Go! And Hate Evil - Psalm 97:10
Introduction:
Psalm 97:10 (NLT) declares, "You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked." These words call us to action. To love the Lord is to actively oppose evil in our lives and in the world. Today, we will explore what it means to "Go! And Hate Evil" through biblical context, exegesis, and application.
1. Loving God Means Rejecting Evil
Psalm 97:10 sets a clear standard: if we love the Lord, we must hate evil. The Hebrew word for "hate" used here is sane (??????), which conveys strong opposition, aversion, and rejection.
Proverbs 8:13 (NLT): "All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech."
Fear of the Lord is not terror but reverence. True reverence for God produces a hatred for what He hates.
We must examine our own lives. Do we tolerate what God abhors?
Romans 12:9 (NLT): "Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good."
Paul calls believers to genuine love, which includes rejecting evil.
Just as a doctor fights against disease to preserve life, we must fight against sin to uphold righteousness.
R.C. Sproul said, "To love God is to love what He loves and hate what He hates."
2. The Danger of Compromising with Evil
Ephesians 5:11 (NLT): "Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them."
The Greek word for "expose" is elegcho (??e???), meaning to convict or correct.
We must not only avoid evil but confront it with truth.
James 4:4 (NLT): "Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God."
"World" here refers to the sinful system opposed to God.
A soldier cannot fight for both sides in a battle. We must choose allegiance to God.
Billy Graham said, "We cannot compromise on sin and expect to stand firm in righteousness."
3. God's Protection and Deliverance
Psalm 97:10 also reassures us that God protects and rescues His people.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NLT): "But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one."
Trusting in God’s protection strengthens our resolve to resist evil.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT): "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."
The Greek word for "temptation" is peirasmos (pe??asµ??), meaning trials or tests.
Like a lifeguard who rescues a drowning swimmer, God provides a way out of sin.
Charles Spurgeon said, "God never leads His children where He cannot keep them."
4. Living as a Light in a Dark World
Matthew 5:16 (NLT): "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Our actions should reflect God's righteousness.
Romans 13:12 (NLT): "The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living."
The imagery of changing clothes symbolizes transformation.
A lamp must be uncovered to illuminate a room. We must not hide our faith.
John Piper said, "The greatest weapon against darkness is a life filled with the light of Christ."
Conclusion: Application and Call to Action
Self-examination: Are we actively rejecting evil?
Action step: Identify areas in our lives where compromise exists and seek God's help.
Encouragement: God’s power enables us to stand firm.
Invitation to Faith:
If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ, He offers salvation and transformation. He calls you to turn from sin and follow Him. Will you respond to His love today?
May we go forth and live in righteousness, hating evil and glorifying God in all we do!
