Presented, May 8, 2005 pm
A SOUL NOT LEFT BEHIND
PSALM 16
Tonight we continue our study of the Psalms, noting the 16th which is a messianic psalm. It is actually a psalm written by David as he continues to show his trust in the Lord. This psalm is sometimes called, THE GOLDEN PSALM or “David’s Jewel” He outlines some of what is expected of the righteous and what the righteous can expect. And of particular note is the prophecies that are quoted in the New Testament concerning Christ. In this study we will not SOME of the lessons to be gleaned from this psalm of hope.
In the inscription for the first time we are introduced to the word, “Michtam” which is obscure in its meaning. There are a number of suggested meanings based on similar Hebrew words including on that means “hidden” and involves a secret. Those who believe this is the meaning see in this entire psalm, the Passion of the Christ. Others see the word as simply meaning writings. Still others equate it to the word “golden” and note that this was a most precious psalm of David.
I. Vs. 1 – Preserve me.
a. Typical of David he calls for the Lord to protect him.
b. Wisdom preserves the way of His saints – Proverbs 2:8
c. 1 Peter 1:5 – we who are “kept by the power of God through faith…”
d. Jude 24 – he is able “to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.”
e. Paul with confidence believed the same thing - God is able to preserve us – 2 Timothy 4:18
f. Do we have the absolute confidence David had in God to protect us and deliver us when that is needed? This is not to say we don’t need to put forth any effort – we do - but we KNOW that our ultimate deliverance comes from Him when this life is over.
II. Vs. 2- My goodness is NOTHING apart from You.
a.
In this verse David somewhat strangely says, “O my soul, you have said to
the Lord…” Does our soul communicate with the Lord? If so – HOW? The answer is
YES and the way is – through prayer. NOTE how David begins with an
acknowledgement that he needs the Lord. Are our prayers filled with praise to
God? Before we begin casting our burdens on Him, do we first pour out our hearts
to Him in praise? Psalm 8:1 – “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in
all the earth.”
Hebrews 13:15 says, “ Therefore by Him, let us continually offer the sacrifice
of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”
b.
Second notice his humility as he says, “My goodness is nothing apart from
you.”
True goodness is something we attain from God. The only reason we can claim
righteousness is because God has forgiven us. Without it we were without hope
and lost.
Is David’s attitude our attitude?
III. Vs. 3 – Who are the excellent ones?
a. David here speaks of the saints – those set apart for God. He notes that such are the ones in whom he delights. David PREFERS them over those who are NOT devoted to God
b.
Who do prefer to associate with in this world? Do we prefer Christians
over non-Christians? 1 John 3:14 says, “We know that we have passed from
death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother
abides in death.”
Believers over non-believers (not just Christians but those with like values and
interests – for example, we might buy novels from non-Christians but we consider
the moral content in them), do we support causes God would support over those He
would reject?
IV. Vs. 4 –Those who are not saints have sorrow to look forward to
a. David wants nothing to do with such. There is something here to be said about who and what we DON’T associate with. That says as much about us as those we are around.
b.
Don’t leave an impression of approval – 2 John 10-11, Romans 1:32
Note 1 Corinthians 16:22 – “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let
him be accursed…”
V. Vs. 5-6 – David is pleased with his blessings and he attributes them to God
a. David attributes all that he has to His God. He also knows that something better is waiting for him in the future.
b. How much do we appreciate the blessings God has provided for us now? 2 Peter 1:3 – He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness.
c.
How much do we cherish the inheritance that awaits us?
1 Peter 1:3-4 – he has begotten us again to a living hope, to an inheritance…
2 Timothy 2:12 says, “If we endure we shall also reign with Him…”
Romans 8:17 – “if children, the heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ
if indeed we suffer with Him, that we also may be glorified together.”
VI. Vs. 7-8 – The Lord’s counsel causes David to bless Him
a. Understanding God’s blessings, David wants to ensure that he maintains them. To do so he consults His counsel. In vs. 8 he says, “I have set the Lord always before me…” meaning, he constantly learned of the Lord.
b. Knowing the blessings we have received and the inheritance that awaits us – do we constantly turn to His source – the Bible – to ensure that we will not lose it? Will we “buy the truth and sell it not.” Proverbs 23:23, 2 Timothy 2:13 – Hold fast the pattern of sound words
VII. Vs. 9- 10 - His hope – his flesh will rest in hope.
a. Understanding these things David can rejoice and be assured that even in his flesh he will dwell securely or “rest in hope”
b. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – do not be ignorant concerning those who have fallen asleep. Like Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:8, “there is a crown of righteousness” laid up for him.
c. “For you will not leave my soul in Sheol.”
i. This verse is quoted directly by Peter on Pentecost in Acts 2:25-28 to establish that Christ was their promised Messiah. He notes Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of our text. Certainly, not better fit that prophecy than Christ Jesus.
ii.
Does this apply ONLY to Christ? While quoted by Peter it certainly
applied to Him and we know that through inspiration David spoke these words,
probably not knowing its true meaning (1 Peter 1:10-12)
BUT consider that while others who have died are in the grave, a day IS coming
when “all who are in the grave will hear His voice and come forth…” John
5:28-29.
Like Joseph who by faith requested that his bones be taken to the Promised Land
(Hebrews 11:22, Genesis 50:24, 25), David knew death was not the end.
VIII. Vs. 11 – Our joy is full when we are in His presence.
a.
In this concluding verse, I see David’s hope of heaven when this life is
over.
Consider this in light of his request in verse 1 – “preserve me, O God”
Whether or not God would deliver him from all his enemies did not matter – in
the end a better home awaited him – a heavenly one.
Where he would be in the presence of God Himself for all of eternity.
Is there any wonder David was known as a man after God’s own heart? Do we have the faith he had? Is our trust in God as great as His? Do we let God know how much we appreciate Him? Think about it.