Timeless Biblical Truth.
Believers may suffer from the attack of corrupt and dangerous unbelievers, but they may confidently expect God to give them a resounding victory and to restore their fortunes.
- The condition of unbelievers: Humanity foolishly denies the existence of God and becomes corrupt in doing nothing but evil (1-3).
- Humanity foolishly denies the existence of God (1a).
- Humanity is corrupt and does only evil (1b-3).
- Perverted humanity will persecute believers as if they were ignorant that God will judge them for attacking His people (4-5).
- Question: Do unbelievers persecute God’s people out of ignorance? (4).
- Affirmation: God assures His people that those who attack them will be judged (5).
- The condition of believers: Persecuted believers will rejoice when their desired deliverance comes (6). “. . . the pervasive theme of the Bible is the interaction between individuals, societies, and God, and one of the pervasive purposes of the Bible is to derive out of these interactions a clarification of each of the constituent elements. Throughout it is assumed that man cannot understand himself apart from God . . .” Roland Frye: The Bible: Selections from the King James Version for Study as Literature, p. xvi.
Questions for Second Milers
- What is the difference between an intellectual atheist and a practical atheist?
- List and consider the characteristics of humanity. How are these characteristics an extension of their basic attitude toward God? Is there a cause-and-effect relationship between 53:1a and 53:1b-3?
- Why would David say that unbelievers do not do good when we know people who do good in the world? Is David looking at the actions of people from a different perspective? If so, what is it?
- What will God do to such people in the future?
- With what does God equate wisdom and understanding? By this definition to what extent are you wise?
- Give You an Outlet.
- Keep Before You the Vision of the Ideal.
- Give You a Better Knowledge of Human Nature.
- Restore the Past to You.
- Show You the Glory of the Commonplace.
- Give You the Mastery of Your Own Language.
These are all very commendable things. Literature certainly has its place in our lives. But how infinitely greater are the results of studying the Word of God for us—it gives us a knowledge of our own sinfulness, provides a perfect cleansing from every stain, restores to us the power and strength which sin took away from us, equips us with a weapon by which our greatest enemy can be defeated, promises us success and fruitfulness in our own Christian lives, en-ables us to pray with prevailing power at the Throne of Grace, instructs us in truths which we could never elsewhere discover, the truth of God, the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ, the truth of eternal life, the truth of a home in Heaven; empowers us that we might adequately, enthusiastically, courageously do God’s work here on earth as long as He chooses to leave us in this world.” Wilbur M. Smith: Profitable Bible Study, pp. 25-26.
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!
