His Mercy Endureth Forever

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-5-2025

Psalm 136

 

Introduction:

 

A.  This Psalm is one of a repetitive phrase.  All 26 verses end in the phrase: “for his mercy endureth forever.”

 

B.  When I think of mercy, my mind automatically goes to Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life …”

 

Lamentations 3:22-23  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  (23)  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

 

Psalms 78:37-39  For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.  (38)  But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.  (39)  For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.

 

C.  I often say that God has been a lot better to me than I have been to Him!

 

D.  I have seen different breakdowns of Psalm 136 by good men of God that I want to take a short look at.  This is just for your information.

 

1.  Dr. John Phillips outlined Psalm 136 this way:

 

I.  THE CALL TO THANKSGIVING (136:1-3)

 

A.  The Goodness of God (136:1)

B.  The Greatness of God (136:2-3)

 

1.  His Diety (136:2)

2.  His Dominion (136:3)

 

II.  THE CAUSES OF THANKSGIVING (136:4-25)

 

A.  The Lord Created All Things (136:4-9)

 

1.  God’s Personal Uniqueness (136:4)

 

2.  God’s Perfect Universe (136:5-9)

 

a.  The Original Chaos (136:5-6)

b.  The Original Cosmos (136:7-9)

 

B.  The Lord Controls All Things (136:10-24)

 

1.  How The Lord Delivered Israel (136:10-15)

 

a.  His First Act of Deliverance (136:10)

b.  His Further Act of Deliverance (136:11-14)

 

(1)  In Saving Them (136:11-12)

(2)  In Separating Them (136:13-14)

 

c.  His Final Act of Deliverance (136:15)

 

2.  How The Lord Directed Israel (136:16-22)

 

a.  In Their Ways (136:16)

b.  In Their Wars (136:17-22)

(1)  Their Conspicuous Triumphs (136:17-20)

(2)  Their Conquered Territory (136:21-22)

 

3.  How The Lord Defended Israel (136:23-24)

 

a.  Remembered Them (136:23)

b.  Rescued Them (136:24)

 

C.  The Lord Considers All Things (136:25)

 

III.  THE CONCLUSION OF THANKSGIVING (136:26)

 

 

2.  Dr. Tom Wallace outlined Psalm 136 this way:

 

" THANK GOD FOR HIS ETERNAL MERCY "

PSALM ONE-HUNDRED THIRTY SIX

INTRODUCTION:

A. God's mercy is displayed in a number of ways.

B. God's mercy is eternal and unchanging.

C. God's mercy reveals supernatural through the natural.

1. GOD'S GOODNESS IS ETERNAL AND UNCHANGING. V 1-3

A. His mercy is unchanging.

B. His mercy is never exhausted.

C. His mercy is present in all His actions.

2. GOD'S GREAT WORKS SHOW HIS MERCY. V 4-9

A. His work of creation. (4-7)

B. His work of controlling. (8) "by day"

C. His work of controlling. (9) "by night"

3. GOD'S GRUESOME JUDGEMENT SHOWS HIS MERCY. V 10,12,15

A. The smiting of Egypt with the ten plagues.

B. The strong hand of Judgement in the sea.

4. GOD'S GRACE AND DELIVERANCE REVEALS HIS MERCY. V 13,14,19

A. Deliverance through the barrier of the sea.

B. Deliverance through the battles with the enemy.

C. Deliverance through the burdens of the desert.

5. GOD'S GUIDANCE OF HIS PEOPLE REVEALS HIS MERCY. V 16

A. By the pillar of cloud by day.

B. By the pillar of fire by night.

6. GOD'S GIFT TO CAANAN TO ISRAEL REVEALS HIS MERCY. V 21,22

A. He gave it in the days of Joshua.

B. He gave it in the days of Nehemiah.

C. He gave it again in 1948.

7. GOD'S GRACIOUS PROVISION FOR US REVEALS HIS MERCY. V 23,25

A. He saw us in our sinfulness.

B. He sent to us a Saviour.

C. He sent to us supply and provision.

E.  There is so much in this Psalm that shows us the love, goodness, and mercy of God.

 

1.  Verses 1–3 — God’s Goodness and Supremacy.

 

Psalms 136:1-26  O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.  (2)  O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.  (3)  O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. 

 

a.  God’s goodness is the fountainhead of His mercy. His character never changes, and His mercy never expires.

b.  He alone is the true God above all false gods of the nations. His mercy is seen in revealing Himself to us.

 

c.  Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). His mercy ensures His reign is both just and gracious.

 

2.  Verses 4–9 — God’s Mercy in Creation.

 

(4)  To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.  (5)  To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.  (6)  To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.  (7)  To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (8)  The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (9)  The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever. 

 

a.  Creation itself is a wonder of mercy. The God who made the heavens and the earth did so to reveal His glory and provide for His creatures.

