SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES (STS)
LESSON 953: VOLUME 74.
TOPIC: PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING FOR GOD'S MAJESTY
MEMORY VERSE: “I will praise thee, o
LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew
forth all thy marvellous works” (Psalm 9:1).
TEXT: Psalms 8:1-9; 9:1-20
The text reveals the psalmist's solemn meditation, admiration and appreciation of God's glory, goodness and greatness. He begins with his acknowledgment of the excellency of His name and concludes with
thanksgiving for His greatness, mighty acts, protection over His people and judgment against their enemies. David's habit of meditation on the acts of God's goodness
and manifestation helped him to maintain an attitude of gratitude and praise to God. Likewise, believers must always remember God's acts of faithfulness and goodness. This will enable them maintain the spirit of
worship and adoration to Him always.
The majesty, greatness, omnipotence and goodness of God constitute a compelling inspiration for man to give praises and offer thanksgiving to Him at all times
In view of the unspeakable love that He has manifested to us through His Son Jesus Christ, we ought to “...Offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15). to God.
Question 1: Briefly explain why the psalmist maintained an attitude of praise and thanksgiving to God
EXCELLENCY OF GOD AND HIS MAJESTY (Psalms 8:1-9; 9:1,2; 19:1,2; 107:8; 68:19; 103:2; 2 Samuel 22:49,50; 1 Corinthians 15:57)
With awe and deep sense of reverence, the psalmist exclaims, "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens” (Psalm 8:1). In all ages, the majesty and greatness of God have always captivated spiritual and thoughtful men and women. The wonders of God's creation have inspired songs of praise and worship. He is great and marvellous in all generations. A songwriter captures it in these words: 'O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the works Thy hands hath made; I see the stars; I hear the rolling thunders; Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee; How great Thou art! Considering the wonders of nature, the diversity of animals in their kingdoms, the plants and vegetation, visible and invisible marvels of the microscopic world, billions of stars in the galaxies and the exquisite
simplicity and complexity of the snowflakes, the majesty of God is beyond human expression. No one can be likened to Him. His glory is above all. All things were made by Him and for His pleasure they are and were created (Revelation 4:11). The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows forth the might of His
creative power. God's wonderful works of creation and providence testify to the whole world of His greatness, omnipotence, glory and perfection. He is the Fountain
of all being, the Sovereign Ruler, the powerful Protector and bountiful Benefactor of all the creatures. His glorious name in all the earth is great, illustrious and magnificent.
Reflecting on the special honours God has put on ſeeble and insignificant man, the psalmist exclaims with great wonder: "What is man, that thou art mindful of
him? and the son of man, that thou visited him? Thou madest him to have dominion over all the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet"
(Psalm 8:4,6). He feels that it was an act of signal honour that God bestowed so great privilege upon feeble and frail man. He created and put everything in place for his comfort, welfare and fulfilment. Although this reference, by extension, also applies to Christ (Hebrews 2:6-9). God has honoured man above all His creatures and given him dominion over all the works of His hand.
What entitles man to, so much benefits and
benevolence? Nothing. In view of this, believers have every reason to join the psalmist to offer ceaseless praise and thanksgiving to God. One, we are to praise God because His creation is simply a display of His power and perfection. Two,
because He has given us life. Three, we praise Him for His deliverances, protection, preservation, provision, good health and other blessings too numerous to mention. Four, we owe God our praise and gratitude
because it is a direct command to do so. “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:4,5). Five, our praises and thanksgiving glorify God and attract more blessings from Him. Finally, and more importantly, we are to praise and thank God for our redemption and its all-embracing benefits through Christ, our Lord and Saviour
Question 2: Give reasons believers should always praise and give thanks to God.
Although everyone is free to offer thanks to God, the praise and thanksgiving of those who fear and honour God receive immediate attention from heaven. The
Scripture says, "Praise ye the LORD. Praise, o ye servants of the LORD..." (Psalm 113:1); "Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence" (Psalm 140:13). Servants of God today are those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus from their sins and made children of God. They are people clothed with the garment of righteousness which comes through Christ (Jeremiah 23:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21); they do no iniquity, but serve God with all their heart, soul, mind and might. But for those who are dead in sins and trespasses, their prayer and praise are counted as abomination before God (Proverbs 21:27; Isaiah 1:15).
