Your Word has Given Me Life - messages 1,2,3
Your Word has Given Me Life 8/5/07 a.m.
Rom. 15:4 Ps. 119:49-50
Many times as pastor; I deal with people during the hardest times of their lives; I’ll visit with them during an illness or the death of a loved one or they may come to me concerning situations, circumstances, or problems in their lives. It may be a marital problem, a financial problem, a health problem, or any number of things.
It seems never to fail that I’ll leave them wishing I could have taken their pain, healed their body, or fixed their problem.
Some come to me for comfort; for advice; for direction; they come seeking answers to life’s problems.
The only advice, comfort, or direction I’m able to give of course is either a direct quote from Gods’ Word or a precept- principle taught in or based on Gods’ Word.
But many times, more often than not, I will receive a reply along the lines of;
Well I just can’t do that;
or I’m too busy, I don’t have the time to do that;
or I’m not very good at that, it’s hard for me to do that;
or well I work and I’m just too tired after work;
or I have kids and they take up all my time, effort or money;
or My husband or my wife does this or doesn’t do that, therefore I’m can’t;
or, “but what about what they’re doing?”
But regardless of the particulars of the problem, when we are going through hard times, our focus is to center on the word of God; because it is there that we find our direction, our strength, our peace and our hope.
Rom. 15:4 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the 3patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Ps. 119:49-50 49 Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
Psalm 119
The psalmist was persecuted by men of rank and authority, who ridiculed his beliefs, seeking to put him to shame and make him give up his faith. But he strengthened himself by meditating on the Word of the Lord, which to him was his comfort, his prized possession, his rule of life, and his resource for strength—all of which drove him to desire it even more.
This psalm is written in an acrostic (alphabetical) arrangement. In each paragraph (strophe) of eight verses each line begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. (The 22 strophes correspond to the 22 letters of the alphabet.) So verses 1-8 each begin with the first Hebrew letter, verses 9-16 each begin with the second letter, and so on.
The psalm is largely a collection of prayers and meditations on the Word of God, referred to by 10 synonyms.
“Law” (tôrâh), occurring 25 times in the psalm, denotes direction or instruction. More often the word refers to a body of teaching, probably Deuteronomy and Leviticus, if not the whole Pentateuch. In fact in John 10:34 the corresponding Greek word for “Law” seems to include the entire Old Testament.
“Word” (dāḇār) occurs 20 times in the psalm. It is a general term for God’s revelation, but the “Ten Commandments” are called “Ten Words” (literal Heb., Deut. 4:13).
“Saying” (’imrâh, often trans. “promise” in the niv) occurs 19 times. It is often a poetical synonym for dāḇār.
“Commandment” (miṣwâh) occurs (in the Heb.) 21 times in the plural (usually trans. “commands” in the niv) and once in the singular collectively. It signifies a definite, authoritative command. It is frequently joined with the next two words.
“Statutes” (ḥūqqîm) occurs 21 times. In the Psalms it is always in the plural. Literally it means “things inscribed.” So it refers to enacted Laws (and is trans. “decrees” in the niv).
“Judgment” (mišpoṭ) occurs 19 times in the plural (often trans. “laws” in niv), and 4 times in the singular. It represents a judicial decision that constitutes a precedence, a binding law. In the Pentateuch it referred to the laws after the Ten Commandments. The word can also mean God’s judgmental acts on the wicked.
“Precepts” (piqqûḏîm) occurs 21 times. It is a poetical word for injunctions, found only in the Psalter (always in the pl.).
“Testimony” (‘ēḏâh) occurs 22 times in the plural and once in the singular. It is a solemn attestation, a declaration of the will of God. It is a general word for ordinances that became God’s standard of conduct. It is usually rendered “statutes” in the NIV.
“Way” (derek), used five times in the plural and six times in the singular, is a metaphorical term describing the pattern of life marked out by God’s Law.
“Path” (’ōraḥ), used five times in Psalms, is parallel to “way.”
