And on into eternity. 00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:41.140 How vast indeed. 00:24:41.400 --> 00:24:43.620 Are the sum of God's thoughts. 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:45.759 How much more are they. 00:24:45.900 --> 00:24:47.580 Than even the grains of sand. 00:24:47.579 --> 00:24:50.699 How precious. 00:24:50.839 --> 00:24:51.779 That he knows. 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:53.899 Not just everything in the abstract. 00:24:54.339 --> 00:24:55.740 But everything personally. 00:24:56.359 --> 00:24:56.859 Intimately. 00:24:57.240 --> 00:25:00.359 About each and every one of us. 00:25:00.859 --> 00:25:03.399 When we look at another human then. 00:25:04.119 --> 00:25:05.980 We must see there. 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:07.379 The infinite. 00:25:07.819 --> 00:25:08.579 Loving. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:10.299 Knowledge of God. 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:14.099 And in looking at the face. 00:25:14.159 --> 00:25:15.259 Of another human being. 00:25:15.259 --> 00:25:18.099 And considering how vast. 00:25:18.180 --> 00:25:18.839 And how precious. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:20.379 Is the knowledge and love of God. 00:25:20.599 --> 00:25:21.839 We must praise him. 00:25:25.859 --> 00:25:26.759 But lastly. 00:25:26.900 --> 00:25:28.259 Knowing the all-knowing God. 00:25:28.339 --> 00:25:29.559 Doesn't just mean humility. 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.819 And comfort and praise. 00:25:31.259 --> 00:25:33.279 The psalm ends in verses 19 through 24. 00:25:33.680 --> 00:25:34.579 By saying. 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:37.259 Because God knows everything about you. 00:25:38.119 --> 00:25:39.259 You must seek. 00:25:40.460 --> 00:25:40.980 Inner. 00:25:41.779 --> 00:25:42.180 Cleansing. 00:25:43.700 --> 00:25:45.039 You must seek. 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:46.000 Inner cleansing. 00:25:46.359 --> 00:25:47.339 Now we saw earlier. 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:49.000 How in verses 19 through 22. 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:50.519 David speaks of his enemies. 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:51.779 But in reality. 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:53.720 David isn't talking about his enemies. 00:25:53.720 --> 00:25:54.319 Per se here. 00:25:54.359 --> 00:25:55.579 He's talking about God's enemies. 00:25:57.079 --> 00:25:57.700 Verse 20 says. 00:25:57.819 --> 00:25:59.339 That there are those who speak against God. 00:25:59.400 --> 00:26:00.400 With malicious intent. 00:26:00.779 --> 00:26:02.640 And they take God's name in vain. 00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:03.299 That is. 00:26:03.359 --> 00:26:05.339 They treat God with utter contempt. 00:26:05.799 --> 00:26:07.339 And David in essence says here. 00:26:07.460 --> 00:26:08.940 I don't want anything to do. 00:26:08.980 --> 00:26:10.059 With people like that God. 00:26:10.900 --> 00:26:12.359 You'd be fully within your rights. 00:26:12.359 --> 00:26:13.099 To judge them. 00:26:13.099 --> 00:26:15.019 And if you're against them. 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:16.039 Then I'm against them. 00:26:16.159 --> 00:26:17.000 I'm staying away. 00:26:19.079 --> 00:26:19.639 Now. 00:26:20.939 --> 00:26:23.099 What provokes David. 00:26:23.619 --> 00:26:24.740 To bring up. 00:26:25.199 --> 00:26:26.079 God's enemies. 00:26:26.399 --> 00:26:27.399 At this point in the psalm. 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:28.459 I mean come on. 00:26:28.699 --> 00:26:29.519 Here we are. 00:26:29.719 --> 00:26:31.619 Having a nice poetic meditation. 00:26:31.619 --> 00:26:33.099 On God's omniscience. 