Psalm Fifteen

Intro:

Characteristics of the Godly. 

A Psalm of David

Lord, who can abide in Your tabernacle, who can tolerate standing within Your house of Worship? Who has permission to make their home on Your Holy Hill?

Only those who stand up straight and true, those who are clothed in Your righteousness and walk Your pathways. Those that speak Your truths from their hearts. Those who do not speak slanderously, who treats his neighbors with out evil or malice, and doesn't pick up the offense of another against his friends. Those who view evil and wicked people with complete and utter disdain, but who gives honor to all who honor and respect God. Who will make a promise and keep it, even if it causes himself hurt. He will not loan out his money with exploitative interest rates. Neither will he take any bribes in order to pervert justice.

All who can live in this manner will never be moved in their stand for Christ! They are grounded, standing on a firm and solid foundation that will last through eternity.

Thoughts:

David starts off by asking The Lord a rhetorical question ... Who may live with You, Lord? Then he starts describing what a child of God would look like. So I am going to give you my best description of what a child of God looks like to me.

One who follows after God would need to know and love Him, unconditionally. They would be rooted and grounded in His word, and ever striving to know more of Him from it. For it is their firm foundation in Christ. They are able to stand in His presence uprightly and without wavering.

They are so filled with His love toward Him that they would always speak His truths because it would permeate their hearts and minds.

They would never speak falsely against anyone, nor do any wicked or unjust thing against a friend. Nor would they take up another's offense against a neighbor. They would hate the deeds of wicked and detestable people, but show honor and respect for others - especially those of the Body of Christ, those who serve and worship the Lord.

They stand for truth, righteousness and godliness no matter the cost; even if it cost their very lives. for they know that it is just what He would expect of them.

They will not lend money to anyone with an unfair, unjust, interest rate; they would rather give it away, expecting nothing in return, than cause any one hurt or harm.

They will take no bribe, regardless of impending wealth or fame it may bring. For it is unthinkable to them to commit any evil act against any person, especially the innocent.

NO a truly godly person would never knowingly do any of the things that our God hates. And no one, no human or spiritual entity would be able to shake them off their true foundation, or otherwise move them from their godly course of action.

And I am striving to live so that I may be such a one as this!

This is what our spiritual house should look like beneath the facade of our physical being.

• Foundation: 
• Jesus Christ 
• Matthew 16:18
• Colossians 3:11
• Ephesians 2:20
• Psalm 27:4
• Supports: 
• Worship
• John 4:23
• Service
• 1 John 3:18
• Fellowship
• Hebrews 10:24-25
• Evangelize
• Romans 10:14
• Disciple
• Mark 28:20
• Ceiling:
• Unity of ALL Believers
• John 13:34
• Trusses (Roof Supports)
• Spiritual Maturity (i.e. Complete in Christ, Perfected in His Righteousness)
• Hebrews 6:1
• Roof and Attic
• The Fullness of Christ
• Ephesians 4:13

So Grow in His Grace and in your love of and for God!

Colossians 1:3-8 NIV:

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

2 Peter 3:17-18, NIV:

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! 

Amen!