WEBVTT 00:00:00.580 --> 00:00:04.679 Please take your Bibles and open them up this morning to Psalm chapter 36. 00:00:05.320 --> 00:00:06.759 ! Psalm chapter 36. 00:00:07.400 --> 00:00:10.679 We're continuing our series through the Psalms this morning. 00:00:10.679 --> 00:00:15.960 And when you found that, Psalm 36, would you please stand in honor of the reading of the Word of the Lord. 00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:28.240 Psalm 36 is to the choir master of David, the servant of the Lord. 00:00:28.239 --> 00:00:31.359 Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart. 00:00:32.239 --> 00:00:34.560 There is no fear of God before his eyes. 00:00:35.019 --> 00:00:40.000 For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. 00:00:40.579 --> 00:00:43.439 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit. 00:00:43.960 --> 00:00:46.560 He has ceased to act wisely and do good. 00:00:47.060 --> 00:00:49.200 He plots trouble while on his bed. 00:00:49.879 --> 00:00:52.060 He sets himself in a way that is not good. 00:00:52.759 --> 00:00:54.159 He does not reject evil. 00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:58.559 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens. 00:00:58.959 --> 00:01:00.699 Your faithfulness to the clouds. 00:01:01.539 --> 00:01:04.539 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. 00:01:05.280 --> 00:01:07.239 Your judgments are like the great deep. 00:01:08.019 --> 00:01:10.120 Man and beast you save, O Lord. 00:01:11.079 --> 00:01:13.859 How precious is your steadfast love, O God. 00:01:14.519 --> 00:01:18.099 The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 00:01:18.099 --> 00:01:21.239 They feast on the abundance of your house. 00:01:21.579 --> 00:01:24.319 And you give them drink from the river of your delights. 00:01:24.879 --> 00:01:27.060 For with you is the fountain of life. 00:01:27.579 --> 00:01:29.659 In your light do we see light. 00:01:30.659 --> 00:01:33.679 O continue your steadfast love to those who know you. 00:01:33.979 --> 00:01:36.219 And your righteousness to the upright of heart. 00:01:36.879 --> 00:01:39.519 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me. 00:01:39.759 --> 00:01:41.919 Nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. 00:01:42.799 --> 00:01:44.699 There the evildoers lie fallen. 00:01:44.700 --> 00:01:48.680 They are thrust down, unable to rise. 00:01:49.320 --> 00:01:51.379 The grass withers and the flower fades. 00:01:51.439 --> 00:01:54.520 But the word of the Lord endures forever. 00:01:54.740 --> 00:01:56.700 Father God, we pray now. 00:01:57.299 --> 00:02:03.320 Would you show us the greatness of your steadfast love for us in Christ? 00:02:04.780 --> 00:02:08.939 Help us not only to see it, but to marvel at it. 00:02:09.000 --> 00:02:11.920 And not only to marvel at it, but to be satisfied in it. 00:02:11.920 --> 00:02:13.120 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:02:13.800 --> 00:02:14.039 Amen. 00:02:14.699 --> 00:02:15.819 You may be seated. 00:02:17.839 --> 00:02:22.519 With all the rain that we've gotten over the past week, every now and then, the lights 00:02:22.519 --> 00:02:28.079 at our house flickered on and off and threatened the possibility of a power outage. 00:02:28.759 --> 00:02:35.379 And I remembered how much bigger a deal a power outage was when I was younger than they are 00:02:35.379 --> 00:02:35.639 today. 00:02:36.679 --> 00:02:42.060 I grew up in the time when we didn't have smartphones in our pockets with instant flashlights that 00:02:42.060 --> 00:02:44.920 you could press at any moment to provide light in the room. 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:48.659 And so I distinctly remember every now and then there would be a storm. 00:02:48.780 --> 00:02:52.020 The lights would go out and we couldn't see a thing. 00:02:52.099 --> 00:02:57.860 And so my parents would be scrambling in the dark to find a match or a candle or a flashlight. 00:02:57.860 --> 00:03:03.380 And until that light was lit, darkness had complete control of the room. 00:03:03.379 --> 00:03:08.400 But once the light came on, the darkness was dispelled. 00:03:09.659 --> 00:03:14.159 I wonder if you have ever been overwhelmed by darkness. 00:03:14.159 --> 00:03:14.340 darkness. 00:03:15.620 --> 00:03:20.319 And the world that we live in can often be described as dark. 00:03:20.419 --> 00:03:24.000 And I know that it's sometimes hard for us to remember that, especially where we live 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:29.240 here in this beautiful place of the world here in Allendal or Mount Pleasant, often called 00:03:29.240 --> 00:03:31.979 Mount Perfect or Mount Plastic even. 00:03:31.979 --> 00:03:39.939 But when you peel back the shiny, luxurious exterior, the world that we live in, even here where we 00:03:39.939 --> 00:03:43.039 live in a place of luxury, is dark. 00:03:43.159 --> 00:03:46.219 And sometimes that darkness can be overwhelming. 00:03:47.579 --> 00:03:50.259 I remind you of what I mentioned last week. 00:03:50.339 --> 00:03:55.759 We live in a country where over a million unborn babies are aborted in this country legally 00:03:55.759 --> 00:03:59.219 by the law of the land every single year. 00:03:59.219 --> 00:04:07.120 We live in a world where Christians are often persecuted, maybe socially here, but beyond 00:04:07.120 --> 00:04:12.840 this country, persecuted physically and even killed for professing their faith. 00:04:14.280 --> 00:04:19.920 We live in a place where advancements in technology are a good thing, but now especially with the 00:04:19.920 --> 00:04:26.040 rise of artificial intelligence, financial scams have become all the more sophisticated with 00:04:26.040 --> 00:04:32.300 AI-fabricated distress calls that mimic the exact voices of your loved ones and contribute 00:04:32.300 --> 00:04:37.080 to scamming the elderly out of billions of dollars every single year. 00:04:38.620 --> 00:04:43.340 It's estimated that here in the U.S. there are over a million people trapped in conditions 00:04:43.340 --> 00:04:46.560 of modern-day slavery and forced labor. 00:04:46.780 --> 00:04:52.379 I don't tell you all this to depress you, although it is disheartening, but to illustrate the fact 00:04:52.379 --> 00:04:57.680 that all of us are aware of, the world that we live in is very, very dark. 00:04:58.740 --> 00:05:05.120 And sometimes you can wonder, well, where can we look when the darkness seems so overwhelming? 00:05:06.839 --> 00:05:13.939 Where can God's people look to find comfort and assurance, even hope or security in light 00:05:13.939 --> 00:05:15.959 of the great wickedness all around us? 00:05:15.959 --> 00:05:22.399 And what hope do we have to offer others who are living here in the midst of this dark world? 00:05:22.539 --> 00:05:27.539 Well, here in Psalm chapter 36, David gives us the answer to all of these questions. 00:05:28.479 --> 00:05:36.439 And he tells us that here in a dark world, we must cling to the light of the glory of God. 00:05:37.500 --> 00:05:44.399 In the midst of darkness, God's people look to Him and satisfy our soul in Him. 00:05:44.399 --> 00:05:48.959 So let's take a look as we ask the question, how do God's people navigate the darkness? 