Psalm 119: Part 2: The Word of Life for the Persecuted

Opening Prayer

Introduction

Conspiracy theories

Different kind of scripture reading

Scripture Reading

Psalm 119:23 ESV

23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.

Psalm 119:42 ESV

42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.

Psalm 119:51 ESV

51 The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.

Psalm 119:150 ESV

150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.

Psalm 119:61 ESV

61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.

Psalm 119:86 ESV

86 All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!

Psalm 119:95 ESV

95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.

Psalm 119:110 ESV

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.

Psalm 119:121 ESV

121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.

Psalm 119:134 ESV

134 Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts.

Psalm 119:157 ESV

157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.

Psalm 119:161 ESV

161 Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.

Psalm 119:67 ESV

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

Psalm 119:71 ESV

71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

Psalm 119:143 ESV

143 Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.

Psalm 119:153 ESV

153 Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.

The Psalmist was persecuted

princes were plotting against

Are there people plotting against the church today? Satan?

He was being taunted

Possible today?

He was slandered

Is the church slandered today?

Transition Question: How can you withstand persecution?

I. To withstand persecution, know the Word

Know that you will be persecuted

Know that God is Sovereign

Know that God is Good

II. To withstand persecution, keep the Word

Pray

Psalm 119:134

Psalm 119:134 ESV

134 Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts.

Psalm 119:153 ESV

153 Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.

Walk

Psalm 119:121 ESV

121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.

Psalm 119:134 ESV

134 Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts.

Psalm 119:157 ESV

157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.

Go on the offensive (not the defensive)

III. To withstand persecution, trust the Word

God promises that you can withstand

We have already discussed God’s sovereignty and goodness, don’t just know it, trust it.

chair illustration

IV. To withstand persecution, realize that it is good

Psalm 119:71 ESV

71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

Psalm 119:67 ESV

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

Gospel