Judging Our Integrity – Psalm 26
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SUBJECT: Psalms
TITLE: Judging Our Integrity
PROPOSITION: We must conduct self examination to be faithful to the Lord. How do we judge our integrity? 1) The Standard is the Lord, 2) The Service is Worship, 3) The State is Sanctification.
OBJECTIVE: Each person should conduct self evaluation according to the pattern set forth in Psalm 26.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Psalm 26:1
2. About the Text:
1) Why should we want to judge our integrity?
a. We need to be morally upright.
b. We want God to be pleased with our lives.
c. We want to have good relationships with other people.
d. We want to have a positive view of ourselves.
2) We do not need to obsess over being right.
3) The Psalmist gives us a very good test in this Psalm to help us do self-evaluation.
a. We should be careful about using this Psalm as a test for others, like the Pharisees.
b. The faithful child of God will want God to judge his life.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: When we seek to judge our integrity, we must recognize . . .
I. The Standard is the Lord (1-3)
1. Self Confident (1).
1) Asking for judgment – 1 Thessalonians 2:4, “The Lord tests the hearts.”
2) Walked in integrity – put together, hold together
3) Trusted in the Lord – Proverbs 3:5-6
4) Consequence: I shall not slip – 2 Peter 1:10, “If these things be in you…”
2. Self Critical (2-3).
1) Asking for examination – 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves….”
2) Prove me by testing my mind and heart – 1 Thessalonians 5:21
3) God’s HESED is before the eyes.
4) Walked in Truth – John 17:17
3. Self Correcting (4-5)
1) Does not sit with idolatrous mortals – 1 Corinthians 10:14, “Flee idolatry”
2) Does not go in with hypocrites – Romans 12:9, “Love…without hypocrisy.”
3) Hate the assembly of the evildoers – 1 Thessalonians 5:22, “Abstain from…”
4) Will not sit with the wicked – Psalm 1:1
II. The Service is Worship (6-9)
1. By Sacrifice (6)
1) Prepare for worship – wash hands – Hebrews 10:22, “bodies washed…”
2) Engage in worship – presence at the altar – Hebrews 10:25, “not forsaking…”
2. By Speech (7)
1) Thanksgiving – Hebrews 13:15, “fruit of lips…”
2) Tell of God’s Wondrous Works – 1 Corinthians 1:23, “preach Christ crucified…”
3. By Society (8)
1) Loved the Lord’s house – 1 Timothy 3:15, “church of the living God….”
2) Loved the place where God dwells – Ephesians 2:21, “holy temple in the Lord…”
III. The State is Sanctification (9-12)
1. Separate from sinners (9-10).
1) Asking not to be counted with sinners – Ephesians 5:11, “Have no fellowship…”
2) Those who scheme and bribe – 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Come out from among them….”
2. Walk in Integrity (11).
1) Will continue to walk in integrity – 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Be stedfast…”
2) Asks for redemption and mercy – 1 John 1:9, “if we confess…”
3. Standing in an Even Place (12).
1) Foot stands in an even place, level, solid – 2 Timothy 2:19, “solid foundation…”
2) Among the people, will bless the Lord – Ephesians 1:3, “blessed by the God and Father…”
CONCLUSION:
1. When we seek to judge our integrity…
1) The Standard is the Lord
2) The Service is Worship
3) The State is Sanctification
2. Invitation