Psalms (Page 2)

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Sermon Text 

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Sermon Manuscript

Psalm 2 is divided into 3 parts: 1) The world’s attitude towards God (vv 1-3); 2) God’s response (vv 4-9); and 3) The King’s invitation (vv 10-12). This psalm describes humanities rebellion against God, in trying to reject him as God and live as their own gods. It is in this context that we see the grace of God towards sinners, who died for us when we were his enemies, in order to reconcile us to himself and make us…

There are only two ways to live – the way of the righteous, and the way of the wicked. We are either orienting our lives towards God, or away from him. These two ways are described in the Psalm as having 1) two influences (vv 1-2), 2) two effects (vv 3-4), and 3) two outcomes (vv 5-6). A life lived for God is influenced by his Word, is fruitful, and finds ultimate refuge in him.

The Psalmist shows us what it looks like to have, and struggle through, a downcast spirit. The Psalmist 1) thirsts, 2) listens to himself, and 3) talks to himself. He recognizes that God is the only thing that satisfies his spiritual thirst, but nevertheless feels distant from him. He lets his emotions speak, but doesn’t let them have the last word – instead, he speaks God’s truth back into how he feels and resolves to continue to hope in and praise…

This Psalm teaches us of 1) our need for divine help, and 2) the nature of divine help. We are completely needy and dependent upon God our creator. And, He “never slumbers nor sleeps” in his watching over of his people, but is fully engaged and attentive to them and their needs. He is never absent, even in the dark times of life, and we can be assured that he is always bringing about our ultimate good, and keeping us from ultimate…

Have you ever wondered if following Jesus is worth it? In Psalm 73, the Psalmist observes around him ungodly people who prosper in life, and he is tempted to envy them: they have it better, easier, and happier. He looks at his own life, and wonders if he he has been faithful to God in vain. The Psalmist moves from a certain conviction (v1), to a (seeming) conflicting reality (2-15), to a changed perspective (16-28).