The Word of God

Psalm 119:89-96. "The Word of God" Safe Haven Community Church: Sunday March 21st, 2021. Psalm 119:89-96 89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 91 By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. 94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. 95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. 96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad. (ESV) Before parliament, in Bill C-6, the Canadian Federal Justice Minister has put forward a bill to ban conversion therapy defined broadly as "a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual or gender identity to cisgender, or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour". Christian groups who have considered the bill, like the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, warn that this could potentially criminalize religious instruction, parental guidance and supportive services for individuals wishing to order their sexual lives in accordance with their religious conscience, faith identity and personal convictions based on the word of God. (https://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/Resources/Government/2020/Bill-C-6-to-Ban-Conversion-Therapy) Psalm 119 praises God for his Word, the Bible, because God has given us the Bible and it is only through the Bible that we can come to know who God is and how to praise him (Boice, J. M. (2005). Psalms 107-150: An Expositional Commentary (p. 970). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.). "Here we have set forth in inexhaustible fullness what the word of God is to (us) and how (we are) to behave in relation to it." (Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary on the Psalms, 243.). This psalm praises God for His Word, the Bible, because God has given us the Bible and it is only through the Bible that we can come to know who God is and how to praise Him. (Boice, J. M. (2005). Psalms 107-150: An Expositional Commentary (p. 970). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.) The challenge is that statistically, every day, 66 percent of those who identify as evangelical Christians are looking at Facebook, 39 percent are looking at YouTube, and 32 percent are opening their Bibles. That's a problem, because what we take in will shape our perspective. If our daily intake is news and gossip, it will most likely result in a perspective of fear or hopelessness, then we will retreat. The solution to this problem is the scriptures. Containing 66 books written over a 1,500-year span, supernaturally inspired through 40 writers from every walk of life: kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, and scholars, it will shape our thoughts and direct our lives from fear to hope.(ttps://harvest.org/resources/devotion/always-the-same?utm_campaign=Daily%20Devotion&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=116037028&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9FldXs4VKrJ7meKaNMN9jGpiMAlBIKItnzMp-nBwdlhaoCSVkvh6Vrhq86SZg4xDvoGKSF2foWkShlhtYpN3QENbLY2A&utm_content=116037028&utm_source=hs_email) Showing how the Word of God is complete for all our thoughts, words and deeds, Psalm 119 shows how Scripture is 1) Permanent (Psalm 119:89-91), 2) Precious (Psalm 119:92-93), 3) Preserving (Psalm 119:94-95) and 4) Perfect (Psalm 119:96) The Word of God is complete for all our thoughts, words and deeds, because it is: 1) Permanent (Psalm 119:89-91) Psalm 119:89-91 89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 91 By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. (ESV) Jesus clearly taught the everlasting nature of God's Word. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, in what is some of his most extensive teaching on the Scriptures, in Matt. 5:17-18 Jesus said: "17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished." (ESV). Martin Luther once wrote of God's Word, "The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me. The Bible is not antique or modern. It is eternal." (Quoted by Joel R. Beeke and Ray B. Lanning, "The Transforming Power of Scripture," in Sola Scriptura: The Protestant Position on the Bible, ed. Don Kistler (Morgan, Pa.: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1995), 331-32.). Please turn to Matthew 24 This stanza concentrates on the enduring nature of God's word. The Psalmist praises God for the permanence of His word in the opening statement that: "Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens". Regardless of what else may change in all the universe, God's Word remains firm (1 Pe 1:25). Like the heavens, it continually attests God's unfailing power and unchanging care (Ps 89:2) (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 383). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.). Because of its perfect author, precise inscription, and permanent habitation, the Word of God is unsurpassable, undeniable, and unchangeable (Hindson, E. E., & Kroll, W. M. (Eds.). (1994). KJV Bible Commentary (p. 1151). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.). In Matthew 24, using the illustration of the fig tree, we see the signs of seasons and events compared to the permanence of the word of God: Matthew 24:32-35 32 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (ESV) * Here we see how Jesus attributes divine authority and permanence to His own teaching-it is greater even than heaven and earth. It lasts forever. When we are engaged with God's Word, we are engaged with that which lasts forever (Williams, D., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1989). Psalms 73-150 (Vol. 14, p. 365). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.). Just as God is eternal, so is His revelation and as verse 90 mentions, is His faithfulness (see Ps. 89:1-2, and cf. Jesus' words in Mark 13:31). There is constancy and order in all of creation, reflecting the "faithfulness" (ʾemûnāh) of the Lord (v. 90; cf. vv. 75, 86; 89:2; 104; 147:7-9). The order in creation reveals the love, care, and fidelity of the Lord. It was by God's word that the heavens were established/created (Ps. 33:9), and it stands fast/remains as a testimony to that fact, as well as to His faithfulness in sustaining them. Creation is a witness to the power of God's word, and generation after generation have a testimony, for nature confirms God's steadfastness. The regularity of day and night witnesses to the constancy of the Lord. (VanGemeren, W. A. (1991). Psalms. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (Vol. 5, p. 752). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.). The laws that govern creation are inherent, for, as verse 91 specifies, they exist by His appointment. The word for appointment (91) is the familiar word 'judgments' or 'ordinances' by which, in a human context, He declares His will for our obedience (Kidner, D. (1975). Psalms 73-150: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 16, p. 462). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.). The out flowing of this is that all things are His servants. The whole of creation has God as its maker and he established the principles on which it operates. Creation is not to be worshipped as though it was divine, for all parts of creation are but servants who do his bidding (cf. Gen. 1:14-18 which shows that the heavenly bodies are God's servants, while Deut. 4:15-19 forbids the worship of creation). God is faithful and His Word can be trusted. The same Word that created the world (v. 90) and runs the world (v. 91) will also govern your life and make it secure (Wiersbe, W. W. (1991). With the Word Bible Commentary (Ps 119:89). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.). Illustration: Neither you nor I can see things from the perspective of eternity-only God can-but we can testify to the enduring qualities of Scripture throughout observable history. Indeed, one reason among many for believing the Bible to be God's Word and not the word of mere human beings is its extraordinary preservation through the centuries. Today, after the Bible has been translated, in part or whole, into many hundreds of languages, many with multiple versions, and after millions of copies have been printed and distributed, it would be nearly impossible to destroy the Bible. However, such conditions did not always prevail. Until the time of the Reformation, when Gutenberg's remarkable discovery of moveable type enabled the Bible as well as other literature to be mass-produced and distributed easily throughout civilized lands, the text of the Bible was preserved by the laborious and time-consuming process of copying it over and over again by hand, at first onto papyrus sheets and then onto parchments. Throughout much of this time, as with many in authority in Canada today, the Bible was an object of extreme hatred by many in authority. They tried to stamp it out, but the text survived. On Tuesday, for the first time in 60 years, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced the discovery of previously uncovered fragments. Dozens of 2,000-year-old fragments from scrolls containing portions of the books of Nahum and Zechariah have been unearthed in Israel, an extremely rare discovery in the Judean Desert. https://www.christianpost.com/news/israeli-archaeologists-discover-new-dead-sea-scrolls-fragments.html?uid=24931c97c2 The Word of God remains. In the early days of the church, Celsus, Prophyry, and Lucien tried to destroy it by arguments. Later the emperors Diocletian and Julian tried to destroy it by force. In some periods of history it was a capital offense to possess a copy of the Bible. Yet the text survived. If the Bible had been only the thoughts or work of mere men, it would have been eliminated long ago, as other books have been. We know from passing references in other ancient books that we have lost masterpieces by many of the greatest writers of the past. But the Bible has endured and has endured intact. Isaiah wrote: The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever (Isa. 40:8). (Boice, J. M. (2005). Psalms 107-150: An Expositional Commentary (pp. 1012-1013). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.) The Word of God is complete for all our thoughts, words and deeds, because it is: 2) Precious (Psalm 119:92-93) Psalm 119:92-93 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. (ESV) The psalmist now reflects on the encouragement and support that came to him from God's laws. By God's word he has been preserved (cf. v. 88), and those statutes that he took delight in (cf. the same or similar expressions in vv. 24, 77, 143, 174) have been his stay in times of affliction (cf. v. 77 regarding the link between delight(s) and affliction). This has given him a sense of being so as to align his life with the revealed will of the Lord. If he had not found meaning in his experience of "affliction," he felt that he would have perished. He would have been like a falling star (VanGemeren, W. A. (1991). Psalms. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (Vol. 5, p. 752). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.). * God never promised to spare us from the trials of life. However, God does promise His faithful presence when we walk through the trials. His grace will be sufficient in our time of need, and He will provide the strength we require to endure it all (2 Co. 2:9; He. 4:16; 13:5; Is. 40:31; 43:2). At times, we may be bowed low beneath the weight of crushing burdens. We could plunge suddenly into the depths of depression and despair. But at our lowest point, if we will look to the LORD and believe His Word, He will give us whatever we need to go on. (Leadership Ministries Worldwide. (2016). Psalms: Chapters 107-150 (Vol. III, p. 142). Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide.) Please look back to verse 17 A delight in God's word is a delight in Him. He will honor our heartfelt requests for understanding and guidance for they bring us closer to Him. In the face of affliction the Psalmist pleaded with God: Psalm 119:17-24 17 Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. 18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.19 I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. 21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. 22Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. 23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. 24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. (ESV) * Blessing only truly comes as we seek to obey God. We need His Spirit to understand His word. When week seek obedience to His word, we need not fear accusations, regardless of how powerful the accuser. We will possess wisdom beyond our years when we study, reflect upon and seek to obey the words of the eternal God. The pledge never to forget them back in verse 93 is a repetition of one already given several times in this psalm (see vv. 16, 61, 83). To forget something, in the psalms, implies disobedience (Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ps 119:93). Nashville: T. Nelson.). Illustration: Bouch, a waiter at a tavern in Chicago, wrote to the king of his homeland, Morocco. King Mohammed VI, who often interacts with his subjects in public and has freed political prisoners as well as helped the poor and disabled, wrote back. "Look at the letters," said Bouch. "These are letters from the king. If I meet him, I'll be so happy." You think King Mohammed VI loves his subjects? (said his friend) You ought to meet Jesus, the King of Kings, and read His precious letters to you. (Lee Eclov, "Letters from the King," PreachingToday.com; source: John Kass, "Waiter's Pen Pal Just a Cool Guy Who Runs a Country," Chicago Tribune (July 23, 2001) * Scripture is the record of how precious we are to God. We often forget how much He loves and cares for us because we forget to read the accounts and promises of that love. The more we are in the word, the more we will realize that love and the more we will want to share that love for others. Evangelism is not so much an argument to be won but a love to be shown. It is thinking about who do we know that could use to hear that Jesus loves them and showing them from God's word the fact of it. The Word of God is complete for all our thoughts, words and deeds, because it is: 3) Preserving (Psalm 119:94-95) Psalm 119:94-95 94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. 95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. (ESV) In Hebrew the emphasis here falls on the psalmist's relationship with God: 'I am yours; save me.' As a consequence, he directs prayer to his God, and asks for preservation in the midst of present dangers (Ps. 54:1). The preservation of life is related to the covenantal relationship, as the psalmist knows that he belongs to God ("I am yours," v. 94; cf. v. 125) (VanGemeren, W. A. (1991). Psalms. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (Vol. 5, p. 752). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.). The verb "sought out" in verse 94 means "to consult, to inquire, to beat a path, to read repeatedly. Here is a believer who beat a path to the Bible, read it over and over, studied it, and when he had to make a decision, consulted it carefully. Philosophies change, political expedients fail, promises and contracts are broken, but the Word of God still stands.(Wiersbe, W. W. (2004). Be exultant (1st ed., p. 124). Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications Ministries.) Please turn to 2 Peter 3 Verse 95 specifies how his enemies are intent on his total destruction, but he trusts in his Saviour to deliver him. He knows what God's word promises, and he makes that his meditation. The expressions that he has 'sought out God's precepts' and his statement that He will 'consider/ponder God's testimonies/statutes' are virtually synonymous, with the former one identical with verse 45b. The "commands" (miṣwôt) of the Lord liberate and give a new lease on life (lit., "very broad"; NIV, "boundless," v. 96; cf. v. 32; 118:5). Everything else, perfect as it may be, is limited. (VanGemeren, W. A. (2008). Psalms. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Psalms (Revised Edition) (Vol. 5, p. 876). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.) 2 Peter 2 calls for us to consider God's testimonies that He has revealed and see the preserving action of His word: 2 Peter 3:1-12 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (ESV) * Scoffers scoff at the promise of the Lord's return, arguing that because everything has remained the same since creation, God will not intervene in the world. These scoffers deliberately overlook (consciously, willfully ignore) the fact that God did intervene when he created the heavens and the earth with the word of his mouth (Gen. 1:3-31; Ps. 33:6; Heb. 11:3), and also when he judged the earth with water and it perished (Genesis 6-9) (Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2422). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.). * It is the same powerful word of God that creates and sends judgment. It preserves the current realm but by that same word, God will bring judgment. Illustration: When flying through clouds or fog, which prevent them from seeing the horizon, pilots cannot feel the plane's wings beginning to bank to the left or right. In fact in the early days of flight, pilots followed the myth of instinct: They believed they could feel the turn, and when their planes were accidently engulfed in fog or clouds, many banked unknowingly into a spiral dive that ended in a crash. That's why one pilot said "Instinct is worse than useless in the clouds." To fly through clouds, pilots must rely on instruments like the artificial horizon. The artificial horizon is a gyroscopically steadied line that stays level with the earth's surface and unerringly indicates when the wings are banking left or right. The artificial horizon revolutionized flying, but when it was first invented, pilots resisted