Something
Wrong with Creation?
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"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).
"God created man in his own image…male and female he created them"
(1:27a). "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good" (1:31a).
There was nothing wrong with God's original creation.
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However, as we consider our world (both past and present), many problems are evident
among the human race. It is apparent that many things are "wrong" in
this world. 1.
What is the evidence that many things are "wrong" in this world?
Something
Wrong with People?
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As Psalm 14 says, there is obviously something wrong with people. Read Psalm 14.
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In verse 1, the psalmist mentions "the fool." This designation is assigned
by God who "looks down from heaven on the sons of men" (v. 2a). 2.
What are the characteristics of "the fool," based on verses 1-4? What
words are used to describe "the fool?" 3.
According to the psalmist, how is the fool's behavior connected to his/her relationship
with God?
Reflection
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What do you "say in your heart?" Maybe you struggle with belief in God,
but something in your heart motivates you to seek truth & seek God. That is
not foolish! Keep seeking!
Effects of Wrongfulness
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The psalmist makes it clear that wrong behavior harms others. Evildoers are "corrupt"
(v. 1b, 3a). This corruption spoils and infects the surrounding world (like a
moral pollution).
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In particular, evildoers shamelessly mistreat their fellow human beings. They
overpower and humiliate the poor and weak (v. 6a). Such behavior is as natural
to them as eating bread (4b).
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However, the evildoers are on the wrong side! "For God is present in the
company of the righteous" (v. 5b). The LORD is the "refuge" (place
of safety and security) for the righteous poor (v. 6b). Thus evildoers fear, while
the righteous have peace of mind (v. 5). Extent
of Wrongfulness
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Psalm 14 speaks of two categories of people - the evildoers and the righteous.
?
As you read Psalm 14, what immediately comes to mind? Who are the "evildoers"
in your world?
q We may be quick to exclude ourselves from the evildoers group,
but notice the inclusive language in God's evaluation of the sons of men: "there
is no one who does good" (v. 1b, 3b); "not even one" (v. 3b); "all
have turned aside" (v. 3a).
*
In his letter to the Romans, Paul quotes from Psalm 14:1-3 as part of his teaching
on the universality of sin. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God" (Romans 3:23). The necessary result of sin is "death" (6:23a)
- both physical and spiritual. "Spiritual death" is alienation from
God, who is the Source of life. This condition extends to every human being. Deliverance
from Wrongfulness
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The psalm ends with an expressed desire for salvation and restoration (v. 7).
Though this is expressed in terms of Israel, its ultimate fulfillment is relevant
to all people.
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All people need deliverance, not only from their enemies, but also from their
own sin. All people need restoration to a relationship with God; resulting in
spiritual life, wholeness and blessing. This deliverance & restoration is
received and realized through faith in Jesus Christ. Reflection/Application
†
There is something wrong with people. What is the root cause of this problem?
If the human condition is like a sickness, what is the correct diagnosis? Attempt
to understand the biblical diagnosis, and explain it in your own words.
†
If you are a Christian, reflect on Psalm 14, and ask yourself these questions:
In what ways am I sometimes like "the fool?" In what ways can I identify
with the mistreated? What correction or encouragement can I take from this psalm
and apply to my life today?
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