INTRODUCTION: In the text is supplied the answer to the question in verse fourteen. Israel had forsaken God. In sin they turned from him and had broken the covenant. It is said that “ Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down, and Sharon is like a wilderness” (vv. 8-9). God is set forth as a “consuming fire” and the sinners in Jerusalem are afraid. They therefore inquire, “Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?” Our text is the answer – the one who walks with God!

 

    A. “He that walketh righteously” (v. 15).

        1. One’s “walk” includes the whole of his conduct (Lk. 1:6).

    B. It applies to speech.

        1. “He speaketh uprightly” (v. 15).

        2. The tongue is hard to control (Jas. 3:2).

    C. It applies to his means of acquisition.

        1. “He despiseth the gain of oppression” (v. 15).

        2. Honesty is required of all (Rom. 12:17 ; 2 Cor. 8:21 ).

        3. A Christian will not take advantage of another’s misfortune
            for personal gain.

    D. Will not succumb to bribery.

        1. He “shaketh hands from holding bribes” (v. 15).

        2. Judas accepted a bribe and sold his soul!

    E. Applies to hearing.

        1. “He stoppeth his ears from hearing of .”

        2. Applies to hearing anything sinful (bloodshed).

        3. Some have itching ears (2 Tim. 4:3).

        4. Take heed what you hear (Mk. 4:24 ).

    F. It applies to seeing.

        1. “He shutteth his eyes from seeing evil” (v. 15).

        2. Christians find no amusement in seeing sin.

        3. Cost Achan his life … “when I saw …” (Josh. 7:21 ).

        4. Led David to sin with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11).

        5. Cost Adam and Eve their home in Eden … “when the
            woman saw …” (Gen. 3:6).

    A. “He shall dwell on high” (v. 16).

        1. The Christian’s heart set on things above (Col. 3:1-3).

        2. His walk is elevated above the masses (Phil. 3:20 ; Eph. 2:5-6).

III. A SAFE WALK
    A. His place of defense is the munitions of rocks (v. 16).

        1. Our rock is Christ (1 Cor. 10:4).

        2. Cling to the rock and be safe (Psa. 18:2-3).

    A. “Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure” (v. 16).

        1. The righteous promised care (Psa. 34:10).

        2. Gladness (Psa. 4:6-7).

        3. Joy (1 Pet. 1:8).

        4. Hope (Rom. 15:13 ).

        5. Such spiritual supplies the sinners does not enjoy.

    A. “Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty” (v. 17).

        1. Christians see Jesus crowned with glory and honor, King of kings;

            Lord of Lords (Acts 2:36 ).

        2. He is King now – look to him (Heb. 12:1-2).

        3. Our hope is that we one day shall live with this king.

 

CONCLUSION: This is the walk of God. Like Moses, Christians gaze the landscape over and gird their loins; they take courage and press on. Such a walk advances to a peaceful death of which there is no fear.