Study 12

Text: Psalm 4

EXPRESSIONS OF EVIL

Evil has many faces. The Psalmist David described some of the people who seemed bent on pursuing evil.

"How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood?"
Psalm 4:2

1. Evil is not unmitigated

Evil may like to parade itself as all-powerful! Nevertheless, this is not a fact! David attempted to cut down the size of stature of evil by reminding his enemies that they were but "sons of men." Two thoughts bring consolation to the heart!

a) Limitations

What is man? He is less than the angels! He certainly cannot be compared to God! Thus evil should never terrify us!

b) Intrinsic weakness

What is man indeed? He is made of dust and in due course, he would return to the dust from which he was made!

2. The Activities of Evil men

When people become evil, they can be guilty of perpetrating many wicked deeds. David described some of these activities.

a) Turning glory to shame

There was a "glory" associated with being king. What glory he enjoyed as king was given to him by the Lord. David was aware that evil men would love to wrest his glory from him! They would like nothing better than to turn his glory to shame! This they attempted to do by attacking the throne.

b) Love of worthless pursuits

What did these wicked men hope to achieve? Did they really imagine that their schemes would succeed? He despised their cunning schemes as "worthless" pursuits!

c) Falsehood

How did the wicked enemies hope to succeed? Did they think they could wrest his kingdom from him and then attempt to build it up based on "falsehood?" If a kingdom is built on falsehood, how strong would that country be?

PRAYING IN UNDERSTANDING AND FAITH

How important it is to pray with deep understanding. When combined with faith in the Lord, the struggle against evil becomes a little easier!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~

Released 22nd February 2004, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore