Sermon Tone Analysis

Psalm 8

Introduction

Much of our understanding of scripture and practice finds its roots in the days of the Reformation.

When Luther, Calvin and others cried out against the dead idolatry of Roman Catholicism, one of their cries was “Soli Scriputra.”

In a religious climate that was man-centered they called for “Soli Deo Gloria.”

That indeed is David’s cry in Psalm 8.

Unlike the psalms of supplication which have immediately preceded and follow, this poem is more devotional and philosophical.

It is a hymn of praise which reaches a height of majesty seldom realized by finite man.

Its superlative theme is that of the glory of God, as revealed and reflected in the universe.

As we read through the stanzas, it becomes apparent at once that the hymn is artistically framed within an opening and a closing doxology.

With a heart full of adoring worship, the psalmist exclaims: “O Lord our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!

Who have set Your glory above the heavens” (8:1).

Having exalted the majesty of the name of Jehovah our Lord even to the highest heaven, David proceeds to say three comprehensive and instructive things about the glory of God.

\\ 1A.

The Wisdom of God’s Elective Glory

In His wisdom and sovereign pleasure, God reveals His glory by the creatures He chooses to serve His purpose.

1B.

The innocence of a child celebrates His praise  (8:2a)

True praise begins with child-like faith

Matthew 18:2-3 (NKJV) 2Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

True praise comes from a trusting heart

Matthew 21:16 (NKJV) 16and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?”

And Jesus said to them, “Yes.

Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?”

Ø       Jesus was addressing the chief priests and scribes who had so perverted the meaning of the Law that they had failed to observe the relevance of truth to the universe around them.

Ø       As Jesus pointed out, this was a far cry from the child’s enjoyment of the marvels of creation.

To Him, the innocence of children with their instinctive praise and wonder was the essence of true worship.

2B.

The Impotence of a Child Demonstrates His Power  (8:2b)

Ø       Here the thought is that a sovereign God can use the feeblest instrument to convict and correct the hearts of his most overbearing opponents.

Ø       The glory of God is disclosed in the phenomena of justice and power.

God can silence the accuser, as well as punish the avenger, through the example of a small child.

\\ 2A.

The Witness of God’s Creative Glory (8:3)

Obviously it is a night scene which David is describing here (he does not mention the sun) and in that galaxy of glory he is caught up with:

1B.

The Immensity of God’s Creation reflects His Glory

To David, the work of creation in the skies and in the stars was a witness of God’s glory.

Psalm 19:1 (NKJV) 1The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

2B.

The Activity of God in Creation reflects His Glory

No one can contemplate the witness of God’s creative glory without being impressed with the unceasing activity of God in His universe.

Colossians 1:16-17 (NKJV) 16For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

17And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

Ø       When we think of creation we should bear in mind not only the originating word by which all things came into being,

Ø       The regulating word by which the millions of constellations obey divinely-set laws,

Ø       But also the integrating word by which all things consist and subsist.

Scientists are coming to see that everything depends upon a focal center; and the Christian knows that that center is none other than Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

\\ 3A.

The Wonder of God’s Redemptive Glory  (8:4)

The design of God in such an activity of redemption is that man should be restored to a place of relationship and stewardship.

1B.

The Place of Relationship (8:5)

Because of the sin of the first Adam man’s relationship with God was destroyed.

Romans 5:12 (NKJV) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned

Because of the sacrifice of the second Adam man’s relationship with God is restored.

Romans 5:19 (NKJV) 19For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

Because of the work of the Holy Spirit man’s relationship with God is realized.

John 1:12-3 (NKJV) 12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 10:28 (NKJV) 28And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

2B.

The Place of Stewardship  (8:6-8)

Ø       Adam once enjoyed this dominion as lord of creation, but because of sin was stripped of his authority.

Ø       In the person of the Lord Jesus, however, we see that authority once again gloriously demonstrated.

Ø       How exciting to know that this same dominion is to be restored to every Christian in a day to come!

\\ Application

What a redemption is ours through Jesus Christ, who has restored us to the place of relationship and stewardship!

Such a contemplation of God’s elective, creative and redemptive glory leaves us no alternative than to exclaim with adoring worship,

“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

(8:9).

What a beautiful picture of what our lives should be.

We should begin by giving God the glory.

Live so that in all things He receives the glory.

And end with God receiving the glory!

\\ Psalm 8

Praise God for His Greatness  (8:1,9)

Ø       Ascribe to God the praise of which He is worthy.

Ø       Take time now to call upon His name.

Ø       Ask the group to share a favorite praise song.

Praise God for His Grace  (8:2)

Ø       The root of confession is in our understanding of God’s holiness and our need.

Ø       We can begin by confessing our need for Him as our Lord and Savior.

Ø       Ask the group to share favorite verses dealing with confession.

Praise God for His Goodness  (8:3-8)

Ø       God is a God of action and activity.

Ø       He is not a stagnant God He is a dynamic God.

Ø       What has God done for which you are grateful.

Present Your Petitions before God

Ø       Prayer clusters