TEXT: Psalm 119:1-8
READING: 1 John 4:1-21
SUBJ: The praise that emerges from walking in the Law (Word).
AIM: That we should learn the precepts of the God’s Word and delight in them as the Lord commands.
INTR:
1. The Word of God in some form is mentioned in most if not all the verses of this Psalm. At first glance, it may sound redundant, but a careful study will distinguish its lessons. The application of the Word in our lives is the aim of this Psalm.
2. There is mention in the Scripture of the Law of God, the Law of Christ, and the Royal Law. Should we try to make a distinction here? Christ summarized is Love and He showed the spiritual nature of it.
3. Consider that “blessed” is first mentioned then the commandment. It is a “born again” attitude.
THESIS: True happiness is to be had in the pursuit of Godliness in Christ.
I. The Walk of Blessedness (vv. 1-3)
1. “Undefiled” carries with it the thought of perfection or sincerity. The reference is to motive rather than to the absolute absence of sin (which of course is to be desired.)
2. When we think of “the way,” we are reminded of Bartimaeus who followed Jesus in “the way” and that our Lord called it straight and narrow with few finding it.
3. Walking in the Law of the Lord suggests that ours is a guided way that emerges from within – we are reminded that He writes them in our hearts and minds – and happiness comes from wholeheartedness.
4. The testimonies of the Lord are ever a delight to the believer. They are treasured.
5. Notice that it is He that is sought after not just a method of self satisfaction.
6. They do not practice sin as a way of life (see 1 John)
7. Rather, they walk in His ways (compare “way” and “ways.”
II. The desire for communion and instruction (vv. 4-6)
1. There is a devotion to that which the Lord has commanded. Both the precept and the approach become the desire. We do it because He commanded it.
2. A simple prayer for direction – that is that we be directed, not just told.
1) Our ways define our affections
2) That our ways should coincide with His ways.
3. In answer to that prayer, he would not be ashamed or confounded in any situation. John Gill wrote that we would not be ashamed: Of hope in God; of a profession of faith in Him; and of a conversation agreeable to it before men; nor of before God in His house worshipping there; nor at the throne of grace; nor at the day of judgment and before Christ at His coming.
4. This is derived in respect (looking to) the commandment.
III. The anticipation of the ability to praise (vv. 7-8)
1. This is to be seen as a commitment derived from Grace seeing that no one is able to make such a commitment of himself.
2. But these things are realized in the learning of His “judgments in righteousness.”
3. The reflection here is one of desire [he that wills to do shall know (John 7:17)]
4. The idea of forsaking here is that if God forsakes him nothing else will matter. He is not thinking of condemnation (which would ultimately be true) as that he would not be able to praise God.
