Who Can Stand Before God?

Read Psalm 15 Together

O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart, who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend, in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD, who swears to his own hurt and does not change, who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

Question 1: What Does God Require?

Psalm 15 starts with a question: 'Who can live in God's presence?' Then it lists all the things that person must do — walk blamelessly, speak truth, keep promises, be generous, never take bribes. When you read this whole list, how does it make you feel? Do you think you could keep all these rules perfectly your whole life? Why or why not?

Question 2: Who Is the Real Hero?

The sermon explained that Psalm 15 is not really about us trying harder to be good. It is actually describing Jesus — He is the only one who kept every single one of these commands perfectly. He never lied, never broke a promise, and always did what was right. Why is it good news that Jesus is the one who met all of God's requirements instead of us having to do it ourselves?

Question 3: The King of Glory

The pastor also read Psalm 24, which asks, 'Who is this King of glory?' and answers, 'The LORD strong and mighty.' Both psalms point to Jesus as the King who can stand in God's holy presence. Read this passage:

Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! (Psalm 24:9–10)

What does it mean that Jesus is the 'King of glory' who opens the way for us to come to God?

Question 4: Faith, Not Works

The sermon said our job is not to try to be perfect, but to 'put your faith and trust in Christ and Christ alone.' What is the difference between trusting in Jesus and trying to earn God's approval by being good enough? Can you think of a time this week when you were tempted to think you had to earn God's love instead of simply trusting Him?

Question 5: Never Moved

Psalm 15 ends by saying, 'He who does these things shall never be moved.' Because Jesus did all these things perfectly and we trust in Him, we can stand firm and unmovable before God. What are some situations in your life right now (at school, with friends, or at home) where you need to remember that Jesus has made you unmovable in God's love?