The Word of God

Blessed Are Those Who Walk in the Law of the Lord

Primary Text: Psalm 119:1–8

1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of Yahweh. 2 Blessed are those who observe His testimonies, They seek Him with all their heart. 3 They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. 4 You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments. 7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. 8 I shall keep Your statutes; Do not forsake me utterly!

1. The Blessing of Walking in God’s Law (vv. 1–3)

Key Theme: Obedience to God’s Word brings true blessing. Support Texts:

Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth…” Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…” Exhortation:

A “blameless” way doesn’t imply perfection; rather, it points to a sincere heart that treasures God’s commands. From a presuppositional standpoint (à la Van Til), we trust God’s revelation as our ultimate authority for both knowledge and practice.

Real-World Example (Personal)

Example: You might be wrestling with personal integrity at work. Perhaps a coworker asks you to “fudge” numbers on a report. Walking in God’s ways means saying, “I can’t do that,” because you fear the Lord more than the consequences at work. You trust that obeying God—even if it costs you—brings blessing in the long run, as He promises to honor obedience.

2. The Call to Diligent Obedience (vv. 4–6)

Key Theme: God’s commands aren’t mere suggestions; He calls for committed, careful obedience. Support Texts:

Deuteronomy 6:5–7 – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…” John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Application:

We’re not to obey out of legalism but from love and gratitude. Consistent spiritual disciplines—prayer, study, meditation, fellowship—are practical ways we show diligence.

Real-World Example (Family/Community)

Example: When raising children or mentoring younger believers, show them you value God’s Word by modeling daily Bible reading or praying with them. Building these habits isn’t always easy, but it diligently trains the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:7) to know and love the Lord.

3. The Heart-Cry for Grace and Strength (vv. 7–8)

Key Theme: Our resolve to keep God’s Word depends on His sustaining grace. Support Texts:

Psalm 19:12–14 – “Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults…” Philippians 2:12–13 – “…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Exhortation:

Recognize our total dependence on God’s Spirit for the power to obey. True worship—giving thanks “with uprightness of heart”—flows from hearts delighted by God’s righteous judgments.

Real-World Example (Trials/Temptations)

Example: Perhaps you’re battling anxiety, depression, or temptation. This Psalm reminds us to cry out, “Do not forsake me utterly!” You can cast yourself on the mercy of God, trusting that His grace is sufficient for your weakness. Spend time in passages like Romans 8, reminding yourself of God’s eternal love and the Spirit’s sustaining presence.

Practical Application

Delight in God’s Word

Real-World Tip: Create a “Scripture anchor” for each week—a verse you memorize and revisit during stressful moments, building a habit of meditation.

Align Your Ways to God’s Word

Real-World Tip: Take time to do a “spiritual inventory” each weekend. Ask: Where did I compromise? Where did I walk faithfully? How can I turn from sin and more fully embrace obedience?

Rely on His Enabling Grace

Real-World Tip: Practice short “breath prayers” throughout the day—simple cries like “Help me, Lord,” or “Strengthen me, O God.” These quick, honest prayers acknowledge our moment-by-moment dependence on Him.

Conclusion

Close with Psalm 119:105:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Encourage everyone to see God’s Word not as a burden but as the life-giving guide that leads us into deeper joy and communion with Him. We obey from hearts changed by Christ—remembering that He is the One who enables us to walk in righteousness.

Hymn Suggestion from the Baptist Hymnal: “Trust and Obey”

Reason for Selection: This classic hymn perfectly captures the theme of blessing in obedience. The refrain—“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus”—echoes Psalm 119’s teaching that true blessing is found in walking according to God’s Law.

Encourage the congregation to sing it as a prayerful response, affirming that our greatest joy is found in trusting the Lord and diligently obeying His Word.