Sermon Outline 12.7.2025

Love That Stoops Low and Lifts High—Psalm 103—Second Sunday of Advent

Introduction

I. Remember God’s Benefits (vv. 1–5)

• Verses 1 through 5 list the covenant benefits of the Lord: He forgives, He heals, He redeems, He crowns, He renews. These verbs are not random blessings scattered on the page. They are covenant verbs that describe God acting as King, Priest, and Redeemer toward His people. When David remembers God’s benefits, he is recalling the mercies God has shown to His covenant people across generations.

II. Rest in God’s Mercy (vv. 6–14)

• Ps 103 is arranged so that mercy stands at its center. It echoes the revelation of Ex 34: The Lord, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love.
• In the same way, David turns from recounting God’s benefits to beholding God’s character. He does not deal with us according to our sins. He deals with us according to His mercy.

III. Rejoice in God’s Everlasting Kingship & Love (vv. 15–22)

• God’s love belongs to another category. We fade. God remains. Every fear weakens before this truth because every fear depends on something temporary.
• David anchors his hope in the everlasting love of God. v17 is a banner of reassurance.
• Verse 19 anchors the whole vision: The Lord has established His throne in the heavens. That throne is the backbone of the psalm. A love that is everlasting rests on a throne that never moves.

Conclusion