Presented, December 19, 2004
“HELP, LORD!”
PSALM 12
Tonight we continue our study of the psalms. We have here another Psalm of David, which as many could describe any of the various traumatic times in his life. It was again assigned to “the chief musician” meaning it was probably used in some of their worship services and we are told something about how it was to be sung – “with an 8-string harp” (sheminith). In this psalm we find another of David’s cries to God, and his faith that He will answer in judgment.
I. “Help, Lord” (1)
A.
Help is often a desperate cry.
When Peter was sinking, “Lord, Help me!” – Mark 14:30
Matthew 15:25 – a Gentile woman whose daughter was demon possessed
Luke 10:40 – Martha asks Jesus to make Mary help her
B.
It is an acknowledgement of extreme danger
Spiritually, do we realize the danger of this world?
a. There are many physical dangers that we need to be concerned about.
b. But spiritual dangers abound everywhere as well – 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober, be vigilant”
c. Matthew 10:28 – do we fear God?
C. Do we turn to God for help?
a. Hebrews 4:16
b. Acts 26:22
c. Psalm 124:8 – “Our help is in the Lord
II. “The Godly man ceases” (1-2)
A. What a great concern this OUGHT to be to us!
B. David feels alone –
a. Like Elijah, he felt like he was the only one.
b.
It becomes easy to become discouraged when we look
around and see so much of the world having their way against God and His
people. It has always been that way.
What becomes even more disheartening is when those we ought to be able to count
on as our brethren act that way as well.
c. We have to be careful and make sure we don’t give up – Galatians 6:9 – our reward comes if we don’t lose heart.
C.
These men who speak idly – could describe the
ungodly of the world as a whole because they certainly blaspheme God and speak
many things evil,
OR it could be those who are supposed to be godly, but they are not living as
they ought to – David probably has these in mind – possibly one who betrayed
him.
a. Notice they have a double-heart. Cf. James 1:8
b. Matthew 24:12 – “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold”
c. “Will the Lord find faith on earth?” – Luke 18:8
III. The Words of men judged (3-5)
A. Men often misuse their tongues
a. Flattering lips. The idea of flattery here is not just paying compliments, but rather false compliments intended to lure or curry favor.
i. Jude 16 – It is a trait of apostates and false teachers. Also 2 Peter 2:3
ii. 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6 – Paul was cautious that in teaching he did not use flattering words. NOTE: Paul often paid compliments. In fact he ALWAYS found something good to say.
iii. Luke 6:26 – “Woe to you when all men speak well of you. For so did their fathers to the false prophets.”
iv. Proverbs 20:19 – “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets. Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.”
v. Proverbs 29:5, “A man who flatters his neighbors spreads a net for his feet.”
b. Speaking proud things –
i. Pride is another serious sin, because of where it leads. It often leads to the downfall of both he who has it and he takes others with him. He can do great damage
ii. Proverbs 13:10, “By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.”
iii. 1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."”
iv. Notice the arrogance of vs. 4 in our text. He thinks he is something. He thinks he has it all figured out. BUT…
B.
Sometimes Christians misuse their tongues too – but
they shouldn’t.
Consider Ephesians 5:4-7, one of many passages.
C. God knows what is happening. He knows who is oppressed and who is oppressing and He will judge accordingly
a. Notice James 5:1-6 – the wealthy who oppress and cheat others are warned.
b.
God will hold them accountable - vs. 3, “May the
Lord cut off the flattering lips”
Matthew 12:36 – for every idle word men may speak, they will give account
Ecclesiastes 12:14 God will bring every work into judgment, including every
secret thing
2 Peter 2:3 – Of these false teachers we are told, “…for a long time their
judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber”
IV. The Words of the Lord (6-7)
A. Contrasting the speech of men, David now mentions the words of God. We have noted in times past many descriptions of God’s word. We find them to be perfect, inerrant, complete, relevant, and truth. In this context two characteristics are mentioned
B. The words of the Lord are pure words
a. Contrast this with the description of words of flattery. People may fall for the flattery, but in the end they will regret it.
b. God’s word is pure – or unpolluted and undiluted.
c. Psalm 18:30 – His word is proven; He is a shield to those who trust Him
d. 1 Peter 2:2 speaks of the “pure milk of the word” that promotes growth
e. James 3:17 speaks of the wisdom from above, which would include God’s word – is “first pure…”
C. God will keep His words
a. Luke 21:33 – the words of our Lord will never pass away
b. 1 Peter 1:24-25 – while all flesh dies, “the word of the Lord endures forever”
c. Hebrews 6:18 – it is impossible for God to lie.
D. It is truly sad that so many put their trust in the words of man, often to be deceived and let down. Yet they reject the true words of life that will endure forever. David knew where the real answer are.
V. Wicked men prowl, a conclusion (8)
A. David’s conclusion seems to turn back to describing the wicked. But this is a conclusion. He notes so truthfully that when we (those who are supposed to be righteous) become involved with the wicked, there is no place that is pure. In our lives, are we lending praise to the ungodly? Think about it! What are you watching on television? What are you listening to on the radio? Where are you going on the internet?
B. Romans 1:32 – they approve of those involved in the ungodly
C. Heed the warning of 2 John 9-11
When faced with the choice of God’s Word or man’s word, which one will you choose? Before you answer that, ask this? WHO DO YOU REALLY WANT TO HELP YOU IN TIMES OF TROUBLE? Think about it.