00:26:33.619 --> 00:26:34.619 And suddenly. 00:26:35.139 --> 00:26:37.159 Now we're talking about loathing those. 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:38.299 Who rise up against God. 00:26:38.719 --> 00:26:39.799 What is that all about? 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:41.619 Couldn't the psalm just sort of ended. 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:43.519 With like how precious are your thoughts. 00:26:43.599 --> 00:26:44.460 We could have called it a day. 00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:45.039 And gone home. 00:26:47.539 --> 00:26:48.759 But perhaps. 00:26:50.299 --> 00:26:50.940 Perhaps. 00:26:52.059 --> 00:26:54.419 David's very meditation. 00:26:54.419 --> 00:26:55.720 On the wonder. 00:26:56.119 --> 00:26:57.819 Of God's all knowing glory. 00:26:57.940 --> 00:26:59.579 God's intimate knowledge and care. 00:26:59.680 --> 00:27:00.980 For every single human being. 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:03.139 Perhaps that's the very thing. 00:27:03.379 --> 00:27:05.059 That made David realize. 00:27:05.059 --> 00:27:07.319 Just how bad it is. 00:27:07.919 --> 00:27:08.799 To mock. 00:27:09.139 --> 00:27:10.119 And reject God. 00:27:11.139 --> 00:27:12.539 As David caught. 00:27:12.659 --> 00:27:13.819 A fresh glimpse. 00:27:14.139 --> 00:27:15.679 Of the godness. 00:27:15.679 --> 00:27:16.559 Of God. 00:27:17.220 --> 00:27:19.759 That gave him a fresh realization. 00:27:20.539 --> 00:27:22.339 Of the sinfulness of sin. 00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:25.399 Isn't it true. 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:26.579 That when you see the beauty. 00:27:27.019 --> 00:27:28.599 And preciousness of something. 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:30.539 You start to care a lot more. 00:27:30.619 --> 00:27:31.799 About the things that would damage. 00:27:31.799 --> 00:27:32.519 Or distort it. 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:34.379 When I go to the aquarium. 00:27:35.260 --> 00:27:36.040 In mystic. 00:27:36.140 --> 00:27:37.400 Which my family loves going there. 00:27:37.480 --> 00:27:38.560 When I go to the mystic aquarium. 00:27:38.780 --> 00:27:40.500 And I see how beautiful. 00:27:40.780 --> 00:27:41.540 And how diverse. 00:27:41.940 --> 00:27:43.040 And how huge. 00:27:43.080 --> 00:27:43.880 And how incredible. 00:27:44.060 --> 00:27:45.080 Ocean life is. 00:27:46.100 --> 00:27:47.300 I suddenly for a little bit. 00:27:47.340 --> 00:27:48.500 Start to care a lot more. 00:27:48.580 --> 00:27:49.700 About conservation. 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:50.840 And ending pollution. 00:27:51.040 --> 00:27:51.980 And saving the oceans. 00:27:52.300 --> 00:27:52.560 You know. 00:27:52.620 --> 00:27:53.140 You go home. 00:27:53.160 --> 00:27:53.540 And you're like. 00:27:53.560 --> 00:27:54.740 Where are those little plastic things. 00:27:54.740 --> 00:27:55.840 That hold the six packs together. 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:56.740 Let's cut those up. 00:27:56.740 --> 00:27:58.260 We got to save the seals. 00:27:58.460 --> 00:27:58.680 Right. 00:27:59.020 --> 00:28:00.000 You care a lot more. 00:28:00.040 --> 00:28:00.900 Because you've just seen. 00:28:01.080 --> 00:28:02.020 How beautiful it is. 00:28:02.019 --> 00:28:04.980 It's the same with God. 00:28:06.339 --> 00:28:07.539 When we're struck. 00:28:07.539 --> 00:28:08.440 By his beauty. 00:28:08.700 --> 00:28:09.579 And love. 00:28:10.680 --> 00:28:11.839 When we're struck. 00:28:11.960 --> 00:28:12.680 By the beauty. 00:28:12.680 --> 00:28:13.299 And love. 00:28:13.379 --> 00:28:14.299 That he knows me. 00:28:14.680 --> 00:28:15.980 And that he loves me. 00:28:16.119 --> 00:28:17.639 We suddenly realize. 00:28:17.639 --> 00:28:19.460 What a terrible thing it is. 