Psalm 15

Psalm 15

Unshakeable Citizenship

I. Citizens of God’s Kingdom must be growing to reflect His character, by continually seeking Him (v. 1)

a. In David’s excitement over the return of the Ark to Jerusalem, he’s prompted, not to seek to know how one is justified before God, but to understand what characterizes the life of someone who has been justified and thus dwells in His presence. The two most descriptive and important words in this first verse are “abide” and “dwell”. To “abide” is to have formerly been a stranger, but having been invited into someone’s house to share their space and all that’s theirs; to go from being a stranger, to sharing a deeply personal relationship. To “dwell”, is to take up permanent residence and to be characterized by that place. What David is describing is the deep personal hospitality of near eastern culture, that of fellowship, provision, and protection. He desires to be in that type of deep relationship with God and enjoy those same fruits of intimacy. Those who have experience God’s saving grace and been justified through repentant faith Christ, see the full picture of what David desired here on earth, and look forward to the finished revelation of our eternal future in God’s presence through Christ. We enjoy an intimacy with God through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, which we desire more of, and which must be continually shaping our whole lives. But what are the some of the characteristics which our lives should reflect as we desire to abide ever more closely with God and enjoy the deepest fullness in our relationship with Him? (v. 1; Exod. 34:29-35; 2 Sam. 6; Ps. 23:6; 24:3-4; 26:8; 27:3-5; 54:4; 61:4; 84:4-10; 90:1; Isa. 33:14-17; Hab. 2:4; Mal. 3:16-18; John 3:16-21, 36; 14:6, 19-15:11; Acts 6:15; Gal. 6:12-18; Eph. 2:1-10; Heb. 10:19-25; 12:18-25; 1 Pet. 2:9-12)

II. Citizens of God’s Kingdom must be growing to reflect His character, by continually trusting Him (Vv. 2-5)

a. The first characteristic is consistent uprightness of character in all areas of life; and further one who puts that character to work through righteous actions. This person has been transformed by the mighty hand of God, knows that He is the ultimate standard by which all their thoughts and actions will be judged, and trusts Him to guide them and/or correct them in all decisions and actions. We must trust that all we do is done under God’s watchful eye, for His amazing glory, and that when given to Him and for Him, will produce good fruit. Real faith is faith that works. The second characteristic is that their speech will grow to reflect the transformation of their hearts. David isn’t just describing someone who merely “tells the truth”, but one who reflects the character of God in their words. One whose word is trustworthy, and their character is that of one who can be counted on. A person of this character would never desire to slander someone through gossip. Honest and loving words seek to build up, but gossip is devasting and damaging to our gospel witness. The third characteristic is a life which produces actions which would never seek to do evil their neighbor, nor actions which seek to be condescending, demeaning, or discrediting to others. If we love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, we’ll necessarily seek to love our neighbor as ourselves. The way we treat others can either facilitate the closeness of our relationship with God, or become a barrier between us and Him! The fourth characteristic is that they see the world around them and the people in it properly. To “despise the reprobate” doesn’t mean to hate those who don’t know God, it means not to regard them. We must recognize the vanity of the world for its hopelessness, and instead they regard, honor, and seek to align ourselves with those who fear the Lord. The fifth characteristic is that they’re faithful to their promises; they keep their word and do what they promise, even when it doesn’t work out to their worldly advantage. Lastly, they would never allow money to come before people. All things in their lives come from God, belong to God, and are to be used to glorify Him. (Vv. 2-5a; Exod. 22:25; Lev. 19:16; 25:35-37; Deut. 23:19-20, 22-24; Neh. 5:3-5; Eccl. 1:1-2:11; 5:1-5; Matt. 5:33-37; 6:19-21, 24-33; 7:12; 12:33-37; 22:36-40; 25:34-39; Luke 10:25-37; 12:13-21; John 14:6, 17; 17:3, 17; Rom. 11:33-36; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 4:15; 1 Tim. 6:6-12, 17-19; Heb. 6:10-20; Jas. 2:14-17; 3:2-12)

b. David begins his psalm with the question, and ends it with an amazing and reassuring promise. If we truly seek God and trust continually more deeply in Him, we can rest in His promises that He’ll grow us in Him, to reflect Him in more fully in life. If we hear His Word and act on it, our foundation in Christ will never be moved. If the Lord is our Shepherd, we’ll have all we want and dwell securely in Him forever. If we abide in the love of Christ, we’re inseparable from Him and more than conquerors in Him, and that will show up continually more in our daily lives! (v. 5b; Ps. 23; Matt. 7:24-27; Rom. 8:31-39)