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The Psalms 18
Introduction: 1. Jesus indicated in Luke 24:44 that the Psalms are part of the Old Testament Scriptures. 2. Since this is the case, we need to study them carefully because they "were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4). 3. This lesson is a study of Psalm 139 in which David emphasized two of God's attributes: a. His "omniscience" [God is all knowing] b. His "omnipresence" [God is present everywhere]. 4. Reflecting upon God's omniscience and omnipresence led David to do two things. a. He offered praise to God. b. He wanted his life to be right with 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. a. Matthew 6:9 b. Mark 16:19 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. a. Isaiah 29:15; 40:27 b. Ezekiel 8:12 c. Hebrews 4:13 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 while 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). 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 wicked people and that God 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. a. Proverbs 21:2 b. Jeremiah 17:10 | ||