June 19, 2022

Let all the peoples praise Him

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Psalm 117:1-2
Service Type:

Introduction

  • What is at the centre of a Cadbury's Cream Egg?
  • What is at the centre of a clam at the bottom of the sea?
  • What is at the centre of the Bible?
    • Ps 117
    • It speaks of deep truths
    • It calls on people of all nations - to Praise the Lord
      • It speaks to the Jews - God was calling on all peoples to praise Him
  • Overview:
    • One great call to praise His name
    • Two great reasons for praising His name

One great call to praise His name

  • Remember we have been studying the Hallel Psalms (113 - 118)
    • They would have sung these Psalms at each Passover
  • All Nations
    • The Jews needed to be reminded they were not an exclusive group
      • We must remember Jews
    • When they sung these Psalms they were reminded that God was a God of all the nations
    • The promise through Abraham was to bless all nations
      • We have different nations represented in Church today
    • The call goes out to all ethnic groups
    • The Gospel call is going out to all nations
      • Many are praising God in their own tongue
  • "Laud Him"
    • A special word - used only 4 times in the Old Testament
    • 'Loudly extolling God'
    • In the UK - our praise is reserved
    • We are called to give our all to God
  • The peoples of the earth
    • There are many religions in the world
    • There is a desire in people's hearts to worship
      • We live in a secular society that might make you think the majority are atheists
      • Most people are 'theists'
    • This Psalm calls for exclusive praise of the one God Jehovah
      • Only one God has created the universe and revealed Himself in His word
      • Only the one true God laid down in Scripture
  • Men and women are made to worship God
    • There is a sense of emptiness without fulfillment in God
    • Our greatest joy is to know and love God
    • Example from CS Lewis
      • True praise - not just extolling God but enjoying Him
    • Ps 147:1
    • Quote from CS Lewis - The humblest minds are the happiest people who praise the most
  • A Missionary Psalm
    • How can the people praise unless they know the truth of God's word?
    • The ultimate goal of the church is worship
      • Mission takes place so that others can worship
    • The call of God is first and foremost to worship Him
      • This might be in a religious building
      • But we are called to worship in spirit and in truth
      • Jesus made clear - it is not about a building
    • God's call is not to being good or cleaning up your life - but to worship Him
    • Ps 116 :1
  • Is it your desire to praise and extol Him?

Two great reasons for praising His name

His merciful kindness towards us

  • His covenant / steadfast love
  • Consider how disappointed we are when people see faults in us
    • God sees all - this makes us deeply ashamed
  • Yet God offers us steadfast love through Jesus Christ
    • An ending love
    • A mercy we do not deserve - seen at the cross of Jesus Christ
  • "Us"
    • Those in covenant with God
    • Those brought into a loving relationship with God
    • Those who honour Him
  • David - was a man after God's own heart
    • He sinned greviously
    • Ps 32:1-2
      • He found forgiveness in the Lord
    • Ps 103:2-4
    • Ps 51
      • He remembers the multitude of God's mercies
  • He is merciful to those who fear Him
    • Ps 103:8-13
      • Judgement is His strange / unusual work
      • God loves to forgive sin
    • Do you feel you have sinned to far?
      • Meditate on these words
      • Consider the Example of Paul
  • One great reason - his loving kindness and covenant love

The Truth of the Lord endures forever

  • We are not truthful
    • We are not upright or just
  • God is Holy, just and true
    • He is faithful to His promises - they all come to pass
      • You can rely upon Him
    • His every word is true
      • You can trust the Truth of Scripture
      • It explains about war, the wickedness of men and human nature
      • It explains about what God has done
      • It lasts forever
  • We look at politicians and despair
    • Yet if we look at our hearts - we realise we are not what as we should be
    • We can ask God to create a new heart within us
    • Jesus Christ has said "He is the way, the truth and the life"
    • Jesus Christ said "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free"
  • Rom 15:8-12
    • Jesus was born a Jew
    • To confirm the promises made to the Israelites
    • This was being confirmed throughout the Roman Empire - despite being written hundreds of years before
    • People were worshiping the Living God
  • Phil 4 / Thessalonians
    • Give thanks in all things
    • Example of Sonia
    • We can sing because His covenant love never fails

Let us praise God!

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