Forget None of His Benefits
Introduction:
Most people, when interviewing for a new job, ask about
what benefits the company offers: vacation time, health
and life insurance, retirement. . . They recognize how
important they are.
Our text,
Psalms 103,
describes in wonderful ways the variety of benefits that
come to God’s family. It is to these benefits we now
turn our attention.
Text:
Psalm 103:1-22
Body:
I.
God’s Goodness (Verses
1-5)
·
The psalmist expresses his joy by blessing the holy name
of the Lord, praising Jehovah for His holiness. (Isaiah
6:3)
See also
Psalms 113.
He expresses this joy with his whole being, heart, soul,
strength, and mind.
·
“He pardons.” Note that He forgives “all” of our
iniquities, not just some. This is based upon our
willingness to confess our sins. (I
John 1:9)
He will not pardon those who refuse to forsake the
practice of sinning. (I
John 3:4-10)
·
“He heals.” Note
Isaiah 6:10, Isaiah 53:5.
Our transgressions are like a spiritual disease.
·
“He redeems.” Jesus paid the price for our sins by
ransoming His own body. (I
Peter 1:18-19)
Also, consider
Romans 8:23.
The final act of redemption will be our new glorified
bodies.
·
“He crowns.” The faithful will be granted a crown of
righteousness, the crown of glory and life. (Revelation
3:21)
“I will grant to sit with Me on My throne.”
·
“He satisfies.” (Psalms
107:9)
God continually supplies us with wonderful things. Even
in “old age,” we should feel like a soaring eagle. (Isaiah
40:31)
The best is yet to be!
II.
God’s Mercy (Verses
6-19)
·
God is a God of justice who always does what is right.
He is concerned for His people. (Verses
6-7)
·
God has steadfast love. (Verses
8-12)
(Psalms
25:6-7)
Also see
Isaiah 38:17, Isaiah 43:25.
·
God has compassion. (Verses
13-16)
He knows we are weak and frail. (Psalms
78:38-39)
·
Even though God rules over all, He has a special place
for His people. (Deuteronomy
7:9)
III.
God’s Will (Verses
20-22)
·
All are encouraged to bless the Lord, to praise Him for
all of His benefits. (Psalms
50:1-2)
·
Listen to David’s “Song of Thanks.” (I
Chronicles 16:8-10, 34)
Invitation:
Let us always be mindful of God’s great benefits and
remember what we enjoy by being in Christ. (Ephesians
1:3)
Bobby Stafford
November 11, 2012
The
church of Christ
Video