EXECUTION OF JUDGMENT ON GOD'S ENEMIES Psalms 9:3 - 20; Exodus 6:6,7; Psalm 3:3; 2 'Chronicles 25:8; Psalm 35:10; Deuteronomy 20:1; Psalm 7:11; Proverbs 21:12; Hebrews 10:30,31)
Moved by the Spirit of God, David rejoices in the Lord for rescuing him and his people from the hands of their enemies. He concludes that the Lord helps those
who are helpless and punishes the wicked. “When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence” (Psalm 9:3). He speaks so loudly of his triumph over his enemies and Israel's numerous adversaries (2 Samuel 22:38-49; Psalms 3:7; 6:10;18:37). The enemies of God's people are always not able to defeat them because He is on their side due to their relationship with Him. God protects and delivers them from all their destructions (Esther 9:5; Psalm 107:20).
Children of God are assured of divine presence because their battle is the Lord's (1 Samuel 17:47). Enemies who aim to hurt them do so at their own peril and would
incur divine indignation if they fail to surrender. As long as the children of Israel obeyed the Lord, their adversaries could not conquer them. The same assurance is available to believers in Christ who put
their trust in the Lord of hosts.
Question 3: What is the secret of enjoying divine intervention in moments of difficulty?
God's word teaches that humanity is beset with troubles, which come to us irrespective of our status in life. "Man that is born of a woman is of a few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). But the Lord remains
our only help and hope for survival (Psalm 60:11). However, help from above does not always come to everyone, in every place and at all times. First, to enjoy divine intervention, one must establish a redemptive relationship through the new birth experience. Freedom from sin coupled with daily unconditional obedience to God's word help believers tap into God's power to navigate the path to victory. Second, holy living is a make holiness a bulwark against the arrows and attacks of the enemy. Those who desire divine help in times of trouble should priority in life. Third, the Scripture recommends that believers should put on the whole armour of God to enable them overcome all the assaults of the wicked. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13).
While God manifests His power towards His chosen people by defending, fighting, protecting and providing for them, He frowns at evildoers for rebelling against His word. He resists and judges them. “..God is angry with the wicked everyday” (Psalm 7:11). For those who continue in their evil ways, their earthly suffering will, sooner or later, give way to eternal damnation.
The Scripture says, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17). This calls for the timely intervention of believers to bring
them out of their predicament. We should intercede regularly for sinners' conviction and conversion. We should also resolve to prayerfully reach out to them with the good news of the kingdom of God through personal, friendship, mass or literature evangelism or other forms of outreach that will guarantee that they hear the gospel
before it is too late.
Question 4: What practical steps should the damnation?
EQUITY OF GOD AND HIS ETERNAL RULE OVER
ALL (Psalms 9:4,7,8,17; 103:6; Zephaniah 3:5; Daniel 2:44; 7:13,14; Revelation 20:4,6,5,10)
God rules in heaven and over the earth, and all that are therein. His eternal rule is characterised by justice, maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in righteousness, peace and equity. “For thou hast the throne judging right” (Psalm 9:4).
The psalmist admits that though his adversaries came upon him unprovoked and with cruelty, the Lord had proved his
innocence by defending him. Children of God who maintain the right cause of salvation and true holiness adversity. He will be a refuge for the oppressed in times
of trouble. "And he shall judge the world in
righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness” (Psalm 9:8). The judgment of God will be according to His righteous character and He will recompense to everyone in consonance with their works (Job 34:11; Proverbs 24:12; Romans 2:6). He reminds those who are sold to doing evil that "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations
that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).
As the psalmist ponders on the righteous attributes of the Lord, he offers some striking prayers to God worthy of emulation. One, he asks the Lord to have mercy on him and vindicate him so that he would show forth His praise before all people, and may rejoice in His salvation.
Two, he requests passionately that the Lord would arise quickly to stop the wicked in their stride and not prevail over the righteous. Three, he also pleads that the wicked have a measure of judgment in this world so as to strike fear into the hearts of those who are wont to do evil. Finally, he believes that the world of humans would be
humbled when they are made to see that they are but poor, feeble creatures compared to God. In conclusion, the two Psalms in our text teach believers, one, to praise and thank God continually because He is good and His mercies endure forever.
Two, He is excellent in power and majesty and none can be compared to Him. Three, He rules in the affairs of men and watches over His children to prevent the wicked acts of the enemy. Four, He executes judgment
over the whole earth and none can resist Him. Five, His judgment is without partiality. Six, those who make Him
their refuge should trust Him for protection and preservation. Seven, unbelievers should remember that eternal hell awaits those who forget God and believers are to continue in righteousness and holiness until the end to guarantee eternity with Him.
Question 5: Why should believers not fear the wrath
of the wicked?
DAILY BIBLE READING
MORNING
SUN Psalm 119:81-150
MON " 120 - 129
TUE " 131- 139
WEN " 139 -149
THU 1 Samuel 1
FRI " 3 -4
SAT " 6
EVENING
SUN Psalm 119:151 -76
MON " 130
TUE " 138
WED " 150
THU 1 Samuel 2
FRI " 5
SAT " 7
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