E-pistle for October 1, 2010
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation October 1, 2010
Righteousness and integrity
(Psalm 7:8)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on verse 8
"Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according
to my integrity within me," Psalm 7:8.
II. Meditation: on the spiritual quality of righteousness
1. Man's righteousness (good works) are as filthy rags in God's sight,
Isaiah 64:6.
2. Righteousness refers to being in right (just) relationship and standing
with both God and man, Matthew 22:37-40.
3. No person, outside the grace of God, is righteous, Ecclesiastes 7:20;
Romans 3:10.
4. Through faith in Christ, we become the righteousness of God in Him,
II Corinthians 5:21; Jeremiah 23:6.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual quality of integrity
1. Integrity means "whole; undivided" . . . implying sincerity, uprightness,
and honesty on the inside: "within me," v. 8.
2. Integrity is similar to "sincerity" in I Corinthians 5:8 . . . where the Greek
word (EILIKRINEIA) literally means "judged by sunlight" meaning
transparent honesty, genuine purity, manifest clarity, and unsullied innocence.
3. A person of integrity does not fear examination of his motives and actions
because he has nothing to hide . . . no secrets, no treachery, no deceit,
II Corinthians 4:1-3.
4. A righteous person continually walks in integrity and is a blessing to
succeeding generations. Proverbs 20:7.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Recognize that everything I think, say, or do is seen by the Lord . . . and
are subject to His righteousness judgment.
2. Understand that my good works are worthless to save me, but that after
salvation by God's grace, my righteous acts are the righteousness of Christ
being manifested in me and through me.
3. Live a life of integrity before God and before everyone whom I met.
4. Perceive that my influence for good (or for evil) will live long after my life on
earth is over.
When I consider . . .
(Psalm 8:1-9)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on . . .
1. God's creation of the universe, including mankind, v. 3.
2. God's revelation of Himself to mankind, v. 4.
3. Mankind's position before God, v. 5.
4. Man's dominion over God's creation, vv. 6-8.
II. Meditation: on my responses when I think of these things
1. I praise God's excellent name, vv. 1, 9.
2. I acknowledge God's surpassing glory and worth, v. 1.
3. I recognize that God's praise and strength are available to me,
as a weak and immature infant, v. 2; Matthew 21:16.
4. I understand that God's plan is to silence (destroy) the enemy and
the avenger . . . through my praise, v. 2.
III. Revelation: on man's proper response
1. Take time to enjoy the wonders of the natural world God has created.
2. Connect the marvelous creation with the glorious Creator.
3. Draw strength for growth and victory from praising God.
4. Believe that God will protect His "crown of creation" (mankind).
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Look up! Look around!
2. Know that God sees! Know that God visits!
3. Receive glory and honor! Be a faithful steward of God's creation!
4. Praise God! Expect spiritual victory through Him!
"I have learned from experience that the greater part of our
happiness or misery depends on our dispositions
and not on our circumstances."
- - Martha Washington
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