SF062 - THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD (Psalm 19)
Psalm 19
Introduction
Dr. Joseph Parker has said that “this psalm is universally regarded as one of the most profound and affecting of David’s compositions. It seems probable that the psalmist wrote this exquisite piece of poetry in the first flush of an Eastern sunrise, when the sun was ‘going forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber’ (19:5). The clear purpose of the psalm is not to contrast the moral and material revelations of God, but rather to identify the author and subject of both. The overarching theme of the whole composition is that God has made Himself known through the creation of the world, the provision of the Law, and the salvation of the soul.”
1A. The Natural Means of Revelation (19:1-6)
1B. Nature gives witness to the glory of God’s being (19:1a)
It is an unmistakable witness
Ø As far as David was concerned, there was no other explanation for the natural universe around him than the fact and being of God.
Ø It would have never occurred to David that God did not exist.
2B. Nature gives witness to the glory of God’s faithfulness (19:2)
Ø There is an order in God’s universe which is meticulous in its planning and accurate in its timing.
Genesis 8:22 While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.
Ø Great is God’s faithfulness!
3B. Nature gives witness to the glory of God’s grace (19:3-6)
God’s grace is seen in the manner by which He speaks (19:3-4)
Ø Without human words God reveals Himself to men (Romans 1:18-20)
Ø Through nature the knowledge of God’s existence and faithfulness penetrates into every land.
God’s grace is seen in the magnitude by which He speaks (19:5-6)
Ø The sun shines on the righteous and on the unrighteous.
Ø Without the sun no life could exist.
Ø David likens the sun to a bridegroom going to meet his bride in festive clothing.
Ø In those ancient days the coming of a bridegroom was preceded by a blaze of torchlight, suggesting light, power, and warmth which scatters darkness.
Ø What a magnificent description of Almighty God!
2A. The Special Means of Revelation (19:7-14)
By reason and study man can understand the heavens, but only by direct revelation can man understand the God of heaven. Therefore God has revealed Himself in His Word. Here in six descriptive phrases.
1B. The unique nature of God’s Word (19:7-11)
The authority of Scripture
Ø “Law” (teaching) tells of the Divine instruction relative to character and conduct.
Ø “Testimony” tells of the Divine witness to what God is, and what we should be.
Ø “Statutes” speak of Divine directions designed to secure obedience or check disobedience.
Ø “Commandment” tells of the Divine decrees, authoritative and imperious.
Ø “Fear” tells of the settled habit of the soul which is informed by the Law.
Ø “Judgments” tell of the judicial decisions and sentences of Jehovah”
The inerrancy of Scripture
Ø “Perfect,” without flaw or defect
Ø “Sure,” reliable and worthy of absolute trust
Ø “Right,” presenting the road to man’s true destiny
Ø “Pure, shining like the sun in a clear sky and highlighting duty
Ø “Clean,” without corruption
Ø “True,” inerrant and faithful.
The validity of Scripture
Ø It converts (restores, turns back) the soul (19:7)
Ø It makes wise the simple (19:7)
Ø It rejoices the heart (19:8)
Ø It enlightens the eyes (19:8)
Ø It endures forever (19:9)
Ø It is righteous altogether (19:9)
The value of Scripture (19:10-11)
Ø In other words, the Holy Scriptures are to be loved, learned and lived; and in the obeying of God’s Word there is great reward.
Ø Our supreme satisfaction is our increasing knowledge of God, as the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth as revealed in the Scriptures.
2B. The undeniable need for God’s Word (19:12-14)
God’s Word will keep us from sin (19:12-13)
Ø The Word reveals our sin (19:12)
Literally, “Who can perceive or discern the sinner’s errors?” and the answer, of course is that God searches our hearts
Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? 10 I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.
Ø The Word reveals our Savior (19:13)
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.
God’s Word will keep us in fellowship with God (19:14)
Ø The word which David used here to describe his “acceptable” communion was the very same term used for the acceptable sacrifices offered by the priests of God (Exodus 28:38; Leviticus 19:5, 7; Romans 12:1).
Ø This speaks of unbroken fellowship with God on the basis of redemption.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.