October 22, 2007

Text: Psalm 140


PRESENCE OF WICKEDNESS

1. This theme is dealt with again and again in the Psalms
2. Reasons for the frequency of mention:-
(Among other reasons...)

a) Wickedness is a very real part of life

b) Wickedness greatly troubles the heart

c) Praying to the Lord concerning the wicked is most natural

PRAYING AMIDST PREVALENT WICKEDNESS

1. Prevalence of wickedness evidenced

a) Wicked men    Psalm 140:1a

b) Violent men    Psalm 140: 2a

c) Proud men    Psalm 140:5

d) Slanderers    Psalm 140:11

e) Activities of wicked men:
    i) They plan evil things    Psalm 140:2a

    ii) They gather for war    Psalm 140:2b

    iii) They use their tongues wickedly    Psalm 140:3a

    iv) Their tongues are poisonous    Psalm 140:3b

    v) They seek to ensnare    Psalm 140:5a

2. Prayers for:-

a) Preservation    Psalm 140:1b, 4b

b) Deliverance    Palm 140:1a

3. Prayers against:

a) The desires of the wicked heart not be granted    Psalm 140:8a

b) The schemes of the wicked not be furthered    Psalm 140:8b

c) They would have a taste of their own medicine    Psalm 140:9-11

d) That coals of fire (judgment) be poured out    Psalm 140:10

e) That slanderers not be established    Psalm 140:11

ASSURANCE

1. That God would hear our prayers    Psalm 140:6

2. That God would specially protect    Psalm 140:7

3. That God would maintain our cause    Psalm 140:12

APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

"Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name;
The upright shall dwell in Your presence"    Psalm 140:13