Restoration and Spirituality

Psalm 51:10 – 13

Basic spiritual life

This Psalm has been called “the sinner’s guide” (William Plumer) because it can guide a fallen believer back into relationship with God.

It is the first Psalm to use “spirit” in reference to the Holy Spirit.

The notable part of this Psalm is that true repentance is not satisfied with know forgiveness. True repentance desperately throws the person on the mercy of God seeking renewal and restoration.

I. David’s situation:

A. David has committed adultery and covered it up by murder. (Magnified by his position as King.)

1. “One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, [3] and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?’ [4] Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her...” [2 Samuel 11:2 – 4a]

2. “In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. [15] In it he wrote, ‘Put Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.’ [16] So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were. [17] When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David's army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died.” [2 Samuel 11:14 – 17]

B. David admitted his guilt.

1. “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. [2 Samuel 12:13]

2. “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. [4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight...” [Psalm 51:3 – 4]

II. Basic things in a right relationship with God:

A. A consecrated relationship with God. [v 10]

1. God must create something new and pure because sin has destroyed it.

a. Fake repentance wants relief. True repentance wants something new beyond cleansing or purity.

b. This newness must be created by God, it can not be achieved by us because of the utter hopelessness and total deception of the our desire to sin.

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” [Jeremiah 17:9]

2. God must restore a right/steadfast spirit because once you develop a weakness it must be guarded forever.

a. Steadfast does not mean “stubborn” it means not influenced buy weakness or temptation.

b. This is a spiritual attitude that understands the sense of sin and longs for holiness.

B. A constant realization of God. [v 11]

1. Sin gives us the “worst case scenario” because it separates us from God.

a. Imagine being thrown away as something worthless. No covenant relationship, made a complete stranger, deprived of God’s favor.

b. Imagine God removing any and all sense of Himself.

2. Sad part is that we live this way all the time and seldom know or feel what we are missing.

a. Jesus’ greatest agony on the cross: “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’--which means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” [Mark 15:34]

b. Why and how did Jesus feel this agony? “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” [2 Corinthians 5:21]

C. A correct response to God. [v 12]

1. Only God can give joy but only AFTER “pardon and purity.”

a. Sin forfeits the joy of salvation. Salvation and joy are two ends of the same stick.... if you have salvation then you have joy. If you don’t have joy then you need to examine yourself.

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?” [2 Corinthians 13:5]

b. Many lack joy because they have placed something sinful between themselves and God.

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. [4] For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah [5] Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"– and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah” [Psalm 32:3 – 5]

2. Only God can sustain those who are willing.

a. A willing spirit is one that wants to obey. This will take consistency, perseverance, and God’s protection.

b. Why do we do what we do? Because we want too... (traditional theory)

D. A candid responsibility for those God wants to reach.

1. Everyone who is in a right relationship with God has a desire to draw others toward God.

a. Modern world emphasizes educational degrees as a validation for position or ministry. But God has only one degree that is valid... It’s not an M.A. or an M.Div. It’s not a Ph.D. It is an “S.S.” (Sinner Saved).

b. The pardoned sinner speaks sympathetically and humbly knowing where they came from:

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, [2] in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. [3] All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.” [Ephesians 2:1 – 3]

2. A grateful heart returns service to God in deeds not words. (Worship is not a complete spiritual diet... without action/service, its empty of substance and dead.)

a. How do you teach others?

1.) Through your experience: Tell your story.

2.) Through your understanding: Ask questions.

3.) Through your knowledge: Share what the Bible says.

4.) Through your walk: Invite company on your journey.

b. The idea is for others to turn back to God because there is only one way and God’s love compels you.

“For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” [2 Corinthians 5:14]

III. What do you need to do?

A. Talk to God.

1. Use the word of Psalm 51:10 – 14, make them your own.

2. People in strained relationships don’t talk very well to one another because its just hard.

B. Trust God.

1. When you talk to God, rely on His mercy.

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” [Psalm 51:1]

2. God will not turn away those who are sincere.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” [Psalm 51:17]

C. Tell someone!

1. The real exercise of faith is shared in community with others.

2. The real exercise of faith is shared outside the walls of the church so others have hope.

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Spirituality #3: How do I meditate?

Psalm 1

Spirituality #3: How do I meditate?

When I say “meditate” what images does that bring to mind? The Bible says, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” [Psalm 1:2]

There are two words in the Old Testament that are translated meditate. The one means to rehearse (suach), the other means to mutter (hagah). “May the words of my mouth and the meditation (hagig) of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” [Psalm 19:14]

You already know how to do this: Ever get a song stuck in your head? Ever get a mental picture you could not forget? Ever worry? Then you know how to meditate... you do it naturally.

So let’s take a Biblical look at what it means to meditate.

 

I.         Meditation is directed toward God.

 

            A.        We are often confused about “meditation.”

 

                        1.         Sometimes, meditation is considered to be simple relaxation technique.

 

                                    a.         There is great debate over the necessity, value, and validity over the technique needed to “relax.”

 

                                                1.)       There are postures and breathing techniques that are supposed to help people relax.

 

                                                2.)       Old fashioned hard physical labor will also help a person’s muscles and mind to relax.

 

                                    b.         The real danger is when other religions make in-roads by selling themselves as something they are not.

 

                                                1.)       One false religion attempted to remake itself by giving modern America specific relaxation techniques. It claimed to be a non-religious/trans-religious technique.

 

                                                2.)       Many Christians buy into some forms of yoga (meaning “union”) which is Hindu and cannot be made Christian.

It has been tired... it is called “syncretism.” The idea is to mingle or borrow concepts of other faiths. Sometimes this is deliberate, sometimes it comes from unconscious cultural pollution. For instance, early Christians picked up Greek philosophy. The veneration/worship of Mary... Even the “church growth movement” has distinct non-Christian roots.

 

                        2.         The discussion about meditation is colored by a lot of false religious concepts and frightens us. How do we make the distinction?

 

                                    a.         Question #1 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: What is the chief end of [every person]? Answer: “[The] chief end is to glorify God, (a) and to enjoy [H]im for ever. (b)”

(a). Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11 (b). Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4

 

                                    b.         The reality is a relationship with God. Not a specific technique.

 

                                    c.         Jesus Christ is in the believer.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” [Galatians 2:20]

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” [Colossians 1:27]

 

                                    d.         The believer is in Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” [2 Corinthians 5:17]

 

            B.        Sometimes this discussion exposes serious spiritual problems.

 

                        1.         Relationship with God requires a certain level of purity (holiness).

 

                                    a.         Divided hearts and dirty lives find it difficult to be in the presence of the living God (whom we do not control).

“Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.” [Psalm 24:3 – 4]

 

                                    b.         Even “holy” people find the presence of God uncomfortable. (Which raises an interesting red flag on feel-good worship.)

“Woe to me! I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” [Isaiah’s reaction to seeing God, found in Isaiah 6:5]

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.” [The Apostle John’s reaction to seeing Jesus, as recorded in Revelation 1:17]

 

                        2.         Relationship with God requires us to not be self-centered.

 

                                    a.         We are required to seek God.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6]

“God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” [Acts 17:27]

 

                                    b.         We are required to depend on God’s grace. (Grace does not exclude effort, it excludes earning...)

“When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.” [Acts 13:43]

 

II.       What can we meditate on?

 

            A.        We can meditate on the characteristics of God.

 

                        1.         “Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.” [Psalm 48:9]

 

                        2.         “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” [Psalm 136:1] (His love endures forever occurs 26 times in Psalm 136)

 

            B.        We can meditate on the Bible.

 

                        1.         I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.” [Psalm 119:15]

 

                        2.         “I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.” [Psalm 119:48]

 

            C.        We can meditate on God’s promises and actions

 

                        1.         “My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.” [Psalm 119:148]

 

                        2.         “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. [12] I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” [Psalm 77:11 – 12]

 

III.      Are there any other ideas on how to meditate?

 

            A.        We must “wait” on God.

 

                        1.         “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” [Psalm 37:7]

 

                                    a.         The idea of being “still” runs contrary to our “need” to be busy. Maybe we are busy because we are running from God.

 

                                    b.         Mental and emotional chaos hinders us from being in God’s presence. It’s a form of idolatry, because its more important than God.

 

                        2.         “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” [Psalm 46:10]

 

                                    a.         As we direct our minds and emotions towards God there is a trust that settles into our souls.

 

                                    b.         There is also a joy that matches the realization of knowing God.

 

            B.        We must “hope” in God.

 

                        1.         “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” [Isaiah 40:29 – 31]

 

                                    a.         As we wait (KJV) and hope on the Lord, our strength is renewed.

 

                                    b.         Sometimes we get drained. The only thing that will revive us is to reconnect to God.

 

                        2.         “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” [Psalm 42:11]

 

                                    a.         Ever get “down” or “disturbed”? When we are self-centered, we do not have much to encourage us or energize us.

 

                                    b.         As we hope in God... we praise Him. We get over ourselves.

 

IV.      What you do with the Bible points toward your eternal destiny.

 

            A.        Lessons from Psalm 1:

 

                        1.         “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” [1 Corinthians 15:33] “A person is known by the company they keep.” [American proverb from Aesop’s fables]

 

                                    a.         The godly are NOT guided by ungodly counsel (advice, planning, ruling, principles).

 

                                    b.         The godly are NOT on the same moral path that influences behavior as the ungodly.

 

                                    c.         The godly are NOT in close chosen company with those who mock or scorn God, the Bible, Jesus, salvation, etc...

The godly do NOT “keep in step” with wicked/ungodly. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” [Galatians 5:25]

 

                        2.         The godly are unmistakably marked by an irresistible attraction to God’s Word (the Bible).

 

                                    a.         If sin is distinguished by self-will/rule then godliness are focused on a right relationship with God and making God’s will their will.

 

                                    b.         This is done by prayerfully reading and absorbing as much of God’s Word as possible.

“Acts fix habits, habits settle character, and character determines destiny.” [Unknown]

 

            B.        It’s a choice.

 

                        1.         What environment do you want to be in?

 

                                    a.         Influenced by those who do not know God. (Result: “They are like chaff that the wind blows away.” [see Psalm 1:4])

 

                                    b.         Influenced by God. (Result: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” [Psalm 1:3]

 

                        2.         What eternal harvest do you want?

(Reference to “God” is no a generic “god” but God Almighty, Creator of the Universe... Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.)

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