Dr. Terry Zebulske, Pastor
October 9, 2011
LET EVERYONE PRAISE THE LORD
(Psalm 33)
…The Bible is crystal clear in teaching that God has made us for Himself. Far from being a cosmic accident, men
women are made in the glorious image of God as the capstone of creation. The first article of the
Westminster Confession tells, “The chief purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
…We were made to love the Lord and praise Him. He alone is worthy of all our praise. He is our Creator, and more,
He has redeemed us from our sin through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus.
…Songs of praise, words of thanksgiving, and deep gratitude in our hearts to the Lord should fill our days…
THREE STANZAS OF A SONG CALLING US TO SING FORTH PRAISES TO THE LORD
AS WE WALK INTO THE FUTURE.
…For like a shepherd He will lead us all the way. As His eye is on the sparrow, so it will be forever upon us!
I.
We Are Commanded To Worship The Lord.(vv.1-3) “O you righteous”
A.
At the very least, this teaches us that worship is not an optional activity for the saints.
…This involves both personal and congregational worship.
B.
This opening invocation (vv1-3) has six imperatives that we, the “righteous,” are called upon
to do:
1.
We are to shout joyfully to the Lord. (1) Note the passion and intensity.
2.
Praise befits the upright. Should be like breathing.
3.
We are to make melody (music) to Him with the harp. (v.2)
…This is the first time in the Psalms that musical instruments are mentioned. As if
God is so great all the human voices of praise need even more…a whole orchestra!
4.
Sing to Him a new song. (v.3) This new song is one of freshness, for God has blessed.
…This is not a stale old song.
C.
II.
5.
We are to give the Lord our best, especially in praise. “Play skillfully.”
6.
God loves it when our praise of Him is “loud.”
So our worship in praise needs to be: Fresh, Skilled, and with Fervor.
We Praise The Lord By Remembering All He Has Done For Us.(vv.4-19)
…It would be a great sin for us to remain silent after having experienced God’s care and provision.
A.
In this psalm, the writer looks back and praises God for Word and His Works.
…God’s Word and His Works are utterly consistent. 2 examples are given:
1.
Creation is an example of the consistency between God’s Word and His Works. (6-9)
…Genesis 1 is in view here. “God said” is mentioned 8 times in the chapter.
…It was creation by “naked fiat,” that is, from nothing. God spoke, and it was…
2.
Providence is another example of the unbreakable link between God’s Word and His
Works. (vv10-11)
…This is God’s mysterious ordering of all things according to His secret counsels.
…Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the
Lord that will stand.”
B.
Even more, God is to be praised for His special care of His people. (12-19)
…Here the nation of Israel is in view, but today it would include all the redeemed of the Lord.
1.
The Lord God watches over us. (vv.12-15) “His eye is on those who fear Him…” (18)
…What a great comfort this is for us. He goes with us through…through it all.
2.
The Lord has given us His own protection as we go through life. (vv.16-17)
…He foils the plans of our enemies. His power is greater than anything.
…We need to thank Him for the things we do not have, things He has spared us from.
These might include: accidents, sicknesses, temptations, etc. He cares for us as a
gentle Shepherd ordering the events of our lives for His glory.
3.
III.
The Lord’s preservation, from death to famine ought to evoke our praise. (vv.18-19)
We Can Move Forward Quietly Trusting The Lord’s Help For Tomorrow. (20-22)
…The whole tone of the song changes here, as it is not longer loud, but expresses a deep confidence in
the Lord’s care for us in the unknown days ahead. “Our soul waits…He is our help and shield…we trust in
in His…let your love…as we hope you.” PRAISE TO THE LORD…PRAISE THE LORD!!!
LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES: