For those who may wish to ‘study’ this chapter, the following simple resources are provided for you. Each passage has a four-Part approach to help you take in and think further about what you have read.

Passage: Psalm 111

1 Praise the Lord.

I will extol the Lord with all my heart
    in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

2 Great are the works of the Lord;
    they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
    and his righteousness endures for ever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant for ever.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
    giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established for ever and ever,
    enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people;
    he ordained his covenant for ever –
    holy and awesome is his name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
    To him belongs eternal praise.

A. Find Out:

1. What will the psalmist do, where? v.1
2. What 3 expressions of the same thing does he praise? v.2-4
3. What does He provide for whom? v.5
4. What has He done? v.6
5. What descriptions are given His works and His commands? v.7,8
6. What has He provided for His people? v.9
7. What is the beginning of wisdom? v.10

B. Think:

1. What is the purpose of this psalm?
2. What things are praised?
3. What do we learn of the Lord from them?

C. Comment:

  This is a psalm of praise (v.1) for the Lord is worthy of everlasting praise (v.10). In one sense everything here could be encompassed in “the works of God” which are referred to as ‘works’ (v.2), ‘deeds’ (v.3), and ‘wonders’ (v.4). If you want a three point sermon they are ‘Great’ (v.2), ‘Glorious’ (v.3) and ‘Gracious’ (v.4). Because of their nature they are pondered on (v.2), revealing His righteousness (v.3) and remembered (v.4). These are general descriptions. Specifically He provides (v.5) for those who fear, respect, honour and come into relationship with Him. He has made it possible to enter into a covenant agreement with Him, and has shown this by giving them a land for provision (v.6).

  But then is a twofold description of His works. There are the works of His hands (v.7a) which are the things He created and the things He does, and then there are His precepts or instructions (v.7b), the direction and guidance He gives His people. These things bring security (v.8) by their nature, part of the redemptive package He provided for His people (v.9). Having this awesome respect that acknowledges His greatness (v.10a) is the beginning of wisdom and when you follow His way you will see how good it is and praise Him (v.10b)

D. Application:

1. Learn of God’s deeds and praise Him for them.
2. Learn of His instructions and praise Him for them.