Book of Psalms Psalm 119:1-24

Transcription

1 Book of Psalms Psalm 119:1-24 The Sufficiency of Scripture As we explore the riches of truth found in Psalm 119, let us remember that God has given His written word not just to inform us, but ultimately to transform and equip us for life. All scripture must be applied to our daily life as suggested in this prayer: Help me to carry into ordinary life portions of divine truth and use them on suitable occasions, so that its doctrines may inform, its warnings caution, its rules guide, its promises comfort me (Arthur Bennett, ed., The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, 201). Martin Luther said that he prized this psalm so highly that he would not take the whole world in exchange for one leaf of it. Matthew Henry said of his father, Philip Henry: He advised us to take a verse of this psalm (Psalm 119) every morning to meditate upon, and so go over the psalm twice in the year; and that, saith he will bring you to be in love with all the rest of the Scriptures. All grace grows as love to the word of God grows (cited in Spurgeon, Treasury of David). Psalm 119 is an alphabetical psalm with each of the 22 sections beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This arrangement was rendered in English by Theodore Kubler, in 1880 (Spurgeon, Treasury of David). 1. All they that are undefiled in the way, walking in the law of the Lord, are blessed. 2. All they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart, are blessed. 3. Also they do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4. All thy precepts diligently to keep thou hast commanded us. 5. Ah, Lord! That my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6. Ashamed I shall never be, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7. Always will I praise thee, with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8. All thy statutes will I keep: O forsake me not utterly. God s Book of Blessing (vs. 1-8) Vs. 1 the character of those who are blessed (Ps. 1:1-2; 128:1) undefiled means blameless, not sinless (NLT, people of integrity ) Vs. 2 the commitment of those who are blessed heart refers to the inner person (mind, will, and emotions) Vs. 3 the conduct of those who are blessed walk (vs. 1, 3) refers to the habitual conduct of daily life Vs. 4 the command for those who are blessed The teachings of God s Word are not suggestions or advice. Vs. 5 the concern of those who are blessed This is the confession of an honest struggler (NLT, Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles! ).

2 Vs. 6 the confidence of those who are blessed To have respect is to look into or seriously consider. Vs. 7 the contentment of those who are blessed God s Word causes praise, rejoicing, and gratitude. God s Word is a reflection of His character, especially His righteousness (vs. 40). Vs. 8 the cry of those who are blessed How to Stay Clean in a Dirty World (vs. 9-16) Vs. 9 the problem that we face This is a special challenge for youth, but also a real challenge for all ages. Vs. 10 the priority we must have Seeking God prevents straying from Him and His ways (Gal. 5:16). The psalmist realizes his natural tendency is away from God and not toward him (Isa. 53:6). Vs. 11 the place where victory must be won The battleground is inside each of us (Prov. 4:20-23). Sin is anything that is contrary to the character and will of God. Vs the personal response that we must have Vs. 12 a desire to learn We are not all Bible scholars, but we are Bible students. Vs. 13 a desire to share declared (NLT, recited aloud and NASB, told ) Vs. 14 a desire to cherish (Ps. 19:10; 119:72, 127, 162; Prov. 8:10-11) Vs. 15 a desire to meditate (Ps. 119:23, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148) Vs. 16 a desire to remember (Ps. 119:93, 176) Lord, Open My Spiritual Eyes (vs ) Vs. 17 the preparation for spiritual understanding God deals bountifully by extending His grace (Ps. 13:5-6). When God deals bountifully, our souls are at rest (Ps. 116:7). Vs. 18 the purpose for spiritual understanding Wondrous means difficult to comprehend. The psalmist asks for God s help to see what God wants him to see (1 Cor. 2:11-14). MacArthur comments: Perhaps this is the supreme prayer that a student of Scripture could speak since it confesses the student s inadequacy and the Divine Author s sufficiency (MacArthur Study Bible).

3 Vs. 19 the pressing need for spiritual understanding God s people are citizens of His kingdom and are never at home in this world (Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11). We need guidance and encouragement for our journey. Vs. 20 the passion for spiritual understanding (Ps. 119:40, 131) Vs. 21 the pride that prevents spiritual understanding God rebukes all who disobey His Word. Vs. 22 the prayer that accompanies spiritual understanding The psalmist understands that protection comes from God. Vs. 23 the perseverance that comes from spiritual understanding Even though powerful people slandered him, the psalmist continued to meditate on God s Word. Vs. 24 the pleasure that is found in spiritual understanding The best source of wisdom and counsel is God s Word (Ps. 119:98-100).

4 Book of Psalms Psalm 119:1-24 The Sufficiency of Scripture As we explore the riches of truth found in Psalm 119, let us remember that God has given His written word not just to inform us, but ultimately to transform and equip us for life. All scripture must be applied to our daily life as suggested in this prayer: Help me to carry into ordinary life portions of divine truth and use them on suitable occasions, so that its doctrines may inform, its warnings caution, its rules guide, its promises comfort me (Arthur Bennett, ed., The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, 201). Martin Luther said that he prized this psalm so highly that he would not take the whole world in exchange for one leaf of it. Matthew Henry said of his father, Philip Henry: He advised us to take a verse of this psalm (Psalm 119) every morning to meditate upon, and so go over the psalm twice in the year; and that, saith he will bring you to be in love with all the rest of the Scriptures. All grace grows as love to the word of God grows (cited in Spurgeon, Treasury of David). Psalm 119 is an alphabetical psalm with each of the 22 sections beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This arrangement was rendered in English by Theodore Kubler, in 1880 (Spurgeon, Treasury of David). 1. All they that are undefiled in the way, walking in the law of the Lord, are blessed. 2. All they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart, are blessed. 3. Also they do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4. All thy precepts diligently to keep thou hast commanded us. 5. Ah, Lord! That my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6. Ashamed I shall never be, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7. Always will I praise thee, with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8. All thy statutes will I keep: O forsake me not utterly. God s (vs. 1-8) Vs. 1 of those who are blessed (Ps. 1:1-2; 128:1) Vs. 2 of those who are blessed Vs. 3 of those who are blessed Vs. 4 for those who are blessed Vs. 5 of those who are blessed Vs. 6 of those who are blessed Vs. 7 of those who are blessed God s Word is a reflection of His character, especially His righteousness (vs. 40). Vs. 8 of those who are blessed

5 How to (vs. 9-16) Vs. 9 that we face Vs. 10 we must have Seeking God prevents straying from Him and His ways (Gal. 5:16). The psalmist realizes his natural tendency is away from God and not toward him (Isa. 53:6). Vs. 11 where victory must be won The battleground is inside each of us (Prov. 4:20-23). Sin is anything that is contrary to the character and will of God. Vs that we must have Vs. 12 a desire to Vs. 13 a desire to Vs. 14 a desire to (Ps. 19:10; 119:72, 127, 162; Prov. 8:10-11) Vs. 15 a desire to (Ps. 119:23, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148) Vs. 16 a desire to (Ps. 119:93, 176) Lord, (vs ) Vs. 17 for spiritual understanding (Ps. 13:5-6; 116:7) Vs. 18 for spiritual understanding The psalmist asks for God s help to see what God wants him to see (1 Cor. 2:11-14). Vs. 19 for spiritual understanding (Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11). We need guidance and encouragement for our journey. Vs. 20 for spiritual understanding (Ps. 119:40, 131) Vs. 21 that prevents spiritual understanding Vs. 22 that accompanies spiritual understanding Vs. 23 that comes from spiritual understanding Vs. 24 that is found in spiritual understanding (Ps. 119:98-100)