The Word of God

“How Can a Young Man Keep His Way Pure?”

TEXT: Psalm 119:9–16

9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. 10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. 11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. 12 Blessed are You, O Yahweh; Teach me Your statutes. 13 With my lips I have recounted All the judgments of Your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. 16 I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word.

INTRODUCTION

Hook:

Imagine someone struggling to navigate an increasingly confusing world—temptations abound, conflicting philosophies swirl around. How can they find purity and direction? The psalmist answers this question plainly: we keep our ways pure by living according to God’s Word. Context:

We continue our series in Psalm 119, a chapter that celebrates God’s law, statues, and judgments. Each section digs deeper into the psalmist’s relationship to the Word. From a Reformed and Van Til–influenced vantage point, we affirm the Bible as the supreme authority over all our thoughts and actions, providing the ultimate foundation for knowledge and ethics.

1. Keeping Our Way Pure (v. 9)

Key Verse: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.”

Point:

While the psalm addresses “a young man,” the principle applies universally—purity of heart and life stems from submission to Scripture. From a presuppositional view, we acknowledge we start with God’s revelation, trusting the Bible to define and direct righteous living.

Illustration / Real-World Example:

In an age of social media and online influence, a young believer might question moral boundaries. God’s Word provides the objective standard, cutting through subjective noise. Setting guardrails (e.g., filtering content or accountability software) is one practical way to keep the path pure.

2. Seeking and Treasuring God’s Commands (vv. 10–11)

Key Verses:

“With all my heart I have sought You…” (v. 10) “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” (v. 11)

Point:

Sincere pursuit of the Lord involves our entire being: mind, will, and affections. Treasuring God’s Word internally protects us from sin externally. Hiding Scripture in our hearts guards us when temptation comes.

Illustration / Real-World Example:

Think of memorizing Scripture like storing away a powerful flashlight for when the lights suddenly go out. If you only think about the flashlight once you’re already in the dark, you’ll stumble. But if it’s already there, you’re ready.

Application:

Encourage the congregation to memorize key passages—like “Romans 8:1–2” or “Philippians 4:6–7”—so they’re “written on their hearts” in times of trial or temptation.

3. The Joy of Learning and Recounting His Word (vv. 12–14)

Key Verses:

“Teach me Your statutes.” (v. 12) “With my lips I have recounted all the judgments of Your mouth.” (v. 13) “I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies.” (v. 14)

Point:

The psalmist not only studies God’s Word but also proclaims it. True learning often finds its fulfillment when shared with others. Genuine delight in Scripture rivals the worth of all earthly wealth—“as much as in all riches.”

Illustration / Real-World Example:

Consider the difference between reading a recipe alone vs. cooking a feast for others to enjoy. God’s Word is more fully appreciated when shared and taught, whether in evangelism, Sunday School, or simple conversations with friends.

Application:

Challenge your church to read a chapter of the Bible together each week, then discuss it. Rejoicing in the Word is contagious!

4. Meditation and Delight That Leads to Remembrance (vv. 15–16)

Key Verses:

“I will meditate on Your precepts…” (v. 15) “I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word.” (v. 16)

Point:

Continual meditation fosters deep-rooted transformation. Reading casually once in a while is not enough; the Word must saturate our minds and hearts. Delight in God’s statutes naturally leads to a life shaped by them—we don’t forget what we truly cherish.

Illustration / Real-World Example:

Think about the difference between a hobby you casually browse vs. one you deeply study. The more you soak in God’s Word, the more it shapes your worldview, desires, and decisions.

Application:

Encourage journaling during daily devotions. Writing insights or prayers cements Scripture in our memory. Suggest forming small discipleship groups or prayer pairs to discuss, meditate on, and apply Scripture together.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION POINTS

Start and End Your Day with the Word

Even a few verses in the morning and before bed can create a habit of continual meditation.

Memorize One Passage This Week

Challenge each member to pick a verse from Psalm 119:9–16 to memorize. Share testimonies next Sunday.

Practice Accountability

Invite a trusted friend or mentor to ask you regularly how you’re applying Scripture to daily life.

Rejoice in Obedience

Approach obedience not as drudgery, but as a path to joy. Remember the psalmist rejoices in God’s testimonies as in all riches.

CONCLUSION

Recap:

Psalm 119:9–16 teaches us that purity is found in obedience to God’s Word, nurtured by wholeheartedly seeking Him, and guarded by Scripture’s presence in our hearts. Van Til’s Presupposition:

We assume God’s Word is the foundation for truth, meaning, and morality; this psalm underscores the life-transforming power of that conviction. Final Encouragement:

Take heart that the One who calls us to purity also grants the grace to grow in it. He strengthens us through His Spirit, enabling us to treasure His Word and walk in His ways.

HYMN SUGGESTION: “How Firm a Foundation” (Baptist Hymnal)

Why This Hymn?

Its lines echo the security we find in God’s Word—“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!” This parallels the psalmist’s conviction that God’s truth is our sure defense against sin and our guide for living.

Encourage the congregation to sing this hymn as a collective declaration that Scripture alone provides the firmest foundation for hearts committed to Christ, enabling us to keep our ways pure.

May this sermon equip the church to treasure God’s Word, hide it in their hearts, and experience the joy and purity that come from living out its truth.