A Call for Guidance

The great desire of the psalmist here is for guidance. But, it is not so much direction for some specific case of difficulty, but rather a prayer for the clear manifestation of the will of God.

In this division of . the believer is seen in four ways:

A Sojourner vs.33-34

A Soldier vs. 35-36

A Servant vs.37-38

A Saint vs.39-40

I. THE SOJOURNER vs.33-40

1. Sees a deficiency

A. Something he doesn’t know vs. 33 “Teach me”

B. Something he doesn’t have vs. 34 “Give me”

B. Something he doesn’t have vs.34 “Give me”

2. Seeks direction

A. “The way of thy statutes vs.33

33

B. “The way of thy law vs.34

3. Sets a determination

A. Keep it vs.33

B.

B. Observe it vs.34

4. Secures a destination

A. “unto the end “ vs.33

B. “with my whole heart” vs.34

II. THE SOLDIER vs .35-36

A. Insistence is needed vs.35 “make me”

2 Timothy 2:3 AV

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

B. Inclination is needed vs.36 “Incline my heart”

1. To something “…unto thy testimonies...”

1 Kings 8:58 AV

That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.

2. From something “…not unto covetousness”

Joshua 24:23 KJV 1900

Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel.

Joshua 24:3 KJV 1900

And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.

Joshua 24:23 AV

Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.

Psalm 141:4 KJV 1900

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, To practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: And let me not eat of their dainties.

Psalm 141:14

Psalm 141:4 KJV 1900

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, To practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: And let me not eat of their dainties.

Joshua 24:23 AV

Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

Psa 141:14

Psa 141:14

Psa. 141

III. THE SERVANT vs.37-38

III. THE SERVANT vs.37-38

4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. III. THE SERVANT vs.37-38

“Turn away” vs.37 “vanity” = things that are empty and meaningless

Philippians 2:5 AV

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:5 AV

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Phil 2:5

Romans 15:4 AV

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Philippians 2:5 AV

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Rom 15:

Philippians 4:8 AV

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Phil

= things that are empty and meaningless

III. THE SERVANT vs.37-38

2. “Stablish ” vs.38

1 Peter 5:8–9 AV

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1 Pet

1 Peter 5:8–10 AV

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

1 Peter 5:8-10

1 Peter 5:10 AV

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

1 Peter

IV. THE SAINT vs.39-40

“Turn away” vs.39 “Behold” vs.40 “search me”

Psalm 19:14 AV

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Ps.

“Behold” vs.40 “search”

Psalm 139:23 AV

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Ps. 139

2. Quicken me vs.40