Sermon Date: January 22nd, 2023

Reflections on Sunday’s Sermon

Below is a reference to the section of the New City Catechism that we went over on Sunday:

The New City Catechism

Lord’s Day 4

How and Why Did God Create Us?
God created us male and female in his own image to know him, love him, live with him, and glorify him. And it is right that we who were created by God should live to his glory. (Genesis 1:27)

Scripture

Psalm 45 - (English Standard Version)

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah; a love song.

1 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.

3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty!

4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!

5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you.

6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;

7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;

9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house,

11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.

12 The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people.

13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.

14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her.

15 With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.

16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth.

17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

Understanding and Applying

1. What type of song rightly flows from the saint’s heart and lips to their King (refer to the subtitle)?

2. What makes the King beautiful (vv. 2-3; Isaiah 53:1-5; John 1:17)?

3. What type of victory does the King accomplish and what is the extent of His victory (vv. 3-5; Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 19:11-16)?

4. How do verses 6-7 drive God’s people to anticipate a divine King?
   

5. What is the bride’s reasonable response to the King whom she is to marry (vv. 10-11, Matthew 10:37-39)?
   
   
   a. What does this mean for your life and worship?

   
   

6. Who and what makes the bride beautiful (vv. 10-15; Revelation 19:6-8)?
   a. How has/is the King making you ‘beautiful’ (Ephesians 1:3-7, 2:10)? Be specific.

7. What future awaits the bride on account of her Groom (vv. 16-17; Revelation 5:9-10)?
   a. What comes to mind as you consider your future as the bride of Christ

8. How has this Psalm exalted our Triune God in your heart and led you to sing?