Post by arete on Sept 29, 2014 19:24:27 GMT
Introduction:
Writing of Psalm 11, Thomas Wilcocks, a Puritan pastor, remarked the psalm “Teacheth us to trust in God, how great soever our dangers be; also that we shall be many times assaulted to make us put far from us this trust, but yet that we must cleave unto it, as the anchor of our souls, sure and steadfast.” The psalm does indeed teach this. As we turn to Psalm 11 this morning, we find the psalmist challenged in his faith and yet he resolutely rests in the refuge of God.
Context:
Psalm 11 is listed as a Psalm of David. Some would place this psalm during the time David was fleeing from Saul. This view sees a connection between v. 1 “Flee like a bird to your mountain” with 1 Samuel 26:20, “for the king of Israel [Saul] has come out to seek a single flea [David] like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” In reality, this psalm is not so easy to place. What we do know is that the psalm is a lament: a statement of grief over one’s condition including the lament, the statement of trust in God and the affirmation of praise directed to God’s person. The lament in Psalm 11 is presented as another person voicing concern to the psalmist which the psalmist, David, answers based in the truth of who God is.
Body – Psalm 11:1-7 – ESV
The Lord Is in His Holy Temple
To the Choirmaster. Of David.
1 In the LORD I take refuge;
how can you say to my soul,
“Flee like a bird to your mountain,
2 for behold, the wicked bend the bow;
they have fitted their arrow to the string
to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;
3 if the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
4 The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD's throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.
5 The LORD tests the righteous,
but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
6 Let him rain coals on the wicked;
fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the LORD is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.
Refuge in the Lord vv. 1-3
David begins by telling the reader he takes refuge in the Lord (v. 1a). What does taking refuge in God even mean? In this psalm, the idea is proposed that David flee, but David takes refuge. He knows that God is a fortress, a shelter from evil men and the wording here emphasizes complete trust in God.
David asks based in his refuge, how can a person try to shake his trust in God (v. 1b)? This begins the lament. Whether this is a real person, or David’s internal doubts asking questions, the answer has already been given. David will trust in and take refuge in God.
1. Flee like a bird (v.1c)… when evil comes, it is understandable that someone wants to run from it. Sometimes running is the best answer, but a lack of trust in God is not the answer.
2. Behold the wicked bend the bow (v. 2a)… the asker here focuses David’s attention on the wicked. They are armed and resolved to harm God’s child.
3. The arrow is fitted to the string (v. 2b)… The wicked not only pull a gun, but it is loaded. This is not a bluff. Evil men relish harming the helpless and the godly.
4. The shot will be at the upright (v. 2c.)… The target again is the godly – the upright in heart. This is not a self-righteous man. The target is a child of God who loves God & takes refuge in him
The one asking these questions plays a “what if” fame (v. 3). The “if” is the strategy of evil men – to destroy the foundation – to eradicate the idea of God and what God has said. They would replace the law of God with the anarchy of human desire and human wisdom. The “what” implies that the righteous, the upright, would be helpless before such an attack. However, David answered this already. He takes refuge in God. God will defend his name and his word.
Illustration:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah (Psalm 46:1-3 ESV)
Application:
Refuge in God is our security in the face of many doubts. Even though wicked men attack the person and existence of God; even though evil men attack the word of God so they can live lawless lives wallowing in sin; even so, God remains our refuge and his word remains our absolute standard.
Royal Throne vv. 4-6.
The psalmist begins his statement of trust. While the question was raised, “What if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous hope to do?” The psalmist answers that the real question is “What will God, the holy and sovereign king of creation do?” So what will he do? He will remain firmly on his throne and he will fully test all men.
The Lord is in his holy temple; his throne is in heaven (v. 4a-b). This is not an earthly temple or throne. God’s true temple and the throne of creation are in heaven. He is high and holy. He is our Lord, master, and king. If evil men challenge his rule, they will reap the due penalty for such rebellion.
