UBUFAKAZI BUKA THIXO

Salutations (5 minutes)

Greetings to the families.

Honoring the Pastors and Mamfundisi, leaders, and friends.

Introduction: My name is Thobezweni Sithole. Six years ago, I left this church to serve as a Pastor under Rev. Motaung in Tembisa. The time spent with uMfundisi has been a great blessing.

I asked for this opportunity not to preach but to express my gratitude. I was introduced to this community in Grade 1, and I thank you for embracing me and allowing me to grow in God’s calling.

My youngest daughter is now in Grade R, continuing the journey in this community.

I also ask for your prayers. The gospel compels us to be outward-looking, and by God’s grace, we are planting a church to make Jesus known to those who don’t know Him. Please pray for our family and this mission.

Our Passage Today: Psalm 19:7-14 (2 minutes) Three Key Points:

The Word of God Exposed (v7-9) - Izwi Elambulisiwe | Elisambulayo (8 minutes)

The Word of God Enjoyed (v10) - Elimnandi | Elithokozisayo (7 minutes)

The Word of God Emancipating (v11-14) - Elikhululayo (8 minutes)

Introduction: The Testimony of God (Ubufakazi BukaThixo) (2 minutes)

Psalm 19 shows how God reveals Himself:

General Revelation (v1-6) - God reveals Himself through nature and conscience (Romans 1:18-20).

Special Revelation (v7-14) - God reveals Himself through His Word.

What is True of Scripture?

Inspired | Inerrant | Authoritative | Clear | Sufficient

But what is true of you? How do you respond to God’s Word?

A. The Word of God Exposed (v7-9) (8 minutes)

Psalm 19 explains what Scripture is and what it does:

The Law of the Lord is Perfect, Strengthening the Soul (v7a)

Torah = Whole, complete, perfect.

It restores and renews us, bringing us back to where we belong.

Are you being strengthened by the Word?

The Testimony of the Lord is Sure, Making Wise the Simple (v7b)

Trustworthy, truth belongs to God.

Wisdom is needed for making the best decisions.

Are you guided by God’s wisdom?

The Precepts of the Lord are Right, Rejoicing the Heart (v8a)

God’s standards never change.

Diving into His Word brings joy.

The Commandment of the Lord is Pure, Giving Light to the Eyes (v8b)

God’s commands provide clarity and direction (Psalm 119:105).

Do you have direction, or are you wandering aimlessly?

The Fear of the Lord is Clean, Enduring Forever (v9a)

Reverence for God is eternal.

His Word is always relevant (Matthew 24:35).

The Rules of the Lord are True and Righteous Altogether (v9b)

Reliable, trustworthy, and righteous.

Without rules, life is chaotic – like a soccer match with no referee.

God’s Word provides order, meaning, and purpose.

B. The Word of God Enjoyed (v10) (7 minutes)

Scripture should be desired, treasured, and valued.

It satisfies the deepest longings of the heart.

Like a love letter, we should read and meditate on it repeatedly.

A gospel-shaped life applies Scripture daily, transforming belief into action.

Spiritual nourishment is like eating a meal—not just reading the menu!

If we do not enjoy God’s Word, we will lack joy in our faith.

C. The Word of God Emancipates (v11-14) (8 minutes)

It Alerts Us to Sin (v11)

Warns of spiritual danger.

Exposes two kinds of sin:

Ignorant sins – Unintentional, blind spots, self-righteousness.

Wilful sins – Presumptuous, defiant, premeditated rebellion.

Are you allowing the Word to expose your sins?

Prayer for Restraining Grace (v13)

David prays for deliverance from sin’s rule.

Do you pray for strength to resist temptation?

Assurance of the Gospel (v14)

“May the words of my mouth be acceptable” – A Levitical sacrifice.

David realizes he needs a Redeemer, not just a rulebook.

Jesus Christ is the perfect sacrifice who sets us free.

We do not stand on our obedience, but on Jesus, the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20, John 8:31-32).

Conclusion: How Can This Help You? (5 minutes)

Living a Gospel-Shaped Life

Scripture transforms us from Monday to Saturday, not just on Sundays.

Christ’s sacrifice enables us to love and obey God’s Word.

A Treasure from Our Creator

The true Church treasures the Gospel.

Everyone needs a gospel-shaped life – you, your family, your community.

The Word Gives Hope, Courage, and Joy

Without Scripture, we cannot live with faith and purpose.

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68-69)

Final Prayer (3 minutes)

May we be shaped by the Word of God.

May we enjoy it, live by it, and be freed by it.

May we trust in Jesus, our Rock and Redeemer.

Amen.