Going Deeper… (Psalm 45)

Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Psalm 45), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

  • [1] God is singing this Psalm to his Son on the occasion of his “wedding.” The wedding day is one of the happiest days for any family. God’s heart is bursting with the good news of the union of Jesus Christ and his Bride, the church. Have you been caught up in the joy of a wedding, whether your own or someone else’s? Do you think of the Gospel in terms of God’s joyful proclamation of his Son’s wedding?
  • “Let marriage be held in honor among all” (Hebrews 13:4). Marriage is one of the Bible’s biggest pictures of the church’s spiritual union with Christ (see also The Song of Songs; Ezekiel 16; Hosea; Ephesians 5; Revelation 19-22). Whatever your earthly marital status, do you see in marriage a beautiful reflection of the Gospel? How can single people hold marriage in honor and enjoy the depths of Psalm 45 without resentment of their singleness?
  • [2-5] In Revelation (1:16; 2:12, 16; 19:15, 21), Jesus is pictured as having a sword coming from his mouth. Here, military imagery is preceded by “grace poured upon [his] lips.” How does Christ conquer his opposition by his word? Do you believe he is actually capable of doing this in the lives of people you know? Why or why not?
  • [6-9] This is a prophetic picture of the Ascension of Jesus. The “oil of gladness” is the Holy Spirit poured out upon the Anointed One (Christ). Why do you think he is called the “oil of gladness”?
  • [10-12] Coming to Christ is like leaving behind an old life and family relationships, and embarking on a new life with a spouse you don’t really know very well yet. Can you sympathize with others who might have doubts or reservations about trusting in Christ? How might you be able to testify that union with Christ is “worth it”?
  • [13-15] “God doesn’t love us because we are lovely but in order to make us so by grace” (Timothy Keller). Can you think of other passages in the Bible that teach the beautifying love of God for his people? How do you meditate on this thought? What are some implications of this thought?
  • [16-17] Like marriage, having children is a picture of spiritual realities—the fruit of evangelism, the harvest of mission, the blessing of the nations, future generations coming to know Christ, and an eternity of praising God. Whatever your earthly parenthood status, do you see children as a blessing from the Lord? How can those without children enjoy this part of Psalm 45 without resentment of their lack of children?