Answering Accusations & Adversaries
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction
Introduction
Continuing Our Journey through the Psalms (not necessarily in its entirety or in order)
O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: Save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, Rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. O Lord my God, if I have done this; If there be iniquity in my hands; If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (Yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; Yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, And lay mine honour in the dust. Selah. Arise, O Lord, in thine anger, Lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: And awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded. So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: For their sakes therefore return thou on high. The Lord shall judge the people: Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, And according to mine integrity that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: For the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. My defence is of God, Which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous, And God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; He hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; He ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors. Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, And hath conceived mischief, And brought forth falsehood. He made a pit, and digged it, And is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, And his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: And will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.
Psalm of David — Authorship
“Shiggaion” = only placed used in the Psalms (also used in Hab 3:1) uncertain meaning, some possibilities scholars offer are: “variable verses/songs,” “a passionate psalm with strong emotion,” “to wander/cry aloud.”
Interrogative
Interrogative
Have you ever faced false accusations? Have you ever been pursued and persecuted unjustly? David found himself in that exact situation.
Proposition:
Proposition:
From this Psalm we discover that, when we face unmerited accusations and opposition, there are four factors we must face:
Facing the Critics (1-2)
Facing the Critics (1-2)
Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the Lord, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: Save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, Rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
Cush the Benjamite
Cush the Benjamite
QUOTE — Cush the Benjamite was among King Saul’s fawning flatterers. He was one of a group of evil men from Saul’s tribe who reported what they heard about David during those years when Saul was out to capture and destroy his rival. Saul played on the sympathy of his leaders and bribed them into serving as spies (1 Sam. 22:6ff; 23:21; 24:8ff; 26:18–19). To earn the king’s approval and rewards, they even lied about David, and Saul believed them. We don’t know what lies Cush told Saul, but David was concerned enough to cry out to God for deliverance and vindication.
Wiersbe, W. W. (2004). Be worshipful (1st ed., pp. 36–37). Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications Ministries.
QUOTE — From the title we learn the occasion of the composition of this song. It appears probable that Cush the Benjamite had accused David to Saul of treasonable conspiracy against his royal authority. This the king would be ready enough to credit, both from his jealousy of David, and from the relation which most probably existed between himself, the son of Kish, and this Cush, or Kish, the Benjamite. He who is near the throne can do more injury to a subject than an ordinary slanderer.
This may be called the Song of the Slandered Saint.
Spurgeon, C. H. (n.d.). The treasury of David: Psalms 1-26 (Vol. 1, p. 67). London; Edinburgh; New York: Marshall Brothers.
STATEMENT — David was facing persecution by Saul, and false accusations by Saul’s allies. David had been nothing but loyal to his king, and these circumstances troubled him. We can learn how to deal with similar circumstances by examining David’s response:
(Cush the Benjamite)
Confidence in God
Confidence in God
For Refuge
For Refuge
“Trust” = חסה ḥsh (ha-sah) — seek refuge, shelter, trust
We see the word translated “refuge” and “trust” in Psalm 57:1
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: For my soul trusteth in thee: Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, Until these calamities be overpast.
David uses this word again in 2 Samuel 22, when God gave them victory over the Philistines, and the sons of Goliath.
And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, My saviour; thou savest me from violence.
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
(For Refuge)
For Rescue
For Rescue
“Save Me” = ישׁע yšʿ (yo-she-ayne) — to deliver, help, save
David is crying out to God for deliverance from those that are pursuing or persecuting him.
“Deliver Me” = נצל nṣl (nitzal) — rescue, deliver, take away, or snatch away prey from the mouth of animals
David is hearkening back to his shepherding days, and asking God, the good shepherd, to rescue him from the predators that snatch away the sheep
And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
“Lest he tear my soul like a lion”
Shifted from plural them to singular he — David’s enemies may be many, but it is Saul who is pursuing him
David continues the metaphor of a lion stalking the sheep
We face a stalking predator ourselves
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
We, like David, must run to God as our refuge and rescue from the enemy
(Facing the Critics)
Facing Our Conscience (3-5)
Facing Our Conscience (3-5)
O Lord my God, if I have done this; If there be iniquity in my hands; If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (Yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; Yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, And lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.
Introspection
Introspection
A little introspection goes a long way.
We should have an open and honest heart before the Lord and before ourselves.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my reins and my heart.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me.
Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
You ought to be well-acquainted with the condition of your own heart.
(Introspection)
Innocence
Innocence
Not only was David innocent, he was the opposite of what his accusers claimed.
Twice he had the chance to kill Saul, and twice he refused.
The Treasury of David, Volume 1: Psalms 1–26 Exposition
So far from hiding treasonable intentions in his hands, or ungratefully requiting the peaceful deeds of a friend, he had even suffered his enemy to escape when he had him completely in his power. Twice had he spared Saul’s life; once in the cave of Adullam, and again when he found him sleeping in the midst of his slumbering camp; he could, therefore, with a clear conscience, make his appeal to heaven.
(Introspection)
(Innocence)
Invitation
Invitation
David is so sure of his innocence of these accusations, that he invites God to bring on the consequences should he indeed be guilty
David would readily own the punishment if he were guilty. He is not arguing against the right of the king to search out and destroy traitors, he is arguing for his own honor before the kind
He had been nothing but loyal to Saul
Are you so sure of your own innocence that you invite God to let loose the consequences and see if they stick? Are you that blameless?
