Problem, Prayer, Promise, and Paradox

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Speaker: Tyler Estes
Scripture: Psalm 12
April 7, 2024

Psalm 12: Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?”

“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

You, O LORD, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever. On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.

Sermon Outline

1. David laments the problem of living in a lying society

• David observes part of the problem is that something absent should be present

• David observes another part of the problem is that something present should be absent

• David observes that the flatterers are arrogant

• David observes that the problem is pervasive

2. David prays for God to intervene

3. The promise and provision of God’s word

• When God says He will act, it is as good as done

• Consider your Bible: God speaks to you through this book

• The word of God is pure

• The word of God is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness

4. Note the paradox at the end

• God’s promise and the present reality

• What do we make of “I will now arise?”

5. Applications

• Do not despair

• Do not abandon the word of God

• Do not exalt wickedness

• Instead of exalting wickedness, exalt goodness