Text: Psalm 119:153-160
Twentieth stanza of Psalm 119 – This lesson focuses on truth. However, it is not enough to simply recognize that the word is truth. We must also obey it if we hope to be saved.
The Sum of God’s Word is Truth (Psalm 119:160)
- We have seen already in this psalm that God’s word is truth (Psalm 119:43, 142, 151) – also emphasized elsewhere in the Bible (John 17:17; Colossians 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:15)
- It is true because it is from God (Titus 1:2) – because of this, the promises contained in God’s word serve as an anchor for us (Hebrews 6:18-19)
- In considering this point, it is important to note that the sum of God’s word is truth – all of it is true because it is all from God (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- Many attack parts of the Bible – but if we reject part of the Bible, how do we keep from rejecting all of it? (Psalm 11:3; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:16-19)
God’s Word is Everlasting (Psalm 119:160)
- We have already seen that God’s word is settled/established (Psalm 119:89, 152)
- Jesus is the word (John 1:1) – He was in the beginning with God (John 1:2); that means He existed before the world did (John 1:3; Colossians 1:15-17)
- Therefore, the truth of God’s word is older than the world – it was revealed later, but it existed from the beginning (Colossians 1:25-27; 2:2-3)
- Similar thought in Proverbs about wisdom existing before Creation (Proverbs 8:22-23) – we acquire wisdom through truth (Proverbs 23:23); it is timeless; will exist as long as the earth stands
Salvation Comes Through the Word (Psalm 119:155)
- “Salvation is far from the wicked” – Why? … “For they do not seek Your statutes“; those who do not follow God’s word cannot be saved
- Today, the gospel is God’s power for salvation (Romans 1:16) – His word gives us an inheritance (Acts 20:32)
- Salvation is far from the wicked simply because they reject God’s word (2 Thessalonians 2:10); but if they turn to God’s word, they can be saved, regardless of their past (Acts 10:34-35; 1 Timothy 1:15-16)
Despite Obedience, Salvation is Not Earned (Psalm 119:153-154, 156, 159)
- David was committed to obeying the word of God – kept it in his mind (Psalm 119:153), continually followed it (Psalm 119:157), and obeyed God eagerly/willingly (Psalm 119:159)
- Despite his commitment to obedience, he recognized his need for God’s grace/mercy (Psalm 119:153-154, 156, 159)
- We obey God, but we do not earn salvation (Luke 17:10; cf. Ephesians 2:8-10) – we must keep God’s word in our minds (Hebrews 8:10), continually follow it (John 8:31; Matthew 28:19-20), and obey God eagerly/willingly (Titus 2:14)
Truth is Not Determined by Numbers (Psalm 119:157-158)
- David’s adversaries were many (Psalm 119:157) – he considered them, but did not join them (Psalm 119:158)
- Do not be tempted to join the majority (Matthew 7:13-14) – popular opinion will change, but truth does not (Psalm 119:160)
Conclusion
- Truth is not found in the changing opinions of culture – it is found in the timeless standard of God’s word
- We can have the hope of salvation if we follow the truth
