Trusting God: Principles for Righteous Living

 

Summary

In the face of adversity and false accusations, David exemplifies a profound trust in God, as seen in Psalm 4:4. Surrounded by enemies who mocked his faith and questioned his divine support, David turned to God in prayer, demonstrating the wisdom of seeking divine counsel over human debate. This trust in God is not just a passive reliance but an active engagement with the divine through prayer and self-examination. David's response to his adversaries is not one of bitterness but of brotherly concern, urging them to cease from sin and embrace a righteous path.

David offers four guiding principles to help individuals turn away from sin: reverence, self-examination, righteous sacrifice, and faith. The first principle, "stand in awe and sin not," calls for a deep reverence for God, recognizing His omnipresence and holiness. This reverence should lead to a trembling before God, acknowledging the gravity of sin and the reality of divine judgment. The second principle, "commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still," encourages thoughtful self-examination. In the quiet moments of solitude, one should reflect on their spiritual state, considering their relationship with God and their readiness for eternity.

The third principle, "offer the sacrifices of righteousness," emphasizes approaching God with a contrite heart, confessing sins, and seeking reconciliation. This involves a sincere desire to abandon sinful ways and embrace a life of holiness. The final and most crucial principle is to "put your trust in the Lord." Faith in God, particularly as revealed through Jesus Christ, is the foundation of a transformed life. Trusting in God's mercy and grace leads to a new nature, empowering believers to overcome sin and live in righteousness.

These principles are stepping stones across the mire of sin, guiding believers to a place of safety and purity. By embracing reverence, self-examination, righteous sacrifice, and faith, individuals can experience the transformative power of God's grace, leading to a life of holiness and eternal joy in His presence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reverence for God: Recognizing God's omnipresence and holiness should lead us to stand in awe and refrain from sin. This reverence is not just fear but a deep respect for God's majesty and goodness, prompting us to live in a way that honors Him. [05:30]

2. Thoughtful Self-Examination: In moments of solitude, we are called to reflect on our spiritual state, considering our relationship with God and readiness for eternity. This introspection helps us identify areas of sin and seek God's guidance for transformation. [15:57]

3. Righteous Sacrifice: Approaching God with a contrite heart involves confessing our sins and seeking reconciliation. This sincere desire to abandon sinful ways and embrace holiness is essential for a genuine relationship with God. [24:04]

4. Faith in God: Trusting in God's mercy and grace, particularly as revealed through Jesus Christ, is the foundation of a transformed life. This faith empowers us to overcome sin and live in righteousness, leading to eternal joy in God's presence. [29:13]

5. Transformation through Faith: Faith in God brings about a radical change in our nature, enabling us to love holiness and loathe sin. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's grace, leading us to live a life that reflects His glory. [42:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Psalm 4:4
- [00:24] - David's Adversity and Trust in God
- [01:04] - The Power of Prayer
- [01:42] - David's Brotherly Concern
- [02:20] - Four Principles for Righteous Living
- [03:14] - Reverence: Stand in Awe
- [05:30] - The Reality of God's Presence
- [06:13] - God's Omniscience and Judgment
- [08:24] - The Might and Justice of God
- [10:02] - Personal Experience of God's Goodness
- [11:41] - Reverence and Sin
- [15:57] - Self-Examination: Commune with Your Heart
- [24:04] - Righteous Sacrifice: Approach God
- [29:13] - Faith: Trust in the Lord
- [42:18] - Transformation through Faith
- [46:54] - The Joy of Eternal Life

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 4:4
- 1 John 1:9
- Romans 12:1-2

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#### Observation Questions

1. What are the four guiding principles David offers in Psalm 4:4 to help individuals turn away from sin? [02:20]

2. How does David demonstrate his trust in God when faced with adversity and false accusations? [01:04]

3. What does the sermon suggest is the significance of "standing in awe" of God? [03:54]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of self-examination in one's spiritual journey? [15:57]

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#### Interpretation Questions

1. How does the concept of "reverence for God" in Psalm 4:4 relate to the idea of living a life that honors Him? [05:30]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that self-examination can lead to spiritual transformation? [17:40]

3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of "righteous sacrifice" and its importance in approaching God? [24:04]

4. What does the sermon imply about the transformative power of faith in God, particularly through Jesus Christ? [29:13]

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#### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity. How did you respond, and how might David's example of trust in God influence your response in the future? [01:04]

2. What specific steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life? Consider practical actions that honor His presence. [05:30]

3. Identify a quiet moment in your day for self-examination. What questions will you ask yourself to assess your spiritual state and relationship with God? [15:57]

4. How can you incorporate the practice of offering "righteous sacrifices" in your spiritual routine? What does this look like in terms of confession and reconciliation? [24:04]

5. Think of a situation where you need to exercise more faith. How can you actively put your trust in the Lord in this area, and what might be the outcome? [29:13]

6. Consider a sin or habit you struggle with. How can the principles of reverence, self-examination, righteous sacrifice, and faith help you overcome it? [42:18]

7. How can you share the transformative power of faith with someone in your life who may be struggling with sin or doubt? What steps will you take to engage them in a spiritual conversation? [32:06]

Devotional

Day 1: Reverence as a Path to Holiness
In the face of adversity, David's response was not one of fear or anger but of deep reverence for God. This reverence is not merely a passive acknowledgment of God's greatness but an active, trembling awareness of His omnipresence and holiness. Recognizing the gravity of sin and the reality of divine judgment, David urges us to "stand in awe and sin not." This call to reverence is a reminder that our actions should reflect a profound respect for God's majesty and goodness. By living in a way that honors Him, we align ourselves with His will and find strength to resist sin. [05:30]

Psalm 33:8-9 (ESV): "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life, and how might this change your approach to sin and temptation today?


