To the Praise of His Glorious Grace
To the Praise of His Glorious Grace
Psalm 103 July 22, 2001
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-10
Introduction:
Highest and best use.
"To glorify God and enjoy him forever."
Big Question:
Why must we praise God?
I. Cycle One
A. Narrative (vv. 1-5)
B. Implication
We praise God because of his personal benefit to us.
C. Illustration
D. Application
II. Cycle Two
A. Narrative (vv. 6-18)
B. Implication
We praise God because of his corporate compassion on us.
The Lord has compassion on us because of our sin (vv. 6-12).
The Lord has compassion on us because of our substance (vv. 13-18).
C. Illustration
D. Application
III. Cycle Three
A. Narrative (vv. 19-22)
B. Implication
We praise God because of his universal significance for us.
C. Illustration
D. Application
Conclusion:
Praise begins with us, quickly joins with others, and ultimately encompasses the entire universe in the highest expression of life – exaltation of our Creator.
Big Answer:
Why must we praise God?
We praise God because of his personal benefit to us.
We praise God because of his corporate compassion on us.
We praise God because of his universal significance for us.
Timeless Truth:
We praise God because he encompasses every facet of our existence.
And every facet of our existence is for the purpose of praising God.
The highest and best use of our lives is to praise God.
We praise God because of his glorious grace that allows us to praise him.
Praising God is the ultimate healing.
Never waste time in failing to praise God.
1 Davidic.
Bless Yahweh, I tell myself:
every part of me, bless his transcendent name. (3+3)
2 Bless Yahweh, I tell myself,
and do not forget any of his benefits. (3+3)
3 He is the one who has forgiven all your iniquity,
who has cured all your ailments, (3+3)
4 the one who has redeemed your life from the Pit,
who has crowned you with loyal love and affection, (3+3)
5 the one who has filled your existence with good
so that your youth has come back, new as an eagle’s.
6 Yahweh performs saving deeds,
winning justice for all victims of oppression. (3+3)
7 He made his ways known to Moses,
to the Israelites his actions: (3+3)
8 “Yahweh is affectionate and dutiful,
patient and lavish in loyal love.”
9 He does not perpetually rebuke
nor does he retain his anger forever. (3+3)
10 He has not treated us in proportion to our sins
nor has he dealt with us as our iniquities deserved. (4+4)
11 But as high as heaven is above the earth,
has his loyal love towered over those who revere him.
12 As far as east is from west
has he removed from us punishment for our rebel ways. (3+3)
13 As tender as a father’s affection for his children
has been Yahweh’s affection for those who revere him. (3+3)
14 For he knows our make-up,
he is mindful that we are dust. (3+3)
15 Man is as shortlived as grass.
He blossoms as briefly as a wild flower (3+3)
16 which, when the wind passes over it, is gone,
known no more by its former place. (3+3)
17 But Yahweh’s loyal love stays from age
to age upon those who revere him,
and his vindication is for children’s children (3+3+3?)
18 of those who keep his covenant
and are mindful to perform his charges,
19 Yahweh has set his throne firmly in heaven
and his kingly power rules over all. (4+3)
20 Bless Yahweh, you angels of his,
strong and mighty ones who perform his word,
ready to obey his word. (3+3+3)
21 Bless Yahweh, all his forces,
you servants of his who perform his will. (3+3)
22 Bless Yahweh, all his creatures,
in all places where he rules.
Bless Yahweh, I tell myself (3+3+3)[1]
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[1]Allen, Leslie C., Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 21: Psalms 101-150, (Dallas, Texas: Word Books, Publisher) 1998.