The psalmist often spoke of several responses he had toward God and His Word: “delight” (Ps. 119:16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 92, 143, 174), “love” (vv. 47-48, 97, 113, 119, 127, 132, 159, 163, 165, 167), “obey” (vv. 8, 17, 34, 44, 56-57, 60, 67, 88, 100-101, 129, 134, 145, 158, 167-168; cf. “obeyed” in vv. 4, 136 and “obeying” in v. 5), “meditate” (vv. 15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148), and “rejoice” (vv. 14, 74, 162). He also wrote that he wanted God and His Word to “renew” him (vv. 25, 37, 40, 107, 149, 154, 156; cf. vv. 50, 93) and “preserve” him (vv. 88, 159). Twelve times the psalmist referred to himself as God’s servant (vv. 17, 23, 38, 49, 65, 76, 84, 124-125, 135, 140, 176).
A. Blessings of obedience (119:1-8)
119:1-8. The psalmist delighted in the fact that those who walk in wholehearted obedience to the Law are blessed (vv. 1-3). This prompted him to wish that he were more obedient in view of God’s commands to follow His laws (vv. 4-6). So the psalmist vowed to give thanks as he learned more about God’s statutes (vv. 7-8).
vv 1-21 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
Living according to the Word of God brings joy and happiness
B. Cleansing by God’s Word (119:9-16)
119:9-16. The psalmist declared that a person cleanses his way (conduct) by obeying God’s Word (v. 9). The psalmist testified that he had internalized and rejoiced in God’s Word so that he might be morally pure (vv. 10-14). He continually meditated in the Law (vv. 15-16).
Vv 9-11 9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
We make our way of life & our way in life, right by obeying the word of God; we do the right things.
C. Appreciation of God’s Word (119:17-24)
119:17-24. The psalmist asked God to open his eyes so that he could see the marvelous blessings of God in the Word (vv. 17-18). He hungered for the Word (vv. 19-20). Because God curses the wicked who disobey Him, he prayed that the Lord would remove those who reproached him. In contrast with them, he meditated on and delighted in God’s Law (vv. 21-24). Frequently in this psalm he referred to the wicked and those who oppressed him (vv. 23, 53, 61, 69-70, 78, 85-87, 95, 110, 115, 119, 122, 134, 155, 157-158, 161).
V 18 18 Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.
Ask God to open your eyes that you might see the wonderful things He does for you, His blessings on you.
D. Prayer for understanding (119:25-32)
119:25-32. The psalmist prayed for quickening since he was laid low (v. 25). He then asked God for understanding, strengthening, and keeping (vv. 26-29). When God gave him understanding, he would comply because he treasured the Law (vv. 20-32).
Vv 25-29 25 My soul clings to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word.
26 Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts;
So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
28 My soul melts from heaviness;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
29 And grant me Your law graciously.
If the word of God isn’t clear or helpful to you, ask God to open the eyes of your understanding, once we understand it we can obey and treasure it.
E. Loyalty to God’s Word (119:33-40)
119:33-40. The psalmist declared his loyalty to the Word, which he observed with his whole heart (vv. 33-35). He prayed that the Lord would turn him away from covetousness and vanity (vv. 36-37). He desired God to confirm His ordinances to him (vv. 38-40).
Vv 33-40 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;
Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
And not to covetousness.
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
And revive me in Your way.
Ask God for His help in being loyal and obedient to His Word.
F. Salvation through God’s Word (119:41-48)
119:41-48. The psalmist called on God to deliver him through His love and His Word (promise, v. 41). Then he would have an answer for his enemy (v. 42). He prayed (and affirmed) that the Word would continue to be his pattern of life (vv. 43-46). He delighted in God’s commandments and loved them (vv. 47-48).
V 41 41 Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord—
Your salvation according to Your word.
Ask God to do for you the things He has promised to do for you in His Word.
G. Hope from God’s Word (119:49-56)
119:49-56. Declaring his hope in the Word (v. 49), which renews . . . life (v. 50), he decried the proud (arrogant; cf. vv. 69, 78, 85) who scorned his faith and hated the Law (vv. 51-53). He sang about and meditated on the Word (vv. 54-56).
Vv 49-50;54-55 49 Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
In the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I remember Your name in the night, O Lord,
Hope found in and taken from Gods’ Word restores our life through praise, meditation and prayer.
H. Obedience to God’s Word (119:57-64)
119:57-64. Because God was the psalmist’s Portion (cf. 16:5; 73:26; 142:5), he called on God for mercy (119:57-58). He had lived in accordance with the Word (vv. 58-60), and continued his devotion while he was surrounded by enemies (vv. 61-62). His companions were also believers (vv. 63-64).
