Proper 22 Barrett

ENGAGE

Story of J.P. Hayes:

(Share the story of the pro golfer who disqualified himself after realizing he used a non-regulation ball, even though no one else knew. He lost his PGA card, but his integrity became a headline. Hayes disqualified himself in a qualifying event in November 2008 for mistakenly using a non-regulation ball for two strokes. Wasn’t allowed to play golf that whole year. )

Integrity is a life where your beliefs and intentions are aligned with your words and actions.

Stephen Lovegrove

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

in·​teg·​ri·​ty - Merriam Webster Definition

1: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility 2: an unimpaired condition : soundness- like a bridge having structural integrity 3: the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness - like a silver necklace with 30% something other than silver, the integrity had been compromised.

All three of these can easily be seen in the life of a Disciple of Jesus.

We have to adhere to the strict moral code set forth in the Scriptures,

We have to be living a life that has structural integrity based on the foundation of Christ and his teachings.

and we have to be complete and undivided - 100% pure and devoted to serving Christ and loving others.

Transition:

Integrity is becoming increasingly rare in our world, yet it remains crucial, especially to a Disciple.

TENSION

We live in a world where dishonesty often seems to go unpunished, and most of the time is even rewarded.

So why would someone like JP Hayes, or any of us, choose integrity when no one is watching, and no one will know, or care?

What motivates us to live with integrity when the world rewards the opposite?

In Psalm 26, David gives us a powerful example of living with integrity before God and the boldness that comes with being confident in your standing with God.

The ESV Study Bible

this psalm mirrors for those who attend worship what the ideal covenant participant should actually look like.

Everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ, a Disciple, should hold David’s image of full dependence on God as the standard, the ideal we should strive for.

Psalm 26 reflects David's commitment to living with integrity.

He gives us three clear aspects of an integrity-filled life, showing us how to walk this path.

TRUTH

1. A Disciple Should Have Nothing to Hide

Psalm 26:1–3 (ESV)

1 Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.

3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.

Scripture does not indicate what prompted David to write this psalm, but it seems quite obvious that he was being falsely accused.

Commentators mention several episodes from David’s life as possible settings:

Saul’s jealous pursuit of David, which was fueled by rumors and false assumptions (1 S.18-31)

Absalom’s revolt against David where Absalom and his leaders lied about David during this time to gain support against him (2 S.14-16)

The murder of Ish-bo-sheth, Saul’s son - there were surely those who suspected that David was involved, and some speculate that David wrote this psalm in response (2 S.4)

The three-year famine God used to judge Israel for Saul’s crimes against the Gibeonites (2 S.21)-David may have petitioned God to confirm that the famine was not due to anything he had done.

David’s Confidence:

In verses 1 and 2, David calls on God to vindicate him ( or consider him innocent), fully aware that God sees everything.

He invites God's scrutiny because he lives transparently.

He wants God to test him, try him, and examine him.

He wants God to see that the metal is pure, that the structure is stable, that he is entirely devoted to God.

This isn't over-confidence, he is not relying on himself and what he has done.

This also is not sinless perfection.

We know from reading other works by and about David that he was a man of confession and repentance.

There are two ways to get to this point:

John Donne summed up the two ways like this:

(I) Sleep with clean hands, either kept clean all day by integrity, or washed clean at night by repentance.

Mr Donne and David both knew where their confidence comes from, both their integrity of doing the right thing for the right reason, and repentance for when we do not.

Both of these can only from God, and being devoted to him and his ways.

David’s heart really is devoted to the Lord, no matter how bad he messed up, he understood what it meant to be a man after God’s own heart.

He trusted God without wavering.

Integrity starts with transparency before God.

When we live with nothing to hide, we are driven not by fear of being caught but by a desire for God’s approval.

Integrity to a Disciple means living completely open and before God, allowing Him to see the deepest parts of you.

Lets move on to verses 4 though 8.

2. A Disciple Should Have Nothing in Common With the Wicked

Psalm 26:4–8 (ESV)

4 I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites.

5 I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O Lord,

7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds.

8 O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.

David’s Choice of Company:

CSB Study Bible: Notes Psalm 26

Evidence of a person’s faithfulness toward the Lord is not only in what is done but also in what is avoided, particularly in a person’s associations with others.

Life Connections Study Bible Chapter 26

David knows that evil companions can lead a person into sin.

We see this everyday, we become like those who we hang out with the longer we are around them.

If we surround ourselves with good people, we become good people.

If we surround ourselves with questionable people, we become questionable people.

