Compromise and Joy

Speaker: Pastor Nathan Miller

Scriptures: Psalm 4 | Ephesians 4:26 | James 4:8-10 | John 15: 10-11

Scholars believe that Psalms 3 and 4 were written during Absalom’s rebellion.  

Psalm 4 features two distinct parties–Angry, lying men who were bringing shame on the psalmist, full of empty words and flattery, but who were not offering right sacrifices, and the Psalmist, likely David, who has peace with God.

Psalm 4 isn’t about unbelieving pagans; it is about a group who stand in the church but compromise, backslide, and dishonor God.

Verse 6 has two phrases. Some scholars believe the first phrase refers to the group of angry, lying men, and the second to the psalmist, but throughout this psalm, plural forms are used for the group of men and singular forms for the psalmist. Nathan agrees with the ESV translation that the two phrases are both statements from the angry, lying men…selfishly looking for God to show them some good.

Verse 7 is key. The psalmist rejoices that God has put more joy in his heart than all the food (grain) and enjoyment (wine) enjoyed by the angry, lying men. The joy of the Lord can overcome our temptation to compromise with sin. The desire for that joy can help us obey and reject the easy way of compromise. Revelation reminds us not to indulge the flesh. We need to especially avoid encouraging compromise in others by affirming their desires to disobey the Lord (for example, same sex attraction, exploring New Age or other religious practices.

We need to stand up for truth and obedience with a humble spirit. Joy can only come from walking with the Lord, not from just talking about walking with the Lord. God wants joy for you. Don’t miss it–ask God for it!