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Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Our Triumphant King - Psalm 68

Bryan Schneider · May 4, 2020

Psalm 68

sharonrpc.org/sermons/our-triumphant-king-psalm-68

Summary

  • Psalm 68 summons God's people and the kingdoms of the earth to rejoice before the triumphant King who scatters enemies and rides upon the heavens.
  • God's majesty does not make him distant from need: he is Father to the fatherless, defender of widows, giver of families to the lonely, and provider for the poor.
  • The psalm remembers the exodus, Sinai, the wilderness, conquest, and the procession of God's throne to Zion as acts of his saving presence and victory.
  • Ephesians 4 identifies the descending and ascending King of Psalm 68 as Jesus Christ, who conquers, reigns, and gives gifts to his church.
  • Christ alone is head and King of the church; no pastor, elder, civil ruler, or other authority may usurp his lordship.
  • Believers respond to Christ's victory by fixing their eyes on him, receiving rest and salvation from him, obeying his Word, and praising the giver above his gifts.

Reflection and discussion

  • Do I rejoice in the triumphant King himself, or only in gifts I hope to receive from him?
  • How does God's care for the fatherless, widowed, lonely, bound, and poor shape the church's life?
  • What past acts of God's deliverance strengthen confidence in his present rule?
  • Whose authority am I tempted to place above Christ's Word in the church?
  • Where do weariness, sorrow, loneliness, or guilt call me to seek rest in the descended and ascended Christ?
  • Do I treat Christ as the church's living King whose commands govern worship, ministry, and love?
  • How can praise of Christ reshape my response to fear and opposition?

Key terms

Triumphant King
The LORD who defeats his enemies, delivers his people, ascends to reign, and receives the praise of the nations.
Lord of hosts
A divine title presenting God as commander of innumerable heavenly armies and sovereign victor over every foe.
Messianic psalm
An Old Testament song whose historical images reach their fullest meaning in the person and work of Christ.
Ascension
Christ's bodily entrance into heaven after his resurrection to reign at the Father's right hand.
Head of the church
Christ's unique sovereign authority to govern, protect, instruct, and provide for his people.

Notes and prayer