Psalm 111
Celebrating God's Greatness
_______________________________________
Intro:
Psalm 111 is a hymn of praise to God for His wondrous works and His faithful, just character. In the New Covenant context, we can see this Psalm as a reflection of God's continued faithfulness and goodness as embodied in Jesus Christ, the fullest expression of His grace and truth.
Section 1: Praise for God's Works (Verses 1-4)
"Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Splendid and majestic is His work; His righteousness endures forever. He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate."
Harmony
God's wondrous works and enduring righteousness are manifested in Jesus Christ, as stated in John 1:14.
Talking Points:
The commitment to give thanks to the Lord with a whole heart.
The appreciation of God's great works, full of splendor and majesty.
The recognition of God's enduring righteousness and His gracious and merciful nature.
Questions:
How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude towards God?
How do we see God's works as great, full of splendor, and majestic in our lives?
In what ways have we experienced God's grace and mercy?
Section 2: Provision and Covenant (Verses 5-8)
"He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever. He has shown His people the power of His works by giving them the inheritance of the nations. The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are trustworthy. They are upheld forever and ever, enacted in truth and uprightness."
Harmony
God's provision and covenant faithfulness are affirmed in Matthew 6:26-30 and Luke 22:20, with Jesus embodying the new covenant in His blood.
Talking Points:
God's provision for those who fear Him, and His remembrance of His covenant.
The power of God's works demonstrated through His gifts to His people.
The faithfulness, justice, and trustworthiness of God's precepts, established forever.
Questions:
How have we experienced God's provision in our lives?
How does understanding God's covenant help us trust in His promises?
How can we remain faithful in following God's precepts?
Section 3: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom (Verses 9-10)
"He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!"
Harmony
God's redemption sent to His people is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, as stated in Ephesians 1:7, and the correlation between the fear of the Lord and wisdom is echoed in Proverbs 9:10.
Talking Points:
God's redemption sent to His people and His eternal covenant.
The holiness and awe-inspiring nature of God's name.
The fear of the Lord as the starting point of wisdom, resulting in good understanding.
Questions:
How does the redemption through Jesus impact our relationship with God?
How does understanding the holiness of God inspire reverence and awe in us?
How can cultivating a fear of the Lord lead to wisdom and understanding in our lives?
Summary
Psalm 111:1-10 is a hymn of praise to God for His mighty works, His faithfulness, and His provision.
In the New Covenant context, the themes of this Psalm find their fullest expression in Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God's grace, truth, and redemption (John 1:14, Ephesians 1:7).
This Psalm encourages us to cultivate gratitude, appreciate God's provision, and grow in the fear of the Lord, leading to wisdom and a deeper understanding of His character.