In this sermon titled "I Will Thank Thee Forever," Gabe Stalnaker addresses the theological theme of gratitude, particularly focusing on Christ's interaction with the Father as depicted in Psalm 30. He emphasizes that the Psalm should be interpreted as the voice of Christ, particularly after His resurrection, highlighting the deep relational dynamic between the Father and the Son, where the Father honors the Son, and the Son reciprocates that honor. Stalnaker draws parallels to Psalm 16 and Psalm 40, illustrating Christ's faith in the promises of God during His suffering and the significance of God's holiness in the atonement, asserting that without God's holiness, the sacrifice of Christ would lack efficacy. The sermon culminates in a call for Christians to live in continual thanksgiving, recognizing the pivotal role of God’s holiness in their salvation, and encouraging believers to remember the countless reasons to express gratitude to God both now and for eternity.
Key Quotes
“I will extol thee, O LORD, for thou hast lifted me up.”
“It was God's holiness that saved us. It was love, and it was grace, and it was mercy in holiness that saved us.”
“In my prosperity, I said, I shall never be moved. I am the Lord, I change not.”
“We have so much to be thankful for right now... because of Christ, we will for all of eternity.”
The Bible emphasizes God's holiness as the foundation of His justice and salvation, highlighting His righteous nature.
God's holiness is a central attribute, essential for understanding His character. It is so profound that, while God loves His Son, He could not spare Him from punishment due to our sins. This shows that God's holy justice requires a penalty for sin. Therefore, Christ bore our sins and was made guilty in our place to fulfill God's justice. Without this holiness, God's love would ultimately fail to address sin appropriately, demonstrating that we owe our salvation to both His holiness and love in action.
Psalm 30:4-5, Psalm 16:10-11
Jesus' resurrection assures believers of their salvation and victory over sin and death.
The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith, affirming the effectiveness of His sacrifice. In Psalm 30, Jesus speaks of being lifted up, reflecting His confidence in the Father to raise Him after enduring the cross. This act is not only a demonstration of His power but also a fulfillment of God's covenant promise. Through His resurrection, believers are assured that death does not have the final word, and they are granted hope and new life through Him, which is a cornerstone of the Gospel.
Psalm 30:1, Psalm 16:10-11, Hebrews 10
Thanksgiving is vital as it acknowledges God's holiness and His actions in our lives, fostering a heart of gratitude.
Thanksgiving is a recurring theme in the Psalms and is essential for the Christian life because it reflects our recognition of God's holiness and what He has done for us. In Psalm 30, the call to give thanks is a response to God’s grace and mercy, especially in the past, present, and future blessings that Christians have through Christ. Moreover, expressing gratitude not only honors God but also reinforces our faith and fosters a joyful heart amidst life’s challenges. Living in a constant state of thankfulness helps us remember God's goodness and encourages us to share this reminder with others.
Psalm 30:4, Psalm 40:3
Jesus as our helper signifies His continual presence and support in our lives through trials and tribulations.
The idea of Jesus as our helper is deeply rooted in Scripture, revealing the personal relationship believers have with Him. As expressed in Psalm 30, Jesus, in His suffering and turmoil, sought the help of the Father, illustrating that He understands our struggles. His role as our helper brings comfort and assurance that we are not alone in our difficulties. Jesus continually intercedes on our behalf, providing strength and guidance, ensuring that we can endure through the trials of this life, ultimately leading us to joy and eternal life.
Psalm 30:10-11, Psalm 46:1
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