|
The Psalms 29
Introduction: 1. The Psalms must be studied carefully because they are part of the Old Testament Scriptures (Luke 24:44), and they "were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4). 2. Psalm 100 reveals some important principles that relate to "thanksgiving." Discussion: I. (vs.1-3) PRAISE IS TO BE OFFERED TO GOD A. (vs.1-2) 3 statements declare that 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) THANKSGIVING IS TO BE OFFERED TO GOD A. (vs.4) 2 statements declare that 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." III. THANKSGIVING HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE SERVICE THAT GOD DESIRES FROM HIS PEOPLE A. The Israelites 1. Psalm 100 shows us that the Israelites were to serve and worship God with joy and thanksgiving. 2. (Deuteronomy 28:47-48) God said He would punish the Israelites if they failed to serve Him with joy and gladness for the many blessings He gave them. B. Christians 1. See Ephesians 5:19-20; Hebrews 13:15 2. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Being unthankful is a serious offense. | ||