using it. The biggest problem flyers had was belief. They trusted their feelings more than their instruments. (William Langewiesche, "The Turn," Atlantic Monthly, December 1993, 115-22.). In the Christian life God's Word acts as our primary flight instrument. Our feelings can mislead us, but God's Word tells us the truth. The whole world will change but the permanence of the World of God allows us to steady ourselves when everything else seems to be spinning out of control. * If we really want to know who we are, the condition of the world and the urgent need of the Gospel, then to be in the word is the most preserving action for our well being, and equipping us with the life saving tool for the word. Finally, the Word of God is complete for all our thoughts, words and deeds, because it is: 4) Perfect (Psalm 119:96) Psalm 119:96 96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad. (ESV) As he looks around him, the psalmist sees the limitations of earthly things, as everything fits within the boundaries that God has allotted. This verse could well be a summary of Ecclesiastes, where every earthly enterprise has its day and comes to nothing, and where only in God and his commandments do we get beyond these frustrating limits (Kidner, D. (1975). Psalms 73-150: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 16, p. 462). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.) God's commandment are exceedingly broad containing riches in them that can never be exhausted. God's law transcends all that we can observe in creation. The bounds of created perfection may be defined, but those of God's law in its nature, something is wanting to it; its limits are narrow, whereas God's law is of infinite breadth, reaching to all cases, perfectly meeting what each requires, and to all times (Ps 19:3, 6, 7-11; Ec 3:11)... (People can) never outgrow the Word (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 383). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) Please turn to Psalm 19 Scripture says in a number of places that God's word is true, or truth. He is a God of truth. He desires truth in the inward being (Ps. 51:6). His word is the word of truth (119:43, 160). His law is true (119:142, 151). Jesus Himself prays for his disciples, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17) (Frame, J. M. (2010). The Doctrine of the Word of God (p. 170). Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing.) Psalm 19 proclaims the perfection of the word of God reflecting the perfection of the God of the word: Psalm 19:7-11 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts 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 forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (ESV) The Bible is complete, it is perfect in terms of providing everything that is necessary to know the law of God which produces the benefit of totally transforming the soul, (nephesh, the inner person). The best Old Testament scholarship gives this meaning, this Hebrew word means all sided so as to cover completely all aspects of life. It is comprehensive. It is sufficient. It leaves nothing out. Yes, that is a feature of being flawless, but it says much more. To say something has no flaws doesn't say that it's complete. Yes the Scripture has no flaws but the issue here is that it lacks nothing. Here is the manual for humanity's operation written by the manufacturer which leaves nothing needed out. To call it 'perfect' is to say that it is an expression of the pure will of God. (MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer's Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 743). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.). (Format Note: Some base commentary from Harman, A. (2011). Psalms: A Mentor Commentary (Vol. 1-2, pp. 865-866). Ross-shire, Great Britain: Mentor.) Communion Meditation: Historically, the presence of Christ has been one of the most debated points of theology when participating the Lord's Table. In 1 Cor. 11:24 when Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:33-34. 33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another- 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home-so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come. (ESV). Quoting directly again: "Paul closes by admonishing the Corinthians to get their lives and their attitudes straightened out, to completely discard their prejudices, their selfishness, and their indifference to God's holy ordinance. The fact that he says when you come together to eat assumes that he supported the idea of their fellowship meal, but they should wait for one another before they partake of it. If any were only attending in order to satisfy their physical hunger they should eat at home. Otherwise, they pervert the love feast. When they come to the love feast, and especially to the Lord's table, they should come to satisfy their spiritual hunger. There is no point in gathering to sin, because that is simply coming together for judgment". (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1984). 1 Corinthians (p. 275). Chicago: Moody Press.) It is clear that the Biblical pattern is to have communion corporately ("when you come together"). There may be particular needs where we can offer communion (home/hospital sickness or isolation/Long term care home) but this is a communion allowance of mercy for only those who are unable to attend, not those who do not wish to attend. Pastorally, as elders, for those unable to attend we offer a physically distanced mask visit to pray over, encourage and offer communion. For those who will be at West Shore on Sunday, we plan to have communion together. Closing Hymn - John Bije How Firm a Foundation (3v) 060 Benediction From the God Most High, Whose ways are mercy and truth, Who leads you to his heavenly throne. May He preserve your life according to His promise; Keep you from all harm, And watch over your life. In Christ we Pray. AMEN (cf. Psalm 119:107; 121:7)