Scripture Reading: Psalm 100
Psalm 96: Give Thanks to God
Intro.
1. Ingratitude is a sin that infects mankind, Rom 1:21; Lk 17:15-19.
2. When King David brought the ark to Jerusalem there was a great celebration of thanksgiving (1 Chrn 13-16); 15:26-28.
3. Chief work of appointed Levites was to give thanks, 16:4-7.
4. Psalm 96 (1 Chrn 16:23-33): A call to give thanks to God.
I. WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD IN SONG, Psa 96:1.
A. Singing is an Expression of Our Thanks to God, Eph 5:19-20; Col 3:16.
1. New song, 96:1; New in quality, cf. Psa 33:1-3 (from the upright).
2. “Not necessarily a song unheard before, but one fresh from the singer’s heart.”
3. Victory and deliverance, Rev 14:3 (15:3).
4. Giving thanks comes from a heart that knows and acknowledges its blessings; God expects our singing to be from a thankful heart.
II. WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR HIS CHARACTER AND BLESSINGS WHEN WE WORSHIP HIM, Psa 96:2-9.
A. Thankful for the Power of God, 96:2-5.
1. Salvation, 96:2: Tell of God’s salvation all day, cf. Psa 71:15.
a. cf. God saved the nation of Israel (Exo 15:1-2).
b. God and His power is our spiritual victory, Psa 3:8; 25:5.
c. God deserves unending thanks! Acts 4:12; Rom 6:23
2. Glory, 96:3: Honor, splendor, Psa 29:2; 72:19; 115:1.
a. God is due honor because of who He is, what He has done and what he will do.
b. Son claims (worthy of) the same honor, Jno 5:23.
3. Wonders (marvelous works), 96:3: Declare, Psa 40:5; Psa 136.
4. Our response to the “great” God, 96:4-5:
a. Praise: Adulation, commendation; Acknowledging God’s demonstrations of His power in our lives, cf. Jas 1:17.
b. Fear: Reverence and trust (faith), Psa 34:9; 40:3.
B. Thankful for the Dignity of God, 96:6-8.
1. Honor and majesty (96:6): Contrast the gods of men (vile, corrupt, sensual, etc.), cf. Psa 104:1-5; Rom 1:23.
2. Strength and beauty (96:6): Nothing too hard, Jer 32:17; Psa 27:4.
3. Our response to God’s dignity (96:8-9):
a. Worship Him with thanksgiving, Jno 4:23-24.
b. Honor (splendor) of God is observed and then expressed by the worshipper.
c. Our worship must be reflective of God’s honor, majesty, strength and beauty. How are we (you) doing?
III. GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR HIS JUDGMENTS, Psa 96:10-13.
A. God’s Judgments are Righteous, 96:10-12. “With equity” (ASV)
1. Judge world with righteousness, 96:13; Rom 2:5.
a. Our judgments should be but are not always righteous (equal), Jno 7:24; Rom 2:1; (cf. prejudice, Jas 2:1-4).
b. On whatever subject God has revealed His judgment (decision) we are assured of its fairness, impartiality and justice: Who is saved; how to be saved; what is true worship; who may remarry; what is pure speech; what is moral behavior...)
2. We are thankful God has revealed Himself on all things that “pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3); 96:11-12.
B. God’s Judgments are According to Truth, 96:13; Rom 2:2.
1. Thankful that truth is a consistent, objective standard.
2. Imagine the chaos of a subjective, ever-changing standard of judgment in morality, worship, moral character – An unfair God!
3. Illus. Moving the ark to Jerusalem, Exo 25:14; Num 4:15; 1 Chrn 13:7, 9-10; 15:13. A proper order had been given – they were judged by it: punished when disobeyed and blessed by it (when obeyed).
4. Christ’s words the proper order for us all, Jno 12:48.
Conclusion
1. Remember the thanksgiving David expressed to God during a moment of great blessing in his life and the life of Israel.
2. We share in far greater blessings in Christ: Our thanksgiving ought to abound more and more, Col 2:7.