What God Has to Say

Text: Psalm 50:1-15

Introduction:

1. Psalm 50 is written by Asaph. Asaph is the chief of the Levitical singers mentioned in 1
Chronicles 6:39. He was in charge of the song service in the temple at Jerusalem and
was appointed to serve before the ark of the Lord, make petition, give thanks, and praise
the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:4). This psalm ought to fill our hearts with praise and
thanksgiving.
2. I want to point out to you that here we have a case of God doing the talking. Most of the
Psalm consists of God speaking to us, and that of course is so different from the way
things normally are in this life. When you consider how much talking is being done from
day to day in the world, you will realize that most of it is done by men and women, and
that we hear little of the voice of God or reference to Him. It is as though God never
speaks.1
3. God speaks in various ways:
a. He speaks, in a sense, in the very creation of heaven and earth. The heavens
were made as they are, to be the theatre of God's glory. We live in a world where
sun, moon and stars, not to say the earth itself, is shouting out to us in all parts of
the earth and in every language men should recognize; for the heavens are a
testimony to the being and existence of God.
b. But God also speaks in Providence, that is to say, He speaks in the events and
circumstances of life.
c. God speaks supremely of course in the Bible which is His Word. The great
question is: Are we listening to the voice of God? Do we hear the voice of God?
There are many people who are so busy talking; they never stop to listen, even
to one another, never mind to God. But this Psalm, Psalm 50, reminds us - if
reminder is needed – that we are compelled to listen to what God has to say.
Men have a great deal to say about God, but in the end God will have something
to say about us and for us.
4. Asaph the psalmist began by referring to God in terms of utmost majesty, using several
of the words or names in Scripture to refer to God (v. 1).
a. "The first three words of the Hebrew text emphasize that it is God who has
spoken: El stands for the might of God, Elohim as the object of religious fear,
Yahweh (LORD) as the self-existent and covenant God.2
b. The dominion of Jehovah extends over the whole earth, and therefore to all
mankind is his decree directed. The east and the west are bidden to hear the
God who makes his sun to rise on every quarter of the globe. Shall the summons

1
http://www.bible-sermons.org.uk/text-sermon/272-warnings-from-heaven/
2
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/guzik/psalms/50.htm
 of the great King be despised? Will we dare provoke him to anger by slighting his
call?3
5. In such a Psalm as this, here’s what God has to say about Him:

Discussion:

I. God is Righteous (vv. 5–6)

a. God always does right.
i. Some question this when things go wrong. But we can be sure that God
always acts in righteousness.
b. God is good … all the time!
c. God’s righteousness was demonstrated at the Cross
i. We are all sinners bound for hell (Rom. 3:10-23);
ii. God’s love called for salvation but His justice had to be satisfied;
iii. God’s righteousness provided a way:
1. At the Cross, God was just and the justifier of sinners;
2. The blood of Christ paid for our sins.
d. God’s righteousness is the joy of heaven (Revelation 19:1-2).

II. Our LORD Owns Everything (vv. 9–12)

a. All creation is God’s, known to him, and owned by him, to be dealt with at his
pleasure.
b. This was a rebuke of ritualism, of empty repetition of religious ceremonies.
i. The practice of sacrifice under the Old Covenant might easily become a
mere ritual and empty formality.4
ii. Believers under the New Covenant no longer offer animal sacrifices, but
are still tempted to practice their Christian duties in a spirit of ritualism.
This must be actively avoided; God is not pleased by our ritualism.5
iii. Verse 14 - God wanted more than rituals of sacrifice. He wanted a
thankful heart, a life of obedience, and a living trust in Him.
c. This also tells us about God’s resources.
i. Paul said, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches
in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).
ii. The one who feeds the birds and clothes the flower will care for us (Matt.
6:26-31).
iii. Why then do we worry about how God will meet our needs?
III. God is Salvation (vv. 15)
a. God will respond to our call.
b. Here is a double promise for times of trouble:
i. “Call upon me in the day of trouble”
ii. “I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me”

3
http://www.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps050.php
4
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/guzik/psalms/50.htm
5
Ibid.
 c. The disciples found this true in a storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:36-41).
d. Jeremiah found this true at a difficult time in his life (Jeremiah 33:3).

Conclusion:

1. Have you been wondering if God will do right?

2. Have you been worried about meeting some pressing need?
3. Call out to God and find Him sufficient for you!