Vv 59-60 59 I thought about my ways,
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60 I made haste, and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.
Make God and His word your choice.
Have you thought about your ways?
Have you turned to Gods’ word and allowed Him to change your life?
Have you made God your choice?
Have you chosen Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior?
Have you made it your top priority in your life today to obey the word of God?
Have you been keeping Gods’ commandments?
Your Word has Given Me Life 8/12/07 a.m.
Rom. 15:4 Ps. 119:49-50 Message # 2
Many times as pastor; I deal with people during the hardest times of their lives; I’ll visit with them during an illness or the death of a loved one or they may come to me concerning situations, circumstances, or problems in their lives. It may be a marital problem, a financial problem, a health problem, or any number of things.
It seems never to fail that I’ll leave them wishing I could have taken their pain, healed their body, or fixed their problem.
Some come to me for comfort; for advice; for direction; they come seeking answers to life’s problems.
The only advice, comfort, or direction I’m able to give of course is either a direct quote from Gods’ Word or a precept- principle taught in or based on Gods’ Word.
But many times, more often than not, I will receive a reply along the lines of;
Well I just can’t do that;
or I’m too busy, I don’t have the time to do that;
or I’m not very good at that, it’s hard for me to do that;
or well I work and I’m just too tired after work;
or I have kids and they take up all my time, effort or money;
or My husband or my wife does this or doesn’t do that, therefore I’m can’t;
or, “but what about what they’re doing?”
But regardless of the particulars of the problem, when we are going through hard times, our focus is to center on the word of God; because it is there that we find our direction, our strength, our peace and our hope.
Rom. 15:4 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the 3patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Ps. 119:49-50 49 Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
Psalm 119
The psalmist was persecuted by men of rank and authority, who ridiculed his beliefs, seeking to put him to shame and make him give up his faith. But he strengthened himself by meditating on the Word of the Lord, which to him was his comfort, his prized possession, his rule of life, and his resource for strength—all of which drove him to desire it even more.
This psalm is written in an acrostic (alphabetical) arrangement. In each paragraph (strophe) of eight verses each line begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. (The 22 strophes correspond to the 22 letters of the alphabet.) So verses 1-8 each begin with the first Hebrew letter, verses 9-16 each begin with the second letter, and so on.
The psalm is largely a collection of prayers and meditations on the Word of God, referred to by 10 synonyms.
“Law” (tôrâh), occurring 25 times in the psalm, denotes direction or instruction. More often the word refers to a body of teaching, probably Deuteronomy and Leviticus, if not the whole Pentateuch. In fact in John 10:34 the corresponding Greek word for “Law” seems to include the entire Old Testament.
“Word” (dāḇār) occurs 20 times in the psalm. It is a general term for God’s revelation, but the “Ten Commandments” are called “Ten Words” (literal Heb., Deut. 4:13).
“Saying” (’imrâh, often trans. “promise” in the niv) occurs 19 times. It is often a poetical synonym for dāḇār.
“Commandment” (miṣwâh) occurs (in the Heb.) 21 times in the plural (usually trans. “commands” in the niv) and once in the singular collectively. It signifies a definite, authoritative command. It is frequently joined with the next two words.
“Statutes” (ḥūqqîm) occurs 21 times. In the Psalms it is always in the plural. Literally it means “things inscribed.” So it refers to enacted Laws (and is trans. “decrees” in the niv).
“Judgment” (mišpoṭ) occurs 19 times in the plural (often trans. “laws” in niv), and 4 times in the singular. It represents a judicial decision that constitutes a precedence, a binding law. In the Pentateuch it referred to the laws after the Ten Commandments. The word can also mean God’s judgmental acts on the wicked.
“Precepts” (piqqûḏîm) occurs 21 times. It is a poetical word for injunctions, found only in the Psalter (always in the pl.).
“Testimony” (‘ēḏâh) occurs 22 times in the plural and once in the singular. It is a solemn attestation, a declaration of the will of God. It is a general word for ordinances that became God’s standard of conduct. It is usually rendered “statutes” in the NIV.
“Way” (derek), used five times in the plural and six times in the singular, is a metaphorical term describing the pattern of life marked out by God’s Law.
“Path” (’ōraḥ), used five times in Psalms, is parallel to “way.”
