Our Great and Awesome God
Text: Psalm 139

Introduction:
Psalm 139 has often been called the crown of the Psalms. In it, David paints a portrait of God’s greatness that few writings can match. This psalm is a tribute to Jehovah, revealing His divine nature and perfect character. Here, David declares God as all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful, and all-holy—worthy of our worship, reverence, and obedience.

Our God Is All-Knowing – Omniscient (Verses 1–6)
David begins by addressing God with reverence: “O Lord.” The inferior speaks to the superior. God knows man completely—our actions, our words, and even our thoughts. He knows when we sit down and when we rise up. His knowledge is perfect, extending beyond our worship to every detail of daily life. He knows our motives better than we do (1 Kings 8:39). In verse 6, David acknowledges that God’s knowledge is far beyond his understanding. Isaiah echoes this truth in Isaiah 55:8–9, reminding us that God’s thoughts and ways exceed ours. His wisdom surpasses the combined wisdom of all humankind.

Our God Is All-Seeing – Omnipresent (Verses 7–12)
God is everywhere at all times. He is not bound by space or time. David asks in verse 7, “Where can I go from Your Spirit?” The answer is clear—nowhere. God’s presence fills the universe (Jeremiah 23:23–24). Even in the realm of the dead, He is there (Hebrews 4:13). If David could soar on the wings of the morning to the farthest reaches of the earth, God’s hand would still guide and uphold him (Psalm 63:6–8). Even in darkness, God’s vision is perfect. “The night shines as the day” (Job 34:22). His presence brings comfort—wherever we are, He is near.

Our God Is All-Powerful – Omnipotent (Verses 13–18)
These verses express awe for God’s creative power. He formed life itself, bringing the universe into existence (Colossians 1:16). He governs nations and sets rulers in their places (Daniel 4:25). David reflects on the miracle of human creation—God wove him together in the womb, crafting every bone and feature with divine precision. Each of us is a unique work of God’s design. From conception, God knew David’s life and purpose (verse 16). The psalmist stands in wonder at such wisdom and power, declaring that God’s thoughts toward His children are more numerous than the grains of sand. His presence endures through our waking and sleeping moments.

Our God Is All-Holy – Omnipure (Verses 19–24)
David turns his thoughts to God’s holiness. He calls upon the righteous Judge to deal with the wicked, knowing that evil cannot stand before Him (Psalm 9:17). Because these enemies oppose God, David considers them his own enemies. His hatred is not personal but righteous indignation against sin. In the closing verses, David humbly invites God to search his heart and reveal any wicked way within him. His deepest desire is to be led in the everlasting way that leads to eternal life.

Our Great and Awesome God Sermon Outline:

I. Introduction

• Psalm 139 reveals God’s majesty and attributes.

• David praises God as all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful, and all-holy.

• The psalm teaches reverence, humility, and worship toward Jehovah.

II. God Is All-Knowing – Omniscient (Psalm 139:1–6)

• God knows our every action, thought, and word.

• His understanding surpasses all human comprehension (1 Kings 8:39).

• Isaiah 55:8–9 affirms that His ways are higher than ours.

III. God Is All-Seeing – Omnipresent (Psalm 139:7–12)

• God’s presence fills heaven and earth (Jeremiah 23:23–24).

• No darkness can conceal us from His sight (Job 34:22).

• His hand guides, protects, and comforts us wherever we go (Psalm 63:6–8).

IV. God Is All-Powerful – Omnipotent (Psalm 139:13–18)

• God created life and sustains all things (Colossians 1:16).

• He rules over nations (Daniel 4:25).

• Every human being is a unique creation, known by God from conception (Psalm 139:16).

• His thoughts toward us are beyond number, revealing His unending care.

V. God Is All-Holy – Omnipure (Psalm 139:19–24)

• God’s holiness demands justice against evil (Psalm 9:17).

• The righteous align themselves with God’s cause against sin.

• True holiness involves self-examination and purity of heart (Psalm 139:23–24).

VI. Conclusion and Invitation

• Since God is all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful, and holy, we must honor Him with our lives.

• Jesus is the only way to eternal life (John 14:6).

• Salvation begins with faith, repentance, confession, and baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

• Let us strive to walk in holiness and righteousness before our all-powerful Creator.

Call to Action:
God sees every heart and knows every thought. He is present in every moment of our lives. Let us live in reverence and obedience to Him, seeking purity and faithfulness each day. If there is sin in your life, ask God to cleanse it and guide you in the way everlasting.

Key Takeaways:

• God knows all things—our thoughts, motives, and actions (Psalm 139:1–6; 1 Kings 8:39).

• God’s presence fills all creation and brings comfort (Jeremiah 23:23–24; Psalm 63:6–8).

• God’s power is seen in His creation and providence (Colossians 1:16; Daniel 4:25).

• God’s holiness demands justice but also invites repentance (Psalm 139:23–24; John 14:6).

• Reverence and obedience are the proper responses to His greatness.

Scripture Reference List:

• Psalm 139: Main text describing God’s omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, and holiness.

• Isaiah 55:8–9: God’s thoughts and ways are far above ours.

• 1 Kings 8:39: God alone knows the hearts of all men.

• Jeremiah 23:23–24: No one can hide from the presence of God.

• Job 34:22: Darkness cannot conceal from His sight.

• Psalm 63:6–8: God’s presence sustains and upholds the faithful.

• Colossians 1:16: God is Creator and Sustainer of all life.

• Daniel 4:25: God rules in the kingdoms of men.

• Psalm 9:17: The wicked will face judgment.

• John 14:6: Jesus is the only way to eternal life.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO