Dwell in the Word: Psalm 14
Contemplate these questions as you dwell in Psalm 14:
1. According to Psalm 14, what does the term "fool" signify, and how does this apply to both philosophical and practical atheism?
2. How does the psalmist in Psalm 14 describe the state of humanity in verses 2 and 3, and what theological truth is being highlighted by these verses?
3. What is the psalmist's hope in the final verse of Psalm 14, and how does Jesus Christ fulfill this hope for God's people?
Transcript:
We arrive at the 14th chapter of the psalter, and we find ourselves with a familiar set of verses. The fool has said in his heart, there is no God. And we know this phrase rather well, and it's important that we understand what is being driven at here.
Now, surely it applies to those who claim to be atheists to say there is no God. That's a foolish statement, because, as scripture tells us, God has revealed himself through the things that are seen, and no one is without excuse. But the point of this chapter is not really a philosophical atheism as much as it is a practical atheism. The Psalmist is speaking of those who live their lives in such a way that they do not consider the commands of God because they do not believe that God will judge them for what they do. And so this passage has a harsh theological reality on display for us in verses two and three as God looks down on humanity. It isn't a good state of affairs. There is no one who does good. No one seeks after God, not even one. As you've likely heard me say before, this is the great theological truth that is verifiable. By looking not only at the world around us, but within our own hearts as well, the fall of man has rendered each and every last one of us dead in sin. We do not seek God on our own.
And this is really a pretty savage Psalm when we stop and think about it, because it starts out telling us that the fool has said in his heart, there is no God. And we would probably cheer right along with the Psalmist statement. But then the Psalm turns it right back around on the reader. We have all turned aside. We don't seek God. Each and every last one of us says, there is not a God who will judge me when we decide to give in to our sin. And we see that the Psalmist acknowledges that the only hope for this state of affairs is from God. We are not righteous. We do not seek after God. But at the same time, the Psalmist acknowledges that there is a hope, and that is to call out the God who gives righteousness to his people. And we see this call for salvation in the final verse of chapter 14. Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion when Yahweh restores the fortunes of his people. Let Jacob rejoice. Let Israel be glad. What is the hope that the Psalmist says that the people of God have?
That they would right their wrongs, that they would hopefully be able to do better next time they try to not. Sin is the hope here at the end of Psalm 14 that God will hopefully gray on a curve and overlook that in their sin they live as long as though he isn't going to punish them for that rebellion that they've had against him. Nope. The hope of the Psalmist is that salvation would come out of Zion, that God would restore his people from their sin and iniquity. The hope is that God will restore the fortunes of his people because they can't do it on their own. And it's obvious to see for us how the Lord Jesus Christ unlocks this Psalm for us, because he is the one who came out of Zion to rescue his people. You know, we had no righteousness of our own, but Jesus came near to us and he gives us that gift of his perfect righteousness that we might be made right before God and so as we step out into the world to serve God today, may we remember this great gift that he has given us. And may we rejoice in his salvation because he has restored the fortunes of his people.
Let the people of God rejoice. May his people be glad in his salvation. Let's finish up with a short word of prayer.
Heavenly Father, we humbly come before you acknowledging our sin and foolishness. We confess that we often live as if you will not judge us. We turn aside from your commands. Thank you for revealing our desperate need for salvation and for the hope that comes from Zion through Jesus Christ. We are not righteous on our own, but you in your mercy, have provided the perfect righteousness of your son. Restore us, O Lord, and renew our hearts. Help us to rejoice in your salvation and live in gladness, remembering the great gift that you have given us. May we honor you in our lives seeking to serve you faithfully. Let your people be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love. It's in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that we pray. Amen.
All right, thank you for watching. We'll see you next time when we dig into Psalm chapter 15.
