Explore the vital link between knowing God and living a flourishing life. Discover how understanding the nature of the divine can reshape our relationships and instill resilience, especially in the face of suffering. Reflect on the importance of the 'fear of the Lord' as a key to wisdom and the pursuit of righteousness. Delve into contrasts between biblical views of God and modern beliefs, emphasizing loyalty and genuine worship as foundational for transformative living.
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Quick takeaways
Knowing the unshakeable God of Psalm 111 is essential for achieving the flourishing life described in Psalm 112.
The dual nature of God as both transcendent and imminent profoundly influences individual moral decision-making and life experiences.
Deep dives
The Link Between God and Human Life
Psalm 111 emphasizes the understanding of God as both powerful and involved in His creation and in the lives of His people. It establishes a connection between knowing the God of Psalm 111 and living a flourishing life as depicted in Psalm 112. The characteristics of God, such as His unshakable righteousness and reliable precepts, mirror the qualities of those who follow Him, illustrating that a deep understanding of God leads to a prosperous existence. Thus, to experience the thriving life promised in Psalm 112, one must first establish a relationship with the God described in Psalm 111.
The Nature of God: Transcendent and Imminent
The podcast explores the dual nature of God as both transcendent and imminent, meaning He is all-powerful and yet actively engaged in the world. This is illustrated through the acts of creation and redemption, which showcase God's ability to involve Himself in human affairs, as seen in the Exodus story. The contrast draws attention to the unique understanding of God in biblical scripture compared to ancient and modern beliefs where deism influenced perceptions of God as distant and uninvolved. The implications of viewing God as either transcendent alone or as both transcendent and imminent deeply affect how individuals approach their lives and relationships.
The Fear of the Lord: A Foundation for Wisdom
The fear of the Lord is presented as crucial for attaining wisdom, as it influences how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. Understanding God’s true nature leads to a deeper connection and recognition of His authority, which in turn shapes ethical and moral decision-making. Wisdom is defined not as mere knowledge but as practical living that results from a correct understanding of God, enforcing the idea that personal experiences and beliefs about God directly impact one’s choices and lifestyle. Without a grasp of the fear of the Lord, one risks adopting a superficial and misguided way of living that will ultimately lead to dissatisfaction and disillusionment in times of struggle.
Grace and Worship: Connecting With the Divine
To connect the power of God to one’s life, individuals must embrace both obedience to His precepts and an understanding of His grace through covenant. The grace aspect highlights that, while God's commandments are essential, it is ultimately His unwavering faithfulness and love that allow for a true relationship with Him. The act of worship serves as a method to internalize this understanding, blending mental engagement, emotional response, and communal celebration. Engaging in both personal and communal worship fosters a deeper understanding of God, which can lead to transformation and resilience in life’s challenges, aligning personal growth with divine purpose.
If you want the flourishing, thriving life depicted in Psalm 112, you need to know the God of Psalm 111.
They can’t be separated. They are linked. These two psalms are each 10 verses. Psalm 111 describes the great God, and Psalm 112 describes a great, happy human life. If you know the unshakeable God of Psalm 111, you become unshakeable yourself. To truly know the God of Psalm 111 leads to the life seen in Psalm 112.
Looking at Psalm 111 itself, we see a key link between knowing God and having a flourishing life. This psalm teaches about 1) a powerful, involved God, 2) a supernaturally changed life, and 3) the way to connect the power of God to your life.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on August 25, 2013. Series: Open My Lips: Studies in the Psalms. Scripture: Psalm 111.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
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