Sermon Tone Analysis
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Troubling Times
The history of the emergency phone number 911 goes back to the year 1957.
Firefighters proposed a universal number to ensure people could reach the fire department in an emergency.
They also concluded that having different numbers for different emergencies would make unnecessarily difficult to get help.
Today we have a universal number connecting a caller to emergency personnel.
This unique number that connects all emergencies with emergency personnel.
It is easy to remember and universal in the United States.
But long before that, David knew that he could lift up his soul to the LORD.
Prayer to God was his 911 call.
And God was always ready to hear the prayer of a heart in need.
As we study Psalm 25, look at how David prays to God, who is the only one worthy of any prayers.
David’s prayer is for help, guidance, confession, and trust.
Because we are reading an English translation, some details may be lost in the translation that is only discovered if we study the original language.
For example, Psalm 25 uses the Hebrew alphabet as a pattern to introduce the phrases of the verses.
Because people relied on memory in the past more than we do today, using structures like the alphabet would help teach and recall the psalm.
But we ought not to worry about the nuances.
We can learn them with extra help but let us be grateful that God has given to all people His holy Word.
While it has a particular language and historical setting, the truth of God is timeless and for all people.
God’s truth and plain meaning are fully present in translation.
God truly loves the world that He gave us Christ the Living Word and the Bible, His Holy Word.
Enemies and Shame
As we look at David’s prayer, he recognizes that God is the right solution for those who would place themselves as his enemies.
David had a variety of enemies, and they fall into two general categories: ideological and personal.
Ideological enemies were those who opposed David and his choice to follow God.
For example, David chose to place his trust in God while King Saul and the armies of Israel hesitated to accept the offer of a one-to-one battle with a Philistine soldier Goliath.
While others feared the pressure and responsibility of being the one who would lose the battle and enslave all of Israel, David recognized the enemies as those who defied God and His plans. 1 Samuel 17:24-27
Other enemies are of a personal nature.
It is not uncommon for a person to randomly choose another person to be their victim and become an enemy for no apparent reason.
As believers, we may encounter enemies like this, but let us not participate in making enemies because we have initiated conflict and pain on someone else.
Look at what Paul says should be our goal to avoid making enemies.
We are to live uprightly with integrity.
Romans 12:17-21.
Whatever enemy we may face, God is our source of help.
David asks God not to be put to shame.
The shame he speaks of is the result of finding out that the foundation one chooses to stand on is not worthy to stand upon.
Shame comes from relying on a source that fails.
David knew of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness to His covenant promises.
God would keep David from the shame of having an unfaithful God.
But we should know that the measure of God’s faithfulness is not that He answers according to our time or will but according to His sovereignty.
We may not have the privilege of seeing all the answers to our prayers in our time, but He will answer each according to His will.
This is a request made in faith.
It is the prayer of a fragile situation where God is the only hope.
David places himself in the hands of a faithful God.
David will not “diversify” his trust.
He will trust in God alone.
Faith is not only putting all your eggs in one basket but the chicken as well.
Guidance
Next, we see David stating multiple times that God is an instructor on life, a teacher, and a leader.
David is asking for more than just advice.
He is admitting that God alone knows how life is to be lived.
And this is true today, therefore, we ought to ask Him to show us.
Even the best of human wisdom and lived experience fails in comparison to God, who is the author of life.
God is the only solution for guidance to live as He created it to be.
Others may claim to have the truth, but David does not desire their claims.
He only desires God’s truth.
He is so set on this that He waits patiently on the Lord for direction and waits on God throughout the day “all day long.”
The instruction of the Lord contains wisdom on how to make decisions and how to live in holiness.
It is common for a Christian to ask God for guidance on big decisions such as who to marry, where to work, live, or go to school.
It is proper to ask God’s guidance on these things.
However, some of these decisions can be made upon the basis of wisdom when multiple options exist that do not lead one away from God or are sinful.
Let us not forget that God’s will and guidance include living according to His ways.
This is the thrust behind the warnings from Proverbs 14:12.
The picture is of someone who relies fully on their wisdom and gut feelings instead of consulting God first.
We may have strong feelings toward something, but our feelings are not the basis for choosing what is good and holy.
Only God can determine what is holy, and we are to submit to His ways.
David knows this and prays this aspect when he declares that God is good and upright.
The goodness described is moral rightness.
David recognizes that he, a sinner too, needs the instruction of the Lord.
But there is more to instruction than just hearing it.
One must obey it and, therefore, must be humble.
To be humble is to recognize one’s need for help, direction, and leadership.
A proud person will often neglect to ask for directions when they are lost.
We will always require the direction and leading of God in wisdom and matters of holiness.
If you neglect either aspect, you will miss out on knowing God as your shepherd.
Psalm 32:8-9
We need the Lord’s instruction to live life as He intended and as He wills.
When you seek to know the will of the Lord for a decision, make sure you are obeying the written will of the Lord as well.
Both are important.
Forgiveness
As Christians, we should recognize that the Bible often reminds us about our sin.
Our sin is pointed out, but so is the solution; the gospel is good news concerning our sin.
It reminds us that all people have sinned against God.
By default, we are separated from a relationship with God.
And Christ is the solution.
He satisfies the requirements of holiness and supplies the payment for sinfulness.
At the cross, our sin debt is canceled.
While we are positionally made right with God, we still must daily choose to say no to our sinful desires.
Let’s face it.
We still have human appetites and desires that will take us back into sin if we give in.
To struggle with temptation is not a sin, but we will, at times, give in.
So, what do we do when we find ourselves committing the sins Christ has freed us from?
We are to go to our Redeemer and Savior and ask for forgiveness.
How do you ask for forgiveness?
Is it only with words, or do you make the connection between forgiveness and repentance?
Is your saying sorry to avoid punishment?
Or is it a decision to turn away from those things which build a wall between you and God?
David knew this and confessed his sins, whether he sinned knowingly or out of ignorance.
Our God delights in hearing both of these from us.
This is the blessing of asking for forgiveness and instruction in prayer.
He graciously turns to us to forgive and guide us.
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