Psalm 29
Introduction:
1. The weight of our discussion this morning demands a proper view of God to succeed.
2. Psalm 29 presents the right attitude to promote success in that endeavor.
3. We must give the Lord His due in every aspect of our lives.
Discussion:
I. Worship Demanded
A. The Lord demands worship from His people (Psalms 29:1-2; Matthew 4:10; John 4:20-24; Hebrews 1:6).
B. The church exists to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim His praises (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Hebrews 13:15).
C. Shirking the corporate worship of the church is a grave error (Hebrews 10:24-27).
II. Worship Defined
A. Reverence is the heart of worship (Psalms 29:1-2).
1. The mighty are to give glory to Him.
2. This is an exercise in subservience and humility as the worshiper recognizes his/her inferiority.
B. There are five different Greek terms translated as worship in the NT.
C. These terms occur 265 times variously translated piety, glory, devout, serve, honor, praise, etc.
D. The primary term meant “to kiss the hand towards” (Thayer); “to kiss as a dog licks its master’s hand, to fawn or crouch to, to prostrate oneself in honor, to reverence, to adore” (Strongs).
E. “Among the Orientals, especially the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the forehead to the ground as an expression of profound reverence” (Thayer)
III. Worship Deserved
A. Glorifying God is merely giving His due.
B. David sets forth the power and majesty of God (Psalms 29:3-10; 19:1).
C. He concluded his doxology with God’s provisions for His people (vs. 11).
D. Our worship is driven by a sense of awe and gratitude.
Conclusion:
1. When we hold the proper view of God and of ourselves in relation to Him, we are poised to faithfully follow Him day-by-day.
2. Failure to hold this view is sure to lead to failure to follow.
3. We must echo the sons of Korah and make it our mantra, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” (Psalms 48:1).
Further Food for Thought
1. Do you ever struggle with any of the attitudes conducive to worship?
2. How can we all learn to lower ourselves to promote proper worship?
3. How much impact do you suppose this would have in daily living?
4. How much would it impact our neighbors to see us live this out?