Psalms 15:1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy

hill? (KJV)

Psalms 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh

the truth in his heart. (KJV)

Psalms 15:3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his

neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. (KJV)

Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that

fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

Psalms 15:5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward

against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be

moved. (KJV)

PSALM 15 HAS BEEN CALLED A FLAWLESS GEM OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS. LAST WEEK WE

BEGAN TO LOOK AT THIS PSALM AS A PORTRAIT OF AN HONORABLE MAN. VERSE ONE SPEAKS

TO US ABOUT A PERSON WHO IS SEEKING A COVENANT RELATIONSHIP OF INTIMACY WITH

GOD. WHO MAY DWELL IN THE SNCTUARY OF GOD'S PRESENCE, WHO MAY CONDUCT HIS LIFE

ON A DAILY BASIS AND COMMUNE WITH A HOLY GOD--THIS IS THE HONORABLE MAN.

THIS IS THE MAN THAT IS ETHICALLY AND MORALLY RIGHT IN ALL HE THINKS, SPEAKS AND

DOES. THIS MORNING WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO MAKE SOME COMMENTS ON THE POR-

TRAIT OF AN HONORABLE MAN.

Deut 30:20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his

voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and

the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the

LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to

give them. (KJV)

CLEAVE: Strong's # 1692 dabaq (daw-bak'); LIT. TWO METALS MELTED TOGETHER AS

ONE--IT SPEAK OF THE CLOSEST UNION--BEING KNIT OR JOINED TO-

GETHER.

a primitive root; properly, to impinge, i.e. cling or adhere;

figuratively, to catch by pursuit:

KJV-- abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard

after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue

hard, stick, take. (DIC)

THIS MAN OF PSALM 15 IS A PICTURE OF A MATURE BELIEVER WHO IS LIVING IN

COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. THE COHESIVE AND BINDING FORCE OF THIS COVENANT

RELATIONSHIP IS HONOR AND THE PREMISE UPON WHICH THIS COVENANT IS ESTABLISHED IS

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. JUST LIKE JOHNATHAN AND DAVID OF OLD, THEIR HEARTS WERE

KNIT TOGETHER AS ONE. THAT SPEAKS OF A DEEP UNION, ATTACHMENT AND BOND THAT IS

NOT BASED ON NEED BUT ON GIVING. THESE TWO MEN DID NOT ENTER INTO BLOOD COVEN-

ANT BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY COULD GET FROM ONE ANOTHER BUT BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY

COULD GIVE TO ONE ANOTHER.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to

God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that

diligently seek him. (KJV)

THE HONORABLE MAN AND THE MATURE CHRISTIAN IS THE ONE WHO

USES HIS FAITH TO PLEASE GOD AND NOT HIMSELF. THE HONORABLE AND MATURE BELIEVER

IS ONE WHO EXERCISES HIS FAITH IN OEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF GOD--RENDERING SERVICE

HOMAGE, WORSHIP AND DEVOTION TO GOD.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt

believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou

shalt be saved. (KJV)

Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the

mouth confession is made unto salvation. (KJV)

WHEN WE FIRST COME TO CHRIST WE GENERALLY COME TO HIM ON THE BASIS OF OUR

OUR NEEDS. FIRST OF ALL WE NEED TO REPENT OF SIN & CONFESS TO GOD THAT WE ARE

A SINNER AND REPENT OF OUR PAST SINS. THEN WE NEED TO INVITE CRHIST TO COME

INTO OUR HEARTS AND ESTABLISH IT AS A PLACE WHERE HE IS WELCOME TO LIVE AND CON-

DUCT HIS LIFE FROM WITHIN US. THIS SPEAKS TO US ABOUT OUR INITIAL SPIRITUAL

NEEDS BEING MET OR WHAT THE BIBLE CALLS BEING BORN AGAIN OR REGENERATION.

