The Perils of Practical Atheism

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Psalm 10

Did you know there is more than one kind of atheism?

This 10^th Psalm is rich with redemptive truth regarding practical atheism and how we can enter into a more complete understanding of how this sort of unbelief affects the world.

1. The Rotten Fruit of Practical Atheism. Verse 4:
   1. Unbelieving Pride in verse 4 “In the pride of his face…”.
   2. Unbelieving Prosperity in verse 5 “His ways prosper at all times…” 
      1. Financial prosperity is never a symbol of godliness.
      2. Financial prosperity causes others to desire to be like the unbeliever.
      3. Financial prosperity has turned the American dream into a nightmare.
   3. Unbelieving Security in verse 6  “He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved…” 
   4. Unbelieving Words in verse 7. “His mouth is filled with cursing and bitterness…”
   5. Unbelieving Actions in verses 8-11. There are 3 images which the Psalmist employs:
      1. An assassin in verse 8
      2. A lion in verse 9
      3. A hunter in verse 9
2. The Real Test of Faith for the Faithful.
3. The Response of David. Verses 12-18:
   1. Asking God to act in verse 12.
   2. Believing God will act in verse 14.
   3. Knowing God will execute justice in verse 16. NOTE: See II Peter 3:3-7. 

In the book of Habakkuk, God gives His prophet a vision of the invasion of Judah by the Babylonian army. Many Jewish people would be killed or enslaved. The entire book of Habakkuk is essentially the prophet wrestling with the fate of Israel. God answers Habakkuk’s prayers with Habakkuk 2:4 “The just shall live by his faith.” This is the ultimate answer to our prayers as well as David’s prayers. We must live the life of faith.