1. This Psalm emphasizes the fact that "the Lord is to be praised." 2. This is a common theme throughout the Psalms. a. Psalm 112:1a b. Psalm 113:1, 9b c. Psalm 148:1a, 14b 3. We conclude from these verses that God's people under the old covenant were responsible for offering praise to Him. 4. According to Hebrews 13:15, Christians are also responsible for offering "the sacrifice of praise to God continually." 5. Psalm 111 contains information that will help us in offering praise to the Lord. 6. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. PSALM 111 REVEALS DETAILS THAT RELATE TO OFFERING PRAISE TO THE LORD
A. (vs.1b) How the Lord is to be praised -- "with the whole heart" B. (vs.1c) Where the Lord is to be praised -- "in the assembly and congregation" C. (vs.10c) How long the Lord is to be praised -- "His praise endures forever" D. The second point we need to make is that . . . II. PSALM 111 TEACHES US WHY THE LORD DESERVES PRAISE
A. This Psalm speaks at length about "the Lord's works." B. In general,: 1. the Lord's works are described in vs.2 as "great" 2. the Lord's work is described in vs.3 as "honorable and glorious" [through His work the Lord demonstrated His everlasting righteousness] 3. the Lord's works are described in vs.7 as "verity (truth) and judgment" [all of the Lord's commands are sure -- they stand forever (vs.8)]. C. Specifically,: 1. we learn from vs.5 that the Lord sustains His people, and He will not forget His covenant (Matthew 6:33) 2. we learn from vs.9a that the Lord sent "redemption" (Galatians 4:4-5) 3. we learn from vs.9b that the Lord has given His everlasting covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13). D. The Lord's works provide special blessings. 1. According to vs.6, the Lord demonstrated His power through His works. 2. Vs.4 shows us that the Lord "made His wonderful works to be remembered." a. Reflecting upon the Lord's works will encourage us (Psalm 22:1-5). b. The Lord's works remind us that He "is gracious and full of compassion." E. In addition to deserving praise because of His works, the Lord deserves praise because of His name that is "holy and reverend" (vs.9c). Conclusion:
1. A wealth of information is presented in Psalm 111 that relates to offering praise to the Lord. 2. A fitting conclusion is given in vs.10 -- it touches on how to be in good standing with the Lord (Ecclesiastes 12:13). 3. Let us always fear the Lord and be determined to always obey His will. 4. "I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation."
