Truth 101 Class

  David's prayer in verse 1 is for God to preserve or protect him as he takes refuge in the LORD.  In the rest of the psalm, David says that he has "no good apart from [God];" and that he delights in the saints, but has no association with the idolaters.  He blesses the LORD for his inheritance, the LORD's counsel even in the night seasons, and his stability.  In the closing, David rejoices in his eternal future.  In Acts 2:25-28, the Apostle Peter quotes Psalm 16:8-10 in reference to the resurrection of Christ. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1-2  Take some time to praise God for His preservation and goodness in our lives. Verses 3-4  In what ways do I delight in the fellowship of the saints? How do I protect myself from being influenced by those who run after other gods? Verses 5-6  What is my "inheritance" in the LORD? Verse 7   How has the "counsel" of the LORD bl...

Psalm 15, in contrast to the previous psalm, focuses on the righteous.  In verse 1, David asks the question of who may enter the holy presence of the LORD, both temporarily by abiding in His tabernacle or more permanently through dwelling on His holy hill.  The rest of the verses answer this question, listing characteristics of the righteous related to living, doing, speaking, and treatment of others.  The psalm ends with the assurance that the righteous will "never be moved!" Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verse 1 During David's time, only the priests were able to to enter God's presence and to dwell in the tabernacle; but we now "have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19).  Spend time in prayer, giving thanks for the privilege of being able to enter God's presence and for the glorious hope of being able to dwell in the house of the LORD forever! Verses...

 Psalm 14 laments the deplorable state of human depravity.  It is essentially the same as Psalm 53 and is quoted in Romans 3:10-12.  The "fool," as consistent with Wisdom literature, refers to morality rather than intellect.  The foolish wicked person denies the existence of God despite the evidence; and as a result is corrupt, does abominable deeds, does not have knowledge or understanding of divine things, does not seek after God, has turned away, and oppress God's people.  Yet, as much as they try to deny God, the wicked shall be gripped "in great terror," because God is a refuge and will provide salvation for His people.  We can look forward with hope to when God's people can fully rejoice and be glad! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3  What additional insights does Romans 3:9-26 give, regarding the depravity of man? Verses 4-6  In what ways do evildoers "have no knowled...