Psalm 26

Order of Service

• Scripture Reading — Psalm 26
• Sermon
• Prayer

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Sermon Title: The Confidence to Stand Before God

Scripture: Psalm 26

I. The State of Your Heart (vv. 1–3)

A. David's bold challenge: "Vindicate me, prove me, try me" — test my inward parts

1. The word "mind" in v. 2 is literally kidneys in Hebrew — the deepest inner being
2. This is not a claim of sinless perfection but a declaration of where the heart is oriented

B. Paul in Romans 7:21–25 illustrates how a believer can pray this psalm

1. Paul's inner being delights in the law of God even while the flesh wages war against him
2. Struggle and shame over sin is itself evidence that the innermost being pants for the Lord

C. The foundation of confidence is hesed — God's steadfast love (v. 3)

1. David immerses himself in the very heart of Yahweh: his steadfast love and faithfulness
2. In the Greek Old Testament, hesed and faithfulness are rendered grace and truth — pointing to John 1:14 and the fullness of grace and truth revealed in Christ
3. Conclusion: Psalm 26 is for those who immerse themselves in the grace and truth of God seen fully in Jesus Christ

II. The Company You Keep (vv. 4–9, 12)

A. David contrasts two communities of worship

1. He refuses to sit with the false, the hypocritical, the wicked (vv. 4–5)
2. He joins the great assembly of God's people in worship and blessing (v. 12)

B. Worship imagery throughout this section

1. Washing hands (v. 6) echoes the priestly basin between the altar and the Tabernacle (Exodus 40)
2. Proclaiming thanksgiving and telling of God's wondrous deeds (v. 7) conveys a singing procession in the outer court
3. The "habitation" of v. 8 is the Tabernacle — the place of God's dwelling

C. All people are worshipers; the question is only what or whom they worship

1. The company you keep steers your heart toward either the one true God or the idols of this world
2. Psalm 26 is for those who love the assembly of God's people gathered in corporate worship

III. The Chief Aim of Your Life (vv. 8, 12)

A. David loves the place where God's glory dwells (v. 8)

1. For David this was the Tabernacle, later to become Solomon's Temple
2. His deepest longing is to be in the presence of God

B. The psalm's capstone: "I will bless the Lord" (v. 12)

1. To bless Yahweh in Old Testament usage is to glorify and praise him
2. David's chief aim is to glorify God and enjoy him forever — in the assembly of God's people

C. Conclusion: Psalm 26 belongs to every believer who

1. Rests in the grace and truth of God found fully in Christ
2. Keeps company with God's people in corporate worship
3. Has as their chief aim to glorify God and enjoy him forever