Let Us Offer Praise and Thanksgiving to God (Psalm 100)
Introduction:
1. On our 5th anniversary we are especially mindful of God's blessings. 2. This is an appropriate time to study Psalm 100. 3. The main lesson to learn from this Psalm is: "Let us offer praise and thanksgiving to God."
Discussion:
I. (vs.1-3) GOD'S PEOPLE ARE TO OFFER PRAISE TO HIM
A. (vs.1-2) 3 statements show how God's people are to praise Him: 1. "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" 2. "serve the Lord with gladness" (see Psalm 122:1) 3. "come before His presence with singing." B. Many of the psalms begin with similar appeals (95:1; 96:1; 98:1). C. (vs.3) 3 statements show why God deserves praise: 1. "the Lord He is God" (see Psalm 95:3-5) 2. "He has made us, and not we ourselves" (see Psalm 95:6) 3. "we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture" (see Psalm 23). a. (vs.1a) David had made the Lord his Shepherd. b. He listed 12 blessings he enjoyed as a result of making the Lord his Shepherd. 1) Contentment: "I shall not want" 2) Providential care: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures" 3) Peace: "He leadeth me beside the still waters" 4) Restoration: "He restoreth [turns back] my soul" 5) Direction: "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" 6) Courage: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" 7) Companionship: "Thou art with me" 8) Comfort: "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" 9) Favor: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil" 10) Abundance: "My cup runneth over" 11) Assurance: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" 12) Immortality: "I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
II. (vs.4-5) GOD'S PEOPLE ARE TO OFFER THANKSGIVING TO HIM
A. (vs.4) 2 statements show how God's people are to give Him thanks: 1. "enter into His gates with thanksgiving" 2. "be thankful unto Him." B. Many of the psalms contain similar appeals (105:1; 106:1; 107:1). C. (vs.5) 3 statements show why God deserves thanksgiving: 1. "the Lord is good" 2. "His mercy is everlasting" (see Psalm 103:8, 11) 3. "His truth endureth to all generations."
Conclusion:
1. Praise and thanksgiving have always been important elements in the service that God desires from His people. 2. The Israelites -- Psalm 100 shows us that the Israelites were to serve and worship God with praise and thanksgiving. 3. Christians -- See Ephesians 5:19-20; Hebrews 13:15 4. On the basis of these principles, let us offer praise and thanksgiving to God continually!
