Psalm 25

Order of Service

• Scripture Reading — Psalm 25
• Prayer of Invocation
• Sermon
• Pastoral Prayer

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Sermon Title: A Primer for Living by Faith in a Fallen World

Scripture: Psalm 25

I. David's Confident Trust in God

A. David lifts his soul to the Lord in the midst of trouble, surrounded by enemies (Psalm 25:1-2) B. The word "shame" in this psalm does not mean embarrassment but disillusionment — the failure of all one has hoped in C. David answers his own petition: none who wait on the Lord will be put to shame (Psalm 25:3)

1. The wantonly treacherous — those who sin for sin's sake and reject God's rule — are the ones who will be disillusioned
2. David's confidence rests on two pillars: the Lord's never-failing word and his never-changing character

II. David's Need for Guidance and the Foundation of His Standing

A. David asks for instruction: make me know your ways, teach me your paths (Psalm 25:4-5)

1. The goal of instruction is walking in the paths of the Lord
2. The means is keeping God's revealed word — Psalm 119:9 B. The foundation of David's standing before God is not his own deeds but God's mercy and steadfast covenant love (Psalm 25:6-7)
3. God's hesed — steadfast covenant-keeping love — is eternal; the Lord does not change
4. The sins of David's past are removed as far as the east is from the west — Psalm 103:12 C. The vehicle of David's safety even among enemies is faith — faith in the sure testimonies of God, which is faith in Jesus Christ

III. The Gospel Packaged in Verse 8

A. God is both good and upright — mercy and justice together (Psalm 25:8) B. The apparent dilemma: how can God be both merciful and just toward sinners?

1. Without special revelation we cannot see how God can be both
2. The only adequate answer is Jesus Christ, who satisfied the justice of God by bearing our punishment in our place
3. His death fully satisfied divine justice, allowing God to forgive sins and save graciously C. God instructs sinners in the way — but which sinners? Those described in Psalm 25:9-15

IV. The Four Characteristics of Those Whom God Instructs

A. The Humble — Psalm 25:9

1. Humility begins with contrition; the unbroken, obstinate sinner is unteachable
2. James 4:6 — God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble B. The Obedient — Psalm 25:10
3. The paths of the Lord are for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies
4. Personal commitment to God's law leads the faithful into the outpouring of his steadfast love and faithfulness C. The Reverent — Psalm 25:12, 14
5. God instructs the one who fears him in the way he should choose
6. The friendship of the Lord and the knowledge of his covenant belong to those who fear him D. The Expectant — Psalm 25:15 through the end of the psalm
7. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net
8. He is mighty to save to the utmost all who call upon Jesus Christ

V. The Final Petition: Redeem Israel

A. David moves from personal petition to intercession for his people (Psalm 25:22) B. Israel here encompasses all who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and find the fulfillment of God's promises in him C. The expectation of David pointed forward to his greater Son, Jesus — the Redeemer of Israel and of his bride, the church D. Application: until the day of consummation, believers are to fix their eyes heavenward, redeem these evil days, take honest inventory of their graces and shortcomings, and be daily on their knees in prayer as David exemplified in this psalm