WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.740 Good morning. So this morning we're in Psalm 103. I don't know what kind of week you've come from. 00:00:09.400 --> 00:00:14.800 Some of you might be coming from a bad week and some of you might be coming from a good week. 00:00:15.179 --> 00:00:21.760 And some of you will really want to be here and some of you might not want to be here. 00:00:21.760 --> 00:00:33.439 But as we come this morning to this psalm, I would just encourage us to turn our attention away from those things and to come and do as this psalm says. 00:00:34.359 --> 00:00:39.520 As Psalm 103 says in verse 1, bless the Lord, O my soul. 00:00:39.520 --> 00:00:52.240 And today as we come to this psalm, we're going to hear, we're going to be warned by God, we're going to be encouraged by God. 00:00:54.240 --> 00:01:00.240 And we're going to hear maybe for the first time, if you're here for the first time or you've not been to church before generally, 00:01:00.760 --> 00:01:03.440 you're going to hear who God is and what he does for us. 00:01:04.659 --> 00:01:08.920 And we're going to see how we can trust him in all things and have confidence in him. 00:01:09.519 --> 00:01:15.060 And we can put our faith in him and have confidence that that faith will last and will really mean something. 00:01:16.560 --> 00:01:21.679 And in this psalm, the Bible is really trying to draw attention to our sinfulness. 00:01:22.280 --> 00:01:28.319 But then it's trying to cast our eyes to the greatness of God and his forgiveness and grace towards us. 00:01:29.759 --> 00:01:35.539 In this psalm, David is saying to himself, he says at the start, bless the Lord, my soul. 00:01:35.540 --> 00:01:45.219 He's really trying to brace himself to praise the Lord and remember the Lord and what he's done and to forget his own condition and just see how great God is. 00:01:47.240 --> 00:01:50.380 And I hope that we'll join with him today in doing that as well. 00:01:51.540 --> 00:01:57.960 And then through the rest of the psalm, from verses 13 to 22, we see David speaks about God's character. 00:01:59.480 --> 00:02:03.100 We see the confidence, rather, that David has in God. 00:02:03.099 --> 00:02:08.319 So our first point this morning from verses 1 to 12 is the forgiver. 00:02:08.460 --> 00:02:12.900 Because this psalm is all about God's forgiveness for us and to us. 00:02:14.280 --> 00:02:18.560 And David says, like I said, in verse 1, praise the Lord, my soul, in the NIV. 00:02:19.219 --> 00:02:23.879 The ESV translates it as bless the Lord, my soul. 00:02:23.879 --> 00:02:28.039 And our soul is our inmost being. 00:02:28.680 --> 00:02:30.379 It's our spiritual essence. 00:02:30.699 --> 00:02:34.799 It's the deepest, most intimate, innermost part of ourselves. 00:02:38.099 --> 00:02:45.599 And David is calling to his inmost being and from his inmost being to praise and bless the Lord. 00:02:45.599 --> 00:02:53.919 He's trying to encourage his soul to wake up, to stir within him and to bless the Lord. 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:58.859 Our souls, we can be downcast and we can be lukewarm. 00:02:59.620 --> 00:03:03.259 And David, at times in his life, was downcast and lukewarm. 00:03:03.259 --> 00:03:07.399 And now he's reflecting and thinking about the greatness of God and saying, 00:03:07.919 --> 00:03:14.739 Bless the Lord, my soul, for all his benefits to you, for all the great things he has done and all the great things he will do. 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:20.859 And then at the end of the psalm, when we come there, we're going to see David say the same thing again. 00:03:20.919 --> 00:03:22.959 He says, bless the Lord, my soul. 00:03:22.960 --> 00:03:37.000 He lists 17 things in this psalm, 17 reasons, and the word he uses is benefits, in this psalm to speak about the Lord and what he does, all these great things he does. 00:03:38.219 --> 00:03:42.460 So it's bookended by this phrase, bless the Lord, oh my soul. 00:03:42.600 --> 00:03:44.819 Praise the Lord, oh my soul. 00:03:44.819 --> 00:03:57.199 So we're going to see and explore some of these reasons that David gives for himself, his own soul and our souls today to come and bless the Lord with our deepest, most inmost being. 00:03:57.699 --> 00:04:00.759 And to do that as well when we leave here today. 00:04:01.180 --> 00:04:03.060 It's not just about church. 00:04:03.219 --> 00:04:04.659 It's not just about here in this building. 00:04:04.780 --> 00:04:08.840 It's about praising and blessing the Lord all the time with our inmost being. 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:13.799 And that's really important because our souls are supposed to bless God. 00:04:13.800 --> 00:04:15.580 He's our creator and he's our king. 00:04:16.060 --> 00:04:20.920 And so this is right for us all to do, whether we acknowledge that or not here this morning. 00:04:21.939 --> 00:04:29.560 And that's because David says in the start of the psalm, bless the Lord, bless the Lord, oh my soul. 00:04:29.819 --> 00:04:35.199 Because of his holy name, we're to bless the Lord because he's holy, he's perfect and he's good. 00:04:36.660 --> 00:04:38.280 And he's fit to be blessed. 00:04:43.800 --> 00:04:51.060 So as I'd said, these 17 reasons David gives are all to do with forgiveness. 00:04:51.060 --> 00:04:59.319 And if you look with me at verse 3, David says in verse 3 of this psalm, he says, 00:05:00.060 --> 00:05:07.800 Remember the Lord that forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. 00:05:09.220 --> 00:05:14.879 And this should make us want to praise the Lord, that he heals all our sins and all our diseases. 00:05:14.879 --> 00:05:18.219 Praise the Lord, my soul. 00:05:19.219 --> 00:05:22.040 He forgives all our sins, the first part of that verse. 00:05:23.339 --> 00:05:27.980 We're always in God's presence wherever we are, wherever we go, whatever we do. 00:05:29.300 --> 00:05:31.600 He knows and sees everything about us. 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:35.399 And he knows our most intimate inmost being. 00:05:35.620 --> 00:05:36.480 He knows our souls. 00:05:37.060 --> 00:05:39.860 And he knows the good things we do. 00:05:39.980 --> 00:05:41.860 And he knows the bad things we do. 00:05:41.860 --> 00:05:42.860 He knows our sin. 00:05:43.439 --> 00:05:49.100 And he knows all the wrong things we say, think and do, which are many. 00:05:50.100 --> 00:05:52.040 Speaking personally and for some of you as well. 00:05:52.600 --> 00:05:56.520 But certainly everyone sins and everyone is guilty of sinning. 00:05:56.620 --> 00:06:04.220 And even this morning, as we came here, we'll have had wrong thoughts and maybe said and maybe even done the wrong thing. 00:06:04.699 --> 00:06:07.220 Putting someone down, anger, impatience. 00:06:07.220 --> 00:06:10.800 Because all these things the Bible says are examples of sin. 00:06:11.520 --> 00:06:19.460 And David, certainly, this man, for those who know David's story, he's saying he forgives all your sins and all your diseases. 00:06:19.520 --> 00:06:26.820 This is an amazing thing to think about and to realise and to know that it's true, that the Lord forgives all our sins, all our diseases. 00:06:26.819 --> 00:06:31.420 Because we don't really deserve this forgiveness. 00:06:31.680 --> 00:06:35.879 But the Lord says in this psalm that he'll forgive all of them. 00:06:36.399 --> 00:06:37.779 And that should lead us to praise. 00:06:40.339 --> 00:06:43.699 Because the Lord knows and still will forgive us. 00:06:44.699 --> 00:06:46.879 And some of us might not believe that here today. 00:06:46.879 --> 00:06:50.659 And some of us might need to hear that again. 00:06:51.300 --> 00:06:56.860 Because you're sitting under a dark cloud thinking, the Lord can't forgive me this time. 00:06:57.040 --> 00:07:00.399 I've done too much or I've sinned too greatly. 00:07:02.279 --> 00:07:06.659 But I would just encourage us today in this verse, all of us can be encouraged by this. 00:07:07.159 --> 00:07:11.959 The Lord does forgive all our sins and all our diseases. 00:07:11.959 --> 00:07:14.939 And all we need to do is ask. 00:07:15.659 --> 00:07:21.159 All the Lord wants us to do is draw to him and ask him for this forgiveness. 00:07:21.379 --> 00:07:24.199 And he'll give it freely and without question. 00:07:26.000 --> 00:07:30.620 And then to go back to the verse, the second part of the verse then says, 00:07:31.659 --> 00:07:34.699 The Lord heals all your diseases. 00:07:35.579 --> 00:07:40.879 So with this, this can be confusing for those of us who are ill or are struggling with our health. 00:07:40.879 --> 00:07:46.120 Because we can think, well if the Lord forgives me and it says he heals all my diseases, 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:49.319 I still have this problem with my body. 00:07:49.399 --> 00:07:51.920 I still have this problem with my health. 00:07:52.540 --> 00:07:57.699 But this psalm and the disease it refers to, that David is speaking about here, 00:07:58.279 --> 00:08:00.319 is primarily speaking about sin. 00:08:02.519 --> 00:08:08.980 So it's not a disease that can be treated with medicine or by doctors or in hospitals, unfortunately. 00:08:08.980 --> 00:08:12.400 And it can't be caught and it can't really be treated. 00:08:13.840 --> 00:08:19.100 But that is the most important disease, the disease of sin. 00:08:19.540 --> 00:08:24.480 Because it separates us from God and makes us rebels and enemies against him. 00:08:24.480 --> 00:08:33.940 Because this disease of sin doesn't just destroy the body, but it destroys the heart and it destroys the soul. 00:08:38.220 --> 00:08:41.620 And that is a condition that we all suffer from equally. 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:48.340 And that, when David says this in the psalm, he heals all your diseases. 00:08:48.519 --> 00:08:51.440 It reminded me of Mark chapter 2. 00:08:52.080 --> 00:08:53.159 Some of you will know the passage. 00:08:53.320 --> 00:08:57.299 In Mark chapter 2, the second chapter of that gospel, 00:08:58.080 --> 00:09:02.159 Jesus is in a house teaching and the house is crowded. 00:09:02.740 --> 00:09:03.840 No one else can get in. 00:09:03.960 --> 00:09:05.440 They're all amazed at what he's saying. 