“Keep Back Your Servant from Presumptuous Sins”

Psalm 19:13

The psalmist wrote, “Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me; then I will be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression” (Psalm 19:13). Presumptuous sins are those that we commit deliberately, acting without regard to God’s will. The problem with these sins is that we are often fooled into thinking that our presumptuous actions are works with which the Lord will be pleased. In this article, we will consider some common excuses for presumptuous sins, the danger of presumptuous sins, and how we can guard against presumptuous sins.

Excuses for Presumptuous Sins

When I talk about “excuses” for presumptuous sins, let me be clear in saying that there is no excuse or justification for sin. What I am referring to are the excuses that people often make in an attempt to justify their presumptuous behavior. Many people in the religious world simply do what they please in their service to God, expecting God to accept whatever they decide to do. David’s plan to build a house for the ark of the covenant reminds us that this will not work.

And it came about, when David dwelt in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, ‘Behold, I am dwelling in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under curtains.’ Then Nathan said to David, ‘Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.’

It came about the same night that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, ‘Go and tell David My servant, “Thus says the Lord, ‘You shall not build a house for Me to dwell in; for I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from one dwelling place to another. In all places where I have walked with all Israel, have I spoken a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people, saying, “Why have you not built for Me a house of cedar?” ’ ” ’ ” (1 Chronicles 17:1-6).

David supposed that his plans would honor God and be accepted by Him. Yet the Lord made it clear that they would not. This example addresses two of the common “excuses” for presumptuous sins.

  • Good intentions – David’s intentions were good. He recognized that he was blessed and wanted to do something to honor God. However, Nathan was too quick to endorse David’s plan. Without considering God’s instructions, David’s good intentions would have led him to sin.
  • Religious leaders – Nathan, as a prophet, miraculously received the word of God. We do not have the same direct revelation today, but we do have the revealed will of God in Scripture. That is our standard, not any religious leader. Nathan, who would have normally revealed God’s truth to David (and later did), was not correct when he endorsed David’s plan. In the same way, there may be religious leaders today who we would expect to lead us in the truth, but may be teaching us what is false. Following their bad advice does not change the fact that our actions are contrary to the will of God.

The Danger of Presumptuous Sins

The danger in presumptuous sins, if we do not repent of them and receive forgiveness, is that they will cause us to be lost. Jesus explained:

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’” (Matthew 7:21-23).

Notice that the actions of “many” were being done, supposedly, in the name of the Lord. They thought they were doing things that would please Him, yet they were really just practicing “lawlessness.” As a result, they would be told to “depart” from the Lord in the final judgment.

The Safeguard to Protect Us Against Presumptuous Sins

Knowing the danger of presumptuous sins, how can we guard against them? The first step is to desire to do what is right and not continue in rebellion against God. If you have read this far, I will assume that you have this good attitude. So, having the desire to guard ourselves against committing these sins, how can we do it? The psalmist answered this question for us.

The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.

They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7-11).

David described why the word of God is so valuable – it restores us, makes us wise, gives us reason to rejoice, enlightens us, will endure forever, and is wholly righteous. Then he said, “Moreover, by them– God’s laws, precepts, commandments, etc. – Your servant is warned” (Psalm 19:11).

How can we guard against presumptuous sins? We must know the word of God and live according to it. God has revealed what we need in His word. It is up to us to learn it and practice it.


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