Presented, November 14, 2004 pm
THE LORD LOVES RIGHTEOUSNESS
PSALM 11
Tonight, we continue our study of the Psalms. It is another psalm attributed to David. Exactly when he wrote this we do not know. But we know it was a psalm written when his friends were encouraging him to flee from his enemies who were surrounding him. Possibly it was while young and serving king Saul or a few years later when he was fleeing him. Even later in his life as Absalom is rebelling against him, this psalm could have been penned. Whenever it was, David is reluctant to flee believing that such would be casting doubt in God. When we find ourselves surrounded by our enemies, this is a good psalm to read to lend encouragement that God knows those who are His.
I. Total Trust in the Lord (11:1-3)
A. David begins this psalm with his answer. I will trust in the Lord.
i. A common theme in the psalms that we have discussed before. (7:1; 9:10)
ii.
We need to put our trust in the Lord – Proverbs
3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own
understanding.”
Psalm 118:8-9, “It is better to trust in the Lord…”
B. Vs. 2-3 is the advice of his friends. They begin by saying,
i.
“Flee as a bird into the mountain”
There is no reason to believe his friends were not well intentioned. We need
good friends – Proverbs 18:24, 27:9
But we need to weigh the advice of everyone, even our friends, though we can
accept their advice more readily.
ii.
“Your enemies are all around” they say. Sometimes
trying situations bring well intentioned advice that is not always best.
Job’s wife encouraged him to “curse God and die”
Later his friends called upon him to repent of something he had not done.
Abraham encouraged Sarah to lie (twice) – Genesis 12:10-20, 20:2.
Sarai advised Abram by giving Hagar to him – Genesis 16:1-3. The descendants of
Ishmael became a thorn in Israel’s side.
iii.
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the
righteous do?”
There are two points to make concerning this statement:
1.
FIRST, This is a true statement. IF the found is
destroyed we are in trouble.
BUT the truth is – God’s foundation will NEVER be destroyed.
2 Corinthians 13:8 says, “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the
truth” 1 Peter 1:25 – the word endures forever.
HOWEVER, we need a strong foundation to do that which is right, but how many
today have destroyed that true foundation and as a result are left in an
unrighteous state? WHENEVER someone rejects the word of God, they have
effectively destroyed God’s foundation to do that which is right – what hope is
there for such a person? Until they return to the old path there is none.
It is like the one who sins willfully (Hebrews 10:26-27). There no longer
remains a sacrifice for sins. NOTE this is a state that one is in, NOT a single
sin.
2.
THE way this statement is made is David’s friends
concerned about him. The emphasis is not on the statement itself, but THEIR
ATTITUDE.
There are two possible interpretations of this, both presenting problems
concerning David’s “friends”.
1) There is a belief that God is not able to help him. In other words, his
trust in God is useless. The problem with this is of course a lack of faith on
their part or worse.
2) The second possibility is that this is a concerned response, but it was self
seeking – If you are destroyed, what are WE going to do? They looked to David
for leadership and they needed him there (or so they thought).
Actually this is a compliment paid to David. There are some who are so needed
that their absence puts a big void in our lives. In truth, no matter what
happens to someone, life will go on and we get through it. BUT, the absence of
some is more devastating than others. When you weigh your manner of life, how
needed are you? How much would the church miss you if something happened?
Actually such is a complement to the one involved.
Have you ever heard, or perhaps given, advice to another that is actually to
your benefit? Christians need to think a little deeper than that. Consider
Paul who was willing to stay because it would benefit others rather than himself
– Philippians 1:22-24.
But the problem with advice like this is that it showed a weaker faith on their
part. Consider the example of Moses at Mt. Sinai. The people wanted him to
talk to God and be there at all times. Exodus 20:18-19
iv.
David’s response – In the Lord I put my trust.
A parallel response is Paul when he is being begged to not go to Jerusalem (Acts
21:13)
Proverbs 1:28 – “not in anyway terrified by your adversaries”
II. The Lord is His Holy Temple (4-5a)
A.
God is in heaven on His throne – He is in charge.
This is a fact we have alluded to on numerous occasions.
David is NOT afraid because he knows this. He knows that what man can do to him
is limited (he cannot touch his soul) Matthew 10:28. He also knows that while
man may be able to find him no matter where he goes on earth, they cannot reach
GOD IN HEAVEN who is on his side.
Remember that we noted at the beginning that some believe this was penned early
in David’s life in relation to psalm. Do you recall how he gained Saul’s favor
and permission to confront Goliath? 1 Samuel 17:34-36 David reminds Saul that
God has been with him. ALSO, IF this is at this time in David’s life, he knows
God has plans for him (Samuel has already anointed him king – (1 Samuel
16:1-13).
In another psalm he said, “I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not
seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.” (Ps 37:25).
B. He sees all things – you CANNOT hide from Him. Hebrews 4:13, Proverbs 15:3, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”
C.
He tests the righteous –
How does God test us? This is something that is misunderstood by many. God
NEVER puts us in a situation where we have to sin. When we sin, we can NEVER
blame God – we sin because we choose to. He does not put a stumbling block in
our way.
But He does allow us to be tempted and tried. The way he allowed Satan to
afflict Job.
Note also James 1:12-15 – He does not temp anyone for evil.
Why does God test us? Why does He allow us to be tried? The answer is found in
1 Peter 1:6,7 which speaks of the genuineness of our faith being tested produces
praise (if we pass).
Also Romans 5:3-4 – Tribulations produce perseverance, character and hope which
does not disappoint.
III. He Hates the Wicked (5b-6)
A.
Does God hate?
This verse says He does. I do not believe it is directed toward specific
individuals but attitudes. Two are mentioned – the wicked and he who loves
violence.
Consider also Malachi 2:16 – He hates divorce & Proverbs 6:16 – 7 things He
hates.
Is hate wrong? No! It is a God-given emotion that when properly used can
motivate us to do that which is right and utterly reject that which is wrong.
I’m afraid that for many our lives are not what they ought to be because we
DON’T HATE sin enough!
Amos 5:15 was a call to the house of Israel to “hate evil, love good” so that
God might be gracious to them.
B. They will pay for their sins.
i.
Over and over we need to remind ourselves to not
lose heart. In the end, God will bring wrath upon the unrighteous and
especially those who hate the righteous.
In many instances, even in this life, things work out for God’s good. We see
the wicked trapped in their own folly. We see the ungodly fall. David had
confidence that no matter what his enemies did, God would have the last word and
they would pay for their wickedness.
ii.
IN the eternal sense we know God will punish the
wicked.
2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 – they will be repaid with tribulation; vengeance in
flaming fire; punished with everlasting destruction, etc.
Romans 2:8-9 - tribulation, anguish, indignation and wrath on every soul who
does evil.
Romans 12:17-20 – Vengeance belongs to Him.
IV.
He Loves the Righteous (7)
In conclusion David notes that God loves the
righteous. Why should we have courage? Why should we not let the wicked
intimidate us from doing right? Because we know that God knows those who are
His – 2 Timothy 2:19.
Thus we can see some lessons to glean from this psalm. Is your confidence like David’s? Who do you put your trust in?