Integrity In Living And Ruling Series

BIG IDEA:

GODLY LEADERS NEED TO MAINTAIN PERSONAL

AND ORGANIZATIONAL INTEGRITY

INTRODUCTION:

Very timely topic given the lack of integrity in U.S. politics; sunk to new depths under President Clinton

But compare church politicians as well

Psalm of David with Messianic application to the Millennial Kingdom

(think of application to various contexts of ruling -- including running your own business;

church elders)

I. (:1-4) COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL INTEGRITY =

HOW THE LEADER LIVES

It is not enough to just put on a good show in one’s public life

A. Commitment to Personal Integrity Built on the Proper Foundation

"Lovingkindness and justice of the Lord"

B. Commitment to Personal Integrity Essential for God’s Blessing

In fact it leads to an Expectation of that blessing

"I will give heed to the blameless way" (cf. similarity to requirements for elders)

"I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart"

"When wilt Thou come to me?" = expectation of God’s presence and blessing

C. Commitment to Resist the Enemies of Personal Integrity

1. Looking at Junk = "worthless thing"

outright immoral things

time-wasters that have no lasting value

2. Giving in to Temptation to Backslide

3. Seduced by a perverse heart

4. Losing one’s innocence over knowing evil

II. (:5-8) COMMITMENT TO ORGANIZATIONAL INTEGRITY =

HOW THE LEADER RULES

A. Fight Against Slanderers

B. Fight Against the Proud and Arrogant

C. Show Favoritism to the Faithful = "He who walks in a blameless way"

D. Reject All Liars

"He who practices deceit "

"He who speaks falsehood"

E. Destroy the Wicked = "all those who do iniquity"

Realm you need to guard:

"my house" = house of David

"the city of the Lord"

"the land" = belongs to the Lord

"Every morning" = this is a constant battle; you must keep your discernment antenna

active at all times

No Tolerance policy for evil

(Difference between personal wrongs -- remember Moses was the meekest of all men --

and how to respond in situations involving your responsibility to rule the organization)

* * * * * * * * * *

DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:

1) How can you live a blameless life and be innocent of wrongdoing? Is it possible to have a perfect heart?

2) We are told to live apart from the wicked. In living such a separated life, does that keep you from being effective in sharing the Gospel with those who need it most?

3) Jesus lived his life among sinners. Was that because He had no choice, being the only one to ever live a perfect life? How do Jesus’ interactions with sinners compare with the counsel given in this psalm?

4) As Jesus’ followers, how can we love the wicked without being influenced by them?

Download the entire Psalms commentary in pdf format

(including notes on each psalm from other commentators)

from:

http://www.bibleoutlines.com