THE LOVING KINDNESS OF GOD

PSALMS 63:3

A. "BECAUSE THY LOVING KINDNESS IS BETTER THAN LIFE, MY LIPS SHALL PRAISE THEE."
  1. The phrase "loving kindness" occurs a number of times in the Bible:
    1. The Psalmist uses this expression twenty-one times - Ps. 17:7; 92:2; 26:3; 36:8, 10; 40:10, 11; 42:8; 48:9; 51:1; 63:3; 69:16; 88:11, 33; 92:2; 103:4; 107:43; 119:88, 159; 138:2; 143:8
    2. Jeremiah uses this phrase four times - Jer. 9:24; 16:5; 31:3; 32:18
    3. It is found once in the Book of Hosea - Hos. 2:19
  2. It will be most rewarding to the reader of the Bible to learn how the Psalmist and also the prophets used this phrase to magnify the love of God:
B. NOTICE THREE HIGH POINTS IN OUR OPENING TEXT
  1. God's loving kindness is joyfully acknowledged:
    1. "Thy loving kindness."
    2. "Thy loving kindness before mine eyes."
    3. "How excellent is thy loving kindness."
  2. This loving kindness is manifested:
    1. In the gift of God's only Son! - John 3:16; Eph. 2:7
    2. God spared not His only Son, but gave him up for us all - Rom. 8:31-33
    3. It is displayed in His forgiving mercy and saving grace - Isa. 44:22; 43:25; Jer. 31:34
    4. He manifests His loving kindness to those who love him - Ps. 103:13
    5. In His promises to His children - Ps. 31:19
    6. These are but a few of the many manifestations of God's loving kindness.
  3. The superlative value of God's loving kindness:
    1. "Better than life."
    2. The truth is that life, health, talents, wealth, knowledge are all the gifts of God's loving kindness.
    3. God's loving kindness is above life because -
      1. Life is supported by God's loving kindness.
      2. It is the joy and felicity of life.
      3. It sanctifies the adversities of life.
      4. It is more endurable than life. These are but a few points about the loving kindness which we receive daily!
C. ITS GRATEFUL INFLUENCE
  1. "My lips shall praise thee." How our hearts should overflow with praise and heartfelt gratitude for God's loving kindness!
  2. That praise should not be limited to lip service -- it should include:
    1. Undivided loyalty to God, His word, and His cause - EXAMPLES -
      1. Joseph
      2. Daniel and his friends
      3. Stephen
      4. Paul and many other faithfuls
    2. Loving service in His cause. How can we compensate for God's loving kindness more joyfully than dedicating our life to his service!


Design © John Bryant 2011