David chooses not to associate with the wicked but instead delights in the company of God’s people.

He has made a firm commitment…not only does he not sit…he will not sit in the future.

He has already decided- so when that time comes, he knows what he will do.

Not only can the choice of the people you hang out with impact your integrity, so can the things you do.

The choice to worship God over any other activity is a life changing one.

When we surrender and say God,” I set aside this time to worship you, because of what you have done for me”,

we are telling God that we seek to be holy,

we want to be with him and want to align ourselves with goodness and love.

Gospel Transformation Bible: English Standard Version Study Notes for the Psalms

To be in God’s presence as a worshiper is to see the glory of his love, and to see his love is to be motivated to faithfulness

Gospel Transformation Bible: English Standard Version Study Notes for the Psalms

Far from boasting, David’s pronouncements are implicit prayers for help in his pursuit of holiness.

We obviously cant live every moment of our lives separated from everyone else who isn’t whole heartedly following Jesus.

We have to spend time spreading God’s word and being a light in the darkness, but the company we keep shapes who we become.

Like David, we should guard our influences.

But just like Jesus, we must engage the world without being conformed to it.

Integrity thrives in the right company—each of us must choose wisely.

3. A Disciple Should Have Nothing to Fear From God’s Judgment

Psalm 26:9–12 ESV

9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men, 10 in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes. 11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. 12 My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.

David’s Trust:

David is confident in Three things,

1. There are two types of people. Sinners and Redeemed Sinners.

2. There will be judgment of both types.

3. David is confident in God's redemption of his life.

Gospel Transformation Bible: English Standard Version-

Whatever happens, David stands on level ground.

The ultimate way in which God secured this redemption and grace was in the sending of his own Son,

to whom God was not gracious, so that grace could be extended to sinners such as David—and us.

Now David of course did not have Christ to look back on like we do, but he has the promises that God has made to carry him through this testing.

David knows that because he has been on his knees crying out to God for forgiveness of his sins.

He knows that He has walked faithfully with God, he has no reason to be afraid of judgement.

Integrity leads to a life without fear for a Disciple.

We trust that God sees and rewards, even when the world brings trials.

We also trust that God forgives when we seek forgiveness.

Integrity is fearless—it trusts in God’s ultimate vindication.

APPLICATION

The ESV Study Bible (Chapter 26)

The ultimate vindication takes place in Christ, who perfectly trusted in the Lord without wavering. In him his people find vindication.

Personal Integrity:

Verses 1-2 emphasize walking in integrity and trusting in the Lord.

Examine your own actions and decisions.

Strive to align them with your values and principles, and seek to act honestly in all situations.

Avoid Negative Influences:

Verses 4-5 talk about avoiding deceitful and hypocritical people.

Identify any negative influences in your life and consider distancing yourself from them.

Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who encourage your spiritual growth.

Regular Worship:

Verses 6-8 highlight the importance of regular worship and loving the house of the Lord.

We need to make a habit of attending your place of worship regularly and participating actively.

And we need to worship God alone as well. Every day. Every Night. All the Time. Focused on him.

We have to engage in personal prayer and bible study.

This is the start of learning what integrity is and how we apply it as disciples.

Self-Examination:

Verses 9-10 encourage introspection and a desire to be righteous.

Do you regularly examine your own heart and actions?

Do you confess your shortcomings and strive for self-improvement daily?

Trust in Divine Justice:

Verses 11-12 speak of trust in God's justice and living a life of integrity out of reverent love and not out of fear.

We all need to place our trust in God’s divine guidance and his righteous justice rather than relying on our own understanding.

INSPIRATION/REFLECTION

Reflection Question:

What’s one area of your life where you need to live more transparently before God?

How can you build relationships that help you pursue integrity?

Imagination Prompt:

Imagine what your life would look like if you walked confidently with nothing to hide from anyone.

How would that change the way you engage with God and others?

NEXT STEP(S)

Psalm 26 is the prayer of someone who has resolved to do right when others all around are doing wrong.

David knows that God will judge one and all, and he prays that the Lord will not allow him to be dragged down with the wicked.

Challenge: This week, invite God to examine your heart.

Ask Him to reveal areas where integrity might be lacking.

Reflect on your relationships and commit to surrounding yourself with those who push you toward godliness.

Closing Statement: “Let’s be people who, like David, can say, ‘I have walked in my integrity.

It is because we trust God, we can say we have nothing to hide, have nothing in common with the wicked, and we have nothing to fear.

Lets Pray.

AMEN

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Article about JP Hayes

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/for-jp-hayes-and-golf-business