Psalms 51

Overview - Psalms 51

01 David prays for remission of sins, whereof he makes a deep confession.
06 He prays for sanctification.
16 God delights not in sacrifice, but in sincerity.
18 He prays for the church

Psalms 51:6a - Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;

Psalms 51:10 - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalms 51:17 -The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Humility is the prerequisite for honor (Prov 15:33; 18:12; 22:4; 29:23) and physical blessing (Psalm 37:11; Matt 5:5).

Humility Cures Worldiness

Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? James 4:4

Pride Promotes Stife

James 4:1 -

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?

James 4:5b-6 -

"The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? ... "God resist the proud, ..."

Our selfish desires throw a roadblock in front of our ability to love.

Christians try to meet their own needs without actually turning to God; that is the way of the world (worldiness).

James says that Christians who lives a selfish life is adultery against the Holy Spirit! James 4:3-4a: You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses!

Dissension

dis·sen·sion : DISAGREEMENT; especially : partisan and contentious quarreling
synonym see DISCORD - a : lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas) b : active quarreling or conflict resulting from discord among persons or factions : STRIFE

Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

partisan: a firm adherent to a party , faction, cause, or person; especially : one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance synonym see FOLLOWER

If I am sowing discord among my Christian brothers, am I partisan to, a follower of the Devil?

"Why madam, do I not destory my enemies when I make them my friends?" - Abraham Lincoln

Today Along the Way

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you don't label anyone you know personally as an “enemy,” consider a broader scope of the world. Do any political groups make you angry? Maybe someone or some issue in the news draws your ire. Take two steps to show love to these “enemies.” When something you see in the media angers you, pray with love for the people involved. Second, if the topic comes up in conversation, take special consideration to treat with respect and love people who take a dissenting opinion.