Sermon Central
-
God Takes His Stand (Psalm 82)
Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 14, 2026 (message contributor)
Summary: Pure Religion
Will God give justice to the poor and needy and teach the self-righteous wicked some humility? Let’s look at Psalm 82.
A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Have we ever asked God why He allows the wicked to prosper so long, seemingly delaying judgment on them?
God takes his stand in the divine assembly; among the divine beings he renders judgment: “How long will you judge partially by showing favor on the wicked?” Interlude (Ps 82:1-2 ISV)
Why do some Christians hard-heartedly mock the poor and needy, blaming them for their plight, rather than blame the wicked, the greedy, the oppressors? How does God say we should treat the poor and needy?
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. (Ps 82:3-5 KJV)
Have we ever experienced believers who get arrogant and self-righteous about their standing with God? Would God let us fall to humble us?
I said, “You are gods, And all of you are sons of the Most High. Nevertheless you will die like men And you will fall like any one of the princes.” (Ps 82:6-7 LSB)
Is there a time way beyond any temporary punishment God delivers to teach us important lessons, a time when the whole earth will be ruled by God?
Arise, God, judge the earth! For You possess all the nations. (Ps 82:8 NASB)
Is pure religion just rituals, attendance, tongues, abstinence, tithes, veils, rosaries, and icons or is there something far more important?
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (Jas 1:26-27 NIV)
Will God give justice to the poor and needy and teach the self-righteous wicked some humility? You decide!
