A sermon idea based on Psalm 14:1-7.
Psalm 14:1-7 NRSV
[1] Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is no one who does good.
[2] The LORD looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God.
[3] They have all gone astray, they are all alike perverse; there is no one who does good, no, not one. [4] Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon the LORD?
[5] There they shall be in great terror, for God is with the company of the righteous. [6] You would confound the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.
[7] O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad.
Angle
The relevant topic I would be addressing, based on this text…
We are all, universally, in the same predicament, having gone our own way away from God, but from Zion, God has raised up a Savior for us all.
Anchor
Information about the text that matters to the message…
This is one of those psalms in which the writer (presumably David) speaks to the universal human condition of our tendency to go our own way, away from God.
The indictment against humanity is three-fold:
- They have all gone astray (from the way in which we were created for uninterrupted fellowship with God).
- There is no one who does good (at least according to God’s understanding of goodness).
- Not one. (There are no exceptions.)
But from Zion (a term that represented not only the city of Jerusalem but the people of Jerusalem, the nation of Israel), God would raise up a Savior and a Deliverer so that those who have walked in rebellion will eventually experience gladness.
This, with so many other psalms, points toward the Christ whom God would provide for the salvation of all people.
Application
The big call-to-action in the message…
Are you able to see ways in which your own rebellion and imperfections leave you in need of help and salvation from God? And will you look to Christ alone for that salvation?
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About the Cover Art: Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash.
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