Psalm 100: A Song of Praise to Yahweh

The author of this Psalm is not known. Psalm 100 is also a Hymn psalm in a section of Enthronement Psalms. This is the last psalm in this section (93–100) of Enthronement Psalms. It serves like a concluding hymn on this section focused on God’s sovereign rule over all things.

  I. A call to give thanks to Yahweh (vs. 1–2)

     A. The KJV translation jokes made at church services help us misunderstand this text. It is not a          joyful noise made by the tone deaf. It is a loud, celebrative, joyful shout!

     B. See 1 Kgs 1:32–48 

     C. Long Live Melech Yeshua!

     D. Who is surrender to King Jesus? All the earth. Every ethnic group.

And the foreigners who convert to the LORD, minister to Him, love the Yahweh's name, and are His servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it, and who hold firmly to My covenant–I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. (Isa 56:6-7 HCSB)

     E. All nations must recognize that Yahweh alone is God

     F. Yahweh’s people exist by His grace and blessing. They trust in Him

     G. The nations are invited to sing hymns to Yahweh and to worship Him

     H. Submission to King Jesus’ rule is a joyous and grateful act in loving response to His            covenant promises

      I. The Bible is about the Promise/plan of God; Promises concerning

          1. Redemption 2. Messiah

          3. Kingdom         4. Revelation (of who God is)

          5. Rescue         6. Salvation, deliverance from sin

      J. “Gladness” is a result of serving, trusting, and obeying the Creator, Redeemer, and King

Through him [Jesus] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (Heb 13:15 ESV)     

      K. Worship is service, and it is work, and requires effort. But you don’t have to beg a real             believer to worship the God of the Bible. He/she wants too!

      L. See Ps 95:6, 96:8

 II. A call to celebrate the covenant between God and His people (vs. 3)        

     A. We are commanded to know something, actually to confess it

     B. We are to know and confess that Yahweh is our covenantal master

     C. We are to know and confess that Yahweh alone is the true God of the universe

     D. We are to know and confess that Yahweh is our God, we are accountable to Him

     E. We are to know and confess that Yahweh is our creator, not man or chance

     F. We are to know and confess our privileged position as believers: God is our Father, we 

         belong to Him, we relate to Him with the same closeness a sheep has to its shepherd.

    H. What does a shepherd do for his sheep? Psalm 23; Luke 15:3–6; John 10:1–18 

III. A second call to give thanks to Yahweh (vs. 4)

     A. Come to public worship, you must go through the gate to enter the Temple court

     B. The court of the Gentiles, Women, Israel, Priests, Holy of Hollies

     C. It is assumed a real believer will come to public worship with praise and thanksgiving

a sound of joy and gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the bride, and the voice of those saying, Praise the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; His faithful love endures forever as they bring thank offerings to the temple of the LORD. For I will restore the fortunes of the land as in former times, says the LORD. (Jer 33:11 HCSB)

    D. A thank offering was voluntary, set by the individual worshiper

    E. How far into the courts can we go, since Yeshua has come and died?

Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin. Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, (Heb 10:18–26 NASB)

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility (Eph 2:14 ESV)

      H. Thanksgiving focuses on what He has done for us in prayer (actions), Praise for who He is             (attributes)

IV. A second call to celebrate the covenant between God and His people (vs. 5)

      A. Yahweh alone is good, not any man

      B. Yahweh has (hesed) covenant love for His people that never ends

      C. Yahweh keeps his promises faithfully to every generation of His elect

Then the LORD passed in front of him and proclaimed: Yahweh--Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving wrongdoing, rebellion, and sin. But He will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers' wrongdoing on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation. (Exod 34:6–7 HCSB)

       D. Jesus does not lose one of His sheep. Jesus is the good Shepherd

       E. Like His Father, He keeps all His promises (I will never leave or forsake you)

Lessons to live by:

• Grateful statements and praiseful statements go together in our prayers to the God of the Bible. We remember what He has done, and who He is.

• Corporate worship is not optional for a real believer. Those who are not providentially hindered know the importance of corporate worship. Make-believers and Holy day Christians have no idea what a covenant relationship with God looks like.

