Written by David Self Sunday, 22 November :00 - Last Updated Wednesday, 25 November :40

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1 Explore the Bible Lesson Preview November 29, 2009 "Obey God's Word" Background: Psalm 119:1-176 Lesson: Psalm 119:1-16 Motivation: Believer's Study Bible, p. 823: 119:1 "This is the longest psalm, as well as the longest chapter of the Bible. It is also a classic example of the acrostic poem. The 176 verses of the psalm are divided into 22 stanzas, corresponding to the number of letters in the Hebrews alphabet. Each stanza has eight verses, and all verses in each stanza begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The letters are arranged in alphabetical order. Most editions of the English Bible have the Hebrew letter or the name of the letter printed at the beginning of the stanza. It is fitting that the longest chapter in the Bible should be a hymn of praise magnifying the Word of God. Of its 176 verses, almost every verse contains a direct reference to the Word of God. Some eight different terms are employed in referring to God's Word - law,' testimonies,' ways,' precepts,' statutes,' commandments,' judgments' (ordinances), and word.'" Examination: I. The Sufficient Word (1-8) "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!" (2) A person who keeps God's Word is... 1 / 8

2 A. Undefiled "blessed are the undefiled" (1) James concludes his characterization of undefiled religion with "to keep himself unspotted from the world" (1:27) B. Unashamed "Then I would not be ashamed" (6) Shame comes from guilt and guilt from sin. C. Unbroken "I will praise you with uprightness of heart" (7) While there is certainly a place for a "broken heart" and "contrite spirit" (Ps. 34:18), this refers to an authentic relationship with God. An obedient life results in an "upright heart." II. The Powerful Word (9-48) A. Sanctification "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." (9-11) Believer's Study Bible, p. 923: 119:11 "A believer must store up, i.e., as one would safeguard a precious object, the Word of God in his heart that he might be strong in the hour of temptation (cf. Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). B. Contemplation "I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word." (15-16) Clearly, merely reading God's Word is not enough. 2 / 8

3 His precepts require study, meditation, contemplation and even memorization. C. Investigation "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law" (18, cf. 27, 33, 34) Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit will guide us to truth. (John 15:26, 16:13, 17:17) Paul characterized unbelievers as "blinded" to God's truth (2 Cor. 4:4). D. Stabilization "My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word." (28) Throughout this section we encounter the word "revive" (25, 37, 40 NKJV). It's also translated "preserve" (NIV). The message is one of strength during difficult times. Meditating upon God's Word "rights our ship" in stormy seas. III. The Comforting Word (49-88) A. Comfort "I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and have comforted myself." (52) References to "comfort" occur in vss. 50, 52, 76 and 82. Our Lord is described as the God of all comfort in 2 Corinthians 1:3. The sense of the word "comforted" is not a life of ease but rather of God's mercy and compassion toward His children. 3 / 8

4 B. Confrontation "The cords of the wicked have bound me, but I have not forgotten Your law. At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of your righteous judgments." (61-62) Opposition is a common theme in this passage: vss. 51, 53, 61, 69, 78, 85 and 87. The wicked are constantly scorning the upright (51). They try to bind (61), deceive (69, 78), trap (85), and destroy (87). Such is the mission statement of their master, Satan (John 10:10a). C. Correction "Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word." (67) Another theme of this section refers to the psalmist's affliction and subsequent revival. In vs. 71 he declares "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes" (71). Often out of trying times we draw closer to God. IV. The Eternal Word (87-128) A. Forever "Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in Heaven." (89) Isaiah declared "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our Lord stands forever" (40:8). B. Faithful "Your faithfulness endure to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides." (90) When Christ returns in glory, He will be called "F aithful and True" (Rev. 19:11) C. Full "I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are 4 / 8

5 my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts." (99-100) God's instructions are complete. (2 Tim. 3:16). D. Follow "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (105) Bel iever's Study Bible, p. 826: 119:105 "On a hazardous journey, the torch was most necessary. God's Word is the true light to Guide the believer through life (cf. Prov. 6:23; John 8:12)." Like light illuminating a dark journey: 1. God's Word reveals potential pitfalls. 2. God's Word reflects the beauty of His glory. 3. God's Word protects from predators. 4. God's Word projects the right course. V. The Wonderful Word ( ) This section provides wonderful instruction for a daily quiet time with God and His Word "I rise before the dawning of the morning and cry for help; I hope in Your Word" (147) 5 / 8

6 A. Adoration "The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple, I opened my mouth and panted for I longed for Your commandments." (130, cf. 144). "My lips shall utter praise..." (171) "Let my soul live, and it shall praise You" (175) All of Psalm 119 is a hymn of praise for God and His Word. B. Confession "Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love Your name. Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me." ( , cf. 153) "I have gone astray like a lost sheep..." (176, cf. Isa. 53:6) When we lift up God in praise, we are reminded of our own weakness and vulnerability to sin. (1 John 1:8-10) C. Thanksgiving "Great are your tender mercies, O Lord..." (156) "I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure..." (162) "Great peace have those who love Your law..." (165) Whereas adoration is praise to God for His eternal character, thanksgiving dwells on specific acts of God. During this Thanksgiving weekend, we should be very mindful of His gracious works. D. Supplication Completing the ACTS acrostic, supplication focuses on specific petitions we lay at His feet. In this passage, the psalmist requests: 6 / 8

7 1. Redemption "redeem me" (134, cf. 146, 154, 166, 174) 2. His Presence "make Your face shine upon your servant" (135, cf. 145, 149, 169, 176) 3. Understanding "teach me Your statutes" (136, cf. 144) 4. Deliverance "consider my afflictions and deliver me" (153, 170) 5. Revival "Revive me according to Your judgments" (156, 159) 6. Strength "let Your hand become my help..." (173, 175) Application: 1. God's Word represents His wisdom and understanding. 2. God's Word is faithful and true. 3. God's Word provides comfort, wisdom, strength and salvation. Leader Pack Item 19: Poster: "Lesson Outline"; Item 20: Handout: More Bible in Your Life 7 / 8

8 Item 21: Handout: The Bible is a Treasure Illustrator: p. 32; "The Word: A Description" Notes: **You may access David's Lesson Preview in MP3 format at: y.org/ ; Dates: 11/29 - Thanksgiving Weekend - (No SBS) - normal worship sched.; 12/5 - Christmas Store; 12/10 - FBA Christmas Fine Arts Festival; 12/ Christmas Celebration; 12/17 - FBA Primary & Lower School Christmas Plays; 12/19 - Candycane Lane; 12/24 - Christmas Eve Services - 5:00 & 11:00; 12/27 - Christmas Weekend (No SBS) - normal worship Schedule. 8 / 8