Psalm 97 - a handout

 Look away now if you are coming to church this morning or prepare!

Psalm 97 p603 (John 17:20-end p1085)

THE APPEARING OF GOD, RESPONSES & RESULTS

 

The appearing of God in the Bible e.g. to Abraham (Gen 15), at Sinai (Ex 19-20)

 

-          God has appeared supremely, definitively in Christ

 

-          God is appearing in the preaching of the Gospel – God speaking and made known – you are encountering him now!

 

-          God will appear fully and finally at the Second Coming of Christ

 

(1) The majestic appearing of the LORD the glorious King of the whole earth (vv1-6)

 

-          V1 – even remote coastlands / islands

 

-          Cloud, darkness, fire, light - power, glory, righteousness, justice, somewhat hidden – holy! – awesome or awful?

 

(2) Responses to and results of God’s appearing (vv7-12):

 

(a) for those who worship false gods (v7a): public humiliation, clear utter failure (cf. v3 God’s enemies consumed)

 

(b) for God’s people – even the most insignificant - the capital Zion (Jerusalem) and the daughters (villages) of Judah (v8)

 

Ø  Rejoice and be glad (vv1, 8, 11-12)

 

Ø  Love God and hate evil (v10)

 

Ø  Trust him for deliverance (v10)