Psalm 19: Communication from God

Introduction:February is the month when a certain holiday associated with love occurs. With Valentine’s day comes a lot of expectations. I’m sure all of you gentlemen (especially married ones) already have your elaborate plans for you date for Valentine’s day right? Getting communication from your significant other.Remember back to when you got something from a secret admirer. This is like general revelation

The Revelation of God through Creation

The Fact of Revelation

Psalm 19:1 KJV 19001 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork.

All Creation points to the existence of God but David points us to specifically the heavens. The Heavens are telling of the Glory of God.They are declaringHe gives voice to the heavens (inanimate objects; personification)Rather than proclaiming the praise himself, David lets creation speak the praiseThe glory of GodCreation points to existence of a creatorIt also points to the glory of that creator.Because of how glorious creation is, it points to how glorious the creator isThrough creation we can see God’s great glory and powerThere is no moral revelation through creation. We don’t learn of God’s attributes like love, mercy, grace, goodness, or justice by looking to the heavens. This is why it is a more general revelation.Paul says in Romans 1:20 that we see God’s eternal power and Godhead in creation. This is what is meant here by the glory of God.We can see God’s power. We can also know that He is a divine being. No man could create such a wonderful universe.The firmament (the atmosphere above) points to GodIt shows the works of His handsNot literally hands, God spoke the world into existence but we need a picture to describe. This is an anthropomorphism, ascribing human characteristics to God.

The work of the hands points to the maker. When I see a beautiful piece of furniture I think of the skill of the craftsman who made it.

Transition: So we see in this passage first the fact of revelation as seen in the heavens. Second we see...

The Continual Revelation

Psalm 19:2 KJV 19002 Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night sheweth knowledge.

It is a continual declaration, (day to day and night to night)The tense of the word “declare” in the previous verse actually points to this continual declaration as well.2 different perspectives of the heavens (day and night)Day shows the glory of God through the sun and it’s powerThe sun is a powerful object. It brings light and heat to the entire world.We now even harness that energy through solar panels to power many things.The sun is so powerful, if the earth was just a little bit closer, we would burn up. If we were just a little bit farther, we would freeze. God is amazing and glorious in how he placed the earth in relation to the sun.The Sun is actually a very small star in comparison to the other stars that we are aware of in our galaxy and universe.The Sun in all its power and glory points to the one who made it.Night shows the glory of God through the moon and starsHave you ever looked up into the night sky?The moon is a wonderful thing how it reflects the light of the sun for us at night.It also works in bringing the tides.The stars are so many we cannot number them. Even with the technology we have, we cannot determine how many stars are actually out there.

Going out stargazing in the boat in Canada

Transition: We saw first the fact of the revelation, then the continual revelation and now we see...

The Universal Language of the Revelation

Psalm 19:3–4 KJV 19003 There is no speech nor language, Where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

The Heavens speak a universal language.We deal with language barriers all the time. English is a language that is spoken by many but it is still not a universal language. If it is not someone’s native language, there may be parts of it that are hard to understand.I read something that stated if you speak English and Spanish, you can talk to a great majority of the world maybe like 75% of the world. This may be true but it is still not a universal language.There are groups working to get God’s Word translated into every language known to man. There are still so many languages to reach. They are working hard but have not reached the point of universal language.Creation, specifically the heavens, are not limited as we are. They have no language barrier. They speak a language that all understand. All men everywhere can look to the heavens and learn of the glory of God.There is no audible speech that comes from the heavens. David uses the picture of the heavens speaking but they do not make a sound.Though they do not make a sound or actually speak, their language is universal, it is seen by allAll men over all the earth see creation. They can see the sky and the things God has made. Many recognize the presence of a higher being from their observation of creation.

The Sun’s revelation of God’s glory

Psalm 19:4–6 KJV 19004 Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, And his circuit unto the ends of it: And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

Here David moves from looking at the heavens as a whole to specifically considering the sun as a major work of God in creation.He uses some wonderful imagery to describe what the sun does. This is a great thing about reading poetry, especially the Psalms. The authors used very descriptive imagery to describe certain things and make them more understandable to us. Here David does this for the sun.It is important to note that David is not presenting his description of the sun as scientific fact. Rather, we will see that what we know of how our solar system works is not how David describes how the sun operates. What he does describe though is what he sees and how it appears to him from his perspective on earth.God has made a home for the sun in the sky for us to observe.The idea of the tent is when the sun is set, at night, it is dwelling in its tent.David uses two pictures to describe the rising of the sun. A bridegroom coming out of the wedding chamber and strong man running a race. Both are pictures of someone very happy and ready to continue. The sun rise is a glorious picture of the sun rejoicing to run its course over the next 12 hours or so.The sun follows its path through the heavens every day. It goes from one end of the world to the other, from east to west. It is visible to all and does its work of keeping the world warm for all.The Sun is a powerful testimony to the glory of God.But creation pointing to the glory of God is not enough.

