Exodus: Bondage, Deliverance, and Passover: The Superiority of Christ

Are You Special?

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Old Testament Studies

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2008-08-16

Synopsis: John Weaver examines Psalm 4:3 to show that God sets apart the godly for Himself, granting them special favor, access, and protection. He argues that God does not treat everyone alike, as evidenced by Scripture and experience, and that the phrase 'God is no respecter of persons' means God is not swayed by human merit or demerit, not that He treats all identically. The godly are defined not as sinless but as those who strive to obey God's Word, repent of sin, and please Him. Weaver calls believers to pursue godliness to experience God's special treatment.

[John Weaver] I want you to open your Bibles, if you would please, to Psalm 4. Psalm 4 is a very short psalm, so I want to read all eight verses. I'm not going to be dealing with all eight verses tonight, but since it is so short, let's read them all. Psalm 4, beginning with verse 1. Psalm 4, verse 1. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness.

[John Weaver] Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love vanity, and seek after leasing? But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not.

[John Weaver] Commune with your own heart upon your own bed, and be still." I hope each one of you know that the word Sela actually means pause, stop, and think about what has been said. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say, who will show us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety."

[John Weaver] I want to bring a message tonight which I've just entitled, Are You Special? I suppose in reality that each of us want to be treated in a special way. In fact, we like to be counted as special individuals. None of us want to be treated as common, everyday, ordinary individuals. In fact, if you and I were really honest, we would probably state that we really like what is known as the VIP treatment, very important person. In fact, there are a lot of people that will go to very expensive resorts just so they may be treated royally. They pay an arm and a leg to get to these resorts just so they can be pampered and waited on hand and foot.

[John Weaver] But according to their interpretation, their perception, it's worth all of it because they're treated as kings and queens. Some years ago, I had a pastor friend and his wife called Alice and I, and they had been given three or four days down in the Bahamas at one of the The resort's there, and they invited Alice Nye to go. Since everything was paid for except the plane tickets, we went with them.

[John Weaver] The resort was the Atlantis, which was mind-boggling and eye-boggling when you see it. And the beaches were beautiful. The pools were beautiful. Fish swimming everywhere. And here was this huge arch. Going from one building to the next, and of course, water was unwritten. Here was the view of the ocean out there. And of course, I did not go in there, but we were told that that portion, which was probably from here to the other church across the street, rented for $25,000 a night.

[John Weaver] Now you understand why I didn't even want to look at it. But there were people who would pay $25,000 a night just simply to be pampered and treated as royalty. Now, I said all that just to ask you this question. How would you like, instead of being the teacher's pet, to be the pet of the sovereign God of heaven and earth? How would you like to be treated special by God? How would you like to have special access to Him and have His special favor, especially His love, His mercies, grace and His blessings?

[John Weaver] Now, when I ask those questions, I can hear in my ears someone saying, because you hear it everywhere you go, but now, Pastor, there's a problem here because don't you understand that God treats everyone just exactly alike and there is no respect of persons with God? Have you ever heard that? Well, of course you've heard that. But first, let me just point something out that's very plain and very obvious. God does not treat everyone alike.

[John Weaver] All you have to do is look around. Ask yourself, why is it that you're saved and others are lost? Ask yourself, why is it that you have health and other people have extreme illness and sickness? Ask yourself, why is it that you have liberty and freedom and the majority of the people that live in this world are in bondage and slavery? Ask yourself, why is it that you possess certain knowledge and skills and abilities while other people do not? In fact, if you will hold Psalm 4, we're coming back there, but I want you to look in 1 Corinthians chapter 4. And look, if you would please, at the question the Apostle Paul asked these Corinthians.

[John Weaver] And I think you can discern the answer. Notice 1 Corinthians 4 and verse 7. Here the Apostle Paul asks, For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what is thou that thou didst not receive? Now thou didst receive it. What is thou, glory, as if thou hadst not received it? Note that question. Who maketh thee to differ from another? Who made you? To see who made you to hear, who made you to live in a land of opportunity when other people do not. And the answer very obviously is God. You are what you are by the grace of God. It is God who made the difference.

[John Weaver] Now, let me just show you and ask that you turn back in your Bibles to the book of Exodus chapter 11. Please hold Psalm 4, we're coming back there. But I want to show you that God does indeed place a difference between people. Notice in Exodus chapter 11, and notice if you would please verse 7, everyone knows that God in this passage is getting ready to deliver the children of Israel out of Egypt. The Exodus takes place in Exodus chapter 12, but God is telling Pharaoh through Moses this truth and look what he says in verse 7 Exodus chapter 11 verse 7 God says but against any of the children of Israel Shall not a dog move his tongue against man or beast why? That you may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel Now, did God put a difference between the Egyptian and Israel? Did God treat the Egyptians exactly like He treated the Israelites?

[John Weaver] And the answer, very obvious, is no, He did not. He delivered the Israelites while He destroyed the Egyptians. And God said against the Israelites, against His people, there's not even going to be a dog, move his tongue. And God said, the reason is that you may know that I've put a difference there.

[John Weaver] Now, the Hebrew word for difference actually means to be distinct, to be marked out, to be separated, to be distinguished, to be set apart. God said, I want you to know that I've distinguished, that I've set apart, that I've marked out My people. There's a difference between My people and those who are in rebellion against Me. So very obviously, God did not treat the Israelites and the Egyptians alike. His people received what you and I would call preferential treatment.

[John Weaver] Now, does God make a distinction even today? And the answer, of course, is yes. All you have to do is read your Bible And here are general principles that show you how God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. For instance, turn in your Bibles to the book of Proverbs. And let's begin with Proverbs chapter 15. Let me just show you a number of verses here. Proverbs chapter 15.

[John Weaver] Notice, if you would please, verse 8. Proverbs 15 verse 8. Think, if you would please, about the distinction now that God is making. Proverbs 15, verse 8, the Word of God says this, The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

[John Weaver] Now, is there a difference? Well, very obviously there is. Look in Proverbs 15, verse 29. Here the Scripture says this, Proverbs 15 and verse 29, The Lord is far from the wicked. but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. That's another difference. Look in Proverbs 28 and verse 9. Once again, here's a distinction that God is marking out. Proverbs 28 and verse 9. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination. So the man that hears his prayer is acceptable, but the man who does not hear his prayer is abominable. Is there a difference? Well, of course there is. You know what the Bible says in James 4 and verse 6?

[John Weaver] You don't have to turn there. You'll remember this. Wherefore, he saith, God resisteth the proud, but he giveth grace to the humble. Is there a difference? Well, of course there is. You know, the Bible says in Psalm 34 and verse 15, the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. Well, are his eyes and his ears open to the wicked? No.

[John Weaver] Not in the same sense it is? to the righteous. The Bible says in Psalm 34 and verse 17, the righteous cry and the Lord hears them and deliver them out of all their troubles.

[John Weaver] Now, very obviously, in all of these verses I've just given you, God makes a distinction. God does not treat everyone alike. Very obviously, very clearly, Scripture teaches that. You say, but wait a minute, Brother Weaver, although I can see that God does not treat everyone alike, you really haven't answered The fact that God is no respecter of persons. How in the world do you answer that? Do you realize that that phrase occurs four times in the New Testament? And interestingly enough, three of those four times deal with judgment. For instance, in Acts chapter 10, verse 34, that's the first time it occurs.

[John Weaver] Peter is there preaching to Cornelius. a Gentile, a Roman centurion. And then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. In other words, I'm going to explain this, but that's what Peter said to Cornelius. And notice, if you would, in Romans 2, in verse 11, you don't have to turn there, but once again, Paul said, and it's in the context of judgment, there is no respect of persons with God. And then in Ephesians 6 and verse 9, God says, He gives the warning, and you masters do the same things unto them, forbearing, threatening, knowing that your master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him. And then finally in Colossians 3 and verse 25, we read this, But he that doeth wrong shall receive the wrong which he hath done, and there is no respect of persons with God.

[John Weaver] Now you have to ask yourself this question. What does that mean? Very obviously, it occurs four times in the Scripture. There is no respect of persons with God. Does that mean that God treats everyone alike? No. Because we've just seen that God does not treat everyone alike. Does that mean that whatever God has done for you that God is obligated to do for me? The answer is no.

[John Weaver] You know what that little phrase means? When it says that God has no respect of persons, here's what it means. It means that man's merits cannot commend him to God, nor can man's demerits stop God from intervening in his life. In other words, there is nothing in man that will draw forth and merit the favor of God. God does not respect what a man has, and God does not respect what a man does not have. In other words, just because a man is rich or has great abilities and has great skills, that does not commend him to God. And just because someone is poor and he has no abilities, no skills, that does not keep God from intervening in his life and displaying His grace and mercy to him. Now let me just show you what it actually means.

[John Weaver] Look in your Bibles to the book of James, chapter 2. Here's a perfect illustration. In fact, you will see the sin very plainly mentioned. And here is what respect of persons really is. The book of James, chapter 2. Look, if you would please, at verse 1 to begin with. He says, My brethren have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. Now skip down to verse 9. He says, But if you have respect of persons, you commit sin and are convinced of the law as transgressors. Now, what is he talking about when he's talking about the sin of respecting persons? Well, go back to verse 1. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect to persons.

[John Weaver] For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring, and goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment, and you have respected him that weareth the gay clothing, and sayeth him, Sir, sit thou here into a good place, and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool? Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and become judges of evil thoughts?"

[John Weaver] Now, here's what he's saying. Suppose that Brother Jack comes in, and I see Jack, and I say, That guy's a multi-millionaire. I know him. He's got the money. I want him to sit close because, boy, if I can impress him, he might really give to me, or he might give to the church. And there sits poor old Ernie up front, poor old church mouse. And I say, Ernie, get up and give Jack your seat. And Ernie, I tell you what you can do. You can either sit back there in the corner, or you can just sit right here at my feet.

[John Weaver] Well, what am I doing? I'm respecting persons. In other words, what that man has is commending himself to me. What Ernie does not have is not commending himself to me. And I think I can dispense of Ernie and dispose of him very quickly so that the man who commends himself to me can have the best seat. And then, of course, he goes on in James chapter 2 and he tells you, don't you notice these rich men who are drawing into court anyhow?

[John Weaver] And they're the ones who try to take everything you've got. Why in the world would you have respect for them in the first place? And so he's saying, when you count what a man has or when you count what a man can do or might can do, that's having respect to him. God does not count what a man has. God does not count what a man might can do or could not do. So very obviously, then having respect of persons is a sin. And when the Bible says that God is no respecter of persons, it means that God does not regard a man as to what he has or what he does not have.

[John Weaver] It has no implication that God's going to treat everyone alike. In fact, in Proverbs 12 and verse 26, the Bible says this, the righteous is more excellent than his neighbor. So very clearly then, God places a premium upon the righteous.

[John Weaver] Now, I hope I've established one simple fact. This is my introduction, OK? I hope I've established the simple fact that God does make a difference, and God is not obligated to treat everyone alike, and God does not treat everyone alike. With that in mind, I want you to look in your Bible to Psalm 4. In Psalm 4, we have this wonderful psalm. It has been termed the evening psalm. Psalm 3 has been termed the morning psalm. And if you look in Psalm 4, and especially verse 4, the Bible says, Stand in awe and sin not.

[John Weaver] Commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still. It is biblical to lie in bed and pray and to lie in bed and think about God and to commune with Him through His Word. Nothing wrong with that. If you look in verse 8, the Bible says this, I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety. I mean, it's God who gives us safety and sleep during the night. Plenty of nights, I quote that verse. So there's nothing wrong with communing with God on your own bed.

[John Weaver] You no doubt heard about the man who prayed. He said, Lord, I thank Thee that this day I have not sinned against Thee. I have not broken Thy law. I have not committed any sin whatsoever. And Lord, so far this day I've done that which is right. But Lord, in just a few minutes, my feet are going to hit the floor and I'm going to need all the help I can get the rest of the day." Well, yeah, you understand. He just woke up and He's fixing to go out and face the world.

[John Weaver] But it's the evening psalm. Now, I want you to see three things with me tonight. In verse one, I'm going to show you David's prayer and praise. In verse two, David's protest. And verse three, David's pronouncement. And I'm going to tell you, I'm going to go very quickly through the first two points because it's the third point that I really want to deal with. I want you to note, if you would, David's prayer and praise. Look in verse 1.

[John Weaver] He says,"...Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness. Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." So David now beseeches God to hear his prayer.

[John Weaver] Now I want you to note the title that he gives to God. He says,"...Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness." When you acknowledge God as the God of your righteousness, you're saying that God is the author of your righteousness. He is also the witness of your righteousness, the maintainer of your righteousness, the judge of your righteousness, the rewarder of your righteousness. In other words, everything is of God.

[John Weaver] Do you realize there are times in this life when you and I and a lot of God's people are wickedly and wrongly condemned? There are times when I've seen innocent men in prison, totally, absolutely innocent. I know one pastor. He and his wife both went to prison. And the reason he went to prison first and foremost was because he had a church treasurer who happened to be a woman, and the woman happened to make a pass at the pastor, and the pastor rebuffed her, and then she began to form lies and lied about him in light of some of the church business, and he ended up in jail.

[John Weaver] Hadn't done a thing wrong. But let me tell you something. It doesn't matter what the world says, and it doesn't matter what the so-called judicial system says. Do you realize the sovereign God, the judge of all the earth, He knows who is innocent and who is not innocent. And David says, you're the God of my righteousness. So men may disregard our pleas. They may ignore our cries. They may stifle their ears. They may sear their conscience. But God, the righteous judge, will hear our calls. So David then begins this by calling God the God of my righteousness.

[John Weaver] And then notice if you would what else he said in verse one. Thou must enlarge me when I was in distress. Have mercy upon me and hear my prayer.

[John Weaver] Now, let me tell you that David is doing something in this verse right now that he's done in many other verses in the Bible. That is this. He is pleading past blessings and past favors at the foundation for present health." In other words, God, You've helped me in times past. You've delivered me in time past. Well, Lord, I'm in trouble now. Since You've delivered me in time past, You are immutable. You do not change. Lord, help me now. So He's using, then, these past past blessings and past mercies for present health. Let me tell you, folks, To be absolutely honest, we need to learn to thank God regularly, daily, for everything that He's done for us, and especially those things in the past.

[John Weaver] One of my favorite stories is many years ago, my wife and I lived in Pensacola, Florida, and we were members of a Baptist church there. And of course, at that particular time, I was not pastoring, but I was traveling and preaching in churches all across the country. I did that for 10 years, and I was very seldom at church on Sunday, although we were members there. Of course, I was away preaching. At that time, our children were small, and so Alice could not always travel with me at that time. And so one Sunday night, I was at home in time for church. I didn't have to preach that Sunday night. So I went to church with my family that night.

[John Weaver] When the meeting was over, the pastor said, it's good to have John Weaver with us. He's very seldom with us. He said, I'm going to ask him to dismiss us in prayer. Well, I've been reading a lot of the old Puritans, and one of the expressions they said in their writings was, help us to pay up our past due rent of thanksgiving. In other words, Lord, help us to be thankful for everything that you've done in the past.

