1Sa 3:1 “ … And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; …”
INTRODUCTION:
Over the past 12 lessons we have seen that the Word of God has supplied to us the answers to some of life’s most difficult and important questions:
- What is the Bible? Why does it stand out from all the writings of man?
- Does God exist? If so, ho is the true God?
- Is our existence on earth simply an accident, or were we created by a higher power? If we are created beings who is our Creator?
- Is There a Messiah? If so, what is His identity?
- Does sin exist? If so, to whom do we turn to find forgiveness?
- Where do we turn to find peace and comfort in the midst of a world that is filled with injustice, pain, suffering, and death?
- What takes place at our death? Does our spirit go out of existence or does it continue to exist in a conscious state?
- Is there a need to prepare spiritually for our coming death? If so, what can we do to prepare?
- Does genuine lasting happiness and joy exist? If so where can we find them?
- Is there a purpose for our life on earth? If so, how can we fulfill that purpose?
- Why are there sorrowful, painful events in this world? If there is a God why does He allow evil in this world?
- Is there a universal standard for right and wrong? If so, where can we find it?
And this list is just the beginning…. We are promised by God Himself, through the writings of the Apostle Paul that God’s Word totally gives us what we need to know to live our lives on planet earth… “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
It is because of this that this precious book, God’s Word handed down to man, should be the chief source of all our knowledge, understanding and wisdom as we live our lives for His honor and glory.
In Psalm 19:7-11, we find a summary of the Word of God and its significance for all mankind. In this study, we will be looking at this set of verses, as a fitting summary and concluding study for our series.
SCRIPTURES:
Ps 19:7-11
(KJV) 7) 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. 10) More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11) Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.
(ESV) 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.
THE STUDY:
In our text, Ps 19:7-11, we now turn our attention to the significance of God’s Word for our lives…
The flawless Word and its benefits…
In this section of our text we find the Word of God given six different titles:
7) The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul:
The Hebrew word translated “law” means “to draw a line” or “to point in correct direction”. This title teaches us that the Word contains limits that the Lord sets for us to follow. These limits are given to us to keep us from hurting ourselves.
The line that the Lord draws clearly shows us that we are not perfect and we are missing the target He has set for our lives. The knowledge of our failures before Him shows us our need of repentance which motivates us to turn to Christ as our Lord and Savior resulting in our receipt of spiritual life.
the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.
The word for “testimony” means “a witness”. The Word of God witnesses to us the truth of God. God, here is acting as a witness for Himself. He is the only One who has full knowledge of His own person, desires, work and commands.
Once we learn the about God from His Word it makes us wise as we apply these truths to our day to day walk with Him.
8) The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart:
The word that is translated “statutes” refers to “a responsibility given to us by a superior”. As our Creator and Savior the Lord has all authority over us. The Word is filled with the duties that He has given to us.
These responsibilities are just and, if we keep them, are beneficial to His cause and our well-being. When we keep His statues we can find much joy and happiness in life as we live a blessed life of the Lord.
the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes.
“Commandment” is a word that means “to arrange, appoint, or set in order”. The Scriptures help us to set our life in order.
By following its dictates, our eyes are opened to how we can live an orderly, useful life that is fulfilling our purpose for living.
9) The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever:
The word “fear” is translated from a Hebrew word that carries with it the idea of “reverence, respect, and awe”. It is through the Scriptures that we can come to a partial understanding of the greatness of God and our need to reverence Him.
When we reverence God as we should, we will find ourselves submitting to His authority at our salvation; and it is this salvation that result in clean holy lives. This type of life results in eternal rewards for those who are faithful to Him.
the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether.
The word translated “judgments” is defined as “verdicts, or the decrees of a judge”. The Word of God relates to us what God has decided about the many varied issues we may face in life.
Do I want to know what God thinks of a certain action? What about a decision I am about to make? His Word will tell us. At that point, we will know the Lord’s lawful and just assessment of any subject.
The priceless Word and its preeminence…
10) More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
The value of God’s Word to both saved and unsaved is described in two ways:
1. More valuable than a great quantity of fine gold – This describes the value of God’s commands in terms of worldly wealth. The Word is more valuable for us than the most valuable riches this world has to offer.
2. Sweeter than fresh honey from the comb – This is comparing the benefits of the Scriptures to one of the most delicious and beneficial of foods of this world. The Word gives a better type of strength, nourishment and enjoyment than that of sweet honey.
The cautioning Word and its result…
11) Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.
The Word of God contains many warnings from the Lord that is given to mankind for their protection and gain.
By listening to the admonitions of the Lord, we will escape great sorrows in life. By heeding His counsel we will lead lives that are pleasing to God and secure eternal rewards as faithful servants.
THE APPLICATION:
In our text, and throughout our series, we have seen many different aspects of God’s Word. One of the many things that all these features of His Word have in common is the fact that, in every case, they are beneficial to anyone who is willing to apply its truths to their lives.
The application of His Word will result in the reception of many various blessings. Some of these blessings we will be able to enjoy during our lifetime on earth, but in many cases, these blessings have eternal significance enjoined to them. One of the greatest eternal benefits we will receive are rewards for our service which we will be able to lay back at our Lord’s feet as a way of giving Him all the praise for His Word and the enabling we needed to serve Him. (Rev 4:10-11)
Realizing the wonderful blessing of His Word that He has handed down to us, let us all join together with the Psalmist and share the great desire of his heart…. to praise and honor our Lord for His Word and its many benefits to us….
Ps 138:2-3
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.
If you have any questions concerning the way of salvation please feel free to visit or call a Bible teaching church in your area. They will be happy to speak to you about the Lord Jesus and the salvation He graciously gives.
Or, if you would rather, feel welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I’ll be more than happy to answer any question you may have.
Also, if you look at my blog page “How To Have A Relationship With God”. On this page, you will find several blog entries explaining the way of salvation.
Please visit the “Settled In Heaven Ministries” homepage – http://www.settledinheaven.org
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