00:05:49.779 --> 00:05:51.879 This will be our outline this morning if you're taking notes. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:55.339 How do God's people navigate the darkness? 00:05:55.579 --> 00:05:57.379 And we'll see it in three parts this morning. 00:05:58.819 --> 00:06:03.679 First, David shows us we must examine the wickedness of man. 00:06:05.219 --> 00:06:07.879 Examine the wickedness of man. 00:06:08.539 --> 00:06:10.199 We see this here in verses 1 through 4. 00:06:10.279 --> 00:06:10.979 Look there with me. 00:06:10.980 --> 00:06:15.080 And here David shows us what it is like in the dark. 00:06:15.200 --> 00:06:17.340 This is the darkness when the lights are off. 00:06:17.400 --> 00:06:18.259 And here's my disclaimer. 00:06:19.160 --> 00:06:21.740 This picture of wickedness is not pretty. 00:06:22.939 --> 00:06:29.100 This is a very blunt and honest, unattractive look at the sinfulness of man. 00:06:29.220 --> 00:06:34.960 This is not an attractive, popular message, but it's here before us and so we deal with it. 00:06:34.959 --> 00:06:39.339 David gives us a full picture here of the wickedness of man. 00:06:39.479 --> 00:06:42.819 And what we see here is a picture of what we call total depravity. 00:06:43.680 --> 00:06:47.579 It's not that we're all as bad as we possibly could be, 00:06:47.759 --> 00:06:54.240 but rather that every single part of us, inside and out, has been corrupted by the darkness of sin. 00:06:54.339 --> 00:06:57.179 Look at this description that he gives us here of the wicked man. 00:06:57.240 --> 00:06:59.839 He goes head to toe here in verses 1 through 4. 00:06:59.839 --> 00:07:02.000 He says in verse 1, 00:07:02.239 --> 00:07:04.039 Their heart is corrupt. 00:07:05.500 --> 00:07:09.560 Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart. 00:07:09.759 --> 00:07:12.239 Here transgression itself is personified, 00:07:12.359 --> 00:07:15.060 almost like wisdom is personified in the book of Proverbs. 00:07:15.739 --> 00:07:18.259 And transgression speaks to the wicked. 00:07:18.439 --> 00:07:21.620 It has this deep hold on the heart of the wicked. 00:07:21.739 --> 00:07:23.879 It's not just empty words in his ears. 00:07:23.879 --> 00:07:26.839 It's resonating with him deep in his heart. 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:30.639 The darkness, the wickedness begins here in the heart. 00:07:31.579 --> 00:07:36.240 And we should understand that the wicked actions and the sinful words and the sinful attitudes 00:07:36.240 --> 00:07:38.779 that we see coming out of the exterior, 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:41.560 those are like warning lights on the dashboard 00:07:41.560 --> 00:07:45.180 that show us that something is wrong on the interior. 00:07:45.860 --> 00:07:53.000 The human heart, left to itself, apart from the grace of God, is wicked. 00:07:53.879 --> 00:08:00.759 Jeremiah tells us the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick. 00:08:00.839 --> 00:08:03.319 You should know, follow your heart is terrible advice. 00:08:04.360 --> 00:08:07.420 David says the wicked's heart is corrupt. 00:08:07.540 --> 00:08:10.879 Not only that, but his eyes are corrupt. 00:08:11.959 --> 00:08:14.959 He says there is no fear of God before his eyes. 00:08:16.180 --> 00:08:19.980 This is someone who lives in open rebellion against God 00:08:19.980 --> 00:08:21.759 and simply does not care. 00:08:21.759 --> 00:08:23.719 He doesn't fear God's wrath. 00:08:24.560 --> 00:08:28.319 He laughs off all this religious talk about hell. 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:33.279 He thinks all that religious talk of a God who sees every act 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:35.679 and hears every word and knows every thought 00:08:35.679 --> 00:08:38.080 and can discern every intention of the heart. 00:08:38.179 --> 00:08:39.379 That's just a bunch of nonsense. 00:08:40.720 --> 00:08:43.379 He cares nothing about the coming day of judgment 00:08:43.379 --> 00:08:45.000 when all will be exposed. 00:08:45.000 --> 00:08:49.440 All he wants to do is live free from all of this 00:08:49.440 --> 00:08:50.940 and so he suppresses it. 00:08:51.019 --> 00:08:53.600 He has no fear of God in his eyes. 00:08:53.679 --> 00:08:56.820 In fact, he says he flatters himself in his own eyes. 00:08:57.820 --> 00:09:01.240 He convinces himself that his iniquity cannot be found out 00:09:01.240 --> 00:09:02.940 and cannot be hated. 00:09:02.940 --> 00:09:05.680 This wicked man is self-deceived. 00:09:06.880 --> 00:09:08.840 And he's deceived himself into thinking, 00:09:08.980 --> 00:09:13.040 what I do in the privacy of my own home is my business. 00:09:13.220 --> 00:09:14.280 It can't be found out. 00:09:14.340 --> 00:09:15.120 It can't be hated. 00:09:15.260 --> 00:09:17.220 It can't be dealt with at all. 00:09:18.660 --> 00:09:22.580 Now Moses warned the Israelites about this exact sort of attitude 00:09:22.580 --> 00:09:24.780 all the way back in Deuteronomy chapter 29. 00:09:25.040 --> 00:09:25.840 Listen to what he says. 00:09:27.240 --> 00:09:29.240 He warns the community of Israel, 00:09:29.400 --> 00:09:33.980 Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, 00:09:34.700 --> 00:09:38.000 one who when he hears the words of this sworn covenant, 00:09:38.440 --> 00:09:41.500 blesses himself, flatters himself in his heart, 00:09:42.220 --> 00:09:46.280 saying, I shall be safe although I walk in the stubbornness of my heart. 00:09:47.379 --> 00:09:51.200 This will lead to the sweeping away of the moist and the dry alike. 00:09:51.200 --> 00:09:54.259 The Lord will not be willing to forgive him, 00:09:54.700 --> 00:09:59.820 but rather the anger of the Lord and his jealousy will smoke against that man. 00:10:00.200 --> 00:10:03.160 And the curses written in this book will settle upon him, 00:10:03.259 --> 00:10:06.379 and the Lord will blot out his name from under heaven. 00:10:08.140 --> 00:10:11.200 The wicked man does not fear God. 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:14.220 He lives in open rebellion. 00:10:14.480 --> 00:10:16.020 And so, verse 3, 00:10:17.060 --> 00:10:19.780 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit. 00:10:19.779 --> 00:10:21.699 His mouth is corrupt. 00:10:23.059 --> 00:10:27.500 Jesus tells us in Matthew 12 that a tree is known by its fruit. 00:10:27.620 --> 00:10:29.899 He looks the Pharisees right in the eye and he says, 00:10:30.240 --> 00:10:34.019 You brood of vipers, how can you speak good when you are evil? 00:10:34.419 --> 00:10:38.120 For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 00:10:38.740 --> 00:10:42.139 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, 00:10:42.339 --> 00:10:45.919 and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 00:10:45.919 --> 00:10:48.000 I tell you, on the day of judgment, 00:10:48.360 --> 00:10:51.899 people will give account for every careless word that they speak. 