The Book Of Psalms: An Introduction

transcript

THE BOOK OF PSALMSAn Introduction

Metro Manila Christian ChurchMakati Sector

12 September 2012

Introduction

• The Book of Psalms is awesome!

Question: What is your favourite psalm?

• One of the most famous psalm (if not abused) is Psalm 23.

• Next one would be Psalm 100.

Why study the Psalms? (1)

1. Consider Jesus and the Apostles• Jesus’ understanding of Psalms (Luke 24:44)• Jesus’ use of Psalms– In his debate with the Pharisees, he cited Psalm

110 (Matthew 22:43-44) to show that David spoke of Him in the Psalms.

– After the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn (Matthew 26:30) – traditionally – Hallel series, Psalms 113-118.

• Paul mentioned importance of the OT (Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:11)

• Peter’s use of them in the NT (Acts 2:25-28, 34-35); and his use of Psalm 16:8-11 as proof that Jesus must be raised from the dead.

• The Psalms are quoted more frequently in the NT than any other book of the OT (100 direct references from the Psalms in the NT).

2. Consider the early Church•Paul’s letter to Timothy – reading of Scripture was to play an important role in the assembled worship of the saints.

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” 1 Timothy 4:13

• Early Christianity was practiced in the temple and in the homes of believers (Acts 2:46).

“When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.”

1 Corinthians 14:26

“Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” Ephesians 5:18b-19a

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

What kind of book is Psalms? (1)

• A book of praise – to assist us in our praise of God

• A book of prayer – to learn how to approach God and respond to God

• A book of songs – to record and exemplify music dedicated to God

• A book of evidences – to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ

What kind of book is Psalms? (2)

• A book of living – to act as “training guide” for righteous and holy living

• It is an inspired collection – inspired by the Holy Spirit. It comes down to us because God intends for it to be in the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Temple Setting Context (1)

• Most psalms are associated with Temple cult – organized worship or religious expression – during the time of Solomon.

• The main effect of Temple worship was “centralization”. The venue became the Jerusalem temple and not the local “high places” (1 Chronicles 16:4-7).

Temple Setting Context (2)

• The Psalms were written for singing and were intended for public worship in Israel’s temple. They were not merely poems as they also contain lyrics.

• The Psalms were composed to be sung as communal expressions of praise and joy (1 Chronicles 15:16, 23:5, 30).

Question: How is our public and private worship? How is our fellowship with God?

Relevance of the Temple today

• Just like the Book of Psalms, it is a way to “fellowship” with God. It is a way to be with God.

• God did everything to show that He wants to be with us!

• God wants to show each and everyone of us that He to fellowship with us!

Question: Do you want a deeper fellowship with God?

A Progression Of Fellowship (1)

1. PURPOSEFUL CREATION

“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” Acts 17:26-27

Purposeful Creation

2. THE PILLAR OF CLOUD

“After leaving Succoth, they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.” Exodus 13:21-22

The Pillar of Cloud and Fire

3. THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

“Have them make a chest of acacia wood – two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and half high…. There, above the cover between the two cherubim that over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites. Exodus 25:10-22

The Ark Of The Covenant

4. THE TABERNACLE

“Then Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” Exodus 40:33-34

The Tabernacle

5. THE TEMPLE

“The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress, I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.” 2 Samuel 22:5-7

The Temple

6. THE INCARNATION (God Among Us)

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.’” Luke 7:16

The Incarnation (God Among Us)

7. THE INDWELLING (God In Us)

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” John 14:16-17a

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” 1 Corinthians 6:19

The Indwelling (God In Us)

Conclusion

1. From the OT to NT, there is a “continuation” of God wanting to be with His people!

2. God’s passion is to be with people!3. He wants to be with You!4. God built us to fellowship with Him!5. The Book of Psalms is one proof of how God

wants to fellowship with us!!!

Life Application Stuff

Group Discussion Questions: 1.What is keeping you from fellowship with God?

2.What can I do to help my fellowship with God to be special and intimate?

The Book Of Psalms: An Introduction

Spiritual