• The promises are very important in the Bible. They are what we grab a hold of with our faith without seeing the final end.

• We have much to be grateful for and many things for which to praise God

• Long Live King Jesus!

Psalm 93: Yahweh Reigns Over Everything

The author of this Psalm is not known. Psalm 93 is a known as a corporate worship hymn that is an enthronement psalm. The psalm was sung in ancient Jewish worship at some point before the trumpet would sound signaling the beginning of the Sabbath around 6:00 pm each Friday, according to the Talmud. The only name for God in this hymn is Yahweh. This psalm praises Yahweh as king over the earth, the seas, and Jerusalem. VanGemeren’s outline of the psalm is as good as it gets.

A. Yahweh’s glorious kingship (vs. 1a–1b)

     B. Yahweh’s kingship on earth (vs. 1c–2)

     B`. Yahweh’s kingship over the seas (vs. 3–4)

A`. Yahweh’s glorious kingship in Jerusalem (vs. 5)

________________

   I. Yahweh’s (the LORD’s) glorious kingship (vs. 1a–1b)

      A. Praising the only sovereign God, Yahweh, king of the universe (Isa 52:7)

      B. None of the false gods are sovereign, they are merely demons

      C. The LORD’s majestic creation and providential control are displayed openly to all who 

           have eyes that see and ears that hear

      D. Yahweh is king, no matter what His enemies say

 II. Yahweh’s kingship on earth (vs. 1c–2)

      A. The LORD established the earth during the creation week 

      B. The word “throne” is figurative for the sovereign rule of God, which began over the                         earth at creation, but will not have an ending, but will intensify at the 2nd coming

      C. Calvin reminds us that if we really believed God was in charge and powerful than nothing                 could cause us to fear if we were living in obedience to God

      D. The destruction of the world is not in man’s hands

III. Yahweh’s kingship over the seas (vs. 3–4)

      A. The seas, floods, rivers, currents are all powerful forces of water

      B. For those on the sea or coastline, a tidal wave carries uncontrollable destruction

      C. A hurricane or monsoon brings noise and destruction

      D. Uncontrollable waters are also used figurative for pagan armies

      E. Yahweh is above, over, and in control of ever flood, river, sea, and army

      F. Our God is mightier than any storm, than any tidal wave (Ps 29:4)

      G. Both Jonah and the Apostles learned by experience that Yahweh controls the sea

 

    Eternal Father, Strong to save,         O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard

    Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, And hushed their raging at Thy word,

    Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep         Who walked'st on the foaming deep,

    Its own appointed limits keep;                 and calm amidst its rage didst sleep;

    O hear us when we cry to thee,         Oh hear us when we cry to Thee

    for those in peril on the sea.         For those in peril on the sea!

    Most Holy spirit! Who didst brood         O Trinity of love and power!

    Upon the chaos dark and rude,         Our brethren shield in danger's hour;

    And bid its angry tumult cease,         From rock and tempest, fire and foe,

    And give, for wild confusion, peace;         Protect them wheresoe'er they go;

    Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee Thus evermore shall rise to Thee,

    For those in peril on the sea!         Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

IV. Yahweh’s glorious kingship in Jerusalem (vs. 5)

      A. The LORD is king over the covenant community

      B. The term “testimony” is often used for the Ten Commandments

      C. God’s moral laws stand firm against a world of sin and relativism

      D. God’s commands, warnings, promises, oaths and statements in the Bible are all true, fully              confirmed by this sovereign Lord 

      E. Where the special presence of God is, men are keenly aware of His holiness

      F. The glorious light above the mercy seat, the fire above the 12 apostles' heads, the wings                     covering the angels faces crying holy, holy, holy

Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Heb 12:28-29 ESV)

Lessons to live by:

• Since God is sovereign, worry and praylessness are both sins. When in danger, call out to God by prayer in faith. He is mightier than the danger

• The Creator is in charge of His world and limits what even men can do

• Don’t let the latest doomsday theory make you afraid. Man cannot destroy the earth nor can any other created being

• If God’s house is adorned by holiness, we should take our personal holiness seriously, once we have received Christ’s transferred righteousness to our legal record in heaven

If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you all together are that temple. (1Cor 3:17)

• Because God is king over His covenant people, we should ask, will this choice please king Jesus, Lord and Head of the church, or will this choice just please me?

