Philippians 2:3-4; Psalm 15:5 - Stable and Secure

Welcometo Pastor's Chat. Today we’re in Psalm 15, and we’re looking at verse 5. We’vebeen talking about how to practice what the Apostle Paul encouraged the churchat Philippi to do in Philippians 2:3–4: to esteem others better than themselvesand to carry about their lives in lowliness of mind and humility. When we dothat, there are practical things we need to do. To me, Psalm 15 describes someof these very practical applications we can make in our lives that will help usfulfill what Paul talked about in Philippians 2. Nowwe come down to verse 5. Verse 5 says this: “He who does not put out hismoney at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.” Now theword “usury” usually has to do with interest. You do not put out your moneysimply for oppressive gain through interest. This is not saying you should notinvest in the stock market. It is not saying you should not put your money in asavings account that draws interest. This is talking about personal financialintegrity. Inall of our business dealings, God cares about how we treat people financially.In the Old Testament, you will find several cases where people loaned out moneyto make interest, but they charged exorbitant interest. They literally broughthardship upon other people and almost placed them into slavery because of theinterest they demanded. Sometimes this still happens in our culture and societytoday. The Bible is telling us, as believers, that we are not to put hardshipon others financially simply for our own personal gain. Again,He is speaking about our finances and our business dealings. God cares abouthow we treat others financially. In Proverbs 11:1 it says, “Dishonest scalesare an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.” If wewant to enjoy fellowship with God, we must live honestly and fairly. ThenDavid closes this chapter with a beautiful promise: “He who does thesethings shall never be moved.” Oh,my friend, what stability! What security! The person who walks with God has asteady life. Trials may come. Storms may rage. But they are anchored in theLord. Psalm 16:8 says, “I have set the Lord always before me; because He isat my right hand I shall not be moved.” Aswe close this chapter, may we remember something very important: none of usperfectly measure up to Psalm 15. If we are honest, we all have failed in ourspeech, our thoughts, our tongue, our motives, and our actions. Ultimately,Psalm 15 points us to Jesus Christ, the only perfectly righteous One who trulyfulfilled every one of these qualities. He alone walked uprightly. He alonealways spoke the truth. He alone never sinned with His tongue. He aloneperfectly pleased the Father. Becauseof His death and resurrection, we can be forgiven, cleansed, and brought intofellowship with God. Hebrews 10:19 says, “Therefore, brethren, havingboldness to enter into the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.” Today, if wereally want fellowship with Jesus Christ—sweet fellowship with the Lord—we mustwalk closely with Christ, confess sin quickly, guard our tongues, livehonestly, and cultivate a heart that fears God. I’masking today: Is there anything in your life that is hindering your fellowshipwith the Lord? Are you walking uprightly before Him? Are you speaking the truthin your heart? My friend, when you draw near to God, we are promised that Hewill draw near to you (James 4:8). Itrust and pray that you, by God’s grace and through the Holy Spirit, live outthese truths found in Psalm 15, so that God’s promise will be fulfilled as youenjoy and experience a life of stability and security. Godbless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!