Bible Study - Rhythm (3) - GOD'S Word Gives Courage - Psalm 119:17-24 - December 18, 2016

Bible Study – Rhythm (3) – GOD’S Word Gives Courage – December 18, 2016

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Spoken: The Rhythm of GOD’S Word.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 119:17-24

Because of GOD’S Word, I can stand in a world that opposes me.

GOD’S Word is powerful. GOD reveals to us in HIS Word as recorded in Hebrews 4:12:

12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart.

GOD’S Word is the revelation of GOD on an ever ascending scale culminating in the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension of JESUS and the return of the Holy Spirit to indwell all who place their faith in JESUS. However, we must keep in mind that GOD’S Word is not GOD. GOD’S desire is for all to build an intimate, personal relationship with HIM by placing our faith in HIS Only SON, JESUS. GOD’S Word reveals GOD and those who study it should cherish it but build their faith in JESUS as the path directly into the very presence of GOD. Remember what JESUS told HIS disciple Thomas in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him (Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

The psalmist wrote this Psalm 119 before JESUS physically came into the world. HIS birth, life, death, resurrection, and so much more was prophesied thousands and hundreds of years before the birth of JESUS upon earth. We have the privilege of being able to read and know the complete revelation, coming through a physical birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of JESUS, all confirmed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

GOD’S Word is a mirror. In the dark, it is hard to make out the images the mirror reflects but with more light we begin to see what is reflected. If the surface of the mirror is dirty or obscured by a film/filter, it makes it difficult to see what the mirror reflects. The intent of GOD’S Word is for all who read and study it is for them to be led to seeing GOD. It leads a person to know GOD and not to just know about GOD. Getting to know GOD is applying the truth of HIS Word to our lives as we obediently serve HIM.

Will we stump our toe along the way? YES! Why? Because it is very easy for us to start living by our own spiritual desires, which we may think are GOD’S. Just know that GOD teaches and allows us to run ahead of HIM or to get out of step with HIM to teach us a lesson. What do we do when that happens? Often, we get angry with GOD until HE hits us in the head with HIS wisdom stick to reveal to us what we have done. We had good intentions but our intentions were not HIS intentions. Pray, seek and wait upon GOD as HE leads and directs our lives. A team of horses must learn to work together. Christians are yoked with JESUS. Let’s explore!   

Let’s read Psalm 119:17-20:

Gimel – The Third Letter of the Hebrew Alphabet.

17 Deal generously with Your servant so that I might live; then I will keep Your word.

As humans, our minds are likely to go to material prosperity when we read the words “deal generously with Your servant so that I might live.” The psalmist has a different perspective. He has discovered the value and richness that comes from studying and applying GOD’S Word. HIS Word leads him to a deeper knowledge of GOD and into a deeper relationship with GOD as he gets to know GOD in a more personal manner.

In essence, the psalmist seems to be saying “Dear LORD, continue revealing the wonders and truth in your Word to me so that I might live the abundant life. The more I know Your Word, I will apply it to my life and by doing so I will experience the full essence of living upon earth in full relationship with YOU.

18 Open my eyes so that I may see wonderful things in Your law.

In essence, the psalmist seems to be saying, “Dear LORD, only YOU can reveal truth from Your Word. I realize that I can be distracted by the things of the world and I confess that nature. My request is that YOU open my eyes to Spiritual truth such that it can be applied to my life as I seek to obediently serve YOU here upon earth. I realize that Your Word, the law, contains marvelous teachings which are revealed by You to help me to live life in abundance upon earth. I am not afraid to look deep into Your Word to discover truth because You are my teacher and enabler to live it.”

19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me.

The psalmist’ yearning is to be in the presence of GOD and one day he will be but for the moment he lives upon earth. His heart reveals to him that earth is not his home and that his eternal home is with GOD. Therefore, his request is for GOD to reveal all the truth he can take in as a person who seeks the most intimate, loving, personal relationship with HIM that is possible, as a human.

Just ponder that for a moment. Christians have that personal intimate relationship with GOD when they place their faith in JESUS. The miracle of salvation through the miracle of rebirth in their spirit results in being born into GOD’S family. As Christians, you are GOD’S Son or Daughter and our citizenship is in Heaven. We, as Christians, have to live upon earth until GOD calls us home but in the meantime we need to prepare for Heaven. JESUS gives us clues in the model prayer HE taught HIS disciples such as in Matthew 6:9-10:

The Model Prayer

9 "Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy.

10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

For Christians to prepare for Heaven they are to live and function in obedience to the will of GOD, their Heavenly Father. The only way GOD becomes a person’s Father is for him or her to place his or her faith in JESUS, The CHRIST. The process of sanctification begins the instant of salvation, which is to be made more like JESUS.

20 I am continually overcome by longing for Your judgments.

We studied earlier about GOD’S judgments. HIS judgments are the light HE brings upon HIS Word as we study it. It is not how we interpret HIS Word but how HE reveals the truth in HIS Word to us as it is applied through our lives. Revealed truth is exciting when discovered and applied. Those who study GOD’S Word are continually overcome with joy and awe when truth, as rendered by GOD, is revealed to us. By the same token, we say “ouch” when GOD’S Word reveals the error of our way. When it does, we confess it, repent and seek GOD’S strength to stay the course. GOD forgives, cleanses and restores. Revealed truth is not only to be lived but it is to be shared with others as GOD gives the opportunity as led by the Holy Spirit.

Let’s read Psalm 119:21-22:

21 You rebuke the proud, the accursed, who wander from Your commands.

22 Take insult and contempt away from me, for I have kept Your decrees.

There is nothing wrong with being proud but when it gives a person the sense of self-sufficiency then it becomes a hindrance to obediently serving GOD. We, as Christians, can get puffed up and become self-righteous thinking that we know how best to live our lives or to minister to the world.  This is a tool Satan uses to lead Christians astray. The psalmist is keenly aware he can lead himself away from obediently serving GOD. We can know the truth and wander away from the truth. GOD is truth and when our human nature rises up it can lead us astray.

It is easy for sheep to wander in search of green grass and in doing so are led astray. We can be led astray as the world seems to offer us better choices. The world’s choices have consequences designed to provide temporary satisfaction but ultimately destruction.  

The psalmist seems to be crying out and asking GOD not to let that happen to him. His desire is to stay true to GOD and what HE has revealed to him.

Let’s read Psalm 119:23-24:

23 Though princes sit together speaking against me, Your servant will think about Your statutes;

24 Your decrees are my delight and my counselors.

Those with earthly authority “princes” may attempt to advise or speak against the psalmist because he is led by GOD’S Word and not by their counsel. The psalmist will dwell/meditate/ponder upon GOD’S Word and rely upon the instructions from GOD to be his guide and counsel.

As I understand, “Princes,” generally, were those who were well educated or at least better educated than most of the populace. And they represented authority because of their relationship to the royal family. Princes along with other leaders would often sit together and discuss matters of importance to the kingdom. These decisions, coming from such gatherings, could impact positively or negatively the lives of those living in the kingdom. Regardless of human authority, the psalmist knew, based upon his confidence in GOD and the application of HIS Word, that his life was governed by GOD. He would rely upon the truth as revealed in GOD’S Word. He would be comforted by GOD’S Word and would allow it to will flow through his mind and assure him rather than yielding to the counsel of the world. He will not be distracted by earthly authority because HE is comforted by GOD’S Word and he is HIS servant.

The psalmist’s confidence is in GOD and HIS revealed Word. He delights in HIS Word and seeks counsel from HIS Word when he faces earthly authorities. 

GOD was his ultimate authority and sufficient for HIS life.

One caution, this is not speaking against seeking wise counsel from those gifted with giving wise counsel. Not all counselors are created equal. If you need counsel, pray and ask GOD to lead you to the person who can give you wise counsel along with discernment for you to make a wise decision by choosing the right counselor.

Considering what the psalmist has learned by studying GOD’S Word, does GOD’S Word give us that same degree of confidence? If not, why not? We must keep in mind that GOD’S Word is not GOD but the revelation of GOD on an ever ascending scale culminating in JESUS.

A person must embrace JESUS by placing his or her faith in HIM before he or she can embrace GOD. GOD reveals Himself through HIS handiwork. 

The physical world and the universe magnifies HIM. Embrace HIM by asking JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come unto your life. JESUS stated it best in John 14:6. HE IS THE ONLY WAY to GOD! 

Satan would try to make you think differently because his desire is to destroy you. GOD’S desire is to shower you with HIS love and forgiveness and welcome you into HIS family as HE originally intended. The choice is yours to make. Please choose JESUS as your Savior and allow HIM to be the LORD of your life.

Blessings!!!