• If we love this great and sovereign King, we will live properly before His royal presence with great reverence and joy, as His commands are not a burden

• Praise God for who He is, including His sovereignty, self-existence, awesome power, eternal existence, infinity, providence, and holiness

• “May the Lord appear in his church, in our day, in manifest majesty and might, saving sinners, slaying errors, and honoring his own name.” Charles Spurgeon

Psalm 91: Protection is Found Under God’s Wings

The author of this Psalm is not known. Psalm 91 is a song of trust, and it contains both a wisdom psalm (vs. 1–13) and a divine oracle (vs. 14–16).  The author’s faith and theology of God’s providential care and sovereignty over all comes out repeatedly in the psalm. When you are in danger, read this Psalm with the eyes of faith. Notice the changes from “I” to “You” to “he” in this psalm. You may be surprised who quotes this Psalm in the New Testament.

   I. A fully secure protection comes from the God of the Bible (vs. 1–2)

      A. Four names for God; Most High, (Elyon Almighty (Shaddai), LORD (Yahweh), my God  (Elohim) are used. [God’s power as Creator, God’s redemption as covenant keeper]

      B. Four images of security; shelter, shadow, refuge, fortress are used [bird, soldier]

      C. These places are all locations of the utmost security (like a nuclear bomb shelter)

      D. The author testifies of his personal faith in the God of the Bible and the wisdom of having         this kind of relationship with this great God

      E. The providence and sovereign power of God are highlighted in these verses

      F. To live in wisdom, Yahweh must be the God in whom one trusts )A great confession(

      G. Will you choose to believe and trust Him?

 II. The kinds of protection the LORD provides (vs. 3–8)

      A. God will protect you from the planned entrapment (set-up) of expert con-artists                Fowler’s snare = a bird hunters net or trap that springs up as a surprise when the bird lands                 to eat the bait 

      B. God will protect you from destructive plaques that can attack body or mind. This is also a surprise attack from unseen enemies and would include demonic attacks, disease, depression,         slander against you, all types of sneaky evil attacks

      C. God will protect His elect like a bird protects her young in the nest, far from the hunter’s                net. Under the feather and under the wings are places of security and safety [bird]

      D. God will protect you like a large and small shield protects an ancient warrior [soldier]

      E. God’s protection of His own is 24/7

      F. The LORD gives security from all natural and supernatural attacks against His own

      G. Don’t compare yourself to others, God’s promise is to you if you belong to Him

      H. You will witness the righteous justice of God upon His enemies

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose . . . Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? (Rom 8:28, 35 ESV)

You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will kill some of you. You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. (Luke 21:16–18 HCSB)

      I. God’s providence is so precise, that nothing can happen to you by any outside source unless     He grants it because it will fulfill a greater purpose in His plan of redemption

III. A fully secure protection comes from the God of the Bible (vs. 9–10)

      A. The believers are encouraged to deepen their faith in the LORD

      B. The blessing of the covenant are for the loyal, faithful ones

      C. The curses of the covenant are for the rebellious unfaithful ones 

      D. Will you choose to surrender to the LORD?

      E. Will you rest in God alone for your salvation, protection, and eternity?

IV. The kinds of protection the LORD provides (vs. 11–13)

      A. Miraculous protection will come according to God’s will

      B. The elect angels will work with the elect humans to fulfill God’s plan (Heb 1:14)

      C. The devil thought this was a promise to the Messiah (Luke 4:10–12)

      D. Jesus explained that this was not a blanket promise to ignore safety and common sense             and put God to the test

      E. The true believe will be a victor rather than a victim. Both the lion and cobra are symbols        for the evil one and the deadly enemies the elect will trample under foot (defeat).                                [See 1 Peter 5:8; Rev 12:9]

      F. Bottom line: Stay clean and close to Jesus the Messiah and there is absolutely nothing that            can sneak pass Him and harm you. He will not be surprised

