Text: Psalm 119:97
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible – 176 verses focused on a single theme (the word of God). This psalm teaches us what the word of God is, what it does for us, and what it requires of us. We cannot cover everything in this psalm in one lesson. In this lesson, we are going to notice some of the highlights from this psalm about the word of God.
What the Word of God Is
- It is “the law of the Lord” (v. 1) – this means that it originated with God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21); as His law, it is the standard for us to follow [we will discuss this more later in the lesson]
- It is “settled” (v. 89) – this word means to stand firm; it was put in place by God; settled “forever“; God’s word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8; cf. 1 Peter 1:25); it is timeless (cf. Psalm 119:160b)
- It is our guide (v. 105) – it shows us the direction we are to go (cf. Matthew 7:13-14); it also exposes and warns about any wrong path we may be on
- It is “truth” (v. 160) – it shows us what is right; it cannot be wrong because it is from God (cf. Titus 1:2); the “sum” is true, in its entirety (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16); therefore, we are to accept all of it
What the Word of God Does for Us
- It keeps us from sin (v. 9, 11) – able to do this because it shows us what sin is (cf. Romans 7:7; 1 John 3:4); for it to do this for us, it must be “treasured in [our] heart” (v. 11) and “implanted” (James 1:21)
- It revives us (v. 25, 28, 40, 50) – it gives us life; provides comfort (v. 28; cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18); we have hope of eternal life (v. 50; cf. John 6:68; 2 Corinthians 4:17), despite what we face in this life
- It gives wisdom/understanding (v. 98-100) – we can excel beyond worldly wisdom (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:25); only if we embrace God’s word, meditate upon it, and observe it
- It saves us (v. 155, 166, 174) – today, the gospel is God’s power for salvation (Romans 1:16); if we reject God’s word, there is no hope of salvation (v. 155; cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:8)
What the Word of God Requires of Us
- We must love God’s word (v. 140) – because it is “pure,” refined, tested (cf. Proverbs 30:5-6); more than just knowing what God’s word IS and DOES; this is about appreciation and gratitude
- We must hate every false way (v. 104) – this is based upon our understanding; “hate” because sin and error cause people to be lost
- We must keep God’s commandments (v. 33-35) – do this because they are “wonderful” (v. 129); this is an urgent matter (v. 59-60); we must “not delay” to do God’s will (cf. Acts 16:33; 2 Corinthians 6:2)
- We must praise the Lord (v. 171-172) – continually offer a sacrifice of praise (cf. Hebrews 13:15); “seven times a day” (v. 164) means we do this regularly, consistently, and personally
Conclusion
- The psalmist loved God’s law and meditated on it – why? … because of what it is and what it does
- Knowing this, we should also love and meditate on God’s word – also, do what it requires us to do
