Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the trust that saints place in God is often met with disdain and contempt by the wicked. This theme is recurrent throughout Scripture, highlighting the tension between the righteous and the unrighteous, and the differing foundations upon which they build their lives.Biblical Instances: 1. Psalm 22:7-8 : "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: 'He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.'" This passage, attributed to David, prophetically points to the suffering of the righteous, including the Messiah. The mockery of trust in God by the wicked is evident as they challenge the efficacy of divine deliverance. 2. Job 12:4 : "I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God and He answered. The righteous and blameless man is a laughingstock." Job, a paragon of faithfulness amidst suffering, experiences the scorn of those around him. His unwavering trust in God becomes a source of ridicule, illustrating the wicked's inability to comprehend the depth of a saint's reliance on the divine. 3. Matthew 27:43 : "He trusts in God; let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, 'I am the Son of God.'" At the crucifixion of Jesus, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mock His trust in the Father. This moment encapsulates the ultimate despising of divine trust by the wicked, as they fail to recognize the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ's suffering. Theological Implications: The disdain of the wicked for the trust of the saints underscores a fundamental spiritual divide. The wicked, often characterized by self-reliance and pride, view the dependence of the righteous on God as foolishness. This perspective is rooted in a worldview that dismisses the sovereignty and providence of God, favoring instead human strength and wisdom. Contrast with the Righteous: In contrast, the saints' trust in God is portrayed as a source of strength and hope. Scriptures such as Proverbs 3:5-6 exhort believers to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This trust is not blind but is based on the character and promises of God, who is faithful and just. Historical and Cultural Context: Throughout history, the people of God have often been marginalized and persecuted for their faith. The early Christians, for example, faced ridicule and hostility from both Jewish and Roman authorities. Their steadfast trust in Christ, even unto death, was a testament to their unwavering faith and a challenge to the prevailing cultural norms. Practical Application: For contemporary believers, the despising of their trust by the wicked serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship. It calls for perseverance and courage in the face of opposition, holding fast to the assurance that God is faithful. The saints are encouraged to continue placing their trust in God, knowing that their hope is not in vain, as articulated in Romans 5:3-5 : "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Conclusion: The trust of the saints, though despised by the wicked, remains a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the enduring hope found in His promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 36:4,7And Rabshakeh said to them, Say you now to Hezekiah, Thus said the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein you trust? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ... How Saints May Help the Devil Hebrews xiii. 17 A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! That God is to be Loved and Worshipped in Diseases: and Also of ... The Saints' Privilege and Profit; The Controversy Ended. The Controversy Ended Psalm CXVIII. Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Resources What does it mean to trust in Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I learn to trust in the faithfulness of God? | GotQuestions.org How could Job say, “Though He slay me, I will trust in Him”? | GotQuestions.org Trust: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trust of Saints Is in the Mercy of God Trust of Saints Is in the Word of God Trust of Saints Is: Despised by the Wicked Trust of Saints Is: Grounded on the Covenant Trust of Saints Is: Not in Carnal Weapons Trust of Saints Is: Not in the Flesh Trust of Saints Is: Not in Themselves Trust of Saints Is: Strong in the Prospect of Death Trust of Saints Is: Through Christ Trust of Saints Is: Unalterable Trust of the Wicked is in Earthly Alliances Trust of the Wicked is in Falsehood Trust of the Wicked is in Idols Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Heart Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Righteousness Trust of the Wicked is in Vanity Trust of the Wicked is in Wealth Trust of the Wicked is not in God Trust of the Wicked is Vain and Delusive Trust of the Wicked: Israelites Trust of the Wicked: Sennacherib Trust of the Wicked: Shall be Destroyed Trust of the Wicked: Shall Make Them Ashamed Trust of the Wicked--Illustrated Trust: Blessedness of Placing, in God Trust: Encouragements to Former Deliverances Trust: Encouragements to The Care of God for Us Trust: Encouragements to The Everlasting Strength of God Trust: Encouragements to The Goodness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Loving-Kindness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Rich Bounty of God Trust: God is the True Object of Trust: Leads to Being Compassed With Mercy Trust: Leads to Deliverance from Enemies Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of all Temporal and Spiritual Blessings Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Happiness Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Perfect Peace Trust: Leads to Fulfilment of all Holy Desires Trust: Leads to Rejoicing in God Trust: Leads to Safety in Times of Danger Trust: Saints Plead, in Prayer Trust: should be from Youth Up Trust: should be With the Whole Heart Trust: The Fear of God Leads To Trust: The Lord Knows Those Who Have Trust: To be Accompanied by Doing Good Related Terms |
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