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:54.000 For by your words you will be justified, 00:10:54.419 --> 00:10:57.059 and by your words you will be condemned. 00:10:57.399 --> 00:11:00.719 He says the wicked man's mouth is corrupt. 00:11:01.839 --> 00:11:04.519 He says his hands and feet are corrupt. 00:11:05.360 --> 00:11:08.339 He has ceased to act wisely and to do good. 00:11:08.419 --> 00:11:09.899 His mind is corrupt. 00:11:10.259 --> 00:11:12.399 He plots trouble while he's on his bed. 00:11:12.399 --> 00:11:16.519 I mean, this is where all the AI scams and the abortion industry 00:11:16.519 --> 00:11:20.319 and the human trafficking and all the other evil in the world begins. 00:11:20.399 --> 00:11:23.779 It's in those quiet moments where you're left with your own thoughts. 00:11:24.779 --> 00:11:26.419 What is it that your mind goes to? 00:11:27.699 --> 00:11:29.679 The wicked, David says, 00:11:30.319 --> 00:11:34.439 is plotting wickedness from a corrupt mind. 00:11:34.440 --> 00:11:38.880 In fact, his very will is corrupt. 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:39.940 Look what he says. 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:44.240 He sets himself in a way that is not good. 00:11:44.540 --> 00:11:46.440 He does not reject evil. 00:11:47.420 --> 00:11:49.320 This is the will of a sinner. 00:11:50.780 --> 00:11:53.200 You know, we often maybe talk about free will, 00:11:53.320 --> 00:11:57.660 and what that means biblically is that people actually choose what they do. 00:11:57.760 --> 00:11:58.620 That is true. 00:11:59.080 --> 00:12:00.540 You choose what you do. 00:12:00.539 --> 00:12:05.019 What it doesn't mean is that your will is neutral. 00:12:06.039 --> 00:12:08.980 All of us choose according to our nature. 00:12:09.819 --> 00:12:13.059 There's a reason that birds don't swim and fish don't fly 00:12:13.059 --> 00:12:15.980 and dogs don't quack and ducks don't bark 00:12:15.980 --> 00:12:18.159 and the wicked don't reject evil. 00:12:18.959 --> 00:12:19.519 What is it? 00:12:20.459 --> 00:12:24.539 It's because we all act and choose according to our nature. 00:12:25.339 --> 00:12:28.740 And biblically, David is telling us his very nature, 00:12:28.740 --> 00:12:33.320 the nature of a wicked man is that from head to toe he is ruled by sin. 00:12:33.500 --> 00:12:35.460 The biblical word for that isn't freedom. 00:12:35.860 --> 00:12:36.879 It's slavery. 00:12:38.919 --> 00:12:41.360 It's a dark picture, isn't it? 00:12:42.980 --> 00:12:46.240 When we look around and we see the darkness of the world all around us, 00:12:46.320 --> 00:12:48.120 we should understand it for what it is. 00:12:48.379 --> 00:12:53.080 This is a world that is lost and enslaved by the powers of sin. 00:12:53.080 --> 00:12:57.940 But we should also understand that apart from the grace of God 00:12:57.940 --> 00:13:00.879 that liberates the sinful nature, 00:13:01.080 --> 00:13:03.100 that frees us from the power of sin, 00:13:03.180 --> 00:13:04.620 apart from the grace of God, 00:13:04.879 --> 00:13:07.780 friend, this is not just darkness out there around us. 00:13:07.940 --> 00:13:09.360 This is us. 00:13:11.280 --> 00:13:14.100 This is the point that Paul makes in Romans chapter 3 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:16.879 when he quotes this exact passage and others 00:13:16.879 --> 00:13:17.600 and says, 00:13:17.879 --> 00:13:19.059 None is righteous. 00:13:19.500 --> 00:13:20.419 No, not one. 00:13:20.679 --> 00:13:21.899 No one understands. 00:13:22.419 --> 00:13:23.740 No one seeks for God. 00:13:23.820 --> 00:13:24.580 Not even you. 00:13:24.679 --> 00:13:25.419 Not even me. 00:13:26.159 --> 00:13:27.559 All have turned aside. 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:29.500 Together they have become worthless. 00:13:29.980 --> 00:13:31.139 No one does good. 00:13:31.320 --> 00:13:32.539 Not even one. 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:34.939 Their throat is an open grave. 00:13:35.059 --> 00:13:36.620 They use their tongues to deceive. 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:39.200 The venom of asps is under their lips. 00:13:39.460 --> 00:13:41.519 Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. 00:13:42.019 --> 00:13:44.059 Their feet are swift to shed blood. 00:13:44.059 --> 00:13:46.379 In their paths are ruin and misery. 00:13:46.739 --> 00:13:48.479 The way of peace they have not known. 00:13:48.739 --> 00:13:52.419 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 00:13:53.719 --> 00:13:56.299 The picture that the Bible gives us is dark. 00:13:57.839 --> 00:14:03.579 The wicked are totally, absolutely consumed with evil. 00:14:04.899 --> 00:14:06.359 And friend, if the psalm ended here, 00:14:06.439 --> 00:14:09.199 we would leave here in absolute despair, wouldn't we? 00:14:10.299 --> 00:14:12.019 But notice what David does next. 00:14:12.019 --> 00:14:16.299 David shifts the perspective back here in verses 5 through 9 00:14:16.299 --> 00:14:20.819 to give us just about the greatest contrast you can possibly imagine. 00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:26.139 Against this dark backdrop of sin, 00:14:26.460 --> 00:14:28.399 in the midst of this great darkness, 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:32.439 he shows us the light of the glory of God. 00:14:33.159 --> 00:14:35.840 And he calls us to fix our eyes there. 00:14:36.639 --> 00:14:39.000 This is our hope in the midst of darkness. 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:40.940 This is what he shows us in verses 5 through 9. 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:41.340 Look there. 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:43.179 Second, David says, 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:47.860 we must exalt our glorious God in the midst of the darkness. 00:14:48.860 --> 00:14:51.000 Exalt our glorious God. 00:14:51.080 --> 00:14:52.100 Look there to 5 through 9. 00:14:52.539 --> 00:14:58.179 There could not be a more drastic contrast than what we see here. 00:14:59.019 --> 00:15:01.659 This is darkness and light, night and day. 00:15:01.960 --> 00:15:05.860 David draws our attention here to the covenant attributes of our God. 00:15:05.860 --> 00:15:10.740 He says, fix our eyes on the steadfast love of the Lord. 00:15:11.980 --> 00:15:15.919 Fix your eyes on the steadfast love of the Lord. 00:15:17.320 --> 00:15:18.620 We've heard that term, 00:15:18.779 --> 00:15:21.759 but it's possible that you may not know exactly what that means. 00:15:21.899 --> 00:15:24.180 The steadfast love of the Lord. 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:28.159 This is God's covenant love for His people. 00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:34.240 This is God's faithfulness to the promises that He has made to His people. 00:15:34.360 --> 00:15:39.019 And ultimately, we know that this is God's love for His covenant people in Christ. 00:15:40.659 --> 00:15:43.100 Isaiah says in Isaiah 54 verse 10, 00:15:43.199 --> 00:15:46.519 the mountains may depart and the hills may be removed, 00:15:46.699 --> 00:15:51.219 but my steadfast love shall not depart from you. 00:15:51.220 --> 00:15:58.120 This steady, rock solid, enduring love is ours in Christ's church. 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:01.840 But even on His side of the cross, 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:04.600 David's able to look at the steadfast love of God 00:16:04.600 --> 00:16:08.680 and marvel that His steadfast love extends to the heavens. 00:16:09.080 --> 00:16:11.420 His faithfulness extends to the clouds. 00:16:11.560 --> 00:16:14.340 He says, look there if you're overwhelmed by the darkness. 00:16:14.340 --> 00:16:19.820 But also, he says, fix your eyes on the righteousness of the Lord. 00:16:21.160 --> 00:16:23.940 He is perfectly pure. 00:16:24.160 --> 00:16:27.280 I remember going to pick out Amanda's engagement ring, 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:30.740 and you learn all sorts of new stuff when you go to buy a ring. 00:16:30.820 --> 00:16:32.300 All the four C's and all that. 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:35.700 Cut clarity, carrot, and I forget the fourth one. 00:16:35.740 --> 00:16:36.500 I don't know what it is. 00:16:37.160 --> 00:16:40.500 But where they really get you is in the purity of the diamond, right? 00:16:40.540 --> 00:16:42.620 They hold it out against this black cloth. 00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:43.879 They slide it out to you. 00:16:43.940 --> 00:16:45.120 They put it under the microscope. 00:16:45.440 --> 00:16:46.759 You spin it around, 00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:50.980 and you can see every little minor imperfection. 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:53.759 Not so with God. 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:58.679 Here, against this black backdrop of our sin, 00:16:58.679 --> 00:17:03.060 we see that there is not the slightest imperfection in our God. 00:17:03.860 --> 00:17:06.720 There is not the slightest hint of evil. 00:17:06.859 --> 00:17:10.500 There is not the slightest inclination to wickedness. 00:17:10.500 --> 00:17:14.960 John tells us, God is light. 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:17.559 In him there is no darkness at all. 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:18.920 Our God is not just holy. 00:17:19.059 --> 00:17:21.640 He is holy, holy, holy. 00:17:21.759 --> 00:17:23.359 This is the refrain of heaven. 00:17:23.900 --> 00:17:25.220 Revelation chapter 4. 00:17:25.359 --> 00:17:29.220 Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, 00:17:29.380 --> 00:17:31.599 who was and is and is to come. 00:17:31.880 --> 00:17:33.619 His righteousness, David says, 00:17:33.619 --> 00:17:35.779 is like the mountains of God. 00:17:36.899 --> 00:17:38.139 It's strong. 00:17:39.079 --> 00:17:40.239 It's stable. 00:17:40.539 --> 00:17:41.759 It's towering. 00:17:41.879 --> 00:17:42.839 It's enduring. 00:17:43.179 --> 00:17:44.599 It's beautiful. 00:17:44.959 --> 00:17:45.519 And again, 00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:48.059 the righteousness of our God, 00:17:48.119 --> 00:17:51.779 it shines forth most clearly in Christ Jesus, 00:17:52.399 --> 00:17:54.899 who is the perfect Son of God, 00:17:55.459 --> 00:17:58.579 who is the radiance of the glory of God 00:17:58.579 --> 00:18:00.899 and the exact imprint of His nature. 00:18:01.199 --> 00:18:05.079 He is the embodiment of holy God in human flesh. 00:18:05.379 --> 00:18:05.819 David says, 00:18:05.859 --> 00:18:08.839 would you just marvel at this faithful holy God? 00:18:11.639 --> 00:18:14.339 His judgments are like the great deep. 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:17.720 All life owes itself to the work of this great God, 00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:19.059 man and beast alike. 00:18:19.059 --> 00:18:22.059 Who can comprehend the ways of God? 00:18:22.059 --> 00:18:27.139 And when we stand back and we just think for a moment, 00:18:27.919 --> 00:18:30.519 and when we zoom out of all the chaos of life 00:18:30.519 --> 00:18:33.440 and all the overwhelming darkness of day-to-day life 00:18:33.440 --> 00:18:34.460 here in a fallen world, 00:18:34.639 --> 00:18:37.559 when we think about God's works of salvation 00:18:37.559 --> 00:18:40.639 and creation and providence, 00:18:40.740 --> 00:18:42.039 but especially salvation, 00:18:42.139 --> 00:18:43.480 what He's done for us in Christ, 00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:45.500 we say with Paul, 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:49.179 oh, the depths of the riches and the wisdom 00:18:49.179 --> 00:18:50.940 and the knowledge of God. 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:53.940 How unsearchable are His judgments 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:56.320 and how inscrutable are His ways. 00:18:56.420 --> 00:18:58.259 You just marvel at the wisdom 00:18:58.259 --> 00:18:59.640 and the ways of this God. 00:19:01.660 --> 00:19:03.920 Can you imagine a greater contrast 00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:05.779 in what David shows us here? 00:19:07.460 --> 00:19:08.740 Derek Kidner says, 00:19:09.140 --> 00:19:11.840 here is a whole world to explore, 00:19:12.580 --> 00:19:14.759 a broad place to be brought into, 00:19:15.580 --> 00:19:18.620 unsearchable, impregnable, inexhaustible, 00:19:18.619 --> 00:19:21.419 yet for all that, welcoming and hospitable. 00:19:22.379 --> 00:19:22.959 He says, 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:25.500 it is only man's world that is cramping. 00:19:26.239 --> 00:19:28.639 Human fickleness makes a drooping contrast 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:32.239 to this towering covenant love and faithfulness. 00:19:33.000 --> 00:19:34.899 Human standards where all is relative 00:19:34.899 --> 00:19:38.119 are a marshland beside the exacting, 00:19:38.519 --> 00:19:40.659 exhilarating mountains of His righteousness. 00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:44.000 Human assessments are shallowness itself 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:45.720 in comparison with His judgments. 00:19:47.579 --> 00:19:51.359 David holds this diamond of God's glory 00:19:51.359 --> 00:19:53.339 in his hand against the black backdrop 00:19:53.339 --> 00:19:54.859 of the wickedness of man 00:19:54.859 --> 00:19:57.220 and he turns it every which way 00:19:57.220 --> 00:19:57.799 and says, 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:59.940 would you just look and marvel 00:19:59.940 --> 00:20:01.480 at the glory of God? 00:20:03.680 --> 00:20:06.000 Church, do you ever marvel 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:07.079 at the glory of God? 00:20:07.079 --> 00:20:11.899 Do you find yourself considering His attributes 00:20:11.899 --> 00:20:12.899 when you're overwhelmed 00:20:12.899 --> 00:20:14.279 by the darkness of this world? 00:20:16.740 --> 00:20:17.740 David says, 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:19.779 fix your eyes on Him. 00:20:19.939 --> 00:20:21.859 Remember who He is, 00:20:21.960 --> 00:20:23.799 but we can't stop there. 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:27.259 We can't stop there. 00:20:27.399 --> 00:20:29.059 Pay close attention to this church 00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:31.679 because this is absolutely crucial for us to get. 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:35.579 David moves from talking about the glory of God 00:20:35.579 --> 00:20:36.980 in verses 5 through 6 00:20:36.980 --> 00:20:39.599 to treasuring God 00:20:39.599 --> 00:20:40.859 in verses 7 through 9. 00:20:41.639 --> 00:20:43.759 And this is just an incredible shift 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:44.720 that takes place here. 00:20:45.259 --> 00:20:46.439 Look what he says in verse 7. 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:50.819 How precious is your steadfast love, 00:20:50.919 --> 00:20:52.480 O God, he says in verse 7. 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:56.539 How precious is your steadfast love. 00:20:57.439 --> 00:20:58.679 The children of mankind 00:20:58.679 --> 00:21:01.819 take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 00:21:03.199 --> 00:21:05.559 See, there is an eternity of difference. 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:08.279 between knowing that God is faithful 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:10.419 and knowing that God is righteous 00:21:10.419 --> 00:21:12.460 and knowing that God is just 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:14.059 and knowing that God is wise, 00:21:14.379 --> 00:21:15.619 knowing that God is good, 00:21:15.799 --> 00:21:17.759 and actually experiencing 00:21:17.759 --> 00:21:19.799 these glorious truths for yourself. 00:21:21.159 --> 00:21:22.740 There is an eternity of difference 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:25.220 between being able to list off attributes 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:28.819 and loving this great God for who He is. 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:32.099 If you're freezing out in the dark, 00:21:32.179 --> 00:21:33.179 you don't need a lecture, 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:34.939 a bunch of true facts about the heat. 00:21:35.680 --> 00:21:37.580 You need to get up close to the fire 00:21:37.580 --> 00:21:38.539 and feel His warmth 00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:40.920 and see by His light. 00:21:42.200 --> 00:21:43.720 And this is what David's getting at here. 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:45.259 He says God's steadfast love 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:46.580 is not just true. 00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:49.420 It is precious to those who love Him. 00:21:50.420 --> 00:21:51.720 God's people don't just know 00:21:51.720 --> 00:21:52.779 that He's able to save. 00:21:52.860 --> 00:21:55.420 They take refuge in the shadow of His wings. 00:21:55.420 --> 00:21:57.180 It is not enough 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:59.860 just to be able to talk about this God. 00:21:59.859 --> 00:22:02.919 You must treasure Him in your heart. 00:22:04.899 --> 00:22:07.199 No one has been more helpful for me 00:22:07.199 --> 00:22:08.119 in understanding this 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:10.019 than my good friends John Piper 00:22:10.019 --> 00:22:10.899 and Jonathan Edwards. 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:16.139 John Piper has famously coined the phrase, 00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:19.740 God is most glorified in us 00:22:19.740 --> 00:22:23.259 when we are most satisfied in Him. 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:27.900 God is most glorified in us 00:22:27.900 --> 00:22:32.779 when we are most satisfied in Him. 00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:35.400 Church, this is why our mission as a church, 00:22:35.500 --> 00:22:35.940 what is it? 00:22:36.119 --> 00:22:39.240 We exist to magnify the glory of God 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:41.519 in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:42.279 How? 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:43.720 Way number one, 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:46.500 by enjoying Him. 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:50.339 Do you realize that Christianity 00:22:50.339 --> 00:22:52.039 is a religion of joy? 00:22:54.900 --> 00:22:56.720 Christianity is a religion 00:22:56.720 --> 00:22:59.460 of unlimited pursuit 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:00.460 of the deepest, 00:23:00.740 --> 00:23:02.599 most infinitely pleasurable, 00:23:02.859 --> 00:23:04.879 exhilarating source of satisfaction 00:23:04.879 --> 00:23:07.259 imaginable in all the universe. 00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:10.960 Christianity is a religion 00:23:10.960 --> 00:23:13.460 of unlimited pursuit of pleasure. 00:23:15.140 --> 00:23:16.900 And we believe that there's nothing 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:18.779 more satisfying to your soul 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:20.599 than the God who made it. 00:23:21.099 --> 00:23:23.000 And the gloriously good news 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:26.059 is that when you satisfy your heart in God, 00:23:26.859 --> 00:23:29.779 you can come and have as much as you want. 00:23:31.859 --> 00:23:34.619 This is what David says in Psalm 1611. 00:23:35.140 --> 00:23:36.119 In your presence, 00:23:36.119 --> 00:23:37.699 there is fullness of joy. 00:23:38.019 --> 00:23:41.500 At your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 00:23:41.599 --> 00:23:44.179 Do you see the abundance language in this psalm? 00:23:44.239 --> 00:23:44.879 Do you hear this? 00:23:45.459 --> 00:23:47.439 We're not just fed by God. 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:50.539 We feast on the abundance of His house. 00:23:52.199 --> 00:23:55.459 We don't just sip from a faucet. 00:23:56.299 --> 00:23:59.179 We drink from the river of God's delights. 00:24:00.919 --> 00:24:03.739 We don't just squint by candlelight. 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:04.200 It says, 00:24:04.559 --> 00:24:06.240 When your heart is satisfied in God, 00:24:06.359 --> 00:24:09.480 in His light we see light. 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:12.019 And so Edwards, 00:24:12.960 --> 00:24:13.920 he says, 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:16.680 Persons need not and ought not 00:24:16.680 --> 00:24:17.819 set any bounds 00:24:17.819 --> 00:24:19.940 to their spiritual and gracious appetites. 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:22.099 He says, 00:24:22.160 --> 00:24:23.720 There is no such thing 00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:25.860 as any ordinateness 00:24:25.860 --> 00:24:27.319 in holy affections. 