TBOP Ep. 8 - Psalm 37

Psalm 37: Wisdom for the godly, living in ungodly times.

This is a song of David sharing wisdom…knowledge applied…living and practicing life in the fear of the lord.

The principles of how God works, and the value of our walking in His paths, are illustrated here and taken from first hand experience in David’s life.

He is sharing wisdom with us. Knowledge that he has lived out, producing wisdom. IT all begins with the fear of the Lord, not the fear of man or circumstance.

This Psalm underscores the final ruin of the wicked and the full reward of the Godly.

I am going to share some pastoral and personal perspectives, that have been shaped from scripture, that i believe will help us live in the fear of the Lord during this cultural moment we now live.

Psalm 37:1-7

Rest in Him

Ask for new desires…because our innate desires is to rebel.

Pray. Obey. Repeat.

without properly resting in Him, we will worry and fret about wicked schemes, which will lead to being angry

Psalm 37:8-22

Refrain from anger

why are you angry?

ask why 3 times with the Lord.

or we will respond in slander. which is that language of satan.

Matthew 15:18–19 (NLT) — But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.

Ephesians 4:17-5:19

immorality (sex, Ashtoreth /Asherah, lust of flesh) impure (corruption - Molek - pride of life) and greed (covetousness - Ba’al/Mammon - lust of eyes)

1 Timothy 2:3 NLT

3 This is good and pleases God our Savior,

1 Timothy 1:4 (NLT)

4 Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.

Titus 3:10 NLT

10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.

Titus 1:14 NLT

14 They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth.

Psalm 37:23-40

Return your trust to Him

unless we (church and america) repent, we will face consequences in this life…just as Judah and Israel did, as we’ve read recently.

2 Chronicles 7:14 — Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

it’s his people who need to repent for their wayward hearts, not the wicked. Repenting is both acknowledging the wrong, and acting differently.

being generous is an act of repentance for the ways we put our trust in mammon.

1 John ends with this warning: Keep yourself from idols.

Keep yourself, how? Obedience. Ps 37:34 tells us to put your hope in God and travel steadily in his path…loyal obedience.

if you find yourself in bed with something idolatrous..or your heart drifting or your affection waining…God will deliver you (Ps 37:40).

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PRACTICING THE WAY

As disciples of Jesus, we know our allegiance to Him as King is expressed in our daily practice. We are not pursuing perfection but want to practice our faith each day. These practices will point you toward spiritual formation as an apprentice (disciple) to Jesus.

(1) Start the Bible Recap reading plan.

(2) Recite this prayer/liturgy daily: Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We confess that we have often failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love. Forgive us, we pray, and free us for joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Direct what we shall be, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

(3) Talk it Over (with friends, a spouse, or your Group)

The message was about the seeing our life grow strong and healthy in Christ. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you?

Read Psalm 37. What does this Psalm teach about God?

When you hear the phrase “rest in God,” what comes to your mind? How does anxiety keep us from resting in God?

What are some desires that God has changed within you since you started following Jesus?

Read Psalm 37:16. Why do you think money makes it difficult to be godly? What should our relationship with money be life?

Read Ephesians 4:17-5:19. What are some specific actions, according to this passage, that a godly life does?