Giving Thanks for the Right Reason

Giving Thanks for the Right Reason

Psalm 136:1-3

11/22/20 A.M.

Intro – the constant theme of this psalm is “His mercy endures forever.”

1. Giving thanks to Our Covenant LORD (1) His mercy governs His covenant

2. Giving thanks to Our Mighty God (2) His mercy governs His power

3. Giving thanks to Our Ruling Lord (3) His mercy governs His dominion

I. GIVING THANKS TO OUR COVENANT LORD (1) His mercy governs His covenant promises and behavior

A. This is God’s personal, covenant name with His people

1 His relationship with them and His faithfulness to His promises.

a. LORD – Yahweh, was revealed to Moses at the burning bush experience

b. Deut 7:7-9

2 He is good: His mercy and love endures forever (1)

a. This is very evident

3 But it is God’s love and mercy that is the shining example

B. This name invites us into a covenant relationship

1 Intimacy – just as marriage is a covenant relationship between a man and a woman

2 Fidelity – He is faithful, so we are to be faithful and dedicated to Him

3 Protection – He watches over us Psalm 121

4 Inheritance – we are His and He belongs to us

a. Lam. 3:24

b. Psalm 16:5

C. The LORD’s mercy insures the faithfulness of God’s covenant promises and benefits

1 Psalm 103

II. GIVING THANKS TO OUR MIGHTY GOD (2) – His mercy governs His power

A. The Lord is also the God (Elohim) of gods and the Lord (Adon) of lords (vv. 2-3; Deut. 10:17).

1 By no means do these statements suggest that the gods of the pagans were real, or that God is the chief of all the gods. They are merely statements of praise acknowledging God’s supremacy. He is the only living and true God. As Elohim, He is the only almighty, all-powerful One. As Adon, He is the Master and Ruler of all.

2 God alone can-do mighty wonders and miracles for His people because of His unfailing love for them (v. 4). None of the imaginary gods of other nations had done anything for the people, nothing at all. But not so with the Lord. The Lord had done amazing things for Israel. Some of these mighty works will be highlighted as the psalm continues. Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - Psalms III.

B. He is the Creator – Elohim in Gen. 1:1

1 His power is demonstrated through this name

C. He is the Redeemer – Isaiah 63:1

1 It took the mighty God to bring about our salvation

D. He is the Resurrection and the life – Eph 1:20-22

1 God raised Jesus from the dead

2 Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead

3 God has raised us up from the dead Eph 2:1

E. He is the Healer – Ex. 15:26; Matt 8:16-17

III. GIVING THANKS TO OUR RULING LORD (3) – His mercy governs His dominion

A. Lord here is Adon

1 Firm, strong, lord, master, in reference to men – superintendent of household, of affairs, master, king

2 In reference to God – the Lord God, Lord of the whole earth,

B. The Lord has jurisdiction over all creation, ruling and authority

1 Eph. 1:20-23;

C. Even the wind and sea obey Him Mark 4:39-41

1 Job 38:11 – he commands the forces of nature

2 Luke 4:36 – he commands demons and they must obey

3 He commands and the Red Sea splits in two for the Israelites to cross over on dry land

D. All will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord Phil 2:5-11

IV. ACTIVATION

A. Giving thanks is part of activating our faith to see the LORD work.

B. PRAYER: Dear LORD, thank You that You are the covenant keeping God. You are faithful to keep Your promises. You are faithful because of Your great love that You love us. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Let my life be a living sacrifice of praise to You. I pray that I will always abound with thanksgiving. Thank You that You are the mighty God. You are all powerful. You are able to save, heal, deliver and empower us for Your service. Thank You for that. Thank You Lord that You rule over the affairs of men. Help me to obey Your authoritative word in my life. In Jesus name. amen.