00:09:05.440 --> 00:09:09.520 And some men bring a friend on a mat who's been paralysed. 00:09:09.620 --> 00:09:11.120 And he's been paralysed for years. 00:09:11.720 --> 00:09:14.780 And they bring this man to the house and they can't get in. 00:09:15.080 --> 00:09:19.680 So what they do is, they go round the side of the house and then tunnel through the roof. 00:09:20.980 --> 00:09:24.380 In those days, houses were flat roofed. 00:09:24.380 --> 00:09:29.460 So they climbed up on the roof and tunneled through to lower their friend in to the feet of Jesus. 00:09:29.760 --> 00:09:30.980 So that he would heal him. 00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:35.680 And so the man's in front of Jesus and Jesus doesn't say, 00:09:35.960 --> 00:09:37.379 You're healed. 00:09:37.720 --> 00:09:38.399 Get up and walk. 00:09:39.159 --> 00:09:40.620 Take away your mat and go home. 00:09:41.180 --> 00:09:41.879 He says, 00:09:42.600 --> 00:09:44.300 Your sins are forgiven. 00:09:44.659 --> 00:09:47.980 And everyone is aghast and surprised. 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:49.960 And some of them are appalled at that. 00:09:50.159 --> 00:09:50.920 Because they think, 00:09:51.320 --> 00:09:52.460 Who are you to forgive sins? 00:09:52.860 --> 00:09:54.879 Only God can forgive sins. 00:09:55.259 --> 00:09:57.500 And they're also surprised because surely, 00:09:57.500 --> 00:09:59.679 The man's biggest problem, 00:09:59.840 --> 00:10:01.240 The man's biggest need, 00:10:01.779 --> 00:10:03.700 Is healing for his body. 00:10:04.360 --> 00:10:05.879 And not for his soul. 00:10:06.419 --> 00:10:07.960 But actually Jesus says, 00:10:08.580 --> 00:10:09.559 Your sins are forgiven. 00:10:09.960 --> 00:10:10.799 And the man is healed. 00:10:11.039 --> 00:10:11.720 And he gets up. 00:10:12.200 --> 00:10:13.360 And he does walk home. 00:10:14.019 --> 00:10:15.480 And he walks home, 00:10:15.820 --> 00:10:18.500 Blessing and praising the Lord because of that. 00:10:18.940 --> 00:10:21.419 But the most important thing that happened that day, 00:10:21.740 --> 00:10:22.559 For that man, 00:10:23.100 --> 00:10:24.320 Was that his sins were forgiven. 00:10:24.320 --> 00:10:27.460 And he was redeemed in his relationship with God. 00:10:27.520 --> 00:10:31.440 He was restored to that right relationship with God. 00:10:33.520 --> 00:10:35.860 And so we should be encouraged by that, 00:10:36.240 --> 00:10:37.300 And by this psalm, 00:10:37.580 --> 00:10:40.120 Because it's focusing on the solution. 00:10:40.700 --> 00:10:43.140 And it tells us freely and openly, 00:10:43.300 --> 00:10:45.960 That we can be forgiven for whatever we've done, 00:10:46.440 --> 00:10:48.020 And for whatever we do, 00:10:48.780 --> 00:10:49.740 In an ongoing way. 00:10:49.740 --> 00:10:52.700 And it's not focusing on the problem. 00:10:53.019 --> 00:10:55.560 It's not focusing on the guilt and the sin, 00:10:56.019 --> 00:10:57.019 That we so often feel. 00:10:58.460 --> 00:11:00.360 But it is focusing on God, 00:11:00.620 --> 00:11:01.720 And the greatness of God, 00:11:02.220 --> 00:11:05.639 And how we can experience that forgiveness, 00:11:06.080 --> 00:11:07.080 And that redemption. 00:11:08.440 --> 00:11:10.480 And it lifts our eyes away from ourselves, 00:11:10.940 --> 00:11:12.379 And to this great God, 00:11:12.620 --> 00:11:15.259 Who forgives and is gracious and heals us. 00:11:15.259 --> 00:11:17.279 And then, 00:11:17.559 --> 00:11:18.519 In the next few verses, 00:11:19.100 --> 00:11:20.039 After verse 3, 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:22.200 David lists some more, 00:11:22.620 --> 00:11:24.259 Of the wonderful things God does, 00:11:24.659 --> 00:11:25.179 For us, 00:11:25.259 --> 00:11:26.759 That leads us to praise God, 00:11:26.879 --> 00:11:27.620 And to bless him, 00:11:27.799 --> 00:11:28.639 And honour his name. 00:11:30.580 --> 00:11:31.379 But in verse 4, 00:11:31.460 --> 00:11:32.500 He uses a strange, 00:11:32.720 --> 00:11:33.779 Sort of phrase, 00:11:34.419 --> 00:11:36.259 He says that our lives are redeemed, 00:11:36.439 --> 00:11:37.159 From the pit. 00:11:38.720 --> 00:11:40.019 So when it says that, 00:11:40.100 --> 00:11:40.740 In verse 4, 00:11:41.799 --> 00:11:43.879 It's saying that those who haven't been forgiven, 00:11:43.879 --> 00:11:44.480 By the Lord, 00:11:44.600 --> 00:11:47.539 For those who are not followers of Jesus, 00:11:47.919 --> 00:11:50.639 And who have not taken on this forgiveness, 00:11:50.899 --> 00:11:52.600 And asked for this forgiveness from God, 00:11:52.659 --> 00:11:53.399 And this redemption, 00:11:53.960 --> 00:11:54.860 And this restoration, 00:11:56.039 --> 00:11:57.059 That they are in the pit. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:11:58.419 So what does that mean? 00:11:58.600 --> 00:11:59.460 It's a bit of a metaphor, 00:11:59.679 --> 00:12:00.559 But what does that mean? 00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:03.179 If people who are not followers of Jesus, 00:12:03.439 --> 00:12:04.460 Are in the pit, 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:05.720 It means, 00:12:06.659 --> 00:12:08.500 That those of us who have, 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:09.659 Taken on this forgiveness, 00:12:10.360 --> 00:12:11.480 Have hope, 00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:12.600 And a future, 00:12:13.139 --> 00:12:15.300 Of being restored to a relationship with God, 00:12:15.379 --> 00:12:16.220 To see God, 00:12:16.539 --> 00:12:17.639 And to be in his presence, 00:12:18.340 --> 00:12:18.980 In the future. 00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:21.539 But if you haven't done that, 00:12:21.639 --> 00:12:22.180 Here today, 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:23.120 Then, 00:12:23.379 --> 00:12:25.320 This person's future, 00:12:25.480 --> 00:12:26.080 Is not, 00:12:26.399 --> 00:12:27.180 One of hope, 00:12:27.539 --> 00:12:28.440 But it's a future, 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:29.600 Of judgment, 00:12:29.840 --> 00:12:30.379 And of hell. 00:12:32.879 --> 00:12:33.300 But, 00:12:33.940 --> 00:12:35.519 The wonderful news of this verse is, 00:12:36.100 --> 00:12:37.600 That although we are in the pit, 00:12:37.600 --> 00:12:38.399 Everyone alike, 00:12:38.519 --> 00:12:39.100 Is in the pit, 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:41.560 Before we ask for this forgiveness, 00:12:41.720 --> 00:12:42.560 Before we ask, 00:12:42.920 --> 00:12:44.159 For forgiveness from God, 00:12:45.300 --> 00:12:47.060 Is that the Lord pulls us up from the pit, 00:12:47.399 --> 00:12:48.580 That's what this forgiveness is, 00:12:48.879 --> 00:12:49.840 It's talking about God, 00:12:50.960 --> 00:12:51.720 Taking us up, 00:12:52.240 --> 00:12:53.840 And taking us into that, 00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:55.840 Renewed relationship with him, 00:12:57.019 --> 00:12:58.180 And that pit language, 00:12:58.300 --> 00:12:59.279 Sort of reminded me, 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:01.700 Of the Thai football team, 00:13:02.480 --> 00:13:03.300 Last year, 00:13:03.759 --> 00:13:06.100 A team of young boys, 00:13:06.100 --> 00:13:07.300 Playing football in Thailand, 00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:09.259 Went into a cave system, 00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:10.620 Near their town, 00:13:11.379 --> 00:13:11.800 And, 00:13:12.379 --> 00:13:13.519 It was the monsoon season, 00:13:13.600 --> 00:13:14.500 There was a big landslide, 00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:15.240 And they get trapped, 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:16.320 A lot of you will remember it, 00:13:16.440 --> 00:13:17.100 It was on the news, 00:13:17.159 --> 00:13:18.659 There was a huge rescue effort, 00:13:19.800 --> 00:13:21.279 And that language of the pit, 00:13:21.379 --> 00:13:22.340 Really reminded me, 00:13:22.519 --> 00:13:23.340 Of that incident, 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:25.480 They were in that cave, 00:13:25.800 --> 00:13:26.639 For two weeks, 00:13:27.379 --> 00:13:28.159 In the dark, 00:13:28.320 --> 00:13:29.060 And in the dank, 00:13:29.820 --> 00:13:30.420 It was wet, 00:13:30.980 --> 00:13:31.720 Terrible smell, 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:32.300 I imagine, 00:13:33.440 --> 00:13:34.500 And on top of that, 00:13:34.800 --> 00:13:35.660 I would have been hopeless, 00:13:36.240 --> 00:13:36.899 I would have just been like, 00:13:36.899 --> 00:13:37.440 This is it, 00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:38.259 It's all over, 00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:40.220 They were in high spirits, 00:13:40.279 --> 00:13:40.920 But I wouldn't have been, 00:13:41.159 --> 00:13:42.100 Because it must have, 00:13:42.159 --> 00:13:44.259 It must have seemed like a hopeless situation, 00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:45.200 They were in, 00:13:45.700 --> 00:13:47.159 And I would have been expecting the worst, 00:13:47.960 --> 00:13:48.259 But, 00:13:48.779 --> 00:13:49.879 They were miraculously, 00:13:49.879 --> 00:13:50.820 Almost saved, 00:13:51.259 --> 00:13:52.379 By a huge, 00:13:52.560 --> 00:13:53.580 Sort of rescue effort, 00:13:53.580 --> 00:13:57.080 And so, 00:13:57.080 --> 00:13:57.100 And so, 00:13:57.160 --> 00:13:58.580 That reminded me of this language, 00:13:58.700 --> 00:13:59.400 Of the pit, 00:13:59.620 --> 00:14:00.680 And of this incident, 00:14:00.800 --> 00:14:01.440 In this cave, 00:14:01.500 --> 00:14:02.600 With this Thai football team, 00:14:02.639 --> 00:14:03.480 And how they were rescued, 00:14:04.420 --> 00:14:05.440 We are in this pit, 00:14:05.660 --> 00:14:06.740 And our souls, 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:08.259 Our most inmost being, 00:14:08.320 --> 00:14:09.040 Is in the pit, 00:14:09.639 --> 00:14:10.680 And it's in the dark, 00:14:10.960 --> 00:14:12.340 And it's separated from God, 00:14:12.400 --> 00:14:13.940 And we're enemies of God, 00:14:13.940 --> 00:14:15.880 But then he says, 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:16.980 Come to me, 00:14:17.260 --> 00:14:17.720 