E. I will praise you forever and ever means - PDF document

Psalm 145 “Last Will and Testament” “We must learn not to live as if faith is only bare assent to doctrines and obedience to Christ’s commands is only the fulfillment of religious responsibilities. We must see that God has much better things in mind for us. He claims our trust, our love, and our dependence. He calls for our obedience so that we can learn to love Christ and others, rather than demand that Christ and others affirm and adore us. Bible study, prayer, church, and ministry can become like ‘empty corn husks,’ but they should be and can be ways to express living communication and significant love from God to us, and from us to Christ and to others.” Journal of Biblical Counseling 15:1:1996 I. Opening Meditations on Psalm 145 A. What should it mean that Christ is King over your life? B. What does it mean that Christ is King over your life – what is your current experience in your relationship as His royal subject? C. What is the quality of your praise and worship to King Jesus? D. What is your attitude about Sunday morning Worship service? E. Think o f the last situation in your life in which you tried to “rule yourself” rather than submit to Jesus as your Kingly Authority. What was the specific situation? What commands of the King in Scripture did you choose not to follow? How did the situation work out? How would it have been different if you had obeyed the commands of your King Jesus? F. Choose the last words on earth that you want to say to others about God. Write down what you want to say. II. A Last Will and Testament of Praise to God by King David in Psalm 145 A. Why is it significant that David calls God “King” in Psalm 145? B. Why is praise and worship the only thing we can offer God? Why is it the best thing? C. “I will praise You” means _____________________________________ D. “I will praise You every day means _____________________________

E. “I will praise you forever and ever” means ___________________________ F. “Your greatness is unsearchable” means _____________________________ God’s “works,” “acts,” and “power.” General revelation is God revealing Himself to all people in nature. According to Romans 1:20, what does God reveal about Himself via nature to all people? What can nature NOT reveal about God? G. What does David mean in Psalm 145:4 when he says “every generation will praise Your works to another.” H. How does Psalm 145:8 connect with Exodus 34:6-7? Write down what Exodus 34:6-7 means (Exodus 3:14). I. In Psalm 145:8- 13, what words does David use to describe God’s mercy? J. Why is the topic of God’s Kingdom in Psalm 145:8 -13 so important? See also Daniel 4:30-34. K. In Psalm 145:14-20, what are four ways God provides for His creation? L. Why does David mention the wicked in Psalm 145:20? III. What have you learned today about God? About Christ? About grace and mercy of God? What action is God commanding you in Psalm 145?

PSALM 145 “A Last Will and Testament”

David’s King The King of Israel declared God as his King: David did not believe in self-rule, self- governance, believing in himself, having faith in himself, seeking high self-esteem or self- confidence, or self-affirmation. All of these things would have been opposed to the Kingship of God over his life.

Gift of Praise “I will praise You” – acknowledge God as God “I will praise You every day” – 7 days a week! “I will praise You forever and ever” – eternity

Unsearchable Greatness The mighty works of God which illicit our praise and worship; specifically in the general revelation to all people via nature.

Every Generation Each generation of believers will add to the story of what God has specifically done for them. God continues to act for us and in us; this is part of our praise to Him.

Exodus 34:6-7 Unexpected surprise: MERCY What is “I AM” like? “Compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love, faithful, forgiving wicked rebellious sin”

Kingdom of God A reminder that one part of God’s goodness is His rule over us. We cannot rule ourselves. It is a work of God’s grace in us when we see the necessity of His rule…if we do.

God the Provider Helps the inadequate (14) Gives food to everyone (15-16) Answers those who pray (18-19) Protects His own (20)

Why the Wicked? It reminds us that our praise must still be offered in a sinful world. We are not in heaven yet, but we can praise Him now. It’s good practice for the future!