 V. A Divine Oracle of Salvation (vs. 14–16)

      A.  The promises of this Psalm belong to the ones who are devoted to God with all their             hearts, mind, body, soul, feelings, will, thoughts—everything

      B. These acknowledge and know His name, they are committed to God

      C. They have a deep desire or longing for God, they love Him because He first loved them

      D. Deliverance, salvation, redemption comes to those who acknowledge their sin and long for    God’s redemption and forgiveness. This is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit

      E. A close relationship with God is held by those who go to Him in prayer by faith and are in     close fellowship with Him. He answers their prayers and protects them

      F. God will honor and exalt His people when it is His time

     G. They will experience everlasting salvation because of the work of Christ for them

Lessons to live by:

• Understand that the Bible uses figurative language in many places to help us understand great truths by things with which we are already familiar. God the Father not only does not have actual hands, eyes, or arms, but also He does not have wings or feathers. These are all analogies to help us understand truths about God

• God’s sovereignty, power, and providence are really sweet truths when you are being persecuted by men. They are not comforting while one is in rebellion, but they are of great aid to believers going through difficult times

• Faith in God and His promises in the Word are very important. Most of the promises to the Messiah as the head of His people are also to us )2 Cor 1:19–20(, but not the ones personally directed to Him as the God-Man. The promises to Israel as a nation )restoration, land( are not for the church. However, some of the promises to Israel as the chosen faithful people of God also apply to us as a chosen faithful people of God

• God and God alone can protect you and provide for you. Man cannot save you, sanctify you, are harm you when you are walking in obedience to God in His way and word

• We call out to God in prayer when we are helpless and He is still powerful

Psalm 46: The Sovereign God of Jacob is our Fortress

This psalm is a hymn, one of the songs of Zion (46, 48, 76, 84, 87, 121, 122). It has been a comfort to people who love the God of the Bible for thousands of years. Luther was moved by the psalm to write the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.”

Our Bible study rule for this week is:

RULE #5: Interpret each passage according to the historical, geographical, and cultural background available. You may use Bible Atlas’(maps), Marginal references, Bible dictionaries, Bible Encyclopedias, or other books on the Bible's culture, geography, archeology, and history to aid your study.  Discover information about the original cultural setting. Don't back read American culture into the text. 

   I. God’s presence and power over nature 1–3

      A. Confession: God is for us 

      B. Our true security is in God alone (Promise: She shall not be moved)

      C. God is present with us during the storms of life

      D. God is our Refuge, shelter, fortress, defense, protector—He is unchanging.                                     An isolated and elevated place with additional man-made defenses

      E. God gives us the strength to endure—He is enough

      F. God is sovereign over the seas, mountains, rivers, floods, earthquakes, mud slides

      G. When God shows up in judgment, there is radical shake-up of nature                                     (Any of the days of the LORD, theophany)

 II. God’s presence and power in judgment 4–7

      A. The river symbolizes blessing and restoration

      B. God’s protection of His city

      C. God the Son, Jesus will reign in Jerusalem for 1000 years

      D. The raging and warring of men against God’s people will ultimately fail

      E. God will help His people (both ethnic and spiritual Israel)

      F. El Elyon (Almighty God) is Yahveh of Armies

      G. The Great King in Jerusalem destroys His enemies with his voice

      H. God is with us, the God of Jacob (Ya’acov) is our strong defense                                             (God chose Jacob in wonderful grace)

III. God’s presence and power on the earth 8–11

      A. The works of Yahveh include Creation, Exodus, Conquest, deliverances during the Judges                 and Kings of Israel (Remember these works)

      B. Come and see a vision, this part is prophetic

      C. The works of God are also “acts of God”

      C. God directs the destructions on the earth (Remember the Flood)                                                        (The Psalmist does not worship Mother Nature)

      D. God is sovereign over the ending or wars 

      E. King Jesus’ reign alone will totally stop wars for a 1000 years, disarmament is by force

      F. Your best weapons are no good fighting God 

      G. Rest in the sovereignty of God once you have exhausted your human responsibility

      H. God plan includes all the ethnic groups of the world (1 family to reach the 70)

       I. It is all about the glory of God, exalting God, it will be done!

       I. Confession: God is with us, Yahveh of armies

      J. The God of Jacob, the God of the Bible, He alone provides protection                                                (God’s we make-up are idols who can do nothing)

Lessons to Live by:

• We can trust God during a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, fire, mud slide, etc. He has nature and even the devil on a chain.

