Psalm 14 – Without God

1. Read: Psalm 14:1

2. About the Text:

1) David is reflecting on God in a time when the enemies of Israel prevail.

2) This may have been in his youth before he was king.

3) David contemplates those who are atheists both actual and practical.

4) As far as they are concerned, God does not exist, and their behavior follows.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. Their description in verse 1.

1) They are corrupt – mixed with tainted elements.

2) They have done abominable works – hateful, despicable, works.

3) None do good – neither their thoughts or actions are on good.

2. Their description in verse 3.

1) They have all turned aside – from a path of righteousness.

2) They have together become corrupt – emphasis on “together” here.

3) There is none who does good, no not one – unable to do good, motives are wrong.

4) Paul quotes this Psalm in Romans 3:10-12.

3. God’s existence provides . . .

1) Right motivations for doing good.

2) Right behavior for doing good.

3) Accountability

4) Good relationships with other people

5) A purpose for being with other people other than to take advantage.

1. Their lack of knowledge is known by God.

1) The LORD looks down upon people.

2) He wants to see if there are any who understand.

2. Their lack of knowledge is known by other people.

1) The workers of iniquity have no knowledge.

2) They eat up God’s people like bread.

3) They do not call upon the LORD.

3. Some lessons about not having knowledge.

1) God is always watching to see what we are doing – “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).

2) God wants us to have knowledge – “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

3) Workers of iniquity have no knowledge.

a. Knowledge falsely so called (1 Timothy 6:20).

b. Believe the lie (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

c. Unable to come to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7).

4) Evil doers devour others to obtain their possessions (Galatians 5:15 – bite and devour).

5) They do not depend upon God for their sustenance.

1. The wicked . . .

1) Are in great fear.

a. Fear drives their decisions and actions.

b. “The wicked flee when no one pursues” (Proverbs 28:1).

c. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

2) Shame the counsel of the poor.

a. Intimidation and control.

b. “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

2. The righteous . . .

1) Have God on their side – “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

2) Have the LORD as their refuge – “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

1. For the atheist, whether actual or practical, they have no hope – “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).

2. The righteous have hope for salvation – “in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2).

3. They have hope for freedom from captivity – “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”” (John 8:31-32).

4. They have hope for joy and gladness – “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

1. Without God there is . . .

1) No Morality

2) No Knowledge

3) No Confidence

4) No Hope

2. Invitation