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Expositional Studies Series

Psalm 20

I.     Introduction

A.  Opening Illustration: The power of art (music) to give a message.

B.  Background to the Psalm.

1.    Author

2.    Time of writing

3.    Circumstances

II.   Body

A.  Prayer of Mercy (vv. 1-3)

1.    Read and comment on the passage

2.    Expound on the issue of “Mercy”

a)    Illus.: “Pygmalion”: Changed by Mercy

b)    Balancing mercy between the extremes requires wisdom

B.  Prayer of Blessing (vv. 4-6)

1.    Read and comment on the passage

2.    God’s blessings

3.    We are quickly becoming a people indicative of the sentiment that wants the kingdom and blessings of God but we don’t want God in it!

a)    Illus.: “Fiddler on the Roof”: Disobeying Our Father

b)    We are like the prodigal son, “Give me my inheritance now and I want to live my own way.

c)     The Psalmist was well aware of the Source of blessing to Whom allegiance was due.

4.    The blessing of salvation (v. 6)

a)    Now I KNOW

b)    Share a testimony (Camp Shaffee ??) – Now I Know, no more of “I think I will go to heaven or I hope so.”

C.  Prayer of Strength (vv. 7-9)

1.     Read and comment on the passage

2.    Illus.: Google Founders Dreamed Big

3.    Are you able to dream big with God’s strength? I don’t mean dream foolishly, but are you able to see your potential as God sees it?

III. Conclusion