I Hate Those Who Are Double-Minded

Text: Psalm 119:113-120

Fifteenth stanza of Psalm 119 – This lesson will focus on the theme of consistency. The word is not used in these verses, but the concept is. If God’s word was not consistent, we could not trust it or follow it. But because it is consistent, it provides us with protection, sustenance, and safety – if we follow it.

The Law of God is Consistent (v. 113)

  • I hate those who are double-minded” – “vain thoughts” (KJV); means to be divided in mind, a skeptic (Strong’s)
  • Contrast with God’s law, not other men – Why? … because double-mindedness is the opposite of what we find in God’s word
  • Double-mindedness makes one unstable (James 1:8) – God’s word provides stability (Psalm 119:89)
  • Double-mindedness is associated with impurity (James 4:8) – God’s word makes us pure (Psalm 119:9)
  • Double-mindedness prevents one from committing to follow God (1 Kings 18:21) – we must choose (Psalm 119:104)
  • Understanding these things should cause us to love God’s law

God’s Law Provides Protection, Sustenance, Safety (v. 114, 116-117)

  • Shield (v. 114) – solid, impenetrable protection (Proverbs 30:5); we have the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)
  • Sustenance (v. 116) – support that we may lean upon; we have God’s word that supports us so that we will not fall (Ephesians 6:13-14; Acts 20:32)
  • Safety (v. 117) – not just from attacks (v. 114), but also from the troubles of life; God’s word provides a solid foundation for us (Matthew 7:24-27)
  • God’s word is consistent – will not leave us vulnerable, without support, or without a foundation
  • But we must follow it – wait for it (v. 114), not be ashamed of it (v. 116), and regard it (v. 117)
  • Follow it “continually” (v. 117) – if we fall, we cannot blame God or His word

We Must Guard Against Evil Influences (v. 115)

  • Paul warned of the danger of evil companions (1 Corinthians 15:33) – this corrupting influence grows over time
  • Rarely do we follow along with the evil influence immediately – so it is persistent (Genesis 39:7-10)
  • Attitudes about sin in society change over time – but God’s word is consistent (Psalm 119:89)
  • We must be separate from the world and follow His word (2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Peter 1:16)

God Rejects and Removes the Wicked (v. 118-119)

  • Rejects them (v. 118) – they do not enjoy protectionsupport, and safety that the righteous do (v. 114, 116-117)
  • Removes them (v. 119) – He did it once (Genesis 6:5-8; 7:21-23); He will do it again (2 Peter 3:3-7, 10-14)
  • Who are the wicked? … society’s definition may change (Isaiah 5:20), but God’s definition does not change

We Must Fear the Lord (v. 120)

  • It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31) – we must fear the Lord because He has the power to destroy us (Matthew 10:28)
  • Because His word is consistent, we can have confidence as we follow it (Proverbs 14:26; 1 John 2:28-29)

Conclusion

  • God’s word is consistent – we do not need to be double-minded when it comes to following it
  • Focus wholly on His word… follow His word in singleness of mind… strive to do this consistently