Creating & Controlling a Masterpiece

Sunday August 2nd 2020. We begin a NEW sermon series entitled ‘The Perfectionist’. Preaching from Chris Hughes.

Put some words to a catchy tune and we tend to remember them! And here God provides Moses with a song which he is to pass on to Israel with a view to them remembering all that he has done for them. This is not a one off, because songs were often used in the Old Testament to give vocal expression to faith: –

Following the deliverance of God’s people at the Red Sea (Exodus 15.)
As a result of their victory over the Canaanite army (Judges 5.)
Many of the Psalms were written to be sung with stringed and wind instruments.
While the book of Lamentations is a collection of funeral songs.

There is also a strong emphasis upon singing in the New Testament: –

A hymn was sung at the last supper (Matthew 26 v 30.)
Paul & Silas sang hymns in prison (Acts 16 v 25)
The church is encouraged to sing (Ephesians 5 v 19 & Colossians 3 v 16.)
Individual believers are encouraged to sing (James 5 v 13.)
A “new song” will be sung in heaven (Revelation 5 v 9.)

We are going to take the microscope to 4 words from this God given song – “his works are perfect” (Deuteronomy 32 v 4) and home in on 2 of God’s perfect works.

1 – God’s perfect works in Creation

He created the entire universe, both physical and spiritual (Colossians 1 v 16) out of nothing (Romans 4 v 17) using his powerful word of command (Genesis 1 v 3.)
He created Adam & Eve (Genesis 2 v 7 & 22) in his image and as the pinnacle of his creative work.
All that he created was “good” and upon completion was pronounced to be “very good” (Genesis 1 v 31) that it might declare his glory (Psalm 19 v 1.)

2 – God’s perfect works in Providence

It is God who providentially preserves all things in the universe and holds them all together (Colossians 1 v 17 & Hebrews 1 v 3.)
It is God who providentially causes all things to happen (Psalm 135 v 6) which often appear to us as “natural occurrences.”
It is God who providentially directs the events of world history (Psalm 22 v 28) that they might accomplish his sovereign purpose.
It is God who providentially guides our personal steps (Psalm 139 v 16) in a way that does not violate our ability to choose.

If doctrine needs to lead to duty and belief to behaviour, then how are we to apply such truths? Two responses seem appropriate: –

Thanksgiving

We need to have a healthy appreciation for creation (Psalm 103 v 2) by developing an attitude of gratitude, as we see God in all the diverse aspects of his creation.

Trust

We need to trust God, safe in the knowledge that he is watching over us and has our best interests at heart (Psalm 121 v 7 – 8.)

Challenges

Are you thankful for God’s perfect works in creation?
Are you trusting in God’s providential works, and in particular his care over your life?

Personal Questions

1 How much do you think and ponder on the words of the songs that are sung in church?

2 What are you most thankful for in God’s creation?

3 If, as the Bible declares – “In ALL things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8 v 28) then why do you struggle to trust God when so called “bad things” happen in your life?