PS15
what does abiding look like?
integrity
honesty
consistency
generosity
benevolence
peace
pledges kept
at a cost
repugnance
toward evil
and respect
for the good
such shall never be moved
8/21/26
(Notes from 9/15/1998) “Qualifications”
This is just one of the Psalms concerned with the life worthy of being with God.Being in God’s presence demands a standard too high for mere man to achieve. Perfection.
That was accomplished, of course, by Christ alone and we are saved and allowed into God’s presence, not on our merit, but His.
While we are saved by God, He does demand that our lives change. He saves us to a life worthy of His presence. After HE saved the Hebrews from Egypt, He gave them the 10 words.
This Psalm mentions righteous works, honesty, a life free of slander and gossip, and not taking advantage of others.
Update:
My growth over the past three decades has led me in two directions here. One, the Psalm is indeed describing a perfect goal, but more as a meditation for worship. This is something those who abide with God are working towards. Less of an unachievable ideal and more of the aim of the journey. However, I do not think this is a Psalm whose aim is to show us we can’t hope to be with God and drive us to the cross. It is the worthy goal of the faithful.
This Psalm reminds me of John 15 in this sense. We are called to abide in Christ, and that is a lifestyle and a change. There is a hint of the Psalms in John 15 back in Psalm 11:5. When David talks about testing and discipline. Challenge or punishment, which do we want?
integrity
honesty
consistency
generosity
benevolence
peace
pledges kept
at a cost
repugnance
toward evil
and respect
for the good
such shall never be moved
8/21/26
(Notes from 9/15/1998) “Qualifications”
This is just one of the Psalms concerned with the life worthy of being with God.Being in God’s presence demands a standard too high for mere man to achieve. Perfection.
That was accomplished, of course, by Christ alone and we are saved and allowed into God’s presence, not on our merit, but His.
While we are saved by God, He does demand that our lives change. He saves us to a life worthy of His presence. After HE saved the Hebrews from Egypt, He gave them the 10 words.
This Psalm mentions righteous works, honesty, a life free of slander and gossip, and not taking advantage of others.
Update:
My growth over the past three decades has led me in two directions here. One, the Psalm is indeed describing a perfect goal, but more as a meditation for worship. This is something those who abide with God are working towards. Less of an unachievable ideal and more of the aim of the journey. However, I do not think this is a Psalm whose aim is to show us we can’t hope to be with God and drive us to the cross. It is the worthy goal of the faithful.
This Psalm reminds me of John 15 in this sense. We are called to abide in Christ, and that is a lifestyle and a change. There is a hint of the Psalms in John 15 back in Psalm 11:5. When David talks about testing and discipline. Challenge or punishment, which do we want?
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