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:21.000 To reject. 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:22.339 And to ridicule God. 00:28:22.339 --> 00:28:26.619 And so David becomes more aware. 00:28:26.980 --> 00:28:28.699 Of the sinfulness of sin. 00:28:29.339 --> 00:28:30.959 And he wants nothing to do with it. 00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:33.339 But notice. 00:28:33.859 --> 00:28:34.839 And this is key. 00:28:35.859 --> 00:28:38.500 Notice that he doesn't just apply this. 00:28:38.659 --> 00:28:39.539 To the outside. 00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:41.839 The psalm ends. 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:43.379 In its climax. 00:28:44.339 --> 00:28:46.299 By applying it to the inside. 00:28:47.439 --> 00:28:48.500 Let me read again. 00:28:48.559 --> 00:28:49.859 Verses 23 and 24. 00:28:49.859 --> 00:28:51.379 Search me oh God. 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:52.759 And know my heart. 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:54.199 Try me. 00:28:54.339 --> 00:28:55.259 And know my thoughts. 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:57.659 And see if there be any grievous way in me. 00:28:58.479 --> 00:29:00.159 And lead me in the way everlasting. 00:29:00.979 --> 00:29:01.619 You see. 00:29:01.719 --> 00:29:02.759 David knows. 00:29:02.899 --> 00:29:04.679 That the sinfulness of sin. 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:05.979 Isn't far away. 00:29:05.979 --> 00:29:07.079 From his own heart. 00:29:07.899 --> 00:29:09.439 The fool says in his heart. 00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:10.500 There is no God. 00:29:10.500 --> 00:29:11.419 And so often. 00:29:11.679 --> 00:29:12.759 I am the fool. 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:15.839 I might talk a good game. 00:29:16.019 --> 00:29:17.500 About loathing those. 00:29:17.599 --> 00:29:18.879 Who rise up against God. 00:29:18.880 --> 00:29:19.840 But too often. 00:29:19.840 --> 00:29:21.160 It's my own fist. 00:29:21.380 --> 00:29:22.560 Shaking at the heavens. 00:29:24.400 --> 00:29:26.460 And so the psalm ends. 00:29:26.960 --> 00:29:27.780 By applying. 00:29:28.200 --> 00:29:29.640 The omniscience of God. 00:29:29.800 --> 00:29:30.920 To our hearts. 00:29:31.120 --> 00:29:31.700 Our hearts. 00:29:31.860 --> 00:29:33.180 That are in desperate need. 00:29:33.320 --> 00:29:34.840 Of inner cleansing. 00:29:35.340 --> 00:29:36.140 Of growth. 00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:36.700 And holiness. 00:29:37.140 --> 00:29:37.720 And godliness. 00:29:38.860 --> 00:29:40.800 If God knows everything. 00:29:40.920 --> 00:29:42.000 Then he knows. 00:29:42.180 --> 00:29:43.780 The grievous ways in me. 00:29:43.940 --> 00:29:45.920 That is those aspects of character. 00:29:46.140 --> 00:29:47.200 That lead to grief. 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:49.420 And he can show them to me. 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:51.400 And he can lead me instead. 00:29:51.680 --> 00:29:52.840 In the way everlasting. 00:29:55.720 --> 00:29:57.200 Brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:29:58.480 --> 00:30:00.319 Is this a regular part. 00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:01.920 Of your prayer life? 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:05.420 Do you ask the Holy Spirit. 00:30:05.420 --> 00:30:06.740 To come. 00:30:07.220 --> 00:30:08.180 And search you. 00:30:08.860 --> 00:30:10.600 And to show you your heart. 00:30:10.960 --> 00:30:12.940 To show you what you can't. 00:30:13.160 --> 00:30:14.340 See for yourself. 00:30:14.339 --> 00:30:17.119 So that you might turn away. 00:30:17.319 --> 00:30:18.599 From grievous ways. 00:30:18.819 --> 00:30:20.259 And be led by the Spirit. 00:30:20.319 --> 00:30:21.199 In the way everlasting. 00:30:21.359 --> 00:30:22.240 In the way of Christ. 00:30:23.439 --> 00:30:24.279 You know sometimes. 00:30:24.339 --> 00:30:25.319 When we pray like that. 00:30:25.379 --> 00:30:26.399 The Spirit reveals. 00:30:26.639 --> 00:30:27.500 A particular. 00:30:28.059 --> 00:30:28.939 Sinful action. 00:30:30.399 --> 00:30:31.059 Something that. 00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:32.319 We just didn't see before. 00:30:32.439 --> 00:30:33.599 Some action that we're taking. 00:30:33.720 --> 00:30:34.919 That's against God's will. 00:30:34.980 --> 00:30:35.659 And he invites us. 00:30:35.720 --> 00:30:36.339 To turn away. 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:38.079 From those harmful actions. 00:30:38.220 --> 00:30:39.559 And develop a new set of habits. 00:30:39.559 --> 00:30:42.039 And a new set of actions. 00:30:42.579 --> 00:30:44.139 Sometimes what the Spirit reveals. 00:30:44.339 --> 00:30:45.419 Are sinful thoughts. 00:30:46.419 --> 00:30:47.440 And he invites us. 00:30:47.440 --> 00:30:48.139 To turn away. 00:30:48.139 --> 00:30:49.480 From those sinful thoughts. 00:30:49.919 --> 00:30:50.759 And to think on things. 00:30:50.839 --> 00:30:51.319 That are true. 00:30:51.460 --> 00:30:51.899 And lovely. 00:30:52.039 --> 00:30:52.539 And pure. 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:55.159 And sometimes. 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:56.299 What the Spirit reveals. 00:30:56.299 --> 00:30:57.639 Is something even deeper. 00:30:57.879 --> 00:30:59.200 At the heart level. 00:30:59.359 --> 00:30:59.919 Deep down. 00:31:00.000 --> 00:31:00.859 In our motivations. 00:31:02.299 --> 00:31:03.379 He reveals. 00:31:03.599 --> 00:31:04.579 Deep down in there. 00:31:04.579 --> 00:31:06.419 That residual fear. 00:31:07.339 --> 00:31:08.439 Or anger. 00:31:08.980 --> 00:31:09.980 Or doubt. 00:31:10.339 --> 00:31:12.259 That can so often drive us. 00:31:13.559 --> 00:31:14.819 And the Spirit says. 00:31:14.919 --> 00:31:15.579 Hear again. 00:31:16.359 --> 00:31:18.500 The voice of your all-knowing God. 00:31:19.339 --> 00:31:20.099 Who says. 00:31:20.159 --> 00:31:20.740 Don't fear. 00:31:21.699 --> 00:31:22.740 Be at peace. 00:31:24.039 --> 00:31:24.879 Trust me. 00:31:28.599 --> 00:31:29.439 This week. 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:31.379 In one of your times of prayer. 00:31:31.380 --> 00:31:33.140 Would you consider. 00:31:33.140 --> 00:31:34.780 Making these verses your own. 00:31:36.260 --> 00:31:37.160 Consider that God knows. 00:31:37.160 --> 00:31:38.240 Everything about you. 00:31:39.240 --> 00:31:41.140 And let that lead you to humility. 00:31:41.660 --> 00:31:42.820 And to comfort. 00:31:43.320 --> 00:31:44.380 And to praise. 00:31:45.200 --> 00:31:46.560 And then with the words. 00:31:46.640 --> 00:31:48.320 Of verses 23 through 24. 00:31:48.740 --> 00:31:49.840 Invite God. 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:51.080 To search you. 00:31:51.580 --> 00:31:52.800 To know your heart. 00:31:54.040 --> 00:31:55.180 And then listen. 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:58.580 Talk with him. 00:31:59.080 --> 00:32:00.500 About what he shows you. 00:32:01.380 --> 00:32:04.040 Ask him to lead you anew. 00:32:04.340 --> 00:32:05.560 In the way everlasting. 00:32:06.680 --> 00:32:07.980 We don't become. 00:32:08.200 --> 00:32:09.360 More Christ-like. 00:32:09.560 --> 00:32:10.300 On our own. 00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:12.300 We become more Christ-like. 00:32:12.420 --> 00:32:13.880 Through the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:32:14.160 --> 00:32:15.060 And the Holy Spirit. 00:32:15.180 --> 00:32:16.380 Does his work through prayer. 00:32:16.620 --> 00:32:17.940 And we learn how to pray. 00:32:18.120 --> 00:32:19.360 From Psalms like this one. 00:32:23.060 --> 00:32:24.360 Imagine what it would be like. 00:32:25.360 --> 00:32:26.600 Imagine what it would be like. 00:32:26.600 --> 00:32:27.120 If we. 00:32:27.640 --> 00:32:28.400 As a church. 00:32:29.400 --> 00:32:29.840 Had. 00:32:29.839 --> 00:32:31.519 This robust. 00:32:32.019 --> 00:32:33.039 Personal sense. 00:32:33.379 --> 00:32:35.039 Of God's omniscience. 00:32:36.939 --> 00:32:38.740 Do you think we'd be stuffy. 00:32:39.139 --> 00:32:40.459 And impractical. 00:32:40.819 --> 00:32:41.799 And overly academic. 00:32:42.659 --> 00:32:43.459 Not at all. 00:32:45.059 --> 00:32:45.699 Imagine. 00:32:46.379 --> 00:32:48.159 A church full of humility. 00:32:50.220 --> 00:32:52.039 A church full of comfort. 00:32:52.439 --> 00:32:53.779 A church full of praise. 00:32:53.779 --> 00:32:55.039 Even in dark times. 00:32:55.039 --> 00:32:57.420 A church of ongoing. 00:32:57.420 --> 00:32:58.339 Inner cleansing. 00:32:58.339 --> 00:32:59.180 And change. 00:32:59.619 --> 00:32:59.960 Friends. 00:33:00.019 --> 00:33:01.200 This is good news. 00:33:01.200 --> 00:33:02.379 That Psalm 39. 00:33:02.379 --> 00:33:03.339 Holds out for us. 00:33:04.220 --> 00:33:05.220 God fully. 00:33:05.220 --> 00:33:06.139 Knows us. 00:33:06.240 --> 00:33:07.259 And because of Jesus. 00:33:07.779 --> 00:33:09.500 And the reality of the incarnation. 00:33:09.779 --> 00:33:10.720 God fully knows us. 00:33:10.779 --> 00:33:11.619 From the inside. 00:33:12.460 --> 00:33:13.740 From conception. 00:33:14.139 --> 00:33:15.200 To resurrection. 00:33:15.619 --> 00:33:16.839 Jesus lived. 00:33:17.139 --> 00:33:17.740 A fully. 00:33:18.259 --> 00:33:18.639 Human. 00:33:19.220 --> 00:33:19.539 Life. 00:33:19.740 --> 00:33:20.119 For you. 00:33:20.119 --> 00:33:22.919 How much more deeper. 00:33:23.459 --> 00:33:24.299 Our humility. 00:33:25.399 --> 00:33:26.959 How much more certain. 00:33:27.279 --> 00:33:28.039 Our comfort. 00:33:28.519 --> 00:33:29.699 How much more exalted. 00:33:30.019 --> 00:33:30.819 Our praise. 00:33:31.219 --> 00:33:32.439 How much greater. 00:33:32.639 --> 00:33:33.179 Our hope. 00:33:33.539 --> 00:33:34.219 For change. 00:33:34.639 --> 00:33:35.699 God has come. 00:33:36.019 --> 00:33:36.500 Emmanuel. 00:33:36.819 --> 00:33:37.639 God with us. 00:33:38.279 --> 00:33:39.419 God knows us fully. 00:33:39.859 --> 00:33:41.699 And he will know us fully forever. 00:33:43.839 --> 00:33:44.459 Amen. 00:33:44.959 --> 00:33:45.739 Let's pray. 00:33:45.739 --> 00:33:45.799 Amen. 00:33:45.799 --> 00:33:45.879 Amen. 00:33:45.879 --> 00:33:45.919 Amen. 00:33:45.919 --> 00:33:45.939 Amen. 00:33:45.939 --> 00:33:46.339 Amen. 00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:46.419 Amen. 00:33:46.419 --> 00:33:46.519 Amen. 00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:46.579 Amen. 00:33:46.579 --> 00:33:46.599 Amen. 00:33:50.119 --> 00:33:50.519 Amen. 00:33:51.079 --> 00:33:51.559 Amen. 00:33:51.559 --> 00:33:51.919 Oh Lord Jesus. 00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:53.759 We pray that in this moment. 00:33:54.779 --> 00:33:56.059 You would search us. 00:33:56.699 --> 00:33:57.839 And you would know us. 00:33:59.539 --> 00:34:01.459 God as we sit before you in quiet. 00:34:02.199 --> 00:34:03.079 Even now. 00:34:03.279 --> 00:34:03.559 God. 00:34:04.859 --> 00:34:06.659 Would you be revealing to us. 00:34:07.779 --> 00:34:08.960 Any grievous way. 00:34:12.319 --> 00:34:14.219 God help us to be humble before you. 00:34:16.039 --> 00:34:17.900 And to turn away from those things. 00:34:20.119 --> 00:34:22.199 God help us to be comforted before you. 00:34:23.480 --> 00:34:26.019 And to be led by your spirit in the everlasting way. 00:34:28.319 --> 00:34:30.339 And Lord Jesus would our whole life. 00:34:31.219 --> 00:34:32.579 Be a life of praise to you. 00:34:33.679 --> 00:34:34.859 We pray this in your name. 00:34:35.659 --> 00:34:35.900 Amen.