THE NEXT STAGE OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS LIKE A WONDERFUL, GLORIOUS, AND

BEAUTIFUL SPIRITUAL BUBBLE. IT IS DURING THIS PERIOD THAT WE LEARN BEYOND A

SHADOW OF A DOUBT THAT WE HAVE A VERY LOVING, CARING AND FAITHFUL HEAVENLY

FATHER WHO BOTH WILLINGLY AND VERY QUICKLY MEETS ALL OF OUR NEEDS ACCORDING TO

HIS RICHES IN GLORY. DURING THIS STAGE OF GROWTH WE DON'T NEED EXERCISE VERY

MUCH FAITH TO RECEIVE FROM GOD. HE WANTS TO REVEAL HIMSELF TO US IN AS THE GOD

OF ALL FLESH IN WHOM THERE IS NOTHING TO HARD TO DO. WE SEE AND EXPERIENCE

SIGNS, WONDERS AND MIRACLES AS GOD REVEALS TO US HIS AWESOME POWER AND HIS

FAITHFULNESS. DURING THIS STAGE OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY WE LEARN THAT GOD IS ABLE

TO KEEP US. PROTECT US AND TO NOURISH US. WE EXPERIENCE A WONDERFUL SOURCE BY

WHICH OUR NEEDS CAN BE QUICKLY AND EASILY MET. NOW HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW THAT

GOD DOESN'T LEAVE US HERE BUT HE LEADS US ON TO THE NEXT STAGE OF SPIRITUAL MAT-

URITY SO THAT WE CAN GROW IN OUR COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?

Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand

doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the

breasts. (KJV)

1 Sam 1:20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah

had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel,

saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD. (KJV)

1Sam 1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD

the yearly sacrifice, and his vow. (KJV)

1Sam 1:22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go

up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may

appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever. (KJV)

1Sam 1:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good;

tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So

the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him. (KJV)

1Sam 1:24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three

bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought

him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.

THE NEXT STAGE OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS CALLED THE WEANING PROCESS. HANNA

HAD BEEN BARREN FOR ALONG TIME AND WHEN SHE HAD PRAYED IN THE TEMPLE FOR A MAN

CHILD SHE MADE A VOW TO LEND HIM TO THE LORD FOREVER. AFTER THE CHILD WAS BORN

SHE ATTENDED TO HIS EVERY NEED BUT SHE KNEW THAT THIS CHILD HAD A DESTINY AND

PURPOSE AND THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO SURRENDER HIM TO THE LORD FOR FURTHER TRAIN-

ING AND NURTURING. HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW THAT THIS WEANING PROCESS IS A DIF-

FICULT PERIOD FOR BOTH THE MOTHER AND THE CHILD. THE MOTHER LONGS TO PROVIDE

THE WARMTH, PROTECTION, SECURITY AND NOURISHMENT OF BREAST FEEDING HER BABY, BUT

SHE ALSO KNOWS THAT SHE DOESN'T WANT TO HAVE A 30 YEAR OLD BABY THAT NEVER GROWS

UP AND ACCEPTS RESPOSIBILITY AND LEARNS TO GIVE AND SERVE OTHERS, SO SHE WEANS

HIM FROM HER BREASTS. DURING THIS NEXT STAGE OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH OUR HEAVENLY

FATHER WEANS US FROM THIS WONDERFUL BUBBLE OF SPIRITUAL BLISS. IT DOESN'T MEAN

THAT HE STOPS LOVING US. IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT HE STOPS PROVIDING FOR ALL OF OUR

SPIRITUAL, PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS.

Deut 2:7 For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he

knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years

the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing. (KJV)

Deut 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee

these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee,

to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his

commandments, or no. (KJV)

Deut 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with

manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he

might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every

word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. (KJV)

Deut 8:4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these

forty years. (KJV)

Deut 8:5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his

son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. (KJV)

Deut 8:6 Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk

in his ways, and to fear him. (KJV)

Deut 8:7 For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks

of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

Deut 8:8 A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and

pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; (KJV)

Deut 8:9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not

lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose

hills thou mayest dig brass. (KJV)

Deut 8:10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy

God for the good land which he hath given thee. (KJV)

IT IS OFTEN DISCOURAGING TO SEE HOW PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HEALED, BLESSED, AND

PROSPERED IN EVERY AREA OF THEIR LIVES WHO DON'T STICK AROUND WHEN THE WEANING

PROCESS BEGINS. THIS WEANING PROCESS BRINGS US INTO A POSTION OF CHRISTIAN MAT-

URITY WHERE WE ARE NO LONGER INTERESTED IN JUST HAVING OUR NEEDS MET. IT IS A

PROCESS OF DEATH TO ALL SIN AND SELFISHNESS THAT RESULT IN THE DEVELOPEMENT OF

CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. IT MUST BE STATED THAT MIRACLES DON'T PRODUCE CHARACTER!

