“The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God” (Psalm 14:2).
Text: Psalms 14:1-7; Isaiah 1-5; 53:1-6
These chapters remind us of the purpose and plan of God at creation to have fellowship with man. There is a need to consider the conditions for fellowship with God now and in eternity. God’s desire to fellowship with man was obstructed as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve.
“And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8). Sin leads to loss of fellowship with God. Therefore, to have an unbroken fellowship with Him, there must be a good relationship with Christ through salvation (Psalm 15:1, 2).
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of God for creating man?
For the plan of God to be fulfilled, our Lord Jesus came to restore our fellowship with Him now and in eternity which is the primary purpose of creating man. For anyone to have fellowship with God, such a person must accept the word of God with the readiness to obey it.
THE THOUGHTLESSNESS OF A SINFUL LIFE (Psalms 14:1-4, 6; 53:1-4; Genesis 3:7-24; 6:3-7)
“God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Psalm 53:2,3). Sin found its way into the life of man as a result of the thoughtlessness of Adam and Eve at the garden of Eden.
Little did they know that yielding to the suggestion of the serpent would cost them their glory, peace and fellowship with God until they saw themselves naked. They lost the courage to come out and fellowship with Him. “And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was naked; and I hid myself’ (Genesis 3:9,10).
Question 2: Why did Adam and Eve yield to the suggestion of the devil?
Sinners today fail to realize the consequences of their actions. They go about without thinking before engaging in evil practices. The devil makes them to act as if there is no God, hence, they live a life that displeases Him. “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of his thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). There is no thought of God in their hearts. Therefore, they do not see the need to have fellowship with God. They despise the fellowship of God’s people and have the preconceived idea that they can do without Him.
Many people forsake the fellowship of believers, reject the word of God, follow the evil imagination and thoughts of their hearts. They engage in pornography, watch corrupt films, listen to ungodly music which pollute their minds and propel them to engage in evil doings (Psalm 14:3). These make it difficult for them to turn away from their evil deeds. Often, sinners do not bother to think about the consequences.
Question 3: Mention some people in the Scripture who followed the evil imagination of their hearts.
The case of Amnon who lusted and raped his half-sister and even lost his life is a great lesson for many today. Absalom betrayed his father, took over the throne and died before his time. He did not think about the outcome of his actions and ended his life in sorrow. Those who have no fellowship with God will automatically expose their lives to dangers.
THE TRUTHFULNESS OF A SAVED LIFE ( Psalm 14:5,7; 15:1-5; 24:3-5; John 14:6; Acts 17:30,31)
“Oh, that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Isreal shall be glad” (Psalm 14:7). Repentance is the gateway to receive forgiveness and pardon. To enjoy fellowship with Him, our Lord Jesus Christ died to bring man back to God through salvation. God’s earnest desire is that man would come back to have relationship with Him. The moment a person gets saved, the grace of God is given to him, to become a new creature. The new life in Christ gives the saved person the privilege and power to live a righteous life and have fellowship with God. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12)
Question 4: What must a sinner do to be saved?
The Scripture commands that a sinner must repent of his sin and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour (Acts 17:3(),31). The result of this will be righteous living which is the proof of genuine salvation (Psalm 14: 1,2).
Question 5: Mention the necessary conditions for fellowship with God.
For a believer to continue in fellowship with God, he must: (1) walk uprightly and righteously; (2) speak the truth in his heart; (3) backbite not with his tongue; (4) Do no evil to his neighbor; (5) take no reproach against his neighbor; (6) not treat a vile person with contempt; (7) honor those that fear the Lord; (8) not swear to his own hurt and change not; (9) not put his money to usury; and (10) take no reward against the innocent.
TRANSFORMATION THROUGH FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
(Psalms 15:5; 53:6, Romans 12:1)
“Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad” (Psalm 53:6). When there is a lively fellowship with God, there will be great transformation. These include restoration, deliverance, joy, peace and grace to serve the Lord. The entire life will be consecrated to serve God.
For believers to have enduring fellowship with God, it entails the use of their time, talents, and resources for His service. As saved individuals fellowship with God, His blessings will abound in their lives. To continue in fellowship with God, a believer must walk uprightly and righteously, speak the truth, say no evil to his neighbor, desist from supporting an evil person, fear the Lord and take no bribe (Psalm 15:2-5).