Psalm 139 serves as the foundation of Tom Harding's sermon titled "The Wonderful Knowledge of the Lord," where the doctrine of God's omniscience is central. Harding argues that God's knowledge is not merely intellectual but a deep, eternal understanding of His covenant people, known from everlasting. He supports this through various Scripture references, including Psalm 139:1-6, Matthew 11:25, and Romans 1:25, emphasizing that God's complete awareness encompasses our thoughts, actions, and essence, affirming His omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. The sermon conveys that acknowledging this divine knowledge is essential for true worship, comfort, and the believer's assurance, highlighting how it shapes the believer's relationship with God and their understanding of eternal life in Christ.
Key Quotes
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”
“To know the true and living God is to have eternal life.”
“God's infinite knowledge of us is most wonderful and glorious to think about.”
“Only at the throne of the most high God, the most sovereign God, that any sinner will truly worship God.”
The Bible teaches that God's omniscience means He possesses infinite and intimate knowledge of all things, without ever learning anything new.
God's omniscience is a central tenet of Scripture, reflecting His infinite and intimate knowledge of all creation and His creatures. In Psalm 139:1-4, it is stated, 'O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine uprising; thou understandest my thought afar off.' This passage highlights that God knows us completely, including our thoughts and actions. He has never learned anything, as He has known all things from eternity (Hebrews 4:13). Thus, the knowledge of God is not only comprehensive but also deeply personal, as He is intimately aware of the hearts and minds of His covenant children.
Psalm 139:1-4, Hebrews 4:13
We know God is omnipresent because Scripture affirms that there is no place we can go where He is not present.
God's omnipresence means that He is present everywhere at all times. Psalm 139:7-10 illustrates this by asking, 'Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?' The psalmist further emphasizes that even if he ascends to heaven or makes his bed in hell, God is there. This omnipresence provides both a sense of accountability and comfort for believers, as it assures us that God is always with us, guiding and supporting us. The understanding of God's presence encourages us to live in awareness of Him, knowing that we cannot escape His watchful eye.
Psalm 139:7-10
Understanding God's omnipotence is crucial because it assures us of His unlimited power and sovereignty over all creation.
God's omnipotence signifies His all-powerful nature, allowing Him to accomplish His will universally. In the context of salvation and providence, it reassures believers that God reigns supreme and that His plans cannot be thwarted. Psalm 115:3 states, 'But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.' This truth comforts us in times of trial and uncertainty, affirming that no one can resist God's will. Recognizing His omnipotence encourages us to trust in His capabilities to sustain and save, as seen in Romans 8:31, which proclaims, 'If God be for us, who can be against us?' This solemn truth empowers Christians to approach God boldly, believing in His ability to fulfill His promises.
Psalm 115:3, Romans 8:31
The Bible affirms that God has an everlasting and intimate knowledge of His children, as He has loved them from eternity.
God's knowledge of His children is described in a deeply affectionate manner throughout Scripture. Jeremiah 31:3 states, 'The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.' This indicates that God's love and knowledge are rooted in eternity, signifying a relationship that precedes our existence. Psalm 139 reveals that God's understanding extends to every aspect of our lives, as noted in verses 1-4, which express that He knows our thoughts and actions intimately. Therefore, His knowledge goes beyond mere awareness; it is a relational knowledge that assures His covenant children that they are known and loved by their Creator.
Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 139:1-4
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!