Contrasting the Secular and the Spiritual Man
Psalm 17:13-15 provides an interesting contrast between the outlook of the believer and the unregenerate person. A contrast between…
- Those who are enemies of God’s people and therefore of God Himself, versus those who can call on God for deliverance because they are on His side (“deliver my soul from the wicked,” vs. 13; cf. Rom. 8:31).
- “Men of the world” (vs. 14), who see life as bounded by the cradle and the grave (or the womb and the tomb!), versus those whose “citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20).
- “Men…who have their portion in this life” (vs. 14), versus those who have “treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-21, 33; cf. I Pet. 1:3-4).
- Those who are unaware of God’s blessing and common grace (“whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure,” vs. 14; cf. Matt. 5:45) versus those who recognize God’s hand in every blessing (cf. Phil. 4:19; Jas. 1:17).
- Those whose idea of “eternal life” is to live on in their children (“they are satisfied with children, and leave the rest of their possession for their babes, vs. 14) versus those who believe in the resurrection, and life after death (“as for me, I will see Your face in righteousness,” vs. 15).
- Those who face final judgment for sin (Heb. 9:27), versus those who will be perfected and confirmed in righteousness, through faith (vs. 15).
- Those whose satisfaction is found in what they produce and acquire (vs. 14), versus those who find satisfaction in the fulfilment of God’s purpose (“I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness,” vs. 15).