Presented, July 24, 2005 pm
LET THE GOD OF MY SALVATION BE EXALTED
Psalm 18
Tonight, we study another psalm. This is the longest psalm we have examined thus far and one with a profound message about our God and savior. We are told of the occasion of its writing in the superscription. David is thankful to God and pens this psalm to praise Him. There are many lessons we can learn from this text, but tonight our focus will be upon the greatness of God and HOW we ought to respond to that.
I. The Psalm Itself
a. The time of the psalm – See also it recorded in 2 Samuel 22 with minor changes. This text is at the end of David’s life where he has seen God’s deliverance over and over in many different forms. David knows how truly blessed he was and reflects back to a time when he praised God at the beginning of his reign. He had been delivered from King Saul who hated him knowing that he was his successor. In 1 Samuel we read of many occasions where David had to flee from the king for his life. In the end Saul dies at the hand of God in battle and David mourns greatly – relieved that these pursuits are over but sad at the loss. What an attitude David had – it is worthy of study.
b. Many say it
also has a messianic message.
Vs. 49 is quoted in Romans 15:9.
Vs. 50 speaks of the mercy of God to “David and his descendants forever”
In addition to the overall theme of deliverance which could be applied to Christ
– there are passages that are more literal (to our knowledge) with Christ than
David. For example:
Vs. 6-7 speak of crying to God and “the earth shook and trembled…” Vs. 9 speaks
of Him coming down “with darkness under His feet”
Vs. 10 – He rode upon a cherub and flew
Vs. 16 – “He sent from above, He took me…”
Vs. 33 – “He sets me on my High places”
Vs. 44 – “As soon as they hear of me they obey me.”
c. Ultimately the psalm is simply another example of David’s praise to God in which he elaborates on His goodness and that He delivered him. Much of the language is figurative describing the power of Jehovah God.
d. The psalm
outlined:
1-3 – What God meant to David
4-6 – David’s dilemma – surrounded by troubles (the pangs of death) he calls
upon the Lord
e. 6b-15 – The anger of the Lord is described. Angry at His enemies (& David’s)
f. 16-19 – The Lord delivered him
g. 20-27 – He was rewarded according to his righteousness. He had kept the word of the Lord
h. 28-36 – Jehovah God was his deliverer and protected him. If God be with him, who can overcome? Romans 8:31
i. 37-42 – With God’s help, he overcame and totally defeated his enemies
j. 43-45 – The greatness of David’s reign – foreigners would serve him
k. 46- The Lord lives and is worthy of exaltation
l. 47-50 – It was God who avenged him. “Therefore I will give thanks to you…”
II. The Greatness of God
a. 1-2 – God described as: my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my shield, my salvation, my stronghold, etc. All of these show the power of God. Truly His is omnipotent – meaning all powerful.
b. 3 – He is
worthy to be praised.
Being our creator and the sustainer of our lives. Being the one who has
promised us great reward after this life. He certainly is worthy of such.
Hebrews 13:15 tells us to offer “praise to God”, that is the fruit of our lips
Revelation 19:5. “Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God all
of you, His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”
c. 6 – He
hears our cries – “night and day” –
Luke 18:7 – Jesus was teaching about prayer and how God bears long with us.
d. 15 – He
uncovered the foundations of the earth – you CANNOT hide from God.
Hebrews 4:13 – there is no creature hidden from His sight
1 Corinthians 4:5 – He will bring to light the hidden things.
e. 17 – He
delivers –
He is able to deliver us as well
e.g. – He knows how to deliver the godly – 2 Peter 2:2
f. 24-27 – the Lord rewards the righteous. He is merciful, blameless, pure, & shrewd.
g. 27 – He cherishes the humble – James 4:6
h. 31 – “Who is God, except the Lord.” There is only ONE God. Ephesians 4:5-6
i. 35 – His
gentleness made David great.
Consider the greatness of God, many tremble at the thought of His presence. And
we should – in reverence to Him. But also know that He is a gentle God. He is
as gentle as He is severe – Romans 11:22. It just depends on which side you are
on.
Jesus was “meek (gentle) and lowly in heart” – Matthew 11:28-30
j. 46 - He
lives – He is the eternal God – 1 Timothy 1:17
Jesus told His disciples in John 14:19 - “Because I live, you will live also”
III. Praising God as we Ought to
a. Again vs. 1-3 – He is worthy of praise. Do we magnify Him with names worthy of His greatness? Think about this as you begin your prayers.
b. Throughout this psalm we see David’s gratitude give God glory for all things in his life. Do we give God thanks for all things?
c. Vs 46 –
May He be exalted in our lives.
Matthew 5:16 – by our example
d. Vs. 49 – Give thanks to Him always – Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 5:20; 2 Corinthians 9:15 – “thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
Thus we can see an incredible psalm of praise to God. In our prayers let us remember to acknowledge His greatness and give Him the glory He deserves. ALSO make sure that yours is a prayer of faith just as David knew God could and would deliver him. Think about it.