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Keeping Close to God
Introduction:
What kind of person does
God welcome into His house? This one is truly blessed as
Psalm 65:4 proclaims. Our text, Psalm 15, is considered to
be a psalm of David. Within these five short verses, he
describes how one keeps close to God.
Text:
Psalm 15
Body:
I.
The Question (Verse 1)
· Who has the privilege
of close fellowship with Jehovah? David has a similar
sentiment in Psalm 27:4. The prophet Isaiah also describes
the wonderful blessings of the one who dwells in God’s
presence. (Isaiah 33:13-16)
II.
The Answer (Verse 2)
· “Walks blamelessly” –
with integrity (Proverbs 28:18) His character is blameless
and he desires to please God. (Psalm 18:23-24, Psalm 84:11)
Also see Ephesians 1:4.
· “Does what is right” –
To have close fellowship with God, one does what should be
and needs to be done in God’s sight, regardless of whether
men approve or not. (Psalm 106:3, Galatians 2:14)
· “Speaks truth in his
heart” – One values truth; so he is honest. (Ephesians 4:25)
He is sincere, not a hypocrite. Don’t be like the one in
Psalm 12:2. “They speak idly everyone with his neighbor;
With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.” NKJV
· Are these the
qualities and values that drive your behavior? Do these
guide your decisions? They must if you desire to keep close
to God.
III.
The Description (Verses 3-5)
· “Walks in innocence”
(Verse 3) One is concerned about the welfare and reputation
of others. (Psalm 34:13, II Corinthians 12:20) Slander
(Exodus 23:1-2) Take up a reproach
· “Walks in holiness”
(Verse 4) “Vile” – Proverbs 8:13 He loves what He loves and
hates what He hates. (Romans 12:9) Remember how Mordecai
refused to bow down to Haman. (Esther 3) “Honors” – To all
good men we owe a debt of honor. (Psalm 16:3, Psalm 119:63)
”Swears to his own hurt” – He keeps his word regardless of
the cost. (Joshua 9:18-20)
· “Walks in justice”
(Verse 5) “At interest” (Leviticus 25:35-38, Ezekiel 18:8)
“Bribe” (Exodus 23:6-9) Does not extort or take advantage
Conclusion:
Being welcomed by God
into His presence is a very precious thing. Only those
described in this psalm will be blessed with this privilege.
The psalmist finishes his psalm by stating that the one who
does these things shall never be moved or shaken.
Bobby Stafford
December 15, 2013 |
