Psalm 81-82

Awakening Our Praise: The Call of Psalm 81-82

Bible Passage: Psalm 81, Psalm 82

Summary: Psalms 81 and 82 invite the faithful to remember God's past deliverance and justice, emphasizing the importance of worship and societal righteousness.

Application: These psalms encourage believers to recognize God's sovereignty and our call to respond in worship and justice. They remind us to reflect on our relationship with God and how we represent His justice in our daily lives.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that true worship involves both praising God for His past actions and actively living out justice and righteousness in our communities.

How this passage could point to Christ: These psalms point to the ultimate justice and deliverance found in Christ, who embodies God's will and authority over all creation as the righteous judge and divine deliverer.

Big Idea: True worship encompasses both remembrance of God's past faithfulness and a commitment to live justly in response to His call.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Israel's worship in Psalm 81 and the implications of divine judgment in Psalm 82. Utilize your Logos library to examine different translations and commentaries that may dive into the Hebrew texts, specifically the nuances in God’s call for worship and signs of injustice mentioned in these Psalms.

1. Stirring Our Songs

Psalm 81:1-5

Perhaps you could explore how remembering and celebrating God’s deliverance fosters a heart of worship and gratitude. As the Israelites gathered for their sacred festivals, they were urged to recall their liberation from Egypt. This acknowledgment of past divine rescue can inspire us to Thank God for His work in our lives, focus on His faithfulness, prompt a response of joyful praise, and build a firm foundation for trusting Him in our own trials.

2. Turn to Trust

Psalm 81:6-10

You could highlight God's past acts of deliverance as an invitation to trust Him in present challenges. The reminder of Israel's release from bondage, and God's provision in the wilderness, emphasizes the call to listen to Him and reject idolatry. This affirmation of faith in God’s provision encourages believers to seek and trust in His unfailing support today, casting out the idols in our lives that distract us from His faithful promises.

3. Tune Our Ears

Psalm 81:11-16

Consider discussing the consequences of ignoring God’s voice and the blessings of obedience. God's yearning for His people to listen underscores His desire for relationship and righteousness. You could suggest that our response should involve examining areas where we turn a deaf ear to God. This act of reflection opens a path to receiving the sweetness and abundance of life that comes from aligning with God’s will and experiencing His blessings.

4. Stand for Justice

Psalm 82:1-4

Maybe emphasize the divine call for justice and advocacy for the marginalized. The image of God presiding in the assembly highlights His standard of justice. This could motivate believers to be agents of justice and defenders of the helpless, reflecting Christ’s role as the ultimate deliverer and judge, who took on the cause of the needy. Encouraging believers to stand for justice becomes an integral part of living out their faith.

5. Secure Our Hope

Psalm 82:5-8

You might focus on the warning against spiritual blindness and the promise of divine intervention. These verses illustrate the world’s instability when leaders neglect justice, ultimately pointing to the assurance of God's righteous rulership. The ultimate justice in Christ's coming kingdom promises believers hope that despite earthly turmoil, God’s justice prevails. This encourages us to live with the hope of Christ’s ongoing redemptive work.