PSALM 51

SUMMER PSALMS

This post is a summary of the most recent sermon preached at Morningside Baptist Church (MBC) by Pastor Dave Sowers. The audio of the sermon can be found at the "Sermon Audio Podcast" link of the website http://www.morningsidebaptist.us/. As much as is possible it is hoped that these notes honor both the intent and the content of Pastor Sowers' original message. Please compare to the sermon audio podcast. Note: This post was made live blogging on 8/16/09. May it serve as a reminder of the sermon itself but not as a full presentation of all that was preached.

What should we do when we wrong or hurt other people. Ask for forgiveness. What about when we blow it with God - which in any given day - we can fail to do or say what is right or do and say that which is wrong?

Our text today tells us how it is possible to experience that forgiveness.

David composed this psalm under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The background is David committing adultery with Bathsheba and then having her husband killed to hide his sin. This psalm is his prayer of confession.

The first 9 verses this Sunday and the remaining next Sunday.

Psalm 51:1-9
1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Transgression: rebellion we experience in our hearts that says it is ok to step accross that line.

Iniquity: moral crookedness. Our ultimate motive is THE GLORY OF GOD all the time for everything and yet this crookedness in our hearts causes us to fall short of that, claim some for ourselves.

Sin: Falling short, missing the mark, not making the standard. Such as Loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength - at all times. But none of this does that perfectly - all the time - with ALL of our HEART - every fiber of our being - always at all times. To do less is sin. Sin is not just breaking a set of rules, or wronging other people. But ultimately sin is an offense against God himself. Remember Joseph's response to Potiphar's wife. It was not how can I do this against my boss, but how can I sin against God.

2Sam 12:9 -- Nathan addressing David for his adultery - "Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? "

Psalm 51:5 -- "In sin did my Mother conceive me." There is nothing innocent about childhood.
Doubt this - then ask yourself: "Did I have to teach my kid to be selfish? Did I have to teach rebellion to my child? " NO - original sin, the technical word for this was already present.

Jerry Bridges: "Every day we sin....beneath the surface of our lives we tolerate all sorts of refined sins..."

We should at this point recognize our need for forgiveness. How do we experience this forgiveness.

Psalm 51:1 - appealing for mercy, knowing God's character, loving kindness and a multitude of tender mercies. Appealing to God who has revealed himself as merciful.

BLOT OUT all my transgressions: cancelling and erasing. David knowing truly that he is guilty before God, asking then that God would BLOT THAT OUT, take it away and remove all trace of it.

Isa 43

Sin is a filthy spot which mars your hearts and consciences. The stain is there - sins as scarlet. How can we be white as snow? With sin so filthy.

Psalm 51:7 "purify me with hyssop" what's hyssop?

Hyssop is a plant with a straight stock and a bushy head. On the first passover, Moses called for the elders of Isarel and said to them to slay the passover lamb and with hyssop dipped in blood applied it to the lintel and the two door posts of their house. Staying in the house that has been covered with blood until morning. So that when the angel of death came, seeing the blood he would pass over that house so covered. David understoods the connection of the blood of an innocent lamb being shed with forgiveness and cleansing of sin.

Heb 9:22 all things are cleansed by Blood -- w/o the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Hebrews 9:13-14
13For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Romans 4:4-8
4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

David understood that it was not anything he could give God that procurred forgiveness. But that this forgiveness is a gift only. It is through Christ alone that we receive forgiveness of sin.

Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.


Colossians 3:12-13
12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

So we started out with the wrongs we do to others, and espeically to God, but we have come full circle to now seeing how God HAS fogiven us - how can we not forgive others.


NOTE: TO SEE THE VIDEO WHICH WAS VIEWED JUST AFTER THE OFFERING AND BEFORE THE SERMON CLICK HERE:

PSALM 97

SUMMER PSALMS:
This post is a summary of the most recent sermon preached at Morningside Baptist Church (MBC) by Pastor Dave Sowers. The audio of the sermon can be found at the "Sermon Audio Podcast" link of the website http://www.morningsidebaptist.us/.As much as is possible it is hoped that these notes honor both the intent and the content of Pastor Sowers' original message. Please compare to the sermon audio podcast.

