The God Who Is Near Us Series

THE GOD WHO IS NEAR US

PSALM 119:57-64

INTRODUCTION

A. Some of the fathers of our nation are revered as great men of the Christian faith. Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, and perhaps others were deists, meaning they believed in the existence of a supernatural being. Still, they did not think that he had an active role in human affairs.

B. Deists are much like the Athenians, who worshipped God as the “unknown god” (Acts 17:24-28).

C. God is not Santa Claus, but neither is he a remote, unapproachable God who takes no part in world affairs.

I. OUR APPROACHABLE GOD (v.57)

A. Under the Law of Moses, the tribe of Levi had no land inheritance, and Moses wrote, “Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The Lord is his inheritance” (Deut 10:9).

B. David’s words foreshadow the priesthood of all believers.

1. The New Testament knows nothing of an ordained clergy who are closer to God than those they call laymen (1 Pet 2:9).

2. Under the law, only the high priest could enter into the Holy of Holies where the presence of the Almighty was manifested—and that only once a year.

2. In contrast, every believer can enter the presence of God twenty-four-seven (Heb 10:19-23).

3. Confidence to approach God must never become flippancy (Heb 12:28-29).

II. AS ROYAL PRIESTS, WE SEE GOD CLEARLY (vv. 59-62).

A. We see God clearly in His word when three things are true:

1. When our will is to do his will (John 7:16-17).

2. We must verify our beliefs (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim 2:15).

3. We must have a submissive will (Matt 26:39).

B. We see God clearly in His love (v.64).

1. Objectively, the greatest manifestation of God’s love is found in two passages (John 3:16; 1 John 3:1-3).

2. Personally, the greatest manifestation of God’s love is its transforming power within (Rom 5:1-5)

III. AS ROYAL PRIESTS, WE SEEK GOD EARNESTLY

A. We lay hold of God’s promises (v.58).

B. We examine ourselves and repent (v. 59).

C. We diligently pursue truth (vv. 60-62).

IV. AS ROYAL PRIEST, WE SHARE GOD LOVINGLY

A. “I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts” (v.63).

1. We should share the gospel with the lost, but David is not suggesting evangelism.

2. We seek fellowship with all true believers.

3. The basis of our fellowship is the steadfast love of the Lord (v.64).

CONCLUSION

A. I would rather recognize one as a brother whom God will reject as a child than reject one whom God calls his child. None of us is perfect in knowledge and practice. We accept one another as Christ accepted us to the glory of God (Rom 15:1-7).

B. Our God is approachable, and he bids us to draw near (Jam 4:8).