March 22, 2020 Sermon Notes and Slides

Bless the Lord, O My Soul
Psalm 103
Tony Chute, Interim Pastor

Overview: The Psalmist teaches us to worship the Lord by blessing Him with all that we have in light of all that He is and all that He has done on our behalf. The many benefits we have received from the Lord include forgiveness of sin, healing from sickness, deliverance from death, restoration of worth, and renewal of strength. Each of these benefits is in keeping with God’s own character and offered to the undeserving, as demonstrated in the life of Moses, and through the deliverance of Israel. Accordingly, God abounds in categories where we are beneficiaries, and He limits Himself in categories where we would otherwise suffer. We can, therefore, count on God’s great love extending to us also because we are in covenant relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. By blessing the Lord in this way, we not only recognize the benefits we have received, we are joining with all creation to ascribe worth to the Lord, who is greater than all.

01. Blessing the Lord is an act of worship that involves more than our mouth; it includes our mind and soul as we recall what God has done and express our love to Him.

02. Blessing the Lord is an act of faith that involves more than our past benefits; it includes all that we pray and hope for God to do in light of our relationship with Him.

03. Blessing the Lord is an act of obedience that involves more than ourselves; it includes the entire created order recognizing the greatness of God.

Questions for Discussion and Discovery

1. Consider the numerous times in the Old Testament when God’s people choose their own way instead of following Him, starting with the Garden of Eden. What does the multitude of such examples suggest about human nature? What do we learn about the character of God through such examples?

2. How would you answer the question in verse 5: “Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations?” What biblical citations do you have to support your response?

3. How would you define revival based on verses 6-8? Is it a temporary commitment to the Lord, or is it an ongoing commitment to know the Lord better than before? How can we ensure that, having experienced the goodness of God, we do not return to our foolish ways?

4. Which attributes of God are listed in verses 10-13? What scriptures or songs come to mind as you think about these attributes? Do these attributes conflict in any way with God’s justice or wrath?

5. Note the importance of the land in this Psalm (verses 1, 9, 12) as abundant harvests and national security were signs of God’s pleasure with Israel. What indicators might we find that suggest God is pleased with His people today? How do these indicators differ from what the world might define as being blessed?

For Further Reading: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Revival (Crossway, 1987)