Word Shaped Heart

Psalm 119:161-168

P.O.P.

The Christian whose heart is shaped by the Word of God will be unwavering in persecution, unwilling in temptation, and unshakeable in hope.

Kids

The Word of God gives us hope in every situation.

The Christian shaped by the Word of God...

I. Maintains Reverence

Psalm 119:161 (ESV)

Princes persecute me without cause,

but my heart stands in awe of your words.

NIV: Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.

פָחַד

Pachad - to dread, be in dread or awe

“We are not likely to be disheartened by persecution, or driven by it into sin, if the word of God continually has supreme power over our minds”

Charles Spurgeon

What has more influence on our lives: Fear of persecution and persecutors or awe of God and His Word?

II. Seeks to Rejoice

Psalm 119:162 (ESV)

I rejoice at your word

like one who finds great spoil.

A response to this “awe” or “fear” is to rejoice.

During persecution, when the Word is doing its work in the heart, we rejoice and celebrate its amazing power like one who has discovered a great treasure.

Danny Akin

If your rejoicing could be materialized, would it be the greatest treasure you own?

III. Knows to Reject

Psalm 119:163 (ESV)

I hate and abhor falsehood,

but I love your law.

Another response to this “awe” or “fear” is to reject.

The Hebrew word for “abhor” is a verb from the root word “abomination”.

How does the Psalmist know what to hate and what to abhor? Because the Psalmist has been shaped and formed by God’s Word.

1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.”

Does your love for God’s Word lead you to hate all that is false?

IV. Shows Regard

Psalm 119:164 (ESV)

Seven times a day I praise you

for your righteous rules.

Finally, a third response to this “awe” or “fear” is to praise.

Dedication to the study of God’s Word is a result of awe in God’s Word.

Psalm 119:147-148 “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.”

Does your dedication display high regard for the Word of God?

V. Remains Rooted

Psalm 119:165 (ESV)

Great peace have those who love your law;

nothing can make them stumble.

Barnesville tree - held together by strong vines surrounding it.

How often do we just try to stablize our life rather than firmly root our life. We want to outwardly protect ourselves but we do not grow in depth of stability.

Philippians 4:4-9 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Are you allowing the peace of God to be your firm foundation?

VI. Confidently Resolved

Psalm 119:166 (ESV)

I hope for your salvation, O Lord,

and I do your commandments.

A few weeks ago I mentioned how it is hard sometimes for us to see the promises of God amidst suffering and persecution. The Psalmist says the equation to clearly see salvation, to have a strong hope in salvation, is to have peace in our hearts (165) and firmness in our faith (165).

“In anticipation of that great day of ‘salvation’ . . . the psalmist gives himself to hopeful waiting (Gen 49:18) and to the practice of godliness”

William VanGemeren

Does your hope in God lead to obedience of God?

VII. Faithfully Remains

Psalm 119:167–168 (ESV)

My soul keeps your testimonies;

I love them exceedingly.

I keep your precepts and testimonies,

for all my ways are before you.

This reaction is a recognition of what God’s Word has done to the heart of the Psalmist and a recognition of what Go