The Lord sees and tests all men (v. 4c). What is this test? The wording here is the same as used for trying precious metal in hot fire. Impurities, wickedness, are burned up and destroyed. Only the purity of righteousness survives the test.
The Lord also tests the righteous (v. 5a). How is this different from the test on all men? The righteous are tried to refine them and purify them for God’s personal use, to make them holy. His fire for the wicked and evil are meant for their punishment.
There is a contrast between God’s relationship with the righteous and the wicked. (v. 5b). Again, he purifies one and destroys the other.
The psalmist prays for God’s judgment on the wicked (v. 6). This is imprecatory again. The psalmist prays for God to punish wickedness. The wording here references the scorching desert winds that lay waste to crops in Israel. Like the grass, evil men may seem to prosper and thrive, but one blast from God lays them low and their temporary prosperity becomes eternal punishment.
Illustration:
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts. An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 17:3-5 ESV)
Application:
The Royal throne of God emphasizes his sovereignty. God does not need us to defend him from evil men. We, however, need God to defend us from evil men and from any evil we might commit. In his sovereignty, he designs our trials and hardships to make us more in the image of Christ. That same sovereignty will not allow evil to continue forever, and God will judge and punish evil men.
Righteous Lord v. 7
The Lord IS righteousness (v. 7a). God himself is the definition of righteousness. He is the ultimate, absolute, moral standard. Jesus Christ is God’s son who lived that ultimate, absolute moral standard. We are sinful creatures that never attain this, but through Christ can have his righteousness applied to our account before God in heaven. Those who insist standing before God in their own righteousness will be aid low. None of us are without sin. Only the blood of Christ applied to our account satisfies the perfect standard of God.
The Lord loves righteous deeds (v. 7b). Is this legalism or a works based relationship here? No. Our righteous deeds do not save. In fact, until we are in Christ, we work no righteous deeds. Instead, the Holy Spirit works righteousness through us. God in heaven is pleased when he sees his children walk according to his nature for the glory of his name. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
The upright will behold the face of God (v. 7c). Who are the upright? The upright are those who have taken refuge in God through Christ from the penalty of their own wickedness. We are upright because God holds us up. When will they see God’s face? Not on earth, but only in heaven. The psalmist reminds us that as we take refuge in God, even if wicked men destroy our bodies, we have a home with God as eternal as the punishment that awaits the wicked men.
Illustration:
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (1 John 3:2-3 ESV)
Application:
Only the righteous can please God. Who are the righteous? How do they get that way? The righteous are those who have trusted in Christ alone for salvation and stand in Christ’s righteousness before God. This is why the psalmist s so certain of his refuge in God: the refuge is not based on man earning it or losing it otherwise no one would be secure in God ever. The refuge is based in the person of God and therefore is trustworthy and true.
So What Now?
Even when our world is crumbling, we have refuge in God. It does not matter how bad it looks. It doesn’t matter how pessimistic everyone is around us. It doesn’t matter if the mob is at our doors with torches. What matters is that God is our trustworthy refuge in life and death and in life everlasting. Even death cannot sweep us from the security that God alone provides us in Christ.
Even when wickedness seems to reign, God is still ruling all of creation. The wicked can play at being a king, but they are insignificant compared to the Sovereign Lord of the universe. He even uses their meager attempts to thwart him as tools to purify his children and further punish and condemn the wicked.
Even when we fail to live by God’s standard, we have salvation in Jesus Christ. We all act in wickedness from time to time. We have been saved by Christ, but remain trapped in a body of sin and death. When we fall before our own evil desire, we can turn to God for a refuge from that sin. Because of Jesus Christ, we can repent of our sin and walk in righteousness again. DO not delay when dabbling with sin. Repent quick and take refuge in the forgiveness of God.
Indeed, like the Puritan pastor told us, we turn to Psalm 11 to be taught that no matter how great the danger, no matter how many times we have been afflicted; we can trust in God. We must cling to him as the anchor of our souls for he alone is sure and steadfast.