• A close covenant relationship with the covenant God of the Bible is the only safe place in God’s universe.

• If God is for us, no one can successfully be against us.

• Jesus is coming back and will personally force all wars to cease. Peace treaties never work because of the radical depravity of man.

• Exalt God! Live for His glory alone.

Psalm 71: Longing for Yahweh’s Righteous Acts

This psalm is an individual lament written by an unnamed man who has lived a good number of years already. His memory confirms that Yahweh is holy, faithful, and righteous. His Bible and his faith also confirms that God is faithful and righteous. Instead of looking to men (including the government) he looks to God for the help he needs (God-care). His strong conviction that the Sovereign God both rules and acts righteously supports his faith in God and his belief that God will again deliver him.

   I. Prayer of confidence: O Yahweh, please deliver me (vs.1–4)

      A. Shame is a powerful thing

      B. This man needs to be delivered from forces too strong for himself to overcome

      C. Why would he want a rock, refuge, deliverer, savior, fortress?

      D. Notice the close covenantal relationship between this man and God (“my”)

      E. He trust God in prayer to deliver him from wicked and cruel men

          1. He is not taking the law into his own hands

          2. Use prayer not your fists to fight your battles as an individual

      F. Notice the authors use of the word “continually” (3, 6, 14)

 II. Statement of confidence: Back-to-the future (vs. 5–8)

      A. The author tells us of his long-term devotion to the Lord

      B. Commitment, loyalty, faithfulness is important

      C. God has been the object of his hope, confidence, praise, strong refuge, and glory

      D. God is active, sovereign, and involved: delivering and protecting

      E. The author was an example of God’s chastisement to the nation

           1. Whom the Lord loves, He chastises

           2. Instead of bitter resentment, he has a deep trust (Faith) in God his refuge

      F. He affirms his trust and declares his love for God and his gratitude

      G. His conversion made him a worshiper, praising God, living for God’s glory

III. Prayer in old age: Stand with me and protect me from this new attack (vs. 9–13)

      A. Please do not cast me away when I am old (the heart of his lament)

      B. Please do not forsake me when my strength is gone

      C. Do not leave me in a state of condemnation and curse

      D. I have sinned big-time, please don’t give up on me

           What heart attitude does this petition reveal? Honesty, contrition, humility

      E. Those who love power and control are attacking me without justification

      F. God alone can deliver me from these attackers

      G. God chastisement proves His presence not His absence

      H. He needs God to step in quickly to deliver him, but the attack is on

       I. God can vindicate His servant by dealing justly with those who hate God and His people

       J. Antagonists joy comes from the disgrace and pain of others

      K. The Psalmist is not returning evil for evil, but calling on God to intervene in justice

       L. He is waiting for the Lord’s judgment and deliverance

IV. Hope and testimony in old age: Faith taking action (vs. 14–18)

      A. This man is committed to God regardless of what happens—faithfulness

      B. This man is declaring the mighty acts of God to all who will listen

      C. This man has faith, deep trust in God, a know-so hope

      D. He anticipates God’s deliverance and vindication

      E. He is committed to God regardless of the circumstances and unfolding events

      F. Why would he declare God’s righteousness alone? What has his Bible and life taught him?

      G. This man is consumed with glorifying God, the next generation needs to know His mighty 

acts, his work is not done while there are still ignorant of God’s glory

 V. Statement of confidence: God’s character proves His trustworthiness (vs. 19–21)

      A. God is to be praised for His righteousness—holy, holy, holy

      B. God is to be praised for His wonderful saving acts

           Flood, Exodus, Red Sea, desert snakes, Jordan river

      C. God is righteous, He will keep all the promises in the Bible

      D. No one is like God, He is the ruler, Master, King, Lawgiver

      E. Even in the worse situation, God can reverse it (Lazarus, Yeshua, Israel)

      F. God will reverse the shame of the enemy and replace it with honor and comfort

VI. Thanksgiving with confidence: Praise, worship, and testimony (22–24) 

       A. A heart surrendered to God will join in corporate worship

       B. Instruments can be used in public worship (Eph 5:19, Col 3:16)

       C. Content is more important than style

       D. The Holy One of Israel (Unapproachable light, Covenant Love together)

            [Isa 1:4, 5:19; Jer 50:29, 51:5]

