PSALM 15

 

Psalm 15

 

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?  Who may live on your holy mountain?

 

1.        This is one of the 70 some psalms which David authored.  David was a shepherd, warrior, musician, singer, king and prophet.  Did you know God showed David the crucifixion of Jesus a thousand years before it happened.  Psalm 22 is the most famous. 

2.        He asks two questions.  Lord who can dwell in your tabernacle or sacred tent.  Who can be in your presence?  Who can stand you glory, essence and nature?  Who can be holy, righteous and set aside for holy purpose?  The first question is about the actual tabernacle.

3.        Who can dwell on your holy hill?  Who can be on Mount Moriah?  The temple sat on the spot where Abraham attempted to sacrifice His son, and it was the spot where the Lord almost destroyed Jerusalem.  David bought the land set up a temporary tabernacle and Solomon would later build the temple both places were sacred.  Did you know that today you are the temple of the Holy Spirit?   You are sacred, holy, set apart for the Lord. 

4.        When the Bible says you are a temple of the Holy Spirit, it means that God’s Spirit lives in you. It also means that you are a holy place and that you need to take good care of yourself—spiritually, physically, and mentally. Each individual person who trusts Jesus Christ to forgive his or her sins is a temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells within them. In type, we are each a temple—an instrument for worshipping and glorifying God.  

 

2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;

 

1.        This means What does it mean to be blameless? It is to live with integrity and moral purity. When a man is blameless before God, he is regarded as faithful and usable by Him. He reflects God's character and values. He avoids sin and compromise.

2.        Walking in righteousness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting a life lived in accordance with God's will and commandments. It signifies a journey of faith and obedience, where believers strive to align their actions, thoughts, and intentions with the divine standards set forth in Scripture.

3.        Speaking the truth from our heart means expressing genuine, authentic, and honest words and actions that reflect the truth we know and trust. It does not necessarily mean being blunt or hurting others but rather being true to our core beliefs and values.  This is about our character.  Jesus was a master of this.

 

3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.

 

1.        When you speak the truth from your heart.  You watch your tongue and mouth.  You are quick to hear slow to speak and slow to anger.  You speak about people the way you would want to be spoken about.  You do not slander.  Slander is a legal term for the act of harming a person’s reputation by telling one or more other people something that is untrue and damaging about that person. It is also known as oral or spoken defamation.

2.        You do no wrong to your neighbor.  You treat people the way you want to be treated.  It is not because they are good or godly, but you are.  Jesus would reemphasize this thought in the Sermon on the mount.  You neighbor is anyone you interact with at anytime.  This is a quality of the child of God.  You are truthful, honest, forgiving, loving, gracious and kind.

3.        Cast no slur means you refuse to gossip, speak evil or malign the reputation of your neighbor.  Gossip dies when you refuse to listen or speak.  The church can be a bad place for gossip.   This is about our words and activities in this field.  Talk about the rumor mill song

 

4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts and does not change their mind.

 

1.        Does not honor, respect, promote or associate with wicked people.  It refers to disapproving or rejecting a wicked or immoral individual. It is often used in religious or moral contexts to emphasize the importance of avoiding associating with such persons. 

2.        To honor means recognition, respect and reward for those who live in reverence and awe of the Lord. 

3.        You keep your word, promise or oath.  You can be trusted, you are loyal, honorable, and keep promises even when it costs them.  You do not change your mind.  That is why Jesus said let your yah and nay but your word.  God honors his word above His name.  Talk about Rob Roy.  This is about how we treat others and keep our word.

 

5 who lends money to the poor without interest, who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

 

1.        David knew the problem people have with money.  Three chief reasons people end relationships.  Trust, money and communication.  He was talking about how the law taught that you do not charge the poor or fellow Jew interest on a loan.  It means to be generous. 

2.        It means you refuse to take a bribe especially against the innocent.  How you handle money shows who has your heart.  This is especially a problem with those in civil authority.  Remember where you heart is there is your treasure.   

3.        Whoever does these things will never be shaken.  This means nothing and no one can shake you.  Everything can and will be shaken but you have a rock, anchor, shelter, refuge and place of safety.  This is such a powerful psalm