Passing The Ultimate Test Series

BIG IDEA:

THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THE MAN OF INTEGRITY

I. (:1-7) INTEGRITY IS THE BASIS FOR VINDICATION =

A SUCCESSFUL APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT

A. Desired Verdict = Vindication

“Vindicate me, O Lord”

B. Necessary Examination

“Examine me, O Lord, and try me;

Test my mind and my heart”

C. Grounds for Innocence

1. Overview

a. Consistent Integrity (Walked the Walk)

“I have walked in my integrity”

b. Unwavering Faith (Kept the Faith)

“And I have trusted in the Lord without wavering”

c. Secure Relationship

“For Thy lovingkindness is before my eyes”

d. Careful Obedience

“And I have walked in Thy truth.”

2. Specific Examples

a. Separation from Sinners

“I do not sit with deceitful men,

Nor will I go with pretenders.

I hate the assembly of evildoers,

And I will not sit with the wicked.”

b. Sacrifice for Sin

“I shall wash my hands in innocence,

And I will go about Thine altar, O Lord”

D. Thanksgiving and Testimony

“That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,

And declare all Thy wonders.”.

II. (:8) INTEGRITY ALLOWS ONE TO BE AT HOME IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

“O Lord, I love the habitation of Thy house,

And the place where Thy glory dwells.”

III. (:9-11) INTEGRITY SEPARATES ONE FROM THE FATE OF THE WICKED --

DELIVERANCE AND GRACE SHOULD BE THE EXPECTATION

INSTEAD

A. Description and Destiny of the Wicked

1. Description of the Wicked

“sinners”

“men of bloodshed”

“In whose hands is a wicked scheme”

“And whose right hand is full of bribes”

2. Destiny of the Wicked

“Do not take my soul away”

B. Description and Destiny of the Man of Integrity

1. Description of the Man of Integrity

“I shall walk in my integrity”

2. Destiny of the Man of Integrity

a. Enjoying Redemption

“Redeem me”

b. Enjoying God’s Grace

“be gracious to me”

IV. (:12) INTEGRITY RESULTS IN CONFIDENCE AND TESTIMONY BECAUSE OF GOD’S DELIVERANCE AND GRACE

A. Confidence: "My foot stands on a level place"

B. Testimony: "In the congregations I shall bless the Lord"

* * * * * * * * * *

DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:

1) Can we be satisfied with a life of integrity, or are we always craving for the attention and praise of men? This is a good test as to whether our orientation is to really please our Lord (when no one can see what we are doing but Him) or whether we are more

motivated by being a man-pleaser..

2) What does Vindication accomplish? Isn’t it enough that the Lord sees our obedience and will reward us accordingly?

3) How can we reach out with the gospel to sinners without associating with them in a manner that would compromise our goal of holiness? What was the example of Jesus in this regard?

4) Is our worship characterized by holiness? Do we “love the habitation of God’s house?” Do we “bless the Lord” publicly as we have opportunity?

Download the entire Psalms commentary in pdf format

(including notes on each psalm from other commentators)

from:

http://www.bibleoutlines.com