Day 28

Psalm 14 prt 1: Read here – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2014&version=NASB

The thought of the whole psalm is comparing the safety of godliness, and the peril of ungodliness. Paul used this Psalm in Rom.3:10-12. 

David looked at those who denied the existence of God (v1) and came to the conclusion that they are fools. This Hebrew word is more moral than intellectual. He had in mind those who simply reject God. This is a practical as well as theoretical atheism. Not only do they not believe in God, but they also act on their conviction. David says this because of the plain evidence that there is a God; evidence in both creation and human conscience. The fact that some men insist on denying the existence of God does not erase God from the universe; it instead speaks to their own standing as fools. As Paul wrote in Rom.1:22, Professing to be wise, they became fools. 

The Hebrew word is nabal, a word which implies an aggressive perversity, epitomized in the Nabal of 1Sam.25:25. The God-denying man is a fool because he denies what is plainly evident. He believes in tremendous effect with no cause. He denies a moral authority in the universe. He believes only in what can be proven by the scientific method. He takes a dramatic, losing chance on his supposition that there is no God. He refuses to be persuaded by the many powerful arguments for the existence of God. In his heart, he wishes God away (John 3:20) 

The phrasing of ‘said in his heart’ also reminds us that it is possible for one to say in his mind that there is a God, yet deny it in his heart and life. One may believe in God in theory, yet be a practical atheist in the way they live. Practical atheism is, of course, prayerlessness (v4). 

There are many powerful arguments for the existence of God; design in the universe means there must be a creator & designer God. The unique nature and character of humanity means there must be a relational God. The existence of morality means there must be a governing God. There are still copies of Yancy’s book on prayer available.