GOD’S HOLY

PRESENCEThe question of approaching

God in Psalm 15

Psalm 15 starts with a very important question: Who can approach God’s holy presence?

TAB: Panginoon, sinong makapanunuluyan sa iyong tabernakulo? Sinong tatahan sa iyong banal na bundok?

Seems to be connected to the previous psalm (14), which talks about everyone being evil or vile in their hearts.

The Question “who” is not about identity (like race, lineage, age, etc), but about character.

That is, “what kind” of person may enjoy fellowship with God? This is a “wisdom” psalm which highlights godly living.

OUTLINE OF PSALM 15

The Question (v 1)The Response (vv 2-5a)The Promise (v 5b)

THE RESPONSE (VERSES 2-5) Walking… Doing… Speaking…

Not separate things, but describe the entire life of a person (righteousness and holiness).

Then the psalmist gives examples to explain himself (vv 3-5b)

TO DO WHAT IS RIGHTEOUS…

The psalmist defines righteousness through relationships. Holiness is about how we live among people.

Note that all the examples have to do with relationships: HOW we treat people.

So to God, our righteousness to God is also about treating people right.

THE EXAMPLES… v. 3 “don't spread gossip; they treat others

fairly and don't say cruel things.” (CEV) V. 4 “whose eyes a vile person is despised,

but who honors those who fear the LORD” (ESV)

keeps his oath even when it hurts (NIV) V. 5 “who does not put out his money at

interest” (ESV, see Deut 23:19 on usury) “cannot be bribed to testify against the

innocent” (GNB) NOTE: All the examples are already

mentioned in Exodus – Deuteronomy.

KUMUSTA RELATIONSHIPS MO? GOD Spouse (if married) Family Church mates, small group Discipling partners (church) Boyfriend/girlfriend Co-workers Relatives

REFLECTION: RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HOLINESS ARE ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS!

Am I conscious of how I treat people? Do I separate being right before God and

being right before people? Do I treat people like they deserve? How often do I evangelize (connect people

to God)?

Where does holiness start? Being SECURE in God.

THE PROMISE (PSALM 15:5)

Those who do these things will always stand firm. (CEV)

Whoever does these things will always be secure. (GNB)

Let’s be righteous in our relationships!

Let’s be holy before God, because

HE is HOLY.