 

b.  God’s wisdom ordered the heavens. His mercy is seen in the regularity of the seasons, the stars guiding man, and the heavens declaring His glory (Psalm 19:1).

 

c.  He brought stability and habitation to the earth—mercy in providing a home for man.

 

d.  The sun, moon, and stars sustain life and mark time. His mercy gives light both physically and spiritually.

 

e.  Even the darkness is not void of His provision. His mercy shines in both day and night.

 

3.  Verses 10–15 — God’s Mercy in Redemption (Israel’s Deliverance from Egypt)

 

(10)  To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (11)  And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (12)  With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.  (13)  To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (14)  And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (15)  But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

 

a.  The plagues on Egypt reveal both judgment and mercy. Mercy to Israel in delivering them; judgment on Pharaoh for rebellion.

 

b.  His mercy is not weak—it is mighty to save.

 

c.  The Red Sea miracle shows mercy opening a way of escape.

 

d.  Mercy to God’s people means judgment to their enemies. His mercy endures forever toward His children, even when the world rises against them.

 

4.  Verses 16–22 — God’s Mercy in Guidance and Conquest

 

(16)  To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.  (17)  To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (18)  And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (19)  Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (20)  And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (21)  And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (22)  Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. 

 

a.  Even in times of wandering, His mercy provided manna, water, and guidance by cloud and fire.

 

b.  God’s mercy defended His people against their enemies.

 

c.  Though mighty men, they fell before God’s enduring mercy.

 

• d.  God’s mercy provides an inheritance to His people. This points forward to our eternal inheritance in Christ (1 Peter 1:4).

 

5.  Verses 23–25 — God’s Mercy in Daily Provision

 

(23)  Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:  (24)  And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.  (25)  Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. 

 

 

a.  When we were weak, forgotten, or humbled, His mercy remembered us.

 

b.  Deliverance is not only past but present—He continually redeems His people.

 

c.  His mercy feeds the sparrows (Matthew 6:26), and He will surely feed His children.

 

6.  Verse 26 — Closing Call to Thanksgiving

 

(26)  O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

 

a.  “O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.”  The psalm concludes where it began—with thanksgiving. From the highest heaven, God rules in His mercy. His mercy never ends in this life or in eternity.

 

Conclusion:  What a merciful Heavenly Father that we have.  Psalms 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

The Hills of Help

 Temple Baptist Church - 8-18-2024

Psalm 121:1-2

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  I want to divide this Psalm over the next couple of weeks to look at something that is generally missed.  There are two things that are seen here, and both are equally important and inseparably tied together. But normally, only one aspect of the Psalm is preached.

 

B.  Psalm 121 is one of the Psalms that are used many times at funerals.  It is a good one to read as the bereaved family and friends are suffering great loss.  It is Psalm that will cause them to get the right help from both the right Place and the right Person at the right time.

 

C.  I will begin to dissect this Psalm tonight as it is also go great importance to God’s people in both good and bad times.  Without any further introduction, let us look at this Psalm.

 

D.  Psalm 121 is another of the “Songs of Degrees” related to travel.  It was one of the Psalms that the pilgrims sang as they went back to Jerusalem on one of the three feast days where all males were required to attend. 

 

E.  In the first 2 verses we find the answers to two questions: 

 

1.  The question of Where they intend to go and

 

2.  Who they intended to see when they got there.

 

3.  Hills in themselves are of no help so the implications of the Psalm are that there is some place in the hills where their help will be available.

 

F.  Topography of Israel holds a very important key to the Psalm.  Any direction from which one approaches Jerusalem is an upward journey physically as Jerusalem is surrounded by hills.

 

1.  Jerusalem is 2,474 feet above sea level. 

 

2.  The Valley of Megiddo (also called Jezreel) is to the north of Jerusalem.

 

3.  The plains of Sharon and coastal plains are to the west of Jerusalem.

 

4.  The trans-Jordan Valley to the east of Jerusalem.

 

5.  And the desert of Juday and the Dead Sea (the lowest place on earth) to the south of Jerusalem! 

 

6.  Every way they approached Jerusalem was an upward journey or “Journey of Degrees.”

 

G.  Therefore, the approach of the traveler was degrees upward, not downward.  It is the same for us today.  Our journey should be an upward one so as to encourage each of us in this world of sin, sickness, and sadness.  Degrees means slow but steady progress which is a beautiful picture of the life of a child of God.

 

1.  First of all, this Psalm is not like most which are prayer oriented.  “I will lift up mine eyes”  This is a continuing attitude of the Psalmist. 

