God and God Alone
God and God Alone
Psalm 115
Clear Lake BC, October 10, 2004
Grace BC (Paso), November 7, 2004
Grace BC (Twin Falls), May 22, 2005
FBCLG, July 3, 2005
FPBC (Hayward), August 28, 2005
Read 1 Chronicles 21 & note parallel to the background of this psalm.
“You can accomplish anything, as long as you don't mind who gets the credit.” Accomplishing something and getting credit for it are full time jobs, and no one can do both. Today, consider One Who is able to accomplish something and receive the credit for it. One like that would truly be worthy of worship – and He is. In Psalm 115, consider the glory due to God, and God alone.
All glory is directed to the name of God. The name was the expression of one’s work and being. YHWH is the Creator, is the Universal King, the faithful One, the embodiment of holy perfection, the name above all names. The glory given to God was to be closely guarded Isa. 48:9, 11. The psalmist selects three aspects of God’s character to highlight: His mercy, truth and presence.
Glory in God’s Presence (vv. 2 – 8)
God’s presence is demonstrated through His glorious power and pleasure.
· God’s location of power.
o Heaven, location of planets, stars, comets, galaxies. The great expanse He Himself created. Ps 113:6 – humbles Himself to behold heavens and earth. All in His control.
o Statement of fact & faith in God’s existence, not seeking to prove it. Gen. 1:1
· God’s power allows Him to act at His pleasure.
o He asks permission from no one. Ez. 20:9, 14
o He has no counselor or supervisor.
o He determines what is right Jer. 9:24
o He directs according to His desire. Pr 21:1
Idols’ powerlessness and puniness.
· Inferior construction.
o Silver and gold
§ Valuable metals, precious currency, worthless object of worship.
§ They cannot do the work God does.
o Work of men’s hands
§ Products Ex. 39:29 – priest’s clothes, accomplishments 2 Chr. 16:14 – king’s tomb and careers Gen 46:33 – Jacob’s occupation are all inferior to work of God’s hands Ps 19:1 – His handiwork
· Inferior capacities.
o Mouths can’t communicate
o Eyes can’t recognize worshippers, situations, problems
o Ears can’t perceive worship, prayers, cries, praises of worshippers
o Noses can’t sense the sacrifices made
o Hands can’t receive or distribute to needs
o Feet can’t move among / come to aid
§ “Tiniest insect has more power of locomotion than the greatest heathen god.” – Spurgeon
§ Their gods cannot carry them, they must carry their gods.
o Throats can’t demonstrate qualities of life
· Inferior conclusions Hab. 2:18 – 20
o Worship themselves – how absurd!
o Worship something they made – how sad!
Glory in God’s Truth (vv. 9 – 11)
God is Truth (faithful, certain and reliable); His paths are mercy and truth Ps 25:10; His word is truth Ps 119:160.
Truth of confidence in God
· Reliance placed in personal strength Ps 44:6 – not trust in bow or sword or in the Almighty Pr 3:5.
o Remember, idols have no power.
· Confidence results in boldness Pr 28:1 – righteous = bold as lion
· Three groups to place confidence in God:
o Nation of Israel – chosen people
o House of Aaron – chosen religious leaders
o Fearing the Lord – chosen worshippers
Truth of protection in God
· Security found in the shadow of the Almighty’s wings Ps 91:1 – 2.
· God is our protection 2 Sam 22:36 – shield of salvation and helping aid Ps 124:8 – help = name of the Lord
· Same three groups given protection
o Nation of Israel – a protected populace
o House of Aaron – a protected priesthood
o Fearers of the Lord – a protected people
Glory in God’s Mercy (vv. 12 – 16)
God’s goodness Ps 107, kindness Ps 63:3 and faithfulness Ps 136 are worthy of praise. 2 aspects are mentioned:
Mercy of God’s memory
· God remembers His people Gen 8:1 - Noah; Ps 8:4 – what is man that you are mindful of him?
o God’s remembrance spurs Him to action on our behalf!
o Ps 136:23 – His memory brings deliverance
Mercy of God’s blessing
· Those who place confidence in God and find their security in Him are blessed by Him.
o Nation of Israel – nationally blessed
o House of Aaron – spiritually blessed
o Fearers of Lord – individually blessed
§ Reverential awe that motivates to action Gen 42:18 – Joseph feared God; Pr 31:30 – woman who fears Lord is praised
· Not only blessing, but increase given
o Increase = additional blessing
§ Gen 4:2 (Eve conceived again)
§ Judges 3:12 (evil again (4:1; 10:6; 13:1))
§ 1 Sam 3:6, 8 (Samuel called again)
§ Pr 19:4 (wealth makes many friends)
o The increased blessing of God, Who made heaven and earth, includes the gift of the earth to men! What a wonderful gift!
§ Sadly, many take that earth and form their gods!
Because of God’s presence, in light of God’s truth, and mindful of God’s mercy – there is only one conclusion: you must praise the Lord! The dead can not and idolaters will not; so those alive who fear Him must. Will you bless the Lord, Who alone is worthy to be praised 2 Sam 22:4 – I will call upon the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised? Whose praise do you sing?
Closing hymn: O, For 1,000 Tongues