00:24:27.900 --> 00:24:29.380 There is no such thing 00:24:29.380 --> 00:24:31.180 as excess in longings 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:33.319 after the discoveries 00:24:33.319 --> 00:24:34.900 of the beauty of Christ Jesus 00:24:34.900 --> 00:24:37.019 or greater degrees of holiness 00:24:37.019 --> 00:24:39.420 or the enjoyment of communion with God. 00:24:39.800 --> 00:24:42.560 Men may be as covetous as they please, 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:43.680 if I may so speak, 00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:45.220 after spiritual riches. 00:24:45.780 --> 00:24:47.700 They may be as eager as they please 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:49.100 to heap up treasure in heaven. 00:24:49.480 --> 00:24:51.620 They may be as ambitious as they please 00:24:51.620 --> 00:24:54.180 of spiritual and eternal honor and glory. 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:56.900 They may be as voluptuous as they please 00:24:56.900 --> 00:24:58.640 with respect to spiritual pleasure. 00:24:58.640 --> 00:25:00.200 In other words, 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:00.759 he says, 00:25:00.920 --> 00:25:03.020 If you want to be satisfied, 00:25:03.340 --> 00:25:04.360 come and get it. 00:25:05.440 --> 00:25:06.900 As much as you want. 00:25:07.840 --> 00:25:09.580 The table is set. 00:25:11.160 --> 00:25:12.540 He says elsewhere, 00:25:13.960 --> 00:25:17.340 in a sermon that has shaped my life, 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:21.700 what is glorifying God 00:25:21.700 --> 00:25:23.500 but rejoicing in the glory 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.440 that He has displayed? 00:25:24.440 --> 00:25:27.120 Merely understanding 00:25:27.120 --> 00:25:28.680 the perfections of God 00:25:28.680 --> 00:25:30.460 cannot be the end of creation. 00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:31.920 God is glorified 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:34.620 not only by His glory being seen 00:25:34.620 --> 00:25:37.420 but by its being rejoiced in. 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:39.620 When those that see it 00:25:39.620 --> 00:25:40.680 delight in it, 00:25:40.900 --> 00:25:42.220 God is more glorified 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:43.519 than if they only see it. 00:25:47.640 --> 00:25:48.240 Friend, 00:25:48.320 --> 00:25:50.880 do you treasure God 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:52.460 as the only 00:25:52.460 --> 00:25:54.560 and all satisfying 00:25:54.560 --> 00:25:55.860 source of delight 00:25:55.860 --> 00:25:57.380 for your soul? 00:25:58.900 --> 00:25:59.880 Do you see Him 00:25:59.880 --> 00:26:01.220 as the greatest satisfaction 00:26:01.220 --> 00:26:01.960 that your soul 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:04.300 could possibly ever have? 00:26:04.400 --> 00:26:04.620 Friend, 00:26:04.680 --> 00:26:05.820 if you are overwhelmed 00:26:05.820 --> 00:26:06.680 by the darkness 00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:07.720 of this world, 00:26:08.000 --> 00:26:08.380 Christian, 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.120 the invitation, 00:26:09.640 --> 00:26:11.420 come feast your soul 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:13.160 on the glory of God. 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:15.320 And if you are discouraged 00:26:15.320 --> 00:26:17.020 by the sin in your own heart, 00:26:17.340 --> 00:26:17.760 Christian, 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:18.840 come drink 00:26:18.840 --> 00:26:20.340 from the life-giving stream 00:26:20.339 --> 00:26:21.599 of the steadfast love 00:26:21.599 --> 00:26:23.099 of God for you in Christ. 00:26:24.159 --> 00:26:24.699 And friend, 00:26:24.759 --> 00:26:26.220 if you are the wicked man 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:27.480 of verses 1-4 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:29.220 who has lived in rebellion 00:26:29.220 --> 00:26:30.539 against this great God, 00:26:30.879 --> 00:26:32.619 come all who are thirsty, 00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:34.000 He says in Isaiah 55. 00:26:34.899 --> 00:26:36.519 Come everyone who thirsts, 00:26:36.579 --> 00:26:37.879 come to the waters, 00:26:38.199 --> 00:26:39.720 come he who has no money, 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:41.619 come buy and eat, 00:26:41.819 --> 00:26:44.139 and you will find life 00:26:44.139 --> 00:26:45.699 and satisfaction in Christ. 00:26:47.079 --> 00:26:48.399 Come to Christ. 00:26:48.400 --> 00:26:50.759 find in Him 00:26:50.759 --> 00:26:51.820 full atonement 00:26:51.820 --> 00:26:53.240 for the greatest wickedness 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:54.780 and full satisfaction 00:26:54.780 --> 00:26:56.160 for the hungry heart. 00:26:56.280 --> 00:26:57.040 Because of course, 00:26:57.140 --> 00:26:58.280 it is in Christ 00:26:58.280 --> 00:26:59.960 and only in Christ 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:00.940 that we see 00:27:00.940 --> 00:27:02.320 the full expression 00:27:02.320 --> 00:27:03.080 of this psalm 00:27:03.080 --> 00:27:03.660 most clearly. 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:06.740 The Gospel of John 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:09.259 most clearly, 00:27:09.400 --> 00:27:10.200 probably more clearly 00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:10.980 than anywhere else, 00:27:11.080 --> 00:27:11.700 sheds light 00:27:11.700 --> 00:27:12.320 on the language 00:27:12.320 --> 00:27:13.040 of this psalm. 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:13.299 In fact, 00:27:13.359 --> 00:27:14.559 I've often wondered 00:27:14.559 --> 00:27:16.379 if John was reading 00:27:16.379 --> 00:27:17.240 Psalm 36 00:27:17.240 --> 00:27:18.019 as he composed 00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:18.659 his Gospel. 00:27:20.220 --> 00:27:21.460 Because it's there 00:27:21.460 --> 00:27:22.799 in the Gospel of John 00:27:22.799 --> 00:27:23.700 that Jesus says, 00:27:24.039 --> 00:27:25.619 I am the light 00:27:25.619 --> 00:27:26.599 of the world. 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:28.059 It is by His light 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:29.039 that we see light. 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:31.339 It is there in John 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:32.159 that Jesus meets 00:27:32.159 --> 00:27:33.180 with a Samaritan woman 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.259 and invites her, 00:27:34.519 --> 00:27:35.139 ask me 00:27:35.139 --> 00:27:35.940 and I will give you 00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:37.200 living water. 00:27:37.619 --> 00:27:38.759 He says there in John, 00:27:38.859 --> 00:27:40.019 whoever believes in me 00:27:40.019 --> 00:27:41.079 as Scripture has said, 00:27:41.079 --> 00:27:42.299 out of His heart 00:27:42.299 --> 00:27:43.199 will flow rivers 00:27:43.199 --> 00:27:44.659 of living water. 00:27:45.179 --> 00:27:45.659 Church, 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:48.740 ultimately, 00:27:48.939 --> 00:27:50.099 the steadfast love 00:27:50.099 --> 00:27:50.619 of God 00:27:50.619 --> 00:27:51.839 is shown towards 00:27:51.839 --> 00:27:52.460 His people 00:27:52.460 --> 00:27:54.199 in Christ. 