 

2.  “Lift” is used instead of “lifted.”  Lifted carries with it the thought that he had been looking down, lifted up his eyes, and probably look back down as “Lifted” is in the past tense

 

3.  To the contrary, the word “lift” is in the present tense.  Something common, something lasting, something expectant. 

 

4.  His eyes were taking him to Jerusalem on a feast day thus he was headed for the Temple, the house of God.  In the house of God, we fine encouragement to help us in these wicked later days to:

 

H.  Verses 1-2.  Here we find three things: the Place of help, the Person of help, and the Power of help.

 

1.  The Place of our Help.  “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”  They were headed for Jerusalem and the Temple to worship.  We continue to emphasize the importance of what we are doing tonight, being faithful to our church!  Hebrews 10:25 will never be a verse that wears out.  God designed the local church to be a place of peace, learning, worship, giving, fellowship, and encouragement. 

 

a.  Encouragement to continue a walk of holiness with God. 

 

b.  To withstand the onslaught of Satan and the world.

 

c.  To be steadfast and immovable in the way.

 

d.  To help us to follow the “Old Paths” in decaying religious surroundings.

 

e.  To finish our Course in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.

 

f.  To keep the faith once delivered.

 

g.  To all of the above with joy!

 

2.  The Person of our Help.  “My help cometh from the LORD”  The local church is the House of God and as Abraham returned to Bethel and named it El-Bethel (El – God and Bethel – the House of God) because he continued to find the Lord there!

 

Matthew 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

John 20:19  Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

 

Psalms 46:1  To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 

a.   God is our Refuge.  Our hiding place!  We are hid with Christ in God.  He is our protector, peace and comfort.  “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) 

 

b.  God is our Strength.  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

 

c.  God is our Help.  “A very present help in trouble.”  “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

 

3.  The Power of our Help.  “which made heaven and earth.”  What a statement!

 

a.  Power belongeth unto God.  “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.”  (Psalms 62:11)

 

b.  All power belongeth to Christ Jesus.  “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”  (Matthew 28:18)

 

c.  God’s Power manifested in Creation says enough.  “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”  (Genesis 1:1)  Ex Nihilo – from or out of nothing. 

 

Romans 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

d.  What is it that you need; what is it that want?  I am not of the “name it claim it” people, but we have not simply because we ask not.

 

Psalms 121:1-2  A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  (2)  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

The Psalm of Mercies - The LORD My Salvation

Temple Baptist Church - 10-29-2023

Psalm 118:5-14

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  Psalms 118 is a Praise Psalm with the mercies of God in mind.  Jerimiah wrote of such mercies in the Book of Lamentation and says, “It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed …”!

 

Lamentations 3:22-23  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 

 

1.  We can make an application to being saved from the penalties of our sinfulness.  God has certainly been merciful to each of this because His “compassions fail not!”  The Lord loves His children as a father and mother love their child.  He loves us when we are sad, bad, and glad!  His compassions fail not!

 

2.  We can make an application to being saved from our enemies and circumstances.  I believe that this is consistent with Psalm 118.

 

a)  Saved from Sin.

 

b)  Saved from Self.

 

c)  Saved from Society.

 

d)  Saved from Situations.

 

e)  Saved from Satan.

 

B.  Psalms 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

 

1.  “Surely” – an affirmation.  You can “take it to the bank!”  God’s promises, they also fail not!

 

2.  “Goodness and mercy” – An unconditional promise.  We get better than we deserve (goodness) and we get less than we deserve (mercy).

 

3.  “Shall follow me all the days of my life” – For as long as we may live.  They follow me when I go right and make right decisions; they follow me when I go wrong and make wrong decisions!

 

C.  I want to break down verses 5-14.  When troubles and trials come, we are to rely upon the Lord.

 

Psalms 56:3  What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

 

1.  Verse 5.  I called and the Lord delivered me.  Psalms 34:4  I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  (6)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 

2.  Verse 6.  My confidence in the Lord rewarded me with peace.  John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

Philippians 4:9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

 

3.  Verse 7.  The Lord protected me from my enemies.  Psalms 9:9  The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

 

Isaiah 59:19  So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

 

4.  Verses 8-9.  Confidence in the things of the world fails but confidence in the Lord never fails.  Psalms 20:7  Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

 

Hebrews 10:35-37  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.  (36)  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  (37)  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

 

5.  Verses 10-12.  The world hates me and tries to destroy me, but the Lord loves me and gives me victory.  1 John 5:4-5  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  (5)  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

 

1 Corinthians 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

6.  Verse 13.  When I am about to fall, the Lord holds me up and I shall not be moved.  Psalms 145:14  The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

 

Psalms 3:2-6  Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.  (3)  But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  (4)  I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.  (5)  I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.  (6)  I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

 

7.  Verse 14.  The Lord is my strength; the Lord is my song; and the Lord IS BECOME my Salvation.  “I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee.”  The Lord is “become” my salvation?  Become – to come to pass; continuance, to develop into or to convert.

 

a.  When I am in trouble:  Psalms 18:35-36  Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.  (36)  Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

 

b.  When I am sad:  Job 35:10  But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;

 

Psalms 3:3  But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

 

c.  When I am overcome:  Isaiah 12:1-6  And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.  (2)  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.  (3)  Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.  (4)  And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.  (5)  Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.  (6)  Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.