Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18–31; Matthew 5:1–12
Introduction
In this life, everyone is walking somewhere. The point is not whether we walk, but with whom, how, and by what wisdom. Our quest for visibility, influence, and self-assertion as we walk is important. The Psalmist, however, writes with a jarring question: “O LORD, who may abide in your tent?” (Ps. 15:1). The question is, who is fit for God’s presence? Who walks on the path that leads not to worldly embrace, but to godly blessing? The biblical answer overturns our human assumptions and practices. It is not the powerful, but the humble; not the impressive, but the righteous; not the charismatic, but the character shaped by God’s wisdom.
God's Presence
Psalm 15 is a liturgical entrance song, likely sung by ancient worshipers as they approached the sanctuary. The concern is moral and ethical, not ritualistic. Access to God’s presence is defined by character, when he says, "Who may live on your holy mountain?" The psalmist describes a person who “walks blamelessly, righteous, utters no slander, does no wrong, casts no slur, keeps an oath, accepts not bribe.” The psalmist uses a term denoting high moral and ethical integrity, but does not point to a sinless perfectionist. Righteousness here is about relational fidelity to God with truth spoken from the heart, refusal to exploit others, and reverence for those who fear the Lord (Psalm 15:2–4).
Notably, righteousness is embodied in our everyday social conduct, including speech, politics, economics, leadership, marriage, and parenting. As an Old Testament scholar, Claus Westermann noted that true worship in ancient Israel was never detached from justice, morality, and ethics. They were the visible form of faith. The prophet said, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8). Humility is not timidity, not self-negation, or stupidity, but an alignment with God’s moral order which is righteousness and wisdom.
Foundation of Wisdom
Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians, explains this theme by relocating righteousness and wisdom entirely in Christ. The “word of the cross” is foolishness to worldly wisdom because it dismantles human boasting. God chooses what is weak, low, and despised to reveal His wisdom. The Corinthians’ temptation to measure worth by eloquence, popularity, status, or intellect is the exact place we find ourselves today.
Paul’s logic explains that salvation is not achieved but received. “Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God... our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” (1 Cor. 1:30). Here righteousness is not merely ethical or moral behaviour but a gift rooted in union with Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21). Martin Luther famously called this "alien righteousness," a righteousness not produced by us, but given to us. This is to say, humility is not an optional attitude for us, but it is the only posture compatible with God's grace.
Walking Humbly
Come with me to the mountain where Jesus gives an authoritative interpretation of life in God’s kingdom in Matthew 5. Far from abstract ideals, the Beatitudes describe the character of those who already belong to the reign of God. “Poor in spirit” signifies one's radical dependence on God's providence, not spiritual poverty. “Meekness” echoes Psalm 37:11, where the meek inherit the land, not through force, but through trust in God. In the same way, "those who mourn" are avenged by God Himself to comfort them (cf. Isa. 61:2,3)
Each beatitude subverts our conventional wisdom. The statements, blessed are the mourners, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the persecuted, the pure in heart, the peacemaker, are not strategies for success or prosperity but the very description of Christ’s own life and personality. The Beatitudes are not necessarily conditions for discipleship but promises spoken over those who humbly walk with Christ Jesus. They define a community renewed and shaped by the cross, awaiting the glorious crown.
Precious one, this Sermonette proclaims a unified message that humbly walking with God means embracing His righteousness and wisdom on His terms. The ethical integrity expounded (cf. Psalm 15), the cruciform righteousness and wisdom (cf. 1 Corinthians 5), and Kingdom humility (Matthew 5) all find their foundation in Jesus Christ. The Christian walks humbly not to earn blessing, but because blessing has already been given, so we participate.
Conclusion
So where are we walking to, and what wisdom guides our daily steps? The path into God’s presence is not paved with self-confidence, but with trust in the Lord for His provision. The wisdom that lasts is not the celebrated, but the crucified. The righteousness that stands is not commanded, but humbly received as we take steps with God.
Blessed are those who walk the way of trust, steady, humble, dependent on Christ, for theirs is not only the awaited Kingdom, but the life in His presence here and now.
