Living with Integrity: The Pursuit of Holiness

 

Summary

Psalm 101:2 presents a profound commitment to living a life of integrity and holiness, both in public and private spheres. This resolve, articulated by David, is a call to walk wisely and with a perfect heart within one's own household. The essence of this commitment is not merely about external appearances but about cultivating a heart that is aligned with God's will and commands. David's resolution to behave wisely is a deliberate choice influenced by the grace of God, recognizing that true wisdom is rooted in holiness and obedience to God's commandments.

David's life, marked by his anointing as king and the responsibilities that came with it, serves as a backdrop for this resolution. He understood the necessity of wisdom, not just for ruling a nation but for personal conduct. This wisdom is not about grandeur or indulgence but about living a life that reflects God's holiness. The call to behave wisely is a universal one, applicable to all, regardless of social status or occupation. It is a reminder that every individual, whether a king or a servant, needs wisdom to navigate the complexities of life.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of holiness as the foundation of wisdom. It challenges us to pursue a life that is in harmony with God's perfect way, recognizing that any deviation from this path leads to folly. The pursuit of holiness is not just about personal piety but about influencing those around us, especially within our households. Our conduct at home is a true reflection of our character and faith. It is within the family that our actions have the most profound impact, shaping the lives and beliefs of those closest to us.

David's cry for God's presence, "Oh when will Thou come unto me," underscores the need for divine assistance in this pursuit. It is a recognition that human effort alone is insufficient; we need God's grace and guidance to live a life that is pleasing to Him. This cry is also a yearning for communion with God, acknowledging that true wisdom and holiness are born out of a close relationship with Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The Pursuit of Holiness: True wisdom is rooted in holiness and obedience to God's commandments. It is not about external appearances but about cultivating a heart aligned with God's will. This pursuit requires a deliberate choice to live a life that reflects God's holiness. [04:42]

- Wisdom in Leadership and Life: David's resolve to behave wisely highlights the necessity of wisdom in all aspects of life, whether in leadership or personal conduct. Wisdom is not about grandeur or indulgence but about living a life that honors God. [06:57]

- Impact of Personal Conduct: Our conduct at home is a true reflection of our character and faith. It is within the family that our actions have the most profound impact, shaping the lives and beliefs of those closest to us. [37:23]

- Divine Assistance in Holiness: David's cry for God's presence underscores the need for divine assistance in pursuing holiness. Human effort alone is insufficient; we need God's grace and guidance to live a life pleasing to Him. [23:26]

- Communion with God: True wisdom and holiness are born out of a close relationship with God. Communion with Him is essential for living a life that is in harmony with His perfect way. [25:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Psalm 101:2
- [00:32] - The Significance of Psalm 101
- [01:08] - Praise Through Purity
- [01:58] - David's Anointing and Resolve
- [03:49] - Comprehensive Resolution
- [04:42] - The Role of Holiness
- [06:57] - Wisdom in Leadership
- [09:33] - Necessity of Wisdom
- [13:00] - Holiness as True Wisdom
- [17:25] - Effort and Determination
- [23:26] - Divine Assistance Needed
- [25:12] - Communion with God
- [30:00] - Walking with a Perfect Heart
- [37:23] - Impact of Conduct at Home

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 101:2

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Observation Questions:

1. What does David resolve to do in Psalm 101:2, and how does this reflect his understanding of wisdom and holiness? [03:49]

2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between holiness and wisdom? [13:00]

3. What role does David's household play in his commitment to walk wisely and with a perfect heart? [30:00]

4. How does David express his need for divine assistance in his pursuit of holiness? [23:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of holiness as the foundation of wisdom, and how does this relate to David's resolution? [04:42]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that personal conduct at home is a true reflection of one's character and faith? [37:23]

3. How does David's cry for God's presence highlight the insufficiency of human effort alone in living a life pleasing to God? [23:26]

4. What does the sermon imply about the universal need for wisdom, regardless of one's social status or occupation? [10:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle to maintain integrity and holiness both in public and private? How can you address these struggles? [03:49]

