BIG IDEA:
WHEN BLESSINGS COME DOWN, PRAISE AND RESPECT SHOULD GO UP
I. (:1-3) GOD’S PEOPLE SEEK BLESSINGS SO THAT GOD MAY BE KNOWN AND PRAISED
A. The Nature of God’s Blessings
1. Be Gracious
2. Bless Us
3. Cause His face to shine upon us
How should we seek these blessings? Through Prayer
B. The Purpose of God’s Blessings
1. That God may be Known
a. Thy Way be known on the earth
b. Thy salvation among all nations
2. That God may be Praised by all the peoples — Refrain v.3
Why should we seek God’s blessings?
Not primarily for our own comfort and benefit and prosperity
II. (:4-5) THE NATIONS SHOULD:
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APPRECIATE BLESSINGS
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RESPECT GOD
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PRAISE GOD
A. (:4a) Blessings Should Bring Gladness and Joy (Response = Appreciation)
B. (:4b) Blessings Depend Upon God’s Righteous Judgment and Guidance (Response = Respect)
C. (:5) Blessings Should Stimulate Praise (Response = Praise)
III. (:6-7) GOD’S PEOPLE RECEIVE BLESSINGS SO THAT GOD MAY BE FEARED ( = KNOWN AND RESPECTED)
A. The Nature of God’s Blessings
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Tangible, material blessings
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The fruit of the earth
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From a Personal God in the context of a Personal Relationship (“God, our God”)
B. The Purpose of God’s Blessings
that God may be Feared = Known and Respected by the nations