The Work of God and the Wisdom of Man Psalm 111 Pastor Matt Stephens

The Work of God and the Wisdom of Man The Fourfold Work of God

The Work of God and the Wisdom of Man The Fourfold Work of God Four Essential Attributes of God

The Work of God and the Wisdom of Man The Fourfold Work of God Four Essential Attributes of God Four Responses to God

The Fourfold Work of God CREATION

The Fourfold Work of God CREATION Physical

The Fourfold Work of God CREATION Physical Biological

The Fourfold Work of God CREATION Physical Biological Social

The Fourfold Work of God CREATION Physical Biological Social Spiritual / Psychological

The Fourfold Work of God CREATION JUDGMENT

The Fourfold Work of God CREATION JUDGMENT PROVIDENCE

The Fourfold Work of God CREATION JUDGMENT PROVIDENCE REDEMPTION

The Fourfold Work of God REDEMPTION Incarnation Substitution Resurrection Ascension Consummation

Four Essential Attributes of God

POWER “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them” (v. 2). “He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations” (v. 6).

Four Essential Attributes of God WISDOM “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them” (v. 2). “Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever” (v. 3) “He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered” (v. 4a).

Four Essential Attributes of God GOODNESS “the Lord is gracious and merciful” (v. 4b).

Four Essential Attributes of God FAITHFULNESS “He remembers His covenant forever” (v. 5b). “The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever” (vv. 7-8a).

Four Responses to God

OVERFLOWING DELIGHT “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation” (v. 1).

Four Responses to God EARNEST INQUIRY “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them” (v. 2)

Four Responses to God HOLY REVERENCE “He provides food for those who fear him” (v. 4). “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Four Responses to God TRUSTFUL OBEDIENCE “all His precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness” (v. 7b-8). “all who practice it have a good understanding” (v. 10b).

Conclusion “As Israel (and the world) is obedient to torah, it becomes free for praise, which is its proper vocation, destiny and purpose. In this light the expectation of the Old Testament is not finally obedience, but adoration” (Brueggemann, The Message of the Psalms, 167).

Conclusion “In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (Ps. 119:14-16)