Text: Psalm 119:49-56
Seventh stanza of Psalm 119 – This lesson focuses on the importance of remembering God’s word. His word does not do us any good if we do not know it. Furthermore, His word will not help us if we forget it after first learning it. So let us consider what David said about remembering God’s word.
Remembering God’s Word Gives Us Hope (v. 49)
- The Scriptures are intended to give us hope (Romans 15:4) – this is why we spend so much time studying them; only way to know God, know how to please Him, and have hope
- Why is hope important? … hope saves us (Romans 8:24-25); despite our tribulations, we will not be disappointed (Romans 5:2-5)
- Humans are forgetful – we need regular reminders (1 Corinthians 11:24-25; Acts 20:7; 2 Peter 1:12-13; 1 Timothy 4:6)
Remembering God’s Word Provides Comfort (v. 50, 52)
- We will face affliction in life (Job 14:1) – God’s word provides comfort
- Revives/quickens us (v. 50) – the world around us is filled with death and decay (Romans 8:20); the hope of life is found in God’s word (2 Timothy 1:10)
- Comfort by remembering God’s ordinances/judgments (v. 52) – God’s judgments are fair, merciful, and severe (1 Peter 1:17-19; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8)
Remember God’s Word in Song (v. 54)
- God’s people are to sing (James 5:13; Ephesians 5:19)
- Singing is to be instructive (Colossians 3:16) – provides reminders to us; we need to be sure the words are reminding/instructing us of what is right (cf. 1 Peter 4:11)
- Benefit of singing over regular teaching – the music helps us remember better
Remember God’s Word in the Night (v. 55)
- Though not explicitly stated, we generally reflect upon God’s word during normal waking hours – make time to read and study the Scriptures; as we go about the regular activities of life, remember God’s word
- This is different – remember God’s word in the night (Psalm 119:148); meditate upon God’s word as we lie in our beds (Psalm 63:6)
- Requires good knowledge, even memorization – must study to make this possible (2 Timothy 2:15)
Remember God’s Word Even Though Others Will Not (v. 51, 53, 56)
- “The arrogant utterly deride me” (v. 51) – these are in opposition to God (1 Peter 5:5); do not be deterred
- The wicked forsake God’s law (v. 53) – devotion to God’s word should cause us to hate sin (Psalm 119:104)
- David’s life revolved around following God’s law (v. 56) – ours must as well
Conclusion
- Why do we spend so much time focused on the Scriptures? … so we will remember them
- If we remember them, we can practice them – if we practice them, we can be saved
