Deep Dive into The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon - Psalm 17

The essential difference between the righteous and the worldly person lies in the timing, nature, and duration of their satisfaction. The "men of the world" are defined by the present; they are "men of time" whose hopes and fears are bounded entirely by the narrow sphere of mortality. Their portion is received "in this life," characterized by immediate gratification. God often fills their "bellies" with "hidden treasure," meaning they are satiated with earthly wealth and sensual delights. However, this satisfaction is bestial and temporary. Lacking a hope for eternity, they rely on being "full of children" to extend their memory, leaving their substance to their posterity as their only legacy. They are content with the husks and the shell, ultimately losing the kernel of true life.

In contrast, the righteous person possesses a "noble ambition" that looks beyond the grave. They cheerfully waive present enjoyments, regarding this life merely as a construction phase. While the worldly are satisfied with the "scaffolding"—the temporary, rough supports of earthly success—the righteous endure the confusion and trials of the present, knowing that the scaffolding is not the building. Their hope is anchored in the "awaking" of the resurrection. They do not seek a portion for their belly, but a transformation for their soul.

Consequently, while the wicked receive their "good things" now and leave them behind at death, the righteous look forward to the moment they awake from the sleep of death. Their ultimate hope is the beatific vision: to behold God’s face in righteousness. Their satisfaction is not found in material abundance, but in spiritual conformity—being fully satisfied only when they awake with the likeness of their Lord.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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