Psalm 14 is an accusation against the godless. It is an observation of the state of a world full of godless living. It is a cry for God’s kingdom to come. Notice: The Creed, The Consequences, The Cry. The Creed, v.1a. In v.1 we find the CREED of those without God — No God for me! Fool from the Hebrew is literally “godless”. David is not trying to lob an insult. He is making a statement of morality based upon his judgment of the facts before him. They are moral fools. It is not a question of their intelligence but of their morality. (Abbr. MacDonald) Spurgeon said, “He would not deny God if he were not a fool by nature, and having denied God it is no marvel that he becomes a fool in practice.” Then in the English we’ve added “there is” prior to “no God” to make the sentence flow in a readable manner. But take that away, and what we read as, “The fool has said in his heart there is no God," is literally communicating this Creed of those without God: The godless say no God! No God for me. This Creed is not a logical creed to live by. The claim “there is no God” is a claim of omniscience. Do you know everything? Do you have all knowledge? Isn’t it possible that God could exist, even if outside the bounds of your personal awareness? The creed is also a claim of omnipresence. I am here, I cannot really know exactly what is or is not elsewhere. MacDonald explains, “it says, ‘I am present in all places at one and the same time, and it is not possible that God could exist any place in the universe without my knowing it.’ The evangelist Billy Sunday used to say that sinners can’t find God for the same reason criminals can’t find policemen—they aren’t looking! So what do we have? A creed that is a claim — there is no God and/or no God is needed for me. Further, in living by such a creed — one is presuming their own deity. I am God. The Consequence, v.1b-6. To live a life with the creed of “No God for Me” — one must expect consequences. Often, with those who pursue paths to destruction we take a hands off or excused approach. But we must be reminded, “The fool is a person who is morally perverse, not mentally deficient.” (Lawson) They are being foolish, but they are not stupid — nor ignorant. There is an observable “connection between a man’s creed and his conduct”. “The lower his conception of God, the lower his morals are apt to be.” (MacDonald) To this end, the consequences are appalling. First in v.1, three results are given, evident in the life of one living by the creed — no God for me. Corruption. The human nature is rotten with sin. This results in deeds that are vile. Abominable works. (Things that God hates) None doing good. Lawson writes, “Their depraved character bore the rotten fruit of wicked conduct. What they did (conduct) flowed out of who they were (character). The bottom line is that there is no one who does good. All humanity, David concluded, lived sinfully, turning aside from God.” See Romans 3:10-18. In vv.2-3, David gives the reader God’s point of view. The Lord looked down from heaven. As if He peered over the banisters of glory! He looked to see what He might find. Does anyone have understanding, that is, are there any who seek God? God saw that the entire human race had turned aside and become corrupt (lit., “sour” like milk). “Sin has devastated their total personality, leaving their mind darkened, their emotions depraved, and their will deadened.” (Lawson) Again he says, “There is no one who does good.” (3b) God cannot find one among the God-deniers who does good, no, not even one! Verse 4 asks a question about the godless, “Do any of them have knowledge? The way they treat God’s people and the poor shows much ignorance. (4b, 6) They devour believers as if it were a legitimate, everyday thing, like eating bread! (4b) They go through life without praying. (4c) They mock the poor for their simple faith. (6) V.5 — When the Lord takes the part of the innocent, the unrighteous will be greatly terrified! They will see that the God they deny is the refuge of His people. To oppose God’s people is to oppose God Himself. Those who shame others will experience shame themselves. Up against those living by such a Creed…observing the Consequences of such living…David cries out to God! The Cry, v.7. David has learned what the godless have not.God is present in the company of the righteous! The Lord is their refuge! He concludes with a prayer for deliverance. Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (v. 7). David’s cry in the Old Testament brings to mind Christ’s prayer in the Gospels. Matt. 6:9-13, “9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Conclusion: There are those still today living by a godless creed. Foolishly proud — no God for me! The consequences of this in our world at times can be detrimental. What are we to do? Pray like David. Pray as Christ instructed. God, let Your kingdom come and Your will be done. On earth, just as it is in heaven.