Benediction
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, (2 Peter 1:2-3 ESV)
Writing of Psalm 11, Thomas Wilcocks, a Puritan pastor, remarked the psalm “Teacheth us to trust in God, how great soever our dangers be; also that we shall be many times assaulted to make us put far from us this trust, but yet that we must cleave unto it, as the anchor of our souls, sure and steadfast.” The psalm does indeed teach this. As we turn to Psalm 11 this morning, we find the psalmist challenged in his faith and yet he resolutely rests in the refuge of God.
Context:
Psalm 11 is listed as a Psalm of David. Some would place this psalm during the time David was fleeing from Saul. This view sees a connection between v. 1 “Flee like a bird to your mountain” with 1 Samuel 26:20, “for the king of Israel [Saul] has come out to seek a single flea [David] like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” In reality, this psalm is not so easy to place. What we do know is that the psalm is a lament: a statement of grief over one’s condition including the lament, the statement of trust in God and the affirmation of praise directed to God’s person. The lament in Psalm 11 is presented as another person voicing concern to the psalmist which the psalmist, David, answers based in the truth of who God is.
Body – Psalm 11:1-7 – ESV
The Lord Is in His Holy Temple
To the Choirmaster. Of David.
1 In the LORD I take refuge;
how can you say to my soul,
“Flee like a bird to your mountain,
2 for behold, the wicked bend the bow;
they have fitted their arrow to the string
to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;
3 if the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
4 The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD's throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.
5 The LORD tests the righteous,
but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
6 Let him rain coals on the wicked;
fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the LORD is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.
Refuge in the Lord vv. 1-3
David begins by telling the reader he takes refuge in the Lord (v. 1a). What does taking refuge in God even mean? In this psalm, the idea is proposed that David flee, but David takes refuge. He knows that God is a fortress, a shelter from evil men and the wording here emphasizes complete trust in God.
David asks based in his refuge, how can a person try to shake his trust in God (v. 1b)? This begins the lament. Whether this is a real person, or David’s internal doubts asking questions, the answer has already been given. David will trust in and take refuge in God.
1. Flee like a bird (v.1c)… when evil comes, it is understandable that someone wants to run from it. Sometimes running is the best answer, but a lack of trust in God is not the answer.
2. Behold the wicked bend the bow (v. 2a)… the asker here focuses David’s attention on the wicked. They are armed and resolved to harm God’s child.
3. The arrow is fitted to the string (v. 2b)… The wicked not only pull a gun, but it is loaded. This is not a bluff. Evil men relish harming the helpless and the godly.
4. The shot will be at the upright (v. 2c.)… The target again is the godly – the upright in heart. This is not a self-righteous man. The target is a child of God who loves God & takes refuge in him
The one asking these questions plays a “what if” fame (v. 3). The “if” is the strategy of evil men – to destroy the foundation – to eradicate the idea of God and what God has said. They would replace the law of God with the anarchy of human desire and human wisdom. The “what” implies that the righteous, the upright, would be helpless before such an attack. However, David answered this already. He takes refuge in God. God will defend his name and his word.
Illustration:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah (Psalm 46:1-3 ESV)
Application:
Refuge in God is our security in the face of many doubts. Even though wicked men attack the person and existence of God; even though evil men attack the word of God so they can live lawless lives wallowing in sin; even so, God remains our refuge and his word remains our absolute standard.
Royal Throne vv. 4-6.
The psalmist begins his statement of trust. While the question was raised, “What if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous hope to do?” The psalmist answers that the real question is “What will God, the holy and sovereign king of creation do?” So what will he do? He will remain firmly on his throne and he will fully test all men.
The Lord is in his holy temple; his throne is in heaven (v. 4a-b). This is not an earthly temple or throne. God’s true temple and the throne of creation are in heaven. He is high and holy. He is our Lord, master, and king. If evil men challenge his rule, they will reap the due penalty for such rebellion.
