SUBJ: Dealing with the greatness of God’s blessings in salvation and the means of acknowledgment.

AIM: That we should follow the example of the Psalmist and pursue the issue in the terms of the graces given.

INTR: This Psalm has long been a favorite resource to me personally and this question in particular is one with which I have wrestled.
1. A low view of God and His Christ will result is a devalued consideration of salvation itself. It behooves us to look to the being an existence of God and to stand in awe of what we see.
2. This Psalm takes on a very personal tone and addresses what seem to be deeply personal issues (I said in my haste all men are liars). But, in our contemplation of the things of God we are soon drawn onto the way of worship and commitment.
3. The entire Psalm references salvation and is sometimes very intimate: See verse 7 and the dialogue with his soul.

THESIS: While we readily confess that there is nothing that one may do to repay salvation, we are well advised to confess our indebtedness before the Lord and men.

I. A question asked in wonder and the benefits referenced (v. 12)
1. At first glance, the question seems to be without answer in that no value could ever be placed on that which is accomplished in Christ.
2. Desperate cries have been answered by One whose ear is so inclined. (vv. 1-2)
3. A triune expression of blessedness (Gracious, righteous, and merciful) found infinitely beneficial (v. 5)
4. Preservation of the simple – See especially (v. 8)
5. A contrast is here advanced as opposed to the harping uttered (vv. 9-11)
6. And the focus is turned to what we have personally received at the hand of the Lord
1) Mercy and grace
2) A view of His perfection and praise
3) The delight of His fellowship wherein He has condescended to meet with us!
4) “With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, “O glory to God
For such a Redeemer as mine!” Fanny Crosby

II. A strange answer to the question (v. 13ff)
1. “I will take…” A wise reply indeed.
1) From Robert Hawker: “Precious Jesus! Thou drankest the cup of trembling. And thy people are called to take the cup of salvation.”
2) The typical reluctance seen in that people want to pay for their salvation or simply consider it of no value.
3) It is in the receiving of that blessedness that God is Himself glorified and exalted.
4) The gracious cook is honored when the guest asks for more of what she had labored over so lovingly! So is God as He sees the outworking of His Grace in producing a sweet savor of Christ in us!
5) “The best return for one like me
So wretched and so poor
Is from His gifts to draw a plea
And ask Him still for more.” Spurgeon
2. The cup is often used for the life of consciousness we are given and we are reminded that because of our Shepherd, “Our cup runneth over!”
1) Consider that the cup received and ingested by Christ our Redeemer was taken into His very being and permeated throughout and affected His very soul and
2) That is the example that David here gives us of an opposite effect in us – the life of Christ affecting every part of our being.
3. To take embrace the salvation given is an act of worship and it behooves us as did the Psalmist here to review and commit. Vows to be paid in the presence of the people!
1) See verse 2: will call upon Him -- Verse 9: I will walk
2) Verse 17: I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the Name of the Lord.
4. Praise ye the Lord!