Last week we learned these things from Gods’ Word;
A. Blessings of obedience (119:1-8)
Living according to the Word of God brings joy and happiness
B. Cleansing by God’s Word (119:9-16)
We make our way of life & our way in life, right by obeying the word of God; we do the right things.
C. Appreciation of God’s Word (119:17-24)
Ask God to open your eyes that you might see the wonderful things He does for you, His blessings on you.
D. Prayer for understanding (119:25-32)
If the word of God isn’t clear or helpful to you, ask God to open the eyes of your understanding, once we understand it we can obey and treasure it.
E. Loyalty to God’s Word (119:33-40)
Ask God for His help in being loyal and obedient to His Word.
F. Salvation through God’s Word (119:41-48)
Ask God to do for you the things He has promised to do for you in His Word.
G. Hope from God’s Word (119:49-56)
Hope found in and taken from Gods’ Word restores our life through praise, meditation and prayer.
H. Obedience to God’s Word (119:57-64)
Make God and His word your choice today.
I. Trust in God’s Word (119:65-72)
119:65-72. The psalmist trusted that the Lord would deal with him according to His Word (v. 65). He then asked for further instruction to prevent his going astray (vv. 66-68). He declared his trust in the midst of slander (vv. 69-70; cf. vv. 51, 53), and admitted that through affliction he realized more of the value of the Law (vv. 71-72; cf. v. 127).
V 65 65 You have dealt well with Your servant,
O Lord, according to Your word.
V 67 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
V 71 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.
James 1:6-8 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Through our troubles we must trust God to do as He promised; w/o faith we cannot expect anything from God. Through affliction we realize more of the value of the Law
J. Hope in God’s Word (119:73-80)
119:73-80. The psalmist believed that God created him and had given him hope in the Word (vv. 73-74; cf. v. 81). Knowing that in faithfulness God had afflicted him (cf. vv. 67, 71), he asked God to comfort him and put the arrogant (cf. vv. 51, 69, 85-122) to shame (vv. 75-78). He then prayed that those who fear the Lord would likewise turn to Him in accord with His Word and that he would be kept blameless (vv. 79-80).
V 73 73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me;
vv 75-77 75 I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
76 Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort,
According to Your word to Your servant.
77 Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live;
Rom. 8:28 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Be confident that the things we face are for our own good and God will deliver us according to His word.
K. God’s Word is faithful (119:81-88)
119:81-88. The psalmist admitted that his soul almost fainted while waiting for God’s Word (vv. 81-82). He was weakened much as a wineskin in the smoke becomes shriveled. So he asked how long (cf. comments on 6:3) it would be until he was vindicated (119:83-86). He asserted that though his enemies almost consumed him, he had not forsaken God’s Law (vv. 87-88).
vv 81-82 81 My soul faints for Your salvation,
But I hope in Your word.
82 My eyes fail from searching Your word,
Saying, “When will You comfort me?”
Ps. 27:14 14 Wait 5 (Wait in faith) on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Don’t give up, wait on the Lord; be patient, be faithful, He will answer in His perfect timing. The Lord test and tries the heart of man to know his heart.
L. God’s Word is sure (119:89-96)
119:89-96. God’s Word is settled in heaven and is attested by His faithfulness (vv. 89-91). The psalmist’s delight (cf. 1:2; 119:174) in the established Law had enabled him to win the victory (vv. 92-95). He concluded that God’s Word is boundless (v. 96) in its values.
vv 89-96 89 Forever, O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven.
92 Unless Your law had been my delight,
I would then have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have given me life.
96 …. Your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Isa. 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”
Mt. 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Gods’ word is firm, and when we delight in Gods’ Word, (when the truth is both sweet and our desire) we will be kept through our troubles. Gods’ word is boundless in its values.
M. God’s Word is sweet (119:97-104)
119:97-104. The psalmist declared his love and devotion to the Law, which gave him more understanding and wisdom than his enemies . . . teachers, and elders (vv. 97-100). By God’s Word he had kept himself pure (vv. 101-102; cf. vv. 9, 104). He extolled the promises of God as sweet (v. 103). Understanding and purity (v. 104) summarize the points made in verses 98-101.
Vv 97-104 97 Oh, how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98 You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies;
For they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the ancients,
Because I keep Your precepts.
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.
102 I have not departed from Your judgments,
For You Yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.