2. Consider your household: How does your conduct at home reflect your faith and character? What changes can you make to ensure your actions positively influence those closest to you? [37:23]

3. David sought divine assistance in his pursuit of holiness. How can you incorporate prayer and reliance on God's grace into your daily life to help you live wisely? [23:26]

4. The sermon highlights the importance of a close relationship with God for true wisdom and holiness. What steps can you take to deepen your communion with God this week? [25:12]

5. Think about a recent decision you made. Did you prioritize wisdom and holiness in that decision? How might you approach similar decisions differently in the future? [06:57]

6. Identify one specific way you can demonstrate wisdom in your leadership or personal conduct this week. How will you ensure that this action honors God? [06:57]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt the need for divine guidance. How did you seek God's presence, and what was the outcome? How can this experience inform your future actions? [23:26]

Devotional

Day 1: The Heart of Holiness
True wisdom is rooted in holiness and obedience to God's commandments. It is not about external appearances but about cultivating a heart aligned with God's will. This pursuit requires a deliberate choice to live a life that reflects God's holiness. Holiness is the foundation upon which wisdom is built, and it calls for a heart that seeks to be in harmony with God's perfect way. The journey towards holiness is not a solitary endeavor but one that is supported by God's grace and guidance. As individuals strive to align their hearts with God's will, they find that true wisdom emerges from this alignment, leading to a life that is pleasing to Him. [04:42]

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to align your heart with God's will? How can you invite God's grace to help you pursue holiness today?


Day 2: Wisdom Beyond Grandeur
David's resolve to behave wisely highlights the necessity of wisdom in all aspects of life, whether in leadership or personal conduct. Wisdom is not about grandeur or indulgence but about living a life that honors God. This wisdom is essential for navigating the complexities of life and is accessible to all, regardless of social status or occupation. It is a reminder that true wisdom is not measured by worldly standards but by a life that reflects God's holiness and commands. By choosing to live wisely, individuals can lead lives that are both impactful and pleasing to God. [06:57]

"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning." (Proverbs 9:9, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek God's wisdom to ensure that your choice honors Him rather than indulging in worldly desires?


Day 3: The Home as a Reflection of Faith
Our conduct at home is a true reflection of our character and faith. It is within the family that our actions have the most profound impact, shaping the lives and beliefs of those closest to us. The way we behave in our households speaks volumes about our commitment to living a life of integrity and holiness. It is in these private spaces that our true character is revealed, and where we have the opportunity to influence others through our example. By living out our faith authentically at home, we can create an environment that nurtures spiritual growth and reflects God's love and wisdom. [37:23]

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4, ESV)

Reflection: How does your behavior at home reflect your faith? What changes can you make to ensure that your actions positively influence your family?


Day 4: Seeking Divine Assistance
David's cry for God's presence underscores the need for divine assistance in pursuing holiness. Human effort alone is insufficient; we need God's grace and guidance to live a life pleasing to Him. This acknowledgment of dependence on God is a crucial step in the journey towards holiness. It is a recognition that, without God's help, our efforts to live wisely and in accordance with His will are limited. By seeking God's presence and guidance, individuals can find the strength and wisdom needed to navigate life's challenges and remain steadfast in their commitment to holiness. [23:26]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's guidance rather than your own understanding? How can you actively seek His presence today?


Day 5: Communion with God
True wisdom and holiness are born out of a close relationship with God. Communion with Him is essential for living a life that is in harmony with His perfect way. This relationship is the source of strength and guidance needed to pursue a life of integrity and holiness. By nurturing a deep and personal connection with God, individuals can experience the transformative power of His presence in their lives. This communion is not just about seeking God's help in times of need but about cultivating a continuous and intimate relationship with Him that shapes every aspect of life. [25:12]

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God today? What specific steps can you take to ensure that your life is in harmony with His perfect way?

