Finding Yourself in the Psalms
Psalm 7
The Psalm of a Clear Conscience
Circumstances: one of Saul’s men
Theme. V. 3-5. David’s innocence
Structure: 7 parts. Center is v 9. MID POINT
1-2 Deliverance
3-5 Innocence
6-8 Justice
9 Rest in God
10-13 The Righteousness of God. El Elyon (17)
14-16 The wickedness of men
17 The rest of the righteous
Sinless? NO. (1 Kings 8:46) "“When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to his own land, far away or near;"
“David declares not that he is sinless, but that he is innocent ot he charges brought against him”
(Scrogie)
Innocent? YES. (1 Samuel 24:10-11) "This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ See, my
father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life."
(1 Samuel 24:17) "“You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I
have treated you badly."
(1 Samuel 26:18) "And he added, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and
what wrong am I guilty of?"
(1 Samuel 26:23-24) "The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. The Lord delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.”"
KEY AREAS for a clear conscience
• My private life (1 Corinthians 2:11) "For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
• My public life.
Illus – OPEN mics. Statements. Past.
(Daniel 6:4-5) "At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”"
• My finances
• My Family.
• My Worship.
• My Accountability
How to Clear you Conscience
(Psalm 119:9) "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."
(1 John 1:9) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
(Psalm 51:7) "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."
The Benefits of a Clear Conscience
• Ministry. Acts 20:33-37
2 Corinthians 1:12-14
• Moral Authority
ELI lost his moral authority
DAVID lost his moral authority (2 Samuel 13:21-21, “David was furious but did not do
anything”
• Freedom “a man of integrity has nothing to hide. He has nothing to fear, he has nothing to prove. And he has nothing to lose except his wholeness and honesty.” (Howard Hendricks)
• A Platform for witnessing. (1 Peter 3:15) "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"
(Titus 2:8) "and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who
oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
(1 Peter 3:16) "keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
• No guilt.
“Guiltless menu” at certain restaurants
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