[John Weaver] Now, to understand this, where we were living at that particular time in Pensacola, Florida, the home that we were living in was furnished. I didn't have any rent. I didn't pay a penny for the home. We were able to live in it absolutely rent free. So when the pastor asked me to close in prayer that night, I was praying and I said, Oh, Lord, I pray that you would help us to pay up our past due rent of thanksgivings.

[John Weaver] And you know, went on. And so That night I kind of tarried behind talking to people, and I was pretty much next to the last one out. And when I went out that night, the pastor shook my hand. And when he shook my hand, I felt something in it. And I looked at it, and it was a couple of hundred dollar bills. I said, what's that for?

[John Weaver] He said, well, some brother gave it to me. He said, give it to you to help you pay your pastor your rent. I said, brother, I don't even pay rent. He said, I know, but the Lord wanted you to have it, and here you take it. I said, you know, I'm going to pray that prayer a little more often, brother. But that's what David is doing. David is saying, Lord, you've blessed me in time past. Help me now and deliver me in this present time. You know, the Bible says in Job 5 and verse 19, He shall deliver thee in six troubles, yea, and seven, there shall no evil touch thee. And then I love Psalm 34 and verse 6. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all of his troubles. And then in Psalm 34 and verse 17, the righteous cried, and the Lord heareth and delivered them out of all their troubles. So we need to learn to do what David did. We need to say, Lord, we're in trouble now, but Lord, look how You've helped me in time.

[John Weaver] Faster, Lord, please, please help me at this immediate time. And so David then uses past blessings as a foundation and as a jump start For God, let's ask God to help him in present trouble. Then if you look in verse two, you see David's protest. He says, Oh, you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love vanity and seek after leasing? So in this second verse, we're led from the closet of prayer basically to the field of conflict. And I should note the courage that David displays because he begins with the sons of men, and he chides them for their wickedness." And by the way, the sons of men sometimes is used for rulers, civil rulers, for those in authority, great men, and undoubtedly his enemies were great men. But so he says, oh you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? And notice what he says, how long will you love vanity?

[John Weaver] Now vanity is uselessness and worthlessness, but vanity is also another word used in the Bible for idolatry and idols. So how long will you love idols? How long will you love idolatry? He says, how long will you love vanity? How long will you seek after leasing? And leasing is lying, deceit, fraud, and dishonesty. Wow. Look what he says. Oh, you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory and shame? How long will you love vanity and seek after leasing? Then he said, stop.

[John Weaver] Think about what I've just said. In other words, are you going to gesture way into hell? Are you going to laugh at the people of God and the man of God and the things of God? You know, I suppose that if I were to stop and try to outline What is happening in our land today? I think there are plenty of illustrations that we can see of rulers and important people who love vanity, who try to turn God's glory and the glory of God's people into shame. They love idolatry. They love dishonesty. They love fraud. They love deceit.

[John Weaver] And like David, we need to protest against their wickedness and their ungodliness. You know what our Lord said in Proverbs 8, verses 35 and verse 36? I love this passage. In fact, I've got a message just on this passage. But he said in Proverbs 8 in verse 35, For whosoever findeth me findeth life, and obtaineth favor of the Lord.

[John Weaver] Now stop and think about that. Whoever finds Christ finds life and obtains favor of the Lord. But listen to verse 36. He says in verse 36, But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul. All they that hate me love death. Have you ever stopped to think about this? All that ungodly men can do, all that ungodly rulers can do, all that ungodly government can do is to give us a society of death. All they that hate me love death.

[John Weaver] You wonder why we've got abortion on demand? You wonder why Sodomites have more privileges and more rights than ordinary everyday citizens? You wonder why wickedness can run roughshod over righteousness? It's because we have a society of death. When our Lord comes back, He's going to straighten these things out. But all ungodly men can do is give us a society of death.

[John Weaver] Now look in verse 3, because this is the message tonight, David says, but know that the Lord has set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto him. So here's David's pronouncement.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to notice the first two words. David says, but know. These two words are very instructive, very important. David informs us that in verse 3 is something that we absolutely must know. The Hebrew word means to perceive, to comprehend, to understand, to lay hold of. So David said, here's something you better perceive. You better comprehend this. You better lay hold of it. Make sure you understand it.

[John Weaver] Now, you'll remember in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul used similar language. The Apostle Paul would use language like this, know ye not. Or he would use this, but I would not have you to be ignorant brethren. What is he saying? He's saying here's something very important. You better learn. You better sit up and you better pay attention. And you remember, our Lord, when He taught, oftentimes He would say, Verily, verily, or truly, truly, or amen, amen. What was He saying? Here is something important. Pay attention.

[John Weaver] I'm calling you to notice this particularly. So David, in verse 3 there, says, But know, here is something that you must know. Look at the next three words. But know that the Lord, In other words, David is telling us now that this is something that is an act of God. It is something that is a work of God. It is something that God does. And if we are interested in what God does and what God is doing, we had better sit up and pay attention. God, he says, does something in His sovereign pleasure, in His perfect will, in His grace and in His mercy. What is it that God does? Here's what He says, but know that the Lord has set apart Him that is godly for Himself.

[John Weaver] Would you let that sink in just for a moment? has set apart Him that is godly for Himself. They are God's peculiar treasure. He wants them. He desires them. He has pleasure in them. And He sets them apart for Himself. Now, whole Psalm 4. But look in your Bibles to the book of Malachi chapter 3. I hope this passage came into your mind as I read Psalm 4 in verse 3. Here's a similar truth in the book of Malachi chapter 3. Notice if you would there with verse 16. I love this passage. I preached on this passage, but notice Malachi 3 in verse 16.

[John Weaver] The Bible says, Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it. And a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name. Watch, and they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts. And that day when I make up my jewels, and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."

[John Weaver] Now note verse 16 again. Then they that feared the Lord. What did they do? They spake often one to another. What did God do? God hearkened and heard it because they're talking about the things of God. And then a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, notice, and that thought upon His name. And what does God say? And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord. And that day when I make up my jewels, they're going to be my peculiar and particular treasure. They will be mine.

[John Weaver] Now, Matthew Henry, one of the most common, well-known commentators, and by the way, do you know how Matthew Henry wrote most of his commentaries? You know where he got most of his source material from? from his father, Philip Henry, as he taught home devotions. Matthew Henry took notes from his father. But Matthew Henry says this concerning Psalm 4 in verse 3, that the Lord has set apart him that is godly, every particular godly man for himself in his eternal choice, in his effectual calling, and in the special disposals of providence and operations of His grace.

[John Weaver] His people are purified on Him of peculiar people. Godly men are God's separated, sealed ones. He knows those that are His and has set His image and superscriptions upon them. He distinguishes them with uncommon favors. They shall be mine, saith the Lord, in that day when I make up my jewels." Know this.

[John Weaver] Now listen to what he says. Let godly people know it and let them never alienate themselves from Him to whom they are thus appropriated. Let wicked people know it and take heed that they hurt not those whom God protects. But Matthew Henry said, he set apart these for himself. I hope you'll remember that in the Old Testament, Israel, the covenant people, were to be God's peculiar treasure. If you look back in your Bibles to the book of Exodus chapter 19, Exodus chapter 19 verse 5, Exodus 19 verse 5, look what God says. Now, therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people, for all the earth is mine." Do you see what God told him? If you will keep my covenant, if you will obey my voice, God says you are going to be a peculiar treasure to me, notice, above all people, for all the earth is mine. Look in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 14. Deuteronomy 14 in verse 2.

[John Weaver] Again, God says the very same truth. Notice Deuteronomy 14 verse 2. For thou art an holy people of the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself above all the nations that are upon the earth. God's chosen you to be a peculiar people. Look in Deuteronomy 26 and verse 18. Deuteronomy 26 and verse 18. Again, God says this, And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be as peculiar people as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments. Isn't that interesting? A peculiar people. And it's associating with the covenant and with keeping his commandments. Look in Psalm 135, if you would, verse 4. Psalm 135, verse 4.

[John Weaver] And then I'm going to show you this thought is not just reserved for the Old Testament. Notice Psalm 135 and verse 4. For the Lord had chosen Jacob unto himself and Israel for his peculiar treasure. By the way, every time this word peculiar is used, it refers to a valued property, a peculiar treasure that is something that is exceedingly precious and special and belongs to one individual. Wow.

[John Weaver] Look in your Bibles to the book of Titus, if you would. You're going to see the same truth in the New Testament. In the book of Titus, chapter 2, verse 14. Many of you can quote this verse. But in Titus 2 and verse 14, The Word of God says this, in reference to our Lord's sacrifice, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. And then if you turn right over to 1 Peter 2, you'll notice it again in verse 9. 1 Peter 2 and verse 9. The Bible says it like this. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Now the Greek word for peculiar here literally has reference to belonging to one particular. In other words, it refers to a particular possession. It is individuals who have been selected by God to be His peculiar treasure.

[John Weaver] Now, I want to go back to Psalm 4 and look at verse 3, and I want to try to put this together for us. Look, if you would, Psalm 4 and verse 3. But know, you better know this, that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. In light of this simple truth, it should be obvious that we are to be a godly people.

[John Weaver] However, there's a very pressing question. What does it mean to be godly? Let me tell you something, folks, I know a lot of professing Christians that I would never classify as godly. I'd call them worldly. I'd call them carnal, I'd call them unsaved, but I certainly would not call them godly. And I've got news for you. In the average church in this land today, there are very few godly people. So what does it mean to be godly? You may be surprised, but the Hebrew word literally means and refers to those who are faithful, holy, saintly, pious, and godly. But what is a godly man? What would be a saintly man? What would be a pious man? What would be a faithful man? A godly man is a man who is faithful to the principles of Scripture. A godly man is one who is constantly and continually bringing his life into greater conformity to the Word of God. A godly man is a saintly man. That is, he's one who lives and acts like a saint.

[John Weaver] He's one who lives and acts like a Christian. He's one who is godly. That is, he is like God in areas of his life. Let me immediately dispel misconception. When I say a godly man, do not think of perfection. Don't think of absolute perfection. Don't think of sinlessness. How can I say that? A godly man is not necessarily a sinless man. How do I know that? Well, first of all, from experience.

[John Weaver] We are sinners and we do sin. I never will forget the very first time I met an individual who claimed sinless perfection. I went into his place of business. I knew he was a professing Christian. And I walked in and I'd been reading Psalm 32, and I just walked in and I said, isn't wonderful to have your sins forgiven? And he replied, I wouldn't know. I haven't sinned in five years. And when he said that, my jaw went to the floor, my mouth fell open, and I was stunned. And finally, when I regained my composure, I said, well, sir, I'm sorry to inform you that you just did. Your reign of perfection is ended, for the Scripture says, he that saith, I have no sin, is a liar, and the truth's not in him. How do I know that godly men are not perfect and are not sinless? Because we are sinners and we will not be perfect until we get to glory. But there's another way that I know that godly men are not sinlessly perfect.

[John Weaver] How do I know that? Because of the Scriptures. Look in your Bibles to Psalm 32. Psalm 32. You remember David sinned and there are a number of penitential Psalms. Psalm 51, which everyone knows, but also Psalm 32. And in these Psalms, David is confessing and acknowledging his sins. And look, if you would please, in Psalm 32. He says this, well, we'll read verse 1, that's the one I thought of earlier.

[John Weaver] Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and whose spirit there is no guile.

[John Weaver] Now David, of course, tried to hide his sins. He said, when I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. He knew he was wicked. For day and night my hand was heavy upon me, my moistures turned in the drought of summer, and God kept convicting him." Notice what finally happened. David said,"'I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord, and thou forgavest me the iniquity of my sin.'" Watch verse 6,"'For this shall everyone that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found, Surely the floods of great waters, they shall not come nigh unto thee.

[John Weaver] What did he just say? Everyone that is godly will pray for forgiveness and repentance. So godly men may sin, but godly men repent. They do not remain in their sins. They do not hide their sins. They do not pretend that they have not sinned. They do not pretend that they're perfect and that everything is okay when it's not. No, on the contrary, a godly man is someone who will quickly and readily acknowledge his sin, and he's willing to turn from that sin and repent of that sin. A godly man is one who understands Proverbs 28 and verse 13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whosoever confesseth and forsaketh his sins shall have mercy. A godly man is someone who understands 1 John 1. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. A godly man is not perfect.

[John Weaver] Are you listening to me now? A godly man is not perfect. But he sure does desire it. He wants to be. If I were to ask you as a child of God, how many of you really, genuinely want to sin against God? You don't want to sin against God, not if you're His child. You see something? A godly man understands this. A godly man, listen carefully, understands that he's a sinner. And that he may sin. But on the other hand, he understands something else. Listen now. He understands that he doesn't have to sin. Wow.

[John Weaver] What am I talking about? Well, I want you to turn to two passages, 1 John 2, and then Romans 6, OK? Look in 1 John 2, and then we'll come back to Romans 6. 1 John 2, notice if you would please, verse 1. John the Apostle wrote this. And he wrote in 1 John 2 and verse 1, My little children, these things write unto you that you sin not. Isn't that amazing? He said, I'm writing this so that you won't sin.

[John Weaver] You know, I don't agree with the theology of Dwight L. Moody, but I do agree with something he had written in the flyleaf of his Bible. He wrote, either this book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book. But look what the Bible says now, 1 John 2, verse 1, My little children, these things I write unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. So he said, I'm writing this so you will not sin. I don't want you to sin, but if and when you do, you must understand there's an advocate, there's a good counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He's the one to go to when you sin. But I'm writing this, he said, so that you do not sin.

[John Weaver] Now, if you'll go back in your Bibles to Romans chapter 6, I'll show you what he's talking about. And I wish I had time to preach this. I think, I don't remember, I probably have 18 or 20 messages on Romans chapter 6 alone. To me, it's one of the most beautiful chapters in the book of Romans. And let me tell you, it's one of those chapters. I tell people there are two things that really set me free as a Christian. The first one is when I understood God's absolute sovereignty, that God is on the throne. He is sovereign.

[John Weaver] My responsibility is to be faithful. My responsibility is to live like He tells me to live. The rest of it is up to Him. That was the most freedom I had had in a long time when I saw that. The second most blessed truth was when I realized that I had been delivered from the dominion of sin. Look what he says, Romans chapter 6, and let's begin reading there with verse 11. He says, Likewise, reckon you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

[John Weaver] Now, let me just stop there. Think about this. What power does sin have over a dead man? No, not anything. So the apostle says you reckon, you count, you impute yourself dead indeed unto sin. And look what he says in verse 12. You not only count yourself dead unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Now, verse 12, let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body.

[John Weaver] that you should obey the lust thereof." Now, he didn't say, let not sin therefore be in your mortal body. He said, let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body. If you would study Romans 5 and Romans 6, you'll find that sin and death are treated as kings. For sin, or from death, reigned from Adam to Moses. Sin reigned unto death, the Bible says. They're treated as kings.

[John Weaver] What did Jesus Christ do? Jesus Christ came along and delivered us from the kingdom of sin and from the kingdom of death. The Bible says in the book of Colossians chapter 1 that God had translated us out of the kingdom of Darius into the kingdom of His dear Son. Sin is not our Lord. Sin is not our dominion. Sin is not our King. We've been translated out of that Kingdom into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Now notice, if you would, what he says. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body that you should obey it in the lust thereof. Verse 13, neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness and sin, but yield yourselves unto God as those that are alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Watch, for sin shall not have dominion over you. Why?

