Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 109

Call to Worship: Psalm 68:32-35

Song of Worship: “The Lion and the Lamb”

Song of Worship: “God Is For Us”

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-21

Song of Preparation: “Goodness of God”

Sermon: Psalm 109 | Curses and Blessings

Observations

1. David appeals to the LORD for help in his distress.
   • APPLICATION: Prayer is the first resort, not just the last resort.
2. David prays curses over his enemy.
3. David appeals to the LORD to act.
4. Finally, David praises the LORD.

How should we understand the curses?

• We could try to understand these curses in one of the following incomplete ways:
  1. We could dismiss them as simply the product of an ancient culture that prioritized vengeance over forgiveness.
  2. We could claim that these curses are not actually coming from David but from his enemies: David is putting words in the mouths of his accusers, expressing their desire to curse him.
• Let’s look at what David is not doing:
  • He is not expressing a desire for personal retaliation.
  • He is not overreacting to personal slights and offences.
  • He is not uttering an incantation or spell in his own power.
  • He is not cursing his enemy for being different from himself.
  • He is not taking matters into his own hands.
• Let's remember the following truths:
  • There really are evil people in the world.
  • Not all sins are equal in their effects on people, but every sin is an offence against God, and therefore deserves punishment.
  • David's enemies have not just done evil, but they have returned evil for good.
  • We should hope and pray that wickedness gets punished.
  • David wasn't was God's anointed king.
  • God, not David, is the one who will carry out the punishment.
  • The apostle Peter quotes this psalm in reference to Judas Iscariot.

Applications

1. When people attack you, give yourself to prayer.
2. Remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
3. Make it your desire to see evil people repent from their sin and turn to God.
4. Is there someone in your life whom you need to bless and not curse?

Song of Response: “How Great Thou Art”

Benediction: Psalm 106:48

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