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How
Great Thou Art
A Songbook Hymn Sermon based on the hymn by
Carl Gustav Boberg
The Glory
of God Revealed in Creation
The
opening verse of How Great Thou Art declares in reverent awe:
“O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
consider all the worlds Thy hands have made…”
This hymn
begins, appropriately, where many of our thoughts about God begin—with
the grandeur of His creation. Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare
the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” When we
gaze at the stars, hear the thunder roll, or witness the majesty of a
mountain range, our hearts are stirred to awe.
Romans
1:20 teaches that God’s invisible attributes—His eternal power and
divine nature—are clearly seen in the things that are made. Nature
testifies to His greatness. We are without excuse if we ignore the voice
of creation crying out, “God is great!” His power, His beauty, and His
intelligence are all reflected in the world around us. When we look
thoughtfully at creation, we cannot help but exclaim,
“How great Thou art!”
The Glory
of God Revealed in the Cross
As the
hymn moves from creation to redemption, we are brought face-to-face with
the depth of God's love:
“And when I think that God, His Son not
sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in…”
What greater
demonstration of God’s greatness could there be than the cross? Romans
5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Isaiah 53:5 says
He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.
The God who
made the stars willingly gave His Son for sinners like us. And He did
not spare Him—He gave Him fully. Philippians 2:8 tells us that Jesus
“humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the
death of the cross.” That’s why the songwriter is left breathless:
“I scarce can take it in.” If we truly reflect on the cross, we
will never again question God’s goodness or greatness.
The
Promise of Christ’s Return
The
hymn does not end with the cross, but with the crown:
“When Christ shall come, with shout of
acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart…”
Christ
will return. This is our hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 assures us that
the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout, and the faithful will
rise to meet Him. Jesus said in John 14:3, “I
will come again and receive you to Myself.”
That
day will be the final exclamation of God’s greatness. Revelation 21:4
says He will wipe away every tear. Death will be no more. Sorrow will
vanish. And those who trusted and obeyed will dwell with Him forever.
That’s why the final chorus resounds: “Then
sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee…”
Our souls
will not just whisper—they will sing in thunderous worship forevermore.
Because we will see, fully and finally, just how great our God truly is.
Sermon
Outline: How Great Thou Art
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I. The Majesty of God in Creation
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Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare God's glory.
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Romans 1:20 – God’s power and divine nature are revealed in
creation.
- Job
37:5 – “God thunders marvelously with His voice.”
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II. The Love of God at the Cross
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Romans 5:8 – Christ died for us while we were sinners.
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Isaiah 53:5 – He was wounded for our transgressions.
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Philippians 2:8 – Christ humbled Himself to death on the cross.
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III. The Hope of His Return
- 1
Thessalonians 4:16–17 – Christ will return and gather His
people.
- John
14:3 – “I will come again and receive you to Myself.”
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Revelation 21:4 – No more tears, sorrow, or pain in heaven.
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IV. Our Response: Worship and Submission
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Psalm 95:6 – “Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
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Hebrews 12:28 – Worship God acceptably with reverence.
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Revelation 5:13 – All creation gives praise to the Lamb.
Call to
Action:
Are you
in awe of God’s greatness? Have you opened your heart to His creation,
His cross, and His promise of return? God’s greatness demands more than
admiration—it calls for transformation. Don’t just sing “How Great
Thou Art” with your lips—live it with your life. Worship Him. Obey
Him. Follow Christ and be ready for His return. When that day comes, may
your soul be prepared to sing with joy, “How
Great Thou Art!”
Scripture
Reference List with Key Points:
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Psalm 19:1 – Nature
proclaims God’s greatness.
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Romans 1:20 – Creation
leaves mankind without excuse.
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Job 37:5 – God’s voice and
power are beyond comprehension.
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Romans 5:8 – God’s love is
revealed through the cross.
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Isaiah 53:5 – Christ’s
suffering secured our healing.
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Philippians 2:8 – Jesus
humbled Himself in perfect obedience.
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1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 –
Christ’s return brings eternal reunion.
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John 14:3 – Jesus promised
to return for His people.
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Revelation 21:4 – God will
remove sorrow and death forever.
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Psalm 95:6 – Worship begins
with humility.
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Hebrews 12:28 – Worship
must be reverent and acceptable.
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Revelation 5:13 – All
creation glorifies the Lamb.
Brief
History of the Hymn and Its Author:
How
Great Thou Art originated as a Swedish poem
written by Carl Gustav Boberg in 1885. He was inspired by a
thunderstorm that gave way to calm skies, birdsong, and a glowing
rainbow. Moved by the contrast of God's power and peace, Boberg penned
the original lyrics, which were later translated into German, Russian,
and finally into English by British missionary Stuart K. Hine. Hine also
added verses, including the now-famous final stanza about Christ’s
return. The hymn rose to prominence during the Billy Graham crusades and
has since become one of the most beloved anthems of worship in the
Christian world, a testament to God's majesty in nature, His mercy at
the cross, and His promise of glory to come.
Prepared
by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