ALTHOUGH WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES, AND EXPECT THEM, AND OFTEN SEE THEM, MIRACLES

BY THEMSELVES WILL NEVER MAKE US STRONG IN THE LORD AND HONORABLE IN CHRISTIAN

VIRTUE. THESE MIRACLE GROOPIES ARE FLAKY BELIEVERS WHO DON'T PAY THEIR BILLS,

THEY DON'T MAINAIN A HOME AND PURSUE RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR CHILDREN AND

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST. THEY ARE CARNAL, UNDISCIPLINED, FULL OF

ADDICTIONS, AND HELD IN BONDAGE, BECAUSE A MIRACLE DOESN'T PRODUCE GODLY CHARAC-

TER.

GOD IS IN THE PROCESS OF BUILDING CHRISTIANS WHO WILL LIVE THEIR LIVES IN AN

HONORABLE AND UPRIGHT WAY IN EVERYTHING THEY SAY, DO AND THINK. HERE'S WHAT THE

APOSTLE PAUL HAD TO SAY ABOUT THIS GROWTH OF SPIRITUAL HONOR IN THE BELIEVERS

LIFE:

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;

and some, pastors and teachers; (KJV)

Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the

edifying of the body of Christ: (KJV)

Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the

Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the

fulness of Christ: (KJV)

Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried

about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning

craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (KJV)

Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ: (KJV)

Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that

which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the

measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of

itself in love. (KJV)

Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk

not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, (KJV)

Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God

through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of

their heart: (KJV)

Eph 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,

to work all uncleanness with greediness. (KJV)

Eph 4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ; (KJV)

Eph 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the

truth is in Jesus: (KJV)

Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which

is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (KJV)

Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (KJV)

Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in

righteousness and true holiness. (KJV)

Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:

for we are members one of another. (KJV)

Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil. (KJV)

Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working

with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him

that needeth. (KJV)

Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which

is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the

hearers. (KJV)

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the

day of redemption. (KJV)

Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil

speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (KJV)

Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (KJV)

Eph 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (KJV)

Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself

for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Eph 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be

once named among you, as becometh saints; (KJV)

Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not

convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (KJV)

Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous

man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ

and of God. (KJV)

Eph 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things

cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (KJV)

Eph 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (KJV)

Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk

as children of light: (KJV)

Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and

truth;) (KJV)

Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. (KJV)

MIRACLES ARE JUST THE STARTING PLACE WHERE JESUS GETS OUR ATTENTION, BUT IF

YOU DON'T GO BEYOND THAT, YOU ARE FINISHED. YOU WON'T FULFILL YOUR DESTINY LIKE

HANNAH'S CHILD, SAMUEL WHO WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST PROPHETS IN ISRAEL. YOU

WON'T FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE AND CALLING TO BE AN OVERCOMING. YOU WILL MAKE IT TO

HEAVEN--BUT THAT IS NOT YOUR DESTINY IN CHRIST.

Psalms 4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me

when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

ENLARGED: Strong's # 7337 rachab (raw-khab');

a primitive root; to broaden (intransitive or transitive,

literal or figurative):

KJV-- be an en- make) large (-ing), make room, make (open) wide.

(DIC)

DISTRESS: Strong's # 6862 tsar (tsar);

or tsar (tsawr); from 6887; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place

(usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble (as in

6864); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding):

KJV-- adversary, afflicted (-tion), anguish, close, distress,

enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation,

trouble. (DIC)

HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW THAT THIS WEANING PROCESS CAN BE VERY DISTRESSING FOR

BOTH THE MOTHER AND THE CHILD. WHAT THE LORD IS SAYING TO US IN PSA.4:1 IS THAT

WHEN WE PASS THROUGH DISTRESSING SITUATIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES WE WILL BE EN-

LARGED. THIS HEB. WD. FOR ENLARGED IS RACHAB AND IT SIMPLY MEANS TO MAKE BIGGER

AND IN THE CONNECTION WITH WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IT MEANS TO GROW UP AND TO

MATURE IN CHRIST. WHEN IT SEEMS THAT GOD IS SLOW TO ANSWER YOUR PRAYER OR WHEN

THERE IS AN ABSCENES OF MIRACLES TO DELIVER YOU OUT OF YOUR ADVERSITIES IT MAY

BE AN INDICATION THAT GOD IS WANTING TO STRETCH YOUR FAITH--ENLARGE YOUR ABILITY

TO TRUST IN HIM WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND NOT TO LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING

AND TO BUILD WITHIN YOU THAT CHARACTER OF AN HONOR, FAITHFULNESS AND LOYALALTY

TO CHRIST IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITIES. THIS STAGE OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS WHERE

WE LEARN TO RELATE TO GOD AND HIS PEOPLE NOT ON THE BASIS OF WHAT THEY CAN DO

FOR US BUT FOR WHAT WE CAN DO FOR THEM. IF THE ONLY REASON WHY YOU ARE A

CHRISTIAN IS TO HAVE YOUR NEEDS MET YOU WILL NOT GO VERY FAR IN THE PURPOSES OF

GOD. GOD IS TRYING TO BRING US TO A PLACE WHERE WE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE HIM

INSPITE OF OUR DIFFICULTIES, OUR BROKEN DREAMS AND PRESENT ADVERSITIES--HE IS

TRYING TO TEACH US TO BE FAITHFUL, LOYAL AND DEPENDABLE UNTO THE END.

2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who

shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,

exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (KJV)

2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but

after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having

itching ears; (KJV)

2 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be

turned unto fables. (KJV)

2 Tim 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an

evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (KJV)

2 Tim 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at

hand. (KJV)

2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the

faith: (KJV)

2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the

Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me

only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (KJV)

THE HONORABLE MAN IS THE PERSON WHO LIVES WITH A SINGULARITY OF VISION AND

PURPOSE. PAUL SAID FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN. THERE WAS ONE

CENTRAL PURPOSE THAT INSPIRED PAUL TO PRESS TOWARDS THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF

THE HIGH CALLING IN CHRIST INSPITE OF BEING BEATEN WITH RODS, STONED 3 TIMES,

SHIPWRECKED, IN JOURNEYINGS OFTEN, IN PERILS OF WATERS, IN PERILS OF ROBBERS, IN

PERILS IN THE WILDRENESS AND IN PERILS OF FALSE BRETHREN. THIS MAN DID NOT HAVE

AN EASY LIFE. HIS MINISTRY WAS NOT CHARACTERIZED BY HIS BEING IN A BUBBLE OF

PROTECTION FROM THESE ADVERSITIES BUT HE WAS FOUND STANDING IN FAITH, FINISHING

THE RACE AND LIVING EVERY BREATH OF HIS LIVE TO BRING HONOR AND GLORY TO GOD,

BEING CRUCIFIED UP SIDE DOWN FOR THE CONFESSION OF HIS FAITH IN CHRIST. HOW

MANY OF YOU WANT TO PURSUE A DESTINY LIKE THE APOSTLE PAUL. PERHAPS WE SHOULD

SIT DOWN AND COUNT THE COST OR ELSE WHEN THE BUBBLE IS POPPED & THE WEANING PRO-

CESS BEGINS WE FALL BY THE WAYSIDE OF RESENTMENT, BITTERNESS, ANGER, PRIDE AND

UNFORGIVENES. IF WE ARE GOING TO LIVE AN HONORABLE LIFE IN COVENANT RELATIONSHI

WITH GOD THEN WE MUST CONDUCT OUR LIVES IS SUCH A WAY THAT WE ARE ALWAYS CONC-

SICENCE OF HIS WATCHFUL EYE--AND EVERYTHING WE SAY OR DO IS UNTO THE LORD AND

NOT A MENPLEASERS. THE HONORABLE MAN IS A MAN OF VIRTUE AND CHARACTER. SOME-

ONE ONCE DEFINED CHARACTER AS THE ONE WHO DOES WHAT IS RIGHT REGARDLESS OF

WHETHER ANYBODY SEES HIM OR NOT--THAT IS HONOR--THAT IS LIVING YOUR LIFE WITH

A SINGLENESS OF VISION AS UNTO CHRIST AND NOT UNTO A MAN, A CHURCH, A PASTOR OR

A DENOMINATION.

