Mark the Righteous Man Psalm 37:37
Background Psalm 37 (acrostic) discusses the security of the righteous and the insecurity of the wicked The wicked are successful, but one day they will have their judgment from God (vv. 35-38) “Mark the righteous man” (v.37). Watch carefully! What can we learn from this statement?
Who will we look at? We have to decide who we will look to for our example in life; for our standard of character Who is your hero, your role-model? The media Hollywood celebrities Friends and family Scholars and authorities
Who will we look at? We must not look to the wicked for our example of character… Don’t be envious of them (v.1; Prov. 24:19) Don’t desire their fortune (v. 16; Prov. 15:16) Don’t join them (v. 27; Prov. 1:10)
Mark the Righteous Who are the righteous? Not the self-righteous (Lk. 18:9) Not human righteousness (Rom. 10:3) Righteous by obeying God’s standard of righteousness (v. 31; Acts 11:35; Rom. 1:16-17; 6:16-18; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 11:4)
Mark the Righteous The righteous Godhead (1 Pet. 1:16) The righteous Bible character (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 4:8-9) The righteous NT church (Acts 2-12) The righteous Christian today (Phil. 2:15; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22; Tit. 2:11-12)
Mark the Righteous You can be righteous (1 Jn. 2:29; 3:7)! Don’t leave your righteous way (2 Pet. 2:21)! The righteous go to heaven (Mt. 25:46)!