Gods’ word is sweet to us when we begin to realize that it feeds us, teaches us, makes us wise, gives us understanding and keeps us pure. Pureness = Peace
N. God’s Word is a light (119:105-112)
119:105-112. Recognizing that God’s Word was his light to direct him (cf. v. 130; Prov. 6:23) the psalmist vowed to follow it (Ps. 119:105-106). In his distress (vv. 107-110) he called for help and affirmed that he would joyfully follow God’s statutes and decrees (vv. 111-112).
V 105 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
Gods’ word is the light to show us the way in which the Lord would have us to speak, think, act, Gods’ Word reveals the way in which God would have us to conduct our lives.
Do you belong to God?
Do you read His word?
Is Gods Word sweet to you?
Does Gods Word direct your life?
Do you posses the Light of Life – Jesus Christ?
Your Word has Given Me Life 8/19/07 a.m.
Rom. 15:4 Ps. 119:49-50 Message # 3
Many times as pastor; I deal with people during the hardest times of their lives; I’ll visit with them during an illness or the death of a loved one or they may come to me concerning situations, circumstances, or problems in their lives. It may be a marital problem, a financial problem, a health problem, or any number of things.
It seems never to fail that I’ll leave them wishing I could have taken their pain, healed their body, or fixed their problem.
Some come to me for comfort; for advice; for direction; they come seeking answers to life’s problems.
The only advice, comfort, or direction I’m able to give of course is either a direct quote from Gods’ Word or a precept- principle taught in or based on Gods’ Word.
But many times, more often than not, I will receive a reply along the lines of;
Well I just can’t do that;
or I’m too busy, I don’t have the time to do that;
or I’m not very good at that, it’s hard for me to do that;
or well I work and I’m just too tired after work;
or I have kids and they take up all my time, effort or money;
or My husband or my wife does this or doesn’t do that, therefore I’m can’t;
or, “but what about what they’re doing?”
But regardless of the particulars of the problem, when we are going through hard times, our focus is to center on the word of God; because it is there that we find our direction, our strength, our peace and our hope.
Rom. 15:4 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the 3patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Ps. 119:49-50 49 Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
Psalm 119
The psalmist was persecuted by men of rank and authority, who ridiculed his beliefs, seeking to put him to shame and make him give up his faith. But he strengthened himself by meditating on the Word of the Lord, which to him was his comfort, his prized possession, his rule of life, and his resource for strength—all of which drove him to desire it even more.
This psalm is written in an acrostic (alphabetical) arrangement. In each paragraph (strophe) of eight verses each line begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. (The 22 strophes correspond to the 22 letters of the alphabet.) So verses 1-8 each begin with the first Hebrew letter, verses 9-16 each begin with the second letter, and so on.
The psalm is largely a collection of prayers and meditations on the Word of God, referred to by 10 synonyms.
“Law” (tôrâh), occurring 25 times in the psalm, denotes direction or instruction. More often the word refers to a body of teaching, probably Deuteronomy and Leviticus, if not the whole Pentateuch. In fact in John 10:34 the corresponding Greek word for “Law” seems to include the entire Old Testament.
“Word” (dāḇār) occurs 20 times in the psalm. It is a general term for God’s revelation, but the “Ten Commandments” are called “Ten Words” (literal Heb., Deut. 4:13).
“Saying” (’imrâh, often trans. “promise” in the niv) occurs 19 times. It is often a poetical synonym for dāḇār.
“Commandment” (miṣwâh) occurs (in the Heb.) 21 times in the plural (usually trans. “commands” in the niv) and once in the singular collectively. It signifies a definite, authoritative command. It is frequently joined with the next two words.
“Statutes” (ḥūqqîm) occurs 21 times. In the Psalms it is always in the plural. Literally it means “things inscribed.” So it refers to enacted Laws (and is trans. “decrees” in the niv).
“Judgment” (mišpoṭ) occurs 19 times in the plural (often trans. “laws” in niv), and 4 times in the singular. It represents a judicial decision that constitutes a precedence, a binding law. In the Pentateuch it referred to the laws after the Ten Commandments. The word can also mean God’s judgmental acts on the wicked.
“Precepts” (piqqûḏîm) occurs 21 times. It is a poetical word for injunctions, found only in the Psalter (always in the pl.).