Ask, 00:14:17.960 --> 00:14:18.840 And I'll forgive you, 00:14:19.500 --> 00:14:20.400 And then, 00:14:20.560 --> 00:14:21.900 We will come, 00:14:22.020 --> 00:14:22.900 And bless the Lord, 00:14:23.220 --> 00:14:23.620 And so, 00:14:23.720 --> 00:14:24.920 Our praise should be greater, 00:14:25.440 --> 00:14:26.160 For all this, 00:14:26.760 --> 00:14:27.300 Because, 00:14:27.920 --> 00:14:28.620 We are rescued, 00:14:28.720 --> 00:14:29.620 From this greater pit, 00:14:29.980 --> 00:14:30.920 It's not just a cave, 00:14:31.060 --> 00:14:32.120 It's the pit of hell, 00:14:32.260 --> 00:14:32.820 And of judgment, 00:14:33.320 --> 00:14:34.820 And being separated from God, 00:14:34.920 --> 00:14:35.940 For all eternity, 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:37.860 So our praise should be even greater, 00:14:37.940 --> 00:14:38.640 Because of this, 00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:39.840 Because we're rescued, 00:14:40.379 --> 00:14:41.960 From something much worse, 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:43.399 And we're restored, 00:14:43.819 --> 00:14:44.559 To something much, 00:14:44.699 --> 00:14:45.340 Much greater, 00:14:46.659 --> 00:14:47.299 And then, 00:14:47.539 --> 00:14:48.740 Continuing on down the passage, 00:14:49.159 --> 00:14:50.419 If you look at verse 7, 00:14:51.139 --> 00:14:51.759 Verse 7, 00:14:52.360 --> 00:14:53.879 David tells us how the Lord, 00:14:54.600 --> 00:14:56.679 Made himself known to Moses, 00:14:57.259 --> 00:14:58.019 And to Israel, 00:14:59.240 --> 00:15:00.059 And this psalm, 00:15:00.139 --> 00:15:00.899 Psalm 103, 00:15:01.559 --> 00:15:03.139 Is another part of that, 00:15:03.319 --> 00:15:05.340 Gracious and wonderful revelation, 00:15:06.139 --> 00:15:07.819 That started in Genesis, 00:15:07.820 --> 00:15:08.960 And is continued, 00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:10.160 Through the story of Israel, 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:11.120 Right up until now, 00:15:11.680 --> 00:15:13.000 And then continues, 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:14.180 Into the New Testament, 00:15:15.580 --> 00:15:17.660 And this psalm, 00:15:17.940 --> 00:15:18.980 Is like the revelation, 00:15:19.200 --> 00:15:20.100 Of God to Moses, 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:21.560 Through the law, 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:23.120 And to the people of Israel, 00:15:23.280 --> 00:15:24.600 It's part of this long chain, 00:15:24.700 --> 00:15:26.000 This long story of the Bible, 00:15:27.240 --> 00:15:28.420 And that is through his deeds, 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:30.540 But it's a bit clearer here, 00:15:30.740 --> 00:15:31.600 And it's even clearer, 00:15:31.860 --> 00:15:32.580 In the New Testament, 00:15:32.700 --> 00:15:33.460 Which we'll see, 00:15:34.140 --> 00:15:34.580 Later, 00:15:35.580 --> 00:15:36.180 And verse 8, 00:15:36.220 --> 00:15:37.140 Goes into this as well, 00:15:37.139 --> 00:15:38.259 This is, 00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:38.279 This is, 00:15:38.919 --> 00:15:39.899 Why David is, 00:15:40.139 --> 00:15:41.980 Reminiscing and remembering, 00:15:42.199 --> 00:15:43.120 About that revelation, 00:15:43.279 --> 00:15:44.059 That he's just spoken about, 00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:45.360 It says in verse 8, 00:15:45.819 --> 00:15:47.220 The Lord is compassionate, 00:15:47.559 --> 00:15:48.059 And gracious, 00:15:48.939 --> 00:15:50.179 Slow to anger, 00:15:50.679 --> 00:15:51.199 Abounding, 00:15:51.980 --> 00:15:52.539 In love, 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:54.080 All of those things, 00:15:54.240 --> 00:15:54.759 Were given, 00:15:55.299 --> 00:15:55.779 We don't really, 00:15:56.059 --> 00:15:57.080 We don't deserve them, 00:15:57.439 --> 00:15:58.399 Innately of ourselves, 00:15:58.740 --> 00:16:00.279 There's nothing within us really, 00:16:00.399 --> 00:16:00.879 To merit, 00:16:01.299 --> 00:16:02.059 Any of that, 00:16:02.059 --> 00:16:03.799 And whenever anyone, 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:04.839 Else, 00:16:05.439 --> 00:16:06.459 In a normal sense, 00:16:06.619 --> 00:16:07.659 Shows us compassion, 00:16:08.339 --> 00:16:08.819 Grace, 00:16:09.319 --> 00:16:10.339 Is patient with us, 00:16:10.919 --> 00:16:11.719 And loves us, 00:16:12.659 --> 00:16:13.659 It's often because, 00:16:13.739 --> 00:16:14.799 Of our relationship with them, 00:16:14.939 --> 00:16:15.859 But not because, 00:16:16.019 --> 00:16:17.319 We've done anything great ourselves, 00:16:17.539 --> 00:16:18.739 And even more so, 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:19.679 With God, 00:16:20.019 --> 00:16:21.559 We've not done anything ourselves, 00:16:21.939 --> 00:16:22.919 We've not done anything, 00:16:23.059 --> 00:16:23.839 To merit this, 00:16:24.359 --> 00:16:25.739 Or deserve any of this, 00:16:25.839 --> 00:16:27.299 This compassion or grace, 00:16:27.299 --> 00:16:29.179 But God gives it to us, 00:16:29.939 --> 00:16:31.059 We deserve, 00:16:31.259 --> 00:16:32.539 To be left in our sin, 00:16:32.919 --> 00:16:34.099 And we deserve the pit, 00:16:34.459 --> 00:16:35.579 We deserve that judgment, 00:16:35.819 --> 00:16:36.659 And that separation, 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:38.799 And that hostility between us, 00:16:39.399 --> 00:16:42.699 Because that sin, 00:16:42.839 --> 00:16:43.859 Is so alien, 00:16:44.039 --> 00:16:45.319 And unacceptable to God, 00:16:45.959 --> 00:16:46.939 But he gives us this, 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:48.179 Limitless, 00:16:48.799 --> 00:16:49.319 Unlimited, 00:16:49.859 --> 00:16:51.199 Forgiveness and grace, 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:52.339 When we ask for it, 00:16:55.479 --> 00:16:56.959 And with all this, 00:16:57.299 --> 00:16:58.059 We need to think about, 00:16:58.139 --> 00:16:58.539 Response, 00:16:58.919 --> 00:16:59.459 We need to think, 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:01.099 How do I respond to the Lord, 00:17:01.479 --> 00:17:02.079 This morning, 00:17:02.279 --> 00:17:03.479 How do I respond to the Lord, 00:17:03.579 --> 00:17:04.099 Ongoing, 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:05.779 We need to respond, 00:17:05.899 --> 00:17:06.879 And ask for that forgiveness, 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:08.480 And ask for that redemption, 00:17:08.819 --> 00:17:10.220 And come into God's family, 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:11.700 And also, 00:17:12.139 --> 00:17:13.259 When we have done that, 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:14.279 We need to respond, 00:17:14.399 --> 00:17:15.279 With thanksgiving, 00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:16.680 And join David, 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:17.700 And say, 00:17:17.859 --> 00:17:18.619 Bless the Lord, 00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:19.779 Oh my soul, 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:24.559 Or the alternative is, 00:17:25.399 --> 00:17:26.519 We will, 00:17:26.519 --> 00:17:28.019 Continue in the pit, 00:17:28.279 --> 00:17:29.299 And will reject God, 00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:30.400 And for his forgiveness, 00:17:31.039 --> 00:17:33.539 And then, 00:17:33.779 --> 00:17:34.819 From verses 9 to 12, 00:17:34.879 --> 00:17:35.559 To take us out, 00:17:36.259 --> 00:17:37.480 To finish this split, 00:17:38.319 --> 00:17:39.460 David further tells us, 00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:40.139 That the Lord, 00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:41.319 Is quick to forgive, 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:43.559 And will not hold on, 00:17:43.619 --> 00:17:44.019 To our guilt, 00:17:44.119 --> 00:17:44.680 For our sin, 00:17:46.039 --> 00:17:46.519 So, 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:47.440 Our sin isn't like, 00:17:47.460 --> 00:17:48.359 A criminal record, 00:17:48.960 --> 00:17:50.079 It doesn't follow us around, 00:17:50.180 --> 00:17:51.139 It doesn't follow our name, 00:17:51.140 --> 00:17:52.420 You can't log on, 00:17:52.480 --> 00:17:53.040 To a computer, 00:17:53.560 --> 00:17:54.280 And look it up, 00:17:54.400 --> 00:17:55.759 God doesn't keep a database, 00:17:56.520 --> 00:17:57.320 In that sense, 00:17:58.420 --> 00:17:59.620 He forgets it completely, 00:17:59.700 --> 00:18:00.500 When we ask for it, 00:18:00.620 --> 00:18:01.980 When we ask for God's forgiveness, 00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:02.720 And really, 00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:04.360 Ask for it wholeheartedly, 00:18:04.820 --> 00:18:06.120 And with our very souls, 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:07.960 All that is done away with, 00:18:08.080 --> 00:18:08.960 And he forgets it, 00:18:10.120 --> 00:18:10.920 And he does that, 00:18:10.960 --> 00:18:12.000 Because of who he is, 00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:13.200 He is this great, 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:14.420 Compassionate, 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:15.440 And gracious God, 00:18:16.060 --> 00:18:17.360 Who gives us this forgiveness, 00:18:17.359 --> 00:18:18.740 Every day, 00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:20.259 And all we need to do, 00:18:20.299 --> 00:18:20.799 Is ask, 00:18:22.439 --> 00:18:24.500 And if this is who God is, 00:18:24.719 --> 00:18:25.979 Like this passage is telling us, 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:27.539 And this is what he's like, 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:28.559 Then again, 00:18:28.619 --> 00:18:29.419 We have to ask, 00:18:29.719 --> 00:18:30.719 Who do I say he is, 00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:32.179 Who do I say God is, 00:18:32.699 --> 00:18:34.119 And what am I going to do, 00:18:34.199 --> 00:18:34.919 With this psalm, 00:18:35.019 --> 00:18:35.859 What am I going to do, 00:18:36.139 --> 00:18:37.479 With what David says here, 00:18:38.579 --> 00:18:40.039 