The Profession of Righteousness Psalm 101 I. Introduction. A. Read Psalm 101. B. Define profession: "An open declaration or avowal of a belief or opinion"(Webster). C. Being a Christian becomes a lifetime profession. D. New Testament examples: 1. Jesus called us: Hebrews 3:1.(discuss profession/confession) 2. How lived: I Timothy 6:12. E. The Psalmist professed righteousness in his day--we can learn from him(he sung because of it: v. 1). F. Righteousness involves positives and negatives. II. Body. The profession of righteousness involves: A. Wisdom and a perfect heart: verse 2. 1. Christians are learners--learners acquire wisdom. 2. Wisdom of this world not primary aim: I Corinthians 1:19. 3. The real source: I Corinthians 1:21. 4. Hence: I Corinthians 1:23-24. 5. Solomon did not use his wisdom: I Kings 11:4 6. A perfect heart is from the perfect book. B. Not turning aside to conflicting pursuits: verse 3. 1. Solomon's problem. 2. The problem of our generation: think of all the offerings of our age. 3. Can be moral and/or religious in nature. 4. Nothing "base" should/can interfere. 5. Face each day: how we face affects our "profession." 6. Some: Titus 1:16. C. Keeping one's heart from evil: verse 4. 1. The source of emotions and actions. 2. Judas didn't; Ananias & Sapphira didn't. 3. Note: Acts 4:4. 4. I believe in heartfelt(controlled) religion(heart right--life right). 5. Think on these: Philippians 4:8. 6. Source of true obedience: Romans 6:17-18. D. Avoiding slander and a high look and a proud heart: verse 5. 1. Slander is with the mouth: but involves looking down on a person. a. "False report...tending to injure..." b. Amounts to lying. c. David was victim. d. Affirm only what is true(never regretted!). e. A coward slanders. 2. Pride is destructive: Proverb 16:18. a. Consider the humble Paul and how to avoid pride: Ephesians 3:8. b. Consider where and what you would do without God's help. E. Being a minister of righteousness: verse 6. 1. We are all ministers, not just the preacher. 2. Minister is a servant. 3. David would uphold the faithful. a. Appropriate for the righteous. b. Paul stood behind the righteous and sought their company: I Corinthians 15:33. 4. The Psalmist learned that righteous people would help him: a. Always seek them. b. Full of truth. c. Will be rewarded. F. Avoiding deceit as well as not speaking falsehood: verse 7. 1. Unfortunately, the world is full of deceit and all of us have been victims.(defined as trick) 2. In the end--truth is established. 3. Truth does not match some imaginations. 4. Excellent advice: Proverbs 3:3. 5. Hence: Proverbs 23:23. G. Avoiding those who promote wickedness: verse 8. 1. Explain the Psalmist position. 2. Contrast with our position as Christians. 3. We can effectively stop evil in our lives and the lives of others. 4. We avoid by practicing righteousness. 5. Remember: I Corinthians 15:33. III. Conclusion. A. This profession continues for a lifetime. B. The benefits will be realized in eternity. C. Make our calling and election sure: II Peter 1:10. -James L. Yopp