[John Weaver] You're under grace as a means of justification. You're not under the law. Sin shall not have dominion over you. Now sin has dominion over unsaved people. When sin commands unsaved people to jump, they have to jump. But when sin comes along to a child of God who's been delivered out of His kingdom and sin commands you to do something, you have the power, you have the right, you have the privilege to say, I'm sorry, I'm no longer in your kingdom. You have no power over me.

[John Weaver] I don't have to obey you. I choose, rather, to obey the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my King. He is my Lord. I will not do that. I'm serious, folks. A godly man is one who may sin, but he also realizes he doesn't have to. You say, boy, that's a fight, isn't it? Yes, it is. It is a fight. You remember the Apostle Paul said, I die how often? Daily.

[John Weaver] And I've got news for you. A thousand times a day, if you're fighting against sin, if you're fighting against your flesh, I die daily.

[John Weaver] Now, let me show you how practical this thing is. I want you to turn your Bibles to the book of Malachi, chapter two. Here's an excellent illustration. Malachi, chapter two. I'm just going to try to show you what it means to be godly now. Look at Malachi, chapter two, and notice, if you would please, verse 15. Malachi, chapter two, verse 15. And did he not make one? Yet he had the residue of the Spirit, and wherefore one?"

[John Weaver] And he's talking about marriage. "...that he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed of your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth."

[John Weaver] Now, let's look at this. He made us one. Wherefore one? Why did God make the husband and wife one? The answer is that he might seek a godly seed.

[John Weaver] Now, since God wants a godly seed, and a godly seed comes from godly parents, watch this, therefore take heed to your spirit, your attitude, your disposition, your way of thinking, that which motivates you. Take heed to your spirit, watch now, that you deal not treacherously. against the wife of his youth. Let me explain this. My wife and I soon will have been married 46 years. What if I came to Brother Mooney and I said, you know, well, my wife's getting kind of old.

[John Weaver] I think what I need is a midlife crisis. I think I need me a couple of 20 year olds. What would you say? That's wicked. That's vile. That's sin. It's not only sin. Are you listening? It's treachery. God said don't deal treacherously against the wife of your youth. Now watch it. He wants a godly seed. How practical is godliness? It's so practical it's nothing less than obedient. It's obedience to the law of God. It's obedience to the Word of God. Now, interestingly enough, when the Bible says in Malachi 2 and verse 15 that he might seek a godly seed, the word godly is Elohim.

[John Weaver] Does that ring a bell? That's the name of God. Also, it's used sometimes of civil rulers and judges in the Bible. But a godly seed is someone who is like God, someone who lives according to His commandments, someone who lives according to His will. And notice, if you would, the practicality of being godly begins with taking heed of your spirit that you obey God's law. It is extremely practical. That is, we have to watch our mind, we have to watch our disposition, we have to watch our attitude, we have to watch our spirit that we do that which is right. And incidentally, if you were to turn to the New Testament, I'm not going to take time to do this, but there are several words for godly in the New Testament.

[John Weaver] One of them is Eusebius. That's where Eusebius got his name. It means godly. But by far, the greater number of Greek words for godly in the New Testament is theos, which is a name for God. Theology. Theocentric. It refers to God. What in the world is godliness? It is living as God would have you to live. It is acting the way God would have you to act.

[John Weaver] It is obeying His law. It is obeying His Word. It is bringing your life into greater conformity to His Word. Do you remember what our Lord said in John 8 and verse 29? Let me just quote this. Listen to John 8 and verse 29. Our Lord said, And He that sent Me is with Me. The Father hath not left Me alone. Listen to this. For I do always those things that please Him.

[John Weaver] Have you ever made it your prayer, O God, just let me do those things that please You? You know, we've been commanded to be conformed to the image of Christ. Romans 8 verse 29. What did Christ do? Christ pleased the Father. If I'm to be Christ-like, if I'm to be godly, I must please my Father. Look in your Bibles to 1 Thessalonians 4 and verse 1. 1 Thessalonians 4 and verse 1.

[John Weaver] Notice, if you would, what Scripture says. 1 Thessalonians 4, verse 1, What did Paul say? You have received of us how you ought to walk and please God. You know, Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 in verse 4, No man that warreth and tangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please Him who has chosen him to be a good soldier. You remember that passage in Hebrews 11 verse 6, Without faith it is impossible to please Him. You know what a godly man is? A godly man is a man who pleases God by his faith, by his attitude, by his conduct, by his faithfulness. He is one who sets the Word of God before him. He is one who sets the law of God before him. He is one who endeavors to be obedient in every area of his life. He is the one who consistently and constantly says, every day, Lord, I want to please You. I want to be honorable. I don't want to sin against you, God. Help me.

[John Weaver] Make me pure. Make me holy. Make me godly. Is the man perfect? No, he's not perfect. But he sure wants to be. And when he sins, he's ready and willing to acknowledge that sin and confess that sin and turn from that sin. You know, the Bible says, look back in Psalm 4, verse 3, look back at what he says. This, no. This, no. But know that the Lord has set apart Him that is godly for Himself.

[John Weaver] God has respect unto an individual like that. God says, that's My kind of man. That's My kind of person. That's My kind of jewel. I'm going to take this one and set Him aside for Myself. I'm going to honor Him. I want you to see this. Watch this. Look in verse three again. David says, But know that the Lord has set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto him. Wait a minute, David. Wait a minute, David. How do you know God's going to hear your prayer? How do you know God's going to answer your prayer? David says, I can tell you how I know. I hear God and He hears me. I obey Him and He set me apart and has marked me with His special favor and blessing.

[John Weaver] I have an intimate relationship with Him. He will hear when I call. You remember what He said in James 5 and verse 16, that the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man evadeth much. You know, I began this message by asking you a question. Are you special? Have you been marked out by God? Have you been distinguished by God? Have you been a set up? Have you been set apart by God?

[John Weaver] Because of your godliness, your obedience. Let me ask you a question. Are you satisfied? Are you content with being the common, everyday, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, professing Christian who is satisfied with disobedience, ignorance, and apathy? If you are, don't ever expect to be treated special by God. God has marked the godly for himself. I want to show you how practical this is. Please turn in your Bibles to Psalm 12. You want to know what's wrong with our country? You want to know why we're in the trouble that we're in? Look in Psalm 12, verse 1.

[John Weaver] Let me read it probably the way David prayed it. For the godly man ceaseth, and the faithful fail from among the children of men." Notice what David says. He cries, help, Lord! Why does David want God's help? For the godly man ceaseth, and the faithful fail from among the children of men. You say, how does that concern society? How does that concern a nation? Well, read on. Because the godly ceases and the faithful fail, they speak vanity, every one with his neighbor, with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaketh proud things, who have said, With our tongue will we prevail, our lips are alone. Who is Lord over us?

[John Weaver] For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy. Now will I arise, saith the Lord, I will set him in safety from him that puffeted him. Notice, if you would, when the godly ceases and the faithful fail, society disintegrates. You want to know why we have the oppression, the wickedness, the rebellion? Because the godly man ceases and the faithful fail from among the children of men. Let me ask you, how do you want to be treated in this life? Do you prefer the common ordinary treatment or do you want to be treated special? I could ask it like this. Do you want to go coach or first class? In this life, if you say, I prefer first class, then first class demands obedience, holiness, godliness.

[John Weaver] Scripture declares in Proverbs 15 and verse 29, the Lord is far from the wicked, but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. The Word of God declares in Psalm 5 and verse 12, listen now, For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous with favor, with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield. You know what a shield is? It's that which you hide behind. It protects you from the fiery darts and of the wicked. from persecution. It saves your life.

[John Weaver] What does the Bible say? For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous with favor, with favor, wilt thou encompass him about as with a shield. If you want the special favor of God, you must be a godly man. God will hear the cry of the righteous, and God will bless the righteous and encompass him with a shield. Why will God do this? David gives you the answer, but no, but no, but no, that the Lord has set apart him that is godly for himself. I hope and I pray there's a hunger in every true child of God to be more holy. and to be more godly. What did our Lord say? Be ye holy, for I am holy, saith the Lord.

[John Weaver] Our holiness, our godliness is evidenced by our obedience to His Word. Let's pray. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I ask, Lord, in Thy holy and blessed name, Thou would speak to our hearts. Oh, God, if no one else wants to be holy, I do. If no one else wants to be godly, I do. God, make us more obedient that we may be set apart by the mark with distinction that we're yours.

[John Weaver] Help us to know this. Help us to comprehend this. That the Lord had set apart him that is godly for himself. May we be thine. In Christ's name we ask and pray. Amen.

Are You Special?

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	97082219111
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Exodus: Bondage, Deliverance, and Passover: The Superiority of Christ
Genre	Sermon
Date	2008-08-16
Dictation Name
Book	Book 078: Exodus: Bondage, Deliverance, and Passover - Volume 1 — Chapter 7
Source Timed Segments	101

Formatted Transcript

Opening

I want you to open your Bibles, if you would please, to Psalm 4. Psalm 4 is a very short psalm, so I want to read all eight verses. I'm not going to be dealing with all eight verses tonight, but since it is so short, let's read them all. Psalm 4, beginning with verse 1. Psalm 4, verse 1:

Scripture Reading — Psalm 4:1-8

"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness." "Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love vanity, and seek after leasing? But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not."

"Commune with your own heart upon your own bed, and be still." I hope each one of you know that the word "Selah" actually means pause, stop, and think about what has been said. "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say, Who will show us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety."

Introduction: The Desire to Be Special

Weaver notes that everyone wants to be treated as special, like VIPs at expensive resorts, and asks if we would like to be special to God.

I want to bring a message tonight which I've just entitled, "Are You Special?" I suppose in reality that each of us want to be treated in a special way. In fact, we like to be counted as special individuals. None of us want to be treated as common, everyday, ordinary individuals. In fact, if you and I were really honest, we would probably state that we really like what is known as the VIP treatment—very important person. In fact, there are a lot of people that will go to very expensive resorts just so they may be treated royally. They pay an arm and a leg to get to these resorts just so they can be pampered and waited on hand and foot.

But according to their interpretation, their perception, it's worth all of it because they're treated as kings and queens. Some years ago, I had a pastor friend and his wife called Alice and I, and they had been given three or four days down in the Bahamas at one of the resorts there, and they invited Alice and I to go. Since everything was paid for except the plane tickets, we went with them. The resort was the Atlantis, which was mind-boggling and eye-boggling when you see it. And the beaches were beautiful. The pools were beautiful. Fish swimming everywhere. And here was this huge arch going from one building to the next, and of course, water was underneath. Here was the view of the ocean out there. And of course, I did not go in there, but we were told that that portion, which was probably from here to the other church across the street, rented for $25,000 a night.

Now you understand why I didn't even want to look at it. But there were people who would pay $25,000 a night just simply to be pampered and treated as royalty. Now, I said all that just to ask you this question. How would you like, instead of being the teacher's pet, to be the pet of the sovereign God of heaven and earth? How would you like to be treated special by God? How would you like to have special access to Him and have His special favor, especially His love, His mercies, grace, and His blessings?

Now, when I ask those questions, I can hear in my ears someone saying, because you hear it everywhere you go, "But now, Pastor, there's a problem here because don't you understand that God treats everyone just exactly alike and there is no respect of persons with God?" Have you ever heard that? Well, of course you've heard that. But first, let me just point something out that's very plain and very obvious. God does not treat everyone alike.

God Does Not Treat Everyone Alike

Using 1 Corinthians 4:7 and Exodus 11:7, Weaver demonstrates that God makes distinctions between people, giving preferential treatment to His own.

All you have to do is look around. Ask yourself, why is it that you're saved and others are lost? Ask yourself, why is it that you have health and other people have extreme illness and sickness? Ask yourself, why is it that you have liberty and freedom and the majority of the people that live in this world are in bondage and slavery? Ask yourself, why is it that you possess certain knowledge and skills and abilities while other people do not? In fact, if you will hold Psalm 4, we're coming back there, but I want you to look in 1 Corinthians chapter 4. And look, if you would please, at the question the Apostle Paul asked these Corinthians.

And I think you can discern the answer. Notice 1 Corinthians 4 and verse 7. Here the Apostle Paul asks,

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 4:7

"For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"

Note that question.

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 4:7

"Who maketh thee to differ from another?"

Who made you to see? Who made you to hear? Who made you to live in a land of opportunity when other people do not? And the answer very obviously is God. You are what you are by the grace of God. It is God who made the difference.

Now, let me just show you and ask that you turn back in your Bibles to the book of Exodus chapter 11. Please hold Psalm 4, we're coming back there. But I want to show you that God does indeed place a difference between people. Notice in Exodus chapter 11, and notice if you would please verse 7. Everyone knows that God in this passage is getting ready to deliver the children of Israel out of Egypt. The Exodus takes place in Exodus chapter 12, but God is telling Pharaoh through Moses this truth. And look what he says in verse 7. Exodus chapter 11 verse 7: God says, "But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel." Now, did God put a difference between the Egyptian and Israel? Did God treat the Egyptians exactly like He treated the Israelites?

And the answer, very obvious, is no, He did not. He delivered the Israelites while He destroyed the Egyptians. And God said against the Israelites, against His people, there's not even going to be a dog move his tongue. And God said, the reason is that you may know that I've put a difference there.

Now, the Hebrew word for "difference" actually means to be distinct, to be marked out, to be separated, to be distinguished, to be set apart. God said, I want you to know that I've distinguished, that I've set apart, that I've marked out My people. There's a difference between My people and those who are in rebellion against Me. So very obviously, God did not treat the Israelites and the Egyptians alike. His people received what you and I would call preferential treatment.

Now, does God make a distinction even today? And the answer, of course, is yes. All you have to do is read your Bible. And here are general principles that show you how God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. For instance, turn in your Bibles to the book of Proverbs. And let's begin with Proverbs chapter 15. Let me just show you a number of verses here. Proverbs chapter 15.

Notice, if you would please, verse 8. Proverbs 15 verse 8. Think, if you would please, about the distinction now that God is making. Proverbs 15, verse 8, the Word of God says this: "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight."

God Is No Respecter of Persons Explained

Weaver clarifies that 'no respect of persons' means God is not influenced by human status or merit, not that He treats all identically, illustrated by James 2.

Peter is there preaching to Cornelius, a Gentile, a Roman centurion. "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." In other words, I'm going to explain this, but that's what Peter said to Cornelius. And notice, if you would, in Romans 2, in verse 11, you don't have to turn there, but once again, Paul said, and it's in the context of judgment, "There is no respect of persons with God." And then in Ephesians 6 and verse 9, God says, He gives the warning, "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him." And then finally in Colossians 3 and verse 25, we read this: "But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."

Now you have to ask yourself this question. What does that mean? Very obviously, it occurs four times in the Scripture. "There is no respect of persons with God." Does that mean that God treats everyone alike? No. Because we've just seen that God does not treat everyone alike. Does that mean that whatever God has done for you that God is obligated to do for me? The answer is no.

You know what that little phrase means? When it says that God has no respect of persons, here's what it means. It means that man's merits cannot commend him to God, nor can man's demerits stop God from intervening in his life. In other words, there is nothing in man that will draw forth and merit the favor of God. God does not respect what a man has, and God does not respect what a man does not have. In other words, just because a man is rich or has great abilities and has great skills, that does not commend him to God. And just because someone is poor and he has no abilities, no skills, that does not keep God from intervening in his life and displaying His grace and mercy to him. Now let me just show you what it actually means.

