Was David arrogant?

Q: Does David seem to show signs of arrogance in some of the things he writes in the Psalms? For example, Ps. 18: 20-24, “The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness;, according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned away from his decrees. I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.” NIV I know David is known as the man after God’s own heart, but every time I read this passage, I feel like David is saying he DESERVED God’s blessing. Am I wrong?

A: I can totally understand why someone could think this way. It certainly, on first glance, can look like David is saying, “God is good to me because I. Am. Awesome.”

There are three things to keep in mind, however:

1. Context of time this was written: this was written during the time of Israel’s Old Covenant Law. God gave Israel commandments, so keeping the commandments would naturally (I imagine) make you feel like, “God has to be happy with me! I am striving to live according to His Law.” I know from the Old Testament that many Israelites held a similar sentiment.
    
2. Context of Psalms in Scripture: Under inspiration, Psalms was written as men were moved by the Holy Spirit. But the Psalms are often directed towardsGod! So God inspired these men to write divinely chosen words that would be cried out / prayed to the Lord Himself! So for this to be recorded in your Bible, the Holy Spirit is who inspired David to write these words in the first place.
    
3. Context of this passage itself: Before we think David was too much into himself, look at some of the other verses in the Psalm. Specifically, look at how David is acknowledging that God is his strength.

• v2 – God is my stronghold and shield
• 3,6 – I called upon the Lord
• v27 – God saves the humble
• v28 – God lights my lamp
• v29 – by my God I can leap over a wall (!)
• v32 – God equips with strength
• v35 – God’s right hand supports me

You get the point. On one hand, yes he says he has been striving to keep himself from sin. Yet on the other hand, his language regarding God’s power in his life is pretty clear.

I would just remind you of:

Jeremiah 9:23-24: Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Boast away. Just make sure the spotlight of your boasting shines on Jesus, not you.

p.s. -SO CLOSE to getting all of our questions in Sunday...

Is it Ever Okay to Pray Against a Relationship?

When is it okay to pray that God would prevent something from happening?

God is our Heavenly Father. We are His children. And He invites us to share every burden with Him (1 Peter 5:7). He already knows what is on our hearts. He knows what prayers we have before we say them. There is no need to come trying to hide anything.

So my point is simply: be honest when you pray. Makes no sense to try otherwise. If there is a relationship that looks like it may be toxic, just take that to God.

“Father, You know everything. I don’t. But this relationship looks like trouble, and I don’t want to see someone get hurt in the longterm...”

But remember: everything you pray for, you should ask according to God’s Will. 1 John 5:14 says “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (emphasis mine)

Every single prayer should end there. “...but God, you know what is right and best. So may your will be done, and give me the faith to trust you during this time.” That is yielding to His sovereignty and wisdom.

We pray in reverence and faith. But as far as I can see, no subjects are off limits. No concerns too small. God loves you and wants to commune with you in prayer.

p.s. - God already knows...

What about Israel?

How does God view Jews now? If they don’t believe Jesus was the Messiah & follow Him, can they get in to heaven? They were God’s chosen people in the Old Testament.

No one gets to heaven without Jesus. The Bible is clear about that. Jews, Gentiles, Republicans, Vegans, Grandmothers, Businessmen, Good neighbors... Nobody gets to heaven apart from Jesus Christ.See Acts 4:12, Romans 10:9-10, and John 14:6.

If you turn to Romans 9, 10, 11, you’ll see God’s Word all about the state of Israel. To answer these questions, focus on Romans 11. It says so much, but here’s the summary: There’s always a “remnant”, a population of the Jews with authentic saving faith. Romans 11:1 – there’s a remnant presently (including Paul – all the way up to Jews today who believe Jesus is the Messiah.) In 11:2-5, Paul reminds us that there always has been a remnant in v2-5. And Paul reminds us here, as is prophesied in the OT, there always will be a remnant (v25-27).

And if you read Revelation, you’ll see one of the biggest players in the end times: the nation of Israel. While many Jews do not believe today, the day is coming when there will be mass revival in Israel.

So past, present, future – God is at work in and through Israel. Yet they, too, must come to saving faith in Jesus Christ, their Messiah.

Women as Pastors?

Is it Biblically sound to have women in positions of ordained leadership, such as pastors and/or reverends?

At Harvest Bible Chapel, we encourage women to be in every position of leadership the Scripture permits. And the only position I can see the Bible reserves for men only is the role of pastor/elder (same thing).

This belief comes from 1 Timothy 2:12-14, where Paul says he does not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. Note that Paul’s reason was theological, NOT cultural. 

Many of our leaders here, and at HBCs world-wide, are amazing godly women. The Lord continues to raise up and use some very inspiring ladies to carry out Kingdom work. I know I am so thankful for the amazing women leaders at HBCPN, like Amanda, Michelle, and Mandy - just to name a few on our Ministry Team.

This is our last Question of the Week for a while! I hope these were helpful to you – and encouraged you to go after God’s Word for answers for even the toughest of questions.