Who May Dwell with God?

Sermon Title: “Who May Dwell with God?”

Scripture: Psalm 15 (NLT)

INTRODUCTION: A QUESTION THAT REACHES HEAVEN

Let’s begin today with a question—not just any question, but one asked by a man after God’s own heart. King David, a warrior, a worshiper, and a man familiar with both victory and failure, asks something that pierces straight to the soul:

“Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1)

David isn’t asking how to attend a religious service. He’s asking how to live in God’s presence—how to abide in His nearness, how to walk in intimate fellowship with the Holy One.

This is a question for every person here today who is tired of religion without relationship, who is hungry for something real—something sacred.
This is a question for the weary, the broken, the lost, and the longing.
It’s a question for you and me.

I. WHO MAY DWELL WITH GOD?

This Psalm begins with a cry:
“Lord, who can be close to You? Who can stand where You are?”

This cry echoes in the heart of every believer at some point in life. Maybe you’ve asked it like this:

• “How do I get right with God?”
• “How do I stay in His will?”
• “Can someone like me really walk closely with the Lord?”

David doesn't give a religious checklist. He gives us a portrait—an image of a life shaped by the presence of God. And more than that—he gives us a mirror.

Let’s walk through this Psalm slowly and let it read us—because the Word of God isn’t just something we read. It reads us.

II. THE CHARACTER OF THE ONE WHO DWELLS WITH GOD

1. “Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right…”

This is not about perfection. It’s about integrity.

A blameless life means you’re not hiding a double life. It means what people see on Sunday is who you are on Monday.
It means you don’t bend your convictions to fit your comfort.
It’s not just about doing right—it’s about being right in your heart before God.

Real-life example: Think of a compass. When your heart is aligned to God's will, like a compass aligned to true north, you won’t get lost, even in the storms.

2. “…Speaking the truth from sincere hearts.”

God doesn’t just care what you say. He cares why you say it.
Truth must flow from sincerity—from a clean heart, not a clever tongue.

Too many people speak truth to tear down instead of build up.
But the one who dwells with God uses truth as a tool to heal, not to harm.

Challenge: Can people trust your words? Is your speech marked by honesty, grace, and love?

3. “Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.”

The words you speak behind closed doors matter to God.

We live in a culture that celebrates drama and division—but heaven honors restraint.
The person who lives close to God guards their mouth like a soldier guards a fortress.

Illustration: Your words are like seeds. Every sentence you speak plants something in someone else’s garden. What are you growing? Bitterness or blessing?

4. “Those who despise flagrant sinners but honor the faithful followers of the Lord…”

This isn’t about looking down on people. It’s about not celebrating what God calls sin.
It’s about choosing holiness over popularity.
It’s about honoring those who walk with God, instead of chasing after people who run from Him.

Reflection: Who are your heroes? Who do you admire? Who do you follow online? Your heroes reveal your values.

5. “And keep their promises even when it hurts.”

This one hits home. Because today, people break promises like they’re nothing.

But God never breaks His Word—and if we want to be like Him, neither should we.

Illustration: When God made a promise to save us, it cost Him everything—His own Son. Jesus didn’t back out when it got hard. He bled to keep His word.

Are you keeping your promises? To your spouse? To your children? To your church?
Even when it hurts?

6. “Those who lend money without charging interest and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.”

God is concerned with how we treat people—especially those who can’t give us anything in return.
Do you give to help, or to get?
Do you stand up for truth, or stay quiet to protect yourself?

The heart that pleases God is generous, just, and incorruptible.

III. THE PROMISE: THEY WILL NEVER BE SHAKEN

Psalm 15 ends with this powerful line:

“Such people will stand firm forever.”

Not “they might survive.” Not “they’ll have an easier life.”
No—they will not be moved.

When the world shakes, they will stand.
When the enemy attacks, they will endure.
When trials come, they will not fall apart.

Why? Because their foundation is built on the Rock—on Christ Himself.

IV. A HIGH CALLING—AND A GREATER HOPE

Let’s be honest—when we read Psalm 15, it can feel overwhelming.
We look at the list and think, “I don’t measure up. I’ve broken promises. I’ve spoken out of anger. I’ve lacked integrity. Can I ever truly dwell with God?”

Here’s the good news:
Psalm 15 doesn’t just describe what we must do—it shows us who we must become.
And that kind of transformation only happens when we come to Jesus.

Jesus is the Psalm 15 Man.

• He lived blamelessly.
• He always spoke truth.
• He never used words to harm.
• He kept His promises, even to the cross.
• He gave without expecting return.
• He stood up for the innocent.
• And He was never shaken.

He is the Way. He is the Truth. He is the Life.
And if you want to dwell in God’s presence—you must start with Christ.

V. INVITATION: COME DWELL WITH GOD

Friend, if you’re tired of wandering—come home.
If your heart feels unstable—build your life on Jesus.
If you long to walk closely with God—let Psalm 15 become your prayer.

Not through striving, but through surrender.

Come to the cross. Confess your sin. Believe in Jesus.
Let Him cleanse your heart. Let Him make you new.
And then—walk the Psalm 15 path by the power of the Holy Spirit.

CLOSING PRAYER:

“Lord, who may dwell with You? Who may walk closely by Your side?
We want to. We need to.
But we fall short.

So we come to Jesus—the blameless One.
We lay down our pride, our sin, and our masks.
We ask You to wash us, fill us, and lead us.

Make us people of integrity.
People of truth.
People of love.
People who stand firm when the world shakes.

Let us dwell with You—not just on Sunday, but every day.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

- Joe