00:27:55.819 --> 00:27:56.259 And no matter 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:56.759 how dark 00:27:56.759 --> 00:27:57.659 the world around us 00:27:57.659 --> 00:27:57.960 gets, 00:27:58.039 --> 00:27:58.759 we take comfort 00:27:58.759 --> 00:27:59.659 to know we are 00:27:59.659 --> 00:28:01.839 safe and sheltered 00:28:01.839 --> 00:28:02.679 in Christ. 00:28:02.859 --> 00:28:03.679 Not only from 00:28:03.679 --> 00:28:04.720 the schemes of the enemy, 00:28:04.859 --> 00:28:05.480 but even from 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:06.460 the wrath of God 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:07.599 against our own sin. 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:08.319 Why? 00:28:09.859 --> 00:28:11.039 Because as ugly 00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:12.259 and dark 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:13.099 and wicked 00:28:13.099 --> 00:28:13.619 of a picture 00:28:13.619 --> 00:28:14.480 of our own sin 00:28:14.480 --> 00:28:15.019 as we see 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:15.779 in this song, 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:17.180 Christ Jesus, 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:18.879 the perfect Son of God 00:28:18.879 --> 00:28:21.000 became sin for us 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:23.000 so that in Him 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:24.000 we might become 00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:24.960 the very righteousness 00:28:24.960 --> 00:28:25.659 of God. 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:28.099 Jesus Christ 00:28:28.099 --> 00:28:29.460 bore the wrath 00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:30.000 of God 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:31.599 against our sin 00:28:31.599 --> 00:28:32.500 and as God's 00:28:32.500 --> 00:28:33.299 righteous judgment 00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:34.359 fell upon Him 00:28:34.359 --> 00:28:35.099 in our place, 00:28:35.180 --> 00:28:35.460 it says, 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:36.899 darkness covered 00:28:36.899 --> 00:28:38.259 the face of the earth. 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:40.480 the very darkness 00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:41.440 that David describes 00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:42.879 here in verses 1-4 00:28:42.879 --> 00:28:44.200 reached its peak 00:28:44.200 --> 00:28:45.400 at the cross of Christ 00:28:45.400 --> 00:28:46.220 as the light 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:46.680 of the world 00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:47.379 was slain. 00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:49.579 But we praise God 00:28:49.579 --> 00:28:50.339 that the darkness 00:28:50.339 --> 00:28:52.559 could not hold Him. 00:28:53.700 --> 00:28:54.879 He has risen 00:28:54.879 --> 00:28:55.980 from the grave 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:56.900 in victory 00:28:56.900 --> 00:28:58.279 over the darkness, 00:28:58.779 --> 00:29:00.700 victory over our sin, 00:29:01.119 --> 00:29:02.799 victory over the enemy, 00:29:03.119 --> 00:29:04.920 and victory over the grave. 00:29:04.920 --> 00:29:05.880 Christian, 00:29:06.000 --> 00:29:06.700 our comfort 00:29:06.700 --> 00:29:07.700 and our confidence 00:29:07.700 --> 00:29:09.300 in the face of darkness 00:29:09.300 --> 00:29:11.380 is the all-satisfying 00:29:11.380 --> 00:29:13.140 glory of Christ. 00:29:14.820 --> 00:29:16.240 Because of this, 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:18.400 third and finally, 00:29:19.580 --> 00:29:20.980 we are compelled 00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:22.120 to express 00:29:22.120 --> 00:29:24.519 our desires to Him. 00:29:25.680 --> 00:29:26.259 Look there to verses 00:29:26.259 --> 00:29:27.100 10-12 00:29:27.100 --> 00:29:28.380 and would you just 00:29:28.380 --> 00:29:29.240 notice here 00:29:29.240 --> 00:29:30.320 up to this point 00:29:30.320 --> 00:29:31.400 David has asked 00:29:31.400 --> 00:29:31.980 for nothing. 00:29:33.380 --> 00:29:34.440 He's just examined 00:29:34.440 --> 00:29:35.519 the wickedness 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:37.220 and he has extolled 00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:38.340 the glory of God. 00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:39.940 But now in light 00:29:39.940 --> 00:29:40.559 of all of this, 00:29:40.640 --> 00:29:41.759 David prays verse 10, 00:29:42.580 --> 00:29:44.940 continue your steadfast love 00:29:44.940 --> 00:29:46.019 to those who know you 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:47.660 and your righteousness 00:29:47.660 --> 00:29:49.220 to the upright of heart. 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:50.980 In other words, 00:29:51.059 --> 00:29:51.340 God, 00:29:51.400 --> 00:29:53.820 would you be who you are 00:29:53.820 --> 00:29:56.019 to those who are yours? 00:29:57.380 --> 00:29:58.720 Your steadfast love 00:29:58.720 --> 00:29:59.900 is so great, 00:30:00.019 --> 00:30:00.620 your righteousness 00:30:00.620 --> 00:30:02.080 is so precious, 00:30:02.299 --> 00:30:03.420 would you just cover 00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:04.560 your people with it 00:30:04.560 --> 00:30:06.240 and guard them with it 00:30:06.240 --> 00:30:07.380 and comfort us 00:30:07.380 --> 00:30:08.580 with your steadfast love 00:30:08.580 --> 00:30:09.440 and faithfulness? 00:30:10.640 --> 00:30:11.580 And also, 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:12.200 would you, 00:30:12.279 --> 00:30:12.779 verse 11, 00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:15.220 let not the foot 00:30:15.220 --> 00:30:15.779 of arrogance 00:30:15.779 --> 00:30:16.800 come upon me 00:30:16.800 --> 00:30:17.519 nor the hand 00:30:17.519 --> 00:30:18.019 of the wicked 00:30:18.019 --> 00:30:19.060 drive me away. 00:30:20.240 --> 00:30:21.340 There the evildoers 00:30:21.340 --> 00:30:22.080 lie fallen, 00:30:22.259 --> 00:30:23.360 they are thrust down 00:30:23.360 --> 00:30:25.519 unable to rise. 00:30:27.360 --> 00:30:27.920 Again, 00:30:28.039 --> 00:30:28.640 we're reminded 00:30:28.640 --> 00:30:31.960 of the radical distinction 00:30:31.960 --> 00:30:33.440 between the righteous 00:30:33.440 --> 00:30:34.640 and the wicked. 00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:37.600 James Hamilton 00:30:37.600 --> 00:30:39.340 summarizes it perfectly. 00:30:39.560 --> 00:30:39.940 He says, 00:30:40.040 --> 00:30:41.580 the wicked worship sin 00:30:41.580 --> 00:30:42.940 with its fleeting pleasure 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:44.160 and lasting regret, 00:30:44.460 --> 00:30:45.640 and in the end, 00:30:45.740 --> 00:30:47.500 they gain eternal destruction. 