Sermon Outline: “Great Is the Glory of the Lord”
Text: Psalm 138:1-8
Theme Statement: David’s psalm reminds us that God is near to those who praise Him, and His glory is revealed in His power, perfection, presence, and passion.
Big Idea: When God’s people praise Him wholeheartedly, His glory is revealed in their lives, their church, and their world.
1. The Power of Wholehearted Praise (Psalm 138:1-2)
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David praised God with his whole heart, not partially.
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Wholehearted worship brings the presence and power of God near.
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Revival comes when believers praise without pride or reservation.
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Paul & Silas praised God in prison — God shook the foundations and set them free.
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God is near to those who praise Him — He never lets His people down.
Illustration: Like a fire that burns brighter when fully fueled, worship grows stronger when we give God our whole heart.
2. The Glory of the Lord (Psalm 138:5)
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David declares: “Great is the glory of the Lord.”
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Glory belongs to God alone — it is His nature revealed.
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Even in prayer, Jesus taught us to end with: “For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.”
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From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible declares God’s glory.
Illustration: Like sunlight breaking through clouds, God’s glory shines through every page of Scripture.
3. The Glory of His Power (Genesis 1:1)
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God’s glory is seen in His limitless power.
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Creation testifies — He spoke, and it was done.
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Evolution cannot explain something out of nothing; God can.
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Every tree, star, and ocean declares His glory.
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He is the Almighty Yahweh, worthy of praise.
Illustration: Looking up at the night sky, each star is a reminder of God’s spoken power and eternal glory.
4. The Glory of His Perfection (Psalm 18:30)
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God is perfect in all His ways — holy, just, righteous.
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His judgments are flawless; His creation is without error.
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He has the right to rule His world as Creator.
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Humanity questions His actions, but His perfection remains.
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He deserves glory because He never makes mistakes.
Illustration: Like a master craftsman whose work is flawless, God’s creation and judgments are always perfect.
5. The Glory of His Presence (Psalm 138:7 – 1 Corinthians 10:13)
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God’s presence is revealed through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
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Christians are never alone; His Spirit guides and comforts.
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He knows every pain, every fear, every burden.
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He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.
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His glory is shown in His faithful presence with His children.
Illustration: Like a faithful friend who never leaves your side, the Holy Spirit walks with believers day and night.
6. The Glory of His Passion (John 3:16)
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The cross reveals the greatest glory: God’s passion for the lost.
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Christianity is unique — God sacrificed Himself for His people.
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Jesus gave His life so we could live eternally.
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His love reveals His glory and draws all men to Him.
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He is alive and exalted, seated at God’s right hand.
Illustration: Like a soldier who lays down his life for others, Christ’s sacrifice proves the depth of His passion for souls.
Conclusion / Invitation
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God’s glory is revealed in His power, perfection, presence, and passion.
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He is near to those who praise Him wholeheartedly.
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Like David, we should give Him our whole heart in praise.
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Great is the glory of the Lord — give Him the praise He is worthy of.