TEXT: Psalm 119:9-16
READING: Colossians 3:1-25
SUBJ: The effective use of the Word in our lives.
AIM: To encourage such study as to incorporate the Word in the manner described.
INTR:
1. The young man – the hope of future generations.
2. We will note in the passage an emphasis on “the way.” See verses 9, 14,15. And remember that Bartimaeus followed Jesus in the way.
3. Ours is to be moved by the Word of God from within.
THESIS: The Word is brought to life in us as well as to us and thus, it purifies or “cleanses” our way.
I. A question asked and answered (vv. 9-11)
1. Wherewithal indeed?
1) John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
2) John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
3) 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
2. Consider the alternative: James 3:11-12 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
3. The approach is unto the Lord – “sought.” So we pray.
4. The request is that the Word would be effective and that we wander not away. “Prone to wonder, Lord I feel it.” And S. F. Psalms 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
5. The place from which the Word is effective – the heart – not for concealment, rather for security. (Remember the sower)
6. The rule we would not violate See: Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. AND Proverbs 3:21-24 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. 24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. AND OUR PRAYER Psalms 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
7. From within our hearts the Word governs every aspect of our lives.
II. To be taught and to teach (vv. 12-13)
1. “Blessed art thou:” Psalms 33:1-2 1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. 2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. And then see
2. It is not in man to praise God. This is the work of the Spirit. We are to entertain high thoughts of God.
3. From Charles Bridges: “Man’s teaching may make more learned – God’s teaching will make us more holy.” AND see:
4. John 6:44-45 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
5. The desire is to be for continued teaching – in deference to God , in dependence on God for such instruction as we need. Consider that in verse 13, that which is within the heart comes out in the witness.
6. In verse 13, we see that, that which comes out is from that which is hid in the heart.
7. And compare: Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
III. Rejoicing, Meditation and Delight (vv. 14-16)
1. That which the Lord has sealed in our hearts – the Gospel – brings rejoicing.
2. Consider the personal claims to be made – “in the way” v. 14
3. Rejoicing leads to meditation – we think about that which is the source of our rejoicing.
4. Meditation keeps the truth stirred up in us. See Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
5. To have respect is the same as assigning priority. v. 15
6. From “I have rejoiced” in verse 14 to “I will delight” in verse 16.
7. The thought is of being refreshed in the Word. It speaks to an ongoing process of joyful experience.
