Psalm 119 (12)

The Righteous (121-123)

David begins this stanza with a very bold and confident proclamation. “I have done what is just and right.” This leads us to ask, how can he be so full of assurance? Verses 122 & 123 answer that question. He is by faith looking forward to the cross of Christ which the pledge of surety (a person who takes responsibility for a debt) of good, and the provision of his salvation in fulfillment of God’s righteous promise.

There are two specific applications that tis passage helps us understanding regard to salvation.

Righteousness on the basis of faith. (Philippians 3:7-11)

We can have a confident assurance of salvation today by receiving the gift of God’s grace and faith and trusting in Christ alone.

Jesus achieved that righteousness for us as our surety for sin. (II Cor 5:21)

We can boldly do what is just and right not in order to receive righteousness but because Christ has received righteousness for us. Jesus not only makes us right with God but also enables us to walk in righteousness.

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Philippians 3:7–11 ESV

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

The Request (124-126)

In Verses 124-126 David asks God to...

Take action and give him understanding and knowledge.

A key point to notice is that he make this request on the basis of God dealing with him according to His steadfast love. This reveals to us that even though a person is accepted by God by the righteous work of Christ we should always be growing in that righteousness. I believe the key area that David is requesting is that of sanctification. His salvation is secured, and now he desires to grow and mature in that salvation.

Also, notice that he is making this request because he is sure of his identity. Three times in these 8 verse the psalmist recognizes himself as the servant of the Lord. When we know Who’s we are we know Who to go to for help. David knew that since he belonged to the Lord He could request understanding from the Lord. He was not content to be a mere spectator of God’s statutes. He desired to be a participant in God’s testimonies and experience the truth of God’s law. Its much of what we read from Philippians 3 a moment ago. (see above)

Finally, notice that his request for God’s activity is because God’s law has been broken. Even though he desires to have his oppressors removed he requests the Lord to act because God’s law has been diminished. He is not seeking personal vengeance. He is requesting God to act because God law has been broken.

Am I content to be a spectator of God’s word? Do I sit on the sidelines with a stagnate faith and plateaued spiritual growth? Or am I faithfully requesting the lord to deal with me according to His steadfast love and help me to grow in understanding and experiencing His law? Are we asking God to Act? You see this is the way Jesus taught us to pray when he said , “Thy Kingdom Come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Even so come Lord Jesus.

Transition: The same loyal and unconditional love of God that awakened us to salvation also enables us to grow in that salvation. When that occurs we will soon see the results of that growth as we discover from verses 127 & 128. (read)

The Result (127-128)

We find in these two verse two areas that Gods active love transforms. Let me say it this way, When we have been found in Christ having a righteousness that comes by faith in Christ, and growing in that righteousness; experiencing the activity of God’s faithful love we will find evidence in at least a couple areas.

A deeper love for God’s word.

This is an compromised love. A loyal love. He will not abandon God’s commandment even for the allurement or temptation of fine gold. This is a great warning for us today. How often are we tempted to love money rather than Gods word? This is why the apostle Paul tells pastor Timothy in II Timothy 3:1-5

2 Timothy 3:1–5 ESV

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

And so we are offered a warning in I Tim 6:17-19

1 Timothy 6:17–19 ESV

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Transition: One of the loving results of God’s activity in His righteous servants is to guard our affection. To cause our love for His word to be above gold. Do I love God’s word more than my pay check?

Lastly, in verse 128 we see the result of...

2. A deeper commitment to the truth of God’s word.

a. When the servant of God was surrounded by falsehood he clung even tighter to God’s truth. We often think it is a loving thing to accept a false way on the basis of being tolerant and open minded. However, we find that the faithful love of God to His servants produces a clearer vision and a straighter course for what is right and wrong. Say it another way, If all of God’s precepts are right, then any other contrasting course of action is wrong. The day is which we live this is called small minded bigotry. However, when God transforms our understanding according to His steadfast love He does so my firming our convictions about what is right, which inevitably enhances our aversion to what is false.

Transition: Some closing questions...

Am I trusting in Christ alone to be right with God?

Am I asking God to help me grow?

Do I have deeper love and commitment to God’s word?