Romans 1:19–25 KJV 190019 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Creation points out that God is powerful and God of creation. Since we can all see it, it leaves us without excuse before God. Some have seen creation and twisted its purpose. They worship creation rather than God who made it all.

Romans 1:25 KJV 190025 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

We are guilty before God. Creation does not give us an answer to this problem of sin in our lives. God’s revelation through creation is great but it is surpassed by an even greater revelation. That revelation is God’s Word and ultimately Jesus Christ himself as the Word of God who came from heaven to die in our place.

We are guilty before God. Creation does not give us an answer to this problem of sin in our lives. God’s revelation through creation is great but it is surpassed by an even greater revelation. Peter talks about this in 2 Peter.

2 Peter 1:16–18 KJV 190016 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

He reminds us that he was an eyewitness to Christ himself. He heard the voice from Heaven stating that Christ was God’s beloved Son. But he goes on...

2 Peter 1:19–21 KJV 190019 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Speaking of the Word of God, Peter explains that it is an even more sure word of prophecy, an even greater revelation from God. It is greater even than being an eyewitness to Christ while he was on earth.So tonight we will continue to look at Psalm 19 and learn more about this greater revelation.The Psalmist does not stop at God’s revelation in Creation. He also points to the greater revelation.

The Revelation of God through His Word

It is through God’s Word, the Bible, that we truly get to know the God who made the universe. We get to know God and His desire for a relationship with His people. We get to know that we are guilty before God and in need of a Savior.

The Description of God’s Word

Psalm 19:7–9 KJV 19007 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

David describes for us the God’s Word. At the time of writing he would have been speaking specifically of the Torah. Now we can extend these descriptions to the whole revelation of God through His Word in the Old Testament and the NewIn these verses we see 6 lines that give a name or title of God’s Word, a characteristic of God’s Word and a work or effect of God’s Word.Each one varies a little in its reference. They all have a slightly different nuance. Basically, as David describes God’s word using these different terms, He is describing the whole. All of God’s Word is being included in each description. The same words are used in another of the Torah Psalms, Psalm 119 where again, the whole of the revelation of God in His Word is being described.

The Law of the Lord is Perfect Converting the Soul

Psalm 19:7 KJV 19007 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

Law:In a way referring to the Law of Moses but even more than that it refers to the entire rule of God. All that God requires of us.Perfect:All that comes from God is perfect.It is complete, there is nothing lacking.It covers all aspects of life; There is nothing left outIt is all-sufficientIt is not deficient in any wayThere is no need to add to what God has given to us. In fact, God condemns any who will add or take away from the revelation of God.Think about this: even at the time when all they had was the Torah, David was able to say that it was perfect. How much more should we consider the revelation of God through His entire Word perfect?Converting the SoulOr, reviving the soul in that it revives spiritual life in our soulsTurns us from our sinsThrough God’s Word we learn the way of salvation through faith alone in Christ alone. God’s Word points the way for salvation.It is more than just an outward transformation but a transformation of the soul.It also revives in that it gives nourishment. God’s Word is the food for our soul. Just as food restores strength and energy to the body, God’s Word restores life and energy to our souls.It is God’s Word that brings about salvation. It is not what we have to say about God’s Word. This is why God’s Word is such an important part of the ministry here at Faith.

The Testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple

Psalm 19:7 KJV 19007 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

Testimony: to tell of something past, or in God’s case, to come.He is telling us about our sin and our need to be restored.It is like a highway sign pointing us in the right direction and warning when needed of rough times ahead.Sure:It is a solid foundation to build on. God’s Word can be trusted. It is a trusted guide for us in life.Making wise the simple:It gives wisdom to those who read and listen. Proverbs speaks over and over about the wisdom of listening to God and the folly of going your own way.God’s Word provides instruction just as a parent provides instruction and direction for their children.

Statutes

Psalm 19:8 KJV 19008 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Statutes:or Precepts: they are orders or directions to be followed, that guide like a road mapRight:They are right, the are straightThe directions that God’s Word gives will never lead astrayRejoicing the heart:The directions are not restrictive but rather bring joy to the one who listens.Just like you would listen to directions given by your doctor to get over an illness or to the directions given on a map or gps to get where you are going the instructions and directions will get you where you want to go and bring joy.