Look in your Bibles to the book of James, chapter 2. Here's a perfect illustration. In fact, you will see the sin very plainly mentioned. And here is what respect of persons really is. The book of James, chapter 2. Look, if you would please, at verse 1 to begin with. He says,

Scripture Reading — James 2:1-9

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."

Now skip down to verse 9. He says,

Scripture Reading — James 2:1-9

"But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."

Now, what is he talking about when he's talking about the sin of respecting persons? Well, go back to verse 1.

Scripture Reading — James 2:1-9

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."

"For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?" Now, here's what he's saying. Suppose that Brother Jack comes in, and I see Jack, and I say, "That guy's a multi-millionaire. I know him. He's got the money. I want him to sit close because, boy, if I can impress him, he might really give to me, or he might give to the church." And there sits poor old Ernie up front, poor old church mouse. And I say, "Ernie, get up and give Jack your seat." And Ernie, I tell you what you can do. You can either sit back there in the corner, or you can just sit right here at my feet.

Well, what am I doing? I'm respecting persons. In other words, what that man has is commending himself to me. What Ernie does not have is not commending himself to me. And I think I can dispense of Ernie and dispose of him very quickly so that the man who commends himself to me can have the best seat. And then, of course, he goes on in James chapter 2 and he tells you, don't you notice these rich men who are drawing you into court anyhow? And they're the ones who try to take everything you've got. Why in the world would you have respect for them in the first place? And so he's saying, when you count what a man has or when you count what a man can do or might can do, that's having respect to him. God does not count what a man has. God does not count what a man might can do or could not do. So very obviously, then, having respect of persons is a sin. And when the Bible says that God is no respecter of persons, it means that God does not regard a man as to what he has or what he does not have.

It has no implication that God's going to treat everyone alike. In fact, in Proverbs 12 and verse 26, the Bible says this:

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 12:26

"The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour."

So very clearly then, God places a premium upon the righteous.

David's Prayer and Praise (Psalm 4:1)

David appeals to God as the God of his righteousness and pleads past blessings as a foundation for present help.

But it's the evening psalm. Now, I want you to see three things with me tonight. In verse one, I'm going to show you David's prayer and praise. In verse two, David's protest. And verse three, David's pronouncement. And I'm going to tell you, I'm going to go very quickly through the first two points because it's the third point that I really want to deal with. I want you to note, if you would, David's prayer and praise. Look in verse 1.

He says, "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness. Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." So David now beseeches God to hear his prayer. Now I want you to note the title that he gives to God. He says, "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness." When you acknowledge God as the God of your righteousness, you're saying that God is the author of your righteousness. He is also the witness of your righteousness, the maintainer of your righteousness, the judge of your righteousness, the rewarder of your righteousness. In other words, everything is of God.

Do you realize there are times in this life when you and I and a lot of God's people are wickedly and wrongly condemned? There are times when I've seen innocent men in prison, totally, absolutely innocent. I know one pastor. He and his wife both went to prison. And the reason he went to prison first and foremost was because he had a church treasurer who happened to be a woman, and the woman happened to make a pass at the pastor, and the pastor rebuffed her, and then she began to form lies and lied about him in light of some of the church business, and he ended up in jail. Hadn't done a thing wrong. But let me tell you something. It doesn't matter what the world says, and it doesn't matter what the so-called judicial system says. Do you realize the sovereign God, the judge of all the earth, He knows who is innocent and who is not innocent. And David says, "You're the God of my righteousness." So men may disregard our pleas. They may ignore our cries. They may stifle their ears. They may sear their conscience. But God, the righteous judge, will hear our calls. So David then begins this by calling God the God of my righteousness.

And then notice if you would what else he said in verse one. "Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." Now, let me tell you that David is doing something in this verse right now that he's done in many other verses in the Bible. That is this. He is pleading past blessings and past favors as the foundation for present help. In other words, "God, You've helped me in times past. You've delivered me in time past. Well, Lord, I'm in trouble now. Since You've delivered me in time past, You are immutable. You do not change. Lord, help me now." So He's using, then, these past blessings and past mercies for present help. Let me tell you, folks, to be absolutely honest, we need to learn to thank God regularly, daily, for everything that He's done for us, and especially those things in the past.

David's Protest (Psalm 4:2)

David confronts the wicked for loving vanity and leasing, and Weaver applies this to modern rulers who promote idolatry and deceit.

Now vanity is uselessness and worthlessness, but vanity is also another word used in the Bible for idolatry and idols. So how long will you love idols? How long will you love idolatry? He says, "How long will you love vanity? How long will you seek after leasing?" And leasing is lying, deceit, fraud, and dishonesty. Wow. Look what he says. "O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love vanity and seek after leasing?" Then he said, "Stop."

Think about what I've just said. In other words, are you going to jest your way into hell? Are you going to laugh at the people of God and the man of God and the things of God? You know, I suppose that if I were to stop and try to outline what is happening in our land today, I think there are plenty of illustrations that we can see of rulers and important people who love vanity, who try to turn God's glory and the glory of God's people into shame. They love idolatry. They love dishonesty. They love fraud. They love deceit.

And like David, we need to protest against their wickedness and their ungodliness. You know what our Lord said in Proverbs 8, verses 35 and verse 36? I love this passage. In fact, I've got a message just on this passage. But he said in Proverbs 8 in verse 35, "For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord."

Now stop and think about that. Whoever finds Christ finds life and obtains favor of the Lord. But listen to verse 36. He says in verse 36, "But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death." Have you ever stopped to think about this? All that ungodly men can do, all that ungodly rulers can do, all that ungodly government can do is to give us a society of death. "All they that hate me love death." You wonder why we've got abortion on demand? You wonder why Sodomites have more privileges and more rights than ordinary everyday citizens? You wonder why wickedness can run roughshod over righteousness? It's because we have a society of death. When our Lord comes back, He's going to straighten these things out. But all ungodly men can do is give us a society of death.

David's Pronouncement: The Godly Are Set Apart (Psalm 4:3)

The core message: God sets apart the godly for Himself as His peculiar treasure, a truth echoed in Malachi 3, Titus 2, and 1 Peter 2.

Now, I want you to notice the first two words. David says, "But know." These two words are very instructive, very important. David informs us that in verse 3 is something that we absolutely must know. The Hebrew word means to perceive, to comprehend, to understand, to lay hold of. So David said, "Here's something you better perceive. You better comprehend this. You better lay hold of it. Make sure you understand it."

Now, you'll remember in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul used similar language. The Apostle Paul would use language like this, "Know ye not." Or he would use this, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren." What is he saying? He's saying here's something very important. You better learn. You better sit up and you better pay attention. And you remember, our Lord, when He taught, oftentimes He would say, "Verily, verily," or "Truly, truly," or "Amen, amen." What was He saying? Here is something important. Pay attention.

I'm calling you to notice this particularly. So David, in verse 3 there, says, "But know," here is something that you must know. Look at the next three words. "But know that the Lord." In other words, David is telling us now that this is something that is an act of God. It is something that is a work of God. It is something that God does. And if we are interested in what God does and what God is doing, we had better sit up and pay attention. God, he says, does something in His sovereign pleasure, in His perfect will, in His grace and in His mercy. What is it that God does? Here's what He says: "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself."

Would you let that sink in just for a moment? "Hath set apart him that is godly for himself." They are God's peculiar treasure. He wants them. He desires them. He has pleasure in them. And He sets them apart for Himself. Now, hold Psalm 4. But look in your Bibles to the book of Malachi chapter 3. I hope this passage came into your mind as I read Psalm 4 in verse 3. Here's a similar truth in the book of Malachi chapter 3. Notice if you would there with verse 16. I love this passage. I preached on this passage, but notice Malachi 3 in verse 16.

The Bible says, "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." Now note verse 16 again. "Then they that feared the Lord." What did they do? They spake often one to another. What did God do? God hearkened and heard it because they're talking about the things of God. And then a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, notice, and that thought upon His name. And what does God say? "And they shall be mine, saith the Lord." And in that day when I make up my jewels, they're going to be my peculiar and particular treasure. They will be mine.

Now, Matthew Henry, one of the most common, well-known commentators, and by the way, do you know how Matthew Henry wrote most of his commentaries? You know where he got most of his source material from? From his father, Philip Henry, as he taught home devotions. Matthew Henry took notes from his father. But Matthew Henry says this concerning Psalm 4 in verse 3, that the Lord has set apart him that is godly, every particular godly man for himself in his eternal choice, in his effectual calling, and in the special disposals of providence and operations of His grace. His people are purified unto Him a peculiar people. Godly men are God's separated, sealed ones. He knows those that are His and has set His image and superscriptions upon them. He distinguishes them with uncommon favors. "They shall be mine, saith the Lord, in that day when I make up my jewels." Know this.

Now listen to what he says. Let godly people know it and let them never alienate themselves from Him to whom they are thus appropriated. Let wicked people know it and take heed that they hurt not those whom God protects. But Matthew Henry said, He set apart these for Himself. I hope you'll remember that in the Old Testament, Israel, the covenant people, were to be God's peculiar treasure. If you look back in your Bibles to the book of Exodus chapter 19, Exodus chapter 19 verse 5, Exodus 19 verse 5, look what God says. "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine." Do you see what God told him? If you will keep my covenant, if you will obey my voice, God says you are going to be a peculiar treasure to me, notice, above all people, for all the earth is mine. Look in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 14. Deuteronomy 14 in verse 2.

Again, God says the very same truth. Notice Deuteronomy 14 verse 2. "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth." God's chosen you to be a peculiar people. Look in Deuteronomy 26 and verse 18. Deuteronomy 26 and verse 18. Again, God says this: "And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments." Isn't that interesting? A peculiar people. And it's associating with the covenant and with keeping his commandments. Look in Psalm 135, if you would, verse 4. Psalm 135, verse 4.

And then I'm going to show you this thought is not just reserved for the Old Testament. Notice Psalm 135 and verse 4. "For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure." By the way, every time this word "peculiar" is used, it refers to a valued property, a peculiar treasure that is something that is exceedingly precious and special and belongs to one individual. Wow. Look in your Bibles to the book of Titus, if you would. You're going to see the same truth in the New Testament. In the book of Titus, chapter 2, verse 14. Many of you can quote this verse. But in Titus 2 and verse 14, the Word of God says this, in reference to our Lord's sacrifice,

Scripture Reading — Titus 2:14

"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

And then if you turn right over to 1 Peter 2, you'll notice it again in verse 9. 1 Peter 2 and verse 9. The Bible says it like this: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." Now the Greek word for "peculiar" here literally has reference to belonging to one particular. In other words, it refers to a particular possession. It is individuals who have been selected by God to be His peculiar treasure.

Now, I want to go back to Psalm 4 and look at verse 3, and I want to try to put this together for us. Look, if you would, Psalm 4 and verse 3. "But know"—you better know this—"that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself." In light of this simple truth, it should be obvious that we are to be a godly people.

What It Means to Be Godly

Godliness is not sinless perfection but a life of obedience, repentance, and striving to please God, empowered by freedom from sin's dominion (Romans 6).

However, there's a very pressing question. What does it mean to be godly? Let me tell you something, folks, I know a lot of professing Christians that I would never classify as godly. I'd call them worldly. I'd call them carnal, I'd call them unsaved, but I certainly would not call them godly. And I've got news for you. In the average church in this land today, there are very few godly people. So what does it mean to be godly? You may be surprised, but the Hebrew word literally means and refers to those who are faithful, holy, saintly, pious, and godly. But what is a godly man? What would be a saintly man? What would be a pious man? What would be a faithful man? A godly man is a man who is faithful to the principles of Scripture. A godly man is one who is constantly and continually bringing his life into greater conformity to the Word of God. A godly man is a saintly man. That is, he's one who lives and acts like a saint.

He's one who lives and acts like a Christian. He's one who is godly. That is, he is like God in areas of his life. Let me immediately dispel misconception. When I say a godly man, do not think of perfection. Don't think of absolute perfection. Don't think of sinlessness. How can I say that? A godly man is not necessarily a sinless man. How do I know that? Well, first of all, from experience.

We are sinners and we do sin. I never will forget the very first time I met an individual who claimed sinless perfection. I went into his place of business. I knew he was a professing Christian. And I walked in and I'd been reading Psalm 32, and I just walked in and I said, "Isn't it wonderful to have your sins forgiven?" And he replied, "I wouldn't know. I haven't sinned in five years." And when he said that, my jaw went to the floor, my mouth fell open, and I was stunned. And finally, when I regained my composure, I said, "Well, sir, I'm sorry to inform you that you just did. Your reign of perfection is ended, for the Scripture says, 'He that saith, I have no sin, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.'" How do I know that godly men are not perfect and are not sinless? Because we are sinners and we will not be perfect until we get to glory. But there's another way that I know that godly men are not sinlessly perfect.

How do I know that? Because of the Scriptures. Look in your Bibles to Psalm 32. Psalm 32. You remember David sinned and there are a number of penitential Psalms. Psalm 51, which everyone knows, but also Psalm 32. And in these Psalms, David is confessing and acknowledging his sins. And look, if you would please, in Psalm 32. He says this, well, we'll read verse 1, that's the one I thought of earlier.

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." Now David, of course, tried to hide his sins. He said, "When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long." He knew he was wicked. "For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer." And God kept convicting him. Notice what finally happened. David said, "I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." Watch verse 6: "For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him."

What did he just say? Everyone that is godly will pray for forgiveness and repentance. So godly men may sin, but godly men repent. They do not remain in their sins. They do not hide their sins. They do not pretend that they have not sinned. They do not pretend that they're perfect and that everything is okay when it's not. No, on the contrary, a godly man is someone who will quickly and readily acknowledge his sin, and he's willing to turn from that sin and repent of that sin. A godly man is one who understands Proverbs 28 and verse 13: "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." A godly man is someone who understands 1 John 1: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." A godly man is not perfect.

Are you listening to me now? A godly man is not perfect. But he sure does desire it. He wants to be. If I were to ask you as a child of God, how many of you really, genuinely want to sin against God? You don't want to sin against God, not if you're His child. You see something? A godly man understands this. A godly man, listen carefully, understands that he's a sinner. And that he may sin. But on the other hand, he understands something else. Listen now. He understands that he doesn't have to sin. Wow.

What am I talking about? Well, I want you to turn to two passages, 1 John 2, and then Romans 6, OK? Look in 1 John 2, and then we'll come back to Romans 6. 1 John 2, notice if you would please, verse 1. John the Apostle wrote this. And he wrote in 1 John 2 and verse 1, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not." Isn't that amazing? He said, "I'm writing this so that you won't sin."

You know, I don't agree with the theology of Dwight L. Moody, but I do agree with something he had written in the flyleaf of his Bible. He wrote, "Either this book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book." But look what the Bible says now, 1 John 2, verse 1: "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." So he said, "I'm writing this so you will not sin. I don't want you to sin, but if and when you do, you must understand there's an advocate, there's a good counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He's the one to go to when you sin. But I'm writing this," he said, "so that you do not sin."

