A Study of Psalm 19 and 20
Psalm 19 and 20
Introduction
- Psalms broken into 5 books, covered an extensive time period
- Gathered together as songs of praise & words of encouragement/warning
- We are studying book 1, Psalm 1-41 … Info: we’ll take break for Advent
- If we apply ourselves, this could be a life changing study (expound today)
- I want us, as a church, to examine if we can’t rejoice more
- We ought to be able to praise and want more of God every day
- Read Psalm 19 and 20 / Pray
Point 1 – Psalm 19 (Revealing the glory of the Lord)
- When we read the Bible, we ought to look for personal meaning
-- Searching for God’s intent and what He reveals is critical at each encounter
- FACT: What we see and experience in Scripture is always life changing
There are two key takeaways for this particular Psalm
• The glory of the Lord is revealed in His world
• The glory of the Lord is revealed in His word
The glory of the Lord is revealed in His world (v1-6)
1. His glory in creation is unmistakable (v1)
2. His glory in creation is unceasing (v2)
3. His glory in creation is unspoken (v3)
4. His glory in creation is universal (v4)
5. His glory in creation is undiminished (v5)
6. His glory in creation is unresting (v6)
The glory of the Lord is revealed in His word (v7-14)
How is God’s glory revealed in His word to us? Done in 3 effective ways…
The scripture is perfect:
• Revives our soul (v7a)
• Teachings (precepts) are easy to understand (v7b)
• Causes us to rejoice (have joy) in our heart (v8a)
• It opens our eyes (v8b)
• Causes reverence (fear of the Lord) in our spirit (v9a)
• Directs our life steps (v9b)
The scripture is precious:
• More valuable than gold (v10)
• Sweeter than honey (v10)
The scripture is powerful:
• It rebukes sin (v11)
• It reveals sin (v12)
• It restrains sin (v13-14) … Prayer of v14 is great encouragement to us
- CHALL:
1. Do we meditate on ALL that God has done for us?
2. Do we use God’s word to challenge us into a closer relationship with Him?
- TRANS: Psalm 19 is an incredible examination of our own hearts …
- Psalm 20 however, offers us a prayer from David for helping us in life’s troubles
-- Specifically, Psalm 20 was offered before going into battle; a prayer of victory
-- APP: Imagine praying this over your life before a difficult challenge
Point 2 – Psalm 20 (A Prayer for Victory)
A petition for the King
• For God’s protection (v1)
• For God’s power (v2)
• For God’s prosperity (v3-5)
o To accept David’s sacrifice (v3)
o To advance David’s plans (v4)
o To achieve David’s victory (v5)
The prayer of the King
• God saves the King (v6)
• God secures the victory (v7-8)
o Not by man’s power
o But by His name
The pleadings for the king
• Save the king (v9a)
• Answer our prayers (v9b)
- TRANS: Today we have two different perspectives from God’s word
1. God revealed in His word can change our lives
2. God’s power can (and will) protect us when we go to battle
- The common theme is obviously God, but the big idea is this …
Big Idea – Why don’t we trust God to do what only He can do?
- In spite of His word and His promises, we still try to be in control
- Why don’t we approach the Lord simply with all that we are?
- Why can’t we go to Him in everything with our arms wide open?
- FACT: He is either a God we can surrender completely too, or …
- He is unreliable, incapable, and ineffective at managing your life
- What say you? Expound on devotion vs. convenience
- Pray