“Testimony” (‘ēḏâh) occurs 22 times in the plural and once in the singular. It is a solemn attestation, a declaration of the will of God. It is a general word for ordinances that became God’s standard of conduct. It is usually rendered “statutes” in the NIV.
“Way” (derek), used five times in the plural and six times in the singular, is a metaphorical term describing the pattern of life marked out by God’s Law.
“Path” (’ōraḥ), used five times in Psalms, is parallel to “way.”
This is what we have learned from Psalms 119 of Gods’ Word so far;
A. Blessings of obedience (119:1-8)
Living according to the Word of God brings joy and happiness
B. Cleansing by God’s Word (119:9-16)
We make our way of life & our way in life, right by obeying the word of God; we do the right things.
C. Appreciation of God’s Word (119:17-24)
Ask God to open your eyes that you might see the wonderful things He does for you, His blessings on you.
D. Prayer for understanding (119:25-32)
If the word of God isn’t clear or helpful to you, ask God to open the eyes of your understanding, once we understand it we can obey and treasure it.
E. Loyalty to God’s Word (119:33-40)
Ask God for His help in being loyal and obedient to His Word.
F. Salvation through God’s Word (119:41-48)
Ask God to do for you the things He has promised to do for you in His Word.
G. Hope from God’s Word (119:49-56)
Hope found in and taken from Gods’ Word restores our life through praise, meditation and prayer.
H. Obedience to God’s Word (119:57-64)
Make God and His word your choice today.
I. Trust in God’s Word (119:65-72)
Through our troubles we must trust God to do as He promised;
J. Hope in God’s Word (119:73-80)
Be confident that the things we face are for our own good and God will deliver us according to His word.
K. God’s Word is faithful (119:81-88)
Don’t give up, wait on the Lord; be patient, be faithful, He will answer in His perfect timing. The Lord test and tries the heart of man to know his heart.
L. God’s Word is sure (119:89-96)
Gods’ word is firm, and when we delight in Gods’ Word, (when the truth is sweet and our desire) we will be kept through our troubles. Gods’ word is boundless in its values.
M. God’s Word is sweet (119:97-104)
Gods’ word is sweet to us when we begin to realize that it feeds us, teaches us, makes us wise, gives us understanding and keeps us pure. Pureness = Peace
N. God’s Word is a light (119:105-112)
V 105 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Gods’ word is the light to show us the way in which the Lord would have us to speak, think, act, Gods’ Word reveals the way in which God would have us to conduct our lives.
This week we begin with the awe Gods’ word inspires in us.
O. God’s Word is awe-inspiring (119:113-120)
119:113-120. The psalmist stated that he hated double-mindedness, and that he loved and hoped in God’s Word because God was his Refuge (sēṯer, “hiding place”; cf. comments on 27:5) and his Shield (cf. comments on 3:3). The writer then addressed the wicked, demanding that they leave him (119:115), and asked God to sustain and deliver him (vv. 116-117) because of His judgment against the wicked (vv. 118-119). The psalmist then said he trembled in awe at the judgments of God (v. 120; cf. v. 161).
Vv 114-120 114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word.
116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;
117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
120 My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.
Gods’ word will instill in us an awe of the Lord God Almighty for His love, devotion, and care of us, for sustaining us, and delivering us and His judgments.
P. Vindication from God (119:121-128)
119:121-128. The psalmist asked God to protect him from arrogant (cf. vv. 51, 69, 78, 85) oppressors and to deal with him in justice and love (vv. 121-124). He sought to motivate God to respond by explaining his loyalty as God’s servant (vv. 125-126; cf. vv. 122, 124). He added that he loved the Lord’s laws (valuing them more than gold; cf. v. 72) and hated false ways (vv. 127-128; cf. vv. 101, 104).
Vv 121-126 121 Do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Be surety for Your servant for good;
Do not let the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation
And Your righteous word.
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy,
And teach me Your statutes.
125 I am Your servant;
Give me understanding,
That I may know Your testimonies.
126 It is time for You to act, O Lord,
Gods’ word tells us that vengeance is the Lords’, meaning that we are not to take things into our own hands, so to speak, we aren’t to get even or get back at them, allow God to deal with your oppressors as He sees fit.
