Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• Have you ever been asked 'Where is your God?'
• Examples
• How do you respond when people ask this question?
• Ps 115 is a response to this question
• v1 - the Psalmist calls on God to show His glory
• v3 - the Psalmist confirms his confidence in God
• v4-8 – a contrast between false religion and true religion
• v9-18 – the Psalmist shows the truth of God
• This is one of the Hallel Psalms
• They remembered that God was their helper and deliverer
• They remembered that God was there shield - with cloud by day and pillar of fire by night
• They were declaring who He was today

Giving God the Glory (v1-3)

• This weekend we have been honouring the Queen - but we do not idolise her or raise her above God
• Today people give glory to humankind
• We are not to lift people above God
• Was God honoured in the Jubilee events of last night?
• Living in Brazil - people honoured God - examples
• "Not unto us" - repeated twice to ensure that the glory only goes to God
• We need to honour and hallow His name
• How do we live our life?
• Do we think about our own achievements?
• Do we give thanks for God's blessing in our lives?
• Do you think about what you have done?
• Do you think yourself a sinner upon whom God has bestowed His gracious love?
• v2 - The Psalmist is calling for God to glorify Himself
• To see His mercy and truth
• Example of abortion in the United States
  
• Example of John Bunyan
  
• We need to pray that God would glorify His name
• v3 - The Queen's freedom is restricted, she cannot do as she pleases
• Our God is in heaven and no-one can tell Him what to do or frustrate His plans
• Yes there is a curse of death because of the fall, but God is working out His purposes

A Declaration against Idols (v4-8)

• Reading v4-8
• Would it be insulting to say this to someone who bows before a statue?
• The Psalmist says is futile
• The Psalmist says those who do so become like them
• They become foolish
• They are spiritually dead
• Strong words that are needed to bring people to their senses
• Think about the statues we have today - yet they are just statues
• They are empty
• Jesus talked about those who 'saw but could not see' - speaking to the Jews, yet they did not have idols
• This applies not just to statues
• This applies to materialism and money
• Money and power are often controlling - examples
• There are many 'idols' - anything that drives you or controls you apart from God
• What drives and control you?
• Do you desire to honour God and give Him the glory?

A call to trust in the Lord and promise of blessing (v9-14)

• The Psalmist repeats the call to trust in God - three times (v9-11)
• To trust Him fully
• The Israelites were saved by faith alone - not in works
• We are saved by faith alone in Jesus Christ
• If you ask God for forgiveness, then you become a Christian and are on your way to heaven
• All who trust - will be saved
• v12 - God has been mindful of us
• He has blessed us
• Our trust in God involves obedience
• If you want to know the blessing of God in your life - trust Him and keep His commandments
• Christians are blessed with every spiritual blessing - examples
• Our eternity is secure - we look forward to heaven
• v14 - The Psalmist asks God to increase His blessings
• v16 - Although everything is the Lord's - He has given us the earth
• The Psalmist ends in triumph

Closing Remarks