2 Pet 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that

pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that

hath called us to glory and virtue: (KJV)

2 Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that

by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped

the corruption that is in the world through lust. (KJV)

2 Pet 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and

to virtue knowledge; (KJV)

2 Pet 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to

patience godliness; (KJV)

2 Pet 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness

charity. (KJV)

2 Pet 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall

neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus

Christ. (KJV)

2 Pet 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off,

and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (KJV)

2 Pet 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling

and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

2 Pet 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the

everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (KJV)

2 Pet 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of

these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present

truth. (KJV)

LET'S REVIEW THIS HONORABLE MAN OF PSALM 15. THERE WERE THREE MAJOR AREAS

IN VERSE

Psalms 15:1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy

hill? (WHO IS THE PERSON WHO IS LIVING IN RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH

GOD?)

Psalms 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh

the truth in his heart. (KJV)

1. FIRST OF ALL WE SEE THIS HONORABLE MAN OF PSALM 15 AS ONE WHO WALKS UPRIGHTLY

UPRIGHTLY: THE UPRIGHT MAN IS A MAN OF INTEGRITY, A MAN OF UNDIVIDED HEART,

SERVING ONLY ONE MASTER--CHRIST. HIS ONE PURPOSE IS TO SEEK

FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. THERE IS NO

OTHER SEEKING, NO HIDDEN AGENDA OF SELFISHNESS.

WHENEVER THE SCRIPTURE SPEAKS ABOUT OUR WALK IT IS MAKING REFERENCE TO OUR

DAILY LIVES OR THE ROUTINE OF EVERY DAY LIVING. HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW THAT IT

IS EASY TO BECOME BORED WITH OUR EVERY DAY ROUTINE AND TO BECOME A LITTLE LAX-

IDAZICAL ABOUT IT. THIS MAN'S WALK IS BASED ON INTEGRITY AND HONOR AND HE

DOESN'T ALLOW THE EVERY DAY RESPONSIBILITIES TO BE IGNORED BUT MAINTAINS THEM

IN UNWAVERING FAITHFULNESS AS UNTO THE LORD.

2. SECONDLY, WE SEE THIS HONORABLE MAN OF PSALM 15 AS ONE WHO WORKS RIGHTEOUS-

NESS. RIGHTEOUSNESS CAN BE DEFINED AS OBEDIENCE TO DIVINE AND HUMAN LAW AND

SUCH AS ONE OUGHT TO BE. IN OTHER WORDS IT CAN BE DEFINED AS OUR DOING WHAT

IS RIGHT.

3. AND FINALLY THIS HONORABLE MAN OF PSALM 15 ONLY SPOKE THE TRUTH FROM AN HON-

EST HEART. THIS SPEAKS ABOUT THE INTEGRITY AND HONOR OF OUR WORDS. JAMES

TELLS US THAT IF ANY MAN OFFEND NOT IN WORD THE SAME IS A PERFECT MAN.

Psalms 15:3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his

neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. (KJV)

THE HONORABLE MAN DOES NOT SEEK TO INJURE OTHERS:

1. BY HIS WORDS

2. BY HIS DEEDS

3. BY LISTENING TO OR PROPAGATING SLANDER

BACKBITE: LIT. MEANS TO CENSURE; SLANDER; REPROACH OR TO SPEAK EVIL OF. THE

HRB. RAGAL--A VERB FORMED FROM THE WORD FOOT MEANS PROPERLY TO FOOT IT

OR TO GO ABOUT TALKING BEHIND SOMEONES BACK. AN HONORABLE MAN WILL

NOT CIRRCULATE EVIL REPORTS IN REGARDS TO OTHERS.