The Lord sees and tests all men (v. 4c). What is this test? The wording here is the same as used for trying precious metal in hot fire. Impurities, wickedness, are burned up and destroyed. Only the purity of righteousness survives the test.
The Lord also tests the righteous (v. 5a). How is this different from the test on all men? The righteous are tried to refine them and purify them for God’s personal use, to make them holy. His fire for the wicked and evil are meant for their punishment.
There is a contrast between God’s relationship with the righteous and the wicked. (v. 5b). Again, he purifies one and destroys the other.
The psalmist prays for God’s judgment on the wicked (v. 6). This is imprecatory again. The psalmist prays for God to punish wickedness. The wording here references the scorching desert winds that lay waste to crops in Israel. Like the grass, evil men may seem to prosper and thrive, but one blast from God lays them low and their temporary prosperity becomes eternal punishment.
Illustration:
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts. An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 17:3-5 ESV)
Application:
The Royal throne of God emphasizes his sovereignty. God does not need us to defend him from evil men. We, however, need God to defend us from evil men and from any evil we might commit. In his sovereignty, he designs our trials and hardships to make us more in the image of Christ. That same sovereignty will not allow evil to continue forever, and God will judge and punish evil men.
Righteous Lord v. 7
The Lord IS righteousness (v. 7a). God himself is the definition of righteousness. He is the ultimate, absolute, moral standard. Jesus Christ is God’s son who lived that ultimate, absolute moral standard. We are sinful creatures that never attain this, but through Christ can have his righteousness applied to our account before God in heaven. Those who insist standing before God in their own righteousness will be aid low. None of us are without sin. Only the blood of Christ applied to our account satisfies the perfect standard of God.
The Lord loves righteous deeds (v. 7b). Is this legalism or a works based relationship here? No. Our righteous deeds do not save. In fact, until we are in Christ, we work no righteous deeds. Instead, the Holy Spirit works righteousness through us. God in heaven is pleased when he sees his children walk according to his nature for the glory of his name. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
The upright will behold the face of God (v. 7c). Who are the upright? The upright are those who have taken refuge in God through Christ from the penalty of their own wickedness. We are upright because God holds us up. When will they see God’s face? Not on earth, but only in heaven. The psalmist reminds us that as we take refuge in God, even if wicked men destroy our bodies, we have a home with God as eternal as the punishment that awaits the wicked men.
Illustration:
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (1 John 3:2-3 ESV)
Application:
Only the righteous can please God. Who are the righteous? How do they get that way? The righteous are those who have trusted in Christ alone for salvation and stand in Christ’s righteousness before God. This is why the psalmist s so certain of his refuge in God: the refuge is not based on man earning it or losing it otherwise no one would be secure in God ever. The refuge is based in the person of God and therefore is trustworthy and true.
So What Now?
Even when our world is crumbling, we have refuge in God. It does not matter how bad it looks. It doesn’t matter how pessimistic everyone is around us. It doesn’t matter if the mob is at our doors with torches. What matters is that God is our trustworthy refuge in life and death and in life everlasting. Even death cannot sweep us from the security that God alone provides us in Christ.
Even when wickedness seems to reign, God is still ruling all of creation. The wicked can play at being a king, but they are insignificant compared to the Sovereign Lord of the universe. He even uses their meager attempts to thwart him as tools to purify his children and further punish and condemn the wicked.
Even when we fail to live by God’s standard, we have salvation in Jesus Christ. We all act in wickedness from time to time. We have been saved by Christ, but remain trapped in a body of sin and death. When we fall before our own evil desire, we can turn to God for a refuge from that sin. Because of Jesus Christ, we can repent of our sin and walk in righteousness again. DO not delay when dabbling with sin. Repent quick and take refuge in the forgiveness of God.
Indeed, like the Puritan pastor told us, we turn to Psalm 11 to be taught that no matter how great the danger, no matter how many times we have been afflicted; we can trust in God. We must cling to him as the anchor of our souls for he alone is sure and steadfast.
Benediction
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, (2 Peter 1:2-3 ESV)