Note: This post was made live blogging on 8/9/09. May it serve as a reminder of the sermon itself but not as a full presentation of all that was preached.


Sometimes even the world recognizes that there is more to life than living for yourself.

Even sometimes the world sees: "The satisfaction of belong to something greater than yourself."

It is intriguing that even the world can recognize that there is more than living for a self-serving agenda.


Psalm 97:1-6

V2-5 God manifesting his presence in extraordinary ways.


Psalm 97:6 Verse 6: All people everywhere have seen the Glory of God.

Psalm 19 -- the heavens declare the glory of God.

Every day the stars, the sun, the moon, the universe declares the glory of God. And every single person on this planet has access to this message.

Rom 1:20 Without Excuse

Consider the movie Expelled with Ben Stein. At the end of the movie Ben Stein asked Richard Dawkins, "What if you are wrong? What will you tell God as excuse?" To which Dawkins answers, "I'd ask 'why did you hide yourself?'"

But Psalm 97 and Psalm 19 and Rom 1:20 are showing that God does not hide himself but his glory is made manifest every day. Having been clearly seen - they are without excuse.

Rom 1:21-25 This text tells us that everybody knows there is a God worthy of thanks and worship - and yet they suppress it. They don't honor God as he deserves but choose idols.

Psalm 97:7

Acts 14:15 -- Paul is saying "Don't worship idols - but the TRUE GOD."

Acts 17:29

1Thess 1:9 Turning from idols to serve the living God.

BUT DO YOU HEAR ANY DISSONANCE in what I've said with our current culture?

Our culture teaches us always that people should be left alone - they can worship what they want without hearing from us.

But the bible tells us differently - it is counter-cultural in this regard. We are Declare God - it's not live and let live - it is not "leave people alone." BUT RATHER MAKE KNOWN GOD TO THEM.

Psalm 97:8

Zion is a reference to God's people.

So we have a message to all the world - TURN FROM YOUR IDOLS TO WORSHIP THE LIVING GOD.

Psalm 97:1 Reign: exercise sovereign power, .... right to judge the world... Our God is a God who has and exercises sovereign power.

Using the Psalms to demonstrate this:
Psalm 22:27-28 The Lord rules over all nations - all nations no exceptions.
Psalm 2:4
Psalm 93:1-2
Psalm 99:1-3

John Piper: "Worship is the fuel and goal of missions." ... "The goal of missions is the gladness of peoples in the worship of God." ... click here for Dr. Piper on Let the Nations be Glad.

Psalm 97:10-12
Holy Hatred comes from a Holy Love for God.

If the whole world is called to rejoice in the Lord - HOW MUCH MORE WE -- who know him not only as King but as Father.

APPLICATION:
Q. Am I in a right relationship with the REAL GOD? Lots of people say the believe in God...almost everybody...but the God they beleive in is not the real God.

Rom 3:23
It is infinitely serious with everlasting consequences to rebel against the true king.

But God has designed a way for people to be pardoned and saved.

God sending his Son. A sacrifice for my sin, for your sin. A sin bearer who makes true atonement for my sins bearing in himself the wrath of God against me for my sins.

Repent of the idols of your life - idols like self-sufficiency... deal making with God... God doesn't do it on our terms but on His. We must believe that Christ's death only is the proper payment.. Christ's righteousness alone is the only righteousness.

Acts 16:31
Rom 10:9-10

Self is the biggest idol in our life. Even the Army National Guard recognizes that there is more to life than living for self.

Q. What is my role in this?
Do I understand what my role is as to what God is doing in the world to make his name known and calling men to worship Him.

Psalm 96:10 "SAY among the nations 'The Lord reigns'" Somebody needs to be saying this. Either send or go but see to it that it is said among the nations that "The Lord Reigns."

The SUN has a role, the MOON has a role, they make His glory known. And so do people. People saying 'The Lord reigns.'

BUT the sun and the stars do not tell people HOW TO GET right with GOD. God uses people to announce this. God is made known by the sun, the stars, the moon. The gospel is made known by people preaching.

ASK GOD:
"Am I involved at the level YOU GOD want me involved at this season of life?"

Is it to PRAY MORE.