Now, if you'll go back in your Bibles to Romans chapter 6, I'll show you what he's talking about. And I wish I had time to preach this. I think, I don't remember, I probably have 18 or 20 messages on Romans chapter 6 alone. To me, it's one of the most beautiful chapters in the book of Romans. And let me tell you, it's one of those chapters. I tell people there are two things that really set me free as a Christian. The first one is when I understood God's absolute sovereignty, that God is on the throne. He is sovereign.

My responsibility is to be faithful. My responsibility is to live like He tells me to live. The rest of it is up to Him. That was the most freedom I had had in a long time when I saw that. The second most blessed truth was when I realized that I had been delivered from the dominion of sin. Look what he says, Romans chapter 6, and let's begin reading there with verse 11. He says, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Now, let me just stop there. Think about this. What power does sin have over a dead man? No, not anything. So the apostle says you reckon, you count, you impute yourself dead indeed unto sin. And look what he says in verse 12. You not only count yourself dead unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Now, verse 12: "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body."

"That ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." Now, he didn't say, "Let not sin therefore be in your mortal body." He said, "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body." If you would study Romans 5 and Romans 6, you'll find that sin and death are treated as kings. For sin, or from death, reigned from Adam to Moses. Sin reigned unto death, the Bible says. They're treated as kings. What did Jesus Christ do? Jesus Christ came along and delivered us from the kingdom of sin and from the kingdom of death. The Bible says in the book of Colossians chapter 1 that God hath translated us out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of his dear Son. Sin is not our Lord. Sin is not our dominion. Sin is not our King. We've been translated out of that kingdom into the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Now notice, if you would, what he says. "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." Watch: "For sin shall not have dominion over you." Why?

You're under grace as a means of justification. You're not under the law. Sin shall not have dominion over you. Now sin has dominion over unsaved people. When sin commands unsaved people to jump, they have to jump. But when sin comes along to a child of God who's been delivered out of His kingdom and sin commands you to do something, you have the power, you have the right, you have the privilege to say, "I'm sorry, I'm no longer in your kingdom. You have no power over me."

I don't have to obey you. I choose, rather, to obey the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my King. He is my Lord. I will not do that. I'm serious, folks. A godly man is one who may sin, but he also realizes he doesn't have to. You say, "Boy, that's a fight, isn't it?" Yes, it is. It is a fight. You remember the Apostle Paul said, "I die how often?" Daily.

And I've got news for you. A thousand times a day, if you're fighting against sin, if you're fighting against your flesh, I die daily. Now, let me show you how practical this thing is. I want you to turn your Bibles to the book of Malachi, chapter two. Here's an excellent illustration. Malachi, chapter two. I'm just going to try to show you what it means to be godly now. Look at Malachi, chapter two, and notice, if you would please, verse 15. Malachi, chapter two, verse 15. "And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one?"

And he's talking about marriage. "That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth."

Practical Godliness and Its Blessings

Godliness is practical obedience in marriage and daily life; when the godly cease, society decays (Psalm 12). God blesses and shields the righteous.

Now, let me show you how practical this thing is. I want you to turn your Bibles to the book of Malachi, chapter two. Here's an excellent illustration. Malachi, chapter two. I'm just going to try to show you what it means to be godly now. Look at Malachi, chapter two, and notice, if you would please, verse 15. Malachi, chapter two, verse 15. "And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one?"

And he's talking about marriage. "That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth." Now, let's look at this. He made us one. Wherefore one? Why did God make the husband and wife one? The answer is that he might seek a godly seed.

Now, since God wants a godly seed, and a godly seed comes from godly parents, watch this: "Therefore take heed to your spirit," your attitude, your disposition, your way of thinking, that which motivates you. Take heed to your spirit, watch now, "that ye deal not treacherously against the wife of his youth." Let me explain this. My wife and I soon will have been married 46 years. What if I came to Brother Mooney and I said, "You know, well, my wife's getting kind of old." "I think what I need is a midlife crisis. I think I need me a couple of 20 year olds." What would you say? That's wicked. That's vile. That's sin. It's not only sin. Are you listening? It's treachery. God said don't deal treacherously against the wife of your youth. Now watch it. He wants a godly seed. How practical is godliness? It's so practical it's nothing less than obedience. It's obedience to the law of God. It's obedience to the Word of God. Now, interestingly enough, when the Bible says in Malachi 2 and verse 15 that he might seek a godly seed, the word "godly" is Elohim.

Does that ring a bell? That's the name of God. Also, it's used sometimes of civil rulers and judges in the Bible. But a godly seed is someone who is like God, someone who lives according to His commandments, someone who lives according to His will. And notice, if you would, the practicality of being godly begins with taking heed of your spirit that you obey God's law. It is extremely practical. That is, we have to watch our mind, we have to watch our disposition, we have to watch our attitude, we have to watch our spirit that we do that which is right. And incidentally, if you were to turn to the New Testament, I'm not going to take time to do this, but there are several words for godly in the New Testament.

One of them is Eusebius. That's where Eusebius got his name. It means godly. But by far, the greater number of Greek words for godly in the New Testament is theos, which is a name for God. Theology. Theocentric. It refers to God. What in the world is godliness? It is living as God would have you to live. It is acting the way God would have you to act.

It is obeying His law. It is obeying His Word. It is bringing your life into greater conformity to His Word. Do you remember what our Lord said in John 8 and verse 29? Let me just quote this. Listen to John 8 and verse 29. Our Lord said, "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."

Have you ever made it your prayer, "O God, just let me do those things that please You"? You know, we've been commanded to be conformed to the image of Christ. Romans 8 verse 29. What did Christ do? Christ pleased the Father. If I'm to be Christ-like, if I'm to be godly, I must please my Father. Look in your Bibles to 1 Thessalonians 4 and verse 1. 1 Thessalonians 4 and verse 1.

Notice, if you would, what Scripture says. 1 Thessalonians 4, verse 1: "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more." What did Paul say? You have received of us how you ought to walk and please God. You know, Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 in verse 4, "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." You remember that passage in Hebrews 11 verse 6, "Without faith it is impossible to please him." You know what a godly man is? A godly man is a man who pleases God by his faith, by his attitude, by his conduct, by his faithfulness. He is one who sets the Word of God before him. He is one who sets the law of God before him. He is one who endeavors to be obedient in every area of his life. He is the one who consistently and constantly says, every day, "Lord, I want to please You. I want to be honorable. I don't want to sin against you, God. Help me."

"Make me pure. Make me holy. Make me godly." Is the man perfect? No, he's not perfect. But he sure wants to be. And when he sins, he's ready and willing to acknowledge that sin and confess that sin and turn from that sin. You know, the Bible says, look back in Psalm 4, verse 3, look back at what he says. "This know. This know. But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself."

God has respect unto an individual like that. God says, "That's My kind of man. That's My kind of person. That's My kind of jewel. I'm going to take this one and set him aside for Myself. I'm going to honor him." I want you to see this. Watch this. Look in verse three again. David says, "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto him." Wait a minute, David. Wait a minute, David. How do you know God's going to hear your prayer? How do you know God's going to answer your prayer? David says, "I can tell you how I know. I hear God and He hears me. I obey Him and He set me apart and has marked me with His special favor and blessing."

I have an intimate relationship with Him. He will hear when I call. You remember what He said in James 5 and verse 16, that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." You know, I began this message by asking you a question. Are you special? Have you been marked out by God? Have you been distinguished by God? Have you been set apart? Have you been set apart by God?

Because of your godliness, your obedience. Let me ask you a question. Are you satisfied? Are you content with being the common, everyday, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, professing Christian who is satisfied with disobedience, ignorance, and apathy? If you are, don't ever expect to be treated special by God. God has marked the godly for himself. I want to show you how practical this is. Please turn in your Bibles to Psalm 12. You want to know what's wrong with our country? You want to know why we're in the trouble that we're in? Look in Psalm 12, verse 1.

Let me read it probably the way David prayed it. "Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men." Notice what David says. He cries, "Help, Lord!" Why does David want God's help? "For the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men." You say, "How does that concern society? How does that concern a nation?" Well, read on. Because the godly ceases and the faithful fail, "They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?"

"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him." Notice, if you would, when the godly ceases and the faithful fail, society disintegrates. You want to know why we have the oppression, the wickedness, the rebellion? Because the godly man ceases and the faithful fail from among the children of men. Let me ask you, how do you want to be treated in this life? Do you prefer the common ordinary treatment or do you want to be treated special? I could ask it like this. Do you want to go coach or first class? In this life, if you say, "I prefer first class," then first class demands obedience, holiness, godliness.

Scripture declares in Proverbs 15 and verse 29, "The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous." The Word of God declares in Psalm 5 and verse 12, listen now, "For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield." You know what a shield is? It's that which you hide behind. It protects you from the fiery darts of the wicked, from persecution. It saves your life. What does the Bible say? "For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield." If you want the special favor of God, you must be a godly man. God will hear the cry of the righteous, and God will bless the righteous and encompass him with a shield. Why will God do this? David gives you the answer: "But know, but know, but know, that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself." I hope and I pray there's a hunger in every true child of God to be more holy and to be more godly. What did our Lord say? "Be ye holy; for I am holy, saith the Lord."

Study Guide

Major Themes

God's Distinguishing Favor

Summary: God does not treat everyone alike; He sets apart the godly for special favor, access, and protection.

Evidence: Exodus 11:7 shows God put a difference between Egyptians and Israel; Psalm 4:3 says the Lord sets apart the godly for Himself.

The Meaning of 'No Respect of Persons'

Summary: The phrase means God is not influenced by human merit or status, not that He treats all identically.

Evidence: James 2 illustrates respecting persons based on wealth; God does not regard what a man has or lacks.

The Nature of Godliness

Summary: Godliness is not sinless perfection but a life of obedience, repentance, and striving to please God.

Evidence: Psalm 32 shows the godly pray for forgiveness; Romans 6 teaches freedom from sin's dominion.

The Practicality of Godliness

Summary: Godliness is evidenced by obedience in daily life, such as marital faithfulness, and is essential for societal health.

Evidence: Malachi 2:15 links godly seed to not dealing treacherously; Psalm 12:1 laments the ceasing of the godly.

The Blessings of Godliness

Summary: God hears the prayers of the righteous, blesses them, and shields them with favor.

Evidence: Psalm 5:12 says God blesses the righteous and compasses him with favor as a shield.

Key Arguments

God treats the godly differently from the wicked.

Summary: Scripture and experience show God makes distinctions; He delivers His people and judges the wicked.

Evidence: Exodus 11:7; Proverbs 15:8, 29; 1 Corinthians 4:7.

'No respect of persons' does not mean equal treatment.

Summary: The phrase means God is not partial based on human attributes, not that He treats all the same.

Evidence: James 2:1-9 shows the sin of respecting persons based on wealth; God does not regard human merit.

God sets apart the godly as His peculiar treasure.

Summary: Psalm 4:3 declares God's act of setting apart the godly for Himself, echoed in Malachi 3:17 and Titus 2:14.

Evidence: Psalm 4:3; Malachi 3:16-17; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9.

Godliness is defined by obedience and repentance, not sinlessness.

Summary: The godly man sins but repents; he strives to obey God and pleases Him, empowered by freedom from sin's dominion.

Evidence: Psalm 32:6; Romans 6:11-14; 1 John 2:1.

Godliness is practical and affects society.

Summary: Godliness involves obedience in marriage and daily life; when the godly cease, society disintegrates.

Evidence: Malachi 2:15; Psalm 12:1-5.

God blesses and protects the godly.

Summary: God hears the prayers of the righteous and surrounds them with favor as a shield.

Evidence: Psalm 5:12; Proverbs 15:29.

Scripture References

Psalm 4:1-8

Context: The entire psalm is read at the beginning; the message focuses on verse 3.

1 Corinthians 4:7

Context: Used to show God makes people differ; we have nothing we did not receive.

Exodus 11:7

Context: God put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Proverbs 15:8

Context: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

Proverbs 15:29

Context: The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Proverbs 28:9

Context: The prayer of one who turns from the law is an abomination.

James 4:6

Context: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Psalm 34:15, 17

Context: The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous; He hears their cry and delivers them.

Acts 10:34

Context: Peter says God is no respecter of persons, in context of judgment.

Romans 2:11

Context: There is no respect of persons with God, in context of judgment.

Ephesians 6:9

Context: Masters are warned that God shows no respect of persons.

Colossians 3:25

Context: He who does wrong will be repaid, for there is no respect of persons.

James 2:1-9

Context: Illustrates the sin of respecting persons based on wealth.

Proverbs 12:26

Context: The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor.

Malachi 3:16-17

Context: God's people are His jewels, His peculiar treasure.

Exodus 19:5

Context: Israel would be a peculiar treasure to God if they kept His covenant.

Deuteronomy 14:2

Context: God chose Israel to be a peculiar people unto Himself.

Deuteronomy 26:18

Context: God avouched Israel to be His peculiar people.

Psalm 135:4

Context: The Lord chose Jacob for His peculiar treasure.

Titus 2:14

Context: Christ gave Himself to purify a peculiar people zealous of good works.

Historical References

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Context: Weaver quotes Matthew Henry on Psalm 4:3, noting Henry's source material came from his father Philip Henry's home devotions.

Dwight L. Moody

Context: Weaver mentions Moody's flyleaf inscription: 'Either this book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book.'

Important Quotes

But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto him.

Significance: This is the central verse of the message, declaring God's special setting apart of the godly.

Who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive?

Significance: Used to argue that God is the source of all distinctions among people.

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Significance: Demonstrates God's distinguishing treatment of His people.

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Significance: Shows God's differential response to the wicked and the righteous.

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Significance: Indicates that the godly are characterized by prayer for forgiveness.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Significance: Key verse on the believer's freedom from sin's dominion.

Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

Significance: Connects the decline of godliness to societal breakdown.

For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Significance: Promises God's protective favor for the righteous.

Discussion Questions

In what ways do we see God treating people differently today, and how should that affect our view of His sovereignty?

Context: Weaver argues from Exodus 11:7 and 1 Corinthians 4:7 that God makes distinctions.

How does the biblical meaning of 'no respect of persons' differ from the common assumption that God treats everyone equally?

Context: Weaver explains the phrase using James 2 and other passages.

What does it mean to be 'set apart' by God as His peculiar treasure, and how should that identity shape our daily lives?

Context: Psalm 4:3 and related verses describe God's special possession.

How can we pursue godliness without falling into the trap of thinking we must be sinlessly perfect?

Context: Weaver defines godliness as obedience and repentance, not sinlessness, using Psalm 32 and Romans 6.

In what practical areas of life (like marriage) is godliness most clearly demonstrated, and why?

Context: Malachi 2:15 is used to show godliness in marital faithfulness.

According to Psalm 12, what happens to a society when the godly cease and the faithful fail? Can you see this in our culture?

Context: Weaver applies Psalm 12:1 to modern societal decay.

What does it mean to 'please God' in our daily walk, and how can we grow in this?

Context: Weaver references John 8:29 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1 about pleasing God.

How does the promise of God's favor as a shield (Psalm 5:12) encourage you to pursue godliness in the face of opposition?

Context: The message concludes with the blessing of God's protective favor.

