God's Reign In Turbulent Times Series

God's Reign in Turbulent Times

Grace Sermon Series, Part 10

Psalm 29

Introduction

- Today we wrap up this series on Grace with one final word of encouragement

- Today, let’s turn to Psalm 29

Recap #1:

- The word translated "grace" in the New Testament comes from the Greek:

-- It is the word “charis”, which means “favor, blessing, or kindness”

- When grace is used in connection with God, it takes on powerful meaning

-- Grace is God choosing to bless us rather than curse us as our sin deserves

Recap #2:

- God’s grace produces tangible results in our lives

-- It gives us peace for the future and hope to stand firm during trials

-- God has given us His grace as proof of His love for His own

- When we see the results of grace we become strengthened

-- It’s why we can face an uncertain future without fear of the unknown

-- Sure, we may be uncertain in situations; but God is STILL God

-- He is where our hope comes from, and where our focus must be

Recap #3:

- Remember: Grace is His benevolence to the undeserving (you and me)

- Let’s consider this morning God’s grace through a pivotal promise:

-- APP: He is still God, even when the storms reign and our uncertainty is high

- Read Psalm 29 / Pray

∆ Point 1 – Ascribe to the Lord

- First we need to notice the power of the Lord (1-2)

-- The psalmist tells us to “ascribe to the Lord” … but what’s that mean?

-- When you ascribe something you attribute something to a person/place

- So then, apply that word to the wording in the text and meaning is clear

-- “Attribute to the Lord, you heavenly beings” (the heavenly things are His)

-- “Attribute to the Lord the glory due his name” (even His name is glorious)

- We are to submit in all that we are (worship, v2) because of His holiness

-- When we submit like this, it is not in fear – but in reverence of who He is

- Our submission ought to come naturally; it should reveal His authority

-- EX: No difference to your response to your boss telling you to do something

-- We respond because we are motivated by needing our employment

- So if we need motivation to respond to God, if we need to recognize Him

-- Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

- Then we must see the authority even His voice brings (3-9)

-- God’s authority is without question here; and we would be wise to honor it

• “The voice of the Lord is over the waters”

• “The voice of the Lord is powerful”

• “The voice of the Lord is majestic”

• “The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars”

• “The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning”

• “The voice of the Lord shakes the desert”

• “The voice of the Lord twists the oaks”

- How powerful is His voice to all that we see today?

-- Genesis 1:3, “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”

- When even the voice has the power to command, our response is obvious

-- We submit, we obey, we cry out when we are in need to the One who can help

- “And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” – Is an immediate response of worship!

-- When we stop recognizing ourselves and remember He is to be worshiped …

- TRANS: So, why is our recognition of even His voice important?

-- Deeper: How does this tie to grace and all that we’ve been studying?

∆ Point 2 – Our World is a Turbulent Scene

- Our world is in distress (10)

-- It is furious and violent; often changing without warning

-- APP: The moral world is not like a river flowing on peaceful land

-- The psalmist describes it as a “flood”; a ferocious ride without end

- From the moral domain: nationally, and internationally

-- Even to the domain that we cannot see: Spiritually

-- The chaos is ever-present and honestly never seems to end

- APP: In times of commotion, our response is normally to jump up

-- To be on high alert, to run and see “what in the world is happening …”

- But God … pause … SITS enthroned over even the flood of our world

- He is enthroned forever; enthroned as King, forever

-- Earthly kingdoms end; even the Queen of England’s reign will end

-- But God, His reign never ends – it is why we can always turn to Him