Praying: "YOUR NAME HONORED ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN"

Praying: "YOUR KINGDOM COME"

Praying: "For our missionaries." See our web page for a list of our tentmakers. Pray for them.

Praying: "Send Laborors to the harvest." "Asking also - AM I one of the ones you want to send."

Preparing for Marriage

Recently Dr. John Piper posted a list of discussion questions for couples considering marriage. Looked of interest to me and providentially I've been reading on that topic myself. (I'm the father of five unmarried children so I ought to be somewhat intested, right?.)

click below to read see the questions Dr. Piper quoted.
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1944_questions_to_ask_when_preparing_for_marriage/

Just finished reading, Boy Meets Girl, by Joshua Harris a very helpful book with a very realistic and doable approach to courtship, engagement and marriage appropriate for a man and woman who love Jesus Christ and want to honor Him above all else. Harris shows courtship to be a period of time where a man and woman begin a relationship to determine if marriage is the desirable outcome. Rather than casual dating, this is a purposeful course of action with the goal of considering marriage. The couple enter into this with the desire to remain sexually and spiritually pure saving physical expressions of love for after they are married. Harris defines courtship as not a promise to marry, and not a commitment to future marriage but a friendship designed to see if marriage is the proper outcome for the couple. A successful courtship is one that reaches the desired end of determining either that marriage should take place or should not. Either way, the courtship is considered a success for the goal was to determine whether the couple should marry - having determined yes or no the proper outcome has been reached. And having conducted themselves with respect and integrity towards one another in honor as brothers and sisters in Christ should the courtship not end in marriage both parties to the courtship will be without shame or regret. The book is very practical, describes in a lot of detail how Joshua Harris and his bride-to-be lived out their courtship process including both the good and the bad.

Harris kept up returning to this theme concerning physical expressions of love during the courtship: Whatever physical expression you save for marriage will be special then in marriage, but what you do not save for marriage after marriage will not be so special as it could be. .... Something to consider, huh? For Joshua Harris and Shannon that meant during their courtship these physical expressions would be allowed: Arm around the shoulder, brief side hugs (whatever that is?), and holding hands. As a couple they actual prepared a list of guidelines concerning both what they would discuss, and would allow or not allow during the courtship. Then they shared the list with their close friends, pastor, and parents for the purpose that they would hold them accountable during the courtship process.

I recommend the book for you if you are looking for some ideas of how a courtship could be actually put into practice in our time and our culture with some practical examples.

Joshua Harris quoting Matthew Henry:
"Eve was not taken out of Adam's head to top him, neither out of his feet to be trampled by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him"

Matthew Henry - commentary on Genesis

Postscript: I think this post follows somewhat well also from the lesson we should learn from Passion and Patience regarding the one seeking immediate gratification and the other patiently waiting. The one who waits will have his joy lastingly.

Passion and Patience

UNLESS YOU ARE TRULY HEAVENLY MINDED YOU WILL BE OF NO ETERNAL GOOD and of no TRUE GOOD TO ANY EARTHLY MAN.

While in the Interpreter's House, Christian is shown two children, Passion and Patience. I couldn't find a suitable picture for you, but imagine one child as sour, rebellious, sullen, and impatient, the other child equal in age but whose countenance is peaceful, contented, and pleasant.

If you can imagine that you will have the picture proper. From Pilgrim's Progress: click here to read in context

I saw moreover in my dream, that the Interpreter took him by the hand, and had him into a little room, where sat two little children, each one in his chair. The name of the eldest was Passion, and the name of the other Patience. Passion seemed to be much discontented, but Patience was very quiet. Then Christian asked, “What is the reason of the discontent of Passion?” The Interpreter answered, “The governor of them would have him stay for his best things till the beginning of the next year, but he will have all now; but Patience is willing to wait.”

Then I saw that one came to Passion, and brought him a bag of treasure, and poured it down at his feet: the which he took up, and rejoiced therein, and withal laughed Patience to scorn. But I beheld but a while, and he had lavished all away, and had nothing left him but rags.

Christian: Then said Christian to the Interpreter, Expound this matter more fully to me.

