Psalm 119: Part 1: The Blessed Life

Introduction of Series [PLEASE BE SEATED]

How do you emphasize important things?

Repetition?

Raising your voice?

Changing your tone or pitch?

The Bible tends to emphasize things by repeating them.

Introduce Psalm 119

Tie to Psalm readings

Longest (176 verses, 315 lines)

Every verse with only a few exception references the Word of God using various words

# of exceptions depends on who you ask, between 1 and 5 verses do not

Not only is it long but it is packed with truth

Spurgeon’s entry on it totals 349 pages

One puritan’s work on it has 190 chapters spanning 1,677 pages (Thomas Manton)

Accrostic (22 letters)

Introduce The Bible

Scripture Reading Psalm 119:1-16

Opening Prayer

Introduction to Sermon

Psalm 119 might sound familiar to you, not just because of Psalm 119 on its own but because of another familiar Psalm...

Psalm 1:1–2 ESV

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Transition to Exposition

Exposition 1

Psalm 119:1–8 ESV

1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! 4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. 8 I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!

Let us begin by exploring what is meant by “blessed”

It is often simplified by saying happiness

Lexicon study...

Beatitude

Deeper than superficial happiness

Deep, life filling joy and contentment that only comes from God

So now the question is, Who is this blessedness for?

For those whose...

way is blameless

walk in the Law of the Lord

seek Him wholeheartedly

do no wrong

walk in His ways

The blessed life is for the one who keeps the law whole heartedly

Why?

God has commanded it (vs.4a)

You will not be put to shame (vs. 6a)

You will not be forsaken (vs.8b)

How?

Be diligent (vs.4b)

Pray (vs. 5)

Read and understand (vss. 6b-7)

Keep the statutes (8a)

Transition question: So this all leads to the question, how can I practically fo this? How can I hope to keep myself clean?

I’m glad you asked, look at vs. 9 where the Psalmist asks the same thing

Exposition 2

Psalm 119:9–16 ESV

9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! 13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. 14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. 16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

Seek, Pray, Memorize, Praise, Testify, Enjoy, Meditate, Remember

Application:

Biggest decision...

Smallest decision

Memorize and meditate