Welcome - Judge me, O Lord - Psalms 7:8, Psalms 26:1, Psalms 35:24
Pastor John Opferman
September 1, 2024
Powered by Ministry-notes.com
Main Topics Discussed
Introduction and Opening Remarks
Pastor John begins with a reflection on a song recently sung, noting its beauty and its origins from the 1960s by Max and David Sapp.
Scripture Reading and Analysis
Psalms Discussed: Psalm 7, Psalm 26, and Psalm 35.
Key Verses:
Psalm 7:8: "The Lord shall judge the people. Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to mine integrity that is in me."
Psalm 26:1: "Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in mine integrity. I have trusted also in the Lord. Therefore shall I not slide."
Psalm 35:24: "Judge me, O Lord, my God, according to thy righteousness. And let them not rejoice over me."
The Concept of Judgment in the Psalms
Different Meanings of 'Judge':
The Hebrew word "deena" means to control or rule.
The Hebrew word "shaphet" means to pronounce a sentence.
Judgment Seat of Christ:
Not about pronouncing guilt or innocence but about control and ruling.
Jesus' role is not to judge but to save, as explained in John 12:47-48.
Understanding Righteousness
Personal Righteousness vs. God's Righteousness:
Personal righteousness may not align with God's standards.
The importance of seeking God's judgment to understand true righteousness.
Examples and Illustrations:
Pastor John uses examples from personal life and scripture to illustrate misunderstandings of righteousness.
Assurance of Salvation
Examining Salvation:
Encouragement to examine oneself to ensure salvation.
The importance of knowing one's standing with God.
David's Prayer for Restoration:
Reference to Psalm 51, where David asks for the joy of salvation to be restored after sinning.
Action Items
Self-Examination: Attendees are encouraged to examine their lives and seek God's judgment on their righteousness.
Prayer for Clarity: Pray for God to reveal areas of life that may not align with His righteousness.
Follow-Up Points
Continued Reflection: Attendees are encouraged to continue reflecting on the scriptures discussed and seek further understanding and application in their lives.
Future Meetings: No specific follow-up meetings were mentioned, but the importance of ongoing spiritual growth and examination was emphasized.
Conclusion
Pastor John concludes with a prayer, emphasizing the need for God's guidance in understanding personal righteousness and ensuring one's salvation. The session ends with a call for individuals to seek God's verdict on their lives.
Biblical References
Psalm 7:8 (KJV) – "The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me."
Psalm 26:1 (KJV) – "Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide."
Psalm 35:24 (KJV) – "Judge me, O Lord my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me."
The message emphasizes the distinction between God's role in judging and sentencing, while explaining that Jesus came not to condemn but to save. Additionally, it encourages believers to reflect on their own righteousness and integrity in light of God's ultimate judgment.
Reflection Questions
How do you personally define righteousness, and how does it compare to God's standard of righteousness as described in the Psalms?
Reflect on your understanding of righteousness and how it aligns with the concept of seeking God's judgment as described in Psalm 7:8 and Psalm 26:1.
What does the idea of God’s judgment as "control and ruling" mean to you, and how does it differ from the common perception of judgment as pronouncing guilt?
Consider how this understanding of judgment affects your relationship with God and how you live your daily life.
In what ways do you seek God’s guidance to ensure your life aligns with His righteousness rather than relying on your own?
Think about areas of your life where you may need to seek God’s direction or judgment to better align with His will.
How can the assurance of salvation, as David prayed for in Psalm 51, impact your spiritual walk and daily decisions?
Reflect on whether you feel secure in your salvation and how you can seek God’s restoration, as David did, in moments of weakness.
How often do you practice self-examination in your spiritual life, and what are some steps you can take this week to ensure your righteousness is in line with God’s standards?
Consider practical ways you can incorporate self-reflection and prayer into your routine to stay connected to God’s righteousness.
Daily Activities
Monday: Personal Self-Examination
Activity: Set aside time for deep self-reflection. Use a journal to write down areas in your life where you think you are walking in righteousness and areas where you may be falling short. Consider your integrity and the alignment of your actions with God’s standards as described in Psalm 7:8 and Psalm 26:1.
Application: Ask God in prayer to reveal any blind spots or areas where you need growth. Invite Him to judge your heart according to His righteousness, not your own.
Tuesday: Scripture Meditation
Activity: Meditate on Psalm 26:1 and Psalm 35:24. Spend 15-20 minutes reflecting on these verses, asking God to give you a deeper understanding of how He views righteousness and integrity.
Application: As you meditate, consider how God’s judgment is both protective and guiding. Ask for His control and ruling (deena) in your life, rather than just a verdict of innocence or guilt.
Wednesday: Pray for Clarity in Righteousness
Activity: Dedicate time for focused prayer, asking God to show you any areas in your life where your righteousness might not align with His standards. Pray for His clarity in how you should walk in greater integrity.
Application: Just as David prayed for restoration in Psalm 51, pray for God to restore any joy of salvation and renew your commitment to walking in alignment with His will.
Thursday: Act of Integrity
Activity: Make a conscious decision today to practice integrity in a specific situation—whether in your workplace, home, or community. If you encounter a challenge or temptation, choose to act in accordance with God’s righteousness.
Application: Reflect on your actions at the end of the day. Consider how this moment of integrity aligns with the righteousness described in the Psalms. Ask God to give you strength to live in integrity daily.
Friday: Community Reflection and Sharing
Activity: Share with a close friend or small group one thing you learned about righteousness this week from your personal reflections. Encourage others to engage in similar reflections and share how God is working in their lives.
Application: Reflect on how the community around you can support you in your journey toward greater righteousness. Use this time to strengthen accountability and pray for each other, aligning your actions with God’s standards.
These activities will help you apply the sermon’s teachings in a practical and transformative way, focusing on aligning your life with God's righteousness and integrity.