Q. God’s Word is wonderful (119:129-136)
119:129-136. The psalmist declared his delight for God’s wonderful Word which gives light (vv. 129-131; cf. v. 105). He then prayed that the Lord would turn to him and establish him by directing, redeeming, blessing, and teaching him (vv. 132-135). (On God making His face shine, see comments on 4:6.) He expressed concern over those who hate God’s Law (119:136).
vv 129-136 129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
130 The entrance of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.
133 Direct my steps by Your word,
And let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man,
That I may keep Your precepts.
135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
And teach me Your statutes.
Through Gods’ word He establishes us, directs us, redeems us by teaching us to be lead by Him, blesses us, and teaches us and when we begin to realize this, then Gods’ word becomes wonderful to us.
R. God’s Word is righteous (119:137-144)
119:137-144. The psalmist declared that because the Lord is righteous His Word is righteous (vv. 137-138). He testified of his own zeal for the Word, which was pure (vv. 139-142). He found comfort in God’s righteous laws when he was in affliction (vv. 143-144; cf. v. 92).
Vv 137-144 137 Righteous are You, O Lord,
And upright are Your judgments.
138 Your testimonies, which You have commanded,
Are righteous and very faithful.
143 Trouble and anguish have overtaken me,
Yet Your commandments are my delights.
144 The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting;
Give me understanding, and I shall live.
Gods’ word is righteous, holy and w/o fault and it gives us comfort when in affliction because it directs us in the right way.
S. God’s Word is true (119:145-152)
119:145-152. The psalmist called on the Lord to deliver him because he obeyed, hoped in, and meditated on His Word (vv. 145-149). His enemies, though near him, were far removed from God’s Law (v. 150). God, however, was also near him and His words were reliable (vv. 151-152).
V 151 151 You are near, O Lord,
And all Your commandments are truth.
Gods’ word is true, w/o lie or deceit, w/o fault, it is timeless and sure. Where ever we may find ourselves, God is there; weather to lead, guide, direct, comfort, protect, heal, hide, cover, reveal, God will never leave nor forsake us!
T. Love for God’s Word (119:153-160)
119:153-160. The psalmist called on God to deliver him because he had not forgotten His Law (vv. 153-154). Knowing that salvation is not available to the wicked (v. 155), the psalmist affirmed that God’s compassion (lit., “compassions”) was great toward him (v. 156). He lamented that he had many enemies who did not obey God’s Word (vv. 157-158). In contrast, however, the psalmist loved God’s Word, which is true, and therefore asked to be preserved (cf. v. 88) from his enemies (vv. 159-160).
U. Rejoicing in God’s Word (119:161-168)
119:161-168. The psalmist affirmed that though princes hated him without a cause he trembled in awe at God’s Word (cf. v. 120). He rejoiced in the worth of the Law, loved it, and praised God repeatedly for it (vv. 162-164). Those like himself who love God’s Word and hope in Him for salvation enjoy great peace (šālôm, “well-being,” vv. 165-166). The writer then said he had observed the Law out of love for it (vv. 167-168; cf. v. 163).
V 165 165 Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.
Gods’ word brings us peace of mind, comfort of heart, hope in trouble, light in darkness, strength in weakness, direction in confusion.
V. Deliverance by God’s Word (119:169-176)
119:169-176. The psalmist called on God to hear his supplication and deliver him (vv. 169-170). He desired to praise God for His Word (vv. 171-172). He asked God to enable him to live since he delighted in His Law (vv. 173-175; cf. v. 92). The psalmist concluded this lengthy but rich psalm by confessing that he had gone astray like a lost sheep and by asking God to rescue him by His Word (v. 176).[1]
Vv 169-170 169 Let my cry come before You, O Lord;
Give me understanding according to Your word.
170 Let my supplication come before You;
Deliver me according to Your word.
Gods’ word will deliver us out of our troubles in accordance to the promises in His word.
Salvation, deliverance, healing, guidance- are you allowing Gods’ word to work in your heart and life?
----
3 perseverance
Heb. Hebrew
trans. translation, translator, translated
pl. plural
NIV New International Version
vv. verses
cf. confer, compare
v. verse
3 perseverance
Heb. Hebrew
trans. translation, translator, translated
pl. plural
NIV New International Version
5 Wait in faith
3 perseverance
Heb. Hebrew
trans. translation, translator, translated
pl. plural
NIV New International Version
lit. literal, literally
[1]Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 1:879