Quotes

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way with a full knowledge of all the Care and circumspection it entailed on himself and with as clear an app apprehension of all the risks of popularity had involved among his subjects this was David's deliberate Choice influenced by the grace of God he, like his son Solomon after him, chose wisdom as the principal thing and accounted the fear of the Lord as the choicest Safeguard. [00:04:47]

David might have chosen an empty conceit but he did better he elected a discreet conduct he said not I will behave myself grandly but I will behave myself wisely there are men too who having David's opportunity would have said I will have a merry time of it once let me Mount to Israel's Throne I will give myself up to the full Indulgence of every passion there shall be nothing that my soul shall Lust For but what my hand shall grasp. [00:05:54]

You shall be happy indeed if the grace of God leads you to say I choose wisdom the truest and best wisdom be it mine to live as God would have me live understanding his testimonies and yielding obedience to his laws Fain would I live as the Incarnate wisdom lived when he was here below I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way I say it was David's deliberate Choice oh that every young man here would emulate his example. [00:07:36]

Moreover David recognized that to behave oneself wisely one must be holy for but he says I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way observe that he felt he could not be wise if he were unacquainted with the true ideal of absolute unblemished perfection wisdom lay there Folly might suggest a specious but vacillating policy that however would be an imperfect way always remember this in common life the wisest thing is the right straight undeviating course. [00:12:55]

The way to act in every case is to fear God and keep his Commandments constantly I receive letters asking special counsel for peculiar emergencies it is to me an everyday annoyance persons tell me of painful dilemmas in which they are placed and frequently wish me to reply to such and such a place without giving their names now they need not ever write to me for indulgences I have no power to grant them all trouble might be spared Straight Ahead that is the way to go in every case. [00:14:54]

I must have more grace and I must get it too I must have help more than ever I can find in myself I must use all the means of Grace I must call in God to be my helper in this matter for whatever it may cost I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way he felt that character was too mous to be trifled with that it must be of Sterling metal or else it was was mere dross and that the actions of a man's life were too signal to be insignificant. [00:17:59]

I need the influence of thy Grace to guide me in thy ways Lord come and teach me then he meant further Lord come and assist me if there be any Holiness to which I have not yet attained Come Holy Spirit Lift Me Up unto it if there be any sin which I have not conquered Oh Come Thou conquering Spirit of Holiness and overcome the evil when wil Thou come unto me I am feeble I can do nothing but when I have thy Mighty Aid I become strong and can perform all things. [00:24:11]

As you know beloved we never walk a right unless we walk with God as I have said that Holiness is wisdom so let me say that communion is the mother of hly we must see God if we are to be like God and if from day to day we can live contented without a word from the mouth of God go to Business Without prayer come home and go to our beds without seeking the face of Our Father who is in heaven then to walk wisely is impossible the neglect of prayer is a fatal flaw in any life. [00:25:47]

I will walk within my house with a perfect heart with his house or household in view for which he felt a deep responsibility and a yearning anxiety he applies himself with a delicate consideration to the state of his own heart keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of Life A very wise thing Elisha healed the Springs when the currents ran foul it is of no use attempting to cleanse the courses when the fountain is corrupt the thing is to heal the Springs. [00:30:00]

If any man were to say to you I mean to be a good husband a good father if any woman shall say I mean to be a Good Mistress or a good servant that will not do unless you understand that the heart must first of all be altered if the heart be right other things will surely follow in their place now the heart if we are to walk rightly must show itself in the house I will walk within my house with a perfect heart the heart must be perfect and then we must show our heart in our actions. [00:31:41]

If you are a hypocrite and go out into the world you will soon be found out and the people who observe you will not be much influenced by your example they will come to the conclusion that you are what you are and they will treat you as such and there will be an end of it but that will not be so with little Master Johnny who sees his father's actions he is not able to criticize but he has a wonderful faculty for imagination and mother it is not likely the little Polly will begin to say mother is inconsistent. [00:37:52]

I love to expound Christian doctrine I love to open up the promises this is all sweet work but we must have the precepts we shall never have a large increase to an Unholy church or if we do that increase will be a bane instead of a blessing I believe that the greatest power in the world next to the ministry of the word is by the power of the Holy Ghost the holy living of Christian families let us plant in this Dark World garrisons of holy men and women with their children about them. [00:41:49]

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Transcript
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