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Thanksgiving for God’s Judgment

By David Robinson/ August 11, 2013

Series  Meditations on the Psalms

Context  Westminster Chapel Toronto

Topic  Justice

Scripture  Psalms 75

Throughout history we see that God opposes the proud and lifts up the humble. God's judgment is equitable, and it is cause for rejoicing.

Scripture: Psalm 75

Sermon Notes:

  1. This Psalm begins with congregational worship and thanksgiving and ends with praise.
  2. The congregation rejoices and gives thanks recounting God's wondrous deeds in His judgment of Egypt (cf. Exodus 15:11).
  3. The modern church has an aversion to the prominent biblical theme of God's judgment.
  4. The whole Bible from Moses to Jesus to Paul to the book of Revelation clearly announces God's judgment on sin.
  5. Though God's people suffer while God grants the wicked time for repentance, nevertheless God has set a time for judgment and He will bring equity.
  6. Asaph is told to wait just as the martyrs in Revelation 6 must wait.
  7. Throughout history we see that God opposes the proud and lifts up the humble.
  8. God’s judgment is equitable, and it is the cause for rejoicing.
  9. God’s judgment is a putting down and a lifting up (cf. 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Isaiah 66:2).
  10. David submits to God who fills him with the Spirit.
  11. Likewise we are to submit to the yoke of Christ, that we may find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30).
  12. Operating in his own power, Saul was useless.   By contrast David is able in humility to defeat Goliath.
  13. We are called to walk in obedience and faith. 
  14. We trust in the Lord of hosts who lifts us up as we submit to Him.
  15. God’s final judgment is good and complete and it is a cause for rejoicing among God’s people.
  16. The wine is a symbol of God’s wrath (Rev. 14:10).
  17. Only those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb can withstand the wrath of God against sin (Revelation 7).
  18. Christ on the cross drank the cup of God’s wrath against our sin (1 John 4:10; Romans 3:24-27).
  19. God is patient in pouring out the cup of His wrath, but today is the day of salvation.  Now is the time to repent.
  20. Christ offers the cup of blessing and salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).
  21. When God brings final judgment it is a day of deliverance for His people a day when God will defeat His enemies.
  22. God’s justice is a source of comfort for God’s people, and a cause for the praise of God’s name. 
  23. Heidelberg Catechism Question 52 affirms the believers’ comfort in the assurance of God’s final defeat of all His and our enemies.

Application Questions:

  1. What context was Psalm 75 written into?
  2. What are the characteristics and results of God’s judgment?
  3. Why does the modern church reject the doctrines of God’s wrath and final judgment upon the wicked?
  4. How should we respond to the certain knowledge of God’s judgment?
  5. What is God’s answer to the question of why the wicked are allowed to live and prosper? How must we respond?
  6. What are the provisions in Christ that allow us to survive the wrath of God against our sin?
  7. In what ways have we observed God opposing the proud and lifting up the humble?

Sermon Notes