       E. Redemption and conversion lead to worshiping and glorifying God

       F. Conversion leads to testifying to what God has done for and in us

Lessons to live by:

• What do we need God to deliver us from? The love, power, control and future presence of sin

• How long has God been working in our lives? From the womb to the tomb

• God is glorified when men and women, boys and girls bow the knee to worship the Lord Jesus Christ. Does it trouble you that there are people in this town that do not worship the true God of the Bible? The main purpose of every human is to glorify God

• Because the Messiah bore our shame, it does not have to control us any more

• Corporate worship is very important, and it is very important that it is always biblical

• God always keeps His promises. Trust God, trust His Word, the Bible

• Read God’s mighty acts in Bible and increase your faith

• Pray to God when you are in a crisis, praise Him regularly

Psalm 29: The Victorious Kingship of Yahweh

A Hymn of Praise

There are seven basic types of psalms: hymn psalm, lament psalm, thanksgiving psalm, psalm of remembrance, psalm of confidence, wisdom psalm, and the kingship psalm. Some divide the kingship psalms into those that proclaim David as king and those that proclaim Yahweh as king. This psalm is called by some an enthronement psalm, and it fits in both the hymn and kingship categories. David wrote this Psalm and it is similar to the Song of the Sea (Exod 15:1–19), the oracles of Balaam (Num 23–24), and the Song of Deborah (Jdg 5). The Jews used this Psalm during the feast of Pentecost.

 I. Praise of Yahweh’s kingship vs 1–2

    A. It begins in heaven with encouragement for the mighty ones to give praise to Yahweh. vs 1

         (See Isa 6:1–4) The mighty ones are heavenly beings, the saints and angels together in an 

         assembly. Ascribe or give is an act of the mind and voice.

    B. Praise Yahweh for His glory (honor, great beauty) and strength (power) vs 1

    C. The name of Yahweh reveals who He is, His works, covenant, and words. vs 2

    D. Worship, bow down, show reverence to the sovereign King. An act of the will. vs 2  

    E. Proper dress for worship or specific praise for the majestic holiness of God. vs 2

    F. True worship responds to God with love, awe, wonder, adoration, and fear.

  

II. The glorious voice of Yahweh vs 3–9 (“voice” is used seven times)

    A. Yahweh’s voice is in the thunder storm clouds over the Mediterranean sea. vs 3

    B. Be quiet while God does His work in the thunder storm. Acts of God. vs 3

    C. God is Creator, Sustainer, and is active in His universe. Deism is wrong.

    D. This section is a description of God’s power and singing this praise like the hymn, “How 

         Great Thou Art.”

    E. Yahweh rules creation, not Mother Nature!  (See Isa 2:12–22)

    F. Behold the majesty and power of our awesome God. vs 4

    G. Yahweh’s voice is in the storm over Lebanon in the North. vs 5 (The thunder storm moves 

         from the Med. to north of Israel through Israel to the southern wilderness in this Psalm)

    H. The tall cedars are shatter by God’s lighting bolts. vs 5

    I. Mt. Lebanon and Mt. Hermon (Sirion, Deut 3:9) ten thousand feet above sea level are         shaken by Yahweh like jellow in a bowl (earthquakes) vs. 6

    J. Yahweh’s voice causes the lightening to fork. He is in charge. vs 7

    K. The heavenly assembly is praising Yahweh as He directs the storm.

    L. Yahweh’s voice moves with the storm to the southern desert. vs 8

    M. Yahweh’s voice causes the destruction of the oaks and underbrush of the wilderness. vs 9

    N. Back to heaven, everyone calls out, “Glory.” The worship of heaven is shown to us to give 

         us a pattern for worship on the earth. God voice is heard in heaven and on earth. When we 

         reflect on the mighty acts of God, we should worship Him.

