Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The doctrine of holiness/righteousness

2 This was greatly emphasised by Moses

a) In Deuteronomy

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 7:6

b) In Leviticus

1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

2 “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.’ ”

Leviticus 19:1-2

3. This doctrine of holiness was closely intertwined with the worship of God

GOD OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4:1

1. God has many titles

2. His titles reflect who He is

3. David’s address of God is of significance

“O God of my righteousness”

AN IMPORTANT CONTRAST DRAWN

2 How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood?

3 But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The LORD will hear when I call to Him.

Psalm 4:2-3

1. The Ungodly described

a) They turn people’s glory to shame

b) They love worthlessness

c) They seek falsehood

3. The Godly described

a) They practise righteousness

b) They seek to be godly

c) They pray and God hears their prayers

STRUGGLES OF THE GODLY

4 Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the LORD.

6 There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.

Psalm 4:4-6

1. Inner Struggles may occur

“Be angry, and do not sin” Psalm 4:4

a) Struggles with Anger

b) Unbridled anger can lead to sin

2. External influences that can create Doubts

There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?” Psalm 4:6

a) Many naysayers

b) They sow seeds of hopelessness

EXERCISING TRUST IN GOD

6 LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.

7 You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.

8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:6b-8

1. Prayer to God to lift up His countenance favourably

2. Encouragement drawn

a) Gladness of heart given by God

b) Great gladness

c) Peace of heart and mind

d) Safety from the Lord

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To appreciate afresh the Holiness of God

2. To make appropriate responses

a) By seeking to practise holiness

b) By exercising trust

c) By being conscious that we are His holy people