Psalms And The Christian - Introduction To Studying The Psalms

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                       "PSALMS AND THE CHRISTIAN"

                   Introduction To Studying The Psalms

INTRODUCTION

1. The value of the Old Testament to the Christian is mentioned several
   times in the New Testament:

                   "For whatsoever things were
                   written aforetime were written for
                   our learning, that we through
                   patience and comfort of the
                   scriptures might have hope."

                              -- Ro 15:4

                   "Now all these things happened
                   unto them for ensamples: and they are
                   written for our admonition, upon whom
                   the ends of the world are come."

                              -- 1Co 10:11

                   "And that from a child thou hast
                   known the holy scriptures, which are
                   able to make thee wise unto salvation
                   through faith which is in Christ
                   Jesus.

                   "All scripture [is] given by
                   inspiration of God, and [is]
                   profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
                   for correction, for instruction in
                   righteousness:

                   "That the man of God may be perfect,
                   throughly furnished unto all good works."

                              -- 2Ti 3:15-16

2. Of all the books of the Old Testament, these statements are especially
   true in regards to the Book of Psalms
   
3. The value of the Psalms to the Christian is so great, every Christian
   should do whatever they can to become more familiar with them.

[The purpose of this study is to help one do just that!  Aside from what
has already been said...]

I. WHY STUDY THE PSALMS?

   A. WE ARE COMMANDED AS CHRISTIANS TO USE THE PSALMS IN OUR SINGING
      AND TEACHING...
      1. "speaking to one another in PSALMS and hymns and spiritual
         songs..." - Ep 5:19
      2. "...teaching and admonishing one another in PSALMS and hymns
         and spiritual songs" - Col 3:16
      3. "Is anyone cheerful?  Let him sing psalms." - Jm 5:13

   B. THEY ARE USEFUL FOR TEACHING AND CONFIRMING THAT JESUS IS THE
      CHRIST (MESSIAH)...
      1. Notice Jesus' use of the Psalms in Lk 24:44-47
      2. Peter likewise used them in his first gospel sermon - Ac 2:
         25-28,34-35

   C. AS ONE READS THROUGH THE PSALMS, HE FINDS...
      1. "expressed the eager yearning and longing for God's presence"
      2. "prayers and songs of joyous trust and praise"
      3. Every emotion known to man expressed in beautiful and inspired
         terms (e.g., joy, anger, praise, repentance, trust, even doubt)

   D. THE PSALMS ARE THEREFORE CAPABLE OF BEING THE CHRISTIAN'S...
      1. "hymnal"
      2. "prayer book"
      3. "book of Christian evidences"
      4. "training guide for living justly and righteously before God"

[With these thoughts in mind, let's examine more closely the aim of
this particular study...]

II. WHAT IS THE AIM OF OUR STUDY?

   A. TO BECOME MORE FAMILIAR WITH OLD TESTAMENT POETRY...
      1. Essential to getting more out the Psalms
      2. Important to avoid misinterpreting the Psalms

   B. TO DEVELOP AN APPRECIATION AND WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF THE PSALMS...
      1. So one may use them for his or her comfort and encouragement
      2. And to use them in counseling and comforting others

   C. TO GLEAN A CLEARER PICTURE OF GOD'S CHARACTER FROM THE PSALMS...
      1. His love, mercy and deliverance towards the righteous
      2. His wrath and judgment against the wicked

   D. TO LEARN MORE OF THE CHRIST IN PROPHECY...
      1. Descriptions of His suffering and glorious reign are found in
         the Psalms
      2. Some of which are not found elsewhere in Scripture

   E. TO SEE IN FULFILLED PROPHECY AN IRREFUTABLE ARGUMENT FOR...
      1. The inspiration of the Scriptures
      2. The claim that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah

CONCLUSION

1. These are just a few of the reasons why the Book of Psalms should be
   read and studied by every Christian

2. Hopefully this study will help to meet some of these objectives!
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