The Work of Godand

the Wisdom of Man

Psalm 111

Pastor Matt Stephens

The Work of God and the Wisdom of Man

• The Fourfold Work of God

The Work of God and the Wisdom of Man

• The Fourfold Work of God

• Four Essential Attributes of God

The Work of God and the Wisdom of Man

• The Fourfold Work of God

• Four Essential Attributes of God

• Four Responses to God

The Fourfold Work of God

• CREATION

The Fourfold Work of God

• CREATION

• Physical

The Fourfold Work of God

• CREATION

• Physical

• Biological

The Fourfold Work of God

• CREATION

• Physical

• Biological

• Social

The Fourfold Work of God

• CREATION

• Physical

• Biological

• Social

• Spiritual / Psychological

The Fourfold Work of God

• CREATION

• JUDGMENT

The Fourfold Work of God

• CREATION

• JUDGMENT

• PROVIDENCE

The Fourfold Work of God

• CREATION

• JUDGMENT

• PROVIDENCE

• REDEMPTION

The Fourfold Work of God

• REDEMPTION

• Incarnation

• Substitution

• Resurrection

• Ascension

• Consummation

Four Essential Attributes of God

Four Essential Attributes of God

• POWER

• “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them” (v. 2).

• “He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations” (v. 6).

Four Essential Attributes of God

• WISDOM

• “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them” (v. 2).

• “Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever” (v. 3)

• “He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered” (v. 4a).

Four Essential Attributes of God

• GOODNESS

• “the Lord is gracious and merciful” (v. 4b).

Four Essential Attributes of God

• FAITHFULNESS

• “He remembers His covenant forever” (v. 5b).

• “The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever” (vv. 7-8a).

Four Responses to God

Four Responses to God

• OVERFLOWING DELIGHT

• “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation” (v. 1).

Four Responses to God

• EARNEST INQUIRY

• “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them” (v. 2)

Four Responses to God

• HOLY REVERENCE

• “He provides food for those who fear him” (v. 4).

• “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Four Responses to God

• TRUSTFUL OBEDIENCE

• “all His precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness” (v. 7b-8).

• “all who practice it have a good understanding” (v. 10b).

Conclusion• “As Israel (and the world) is obedient to

torah, it becomes free for praise, which is its proper vocation, destiny and purpose.  In this light the expectation of the Old Testament is not finally obedience, but adoration” (Brueggemann, The Message of the Psalms, 167).

Conclusion“In the way of your testimonies

I delight as much as in all riches.

I will meditate on your precepts

and fix my eyes on your ways.

I will delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.”

(Ps. 119:14-16)