Applications

Pursue Godliness for Special Favor

Summary: Believers should strive to be godly—obedient, repentant, and pleasing to God—to experience His special treatment and blessing.

Evidence: Psalm 4:3 says God sets apart the godly for Himself; Psalm 5:12 promises blessing and favor.

Reject Spiritual Complacency

Summary: Do not be content with being a common, disobedient, or apathetic Christian; such will not receive God's special favor.

Evidence: Weaver warns against being satisfied with 'ordinary, run-of-the-mill' Christianity.

Practice Repentance and Confession

Summary: When you sin, quickly acknowledge and confess it, turning from it, as the godly do (Psalm 32).

Evidence: Psalm 32:5-6 shows the godly pray for forgiveness; 1 John 1:9 promises cleansing.

Exercise Freedom from Sin's Dominion

Summary: Reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to God; you do not have to obey sin because you are under grace.

Evidence: Romans 6:11-14 commands believers not to let sin reign and promises sin shall not have dominion.

Be Faithful in Marriage

Summary: Godliness is demonstrated by not dealing treacherously against one's spouse; marital faithfulness is part of seeking a godly seed.

Evidence: Malachi 2:15 warns against treachery and connects it to godly offspring.

Plead Past Blessings for Present Help

Summary: Like David, remind God of His past deliverances as a basis for asking for current help, and cultivate a habit of thanksgiving.

Evidence: Psalm 4:1 shows David recalling past enlargement; Weaver shares a personal story of 'past due rent of thanksgiving.'

Protest Against Wickedness

Summary: Like David, believers should confront and protest the idolatry, deceit, and ungodliness of rulers and society.

Evidence: Psalm 4:2 is David's protest against those who love vanity and leasing.

Be a Faithful Presence in Society

Summary: Recognize that when the godly cease, society disintegrates; therefore, maintain godly influence to preserve righteousness.

Evidence: Psalm 12:1-5 links the failure of the godly to societal oppression and wickedness.

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-06T03:43:30Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T16:25:44Z

Clean Transcript

Are You Special?