Day 2: The Power of Self-Examination
David's call to "commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still" invites us into a practice of thoughtful self-examination. In moments of solitude, we are encouraged to reflect on our spiritual state, considering our relationship with God and our readiness for eternity. This introspection is not meant to lead to despair but to a clearer understanding of our need for God's guidance and transformation. By identifying areas of sin and seeking divine counsel, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace, allowing us to grow in holiness and righteousness. [15:57]

Lamentations 3:40-41 (ESV): "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven."

Reflection: As you reflect on your spiritual state today, what specific area of your life do you feel God is calling you to examine more closely, and how can you invite Him into this process?


Day 3: Embracing Righteous Sacrifice
Approaching God with a contrite heart involves more than just confessing our sins; it requires a sincere desire to abandon sinful ways and embrace a life of holiness. David emphasizes the importance of offering "the sacrifices of righteousness," which means coming before God with humility and a genuine longing for reconciliation. This act of righteous sacrifice is essential for a genuine relationship with God, as it reflects our commitment to live according to His will and to seek His forgiveness and grace. [24:04]

Hosea 6:6 (ESV): "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."

Reflection: What is one specific sin or habit you need to confess and surrender to God today, and how can you take a step towards embracing a life of holiness?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Mercy and Grace
Faith in God, particularly as revealed through Jesus Christ, is the foundation of a transformed life. David's exhortation to "put your trust in the Lord" highlights the importance of relying on God's mercy and grace to overcome sin and live in righteousness. This trust is not a passive acceptance but an active engagement with God's promises, empowering us to live in a way that reflects His love and truth. By placing our faith in God, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His grace, leading to eternal joy in His presence. [29:13]

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God fully, and how can you actively choose to place your trust in Him today?


Day 5: Transformation through Faith
Faith in God brings about a radical change in our nature, enabling us to love holiness and loathe sin. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's grace, as it leads us to live a life that reflects His glory. By embracing reverence, self-examination, righteous sacrifice, and faith, we experience the transformative power of God's grace, guiding us to a place of safety and purity. This journey of transformation is not just about personal growth but about becoming a living testament to God's love and grace in the world. [42:18]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: How has your faith in God transformed your life so far, and what is one specific way you can continue to grow in holiness and reflect His glory to those around you today?

Quotes

"David was surrounded with many wicked and cruel enemies. They touched him in a tender place when they mocked his religion and so turned his glory into shame. They invented all kinds of lies against him, but the worst of all was that they said there is no help for him in God, as much as to say, God hath cast him off; therefore let men cast him off." [00:27:07]

"David first made his appeal to God in prayer; herein he showed his wisdom. You can drive a better business at the mercy seat than in the world's jangling markets. You will get more relief from the righteous Lord than from ungodly men. To enter into debate is never so profitable as to enter into devotion." [00:62:23]

"David mentions four things as helpful towards ceasing from sinning. The first is feel reverent all: stand in awe and sin not. The second is use thoughtful self-examination: commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still. The third advice is make a right approach to God: offer the sacrifice of righteousness. And the fourth is the greatest of them all: exercise faith, put your trust in the Lord." [03:02:23]

"First feel reverent or stand in all. It might be translated tremble and sin not. Hardened sinners sin and tremble not; penitent sinners tremble and sin not. Gracious work in the heart usually begins with trembling. I cannot believe a man has been saved if he has never trembled before God because of the evil of sin." [03:34:56]

"God is everywhere present at all times. He has seen all your evil ways and heard all your hard speeches. No night is so dark as to hide from his eye, no chamber so retired as to shut him out. He has even read your thoughts and imaginations. He notes all and forgets nothing. All things are ever present to him." [06:04:48]

"Commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still. I'm not trying my dear hero to preach a sermon this morning, but I am longing to take you by the hand and lead you in the right way. I pray the Holy Spirit to make you willing to follow my gentle guidance." [15:55:19]

"Come then with broken and contrite hearts unto the Lord. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. Own your shortcomings and transgressions. Do not cloak or excuse your sins. Go to your chamber and tell the Lord what you have done. Pour out your hearts before him, turn them upside down as it were and let all flow out even to the dregs." [24:51:36]

"Come to God by faith in Jesus Christ, plead the precious blood of atonement, and say my Lord for his dear sake, who died upon the tree, receive thy wanderer, and now be pleased to grant me that repentance and remission of sins which he is exalted to give." [27:19:20]

"Put your trust in the Lord. First trust him as willing to receive you, to forgive you, to accept you and to bless you. Are you despairing? Do you say there is no hope? Put your trust in the Lord. Are you saying, I am without strength and therefore cannot be saved? Why not put your trust in the Lord?" [30:01:27]

"Faith is the surest of all sin killers; in fact, its tendency is to extirpate sin. The moral and spiritual change which accompanies faith and grows out of it is of the most remarkable kind. Faith's work in the soul is something to be wondered at and to be admired to all eternity." [35:20:96]

"Faith in God is effective for the noblest ends upon the soul because it elevates the mind. The man who is hoping to be saved by his own works and efforts begins on earth and ends there, but the habit of looking up to God is in itself a blessing." [37:55:99]

"Faith destroys the power of temptation. When Satan says you are in trouble, and here is an easy way of escape, only do a little wrong and you will get a great good, no says faith, it is God's business to get me out of my trouble and I will not go to the devil for his aid." [40:56:56]

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Transcript
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