How can understanding Psalm 36:1 guide us in evangelizing to the lost? Setting Psalm 36:1 in Context “An oracle is in my heart regarding the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.” – Psalm 36:1 • David contrasts the wicked with the steadfast love of God (vv. 5-9). • Verse 1 diagnoses the core problem behind unbelief: an absence of holy fear. • Recognizing this root issue shapes the way we approach evangelism. Key Insights from the Verse • “Oracle” (Hebrew neʾum) signals a weighty, Spirit-given insight—not mere opinion. • “Transgression of the wicked” reminds us sin is open rebellion, not a harmless mistake. • “No fear of God” exposes the vacuum of reverence that allows sin to thrive. • “Before his eyes” shows the lost live in continual view of self, not of God. What the Verse Reveals About the Lost • They are not neutral; they are active in transgression. • Their deepest need is not better morals but a restored awe of God. • Without that fear, conscience dulls and self-deception grows (see Romans 1:21-22). Implications for Our Hearts Before We Speak • Approach the lost with compassion, but also with clarity about their true condition. • Expect resistance rooted in spiritual blindness, not merely intellectual doubt (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). • Depend on God’s Spirit to awaken fear where it is absent (John 16:8). Practical Evangelism Steps Informed by Psalm 36:1 1. Begin with God’s character • Speak of His holiness, majesty, and rightful authority (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:11). • A lofty view of God helps revive proper fear. 2. Use the law to expose transgression • Lovingly walk through commands that reveal sin (Romans 7:7). • The aim is conviction, not condemnation, so grace can be welcomed. 3. Present the gospel as the remedy for misplaced fear • Show how the cross satisfies God’s justice and invites restoration (Romans 3:23-26). • Emphasize Christ’s resurrection power to create new hearts that truly revere God (Ezekiel 36:26-27). 4. Call for a response of repentance and faith • Repentance flows from awakened fear; faith rests in Christ’s finished work (Acts 20:21). • Urge urgency—“today if you hear His voice” (Hebrews 3:15). 5. Pray and persist • Only God can plant genuine fear and draw the heart (John 6:44). • Keep relationships open; share Scripture regularly. Supporting Scriptures That Echo the Same Truth • Romans 3:18 – “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” • Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Psalm 111:10 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” • Hebrews 10:31 – “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” • Matthew 10:28 – “Do not fear those who kill the body… rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Encouragement to Persevere • The same God who revealed this oracle to David still speaks through His Word today. • He delights to replace dead hearts with living ones that fear and love Him. • Stand firm, share boldly, and trust the Lord to use Psalm 36:1 to awaken the lost. |
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