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

I want you to open your Bibles, if you would please, to Psalm 4. Psalm 4 is a very short psalm, so I want to read all eight verses. I'm not going to be dealing with all eight verses tonight, but since it is so short, let's read them all. Psalm 4, beginning with verse 1. Psalm 4, verse 1: "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness."
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"Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love vanity, and seek after leasing? But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not."
#2 | 0:27 to 0:48 | cleaned
"Commune with your own heart upon your own bed, and be still." I hope each one of you know that the word "Selah" actually means pause, stop, and think about what has been said. "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say, Who will show us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety."
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I want to bring a message tonight which I've just entitled, "Are You Special?" I suppose in reality that each of us want to be treated in a special way. In fact, we like to be counted as special individuals. None of us want to be treated as common, everyday, ordinary individuals. In fact, if you and I were really honest, we would probably state that we really like what is known as the VIP treatment—very important person. In fact, there are a lot of people that will go to very expensive resorts just so they may be treated royally. They pay an arm and a leg to get to these resorts just so they can be pampered and waited on hand and foot.
#4 | 1:23 to 2:09 | cleaned
But according to their interpretation, their perception, it's worth all of it because they're treated as kings and queens. Some years ago, I had a pastor friend and his wife called Alice and I, and they had been given three or four days down in the Bahamas at one of the resorts there, and they invited Alice and I to go. Since everything was paid for except the plane tickets, we went with them.
#5 | 2:10 to 2:34 | cleaned
The resort was the Atlantis, which was mind-boggling and eye-boggling when you see it. And the beaches were beautiful. The pools were beautiful. Fish swimming everywhere. And here was this huge arch going from one building to the next, and of course, water was underneath. Here was the view of the ocean out there. And of course, I did not go in there, but we were told that that portion, which was probably from here to the other church across the street, rented for $25,000 a night.
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Now you understand why I didn't even want to look at it. But there were people who would pay $25,000 a night just simply to be pampered and treated as royalty. Now, I said all that just to ask you this question. How would you like, instead of being the teacher's pet, to be the pet of the sovereign God of heaven and earth? How would you like to be treated special by God? How would you like to have special access to Him and have His special favor, especially His love, His mercies, grace, and His blessings?
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Now, when I ask those questions, I can hear in my ears someone saying, because you hear it everywhere you go, "But now, Pastor, there's a problem here because don't you understand that God treats everyone just exactly alike and there is no respect of persons with God?" Have you ever heard that? Well, of course you've heard that. But first, let me just point something out that's very plain and very obvious. God does not treat everyone alike.
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All you have to do is look around. Ask yourself, why is it that you're saved and others are lost? Ask yourself, why is it that you have health and other people have extreme illness and sickness? Ask yourself, why is it that you have liberty and freedom and the majority of the people that live in this world are in bondage and slavery? Ask yourself, why is it that you possess certain knowledge and skills and abilities while other people do not? In fact, if you will hold Psalm 4, we're coming back there, but I want you to look in 1 Corinthians chapter 4. And look, if you would please, at the question the Apostle Paul asked these Corinthians.
#9 | 4:29 to 5:13 | cleaned
And I think you can discern the answer. Notice 1 Corinthians 4 and verse 7. Here the Apostle Paul asks, "For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?" Note that question. "Who maketh thee to differ from another?" Who made you to see? Who made you to hear? Who made you to live in a land of opportunity when other people do not? And the answer very obviously is God. You are what you are by the grace of God. It is God who made the difference.
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Now, let me just show you and ask that you turn back in your Bibles to the book of Exodus chapter 11. Please hold Psalm 4, we're coming back there. But I want to show you that God does indeed place a difference between people. Notice in Exodus chapter 11, and notice if you would please verse 7. Everyone knows that God in this passage is getting ready to deliver the children of Israel out of Egypt. The Exodus takes place in Exodus chapter 12, but God is telling Pharaoh through Moses this truth. And look what he says in verse 7. Exodus chapter 11 verse 7: God says, "But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel." Now, did God put a difference between the Egyptian and Israel? Did God treat the Egyptians exactly like He treated the Israelites?
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And the answer, very obvious, is no, He did not. He delivered the Israelites while He destroyed the Egyptians. And God said against the Israelites, against His people, there's not even going to be a dog move his tongue. And God said, the reason is that you may know that I've put a difference there.
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Now, the Hebrew word for "difference" actually means to be distinct, to be marked out, to be separated, to be distinguished, to be set apart. God said, I want you to know that I've distinguished, that I've set apart, that I've marked out My people. There's a difference between My people and those who are in rebellion against Me. So very obviously, God did not treat the Israelites and the Egyptians alike. His people received what you and I would call preferential treatment.
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Now, does God make a distinction even today? And the answer, of course, is yes. All you have to do is read your Bible. And here are general principles that show you how God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. For instance, turn in your Bibles to the book of Proverbs. And let's begin with Proverbs chapter 15. Let me just show you a number of verses here. Proverbs chapter 15.
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Notice, if you would please, verse 8. Proverbs 15 verse 8. Think, if you would please, about the distinction now that God is making. Proverbs 15, verse 8, the Word of God says this: "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight."
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Now, is there a difference? Well, very obviously there is. Look in Proverbs 15, verse 29. Here the Scripture says this, Proverbs 15 and verse 29: "The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous." That's another difference. Look in Proverbs 28 and verse 9. Once again, here's a distinction that God is marking out. Proverbs 28 and verse 9: "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." So the man that hears his prayer is acceptable, but the man who does not hear his prayer is abominable. Is there a difference? Well, of course there is. You know what the Bible says in James 4 and verse 6?
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You don't have to turn there. You'll remember this. "Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." Is there a difference? Well, of course there is. You know, the Bible says in Psalm 34 and verse 15, "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry." Well, are His eyes and His ears open to the wicked? No.
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Not in the same sense it is to the righteous. The Bible says in Psalm 34 and verse 17, "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."
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Now, very obviously, in all of these verses I've just given you, God makes a distinction. God does not treat everyone alike. Very obviously, very clearly, Scripture teaches that. You say, "But wait a minute, Brother Weaver, although I can see that God does not treat everyone alike, you really haven't answered the fact that God is no respecter of persons. How in the world do you answer that?" Do you realize that that phrase occurs four times in the New Testament? And interestingly enough, three of those four times deal with judgment. For instance, in Acts chapter 10, verse 34, that's the first time it occurs.
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Peter is there preaching to Cornelius, a Gentile, a Roman centurion. "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." In other words, I'm going to explain this, but that's what Peter said to Cornelius. And notice, if you would, in Romans 2, in verse 11, you don't have to turn there, but once again, Paul said, and it's in the context of judgment, "There is no respect of persons with God." And then in Ephesians 6 and verse 9, God says, He gives the warning, "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him." And then finally in Colossians 3 and verse 25, we read this: "But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."
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Now you have to ask yourself this question. What does that mean? Very obviously, it occurs four times in the Scripture. "There is no respect of persons with God." Does that mean that God treats everyone alike? No. Because we've just seen that God does not treat everyone alike. Does that mean that whatever God has done for you that God is obligated to do for me? The answer is no.
#21 | 11:24 to 11:50 | cleaned
You know what that little phrase means? When it says that God has no respect of persons, here's what it means. It means that man's merits cannot commend him to God, nor can man's demerits stop God from intervening in his life. In other words, there is nothing in man that will draw forth and merit the favor of God. God does not respect what a man has, and God does not respect what a man does not have. In other words, just because a man is rich or has great abilities and has great skills, that does not commend him to God. And just because someone is poor and he has no abilities, no skills, that does not keep God from intervening in his life and displaying His grace and mercy to him. Now let me just show you what it actually means.
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Look in your Bibles to the book of James, chapter 2. Here's a perfect illustration. In fact, you will see the sin very plainly mentioned. And here is what respect of persons really is. The book of James, chapter 2. Look, if you would please, at verse 1 to begin with. He says, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons." Now skip down to verse 9. He says, "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors." Now, what is he talking about when he's talking about the sin of respecting persons? Well, go back to verse 1. "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."
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"For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?"
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Now, here's what he's saying. Suppose that Brother Jack comes in, and I see Jack, and I say, "That guy's a multi-millionaire. I know him. He's got the money. I want him to sit close because, boy, if I can impress him, he might really give to me, or he might give to the church." And there sits poor old Ernie up front, poor old church mouse. And I say, "Ernie, get up and give Jack your seat." And Ernie, I tell you what you can do. You can either sit back there in the corner, or you can just sit right here at my feet.
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Well, what am I doing? I'm respecting persons. In other words, what that man has is commending himself to me. What Ernie does not have is not commending himself to me. And I think I can dispense of Ernie and dispose of him very quickly so that the man who commends himself to me can have the best seat. And then, of course, he goes on in James chapter 2 and he tells you, don't you notice these rich men who are drawing you into court anyhow?
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And they're the ones who try to take everything you've got. Why in the world would you have respect for them in the first place? And so he's saying, when you count what a man has or when you count what a man can do or might can do, that's having respect to him. God does not count what a man has. God does not count what a man might can do or could not do. So very obviously, then, having respect of persons is a sin. And when the Bible says that God is no respecter of persons, it means that God does not regard a man as to what he has or what he does not have.
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It has no implication that God's going to treat everyone alike. In fact, in Proverbs 12 and verse 26, the Bible says this: "The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour." So very clearly then, God places a premium upon the righteous.
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Now, I hope I've established one simple fact. This is my introduction, OK? I hope I've established the simple fact that God does make a difference, and God is not obligated to treat everyone alike, and God does not treat everyone alike. With that in mind, I want you to look in your Bible to Psalm 4. In Psalm 4, we have this wonderful psalm. It has been termed the evening psalm. Psalm 3 has been termed the morning psalm. And if you look in Psalm 4, and especially verse 4, the Bible says, "Stand in awe, and sin not."
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"Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still." It is biblical to lie in bed and pray and to lie in bed and think about God and to commune with Him through His Word. Nothing wrong with that. If you look in verse 8, the Bible says this: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety." I mean, it's God who gives us safety and sleep during the night. Plenty of nights, I quote that verse. So there's nothing wrong with communing with God on your own bed.
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You no doubt heard about the man who prayed. He said, "Lord, I thank Thee that this day I have not sinned against Thee. I have not broken Thy law. I have not committed any sin whatsoever. And Lord, so far this day I've done that which is right. But Lord, in just a few minutes, my feet are going to hit the floor and I'm going to need all the help I can get the rest of the day." Well, yeah, you understand. He just woke up and he's fixing to go out and face the world.
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But it's the evening psalm. Now, I want you to see three things with me tonight. In verse one, I'm going to show you David's prayer and praise. In verse two, David's protest. And verse three, David's pronouncement. And I'm going to tell you, I'm going to go very quickly through the first two points because it's the third point that I really want to deal with. I want you to note, if you would, David's prayer and praise. Look in verse 1.
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He says, "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness. Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." So David now beseeches God to hear his prayer.
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Now I want you to note the title that he gives to God. He says, "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness." When you acknowledge God as the God of your righteousness, you're saying that God is the author of your righteousness. He is also the witness of your righteousness, the maintainer of your righteousness, the judge of your righteousness, the rewarder of your righteousness. In other words, everything is of God.
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Do you realize there are times in this life when you and I and a lot of God's people are wickedly and wrongly condemned? There are times when I've seen innocent men in prison, totally, absolutely innocent. I know one pastor. He and his wife both went to prison. And the reason he went to prison first and foremost was because he had a church treasurer who happened to be a woman, and the woman happened to make a pass at the pastor, and the pastor rebuffed her, and then she began to form lies and lied about him in light of some of the church business, and he ended up in jail.
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Hadn't done a thing wrong. But let me tell you something. It doesn't matter what the world says, and it doesn't matter what the so-called judicial system says. Do you realize the sovereign God, the judge of all the earth, He knows who is innocent and who is not innocent. And David says, "You're the God of my righteousness." So men may disregard our pleas. They may ignore our cries. They may stifle their ears. They may sear their conscience. But God, the righteous judge, will hear our calls. So David then begins this by calling God the God of my righteousness.
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And then notice if you would what else he said in verse one. "Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer."
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Now, let me tell you that David is doing something in this verse right now that he's done in many other verses in the Bible. That is this. He is pleading past blessings and past favors as the foundation for present help. In other words, "God, You've helped me in times past. You've delivered me in time past. Well, Lord, I'm in trouble now. Since You've delivered me in time past, You are immutable. You do not change. Lord, help me now." So He's using, then, these past blessings and past mercies for present help. Let me tell you, folks, to be absolutely honest, we need to learn to thank God regularly, daily, for everything that He's done for us, and especially those things in the past.
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One of my favorite stories is many years ago, my wife and I lived in Pensacola, Florida, and we were members of a Baptist church there. And of course, at that particular time, I was not pastoring, but I was traveling and preaching in churches all across the country. I did that for 10 years, and I was very seldom at church on Sunday, although we were members there. Of course, I was away preaching. At that time, our children were small, and so Alice could not always travel with me at that time. And so one Sunday night, I was at home in time for church. I didn't have to preach that Sunday night. So I went to church with my family that night.
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When the meeting was over, the pastor said, "It's good to have John Weaver with us. He's very seldom with us." He said, "I'm going to ask him to dismiss us in prayer." Well, I've been reading a lot of the old Puritans, and one of the expressions they said in their writings was, "Help us to pay up our past due rent of thanksgiving." In other words, "Lord, help us to be thankful for everything that you've done in the past."
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Now, to understand this, where we were living at that particular time in Pensacola, Florida, the home that we were living in was furnished. I didn't have any rent. I didn't pay a penny for the home. We were able to live in it absolutely rent free. So when the pastor asked me to close in prayer that night, I was praying and I said, "Oh, Lord, I pray that you would help us to pay up our past due rent of thanksgivings."
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And you know, went on. And so that night I kind of tarried behind talking to people, and I was pretty much next to the last one out. And when I went out that night, the pastor shook my hand. And when he shook my hand, I felt something in it. And I looked at it, and it was a couple of hundred dollar bills. I said, "What's that for?"
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He said, "Well, some brother gave it to me. He said, 'Give it to you to help you pay your pastor your rent.'" I said, "Brother, I don't even pay rent." He said, "I know, but the Lord wanted you to have it, and here you take it." I said, "You know, I'm going to pray that prayer a little more often, brother." But that's what David is doing. David is saying, "Lord, you've blessed me in time past. Help me now and deliver me in this present time." You know, the Bible says in Job 5 and verse 19, "He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee." And then I love Psalm 34 and verse 6: "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles." And then in Psalm 34 and verse 17: "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." So we need to learn to do what David did. We need to say, "Lord, we're in trouble now, but Lord, look how You've helped me in time past."
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"Lord, please, please help me at this immediate time." And so David then uses past blessings as a foundation and as a jump start to ask God to help him in present trouble. Then if you look in verse two, you see David's protest. He says, "O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love vanity, and seek after leasing?" So in this second verse, we're led from the closet of prayer basically to the field of conflict. And I should note the courage that David displays because he begins with the sons of men, and he chides them for their wickedness. And by the way, "the sons of men" sometimes is used for rulers, civil rulers, for those in authority, great men, and undoubtedly his enemies were great men. But so he says, "O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame?" And notice what he says, "How long will you love vanity?"
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Now vanity is uselessness and worthlessness, but vanity is also another word used in the Bible for idolatry and idols. So how long will you love idols? How long will you love idolatry? He says, "How long will you love vanity? How long will you seek after leasing?" And leasing is lying, deceit, fraud, and dishonesty. Wow. Look what he says. "O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love vanity and seek after leasing?" Then he said, "Stop."
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Think about what I've just said. In other words, are you going to jest your way into hell? Are you going to laugh at the people of God and the man of God and the things of God? You know, I suppose that if I were to stop and try to outline what is happening in our land today, I think there are plenty of illustrations that we can see of rulers and important people who love vanity, who try to turn God's glory and the glory of God's people into shame. They love idolatry. They love dishonesty. They love fraud. They love deceit.
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And like David, we need to protest against their wickedness and their ungodliness. You know what our Lord said in Proverbs 8, verses 35 and verse 36? I love this passage. In fact, I've got a message just on this passage. But he said in Proverbs 8 in verse 35, "For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord."
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Now stop and think about that. Whoever finds Christ finds life and obtains favor of the Lord. But listen to verse 36. He says in verse 36, "But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death." Have you ever stopped to think about this? All that ungodly men can do, all that ungodly rulers can do, all that ungodly government can do is to give us a society of death. "All they that hate me love death."
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You wonder why we've got abortion on demand? You wonder why Sodomites have more privileges and more rights than ordinary everyday citizens? You wonder why wickedness can run roughshod over righteousness? It's because we have a society of death. When our Lord comes back, He's going to straighten these things out. But all ungodly men can do is give us a society of death.
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Now look in verse 3, because this is the message tonight. David says, "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto him." So here's David's pronouncement.
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Now, I want you to notice the first two words. David says, "But know." These two words are very instructive, very important. David informs us that in verse 3 is something that we absolutely must know. The Hebrew word means to perceive, to comprehend, to understand, to lay hold of. So David said, "Here's something you better perceive. You better comprehend this. You better lay hold of it. Make sure you understand it."
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Now, you'll remember in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul used similar language. The Apostle Paul would use language like this, "Know ye not." Or he would use this, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren." What is he saying? He's saying here's something very important. You better learn. You better sit up and you better pay attention. And you remember, our Lord, when He taught, oftentimes He would say, "Verily, verily," or "Truly, truly," or "Amen, amen." What was He saying? Here is something important. Pay attention.
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I'm calling you to notice this particularly. So David, in verse 3 there, says, "But know," here is something that you must know. Look at the next three words. "But know that the Lord." In other words, David is telling us now that this is something that is an act of God. It is something that is a work of God. It is something that God does. And if we are interested in what God does and what God is doing, we had better sit up and pay attention. God, he says, does something in His sovereign pleasure, in His perfect will, in His grace and in His mercy. What is it that God does? Here's what He says: "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself."
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Would you let that sink in just for a moment? "Hath set apart him that is godly for himself." They are God's peculiar treasure. He wants them. He desires them. He has pleasure in them. And He sets them apart for Himself. Now, hold Psalm 4. But look in your Bibles to the book of Malachi chapter 3. I hope this passage came into your mind as I read Psalm 4 in verse 3. Here's a similar truth in the book of Malachi chapter 3. Notice if you would there with verse 16. I love this passage. I preached on this passage, but notice Malachi 3 in verse 16.
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The Bible says, "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."
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Now note verse 16 again. "Then they that feared the Lord." What did they do? They spake often one to another. What did God do? God hearkened and heard it because they're talking about the things of God. And then a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, notice, and that thought upon His name. And what does God say? "And they shall be mine, saith the Lord." And in that day when I make up my jewels, they're going to be my peculiar and particular treasure. They will be mine.
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Now, Matthew Henry, one of the most common, well-known commentators, and by the way, do you know how Matthew Henry wrote most of his commentaries? You know where he got most of his source material from? From his father, Philip Henry, as he taught home devotions. Matthew Henry took notes from his father. But Matthew Henry says this concerning Psalm 4 in verse 3, that the Lord has set apart him that is godly, every particular godly man for himself in his eternal choice, in his effectual calling, and in the special disposals of providence and operations of His grace.
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His people are purified unto Him a peculiar people. Godly men are God's separated, sealed ones. He knows those that are His and has set His image and superscriptions upon them. He distinguishes them with uncommon favors. "They shall be mine, saith the Lord, in that day when I make up my jewels." Know this.
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Now listen to what he says. Let godly people know it and let them never alienate themselves from Him to whom they are thus appropriated. Let wicked people know it and take heed that they hurt not those whom God protects. But Matthew Henry said, He set apart these for Himself. I hope you'll remember that in the Old Testament, Israel, the covenant people, were to be God's peculiar treasure. If you look back in your Bibles to the book of Exodus chapter 19, Exodus chapter 19 verse 5, Exodus 19 verse 5, look what God says. "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine." Do you see what God told him? If you will keep my covenant, if you will obey my voice, God says you are going to be a peculiar treasure to me, notice, above all people, for all the earth is mine. Look in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 14. Deuteronomy 14 in verse 2.
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Again, God says the very same truth. Notice Deuteronomy 14 verse 2. "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth." God's chosen you to be a peculiar people. Look in Deuteronomy 26 and verse 18. Deuteronomy 26 and verse 18. Again, God says this: "And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments." Isn't that interesting? A peculiar people. And it's associating with the covenant and with keeping his commandments. Look in Psalm 135, if you would, verse 4. Psalm 135, verse 4.
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And then I'm going to show you this thought is not just reserved for the Old Testament. Notice Psalm 135 and verse 4. "For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure." By the way, every time this word "peculiar" is used, it refers to a valued property, a peculiar treasure that is something that is exceedingly precious and special and belongs to one individual. Wow.
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Look in your Bibles to the book of Titus, if you would. You're going to see the same truth in the New Testament. In the book of Titus, chapter 2, verse 14. Many of you can quote this verse. But in Titus 2 and verse 14, the Word of God says this, in reference to our Lord's sacrifice, "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." And then if you turn right over to 1 Peter 2, you'll notice it again in verse 9. 1 Peter 2 and verse 9. The Bible says it like this: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." Now the Greek word for "peculiar" here literally has reference to belonging to one particular. In other words, it refers to a particular possession. It is individuals who have been selected by God to be His peculiar treasure.
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Now, I want to go back to Psalm 4 and look at verse 3, and I want to try to put this together for us. Look, if you would, Psalm 4 and verse 3. "But know"—you better know this—"that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself." In light of this simple truth, it should be obvious that we are to be a godly people.
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However, there's a very pressing question. What does it mean to be godly? Let me tell you something, folks, I know a lot of professing Christians that I would never classify as godly. I'd call them worldly. I'd call them carnal, I'd call them unsaved, but I certainly would not call them godly. And I've got news for you. In the average church in this land today, there are very few godly people. So what does it mean to be godly? You may be surprised, but the Hebrew word literally means and refers to those who are faithful, holy, saintly, pious, and godly. But what is a godly man? What would be a saintly man? What would be a pious man? What would be a faithful man? A godly man is a man who is faithful to the principles of Scripture. A godly man is one who is constantly and continually bringing his life into greater conformity to the Word of God. A godly man is a saintly man. That is, he's one who lives and acts like a saint.
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He's one who lives and acts like a Christian. He's one who is godly. That is, he is like God in areas of his life. Let me immediately dispel misconception. When I say a godly man, do not think of perfection. Don't think of absolute perfection. Don't think of sinlessness. How can I say that? A godly man is not necessarily a sinless man. How do I know that? Well, first of all, from experience.
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We are sinners and we do sin. I never will forget the very first time I met an individual who claimed sinless perfection. I went into his place of business. I knew he was a professing Christian. And I walked in and I'd been reading Psalm 32, and I just walked in and I said, "Isn't it wonderful to have your sins forgiven?" And he replied, "I wouldn't know. I haven't sinned in five years." And when he said that, my jaw went to the floor, my mouth fell open, and I was stunned. And finally, when I regained my composure, I said, "Well, sir, I'm sorry to inform you that you just did. Your reign of perfection is ended, for the Scripture says, 'He that saith, I have no sin, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.'" How do I know that godly men are not perfect and are not sinless? Because we are sinners and we will not be perfect until we get to glory. But there's another way that I know that godly men are not sinlessly perfect.
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How do I know that? Because of the Scriptures. Look in your Bibles to Psalm 32. Psalm 32. You remember David sinned and there are a number of penitential Psalms. Psalm 51, which everyone knows, but also Psalm 32. And in these Psalms, David is confessing and acknowledging his sins. And look, if you would please, in Psalm 32. He says this, well, we'll read verse 1, that's the one I thought of earlier.
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"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile."
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Now David, of course, tried to hide his sins. He said, "When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long." He knew he was wicked. "For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer." And God kept convicting him. Notice what finally happened. David said, "I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." Watch verse 6: "For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him."
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What did he just say? Everyone that is godly will pray for forgiveness and repentance. So godly men may sin, but godly men repent. They do not remain in their sins. They do not hide their sins. They do not pretend that they have not sinned. They do not pretend that they're perfect and that everything is okay when it's not. No, on the contrary, a godly man is someone who will quickly and readily acknowledge his sin, and he's willing to turn from that sin and repent of that sin. A godly man is one who understands Proverbs 28 and verse 13: "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." A godly man is someone who understands 1 John 1: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." A godly man is not perfect.
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Are you listening to me now? A godly man is not perfect. But he sure does desire it. He wants to be. If I were to ask you as a child of God, how many of you really, genuinely want to sin against God? You don't want to sin against God, not if you're His child. You see something? A godly man understands this. A godly man, listen carefully, understands that he's a sinner. And that he may sin. But on the other hand, he understands something else. Listen now. He understands that he doesn't have to sin. Wow.
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What am I talking about? Well, I want you to turn to two passages, 1 John 2, and then Romans 6, OK? Look in 1 John 2, and then we'll come back to Romans 6. 1 John 2, notice if you would please, verse 1. John the Apostle wrote this. And he wrote in 1 John 2 and verse 1, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not." Isn't that amazing? He said, "I'm writing this so that you won't sin."
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You know, I don't agree with the theology of Dwight L. Moody, but I do agree with something he had written in the flyleaf of his Bible. He wrote, "Either this book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book." But look what the Bible says now, 1 John 2, verse 1: "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." So he said, "I'm writing this so you will not sin. I don't want you to sin, but if and when you do, you must understand there's an advocate, there's a good counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He's the one to go to when you sin. But I'm writing this," he said, "so that you do not sin."
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Now, if you'll go back in your Bibles to Romans chapter 6, I'll show you what he's talking about. And I wish I had time to preach this. I think, I don't remember, I probably have 18 or 20 messages on Romans chapter 6 alone. To me, it's one of the most beautiful chapters in the book of Romans. And let me tell you, it's one of those chapters. I tell people there are two things that really set me free as a Christian. The first one is when I understood God's absolute sovereignty, that God is on the throne. He is sovereign.
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My responsibility is to be faithful. My responsibility is to live like He tells me to live. The rest of it is up to Him. That was the most freedom I had had in a long time when I saw that. The second most blessed truth was when I realized that I had been delivered from the dominion of sin. Look what he says, Romans chapter 6, and let's begin reading there with verse 11. He says, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."
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Now, let me just stop there. Think about this. What power does sin have over a dead man? No, not anything. So the apostle says you reckon, you count, you impute yourself dead indeed unto sin. And look what he says in verse 12. You not only count yourself dead unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Now, verse 12: "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body."
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"That ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." Now, he didn't say, "Let not sin therefore be in your mortal body." He said, "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body." If you would study Romans 5 and Romans 6, you'll find that sin and death are treated as kings. For sin, or from death, reigned from Adam to Moses. Sin reigned unto death, the Bible says. They're treated as kings.
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What did Jesus Christ do? Jesus Christ came along and delivered us from the kingdom of sin and from the kingdom of death. The Bible says in the book of Colossians chapter 1 that God hath translated us out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of his dear Son. Sin is not our Lord. Sin is not our dominion. Sin is not our King. We've been translated out of that kingdom into the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Now notice, if you would, what he says. "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." Watch: "For sin shall not have dominion over you." Why?
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You're under grace as a means of justification. You're not under the law. Sin shall not have dominion over you. Now sin has dominion over unsaved people. When sin commands unsaved people to jump, they have to jump. But when sin comes along to a child of God who's been delivered out of His kingdom and sin commands you to do something, you have the power, you have the right, you have the privilege to say, "I'm sorry, I'm no longer in your kingdom. You have no power over me."
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I don't have to obey you. I choose, rather, to obey the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my King. He is my Lord. I will not do that. I'm serious, folks. A godly man is one who may sin, but he also realizes he doesn't have to. You say, "Boy, that's a fight, isn't it?" Yes, it is. It is a fight. You remember the Apostle Paul said, "I die how often?" Daily.
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And I've got news for you. A thousand times a day, if you're fighting against sin, if you're fighting against your flesh, I die daily.
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Now, let me show you how practical this thing is. I want you to turn your Bibles to the book of Malachi, chapter two. Here's an excellent illustration. Malachi, chapter two. I'm just going to try to show you what it means to be godly now. Look at Malachi, chapter two, and notice, if you would please, verse 15. Malachi, chapter two, verse 15. "And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one?"
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And he's talking about marriage. "That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth."
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Now, let's look at this. He made us one. Wherefore one? Why did God make the husband and wife one? The answer is that he might seek a godly seed.
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Now, since God wants a godly seed, and a godly seed comes from godly parents, watch this: "Therefore take heed to your spirit," your attitude, your disposition, your way of thinking, that which motivates you. Take heed to your spirit, watch now, "that ye deal not treacherously against the wife of his youth." Let me explain this. My wife and I soon will have been married 46 years. What if I came to Brother Mooney and I said, "You know, well, my wife's getting kind of old."
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"I think what I need is a midlife crisis. I think I need me a couple of 20 year olds." What would you say? That's wicked. That's vile. That's sin. It's not only sin. Are you listening? It's treachery. God said don't deal treacherously against the wife of your youth. Now watch it. He wants a godly seed. How practical is godliness? It's so practical it's nothing less than obedience. It's obedience to the law of God. It's obedience to the Word of God. Now, interestingly enough, when the Bible says in Malachi 2 and verse 15 that he might seek a godly seed, the word "godly" is Elohim.
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Does that ring a bell? That's the name of God. Also, it's used sometimes of civil rulers and judges in the Bible. But a godly seed is someone who is like God, someone who lives according to His commandments, someone who lives according to His will. And notice, if you would, the practicality of being godly begins with taking heed of your spirit that you obey God's law. It is extremely practical. That is, we have to watch our mind, we have to watch our disposition, we have to watch our attitude, we have to watch our spirit that we do that which is right. And incidentally, if you were to turn to the New Testament, I'm not going to take time to do this, but there are several words for godly in the New Testament.
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One of them is Eusebius. That's where Eusebius got his name. It means godly. But by far, the greater number of Greek words for godly in the New Testament is theos, which is a name for God. Theology. Theocentric. It refers to God. What in the world is godliness? It is living as God would have you to live. It is acting the way God would have you to act.
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It is obeying His law. It is obeying His Word. It is bringing your life into greater conformity to His Word. Do you remember what our Lord said in John 8 and verse 29? Let me just quote this. Listen to John 8 and verse 29. Our Lord said, "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."
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Have you ever made it your prayer, "O God, just let me do those things that please You"? You know, we've been commanded to be conformed to the image of Christ. Romans 8 verse 29. What did Christ do? Christ pleased the Father. If I'm to be Christ-like, if I'm to be godly, I must please my Father. Look in your Bibles to 1 Thessalonians 4 and verse 1. 1 Thessalonians 4 and verse 1.
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Notice, if you would, what Scripture says. 1 Thessalonians 4, verse 1: "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more." What did Paul say? You have received of us how you ought to walk and please God. You know, Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 in verse 4, "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." You remember that passage in Hebrews 11 verse 6, "Without faith it is impossible to please him." You know what a godly man is? A godly man is a man who pleases God by his faith, by his attitude, by his conduct, by his faithfulness. He is one who sets the Word of God before him. He is one who sets the law of God before him. He is one who endeavors to be obedient in every area of his life. He is the one who consistently and constantly says, every day, "Lord, I want to please You. I want to be honorable. I don't want to sin against you, God. Help me."
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"Make me pure. Make me holy. Make me godly." Is the man perfect? No, he's not perfect. But he sure wants to be. And when he sins, he's ready and willing to acknowledge that sin and confess that sin and turn from that sin. You know, the Bible says, look back in Psalm 4, verse 3, look back at what he says. "This know. This know. But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself."
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God has respect unto an individual like that. God says, "That's My kind of man. That's My kind of person. That's My kind of jewel. I'm going to take this one and set him aside for Myself. I'm going to honor him." I want you to see this. Watch this. Look in verse three again. David says, "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto him." Wait a minute, David. Wait a minute, David. How do you know God's going to hear your prayer? How do you know God's going to answer your prayer? David says, "I can tell you how I know. I hear God and He hears me. I obey Him and He set me apart and has marked me with His special favor and blessing."
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I have an intimate relationship with Him. He will hear when I call. You remember what He said in James 5 and verse 16, that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." You know, I began this message by asking you a question. Are you special? Have you been marked out by God? Have you been distinguished by God? Have you been set apart? Have you been set apart by God?
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Because of your godliness, your obedience. Let me ask you a question. Are you satisfied? Are you content with being the common, everyday, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, professing Christian who is satisfied with disobedience, ignorance, and apathy? If you are, don't ever expect to be treated special by God. God has marked the godly for himself. I want to show you how practical this is. Please turn in your Bibles to Psalm 12. You want to know what's wrong with our country? You want to know why we're in the trouble that we're in? Look in Psalm 12, verse 1.
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Let me read it probably the way David prayed it. "Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men." Notice what David says. He cries, "Help, Lord!" Why does David want God's help? "For the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men." You say, "How does that concern society? How does that concern a nation?" Well, read on. Because the godly ceases and the faithful fail, "They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?"
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"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him." Notice, if you would, when the godly ceases and the faithful fail, society disintegrates. You want to know why we have the oppression, the wickedness, the rebellion? Because the godly man ceases and the faithful fail from among the children of men. Let me ask you, how do you want to be treated in this life? Do you prefer the common ordinary treatment or do you want to be treated special? I could ask it like this. Do you want to go coach or first class? In this life, if you say, "I prefer first class," then first class demands obedience, holiness, godliness.
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Scripture declares in Proverbs 15 and verse 29, "The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous." The Word of God declares in Psalm 5 and verse 12, listen now, "For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield." You know what a shield is? It's that which you hide behind. It protects you from the fiery darts of the wicked, from persecution. It saves your life.
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What does the Bible say? "For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield." If you want the special favor of God, you must be a godly man. God will hear the cry of the righteous, and God will bless the righteous and encompass him with a shield. Why will God do this? David gives you the answer: "But know, but know, but know, that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself." I hope and I pray there's a hunger in every true child of God to be more holy and to be more godly. What did our Lord say? "Be ye holy; for I am holy, saith the Lord."
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Our holiness, our godliness is evidenced by our obedience to His Word. Let's pray. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I ask, Lord, in Thy holy and blessed name, Thou would speak to our hearts. Oh, God, if no one else wants to be holy, I do. If no one else wants to be godly, I do. God, make us more obedient that we may be set apart, marked with distinction, that we're yours.
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Help us to know this. Help us to comprehend this. That the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. May we be thine. In Christ's name we ask and pray. Amen.
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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-06T03:43:30Z

