Andy Nagahara

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Do You Really Know God? (Psalm 53, 14)

0 For the director of music. According to <mahalath.> A <maskil> of David.
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.
2 God (14: The LORD) looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
3 Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
4 Will the evildoers never learn– those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on God (14: the LORD)?
5 There they were, overwhelmed with dread,

where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them.
(14: for God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge. )

6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God (14: the LORD) restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

A. God or the LORD? (The difference between 53 and 14)

B. What does it mean to know God?

1. Who are the evildoers and fools?

2. Who are the people who understand, seek God, and do good?

3. Who are God’s people? (7, 6)

Summary

“The fool” in this psalm is not referring to people who are not Jewish or Christian. Rather, the fool is a person who thinks they know God, but goes against his will. We all have the potential of being foolish in this way, but despite our flaws, Jesus calls us to be his people if we desire to follow him.

For Discussion

1) Who can claim to know God?
2) What are God’s people like?