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Call to worship: Hebrews 12:18-29

Text: Psalm 81

Sermon Outline:

1. A psalm that's a song about worshipping God together in song, 81:1-3
2. Why we must worship God together in song, 81:4-16.

   3 reasons:

   • God commands it, 81:4-5a
   • God commands it in view of what He's done to save us, 81:5b-7
   • God commands it in view of how He ever-desires to satisfy us, 81:8-16.

     How does He?

     • His desire in this is exceedingly gracious.
     • His desire in this is exceedingly abundant
     • His desire in this is exceedingly secure

Prepare

Questions to Consider:

1. In 81:1-3, note the imperatives or commands. What are they commanding? It's more than one or two things. To sing or not to sing? How? With whom? To whom? Why (this is the rest of the psalm)?
2. In 81:4-5a, Asaph gives the first reason we should worship God together in song. What is it? What might be some implications of this reason?
3. In 81:5b-7, Asaph gives the second reason we should worship God together in song. What is it? How might this change the way we approach corporate worship? What are we really doing or meant to do? What's it for?
4. In 81:8-16, Asaph gives the third reason we should worship God together in song. What is it? Really, how might you summarize it? What's God's main desire in these verses? See vv. 8, 11, 13. Had Israel done what God desired and/or commanded? See v. 11. Were there consequences for their idolatry and rebellion? See v. 12. In light of their sin, what might you expect God to say in vv. 10, 14-16? A word of judgment? Wrath? Forsakenness? Moving on?
5. In 81:10, what does God say? This is our apple of gold in a setting of silver. It's the revelation of His steadfastly gracious heart towards His people. God desires to satisfy us, even when it's sin that's marked our weeks. What does He call us to do? What's His invitation? With what will He fill us? How does this promise relate to Christ? See 2 Cor 1:20.