BIG IDEA:
THANKS BE TO GOD WHO ALWAYS LEADS US IN HIS TRIUMPH IN CHRIST
INTRODUCTION:
2 Cor. 2:14
(Really, what we have are pieces of 2 psalms tied together to meet a different purpose and different historical circumstances)
I. (:1-5) THE PATH OF TRIUMPH BEGINS WITH A HEART FOCUSED ON WORSHIPING GOD (cf. 57:7-11)
A. (:1) Unwavering in Worship
“My heart is steadfast”
“I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul”
B. (:2) Enthusiastic in Worship
What a way to start the day!
“Awake, harp and lyre;
I will awaken the dawn”
C. (:3) Expressive in Public Worship
“I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, among the peoples”
“And I will sing praises to Thee among the nations”
D. (:4) Focused on God’s Kindness and Truth
1. Kindness “For Thy lovingkindness is great above the heavens”
2. Truth “And Thy truth reaches to the skies”
E. (:5) Geared towards Glorifying God
“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens”
“And Thy glory above all the earth”
II. (:6-13) THE PATH OF TRIUMPH CULMINATES IN GOD’S VICTORY OVER OUR ENEMIES (cf. 60:5-12)
A. (:6) Plea For Victory
1. Based on Covenant Relationship — “That Thy beloved may be delivered”
2. Based on the Power of God — “Save with Thy right hand”
Messianic implications
3. Based on God’s Mercy and Compassion to Answer Prayer — “Answer me”
B. (:7) Victory over Internal Enemies — God Controls the Promised Land
Fulfillment of God’s promises — internal consolidation; home conquests
Confirmed by God’s holiness
“God has spoken in His holiness”
1. Shechem — “I will exult, I will portion out Shechem”
2. Succoth — “And measure out the valley of Succoth”
C. (:8) Victory is Secure — God Reigns Over His Chosen Tribes
1. Gilead
2. Manasseh
3. Ephraim — military center “Ephraim also is the helmet of My head”
known for their mighty men of valour that helped David
4. Judah — political center for ruling and governing “Judah is My scepter”
D. (:9) Victory Over External Enemies — they will be completely subdued
1. “Moab is My washbowl”
2. “Over Edom I shall throw My shoe”
3. “Over Philistia I will shout aloud”
E. (:10-11) Temporary Rejection is no Discouragement to the Hope of Ultimate Victory
F. (:12-13) Key to Victory = Placing all of our confidence in God rather than in Man
1. “Deliverance by man is in vain”
2. “Through God we shall do valiantly”
“it is He who will tread down our adversaries”