Lake Wylie Baptist Church

Psalm 13, written by David, neatly divides into three stanzas. First, David asks a question, then he makes an accusation, and finally he resolves to sing. The first stanza consists of 5 lines, the accusation is 4 lines, and the song is 3 lines. As one commentator put it, Psalm 13 "casts up constantly lessening waves, until it becomes still as the sea when smooth as a mirror."

The Psalm begins with a one-word request. Save! Help! Why? Because the people of God are surrounded by liars and those who are loyal and faithful to their word are nowhere to be found. (v. 1) Everyone is lying and their lies manifest themselves in flattery and speaking with a double heart. Literally: they speak with a heart and a heart. (v. 2)

Paul's final appeal includes both a positive and negative command. First, Timothy must keep safe the deposit that Paul has made with him. And what is the precious treasure that Timothy is to guard? It is none other than the teaching of Paul's letter. The Scriptures are valuable treasures that must be kept secure. We guard the gospel, not by tucking it away in a safe deposit box and never speaking...