Psalm 115
Glory to God Alone
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Psalm 115 calls us to give glory to God alone, rejecting idolatry and affirming God's sovereignty and faithfulness. This psalm not only praises God for His steadfast love but also contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, urging believers to trust in the Lord, who is their help and shield.
Section 1: Glory to God, Not to Us (Verses 1-3)
"Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Why do the nations say, 'Where is their God?' Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him."
Harmony Just as Psalm 115 directs glory to God alone, the New Testament emphasizes glorifying God in all things, such as in 1 Corinthians 10:31, where believers are instructed to do everything for the glory of God.
Talking Points:
The call to give glory to God's name because of His love and faithfulness.
The questioning of God's presence by the nations and the affirmation of God's sovereignty.
Questions:
Why is it important to give glory to God alone and not to ourselves?
How do God's love and faithfulness inspire us to praise Him?
How does acknowledging God's sovereignty strengthen our faith?
Section 2: The Futility of Idolatry (Verses 4-8)
"But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them."
Harmony The futility of idolatry is echoed in the New Testament, such as in Acts 17:29, where Paul explains that we should not think of the divine being as an image made by human design.
Talking Points:
The contrast between lifeless idols and the living God.
The characteristics of idols that highlight their impotence.
The warning that those who make and trust in idols will become like them.
Questions:
How does the description of idols in this passage emphasize their worthlessness?
What are modern forms of idolatry that we might encounter today?
How can we ensure that we are placing our trust in the living God rather than in 'idols'?
Section 3: Trust in the Lord (Verses 9-11)
"All you Israelites, trust in the Lord—he is their help and shield. House of Aaron, trust in the Lord—he is their help and shield. You who fear him, trust in the Lord—he is their help and shield."
Harmony Trusting in the Lord is a central theme in Scripture, such as in Proverbs 3:5-6, where believers are instructed to trust in the Lord with all their heart and lean not on their own understanding.
Talking Points:
The repeated call for different groups to trust in the Lord.
The assurance that God is our help and shield.
Questions:
What does it mean to trust in the Lord?
How can we cultivate trust in God in our daily lives?
In what ways has God been your help and shield?
Section 4: Blessing and Praise (Verses 12-18)
"The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the Lord—small and great alike. May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind. It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence; it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord."
Harmony The blessing of God's people and the call to praise Him forever is paralleled in Ephesians 1:3, where Paul speaks of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ.
Talking Points:
God's remembrance and blessing of His people.
The flourishing of God's people and their children.
The call to praise the Lord now and forever.
Questions:
How does knowing that God remembers and blesses His people impact your faith?
In what ways have you experienced God's blessings in your life?
How can we cultivate a heart of continual praise towards God?
Summary
Psalm 115 calls us to give glory to God alone, reject idolatry, trust in the Lord, and continually praise Him for His blessings. These themes find deeper fulfillment in the New Testament, where we are reminded to glorify God in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31), recognize the futility of idolatry (Acts 17:29), trust in the Lord completely (Proverbs 3:5-6), and praise Him for every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).
As believers, we are encouraged to give all glory to God, reject modern idols, trust Him as our help and shield, and live lives of unending praise.