Commandment

Psalm 19:8 KJV 19008 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Commandments:Another term referring to the rule of God and what He wants us to do.Pure:They are pure, unstained by sinAlso, radiant, a pure light,Enlightening the eyes:It shows us truth. It shows the right path.It opens our eyes to the truth of our sin and our need of a SaviorIt also shows us that God provided a Savior.

Fear

Psalm 19:9 KJV 19009 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

Fear of the Lord:Shifts to more the response that we should have to God and His WordThis is an appropriate response of humilty, awe, and worship of GodClean:True fear of God brings cleanness where we once were dirtyWe are cleansed from sin when we put our faith in Christ.Enduring forever:It will never go away. God’s Word will stand forever.Our salvation that comes through God’s Word is forever. We cannot lose it. We are His forever.

Judgements

Psalm 19:9 KJV 19009 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

Judgements:As the word that comes from the Judge, God gives direction in what is proper in human life. It is a word of what ought to happen what is right.True and righteous altogether:Because of it’s origin in God, it is true. It always tells truth. It is righteous because God is righteous. Not just parts are true and righteous. The entire revelation of God through His Word is true and righteous.Again, all these titles and descriptions give a different nuance to what God’s Word is. Through them all we have a fuller understanding of God’s revelation of Himself in His Word.Transition: So we have seen the description of God’s Word. Now we see...

The Desire of God’s Word

Psalm 19:10 KJV 190010 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

God’s Word should be desired above all material wealth

David talks of the worth of God’s Word being far beyond gold. Not just any gold, but much fine gold.People do all kinds of things to gain more money and wealth. They will work long hours and give up on other things they enjoy just to make an extra buck. What if we were to put the passion that we have for wealth into our time with God? What if we desired God’s Word more that that?David says we should.

God’s Word should be desired above all earthly pleasure

Some pursue wealth but other pursue pleasure. They do whatever they can that is fun and gives them pleasure.Again, what if we pursued the pleasure of knowing God as much as the other pleasures that we pursue.God’s Word is far more valuable than all the gold in the world. God’s Word brings far more pleasure than all the fun we can have in the world.We should desire God’s Word above all earthly wealth and pleasure.Transition: We have seen the description of God’s Word and the desire for God’s Word. Now we see...

The Benefit of God’s Word

Psalm 19:11 KJV 190011 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: And in keeping of them there is great reward.

God’s Word gives warning

God’s word leads us and warns us when needed. It is like a lighthouse that keeps a ship from wrecking on the rocks. God’s Word keeps us from messing up our lives spiritually if we will listen to what God tells us.This warning is given to the servants of God, to His children. It is only effective as it is listened to. Those who do not give heed to the warnings of Scripture are not God’s servants.

Obeying God’s Word brings great reward

This is not a reward of wealth or pleasure as we saw in the previous verse. Obedience to God’s Word brings a much greater reward.Eternal life is much more valuable and rewarding than anything we can do or enjoy here on earth.Transition: Having seen what David has to say about God’s Revelation of Himself through His Word, lets now look at the final section which is...

The Response to the Revelation of God

Psalm 19:12–14 KJV 190012 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, And I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Here David turns from looking at God’s revelation to himself. He sees himself for who he really is in light of God’s revelation. He gives us a model for how we should respond to God’s revelation in our own lives.

Response of Humility

David is not puffing himself up. He is not saying look at me and how well I know God.He instead recognizes his sin and his need for God to help him.

Response of Repentance

David recognizes his sin before GodHe repents and asks for cleansing from secret sins. (Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges)He asks to be kept from presumptuous or willful sins. Sins that are open acts of rebellion against God.

Response of Prayer

David finishes this Psalm by prayingHe asks that his word would be acceptable before GodHe also asks that the meditation of his heart be acceptable before God.He desires to please God in all aspects of his life.He recognizes his dependance on God to do this.The Lord is our strengthThe Lord is our redeemer.Spurgeon said of this verse: “My Redeemer makes a blessed ending to this Psalm. It began with the heavens, but ends with Him whose glory fills the heaven and earth” (Treasury of David, 133)God has revealed Himself through the creation and through His Word. David has given us a great model for how we should respond to this revelation. We must humble ourselves and recognize our sinful state before God. We must repent and turn to God and depend on God to work in our lives. This is the true and proper response to God and His Revelation.