1. In the Bible, David is identified several times as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). 2. As we examine David's writings we see why he is identified this way. 3. A man after God's own heart can certainly teach us about God. 4. In our lesson we are concentrating on David's message in Psalm 139, and as we do so, "let us learn about God from David." Discussion:
I. ACCORDING TO VS.1-6, DAVID UNDERSTOOD THAT GOD IS "ALL KNOWING" [OMNISCIENT]
A. In these verses David showed how well God knew him. 1. In vs.1 David indicated that God knew him personally. 2. We learn from vs.2-4 that God knew David's movements, his thoughts, and his words. 3. David showed in vs.5 how God had blessed and influenced him. 4. David was overwhelmed by God's knowledge (vs.6, 17-18). B. Application: 1. The Scriptures teach that God is in heaven (Matthew 6:9). 2. Although God is in heaven, we must not think He is so distant that He cannot see us or He is not aware of our actions (Hebrews 4:13). 3. The fact that God is all knowing and that He knows us personally should lead us to make the request that David made in vs.23-24. II. DAVID ALSO UNDERSTOOD IN VS.7-16 THAT GOD IS ALWAYS PRESENT [OMNIPRESENT]
A. In these verses David showed that he was always in God's presence. 1. David showed in vs.7-12 that God was always present, regardless of his location and the time of day. 2. David continued in vs.13-16 by stating that he was in God's presence, even while he was in his mother's womb (vs.13-16). 3. David was led to praise God (vs.14a). B. Application: 1. Fleeing from God's presence is impossible (Jonah 1:3; 2:1-2). 2. The Lord will not leave His followers (Hebrews 13:5b). 3. The fact that we are always in God's presence should lead us to make the same request that David made in vs.23-24. III. IN VS.19-24 DAVID INDICATED THAT HE WANTED HIS LIFE TO BE RIGHT WITH GOD
A. In these verses,: 1. David wanted to avoid wicked people (vs.19-22). a. He realized that God knows the deeds of the wicked and will punish them. b. This led David to consider such people to be his enemies. 2. David asked God to search him, try him, correct him, and lead him (vs.23-24). B. Application: 1. The Lord wants His people to avoid evil associates (1 Corinthians 15:33). 2. The Lord wants His people to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5a). 3. The Lord judges the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 17:10). Conclusion:
1. David, a man after God's own heart, has taught us in Psalm 139 that God is all knowing and always present. 2. On a regular basis, let us respond to this information about God by making the request that David made in vs.23-24.