And are we going to join, 00:18:40.399 --> 00:18:41.139 With David, 00:18:41.559 --> 00:18:41.979 And say, 00:18:42.259 --> 00:18:43.019 Bless the Lord, 00:18:43.559 --> 00:18:44.459 O my soul, 00:18:44.819 --> 00:18:46.299 For all his benefits to us, 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:48.759 And are we going to really, 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:50.759 Worship truly and properly, 00:18:50.899 --> 00:18:52.159 With our inmost being, 00:18:52.699 --> 00:18:53.379 Every day, 00:18:53.979 --> 00:18:55.759 That should be a response, 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:56.679 And in fact, 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:57.719 It shouldn't just be, 00:18:58.039 --> 00:18:58.539 A case of, 00:18:59.259 --> 00:18:59.479 Oh, 00:18:59.599 --> 00:19:00.079 Okay, 00:19:00.619 --> 00:19:01.500 We should really, 00:19:01.679 --> 00:19:02.379 Want this, 00:19:03.500 --> 00:19:04.819 That should be a response, 00:19:04.919 --> 00:19:05.899 And we should be glad, 00:19:06.339 --> 00:19:07.319 To worship God, 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:08.159 Holy, 00:19:08.439 --> 00:19:09.179 And completely, 00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:11.459 With our whole being, 00:19:11.639 --> 00:19:12.359 With our souls, 00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:16.859 With this, 00:19:16.859 --> 00:19:17.619 If you are a Christian, 00:19:17.619 --> 00:19:18.219 Here today, 00:19:18.419 --> 00:19:19.559 There's every chance, 00:19:19.619 --> 00:19:20.399 You might be feeling it, 00:19:20.539 --> 00:19:21.000 Run down, 00:19:21.399 --> 00:19:22.459 You might feel lukewarm, 00:19:22.939 --> 00:19:23.519 You might feel, 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:23.899 No, 00:19:23.959 --> 00:19:25.759 I don't want to bless the Lord, 00:19:26.459 --> 00:19:27.539 Through the hardships, 00:19:27.699 --> 00:19:28.719 And difficulties of life, 00:19:29.279 --> 00:19:29.879 Getting you down, 00:19:30.839 --> 00:19:31.699 But I hope, 00:19:31.839 --> 00:19:32.179 That as we, 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:33.879 Look through this psalm, 00:19:33.979 --> 00:19:34.959 Read through this psalm, 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:37.000 And think about this psalm, 00:19:37.939 --> 00:19:38.939 That you'll be encouraged, 00:19:39.639 --> 00:19:40.339 And heartened, 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:41.039 To come, 00:19:41.240 --> 00:19:42.099 And bless the Lord, 00:19:42.219 --> 00:19:42.879 O my soul, 00:19:42.979 --> 00:19:43.659 As we should, 00:19:43.660 --> 00:19:47.060 And if you're not, 00:19:47.060 --> 00:19:48.180 Willfully blessing the Lord, 00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:49.019 If you're choosing, 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:50.380 Not to bless the Lord, 00:19:50.800 --> 00:19:51.420 And you're maybe, 00:19:51.420 --> 00:19:52.660 Worshipping other things, 00:19:54.100 --> 00:19:54.519 Like, 00:19:54.860 --> 00:19:55.460 Job, 00:19:56.060 --> 00:19:56.320 Money, 00:19:56.680 --> 00:19:57.060 Work, 00:19:57.980 --> 00:19:58.519 Or standing, 00:19:58.640 --> 00:19:59.279 Or reputation, 00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:01.160 Or friends, 00:20:01.320 --> 00:20:01.640 Family, 00:20:01.800 --> 00:20:02.680 Or whatever it is, 00:20:03.600 --> 00:20:04.500 We have to think, 00:20:04.600 --> 00:20:05.380 And ask ourselves, 00:20:05.740 --> 00:20:06.480 Why am I worshipping, 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:07.060 These things, 00:20:07.440 --> 00:20:08.640 And why am I not, 00:20:08.779 --> 00:20:09.779 Worshipping the Lord, 00:20:10.740 --> 00:20:11.579 And if you are, 00:20:11.579 --> 00:20:12.460 Worshipping those things, 00:20:12.700 --> 00:20:13.819 We need to, 00:20:13.819 --> 00:20:14.599 Re-centre, 00:20:14.920 --> 00:20:15.440 Ourselves, 00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:16.420 We need to rethink, 00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:17.619 What we're doing, 00:20:18.200 --> 00:20:19.579 And how we're coming at this, 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:21.639 And come and, 00:20:21.639 --> 00:20:22.160 Re-centre, 00:20:22.220 --> 00:20:23.119 And worship the Lord, 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:24.539 As we should, 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:26.379 As is proper for us to do, 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.899 And when we do that, 00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:30.119 It's not just a case of, 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:31.859 Getting rid of those things, 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:34.019 To worship the Lord, 00:20:34.059 --> 00:20:35.000 We don't need to get rid of them, 00:20:35.059 --> 00:20:35.460 Completely, 00:20:35.619 --> 00:20:36.879 But we need to worship the Lord, 00:20:37.039 --> 00:20:37.859 In spirit and truth, 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:39.240 And when we do that, 00:20:39.240 --> 00:20:40.539 We don't lose out, 00:20:40.940 --> 00:20:41.720 God doesn't cheat us, 00:20:41.759 --> 00:20:42.859 He doesn't rob us of anything, 00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:44.259 It's just that we, 00:20:44.380 --> 00:20:45.079 Re-centre, 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:46.299 On what is proper, 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:47.039 And true, 00:20:47.819 --> 00:20:48.720 And also, 00:20:48.859 --> 00:20:49.240 Ultimately, 00:20:50.400 --> 00:20:51.559 We will be satisfied, 00:20:51.559 --> 00:20:52.120 By that, 00:20:52.240 --> 00:20:53.400 God will satisfy us, 00:20:53.500 --> 00:20:55.000 As this psalm goes on to say, 00:20:57.279 --> 00:20:57.779 And then, 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:58.900 Verse 12, 00:20:59.000 --> 00:20:59.799 Is an important verse, 00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:01.839 It paints another great picture, 00:21:02.279 --> 00:21:03.140 Of this forgiveness, 00:21:03.440 --> 00:21:05.079 If you look there with me as well, 00:21:05.700 --> 00:21:06.799 It says in verse 12, 00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:08.599 That the Lord separates, 00:21:08.919 --> 00:21:09.779 Our sins, 00:21:09.899 --> 00:21:11.200 As far as the east, 00:21:11.619 --> 00:21:13.159 Is from the west, 00:21:14.539 --> 00:21:15.879 And that's an important picture, 00:21:16.359 --> 00:21:17.119 That David paints, 00:21:17.240 --> 00:21:19.099 In this picture for us, 00:21:19.779 --> 00:21:20.899 If we were to travel north, 00:21:20.960 --> 00:21:21.579 And keep going, 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:23.139 We would eventually cross the north pole, 00:21:23.319 --> 00:21:23.940 It's a long way, 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:24.839 Though, 00:21:25.059 --> 00:21:25.440 And saying that, 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:25.859 I'm not saying, 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:26.879 Do that this afternoon, 00:21:27.460 --> 00:21:28.779 And then, 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:29.720 We've passed the north pole, 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:31.019 And you would start travelling south, 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:32.059 However, 00:21:32.420 --> 00:21:33.639 If you started travelling east, 00:21:33.799 --> 00:21:34.900 Or likewise west, 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:37.279 You would never start travelling west, 00:21:37.400 --> 00:21:38.619 And you wouldn't start travelling east, 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:40.400 You would always be going east, 00:21:40.700 --> 00:21:42.420 Or you'd always be going west, 00:21:42.420 --> 00:21:43.519 That's the distance, 00:21:44.339 --> 00:21:45.639 That David says, 00:21:45.700 --> 00:21:47.119 The Lord puts between us, 00:21:47.200 --> 00:21:47.839 And our sin, 00:21:48.819 --> 00:21:50.299 And that is an amazing picture, 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:53.779 And we can't really properly picture it, 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:55.359 Or quantify that, 00:21:55.740 --> 00:21:57.059 But that's just to show us, 00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:58.639 The extent of God's grace, 00:21:59.180 --> 00:21:59.759 And forgiveness, 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:01.440 How limitless it is, 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:03.279 And how God doesn't cut us off, 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:05.140 Or send us away, 00:22:05.579 --> 00:22:06.000 Or say, 00:22:06.099 --> 00:22:06.299 No, 00:22:06.440 --> 00:22:08.019 My forgiveness has run out, 00:22:08.220 --> 00:22:09.660 There's no more to be had, 00:22:09.980 --> 00:22:11.180 You can't have any more, 00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:13.180 It's unlimited, 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:15.099 We can't get past it, 00:22:15.180 --> 00:22:16.180 We can't outrun it, 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:17.619 And we can't out sin it, 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:18.740 In terms of, 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:21.859 The seriousness we quantify our sin by, 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:23.019 Or the amount, 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.980 We think we've sinned by, 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:28.200 And we need to really think of this, 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:29.740 And grasp it with both hands, 00:22:29.759 --> 00:22:32.160 How the Lord is so forgiving, 00:22:32.539 --> 00:22:33.200 To us, 00:22:33.500 --> 00:22:36.339 But with all this forgiveness, 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:38.619 And with all this grace, 00:22:38.680 --> 00:22:39.339 We're speaking about, 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:41.039 This isn't to encourage us, 00:22:41.839 --> 00:22:42.539 And license, 00:22:42.900 --> 00:22:44.200 And to do whatever we like, 00:22:45.200 --> 00:22:45.900 When we do, 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:47.799 Get that forgiveness, 00:22:48.160 --> 00:22:49.440 And the Lord has forgiven us, 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.599 And given us his grace, 00:22:51.339 --> 00:22:52.299 Then we're encouraged, 00:22:52.859 --> 00:22:54.180 Into a life of repentance, 00:22:54.180 --> 00:22:55.140 And repentance, 00:22:55.140 --> 00:22:55.220 And repentance, 00:22:55.580 --> 00:22:56.440 Is a word meaning, 00:22:56.840 --> 00:22:57.799 To turn from sin, 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:59.279 And to turn from God, 00:22:59.360 --> 00:23:00.480 And the Christian life, 00:23:01.100 --> 00:23:02.960 Is one of ongoing repentance, 00:23:03.960 --> 00:23:06.539 So we need to, 00:23:06.860 --> 00:23:07.920 Ask for that forgiveness, 00:23:08.400 --> 00:23:09.500 But then turn away, 00:23:10.060 --> 00:23:10.940 From the sin, 00:23:11.700 --> 00:23:12.500 And the evil, 00:23:12.700 --> 00:23:13.460 And wickedness, 00:23:13.700 --> 00:23:14.700 That has caused it, 00:23:15.360 --> 00:23:17.120 And then in turn again, 00:23:17.420 --> 00:23:18.279 Bless the Lord, 00:23:18.279 --> 00:23:20.339 And then, 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:21.599 From verses 13, 00:23:21.740 --> 00:23:22.420 To 22, 00:23:22.559 --> 00:23:23.259 In this passage, 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:24.480 We see, 00:23:25.039 --> 00:23:25.740 The confidence, 00:23:26.099 --> 00:23:26.639 In the forgiver, 00:23:26.720 --> 00:23:27.539 We've seen the forgiver, 00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:28.759 Who he is, 00:23:29.180 --> 00:23:29.899 What he does, 00:23:30.059 --> 00:23:30.660 And why, 00:23:32.119 --> 00:23:33.180 And we've been called, 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:34.139 To come and worship, 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:35.500 And to bless the Lord, 00:23:35.559 --> 00:23:37.160 Because of all this, 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:39.000 And then we see, 00:23:39.379 --> 00:23:40.920 Confidence in God, 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:42.200 The confidence in the forgiver, 00:23:42.619 --> 00:23:43.399 That David has, 00:23:43.460 --> 00:23:44.139 And we can have, 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:45.039 And we should have, 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:47.759 So from verse 13, 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:48.339 We see, 00:23:48.700 --> 00:23:49.319 God's holiness, 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:50.539 And his character, 00:23:51.339 --> 00:23:52.379 Being shown us, 00:23:52.879 --> 00:23:53.399 To us, 00:23:53.859 --> 00:23:54.920 To give us more reason, 00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:56.399 To bless and praise him, 00:23:57.559 --> 00:23:58.339 And so, 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.379 Like we've been thinking about, 00:23:59.460 --> 00:24:00.119 If this is God, 00:24:00.359 --> 00:24:01.519 And this is his character, 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:03.839 And his very being, 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:05.220 And what he's like, 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:07.599 Then the truth, 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:08.960 That David leads us to now, 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:10.379 Is that we can have, 00:24:10.379 --> 00:24:11.220 Confidence in God, 00:24:11.299 --> 00:24:11.960 We can have this, 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:12.879 Complete faith, 00:24:13.359 --> 00:24:14.519 And assurance in God, 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:15.519 And what he says here, 00:24:16.019 --> 00:24:16.480 To us, 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:19.720 And that is what, 00:24:19.799 --> 00:24:20.400 The rest of this, 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:21.920 Part of the passage does, 00:24:22.019 --> 00:24:23.359 It gives us confidence, 00:24:23.900 --> 00:24:24.900 And it gives us reason, 00:24:25.379 --> 00:24:26.920 To have confidence in God, 00:24:27.160 --> 00:24:28.579 When he tells us these things, 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:29.400 In this psalm, 00:24:30.779 --> 00:24:32.420 So here in this verse, 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:34.599 David refers to God, 00:24:34.660 --> 00:24:35.379 As the father, 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:36.660 Of his people, 00:24:37.480 --> 00:24:38.440 And for those, 00:24:38.940 --> 00:24:39.859 Who have believed, 00:24:40.139 --> 00:24:41.200 And trusted in Jesus, 00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:43.259 As saviour, 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:44.740 We are God's children, 00:24:44.859 --> 00:24:45.660 We've been taken out, 00:24:45.700 --> 00:24:46.440 Of one family, 00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:47.480 And transferred, 00:24:47.819 --> 00:24:48.839 Into God's family, 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:52.759 And we can call ourselves, 00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:53.779 His children, 00:24:54.440 --> 00:24:57.039 And in the Old Testament, 00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:58.099 God was the father, 00:24:58.259 --> 00:24:59.559 Of the nation of Israel, 00:24:59.980 --> 00:25:00.799 And he was the father, 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:02.400 Of the king particularly, 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:03.240 But now, 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:05.019 That we are in, 00:25:05.099 --> 00:25:06.400 Sort of New Testament times, 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:08.500 We can all say, 00:25:08.619 --> 00:25:09.640 Individually as believers, 00:25:10.079 --> 00:25:11.559 That we are God's children, 00:25:11.559 --> 00:25:14.399 And that just illustrates, 00:25:14.819 --> 00:25:15.720 That we are not naturally, 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:16.419 God's children, 00:25:17.099 --> 00:25:17.919 We are not naturally, 00:25:17.919 --> 00:25:19.179 Born in God's children, 00:25:19.859 --> 00:25:20.440 And no one, 00:25:20.759 --> 00:25:21.839 Naturally themselves, 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:23.159 Makes the choice, 00:25:23.639 --> 00:25:25.099 To become a child of God, 00:25:25.299 --> 00:25:26.659 To come into God's family, 00:25:27.419 --> 00:25:28.299 It is God, 00:25:28.419 --> 00:25:29.579 That brings us into his family, 00:25:29.700 --> 00:25:30.519 He adopts us, 00:25:30.919 --> 00:25:31.480 And he, 00:25:32.159 --> 00:25:33.859 Brings us into his family, 00:25:35.399 --> 00:25:36.059 And it is, 00:25:36.359 --> 00:25:36.899 Our father, 00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:38.139 Because of all this, 00:25:38.200 --> 00:25:38.700 That we have read about, 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:39.860 Because he pulls us up, 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:40.840 From the pit, 00:25:41.220 --> 00:25:42.860 And he pulls us from the pit, 00:25:43.019 --> 00:25:44.340 And puts us in the palace, 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:45.480 And we have this, 00:25:45.480 --> 00:25:46.680 Tremendous change, 00:25:48.500 --> 00:25:50.660 And with that, 00:25:51.100 --> 00:25:52.180 Some of you might struggle, 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:53.140 To read that, 00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:54.940 Because of your experience, 00:25:55.340 --> 00:25:56.140 In your own life, 00:25:56.279 --> 00:25:57.120 With your own father, 00:25:57.940 --> 00:25:58.980 Because you have not had, 00:25:59.039 --> 00:25:59.900 A pleasant experience, 00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:01.039 A positive experience, 00:26:01.120 --> 00:26:01.960 With your father, 00:26:02.680 --> 00:26:03.000 But, 00:26:03.279 --> 00:26:03.980 This psalm, 00:26:04.340 --> 00:26:05.400 And we can say it, 00:26:05.400 --> 00:26:06.160 With confidence, 00:26:06.160 --> 00:26:07.560 Those of us who do believe, 00:26:08.340 --> 00:26:08.960 That God, 00:26:09.220 --> 00:26:10.300 Is a perfect father, 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:11.180 And a good father, 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:12.240 And these things, 00:26:12.300 --> 00:26:13.140 We do read about, 00:26:13.500 --> 00:26:14.040 That might, 00:26:14.700 --> 00:26:15.100 Make you, 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:15.800 Turn you off, 00:26:15.860 --> 00:26:16.560 From this passage, 00:26:16.680 --> 00:26:17.240 And from God, 00:26:17.300 --> 00:26:17.740 And the Bible, 00:26:18.560 --> 00:26:19.120 Actually, 00:26:19.779 --> 00:26:20.860 God is the good, 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:22.440 And perfect father, 00:26:22.560 --> 00:26:23.060 That this, 00:26:23.420 --> 00:26:24.279 Psalm speaks about, 00:26:24.660 --> 00:26:25.740 And we can have confidence, 00:26:26.100 --> 00:26:26.540 In that, 00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:32.420 And then, 00:26:32.480 --> 00:26:33.379 At the end of the verse, 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:35.539 David uses another phrase, 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.420 That might be, 00:26:36.420 --> 00:26:37.339 Complicated, 00:26:37.879 --> 00:26:38.399 And we might, 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:40.279 Not have any experience of, 00:26:41.180 --> 00:26:41.839 He says, 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:43.399 Not just that the Lord, 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:44.799 Has compassion on us, 00:26:45.079 --> 00:26:46.700 But the Lord has compassion, 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:47.940 On those, 00:26:48.259 --> 00:26:48.920 Who fear him, 00:26:49.639 --> 00:26:50.059 So, 00:26:50.399 --> 00:26:51.259 What does that mean? 