Psalm 24

Introduction:

This Psalm was likely written on the occasion when the Ark of the Covenant was moved to Mount Zion (2 Sam. 6; 1 Chron. 16). The theme is nearly identical to Psalm 15, in which both the holiness of God as well as of those who come into God’s presence is set forth.

Thesis:

God is present in holiness in the midst of His holy people.

Lessons:

1. The fact that God is the Creator and we are His creatures is the foundation for all worship (v. 1-2). Let us worship and serve the Creator rather than the creature.
2. It is our highest privilege to dwell continually in the presence of God (v. 3).
3. Only those who bear the fruits of regeneration prove that they are Israelites indeed (v. 4-6). No one is redeemed unless he or she rests upon Christ by faith, without the works of the law, but without holiness to demonstrate the truth of faith, no one shall see the Lord.
4. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, true Judaism is not that which is outward in the flesh, but inward in the Spirit through the circumcision of the heart (v. 6. Rom. 2). The covenant with Abraham was a spiritual covenant made ultimately with a spiritual people. It was the covenant of grace in the Old Testament.
5. In corporate worship, we not simply gather together in order to meet with the Triune God, but He comes to meet with us in our places of worship (v. 8-10). Let us greatly value corporate worship!