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Scripture Reading:  Psalm 48:1-8

The Beauty of Zion

Psalm 48

Intro.

1.  Zion:  Name first given to citadel or stronghold on SE ridge of Jerusalem during David’s reign (“city of David”), then the Temple Hill & entire city of Jerusalem) – 2 Sam. 5:6-9; 1 Kgs. 8:1; Isa. 8:18; Jer. 31:6; Amos 1:2; Isa. 2:3.

2.  Zion comes to represent the rule of God among His people (since King David ruled from there) – Psa. 2:6-7 (Micah 4:1-4).

3.  Clearly, Zion comes to stand for the kingdom of God, the church of Christ – Heb. 12:22-23.

4.  Psalm 48:  The wonders of God ruling in Zion are praised.

I.  THE CHURCH:  RULED OVER BY GOD – 48:1-2.

  A.  The Lord Rules over His Kingdom, the Church.

    1.  Just as His rule in Zion was extolled, so God reigns over spiritual Zion, the church – Dan. 7:13-14; Eph. 1:20-23.

    2.  He brings to the church His majesty, beauty, & greatness.

  B.  The Privilege of Citizenship in Zion – Psa. 87:1-3, 5-6.

    1.  Preeminence of Zion – To be born in her was a blessing.

    2.  Jno. 3:3, 5 – New birth to enter kingdom of God.

    3.  Acts 2:47; Col. 1:13 – God recognizes those born there!

    4.  cf. Heb. 8:10-12 – God is our God - We are his people!

II.  THE CHURCH:  A PLACE OF REFUGE – 48:3-8.

  A.  The Lord is the Refuge of the Church – 48:3.

      1.  Trust Him – Heb. 13:6.

      2.  As Christians live by faith, our safety from enemies of the faith is assured – Psa. 125:1 (Rom. 8:31-38).

      3.  Our salvation is secure in Christ! – 1 Jno. 5:11-13

  B.  The Enemies of Zion cannot Overwhelm Her – 48:5-8.

      1.  Enemies of ancient Zion turned away in terror at the prospect of doing battle against it (Psa. 48:5-7).

      2.  Likewise, the church will stand – Dan. 2:44; Matt. 16:18; Rev. 14:1-5.

        a.  As we maintain faith – 1 Jno. 5:4.

        b.  As we resist the devil – Jas. 4:7.

        c.  As we put on God’s armor – Eph. 6:10-13.

III.  THE CHURCH IS GOD’S TEMPLE – 48:9-11. 

  A.  The Church is a Habitation of God – Eph. 2:19-22.

      1.  As the OT temple was the place God “dwelt” with His people, even so the church is God’s “temple” – Micah 4:1-2; Eph. 2:19-22.

  B.  Blessings in God’s Temple, the Church:

      1.  Grace (lovingkindness) – 48:9.  The mercy & salvation of God is found in the church – Rom. 5:1-2; Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:23.

      2.  Authority (name, power) – 48:10.  God’s authority in Zion is complete – Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18.

      3.  Righteousness of God – 48:10.  God’s righteousness fills His church – cf. Isa. 62:1-2; Matt. 6:33.

      4.  Judgments of God – 48:11.  The church is directed by His judgments contained in His word – 1 Cor. 14:37.

      5.  Praise of God – 48:11 (for all His blessings, Eph. 3:20-21).

IV.  WALK ABOUT ZION – 48:12-14 (Examine the church).

  A.  Number Her Towers – 48:12 (towers for observation).

      1.  Ezek. 3:17 – Watchmen are blessings from God!

      2.  Watchmen on the towers of Zion – Acts 20:28 (Heb. 13:17); 1 Pet. 5:8.

  B.  Mark Well Her Bulwarks – 48:13 (defenses).

      1.  What are her defenses to stand against worldliness, indifference, false doctrine, inward strife & division? – Eph. 6:10-13, 14-17

      2.  God’s protection at work (48:3-6); 2 Cor. 10:3-6.

  C.  Consider Her Palaces – 48:13.  (cf. Jerusalem, David & Solomon)

      1.  The beauties of the church include (Eph. 5:27):

        a.  Salvation from sin (redeemed, Rev. 14:1, 3-4).

        b.  Fellowship with God & His saints (temple of God).

        c.  The privilege of service (Psa. 84:10) – priests.

        d.  Security & victory in Christ (Rom. 8:37-39).

        e.  Hope of eternal life (heavenly citizenship, Heb. 12:23; Phil. 3:20).

Conclusion

1.  Psalm 48:14 – God will guide Zion throughout life & secure her in death.

2.  Are you a citizen of Zion?  Enter God’s kingdom now!