00:26:52.579 --> 00:26:54.059 You're talking about grace, 00:26:54.220 --> 00:26:54.639 Forgiveness, 00:26:54.839 --> 00:26:55.440 Abounding in the love, 00:26:55.559 --> 00:26:56.059 Patience, 00:26:56.539 --> 00:26:57.579 And all this forgiveness, 00:26:57.799 --> 00:26:58.000 So, 00:26:58.139 --> 00:26:59.339 Why are we supposed to fear him? 00:27:00.119 --> 00:27:00.480 So, 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:03.559 It's not a case of being scared, 00:27:03.839 --> 00:27:04.639 Or terrified, 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:05.740 Or, 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:06.899 In fear, 00:27:07.299 --> 00:27:08.339 Or anything like that, 00:27:09.139 --> 00:27:10.879 It means that when we realise, 00:27:11.180 --> 00:27:11.879 Who God is, 00:27:11.960 --> 00:27:13.059 When we see God, 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:15.159 As this psalm has painted him, 00:27:15.500 --> 00:27:16.339 And has told us, 00:27:16.579 --> 00:27:19.039 And communicated himself to us, 00:27:19.519 --> 00:27:20.659 As this good father, 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:21.899 With all this grace, 00:27:22.519 --> 00:27:23.240 And compassion, 00:27:23.359 --> 00:27:23.859 And forgiveness, 00:27:23.859 --> 00:27:25.099 That leads us to bless, 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:25.859 Bless him, 00:27:25.859 --> 00:27:27.000 And love him, 00:27:27.539 --> 00:27:29.000 We're not to be scared, 00:27:29.119 --> 00:27:29.579 Or terrified, 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:30.339 As I said, 00:27:30.839 --> 00:27:31.979 Or shaking in our boots, 00:27:32.419 --> 00:27:33.000 But, 00:27:33.079 --> 00:27:34.119 We're supposed to be, 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:34.939 In awe of him, 00:27:35.799 --> 00:27:36.819 And we're supposed to have, 00:27:36.919 --> 00:27:38.399 This holy reverence, 00:27:38.539 --> 00:27:38.899 And awe, 00:27:38.959 --> 00:27:39.939 For the great God, 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:41.079 That he is, 00:27:41.500 --> 00:27:42.279 And for everything, 00:27:42.439 --> 00:27:42.899 He's done, 00:27:43.119 --> 00:27:43.939 That we're reading about, 00:27:44.439 --> 00:27:45.379 In this psalm, 00:27:45.380 --> 00:27:47.600 In awe, 00:27:47.600 --> 00:27:47.640 In awe, 00:27:47.840 --> 00:27:48.260 Is this, 00:27:48.260 --> 00:27:49.520 Feeling you get, 00:27:49.620 --> 00:27:50.640 That's probably indescribable, 00:27:50.700 --> 00:27:51.360 To some extent, 00:27:51.900 --> 00:27:53.260 That you feel in the presence, 00:27:53.760 --> 00:27:54.580 Of something, 00:27:55.020 --> 00:27:55.800 Or someone, 00:27:56.520 --> 00:27:57.440 That is impressive, 00:27:57.660 --> 00:27:58.400 In the extreme, 00:27:58.560 --> 00:27:59.040 Like something, 00:27:59.160 --> 00:28:00.400 That we just can't, 00:28:00.400 --> 00:28:01.260 Wrap our heads around, 00:28:01.400 --> 00:28:02.180 And that is God, 00:28:03.660 --> 00:28:04.540 And I was trying to think, 00:28:04.560 --> 00:28:05.260 Of an experience, 00:28:05.560 --> 00:28:06.600 When people, 00:28:06.780 --> 00:28:07.300 Myself, 00:28:07.440 --> 00:28:08.020 Have been in awe, 00:28:08.080 --> 00:28:08.940 And I can't really think, 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:09.340 Of anything, 00:28:10.119 --> 00:28:11.279 But 50 years ago, 00:28:11.679 --> 00:28:12.159 We were sort of, 00:28:12.179 --> 00:28:12.659 Thinking about this, 00:28:12.699 --> 00:28:13.599 At the kids club, 00:28:13.819 --> 00:28:15.019 That happened earlier on, 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:15.959 Last month, 00:28:16.379 --> 00:28:17.980 Of the moon landing, 00:28:18.740 --> 00:28:20.000 And the men who went to the moon, 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:21.500 Neil Armstrong, 00:28:21.839 --> 00:28:22.339 Buzz Aldrin, 00:28:22.439 --> 00:28:23.379 And Michael Collins, 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:25.480 And they must just have been, 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.079 In awe, 00:28:26.439 --> 00:28:28.220 Of the huge feat, 00:28:28.579 --> 00:28:29.259 That had been accomplished, 00:28:29.419 --> 00:28:30.119 And where they were, 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:31.639 And how they were above the earth, 00:28:32.000 --> 00:28:32.639 On the moon, 00:28:33.199 --> 00:28:33.879 Looking down, 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:34.939 And looking down, 00:28:35.019 --> 00:28:36.740 In this amazing creation, 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:37.439 Of God, 00:28:37.440 --> 00:28:40.960 And so when the Bible, 00:28:40.960 --> 00:28:41.660 Speaks, 00:28:42.120 --> 00:28:43.340 About fearing God, 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:44.920 And being in awe of him, 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:45.700 As I've said, 00:28:46.340 --> 00:28:46.900 It means, 00:28:47.120 --> 00:28:48.120 That we have to have that awe, 00:28:48.180 --> 00:28:48.960 And that feeling of, 00:28:49.360 --> 00:28:49.580 Wow, 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:50.960 Look at who I'm, 00:28:50.980 --> 00:28:51.779 In the presence of, 00:28:51.779 --> 00:28:52.160 Look, 00:28:53.039 --> 00:28:54.200 At this God, 00:28:54.299 --> 00:28:54.900 And what he does, 00:28:54.980 --> 00:28:55.640 And who he is, 00:28:55.820 --> 00:28:56.559 And who I am, 00:28:56.720 --> 00:28:57.279 In reflection, 00:28:57.680 --> 00:28:58.539 And by comparison, 00:28:59.400 --> 00:29:00.759 And that's a key part, 00:29:01.200 --> 00:29:02.180 Of David's, 00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:03.320 Bless the Lord, 00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:04.559 Oh my soul, 00:29:05.039 --> 00:29:06.580 He's seeing the greatness of God, 00:29:06.579 --> 00:29:08.720 And fully buying into it, 00:29:08.839 --> 00:29:10.119 And fully understanding it, 00:29:11.199 --> 00:29:12.279 And that's part, 00:29:12.599 --> 00:29:13.699 Of the true, 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:15.259 And all encompassing, 00:29:15.659 --> 00:29:16.619 Worship that David, 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:17.799 And God, 00:29:17.879 --> 00:29:18.919 Are calling us here to, 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:19.619 Today, 00:29:21.099 --> 00:29:21.679 That awe, 00:29:21.759 --> 00:29:22.460 And that fear, 00:29:22.960 --> 00:29:23.759 We have to have of God, 00:29:23.819 --> 00:29:24.980 That this psalm speaks about, 00:29:25.419 --> 00:29:26.159 Is part, 00:29:26.659 --> 00:29:27.079 Of, 00:29:28.399 --> 00:29:29.599 The right response, 00:29:29.659 --> 00:29:30.899 That we have to have to this psalm, 00:29:31.119 --> 00:29:32.919 That's part of blessing the Lord, 00:29:32.920 --> 00:29:37.180 And what, 00:29:37.180 --> 00:29:38.720 We've read so far, 00:29:38.820 --> 00:29:39.580 In this psalm, 00:29:39.720 --> 00:29:40.600 Has left me, 00:29:40.940 --> 00:29:42.120 This past couple of weeks, 00:29:42.560 --> 00:29:43.620 In awe of God, 00:29:44.420 --> 00:29:45.460 For who I am, 00:29:45.680 --> 00:29:46.420 Small, 00:29:47.060 --> 00:29:47.519 Sinful, 00:29:47.940 --> 00:29:48.300 Weak, 00:29:48.800 --> 00:29:49.480 As I am, 00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:51.080 Because it's, 00:29:51.080 --> 00:29:52.380 Showing me who God is, 00:29:52.820 --> 00:29:53.539 Who's great, 00:29:53.940 --> 00:29:54.420 And mighty, 00:29:54.840 --> 00:29:55.640 But is also, 00:29:56.259 --> 00:29:57.039 Compassionate, 00:29:57.220 --> 00:29:57.700 And gracious, 00:29:58.060 --> 00:29:59.620 And we're going to see that contrast, 00:30:00.259 --> 00:30:01.640 A little further down as well, 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:02.920 And it's because, 00:30:03.259 --> 00:30:04.200 I'm left in this awe, 00:30:04.300 --> 00:30:04.880 Because, 00:30:05.520 --> 00:30:06.640 I know my own heart, 00:30:06.860 --> 00:30:07.900 And I know my own life, 00:30:08.100 --> 00:30:09.320 I know what I'm like, 00:30:09.840 --> 00:30:10.740 The things I've done, 00:30:10.860 --> 00:30:11.680 The things I do, 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:14.300 And what I tend to do, 00:30:14.420 --> 00:30:15.960 To forget the Lord, 00:30:16.120 --> 00:30:17.360 Forget to bless him, 00:30:18.420 --> 00:30:20.360 But the Lord doesn't forget me, 00:30:20.800 --> 00:30:22.080 And he has this forgiveness, 00:30:22.340 --> 00:30:23.200 And grace for us, 00:30:23.640 --> 00:30:24.820 And all we need to do, 00:30:24.940 --> 00:30:25.620 Is ask, 00:30:26.100 --> 00:30:27.620 And then in verse 14, 00:30:28.040 --> 00:30:28.780 To 16, 00:30:29.860 --> 00:30:31.300 We see this comparison, 00:30:31.640 --> 00:30:33.080 Between mankind, 00:30:33.380 --> 00:30:33.920 And God, 00:30:34.259 --> 00:30:37.100 And this comparison, 00:30:37.240 --> 00:30:38.200 Is here in this psalm, 00:30:38.460 --> 00:30:39.780 Just to highlight again, 00:30:40.320 --> 00:30:41.040 Who we are, 00:30:41.540 --> 00:30:42.820 And how great God is, 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:44.160 In comparison with us, 00:30:44.480 --> 00:30:46.740 We're all weak, 00:30:47.060 --> 00:30:47.759 We're all sinful, 00:30:48.060 --> 00:30:48.860 We're all small, 00:30:49.200 --> 00:30:50.480 And we're all mortal as well, 00:30:50.720 --> 00:30:52.360 And we need to live in that reality, 00:30:53.020 --> 00:30:54.759 But God on the other hand, 00:30:54.860 --> 00:30:55.500 That David is, 00:30:55.740 --> 00:30:57.140 Bringing our mind to, 00:30:57.300 --> 00:30:58.660 Making us think about here, 00:30:58.920 --> 00:31:00.120 In 14 to 16, 00:31:00.119 --> 00:31:02.399 Is that God is strong, 00:31:02.779 --> 00:31:03.439 He's eternal, 00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:04.939 And he's everlasting, 00:31:04.940 --> 00:31:08.220 Yet another reason, 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:09.940 That we should come before him, 00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:11.120 And bless him, 00:31:11.320 --> 00:31:11.900 Here today, 00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:13.920 And as we go out, 00:31:14.140 --> 00:31:14.480 