O ISRAEL TRUST IN THE LORD

Text: Psalm 115
9 October 2011

(I) THE CHALLENGE FOR EVERYONE TO TRUST IN GOD (Psalm 115:9-11)

1. A national challenge

“O Israel, trust in the Lord…” Psalm 115:9

a) Especially for God’s servants

“O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord…” Psalm 115:10

b) Including all who fear the Lord

“You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord…” Psalm 115:11

2. The difficulty in realising such a challenge

a) Only some periods where the majority had trust In God

i) The people of Israel coming out of Egypt

ii) The people of Israel conquering the land of Canaan

b) Many other periods where the majority did not have trust in God

3. The Psalmist’s aspiration nevertheless for all to have trust in God

(II) THE COMPELLING REASONS FOR EVERYONE TO TRUST IN GOD

1. Because God is truly worth trusting compared to idols

a) The worth of trusting God

i) He made the heavens and earth ( Psalm 115:15 )

ii) He is sovereign and acts on His sovereign will ( Psalm 115:3 )

iii) He hears us when we turn to Him

b) The worthlessness of trusting Idols

i) They are made by man ( Psalm 115:4 )

ii) They are just like their makers ( Psalm 115:8 )

iii) They don’t hear what we say ( Psalm 115:6 )

2. Because God is merciful to all (Psalm 115:1)

3. Because God’s truth applies to all (Psalm 115:1)

4. Because God is a personal help and shield to all (Psalm115:3)

(III) CONFIDENCE IN THE EXTENSIVE BLESSINGS ON ALL WHO TRUST IN GOD

1. The Lord would remember and bless all (Psalm 115:12)

2. He can progressively bless (Psalm 115:14)

3. His blessings is limitless (Psalm 115:15-16)

a) The power that made the heavens and the earth will also be used to bless us most extensively

b) The Lord has given the earth to the children of men

(IV) RESPONSES TO GOD WHEN WE ALL CAN TRUST IN HIM

1. Giving all glory to God’s name together (Psalm 115:1)

a) Not to us

b) All to God

2. Determination to jointly bless the Lord God forever (Psalm 115:18)

3. Great joy in just praising the Lord together (Psalm 115:18)