00:30:48.500 --> 00:30:50.360 The righteous worship God 00:30:50.360 --> 00:30:51.720 with His lofty love 00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:53.240 and rooted righteousness, 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:54.440 and in the end, 00:30:54.700 --> 00:30:56.140 they drink from the fountain 00:30:56.140 --> 00:30:56.839 of life 00:30:56.839 --> 00:30:58.240 and ever bask 00:30:58.240 --> 00:30:59.079 in His light. 00:30:59.299 --> 00:30:59.720 Church, 00:31:00.259 --> 00:31:02.460 this is the certain end 00:31:02.460 --> 00:31:03.599 of all things. 00:31:04.900 --> 00:31:06.099 This is the light 00:31:06.099 --> 00:31:07.079 at the end of the tunnel. 00:31:07.920 --> 00:31:08.839 You remember our question? 00:31:10.380 --> 00:31:11.480 Where do we look 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.180 when the darkness 00:31:12.180 --> 00:31:12.980 is overwhelming? 00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:13.940 Here's your answer, 00:31:14.099 --> 00:31:14.319 church. 00:31:14.480 --> 00:31:15.200 You look 00:31:15.200 --> 00:31:16.120 to the light 00:31:16.120 --> 00:31:17.039 of the world, 00:31:17.200 --> 00:31:17.920 Jesus Christ. 00:31:17.920 --> 00:31:20.840 If you are overwhelmed 00:31:20.840 --> 00:31:22.140 by evil in our world, 00:31:22.259 --> 00:31:22.779 take heart. 00:31:23.300 --> 00:31:24.840 Nothing can separate you 00:31:24.840 --> 00:31:26.080 from the covenant love 00:31:26.080 --> 00:31:26.539 of God 00:31:26.539 --> 00:31:28.519 for you in Christ Jesus. 00:31:29.580 --> 00:31:30.340 In fact, 00:31:30.380 --> 00:31:30.820 He says, 00:31:31.360 --> 00:31:32.279 I have overcome 00:31:32.279 --> 00:31:32.940 the world. 00:31:34.460 --> 00:31:35.740 If you are discouraged 00:31:35.740 --> 00:31:36.600 by the battle 00:31:36.600 --> 00:31:37.500 with sin 00:31:37.500 --> 00:31:38.440 in your own heart, 00:31:38.779 --> 00:31:39.380 take heart. 00:31:39.500 --> 00:31:40.680 If you are in Christ, 00:31:40.980 --> 00:31:42.080 God is faithful. 00:31:42.480 --> 00:31:43.500 He will complete 00:31:43.500 --> 00:31:44.100 the good work 00:31:44.100 --> 00:31:45.019 He began in you. 00:31:45.640 --> 00:31:46.019 Indeed, 00:31:46.019 --> 00:31:47.700 His own perfect righteousness 00:31:47.700 --> 00:31:48.680 is yours 00:31:48.680 --> 00:31:49.799 by faith in Christ. 00:31:51.400 --> 00:31:52.519 If you are facing 00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:53.900 the fierce attacks 00:31:53.900 --> 00:31:54.980 and temptations 00:31:54.980 --> 00:31:56.460 and accusations 00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:57.319 of the enemy, 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:58.000 take heart. 00:31:58.120 --> 00:31:58.819 Christ Jesus 00:31:58.819 --> 00:32:00.140 also has been tempted 00:32:00.140 --> 00:32:00.680 and tried 00:32:00.680 --> 00:32:01.299 in every way 00:32:01.299 --> 00:32:01.860 as we are, 00:32:01.940 --> 00:32:04.039 yet without sin. 00:32:04.140 --> 00:32:05.340 He also endured 00:32:05.340 --> 00:32:06.319 the darkness 00:32:06.319 --> 00:32:07.140 of this world 00:32:07.140 --> 00:32:07.840 so that He might 00:32:07.840 --> 00:32:08.559 bring us 00:32:08.559 --> 00:32:09.700 out of darkness 00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:10.920 and into His 00:32:10.920 --> 00:32:12.220 marvelous light. 00:32:12.559 --> 00:32:13.319 And if you are 00:32:13.319 --> 00:32:15.019 longing for real, 00:32:15.019 --> 00:32:16.019 lasting satisfaction 00:32:16.600 --> 00:32:17.539 for your soul, 00:32:17.700 --> 00:32:19.160 church, 00:32:19.220 --> 00:32:19.660 remember that 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:20.340 one day soon 00:32:20.340 --> 00:32:21.019 and very soon, 00:32:21.120 --> 00:32:21.720 Christ Jesus 00:32:21.720 --> 00:32:23.000 will return. 00:32:24.160 --> 00:32:25.120 And He will 00:32:25.120 --> 00:32:26.220 banish the darkness 00:32:26.220 --> 00:32:26.660 forever. 00:32:28.000 --> 00:32:29.240 And He will be 00:32:29.240 --> 00:32:30.720 our everlasting light. 00:32:31.580 --> 00:32:33.319 And all His people 00:32:33.319 --> 00:32:35.380 will drop to their knees 00:32:35.380 --> 00:32:36.539 and drink from the river 00:32:36.539 --> 00:32:38.279 of His everlasting delights 00:32:38.279 --> 00:32:39.900 throughout all eternity. 00:32:40.160 --> 00:32:41.880 But until that day comes, 00:32:42.019 --> 00:32:42.240 church, 00:32:42.240 --> 00:32:42.980 guess what? 00:32:44.019 --> 00:32:45.319 You can begin feasting 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:46.059 on His goodness 00:32:46.059 --> 00:32:46.919 right now. 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:49.980 So if you are thirsty 00:32:49.980 --> 00:32:50.859 today, friend, 00:32:50.980 --> 00:32:52.200 come to the waters. 00:32:52.960 --> 00:32:54.159 If you are empty, 00:32:54.339 --> 00:32:54.519 friend, 00:32:54.619 --> 00:32:55.700 come to the feast. 00:32:55.779 --> 00:32:57.000 If you are terrified 00:32:57.000 --> 00:32:57.819 of the dark, 00:32:57.899 --> 00:32:58.639 would you turn 00:32:58.639 --> 00:32:59.319 to the light 00:32:59.319 --> 00:33:00.179 of the world 00:33:00.179 --> 00:33:01.939 and take refuge 00:33:01.939 --> 00:33:02.519 in the shadow 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:03.279 of His wings? 00:33:04.299 --> 00:33:05.559 And would you consider Him 00:33:05.559 --> 00:33:06.980 and would you treasure Him 00:33:06.980 --> 00:33:07.519 in your heart? 00:33:07.599 --> 00:33:08.439 Would you express 00:33:08.439 --> 00:33:09.960 the desires of your heart 00:33:09.960 --> 00:33:10.759 to Him 00:33:10.759 --> 00:33:11.419 and entrust 00:33:11.419 --> 00:33:12.339 your very life 00:33:12.339 --> 00:33:13.319 to Him? 00:33:13.379 --> 00:33:14.139 He is faithful 00:33:14.139 --> 00:33:15.859 and He is good. 00:33:16.079 --> 00:33:16.480 Let's pray. 00:33:16.919 --> 00:33:17.299 Father, 00:33:18.559 --> 00:33:22.220 would you show us, 00:33:23.299 --> 00:33:23.659 God, 00:33:23.740 --> 00:33:24.740 that you are 00:33:24.740 --> 00:33:28.639 the all-satisfying 00:33:28.639 --> 00:33:29.639 source of joy 00:33:29.639 --> 00:33:32.099 for which we were made? 00:33:33.419 --> 00:33:33.859 God, 00:33:33.899 --> 00:33:35.419 would you show us 00:33:35.419 --> 00:33:37.159 the fleeting pleasures 00:33:37.159 --> 00:33:38.740 and destructive end 00:33:38.740 --> 00:33:39.279 of sin 00:33:39.279 --> 00:33:41.019 that we might repent 00:33:41.019 --> 00:33:42.839 and put our faith 00:33:42.839 --> 00:33:44.000 entirely in Christ 00:33:44.000 --> 00:33:45.220 and satisfy our soul 00:33:45.220 --> 00:33:45.639 in Him? 00:33:46.700 --> 00:33:47.480 And we pray, 00:33:47.619 --> 00:33:48.000 Lord Jesus, 00:33:48.119 --> 00:33:49.119 would you come quickly 00:33:49.119 --> 00:33:50.079 and put an end 00:33:50.079 --> 00:33:50.819 to the darkness 00:33:50.819 --> 00:33:52.039 and usher in the age 00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:53.379 of eternal joys 00:33:53.379 --> 00:33:54.019 in your presence? 00:33:54.139 --> 00:33:55.119 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:33:56.059 --> 00:33:56.319 Amen.