Psalm 48 - Celebration of the City of God

Introduction:

2 Chronicles 20:1-30. In this passage, Jehosophat was king of Judah. He was a good king and did what was right in the sight of God. Ammon, Moab, and Edom come to make war against Judah. Judah is greatly afraid and Jehosophat leads the nation in prayer: 20:12 – we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us, nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You. Psalm 46-48 is a trilogy. Some believe that these are connected to the story of deliverance in 2 Chronicles 20. We will focus our attention today on Psalm 48. It is a psalm of danger past and full deliverance is seen here. Victory has come. Think of how we go through “insurmountable” problems – only to sustain victory from God. He delivers us every time.

I. 48:1-3 – Worship God for His enthronement in His royal city.

A.     Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised…

1.     A call to worship.  Need to recognize His power/glory.  Worthy of all praise.

2.     Does the greatness of our God inspire greatness of praise and worship on our part?

B.     In verses 1-3 – another focus is on the city of Jerusalem. The great city is wonderful because it belongs to God. It was His city.

C.    48:2 – set on a hill – would have been magnificent to look upon.  Its association w/the real and powerful God would have been well known.

D.    48:3 – God is a refuge. There is safety and security in Him.

1.     Think of passages today which speak of God as our Rock, our safety; our anchor of the soul. Psalm 18:2; 19:14

2.     Sometimes God will wait to intervene until last possible moment in order to strengthen our faith.  (2 Chron 20:12)

3.     Js. 1:2-4; Psalm 61:1-4; 62:1-2

II. 48:4-7 the sight of God’s City stirs panic in enemy kings.

A.     The mere sight of the city brought fear into their hearts. 

1.     It surpassed their expectations of its strength, and they saw with wonder that any attempt to conquer it was hopeless.

2.     Enemies of God had/have absolutely no chance when fighting against Him!

B.     God is on our side!

1.     NT Christians have this assurance: Rom. 8:35-39…

2.     2 Cor. 4:16-5:7 – this assurance should fill us with great hope!

3.     Christians walk by faith…not by sight!

III. 48:8-11 – worship God for His loving and righteous reign.

A.     Compare 48:5 –they saw… with 48:8 – what we have seen.  Saw same sight…but different reactions. They saw what terrorized….we see our security in God.

B.     48:9 – compare to 2 Chron. 20:27-28.

C.    48:10-11 – God is worthy of all praise because He has vindicated His people, and executed judgment on their enemies.

IV. 48:12-14 – the sight of the city of God brings His people confidence.

A.     48:12-13 - They were confident in their defense – because of God’s protection.

B.     48:13 – they wanted to testify of this faith/trust/deliverance to the next generation.

C.    48:14 – they were confident in God’s eternalness and guidance.

a.      How confident are we willing to let Him lead us?

D.    He is always there for us! He will take care of those who serve Him!

Conclusion:

A.     48:5 compared with 48:8.  How does God look to you?

1.     He wants you to give your heart to Him. Will you do so today?