Interpreter: So he said, These two lads are figures; Passion of the men of this world, and Patience of the men of that which is to come; for, as here thou seest, passion will have all now, this year, that is to say, in this world; so are the men of this world: They must have all their good things now; they cannot stay till the next year, that is, until the next world, for their portion of good. That proverb, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” is of more authority with them than are all the divine testimonies of the good of the world to come. But as thou sawest that he had quickly lavished all away, and had presently left him nothing but rags, so will it be with all such men at the end of this world.

Christian: Then said Christian, Now I see that Patience has the best wisdom, and that upon many accounts. 1. Because he stays for the best things. 2. And also because he will have the glory of his, when the other has nothing but rags.

Interpreter: Nay, you may add another, to wit, the glory of the next world will never wear out; but these are suddenly gone. Therefore Passion had not so much reason to laugh at Patience because he had his good things first, as Patience will have to laugh at Passion because he had his best things last; for first must give place to last, because last must have his time to come: but last gives place to nothing, for there is not another to succeed. He, therefore, that hath his portion first, must needs have a time to spend it; but he that hath his portion last, must have it lastingly: therefore it is said of Dives, “In thy lifetime thou receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” Luke 16:25.

Christian: Then I perceive it is not best to covet things that are now, but to wait for things to come.

Interpreter: You say truth: for the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor. 4:18. But though this be so, yet since things present and our fleshly appetite are such near neighbors one to another; and again, because things to come and carnal sense are such strangers one to another; therefore it is, that the first of these so suddenly fall into amity, and that distance is so continued between the second.

OUR LESSON:
Passion: represents the men of of this world. (the unregenerate)
Patience: represents the men of the world to come. (believers)

I ought and must be like Patience, who is patient. Who is willing to wait for his good things. His best life is yet to come and he knows it. From this allegory I should learn to live as a citizen of heaven, and set my affections upon it. Col 3:1-4 and Phil 3:20

Immediate Gratification belongs to that sullen child, Passion. Patient-Waiting upon the Lord belongs to Patience. And in the end, Passion dressed in his eternal rags of damnation will not be able to mock Patience. O' God give me eyes for eternity, and let my Hope be always in you. Not seeking the things of this present world but delivered from it and looking for the world to come. Patiently waiting now, forgoing the immediate gratification, for the glory that lasts lastingly. Gal 1:4 and Psa 42:11 and 2Thes 3:5.

Did you not thoroughly enjoy Bunyan's use of the English language here?
" first must give place to last, because last must have his time to come: but last gives place to nothing, for there is not another to succeed. He, therefore, that hath his portion first, must needs have a time to spend it; but he that hath his portion last, must have it lastingly.."

First MUST give place to Last.

Last Gives place to nothing.

He that hath his portion last, MUST HAVE IT LASTINGLY.

I Love it!!!!!! And so I hope for the world to come, I set my affections on things above, and with patience run the race set before me, and in patience possessing my soul, looking for the new heavens and the new earth, looking for that which comes last, for last gives place to nothing, and what I have at the last will last lastingly. Even now, this hope tasted, is a foretaste of the fullness to come. Col 3:2, 2Peter 3:13, Eph 1:14

Also there is conviction in my soul and a warning sounded as I read these words:
"yet since things present and our fleshly appetite are such near neighbors one to another; and again, because things to come and carnal sense are such strangers one to another; therefore it is, that the first of these so suddenly fall into amity, and that distance is so continued between the second."

My own "fleshly appetite" and "things present" are NEAR NEIGHBORS. So close do they dwell to one another, I must war against the flesh, and fight the fight of faith or these near neighbors will be far to well acquainted. 1Cor 9:25-27

But "things to come" and carnal sense, (which "carnal sense" I take to mean that kind of thinking which is in accord with the worlds way of thinking) are strangers one to another. Hence, I must not walk according to this world's wisdom, but I need a mind renewed. That is a spiritual mind and a spiritual sense so that my own manner of thinking is not carnal and will be no stranger to the "things to come. " Eph 4:23, Rom 12:2

That old saying illustrates well the distance between carnal sense and things to come "You are too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good." Fits Bunyan's expression well "Things to come and carnal sense are such strangers one to another"

Rom 8:5-7 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.