God Revealed Series

God Revealed

07/20/08 AM

Text: Psalm 19:1-14

Introduction

When I have the occasion to facilitate a training class in leadership or management there will always be a portion of time given to the concept of communication. Effective communication is important, even vital, to successful leaders in any field of endeavor. There are many ways to ensure communication, the transfer of thoughts and ideas. I’m sure we’ve all heard the old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words.” We may have also had someone say to us, as they try to convey their ideas to us, “do I need to spell it out for you?” (To which I reply: “apparently.”) In our lesson today we are going to learn how God has chosen to communicate to us and to the world through His creation and His Word. We will take our instruction from Psalm 19 as it was written by David.

I.God Revealed in Creation (vs. 1-4)

A.God’s glory proclaimed in the general revelation of creation v1

1.God is the creator. The Hebrew word for God the Creator, elohim, is used here as it was in Genesis 1.

a.God as creator of the heavens is established in Genesis 1:1 and as we “listen” we hear God’s glory (v1.)

1)Living here is San Diego, how many times have you gone to the beach in the evening and seen the many people gathered there to watch the sunset?

2)As they stand there gazing at the spectacle of light and shadow, they are witness to the heavens declaring “the glory of God.” And I’ve not met anyone who was not moved by its wonder and beauty.

b.The parallel line “their expanse is declaring the work of His hands” adds the truth that God has made those heavens by his own hands, and declares the wisdom and skill with which it was done.

B.The revelation is continuous and universal v2-3

1.Both by day and by night, God’s creation is speaking (v. 2), His Glory and His handiwork is continually declared.

a.The message literally “pours out” without the limitation of human speech.

2.Creation speaks a universal language to all nations (vv. 3-4).

a.Paul sees all mankind as accountable to God by way of creation: Romans1:20 “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.“. God is revealed by the booming communication of creation.

Creation preaches a thousand sermons a day to the human heart.

This can be a basis for appeal and create an opening for us to reach people for God.

b.His continual communication to us is witness to His desire to be known by all, to be worshipped by all but we have a problem. Sin has darkened our perception of Him.

We need more than the witness of creation.

3.Verse 4 begins a beautiful transition, using nature to move us from the word of God displayed to the word of God written.

a.The rays of the sun penetrate everywhere. Nothing escapes it. God communicates to us through the sun which “rejoices” before Him, crossing the heavens that that all the earth receives the glory of the creator.

“And there is nothing hidden from its heat” marks the transition from the works of God to the Word of God. Both the sun and the Word radiate the light of the God who is light.

We need His Word to understand His work. As Paul said, the general revelation of God through creation holds us accountable and the Word of God tells us what more we need to know.

II.God Revealed in Scripture (vs. 7-11)

A.The heavens declare God’s glory, and the Scriptures declare His grace.

1.Vs. 7-11 gives us the specific revelation of God given in His Word. This is a personal revelation from God, for the name used is not “God” (Elohim) but “LORD,” (JHWH). This is the personal, covenant name for God.

2.These verses show us the value and use of God’s Word so we may understand that just as the sun is comprehensive for our world, the Word is comprehensive for our lives.

Before the Word of God, “there is nothing hidden from its heat.”

B.The Characteristics of His Word

1.The perfect law - The meaning is that it lacks nothing in order to its completeness; nothing in order that it might be what it should be. It is complete as a revelation of divine truth; it is complete as a rule of conduct.

The sure testimony - The Word does not change; it is sure and steadfast. It is God’s testimony to man, His witness of what is true and right. See Matt. 5:18.

The right statutes - “Statutes” means “precepts, rules for daily living.” Are equal, just, and proper. They are such as are founded in wisdom and equity. Some rules are wrong rules; God’s Word is right.