This message from Psalm 14:1-7 was delivered by Pastor Rod Harris at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, November 17, 2013.
Intro:
The story is told of heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali flying to one of his fights. The plane began to experience mild to moderate turbulence. As the plane was tossed about the captain came over the intercom and called on all passengers to return to their seats and fasten their seat belts. Everyone complied. Everyone that is but Ali. The flight attendant approached the champ and requested that he fasten his seatbelt. Ali reportedly replied, “Superman don’t need no seatbelt.” Without missing a beat the flight attendant responded, “Yeah and Superman don’t need no airplane either!”
We laugh at that story because of the absurd notion of someone being that arrogant. But Ali is not the only one to exhibit such arrogance. A growing number of folks in our society seem to be saying, “I don’t need no God.” Atheism is on the rise. Oh not so much the philosophical, theoretical atheism – but practical atheism. Those folks who live as if there is no God. They are too sophisticated for such old fashion ideas. We are no longer a “primitive” people who have to use God to explain the world around us. Due to our advances in science and education we have outgrown such notions. I’m afraid Malcolm Muggeridge was right, “We have educated ourselves into imbecility.” Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias has suggested that all philosophizing on life’s purpose is ultimately founded upon two fundamental assumptions, or conclusions. First, “Does God exists?” Second, “If God exists, what is his character and nature?”
Atheism serves as the backdrop of our text this evening found in the 14th Psalm.
Text: Psalm 14:1-7
This is another of David’s psalms. You may not have immediately called to mind the words of this Psalm when you heard the number like you would have, say, the 23rd Psalm – but you’re familiar with it. It is repeated almost verbatim in Psalm 53 and it is quoted in Romans 3 and is the basis of Romans chapter 1. These are important words.
When God says something it is important.
When He repeats it – it demands our utmost attention.
When it is stated for a third time – we ought, as the Book of Common Prayer puts it, “read it, mark it, learn it and inwardly digest it.”
As we explore this song of David we must see that:
Thesis: Psalm 14 reminds us of the utter folly of unbelief and the certain hope of faith.
There are three stanzas in this hymn – look at them with me.
- The arrogant boast of the fool. (14:1)
- The accurate assessment of the Sovereign. (14:2-5a)
- The quiet hope of those who believe. (14:5b-7)