Finding Yourself in the Psalms
Psalm 58
A Psalm of Complaint Because of Wicked Rulers
amazing HOW OFTEN our Prayer meeting message fits into Preaching Schedule! NO OTHER PSALM addresses wicked judges like Psalm 58
This is an IMPRECATORY Psalm
Timing?
• Possibly when Absalom was deceiving the hearts of the people (2 Sam 15:1-6)
• Possibly other judges in Israel.
I. Description of Wicked Judges. 58:1-5
A. Their wickedness is from BIRTH B. Compared to a snake
C. OT Examples:
1. Micah 3:1-3, 9-11; 6:12
2. Hab 1:1-6
3. (Proverbs 29:2) "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."
D. NT Examples:
1. Matt 23:1-12
2. Herod. Acts 12:19-25
II. Punishment of Wicked Judges. 58:6-8
III. Hope for the Righteous. 58:9-11
A. The righteous will be avenged. A military picture. B. God’s glory, God’s honor will be exalted.
IV. TODAY
A. INJUSTICE
1. No fault divorce
2. Judicial activism
3. Calling right wrong, wrong right. (Isaiah 5:20) "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."
4. Rights of the criminals over rights of the victims
5. Exploitation of the poor for political power
6. Wickedness in the church!!!
B. Democracy is not our hope. A democracy of the wicked will produce wickedness.
1. BABEL was a democracy
2. SODOM was a democracy
3. PILATE’S COURTYARD was a democracy!
C. Capitalism is not our hope!
1. Greed produced our current financial crisis
2. Capitalism is imperfect and can only function when the righteous rule! D. Americans will get the government they deserve!!!!
E. What Can we Do?
1. PERSONAL Holiness
2. Trust in God
3. Assist those in need. (Galatians 6:10) "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
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