April 14, 2008

Text: Psalm 147


ANOTHER CALL TO OFFER PRAISE TO GOD
"Praise the LORD!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful"    Psalm 147:1

1. An analysis of "praise"

a) It is a good thing to do

b) It is a pleasant activity

c) It is a beautiful thing to practise

2. A call to offer praise to God
"Praise the LORD!"    Psalm 147:1

a) As a result of understanding

b) As a determination to practise what has been taught

LIST OF REASONS TO GIVE PRAISE TO THE LORD

1. Building up of Jerusalem    Psalm 147:2a

2. Gathering of "outcasts of Israel"    Psalm 147:2b

3. Healing of the broken hearted    Psalm 147:3

4. Might of God (He is able to count the stars)    Psalm 147:4

5. Greatness of God's power    Psalm 147:5a

6. Infinite understanding of God    Psalm 147:5b

7. Lifting of the humble    Psalm 147:6a

8. Casting down of the wicked    Psalm 147:6b

9. Care for His creatures    Psalm 147:8-9

10. Blessings of the Lord on all who fear Him    Psalm 147:11, 13-14

11. His providence for all the earth    Psalm 147:15-17

HIS SPECIAL CARE AND CONCERN FOR ISRAEL

1. Special mention
Jerusalem... Zion    Psalm 147:12

2. Giving of His word    Psalm 147:18

a) Statutes

b) Judgments

3. No other nation so favoured
"He has not dealt thus with any nation;
And as for His judgments, they have not known them"    Psalm 147:20

(Cf. Deuteronomy 4:32-35)