PSALM 15 PART 2

 

We are continuing our series on the 12 rules for life as laid out in Psalm 15 by David.  Mankind can always give rules for life.  I have read the laws of a learner by Bruce Wilkinson.  There are lots of gurus and motivational speakers who can give you rules and principles for life but David was a success in what He did and he had a wonderful relationship with God and we can learn some very powerful things from His life.  What I love about this Psalm is that completely agrees what is throughout the Bible.  So today let us look at three more.  They are found in verse 4.

 

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; KJV, a contemptible person is despised, NASV, who despises a vile person, NIV, despise the despicable. MB. 

 

1.      When you are a child of God behavior is very important.  It is a outgrowth of character.  When you come across someone who is rude, loud, aggressive, selfish and self-absorbed it hurts your heart.  Despicable in the truest sense is a hateful person.  A person intent on hurting others, being mean, getting revenge, blaming others for their faults and failures.  Contemptible means scornful, mocking and rude.  A quality of a righteous person is that we hate, dislike and do not tolerate a person like that.  This is where you speak the truth in love.  You defend those who the objects of this behavior.  A contemptible person is often a bully.  We should always stand up against a bully.

 

a.       The child of God is called to care for the sick, prisoner, feed the hungry and stand up for the vulnerable.  This is where James says we can become angry and sin not.  We have a responsibility to stand up for righteousness.  We are the conscious of the world.  We must exercise of morally responsibility.  The reason we see the moral decay of our society is because the church is no longer the moral compass of the nation.

b.      We have dead preacher delivering dead sermon to dead people.  This is the time where say thsus sayeth the word of the Lord.  To the Hillary Clinton’s, Justin Trudeau’s of the world.  The Bible is true and every man a liar.  To those who say the Bible needs to be rewritten, no it does not it just needs to be re-read.

c.      This is the time we love the sinner but hate the sin.  This is the time where we say get right with God.  Remember the gospel will always be offensive because it tells people they are sinners and need a savior.  It is not popular to tell someone they are not okay.  You are a herald warning of impending doom and judgment.   We need to not be afraid to correct or even rebuke someone when they are acting like a fool or may I even say an idiot.  Never be afraid of people be more afraid of God.  Again it is done in love.  We must love people enough to stand strong for truth, morally and righteousness.  We must love them enough to try and help, correct and change bad behavior, bullying and rudeness.  God loves us to much to leave us the way we are and we must do the same if possible.  Talk about David dealt with the man who claim to kill Saul.

 

But honors those who fear the Lord. 

 

1.       This mean you hold someone in high regard, esteem and respect.  The reason is because that person fears the Lord.  Solomon said the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Pr 9:10.  When we are talking about fear of the Lord we mean to hold in respect and reverence.  You need to have a healthy fear of God.  He is the one who hold your life in His hands.  One day you are going to be judged by Him and He made you. 

2.      Here are six ways you can honor someone who fears the Lord.

 

a.      Refuse to believe an accusation or unsupported charge against them.  Do not gossip or attack their character.

b.      Support what they are doing or believe in some sort of visible way.

c.      Always speak well of them whenever possible.  Talk about their good points and characteristics and why you admire them.

d.      By giving them gifts, tokens of appreciations for who they are and what they have done.

e.      By being their friend and fellow believer in the Lord.  Being loyal, trustworthy, faithful, honest, truthful and responsible.

f.       Living the best life possible and using them as examples and role models. 

 

He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.  KJV, He takes an oath to his own detriment, and does not change; NASV, who keeps an oath even when it hurts NIV

 

1.      Simply put a person who is keeps his promise no matter what.  Your word is stronger than any written contract.  When you swear and oath, make a promise do a contract under no circumstances do you not fulfill it.  Even if cost you much. 

2.      Here are seven reasons you should keep your promises.

 

a.      Unfulfilled promises leave open loops.  Areas where the enemy and others can attack you character, reputation and integrity.

b.      Fulfilled promises are great for motivation and success.  Did you know breaking a promise can actually begin cycles of failure.  Remember you reap what you sow.

c.      Broken promises impact you as much as the person you make the promise to.  They impact you negatively.  You feel that you have let that person down and yourself.

d.      Living up to every single promise builds trust in yourself and others.  It also builds respect and reputation.

e.      Keeping your promises helps you to find a peaceful balance.  It brings peace with God, others and ourselves.

f.       A string of unfulfilled promises can damage your self-esteem.  It can bring shame, disappointment and embarrassment.  It hurts you believe or not as much as it hurts others.

g.      Fulfilling promises keeps you on track to achieve your life goals.  It keeps you motivated because you feel good about being responsible, helpful and trusted by others.  You have touched others, kept a commitment.

 

3.      It is not easy to keep a promise or oath and a person of integrity follows Jesus’ advice when he said, “Let your yes be yes and your no, no.  Nothing more is needed or added.  A godly person can be trusted with their word.  

4.      Remember promises are hard work, to be taken seriously, they are affirmation of love, respect, friendship and connection.  Promises are should never be beyond our boundaries and abilities.  Promises are both about what we can do for others and ourselves.  David says keep your promises even to your own hurt or detriment.  They are a mark of who you are and God’s influence in your life.