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Psalm 139
Introduction:
1. This morning we covered passages that relate to "having a good conscience." 2. This evening we are studying some additional information found in Psalm 139 that will help us to have good consciences. 3. In this Psalm, David showed how God is: a. "all knowing" [omniscient] b. "present everywhere" [omnipresent]. 4. Reflecting upon these 2 characteristics of God led David to do two things. a. He offered praise to God. b. He wanted his life to be right with God. 5. Notice especially the appeal that David made in vs.23-24 -- his appeal indicates that he wanted to have a good conscience before God. Discussion: I. (vs.1-6) DAVID EXPRESSED HOW WELL GOD KNEW HIM A. In these verses,: 1. David made a general statement about God's personal knowledge of him (vs.1) 2. David stated that God knew his movements, his thoughts, and his words (vs.2-4) 3. David mentioned how God had blessed and influenced him (vs.5) 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 knows us so well should cause us to want to have a good conscience before Him. II. (vs.7-16) DAVID UNDERSTOOD THAT HE WAS ALWAYS IN GOD'S PRESENCE A. In these verses,: 1. David showed that God was always present, regardless of his location and the time of day (vs.7-12) 2. David acknowledged being 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 cause us to want to have a good conscience before Him. III. (vs.19-24) DAVID 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 themselves (2 Corinthians 13:5a). 3. The Lord judges the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 17:10). Conclusion: 1. The "conscience" is that inner part of us that determines whether something is right or wrong. 2. To help us have good consciences,: a. let us remember that God is all knowing b. let us remember that God is always present c. let us regularly make the appeal that David made in Psalm 139:23-24. | ||