Main Thought
We’re all familiar with the word holy, but how would we describe it or define it? The idea of being “set apart” can help us understand what it means to be holy. Yet holiness doesn’t start with us; it all begins with God. Personal holiness is grounded in the holiness of God. So what makes God holy? God is holy because He is completely set apart (or unique) in His power, as our Source of Life, and in His goodness. Psalm 96 exhorts us to worship God in the beauty of His holiness. We can do that when we sing, declare His goodness to others, and ascribe (or credit) glory and honor to Him. These things allow us to perceive and understanding God’s holiness more clearly. Then, we’re inspired to grow in personal holiness as we come to know God’s holiness in a greater way.
Main Passage
Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples 4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
- Psalm 96:1-5
6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! 8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! 9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!
- Psalm 96:6-9
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy 13 before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.
- Psalm 96:10-13
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
What stands out to you most regarding the three things that make God holy, and why?
Psalm 96 gives us three things we can do to worship God. Which one(s) will you try to do this week?