Are You Special?

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

John Weaver examines Psalm 4:3 to show that God sets apart the godly for Himself, granting them special favor, access, and protection. He argues that God does not treat everyone alike, as evidenced by Scripture and experience, and that the phrase 'God is no respecter of persons' means God is not swayed by human merit or demerit, not that He treats all identically. The godly are defined not as sinless but as those who strive to obey God's Word, repent of sin, and please Him. Weaver calls believers to pursue godliness to experience God's special treatment.

Opening

Scripture Reading — Psalm 4:1-8

"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness." "Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love vanity, and seek after leasing? But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not."

Introduction: The Desire to Be Special

Weaver notes that everyone wants to be treated as special, like VIPs at expensive resorts, and asks if we would like to be special to God.

God Does Not Treat Everyone Alike

Using 1 Corinthians 4:7 and Exodus 11:7, Weaver demonstrates that God makes distinctions between people, giving preferential treatment to His own.

And I think you can discern the answer. Notice 1 Corinthians 4 and verse 7. Here the Apostle Paul asks,

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 4:7

"For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"

Note that question.

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 4:7

"Who maketh thee to differ from another?"

God Is No Respecter of Persons Explained

Weaver clarifies that 'no respect of persons' means God is not influenced by human status or merit, not that He treats all identically, illustrated by James 2.

Scripture Reading — James 2:1-9

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."

Now skip down to verse 9. He says,

Scripture Reading — James 2:1-9

"But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."

Now, what is he talking about when he's talking about the sin of respecting persons? Well, go back to verse 1.

Scripture Reading — James 2:1-9

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."

It has no implication that God's going to treat everyone alike. In fact, in Proverbs 12 and verse 26, the Bible says this:

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 12:26

"The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour."

So very clearly then, God places a premium upon the righteous.

David's Prayer and Praise (Psalm 4:1)

David appeals to God as the God of his righteousness and pleads past blessings as a foundation for present help.

David's Protest (Psalm 4:2)

David confronts the wicked for loving vanity and leasing, and Weaver applies this to modern rulers who promote idolatry and deceit.

David's Pronouncement: The Godly Are Set Apart (Psalm 4:3)

The core message: God sets apart the godly for Himself as His peculiar treasure, a truth echoed in Malachi 3, Titus 2, and 1 Peter 2.

Scripture Reading — Titus 2:14

"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

What It Means to Be Godly

Godliness is not sinless perfection but a life of obedience, repentance, and striving to please God, empowered by freedom from sin's dominion (Romans 6).

And he's talking about marriage. "That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth."

Practical Godliness and Its Blessings

Godliness is practical obedience in marriage and daily life; when the godly cease, society decays (Psalm 12). God blesses and shields the righteous.

Are You Special?

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	97082219111
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Exodus: Bondage, Deliverance, and Passover: The Superiority of Christ
Genre	Sermon
Date	2008-08-16
Dictation Name
Book	Book 078: Exodus: Bondage, Deliverance, and Passover - Volume 1 — Chapter 7
Source Timed Segments	101

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction: The Desire to Be Special: Weaver notes that everyone wants to be treated as special, like VIPs at expensive resorts, and asks if we would like to be special to God.
God Does Not Treat Everyone Alike: Using 1 Corinthians 4:7 and Exodus 11:7, Weaver demonstrates that God makes distinctions between people, giving preferential treatment to His own.
God Is No Respecter of Persons Explained: Weaver clarifies that 'no respect of persons' means God is not influenced by human status or merit, not that He treats all identically, illustrated by James 2.
David's Prayer and Praise (Psalm 4:1): David appeals to God as the God of his righteousness and pleads past blessings as a foundation for present help.
David's Protest (Psalm 4:2): David confronts the wicked for loving vanity and leasing, and Weaver applies this to modern rulers who promote idolatry and deceit.
David's Pronouncement: The Godly Are Set Apart (Psalm 4:3): The core message: God sets apart the godly for Himself as His peculiar treasure, a truth echoed in Malachi 3, Titus 2, and 1 Peter 2.
What It Means to Be Godly: Godliness is not sinless perfection but a life of obedience, repentance, and striving to please God, empowered by freedom from sin's dominion (Romans 6).
Practical Godliness and Its Blessings: Godliness is practical obedience in marriage and daily life; when the godly cease, society decays (Psalm 12). God blesses and shields the righteous.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

God treats the godly differently from the wicked.

Scripture and experience show God makes distinctions; He delivers His people and judges the wicked.

Exodus 11:7; Proverbs 15:8, 29; 1 Corinthians 4:7.

'No respect of persons' does not mean equal treatment.

The phrase means God is not partial based on human attributes, not that He treats all the same.

James 2:1-9 shows the sin of respecting persons based on wealth; God does not regard human merit.

God sets apart the godly as His peculiar treasure.

Psalm 4:3 declares God's act of setting apart the godly for Himself, echoed in Malachi 3:17 and Titus 2:14.

Psalm 4:3; Malachi 3:16-17; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9.

Godliness is defined by obedience and repentance, not sinlessness.

The godly man sins but repents; he strives to obey God and pleases Him, empowered by freedom from sin's dominion.

Psalm 32:6; Romans 6:11-14; 1 John 2:1.

Godliness is practical and affects society.

Godliness involves obedience in marriage and daily life; when the godly cease, society disintegrates.

Malachi 2:15; Psalm 12:1-5.

God blesses and protects the godly.

God hears the prayers of the righteous and surrounds them with favor as a shield.

Psalm 5:12; Proverbs 15:29.

Scripture References

Psalm 4:1-8: The entire psalm is read at the beginning; the message focuses on verse 3.
1 Corinthians 4:7: Used to show God makes people differ; we have nothing we did not receive.
Exodus 11:7: God put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
Proverbs 15:8: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
Proverbs 15:29: The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
Proverbs 28:9: The prayer of one who turns from the law is an abomination.
James 4:6: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Psalm 34:15, 17: The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous; He hears their cry and delivers them.
Acts 10:34: Peter says God is no respecter of persons, in context of judgment.
Romans 2:11: There is no respect of persons with God, in context of judgment.
Ephesians 6:9: Masters are warned that God shows no respect of persons.
Colossians 3:25: He who does wrong will be repaid, for there is no respect of persons.
James 2:1-9: Illustrates the sin of respecting persons based on wealth.
Proverbs 12:26: The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor.
Malachi 3:16-17: God's people are His jewels, His peculiar treasure.
Exodus 19:5: Israel would be a peculiar treasure to God if they kept His covenant.
Deuteronomy 14:2: God chose Israel to be a peculiar people unto Himself.
Deuteronomy 26:18: God avouched Israel to be His peculiar people.
Psalm 135:4: The Lord chose Jacob for His peculiar treasure.
Titus 2:14: Christ gave Himself to purify a peculiar people zealous of good works.

Historical References

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Weaver quotes Matthew Henry on Psalm 4:3, noting Henry's source material came from his father Philip Henry's home devotions.
Dwight L. Moody: Weaver mentions Moody's flyleaf inscription: 'Either this book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book.'

Important Quotes

But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto him.

This is the central verse of the message, declaring God's special setting apart of the godly.

Who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive?

Used to argue that God is the source of all distinctions among people.

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Demonstrates God's distinguishing treatment of His people.

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Shows God's differential response to the wicked and the righteous.

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Indicates that the godly are characterized by prayer for forgiveness.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Key verse on the believer's freedom from sin's dominion.

Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

Connects the decline of godliness to societal breakdown.

For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Promises God's protective favor for the righteous.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

In what ways do we see God treating people differently today, and how should that affect our view of His sovereignty?

[Context]

Weaver argues from Exodus 11:7 and 1 Corinthians 4:7 that God makes distinctions.

[Question]

How does the biblical meaning of 'no respect of persons' differ from the common assumption that God treats everyone equally?

[Context]

Weaver explains the phrase using James 2 and other passages.

[Question]

What does it mean to be 'set apart' by God as His peculiar treasure, and how should that identity shape our daily lives?

[Context]

Psalm 4:3 and related verses describe God's special possession.

[Question]

How can we pursue godliness without falling into the trap of thinking we must be sinlessly perfect?

[Context]

Weaver defines godliness as obedience and repentance, not sinlessness, using Psalm 32 and Romans 6.

[Question]

In what practical areas of life (like marriage) is godliness most clearly demonstrated, and why?

[Context]

Malachi 2:15 is used to show godliness in marital faithfulness.

[Question]

According to Psalm 12, what happens to a society when the godly cease and the faithful fail? Can you see this in our culture?

[Context]

Weaver applies Psalm 12:1 to modern societal decay.

[Question]

What does it mean to 'please God' in our daily walk, and how can we grow in this?

[Context]

Weaver references John 8:29 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1 about pleasing God.

[Question]

How does the promise of God's favor as a shield (Psalm 5:12) encourage you to pursue godliness in the face of opposition?

[Context]

The message concludes with the blessing of God's protective favor.

Applications

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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T16:25:44Z