"STUDIES IN THE PSALMS"  
  
                   Introduction To Studying The Psalms  
  
INTRODUCTION  
  
1. The value of the Old Testament to the Christian is mentioned several  
   times in the New Testament:  
  
                   "For whatsoever things were  
                   written aforetime were written for  
                   our learning, that we through  
                   patience and comfort of the  
                   scriptures might have hope."  
  
                              -- Ro 15:4   
  
                   "Now all these things happened  
                   unto them for ensamples: and they are  
                   written for our admonition, upon whom  
                   the ends of the world are come."  
  
                              -- 1 Co 10:11   
  
                   "And that from a child thou hast  
                   known the holy scriptures, which are  
                   able to make thee wise unto salvation  
                   through faith which is in Christ  
                   Jesus.  
  
                   "All scripture [is] given by  
                   inspiration of God, and [is]  
                   profitable for doctrine, for reproof,  
                   for correction, for instruction in  
                   righteousness:  
  
                   "That the man of God may be perfect,  
                   throughly furnished unto all good works."  
  
                              -- 2 Ti 3:15-16   
  
2. Of all the books of the Old Testament, these statements are especially  
   true in regards to the Book of Psalms  
     
3. The value of the Psalms to the Christian is so great, every Christian  
   should do whatever they can to become more familiar with them.  
  
[The purpose of this study is to help one do just that!  Aside from what  
has already been said...]  
  
I. WHY STUDY THE PSALMS?  
  
   A. WE ARE COMMANDED AS CHRISTIANS TO USE THE PSALMS IN OUR SINGING  
      AND TEACHING...  
      1. "speaking to one another in PSALMS and hymns and spiritual  
         songs..." - Ep 5:19   
      2. "...teaching and admonishing one another in PSALMS and hymns  
         and spiritual songs" - Co 3:16   
      3. "Is anyone cheerful?  Let him sing psalms." - Ja 5:13   
  
   B. THEY ARE USEFUL FOR TEACHING AND CONFIRMING THAT JESUS IS THE  
      CHRIST (MESSIAH)...  
      1. Notice Jesus' use of the Psalms in Lk 24:44-47   
      2. Peter likewise used them in his first gospel sermon - Ac 2:  
         25-28,34-35  
  
   C. AS ONE READS THROUGH THE PSALMS, HE FINDS...  
      1. "expressed the eager yearning and longing for God's presence"  
      2. "prayers and songs of joyous trust and praise"  
      3. Every emotion known to man expressed in beautiful and inspired  
         terms (e.g., joy, anger, praise, repentance, trust, even doubt)  
  
   D. THE PSALMS ARE THEREFORE CAPABLE OF BEING THE CHRISTIAN'S...  
      1. "hymnal"  
      2. "prayer book"  
      3. "book of Christian evidences"  
      4. "training guide for living justly and righteously before God"  
  
[With these thoughts in mind, let's examine more closely the aim of  
this particular study...]  
  
II. WHAT IS THE AIM OF OUR STUDY?  
  
   A. TO BECOME MORE FAMILIAR WITH OLD TESTAMENT POETRY...  
      1. Essential to getting more out the Psalms  
      2. Important to avoid misinterpreting the Psalms  
  
   B. TO DEVELOP AN APPRECIATION AND WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF THE PSALMS...  
      1. So one may them for his or her comfort and encouragement  
      2. And to use them in counseling and comforting others  
  
   C. TO GLEAN A CLEARER PICTURE OF GOD'S CHARACTER FROM THE PSALMS...  
      1. His love, mercy and deliverance towards the righteous  
      2. His wrath and judgment against the wicked  
  
   D. TO LEARN MORE OF THE CHRIST IN PROPHECY...  
      1. Descriptions of His suffering and glorious reign are found in  
         the Psalms  
      2. Some of which are not found elsewhere in Scripture  
  
   E. TO SEE IN FULFILLED PROPHECY AN IRREFUTABLE ARGUMENT FOR...  
      1. The inspiration of the Scriptures  
      2. The claim that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah  
  
CONCLUSION  
  
1. These are just a few of the reasons why the Book of Psalms should be  
   read and studied by every Christian  
  
2. Hopefully this study will help to meet some of these objectives!