Psalm 147

Introduction: Verse 1 - Hallelujah

"The duty of singing praises to God seems to be appointed wholly to excite and express religious affections... No other reason can be assigned why we should express ourselves to God in verse rather than in prose... but that these things have a tendency to move our affections" Jonathon Edwards

"Praise is the language of the redeemed." – R.C. Sproul

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Message Idea: It is good and appropriate for God’s people to sing praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD for His Care (verses 2-6)

Explain:

v2- Builds up Jersualem and gathers the outcasts.

v3- Heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (patients and the physician in this verse- the patients are brokenhearted and wounded and Christ heals and binds up)

v4- determines the number of the stars and give all them names. God back to Genesis 15:1–5 “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.””

v5- understanding -capacity for understanding is beyond measure. But God in his grace sent Jesus to become like us, one of us and be tempted in all the ways we are. And he is not limited in his capacity.

v6- lifts up the humble-

Illustration: I know him …. to he is my dear friend.

Argument: God is great and near. He is transcendent and immanent. He is glorious, and great and gracious. The incarnation of Christ actually makes God more glorious. More worthy of Praise.

Application: Praise Him for his care

Gathers the Outcasts

Heals the brokenhearted and binds up the wounded.

Numbers and Names the stars.

He understands

Thank him for lifting up the humble.

Praise the LORD for His Creation (verses 7-11)

Explain:

v8- grass - plants suitable for animals to graze on.

v9- He feeds the beasts and the birds that cry.

v10- He does not delight in the power (choicest part of the sacrifice of the animal or the person.) The LORD doesn’t need us.

v11- delights in those who fear him and hope in his steadfast love. expectant hope, firm assurance. Like and anchor.

Illustration:

Argument: Romans 8:24, 2 Cor. 3:12, 10:15, Gal. 5:5, Eph. 1:18, 4:4, Col. 1:5, 23, 1 Tim. 1:1, Titus 1:2, 2:13, Heb. 6:18-19, 7:19, 1 Pet. 1:3

Application: Praise and pray.

Praise the LORD for His ( read verses 12-20)

Respond in Prayer: