InstaStudy

The Sovereign God: Our Righteousness, Deliverer, and Hearer of Prayer

This study explores Psalm 4:1-3, revealing the singular majesty of God as our source of righteousness and relief, the importance of honoring His glory, and the assurance that He sets apart His people and hears their prayers.

1. The One God: Our Righteousness and Relief

1.1 God as the Sole Source of Righteousness

Verses: Psalm 4:1; Isaiah 45:22-23; Romans 3:21-22
  • Righteousness originates solely from God, not human effort or multiple divine persons.
  • He is the "God of my righteousness," indicating a personal and singular relationship.
  • This righteousness is revealed through faith in Him, manifested in Jesus Christ.

1.2 God Our Deliverer in Distress

Verses: Psalm 4:1; Psalm 18:6; Philippians 4:6-7
  • In times of trouble, God alone provides relief and comfort.
  • He has "enlarged" or "relieved" us, demonstrating His singular power to intervene.
  • We are encouraged to bring all our burdens to Him in prayer.

1.3 Direct Prayer to the One God

Verses: Psalm 4:1; Matthew 6:9; John 14:13-14
  • Prayer is a direct appeal to the one, all-powerful God.
  • He is merciful and attentive to the cries of His people.
  • We pray to Him in the name of Jesus, through whom He has revealed Himself.

2. Upholding God's Singular Glory

2.1 The Indivisible Glory of God

Verses: Psalm 4:2; Isaiah 42:8; John 17:1
  • God's glory is unique and cannot be shared or diminished by others.
  • To turn His glory to shame is to deny His singular majesty and power.
  • Jesus glorified the Father, revealing the one God in human form.

2.2 Rejecting Worthlessness and Falsehood

Verses: Psalm 4:2; Jeremiah 2:13; 1 John 2:15-16
  • The world often seeks after empty things and deceptive ideologies.
  • These pursuits are contrasted with the eternal truth and glory of God.
  • We must guard against anything that detracts from the worship of the one true God.

2.3 The Folly of Divided Allegiance

Verses: Psalm 4:2; 1 Kings 18:21; Matthew 6:24
  • It is impossible to serve both God and worldly idols or false doctrines.
  • Divided loyalty dishonors God's singular claim on our lives.
  • Our devotion must be exclusively to the one God.

3. God's People: Set Apart and Heard

3.1 God's Divine Selection and Setting Apart

Verses: Psalm 4:3; Deuteronomy 7:6; 1 Peter 2:9
  • God Himself chooses and sets apart those who are godly for His purposes.
  • This separation is an act of His sovereign will and grace.
  • His people are a peculiar treasure, called out of darkness into His marvelous light.

3.2 The Characteristics of the Godly

Verses: Psalm 4:3; Titus 2:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:19
  • Godliness involves living a life dedicated to Him, marked by holiness and truth.
  • It is a result of His Spirit working within us, transforming our character.
  • Those set apart demonstrate their devotion through obedience and faith.

3.3 Assurance of God's Hearing

Verses: Psalm 4:3; 1 John 5:14-15; James 5:16
  • The godly have the confidence that God hears their prayers.
  • His ear is always open to those who walk uprightly before Him.
  • This assurance strengthens our faith and encourages persistent prayer.