Later, 00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:16.580 It's another reason, 00:31:16.680 --> 00:31:16.940 David, 00:31:17.240 --> 00:31:18.140 Gives us to offer, 00:31:18.220 --> 00:31:19.220 Our whole lives, 00:31:19.680 --> 00:31:20.460 To this true, 00:31:20.880 --> 00:31:22.480 And proper worship of God, 00:31:23.600 --> 00:31:26.559 And verse 17, 00:31:26.640 --> 00:31:27.180 After that, 00:31:27.259 --> 00:31:28.320 Is a restatement, 00:31:28.759 --> 00:31:29.740 Of verse 13, 00:31:29.799 --> 00:31:30.299 That we read, 00:31:30.400 --> 00:31:31.080 Just earlier, 00:31:31.079 --> 00:31:33.679 It shows us, 00:31:33.679 --> 00:31:34.740 That God is faithful, 00:31:34.799 --> 00:31:35.419 In his promises, 00:31:35.859 --> 00:31:37.019 To accomplish, 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:38.199 And do what he says, 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:39.519 Here in this psalm, 00:31:39.679 --> 00:31:40.919 And in all the other places, 00:31:41.059 --> 00:31:42.699 He makes promises to us, 00:31:42.879 --> 00:31:44.179 Throughout the rest of the Bible, 00:31:44.599 --> 00:31:45.500 There's hundreds of them, 00:31:45.599 --> 00:31:46.279 And you can go away, 00:31:46.339 --> 00:31:46.779 And read them, 00:31:47.259 --> 00:31:48.299 And then this psalm, 00:31:48.379 --> 00:31:48.899 Tells us, 00:31:49.299 --> 00:31:50.699 That God is good enough, 00:31:51.720 --> 00:31:53.139 And faithful enough, 00:31:53.460 --> 00:31:54.199 To keep them, 00:31:54.899 --> 00:31:56.960 And we can trust him, 00:31:57.159 --> 00:31:57.799 With everything, 00:31:57.799 --> 00:31:58.980 He said here, 00:31:59.879 --> 00:32:01.279 God will never end, 00:32:01.399 --> 00:32:01.980 God's eternal, 00:32:02.279 --> 00:32:03.079 God lasts forever, 00:32:03.599 --> 00:32:04.079 And so, 00:32:04.259 --> 00:32:04.960 Will his promises, 00:32:05.279 --> 00:32:06.279 And the things he said, 00:32:07.879 --> 00:32:13.299 And in the second line, 00:32:13.399 --> 00:32:14.180 Of verse 17, 00:32:14.299 --> 00:32:15.259 It again mentions, 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:16.579 That the fear, 00:32:16.859 --> 00:32:17.680 We thought about earlier, 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:18.339 That awe, 00:32:18.700 --> 00:32:19.279 Of God, 00:32:21.159 --> 00:32:22.259 And that makes sense, 00:32:22.399 --> 00:32:23.039 In light of God, 00:32:23.079 --> 00:32:23.700 And who he is, 00:32:23.819 --> 00:32:24.519 And his character, 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:27.420 And then, 00:32:27.559 --> 00:32:28.279 In verse 19, 00:32:28.440 --> 00:32:29.099 David goes on, 00:32:29.139 --> 00:32:29.639 To speak, 00:32:29.940 --> 00:32:31.079 About a kingdom, 00:32:31.599 --> 00:32:32.220 And he says, 00:32:32.319 --> 00:32:33.299 That God has established, 00:32:33.299 --> 00:32:33.920 His kingdom, 00:32:34.680 --> 00:32:35.879 Over the earth, 00:32:36.559 --> 00:32:37.440 And that it rules, 00:32:37.579 --> 00:32:38.160 Over all, 00:32:39.379 --> 00:32:41.859 So this kingdom, 00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:42.480 He's talking about, 00:32:42.539 --> 00:32:43.480 Is the kingdom of heaven, 00:32:43.559 --> 00:32:44.319 And the kingdom of God, 00:32:44.359 --> 00:32:45.000 That we read about, 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:46.240 In like the gospels, 00:32:46.539 --> 00:32:47.660 And Jesus speaks about, 00:32:48.400 --> 00:32:48.639 So, 00:32:49.240 --> 00:32:49.960 And with that, 00:32:50.960 --> 00:32:51.839 How can we know, 00:32:52.279 --> 00:32:53.680 How does a king rule over all, 00:32:53.680 --> 00:32:55.500 How does this verse, 00:32:55.640 --> 00:32:56.519 Sort of make sense to us, 00:32:56.539 --> 00:32:57.519 How does it come to us, 00:32:58.220 --> 00:33:00.140 It comes to us, 00:33:00.160 --> 00:33:01.120 And it makes sense to us, 00:33:01.160 --> 00:33:01.860 Because Jesus, 00:33:02.380 --> 00:33:03.060 Is the king, 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:04.120 And Jesus, 00:33:04.860 --> 00:33:06.120 Has brought the kingdom, 00:33:06.600 --> 00:33:07.820 When he came to the earth, 00:33:08.480 --> 00:33:08.920 Died, 00:33:09.180 --> 00:33:09.860 And rose again, 00:33:09.960 --> 00:33:10.700 And has ascended, 00:33:10.960 --> 00:33:11.340 To heaven, 00:33:11.600 --> 00:33:12.360 And he's ascended, 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:13.440 To the throne, 00:33:13.940 --> 00:33:14.620 Of the kingdom, 00:33:15.039 --> 00:33:18.340 And then that's going to be, 00:33:18.340 --> 00:33:19.740 Even more apparent to us, 00:33:20.220 --> 00:33:21.840 When he returns to the earth, 00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:24.279 And everyone will acknowledge him, 00:33:24.459 --> 00:33:25.199 At that point, 00:33:25.699 --> 00:33:28.459 So this passage, 00:33:28.740 --> 00:33:29.259 So far, 00:33:29.559 --> 00:33:30.220 Has told us, 00:33:30.720 --> 00:33:31.399 Who we're to worship, 00:33:32.679 --> 00:33:33.199 Why, 00:33:33.439 --> 00:33:33.939 And how, 00:33:35.379 --> 00:33:36.299 We're to worship God, 00:33:37.419 --> 00:33:39.059 With our whole beings, 00:33:39.179 --> 00:33:40.099 With our inmost being, 00:33:40.199 --> 00:33:40.819 Our souls, 00:33:41.319 --> 00:33:41.939 Our hearts, 00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:42.579 Minds, 00:33:43.019 --> 00:33:46.939 And we're supposed to worship him, 00:33:46.939 --> 00:33:48.259 Because of who he is, 00:33:48.699 --> 00:33:49.899 The great things he does, 00:33:49.900 --> 00:33:51.160 That word, 00:33:51.600 --> 00:33:53.400 David uses at the start of the psalm, 00:33:53.980 --> 00:33:55.100 The great benefits, 00:33:55.420 --> 00:33:56.140 That God has, 00:33:57.940 --> 00:33:59.820 And so as I was thinking about this psalm, 00:34:00.259 --> 00:34:00.920 This week, 00:34:01.800 --> 00:34:03.259 And it talked about our inmost being, 00:34:03.360 --> 00:34:04.980 And this true worship of God, 00:34:05.120 --> 00:34:06.540 And why we should worship God, 00:34:06.920 --> 00:34:08.660 There's plenty of places we can go, 00:34:09.200 --> 00:34:10.200 In the New Testament, 00:34:10.900 --> 00:34:12.440 To get a similar message, 00:34:12.920 --> 00:34:13.860 As a similar thought, 00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:15.579 From any of the New Testament writers, 00:34:15.579 --> 00:34:17.639 One I thought of particularly, 00:34:18.460 --> 00:34:18.900 Was, 00:34:19.279 --> 00:34:20.539 Romans chapter 12, 00:34:20.659 --> 00:34:21.340 1 to 2, 00:34:22.420 --> 00:34:23.860 And you might want to turn that up, 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:24.739 In your Bible just now, 00:34:24.799 --> 00:34:26.420 To have a look at that as well with me, 00:34:26.420 --> 00:34:32.279 So Romans chapter 12, 00:34:32.440 --> 00:34:33.920 Chapter 12 rather, 00:34:34.420 --> 00:34:35.440 Don't turn to chapter 2, 00:34:35.699 --> 00:34:36.539 Chapter 12, 00:34:36.759 --> 00:34:37.420 1 to 2, 00:34:37.819 --> 00:34:38.319 Says, 00:34:38.320 --> 00:34:39.220 Therefore, 00:34:39.800 --> 00:34:40.740 I urge you, 00:34:41.000 --> 00:34:41.920 Brothers and sisters, 00:34:42.559 --> 00:34:43.820 In view of God's mercy, 00:34:44.440 --> 00:34:45.880 To offer your bodies, 00:34:46.340 --> 00:34:47.760 As a living sacrifice, 00:34:48.320 --> 00:34:50.420 Holy and pleasing to God, 00:34:50.980 --> 00:34:54.519 This is your true and proper worship, 00:34:56.160 --> 00:34:59.380 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, 00:35:00.380 --> 00:35:01.920 But be transformed, 00:35:02.240 --> 00:35:04.140 By the renewing of your mind, 00:35:04.139 --> 00:35:05.819 Then, 00:35:05.819 --> 00:35:07.019 You will be able, 00:35:07.539 --> 00:35:08.319 To test, 00:35:08.599 --> 00:35:09.279 And approve, 00:35:09.719 --> 00:35:10.779 What God's will is, 00:35:11.299 --> 00:35:12.019 His good, 00:35:12.699 --> 00:35:13.179 Pleasing, 00:35:13.719 --> 00:35:14.779 And perfect will, 00:35:15.719 --> 00:35:17.639 And so, 00:35:18.219 --> 00:35:19.460 With this psalm, 00:35:19.579 --> 00:35:20.679 And various other places, 00:35:20.819 --> 00:35:21.559 In the Old Testament, 00:35:22.139 --> 00:35:22.980 And plenty of places, 00:35:23.139 --> 00:35:24.279 Including Romans, 00:35:24.619 --> 00:35:25.159 12, 00:35:25.259 --> 00:35:25.739 1 to 2, 00:35:25.839 --> 00:35:26.279 Saying this, 00:35:26.339 --> 00:35:27.259 We have to think, 00:35:27.799 --> 00:35:28.859 What's my response? 00:35:29.299 --> 00:35:30.179 What am I going to do, 00:35:30.539 --> 00:35:31.639 With what David said? 00:35:32.059 --> 00:35:33.000 What am I going to do, 00:35:33.000 --> 00:35:34.340 With Romans 12, 00:35:34.420 --> 00:35:34.920 1 to 2, 00:35:35.320 --> 00:35:38.519 And so, 00:35:38.639 --> 00:35:40.239 If you've not taken on that forgiveness, 00:35:40.639 --> 00:35:41.420 Think about this, 00:35:41.599 --> 00:35:42.119 This week, 00:35:43.179 --> 00:35:44.980 And speak to God, 00:35:45.239 --> 00:35:46.179 And read His word, 00:35:47.280 --> 00:35:48.960 And if you're feeling, 00:35:49.119 --> 00:35:50.420 That lukewarm feeling, 00:35:50.760 --> 00:35:51.840 You're feeling run down, 00:35:52.500 --> 00:35:54.039 Be encouraged, 00:35:54.400 --> 00:35:55.380 That God has this, 00:35:55.980 --> 00:35:57.159 Forgiveness for us, 00:35:59.239 --> 00:35:59.840 So, 00:36:00.079 --> 00:36:00.780 In this passage, 00:36:00.920 --> 00:36:01.460 Romans 12, 00:36:01.539 --> 00:36:01.920 1 to 2, 00:36:02.000 --> 00:36:02.519 I've just read, 00:36:03.000 --> 00:36:03.699 Paul is writing, 00:36:03.800 --> 00:36:04.719 To this small church, 00:36:04.820 --> 00:36:05.199 In Rome, 00:36:06.420 --> 00:36:07.619 And he's saying to them, 00:36:07.679 --> 00:36:08.340 As we've read, 00:36:09.139 --> 00:36:09.860 Worship God, 00:36:10.760 --> 00:36:11.960 As living sacrifices, 00:36:11.960 --> 00:36:12.880 With your whole being, 00:36:12.960 --> 00:36:13.920 Like this psalm is saying, 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:15.320 And he's saying that, 00:36:15.400 --> 00:36:15.840 Because of, 00:36:16.039 --> 00:36:16.860 He uses the word, 00:36:17.099 --> 00:36:17.420 Mercy, 00:36:17.860 --> 00:36:18.059 So, 00:36:18.300 --> 00:36:19.000 David used the word, 00:36:19.119 --> 00:36:19.599 Benefit, 00:36:20.159 --> 00:36:20.780 And here, 00:36:20.860 --> 00:36:21.320 Paul says, 00:36:21.380 --> 00:36:22.360 Because of His mercies, 00:36:22.440 --> 00:36:23.679 Because of these good things, 00:36:23.699 --> 00:36:24.320 He does for us, 00:36:24.639 --> 00:36:25.800 Because of who He is, 00:36:26.099 --> 00:36:27.260 And the great things He does, 00:36:27.340 --> 00:36:28.380 Because of His character, 00:36:28.380 --> 00:36:31.220 And through that, 00:36:31.539 --> 00:36:32.180 With that, 00:36:32.340 --> 00:36:33.700 We're to present ourselves, 00:36:34.340 --> 00:36:35.180 As holy, 00:36:35.539 --> 00:36:37.019 And living sacrifices, 00:36:37.519 --> 00:36:39.480 Because that is true worship, 00:36:39.860 --> 00:36:41.280 And that is what we're supposed to do, 00:36:41.360 --> 00:36:43.160 That is what we've been created to do, 00:36:43.640 --> 00:36:44.480 Each one of us, 00:36:45.780 --> 00:36:47.440 But with what Paul is saying, 00:36:47.539 --> 00:36:47.900 He says, 00:36:48.160 --> 00:36:48.559 Holy, 00:36:48.800 --> 00:36:50.260 And living sacrifices, 00:36:50.260 --> 00:36:52.460 How can you sacrifice something, 00:36:52.620 --> 00:36:53.560 And it still be alive, 00:36:54.040 --> 00:36:54.840 Sacrifice, 00:36:55.160 --> 00:36:56.080 In sort of biblical times, 00:36:56.200 --> 00:36:56.980 In the word in general, 00:36:57.360 --> 00:36:58.020 You sort of think of, 00:36:58.020 --> 00:36:58.960 Killing something, 00:36:59.480 --> 00:37:01.020 So how can you sacrifice something, 00:37:01.100 --> 00:37:02.300 And still be alive, 00:37:04.060 --> 00:37:05.400 It's because the death, 00:37:05.640 --> 00:37:06.980 That was required, 00:37:07.160 --> 00:37:07.960 To pay for sin, 00:37:08.040 --> 00:37:09.800 To pay the terrible cost, 00:37:09.860 --> 00:37:10.780 Of human sin, 00:37:11.280 --> 00:37:12.780 Has been paid by Jesus, 00:37:13.960 --> 00:37:15.460 So that has fulfilled, 00:37:16.080 --> 00:37:16.980 God's requirement, 00:37:17.120 --> 00:37:18.600 For sin to be paid with blood, 00:37:19.200 --> 00:37:20.080 To be paid for, 00:37:20.260 --> 00:37:21.140 By death, 00:37:21.320 --> 00:37:22.360 With that one true, 00:37:22.700 --> 00:37:24.220 And perfect death of Jesus, 00:37:25.600 --> 00:37:27.640 And so moving on from there, 00:37:28.180 --> 00:37:29.040 As New Testament, 00:37:29.940 --> 00:37:31.760 As people living in New Testament times, 00:37:32.100 --> 00:37:32.840 In that sense, 00:37:34.320 --> 00:37:35.140 Our bodies, 00:37:36.180 --> 00:37:37.200 Are part of worship, 00:37:37.580 --> 00:37:38.420 As Paul says, 00:37:38.800 --> 00:37:40.020 Present your bodies, 00:37:40.640 --> 00:37:41.520 As part of this worship, 00:37:41.520 --> 00:37:43.040 And in verse 2 then he says, 00:37:43.660 --> 00:37:45.780 Be renewed by the transforming of your mind, 00:37:46.480 --> 00:37:47.280 So he's saying, 00:37:47.480 --> 00:37:49.340 Our minds are part of this worship as well, 00:37:49.340 --> 00:37:51.740 And so the two can't be divided, 00:37:52.180 --> 00:37:53.740 And one can't be part of worship, 00:37:53.860 --> 00:37:54.720 And the other left out, 00:37:54.800 --> 00:37:55.760 We need them both, 00:37:56.360 --> 00:37:58.360 And so that is sort of feeding on, 00:37:58.800 --> 00:38:01.559 From where David has left us in Psalm 103, 00:38:01.559 --> 00:38:04.019 We need both in the equation, 00:38:04.019 --> 00:38:06.239 And that's part of this inmost being, 00:38:06.920 --> 00:38:07.340 Worshipping, 00:38:08.159 --> 00:38:09.559 And if we don't do that, 00:38:09.840 --> 00:38:11.759 Then actually we're not worshipping at all, 00:38:12.199 --> 00:38:14.900 And we're sort of putting on an act, 00:38:15.679 --> 00:38:17.279 And the thing is with that, 00:38:17.400 --> 00:38:18.779 The Lord won't be pleased by it, 00:38:19.159 --> 00:38:20.480 He won't be blessed by it, 00:38:20.480 --> 00:38:22.940 So we need every part of us to come, 00:38:23.400 --> 00:38:24.099 And to worship, 00:38:24.099 --> 00:38:29.519 And so with that, 00:38:29.880 --> 00:38:32.519 When Paul is talking about these living sacrifices, 00:38:32.659 --> 00:38:33.059 We've to be, 00:38:33.339 --> 00:38:34.460 That includes here, 00:38:34.779 --> 00:38:35.259 In church, 00:38:35.380 --> 00:38:36.059 In this building, 00:38:36.579 --> 00:38:38.819 And then going forward as well, 00:38:39.339 --> 00:38:40.119 Into the week, 00:38:40.699 --> 00:38:42.659 With the rest of our time as well, 00:38:42.759 --> 00:38:44.339 We've to be these living sacrifices, 00:38:44.920 --> 00:38:47.440 That worship with our inmost being all the time, 00:38:47.440 --> 00:38:50.920 And so we need to be striving, 00:38:51.099 --> 00:38:52.960 To be those true and proper, 00:38:53.400 --> 00:38:54.360 Full worshippers, 00:38:55.220 --> 00:38:56.659 Through the Lord Jesus, 00:38:56.920 --> 00:38:57.800 And the Holy Spirit, 00:38:58.420 --> 00:38:59.740 That David and Paul, 00:38:59.960 --> 00:39:01.760 Has been talking about here today, 00:39:02.300 --> 00:39:04.179 So if you are doing this, 00:39:04.800 --> 00:39:05.400 Keep going, 00:39:06.039 --> 00:39:06.720 It's hard though, 00:39:06.800 --> 00:39:08.619 So probably most of us aren't, 00:39:08.700 --> 00:39:09.780 And we do fail, 00:39:10.079 --> 00:39:11.139 In various ways, 00:39:11.740 --> 00:39:12.619 And if you're not, 00:39:12.619 --> 00:39:14.340 If you're not worshipping God, 00:39:14.960 --> 00:39:15.940 In any sense, 00:39:15.940 --> 00:39:18.079 Then we have to ask you, 00:39:18.200 --> 00:39:18.659 Why not? 00:39:20.639 --> 00:39:22.300 Because Psalm 103, 00:39:22.599 --> 00:39:24.760 Is painting a picture for us, 00:39:25.420 --> 00:39:27.200 Of how great God is, 00:39:27.840 --> 00:39:29.280 And because of all this greatness, 00:39:29.420 --> 00:39:31.260 We've spoken about all his great attributes, 00:39:31.539 --> 00:39:32.280 And his character, 00:39:32.539 --> 00:39:33.420 And how he is gracious, 00:39:33.639 --> 00:39:37.179 And forgives us to a fault, 00:39:37.679 --> 00:39:38.860 Every time we ask, 00:39:40.300 --> 00:39:41.960 Then we need to come, 00:39:42.340 --> 00:39:43.400 And ask for that forgiveness, 00:39:44.159 --> 00:39:45.880 And if you're still struggling with this, 00:39:45.940 --> 00:39:47.360 If you're still struggling with this Psalm, 00:39:47.960 --> 00:39:48.880 Take it away with you, 00:39:49.639 --> 00:39:50.460 Meditate on it, 00:39:50.740 --> 00:39:51.539 Read it again, 00:39:52.000 --> 00:39:52.800 Keep reading through it, 00:39:52.840 --> 00:39:53.300 Through the week, 00:39:53.619 --> 00:39:54.539 And pray through it, 00:39:55.159 --> 00:39:56.340 And ask the Lord, 00:39:56.460 --> 00:39:57.639 To show himself to you, 00:39:57.679 --> 00:39:58.980 Again through this Psalm, 00:40:00.079 --> 00:40:00.900 And then, 00:40:01.400 --> 00:40:01.780 David, 00:40:02.860 --> 00:40:04.019 Says again, 00:40:04.460 --> 00:40:05.019 To himself, 00:40:05.139 --> 00:40:06.960 At the end of the Psalm, 00:40:07.340 --> 00:40:08.079 If you look there, 00:40:08.139 --> 00:40:09.579 At the end of the Psalm, 00:40:09.760 --> 00:40:10.960 Psalm verse 22, 00:40:11.840 --> 00:40:12.699 He says again, 00:40:13.019 --> 00:40:14.019 After all this, 00:40:14.240 --> 00:40:15.960 After everything we've heard, 00:40:16.019 --> 00:40:16.579 And learned, 00:40:16.880 --> 00:40:17.500 About God, 00:40:18.039 --> 00:40:18.400 He says, 00:40:18.699 --> 00:40:19.639 Bless the Lord, 00:40:20.539 --> 00:40:21.420 Oh my soul, 00:40:21.519 --> 00:40:22.199 So I hope, 00:40:22.699 --> 00:40:24.519 That as I've preached here this morning, 00:40:25.019 --> 00:40:26.519 And as we thought about this Psalm, 00:40:27.059 --> 00:40:28.380 That as we go out of here, 00:40:28.440 --> 00:40:29.179 And leave today, 00:40:29.699 --> 00:40:30.880 That the Lord will bless you, 00:40:30.980 --> 00:40:31.720 And I hope, 00:40:32.679 --> 00:40:34.280 That you'll have learned something about worship, 00:40:34.280 --> 00:40:37.800 And who God is, 00:40:38.300 --> 00:40:39.100 What he's like, 00:40:39.600 --> 00:40:40.860 And what he does for us, 00:40:40.920 --> 00:40:42.320 What he can do for us, 00:40:42.760 --> 00:40:45.300 And I hope, 00:40:45.440 --> 00:40:46.320 That through all that, 00:40:46.720 --> 00:40:48.200 That you will join us, 00:40:48.440 --> 00:40:48.960 In saying, 00:40:49.300 --> 00:40:50.060 Bless the Lord, 00:40:50.760 --> 00:40:51.620 Oh my soul, 00:40:53.060 --> 00:40:54.760 Let's just pray to close, 00:40:57.760 --> 00:40:58.700 Heavenly Father, 00:40:58.840 --> 00:41:00.560 We just thank you, 00:41:01.019 --> 00:41:02.740 For what we've read here today, 00:41:02.739 --> 00:41:03.539 We thank you, 00:41:03.539 --> 00:41:05.319 Of the description, 00:41:05.619 --> 00:41:06.839 We've read of who you are, 00:41:07.099 --> 00:41:08.119 And who we are, 00:41:08.899 --> 00:41:09.879 And we thank you, 00:41:10.279 --> 00:41:12.079 That even in spite of all our sinfulness, 00:41:12.639 --> 00:41:12.839 Lord, 00:41:12.979 --> 00:41:13.919 And how we rebel, 00:41:14.199 --> 00:41:15.419 And we are enemies, 00:41:16.299 --> 00:41:16.979 Of you Lord, 00:41:17.059 --> 00:41:18.319 That we are forgiven, 00:41:20.159 --> 00:41:21.099 And you don't, 00:41:21.299 --> 00:41:21.959 We can't, 00:41:23.079 --> 00:41:25.000 Get away from your forgiveness, 00:41:26.099 --> 00:41:27.299 We can't out sin it, 00:41:27.839 --> 00:41:28.859 And we thank you Lord, 00:41:28.899 --> 00:41:29.500 That it's free, 00:41:30.379 --> 00:41:32.159 And all we need to do is ask, 00:41:32.159 --> 00:41:32.699 Lord, 00:41:32.799 --> 00:41:33.639 And we just pray, 00:41:33.920 --> 00:41:34.559 That as we, 00:41:35.339 --> 00:41:36.659 Go out this week, 00:41:36.839 --> 00:41:37.779 That we will be, 00:41:38.339 --> 00:41:40.239 These true and complete worshippers, 00:41:40.420 --> 00:41:41.699 That worship you, 00:41:42.099 --> 00:41:43.299 With our innermost being, 00:41:43.980 --> 00:41:45.480 And we pray Lord, 00:41:45.559 --> 00:41:47.059 That our lives will bless you, 00:41:47.619 --> 00:41:48.980 And we will bless you Lord, 00:41:49.519 --> 00:41:50.039 And we just, 00:41:50.159 --> 00:41:51.239 Just ask this, 00:41:51.379 --> 00:41:52.339 And thank you for all this, 00:41:52.480 --> 00:41:53.239 In Jesus name, 00:41:53.879 --> 00:41:54.179 Amen.