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
(Facing the Critics)
(Facing Our Conscience)
Facing Our Creator (6-13)
Facing Our Creator (6-13)
Arise, O Lord, in thine anger, Lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: And awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded. So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: For their sakes therefore return thou on high. The Lord shall judge the people: Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, And according to mine integrity that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: For the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. My defence is of God, Which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous, And God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; He hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; He ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
Seeking God’s Judgment
Seeking God’s Judgment
Arise, O Lord, in thine anger, Lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: And awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.
David is crying out for God to stand up and answer the arrogance of those that accuse and oppose him.
He asks God three times, with three different words (arise, lift up thyself, awake) to take action against his oppressors.
David calls on God to sit upon the seat of tribunal, to cast judgment on his behalf, but also on behalf of all of the people of Israel. All of God’s people benefit when God judges from His throne
David understood the concept that justice and vengeance belong to God.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Not only do justice and judgment belong to God, but He promises to avenge His people, and He promises a swift and speedy trial.
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
When you face opposition and trouble unjustly, cast your cares over to the only One who is truly just.
(Seeking God’s Judgment)
Submitting to God’s Judgment
Submitting to God’s Judgment
The Lord shall judge the people: Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, And according to mine integrity that is in me.
David did more than just call on God to judge his enemies, he submitted himself to God’s judgment.
ILLUSTRATION — I’m sure that this has happened at your dinner table before. I can remember it happening at the table when I was a child, I know it has happened around my table as a parent. There’s that inevitable moment in the life of a family with little ones. They all gather around the table — as good families regularly do — and they take a moment before eating to thank God for His blessings — as good Christian families always do. Then, after the “amen” is uttered, a little one declares that one of the other children did not close his eyes during the prayer — unwittingly exposing their own fault. They called on the judgment of their father, but were not willing to be judged by that same standard. How often do we do the same before our heavenly Father?
David was confident in his own integrity — not because of pride, but because of practice. He knew he had behaved himself uprightly before God.
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: But the righteous are bold as a lion.
Though David faced opposition and accusations — He was confident before God. His conscience was pure.
When your conscience is clean, you can find joy in trouble, and have confidence in God.
But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
Can you pray today, “Judge me, O Lord?” If not, repent, and call on God to give you a clear and clean conscience.
(Seeking God’s Judgment)
(Submitting to God’s Judgment)
Severity of God’s Judgment
Severity of God’s Judgment
Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: For the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. My defence is of God, Which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous, And God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; He hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; He ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
Wickedness has an end, but the righteous are established forever.
A man shall not be established by wickedness: But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: But the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
Though it may seem that the way of the wicked is prosperous and protected, their end is coming.
Though the righteous may be falsely accused and persecuted, God is our defence. He has the final say, and His judgment is always right and perfect.
No matter what others may say, the only opinion we should truly consider is that of God — the just judge of all men.
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
Just as the righteous can be confident in God’s defence, the wicked can be confident of God’s severe wrath.
The wicked face His constant anger.
The unrepentant (that turn not) face His sword
The arrow is already notched on the string — which is already drawn back and at the ready — all God has yet to do is release His wrath on the wicked — they are that in danger of His vengeance.
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
Take comfort in the fact that wickedness will be punished, and consider your own self — for though God’s punishment is just, it is also severe
(Facing the Critics)
(Facing Our Conscience)
(Facing Our Creator)
Facing the Consequences (14-17)
Facing the Consequences (14-17)
Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, And hath conceived mischief, And brought forth falsehood. He made a pit, and digged it, And is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, And his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: And will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.
The Life-Cycle of Sin
The Life-Cycle of Sin
Living in sin is equated to becoming pregnant. Something is going to be born.
Don’t go around sowing wild oats — there will be a harvest.
QUOTE — “Many Christians spend six days a week sowing wild oats and then come to church and pray for crop failure.” — unknown
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.
(The Life-Cycle of Sin)
The Loop-Concept of Sin
The Loop-Concept of Sin
Ever hear the phrase, “what goes around comes around?"
We don’t believe in the false-religions’ concept of karma, we do understand that the Bible clearly teaches that sin always has consequences for the sinner
ILLUSTRATION — Mel Trotter, the famous rescue mission worker, was the son of a bartender who “drank as much as he served.” Trotter followed in his father’s footsteps, losing job after job because of his addiction to drinking and gambling. Each time he lost a job, he promised to reform and start doing better, but each time he failed. After the death of his baby son, Trotter made his way to Chicago where he intended to drown himself in Lake Michigan. He had sold his shoes to get money for another drink, and was walking barefoot through the snow toward his death when he went inside the Pacific Garden Mission and was saved. For the next forty years, Trotter did everything he could to help those like himself who had fallen prey to the deceptively alluring temptations of sin.
Satan’s advertising is never realistic. He paints beautiful pictures of immediate pleasure, ignoring the real consequences that its participants must endure. If the beer companies ran ads filled with crashed cars, paralyzed drinkers, and the tiny caskets of babies killed by drunk drivers, it would not help them sell their product. So they focus on the beginning rather than the ending. But no matter how beautiful the temptation appears, it is only a cloak for the reality that sin always ends in pain and heartbreak and judgment.
(The Life-Cycle of Sin)
(The Loop-Concept of Sin)
The Last Comment in Song
The Last Comment in Song
I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: And will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.
The world is unjust, but God is always just.
The world is wicked, but God is righteous.
David starts the psalm in desperation and despair, and ends the psalm expressing devotion to God.
When the world is unjust, turn your focus on the One who is always and only just.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Are you facing unwarranted criticism? Place your confidence in God.
Is your conscience clean and innocent? Open your heart to the examination and confirmation of God.
Are you living blamelessly? Take comfort in the judgment of God. Are you living sinfully? Take the wrath of God seriously.
Are you certain of sin’s consequences? Seek the better path — seek the righteousness of God.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.