1. AN HONORABLE PERSON WILL NOT TAKE UP A REPROACH--HE WILL NOT LISTEN

TO ANY GOSSIP OR FORM AN OPINIONS BASED ON WHAT HE HEARD. THE IDEA

IS THAT OF TAKING UP OR RECEIVING AS TRUE OR READILY GIVING CREDIT

TO IT. THE HONORABLE MAN IS SLOW TO BELIEVE EVIL OF ANOTHER--HE DOES

TO LOOK UPON AN EVIL REPORT WITH A SENSE OF PLEASURE OR SATISFACTION.

AN HONORABLE MAN WILL NOT TAKE DELIGHT IN GOSSIP AND SLANDEROUS RE-

PORTS OF OTHERS WHO FOUNMD PLEASURE IN THE ALLEGED FAILINGS OR ERRORS

OF HIS NEIGHBOR; HE WILL NOT GLADLY LISTEN TO EVEN THE FIRST INTIMA-

TIONS OF GOSSIP BUT WILL STOP IT IN ITS BEGINNING STAGES.

AN HONORABLE PERSON IS ONE WHO DEALS FAIRLY, JUSTLY AND HONESTLY WITH OTHERS:

Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that

fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

1. AN HONORABLE MAN WILL NOT SHOW RESPECT TO THE WICKED AND WILL NOT BE

ENVIOUS OF THE EVIL DOER AND HIS PRACTICES EVEN IF THE RESULT APPEAR TO

BE GOOD. HE WILL, HOWEVER, HONOR ALL WHO FEAR THE LORD WHETHER THEY BE

GREAT OR SMALL, REGARDLESS OF THEIR RANK OR CONDITION OF LIFE.

2. THE HONORABLE MAN IS THE ONE WHO HAS MADE A PROMISE OR ENTERED INTO A

CONTRACT THAT IS LIKELY TO TURN OUT CONTRARY TO HIS EXPECTATIONS AND TO

HIS OWN DISADVANTAGE, BUT STILL ADHERES TO HIS AGREEMENT. THE HONORABLE

MAN WILL KEEP HIS WORD--EVEN IF IT COSTS HIMSELF LOSS OR HURT.

Psalms 15:5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward

against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be

moved. (KJV)

THE WORD USURY LIT. MEANS LEGAL INTREST OR A PREMIUM FOR THE USE OF BOR-

ROWED MONEY. THE LAW OF THE HEBREWS WOULD NOT ALLOW THEM TO CHARGE IN-

TEREST TO THE POOR AND EXPECIALLY TO POOR ISRAELITES.

Lev 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with

thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a

stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. (KJV)

Lev 25:36 Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy

brother may live with thee. (KJV)

Lev 25:37 Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy

victuals for increase. (KJV)

THE ISRAELITES COULD LEND THEIR MONEY WITH INTEREST TO STRANGERS AND

FORIENGERS BUT THE COULD NOT DO SO AMONGST THEMSELVES BECAUSE THEY

WERE CONSIDERED TO BE A NATION OF BRETHREN OR BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

AND BECAUSE OF THAT THEY SHOULD BE WILLING TO COME TO THE AID OF EACH

OTHER--LIKE A FORM OF BODY MINISTRY.

Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

(KJV)

HOSPITALITY: Strong's # 5381 philonexia (fil-on-ex-ee'-ah); philo-family

love; from 5382; hospitableness:

KJV-- entertain stranger, hospitality. (DIC)

THIS HONORABLE MAN IS A GIVING MAN--HE LENDS HIS MONEY TO THOSE IN NEED.

THIS SPEAKS TO ME ABOUT A PERSON WHO IS WALKING IN GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE,

ACCEPTANCE AND FORGIVENESS TOWARDS OTHERS REGARDLESS OF THEIR STATUS, THEIR POS-

ITION IN LIFE OR IN THE CHURCH. THEY LEND THEIR MONEY--THEY ARE GIVERS--THEY

ARE MINISTERS TO OTHERS.

Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them

likewise. (KJV)

Luke 6:32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners

also love those that love them. (KJV)

Luke 6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye?

for sinners also do even the same. (KJV)

Luke 6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye?

for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. (KJV)

Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing

again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of

the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. (KJV)

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not

be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (KJV)

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and

shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For

with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you

again. (KJV)

A BASIC DEFINITION OF HONOR IS NOTED IN VERSE 31--AS YOU WOULD THAT MEN

SHOULD DO UNTO YOU, DO ALSO UNTO THEM. THIS HONORABLE MAN IS SEEN IN

ROMANS:

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour

preferring one another; (KJV)

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in

prayer; (KJV)

Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

THIS HONORABLE MAN OF PSA.15 WHO LENDS HIS MANY WITHOUT INTEREST HAS LEARN-

ED THE PRINCIPLE OF GIVING THAT JESUS TAUGHT TO HIS DISCIPLES, "FREELY YOU HAVE

RECEIVE FREELY GIVE." THE HONORABLE MAN IS A MAN OF HOSPITALITY:

Matt 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels

with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (KJV)

Matt 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate

them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the

goats: (KJV)

Matt 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the

left. (KJV)

Matt 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed

of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the

foundation of the world: (KJV)

Matt 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave

me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: (KJV)

Matt 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in

prison, and ye came unto me. (KJV)

Matt 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee

an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? (KJV)

Matt 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed

thee? (KJV)

Matt 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? (KJV)

Matt 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you,

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my

brethren, ye have done it unto me. (KJV)

THE HONORABLE MAN OF HOSPITALITY IS NOT A RESPECTER OF PERSONS BUT HE SHOWS

HIS HOSPITALITY TO ALL MEN. HE SHOWS HIS HOSPITALITY TO THE LEAST:

A. FRIENDLY

B. LIKEABLE

C. WELL DRESSED

E. GOOD LOOKING

F. FUN TO BE AROUND

G. POLITE AND GOOD MANNERED

H. OPTIMISTIC

JESUS WAS ACCUSED OF HANGING AROUND THE PUBLICAN AND THE SINNERS AND HE

TOLD HIS ACCUSERS THAT THOSE WHO ARE WHOLE DO NOT NEED A PHYSCIAN BUT FOR THOSE

WHO ARE SICK. IF WE ONLY SHOW OUR HOSPITALITY TO PEOPLE WE LIKE OR PEOPLE WHO

CAN GIVE BACK TO US THEN WE DON'T HAVE MUCH CHARACTER AND HONOR AND KNOW VERY

LITTLE ABOUT MINISTERING TO OTHERS. I SPOKE TO A PERSON IN OUR CHURCH LAST WEEK

WHO WAS SO HAPPY BECAUSE THEY WERE INVITED TO THE SINGLES GROUP. ANOTHER PERSON

SPOKE TO ME LAST WEEK AND SAID THAT THEY HAD BEEN IN OUR CHURCH FOR A YEAR AND

A HALF AND NOT ONE PERSON HAD ANY CONTACT WITH THEM AFTER THE SERVICE. WE HAVE

TO ASK OURSELVES, ARE WE A FRIENDLY, HOSPITALBLE CHURCH LIVING IN HONOR PREFER-

ING ONE ANOTHER WITHOUT RESPECT OF PERSONS. I AM AWARE OF THE FACT THAT WE HAVE

A NUMBER OF LITTLE CLICHES THAT INTER-REACT WITH ONE ANOTHER BUT ARE EXCLUSIVE

FROM THE REST OF THE BODY. THIS IS NOT AN HONORABLE THING, ITS CARNAL, ITS

SELFISH AND ITS DIVISIVE AND WE NEED TO CORRECT IT IF WE ARE GOING TO BECOME A

GROWING, HONORABLE CHURCH BEFORE THE LORD.

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed

to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many

brethren. (KJV)

Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he

called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also

glorified. (KJV)

GOD IS CALLING US TO A WALK OF HONOR. HE IS WEANING US FROM OUR SELFISH-

NESS AND WORLDLINESS AND TRYING TO BUILD CHRIST'S CHARACTER INTO US. WE CAN

EITHER LIVE IN DENIAL AND RESIST WHAT GOD IS DOING OR WE CAN ACCEPT THE PAINFUL

TRUTH ABOUT OURSELVES AND DECIDE TO CHANGE AND GROW UP IN CHRIST. WE HAVE TO

CHOOSE THIS DAY WHO WE ARE GOING TO SERVE, EITHER SELF, OR CHRIST!