III. Praise of Yahweh’s kingship vs 10–11

    A. While all nature seems to be coming undone, Yahweh reigns as King. vs 10

    B. Yahweh was enthroned during the Flood. The wicked were judged. Noah’s family was           saved by grace. vs. 10

    C. Yahweh is enthroned as King for all time. vs 10

    D. When God shows up to judge He always saves His own.

    E. God rules over sky, sea, land and wilderness.

    F. He has the power to answer your prayers.

    G. God protect His people. You can trust Him.

    H. Yahweh gives His people strength to endure. vs 11

    I. Yahweh gives His people peace. vs 11

    J. You can have joy and peace in the midst of the storm. Jesus slept during the storm. He said,          “Peace, be still” and the sea was like glass.

    K. Make sure you belong to God in a new covenant relationship. His power is awesome. His 

         words and works should cause us to praise Him, trust Him, and love Him.

    L. Bring your needs to this awesome God. He is on the throne. He rules and reigns. He is 

         active in His world.

Two Baptist Older Works on the Doctrine of Election

 Abstract of Principles, 1858 Southern Seminary

 

V.  Election

Election is God’s eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life — not because of foreseen merit in them, but of His mere mercy in Christ — in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified.

 

The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, adopted in 1744 as the Philadelphia Confession of Faith, latter adopted as the Charleston Confession of Faith.

 

1. God hath decreed in Himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever come to pass; ¹ yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein;² nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established; ³ in which appears His wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing His decree.⁴

 

1. Isa. 46:10; Eph. 1:11; Heb. 6:17; Rom. 9:15, 18.

2. Jas. 1:13; 1 Jhn. 1:5.

3. Acts 4:27-28; Jhn. 19:11.

4. Num. 23:19; Eph. 1:3-5.

 

2. Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass, upon all supposed conditions,⁵ yet hath He not decreed anything, because He foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.⁶

 

5. Acts 15:18.

6. Rom. 9:11, 13, 16, 18.

 

3. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestined, or foreordained to eternal life through Jesus Christ,⁷ to the praise of His glorious grace;⁸ others being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of His glorious justice.⁹

 

7. 1 Tim. 5:21; Mt 25:34.

8. Eph 1:5-6.

9. Rom. 9:22-23; Jude 4.

 

4. These angels and men thus predestined and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed, and their number so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished.¹⁰

 

10. 2 Tim. 2:19; Jhn. 13:18.

 

5. Those of mankind that are predestined to life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to His eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of His mere free grace and love,¹¹ without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving Him thereunto. ¹²

 

11. Eph 1:4, 9, 11; Rom. 8:30; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 Thes. 5:9.

12. Rom. 9:13, 16; Eph 2:5, 12.

 

6. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so He hath, by the eternal and most free purpose of His will, foreordained all the means thereunto; ¹³ wherefore they who are elect, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ,¹⁴ are effectually called unto faith in Christ, by His Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified,¹⁵ and kept by His power through faith unto salvation;¹⁶ neither are any other redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.¹⁷

 

13. 1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Thes. 2:13.

14. 1 Thes. 5:9-10.

15. Rom. 8:30; 2 Thes. 2:13.

16. 1 Pet. 1:5.

17. Jhn. 10:26; 17:9; 6:64.

 

7. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care, that men attending the will of God revealed in His Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election;¹⁸ so shall this doctrine afford matter of praise,¹⁹ reverence, and admiration of God, and of humility,²⁰ diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the gospel.²¹

 

18. 1 Thes. 1:4-5; 2 Pet. 1:10.

19. Eph 1:6; Rom. 11:33.

20. Rom. 11:5-6, 20.

21. Lk 10:20.

RL Dabney View on Volition Charted

What power does a temptation have on a human? What about a plea to do the right thing? What is inside a person determines the options available.