Psalm 117-118

The Voice of Praise: A Journey Through Psalms 117-118

Bible Passage: Psalm 117, Psalm 118

Summary: Psalms 117 and 118 highlight the universal call to praise God and underscore His enduring love and faithfulness to His people, delivering a message of hope, gratitude, and trust in divine providence.

Application: These Psalms encourage Christians to cultivate a lifestyle of praise, even in difficult circumstances, reminding them that God is faithful and worthy of trust in every situation they face.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that gratitude and praise should be at the heart of the believer's life and that recognizing God’s love and faithfulness empowers us to face challenges with confidence.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the larger narrative of Scripture, Christ embodies the themes of psalmic praise and deliverance; Psalm 118 is quoted in the New Testament, particularly in relation to His triumphal entry and ultimate victory through the resurrection.

Big Idea: Living a life of praise and trust in God's faithfulness is essential for navigating life's challenges, as exemplified in the messages of Psalms 117 and 118.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the literary structure and themes of praise in Psalms. Look into the Hebrew terms used in Psalm 117 regarding the nations and their call to praise, and how this connects to the Great Commission. Additionally, use Logos to examine the historical context of Psalm 118, especially its Messianic implications and its New Testament applications.

1. Proclaim Universal Praise

Psalm 117:1-2

You could highlight the universal call for all nations to praise the Lord as expressed in Psalm 117. This brief psalm emphasizes God's steadfast love and faithfulness, suggesting that praise is not just for individual edification but a communal and global acknowledgment of God's character. Consider discussing how Christians today can foster an inclusive and unified spirit of worship that reaches beyond cultural and national boundaries. Connect this to the Great Commission and how praise can be both personal and evangelistic, aligning with God's plan for the world.

2. Praise Through Perseverance

Psalm 118:1-13

Perhaps discuss how the psalmist calls for gratitude and trust in God's enduring love. These verses remind believers that God is a steadfast refuge in times of distress. Explore how Christians can express gratitude even amid challenges, trusting in God's deliverance. Emphasize that praise transforms our perspective, encouraging us to rely on divine providence. By trusting in God's unfailing love, Christians can confidently face life's adversities, illustrating the depth of God's faithfulness experienced throughout history.

3. Praise in Victory

Psalm 118:14-24

This passage highlights the power and triumph of God's salvation, perhaps drawing connections to Christ's resurrection as echoed in the New Testament. Discuss how believers can find strength and victory through faith in God's provision. You might explore how this psalm celebrates deliverance and brings hope, inspiring Christians to remember God's past faithfulness as reassurance of future victories. By centering on Christ's triumph, encourage listeners to see their struggles in light of divine victory and to rejoice in the salvation offered by Christ.

4. Praise in Response

Psalm 118:25-29

Consider focusing on the response to God's deliverance, culminating in worship and thanksgiving. The psalmist's call to 'bless the name of the Lord' can inspire Christians to celebrate God's goodness actively. Encourage the congregation to offer heartfelt worship as a natural response to God's intervention and blessings. Discuss the Messianic reference to Christ in this section, showing how His life and work fulfill these anticipations of salvation. Challenge listeners to live in gratitude, using every situation as an opportunity for praise and acknowledgment of God's works.