We have been looking at the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 119 has 176 verses that are divided into 22 sections of 8 verses each. The psalm was written to instruct those who returned from exile in the values of God's Word.
So far we have looked at eight of the sections. In them we have seen the psalmist urge us to be true to the Bible, and he talked about the virtue of Bible knowledge. He called on us to pray for enlightenment of the Word, and reminded us of the strength of the Word. He has shown us how God's Word preserves us, and he has encouraged us to have faith and hope in the Word. He instructed us concerning friendship through the Word, and tonight we will consider the next section and discuss being humbled by the Word.
I. The Psalmist's Word Of Testimony v65
We find later on that the psalmist had experienced some difficult times.
But, even when things go wrong, all is well.
No matter what the situation may be, the Scripture is sure.
(Rom 8:28) "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
God's Word is totally dependable.
II. The Psalmist's Request for Teaching v66-68
A. What He Expressed. v66
1. When we believe a person we willingly listen to what they have to say.
2. The character of a teacher adds strength to the instruction he or she imparts.
3. The psalmist believed God; believed His Word; and believed His commandments.
4. He was ready for more instruction.
a. Knowing God's Word to be reliable, he wanted that conviction translated into practical action in his life:
b. "Teach me good judgment and knowledge," he prayed.
B. Note the application: A believer has a decision to make.
1. It may concern his business, or some situation at home.
2. He is not sure what is the right thing to do.
3. He desires to know what God would have him to do.
4. He prays, "Teach me good judgment and knowledge."
5. Then he quietly reads the Scriptures.
a. He reads the Word patiently waiting for God to speak to his situation.
b. Any decision he makes, of course, will be in keeping with God's Word.
c. He has already established that as the basic principle of his life.
6. He finds that God meets him in His Word.
a. He shows him a specific verse, a divine principle, or a life example.
b. God quietly, but assuredly sways the balance of his judgment and leads him to the right decision.
c. That is precisely what the psalmist wanted.
d. He wanted to be sure that God's Word would be applied to the practical decisions in his daily life.
C. What He Experienced. v67
1. First there was confession: "I went astray."
a. That is true of all of us. "All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way .
b. To stray is as natural to a sinner as it is to a sheep.
2. Then there is conversion: "Before I was afflicted I went astray."
a. As long as he was left to himself he did as he pleased.
b. But affliction came and he was brought to his senses like the prodigal son in the far country.
c. He went astray before he was afflicted. d. But now, he no longer goes astray.
3. Then there is consecration "But now have I kept Thy word."
a. That is the value of affliction: it brings us swiftly to an end of ourselves.
b. God's chastening of His children is always parental not punitive.
c. "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth" (Hebrews 12:6).
d. It is a sorry parent who never chastens his child.
D. What He Expected. v68
1. God is holy, so all His ways are holy.
2. God is love, so love characterizes all He does.
3. God is good, so goodness characterizes all His purposes.
4. God is kind, so kindness marks all His dealings with us.
5. To blame God, even indirectly, for the suffering, sickness, sadness, and sorrow in this world is to slander Him.
6. He is good.
III. The Psalmist's Way In Testing. v69-71
A. Truth vs Lies. v69
1. Nothing is harder to accept than to have your character smeared by a deliberate lie.
2. It is especially difficult when the liar has been successful and people believe it
3. Someone has said that when mud is thrown it sticks.
4. And even after the worst of it can be brushed off; it often leaves a stain.
5. That is one of Satan's favorite tactics.
a. He is also the father of lies.
b. He has plenty of people willing to do his dirty work for him in this world.
c. The sad thing is that all too often Christians are far more ready to believe something bad about a believer than they are to believe something good.
6. Someone had forged a lie against the psalmist, yet the lie caused him only to cling closer to truth: "I will keep Thy precepts with my whole heart."
B. His reaction to their character: v70
1. Fatness, in the Bible, was not something necessarily culturally negative as it is among us.
2. It was a sign of prosperity and wellbeing.
3. But "fat as grease" is something else; it suggests something repulsive.
4. This is not the fatness of spiritual blessing, but the flesh run wild.
5. The psalmist describes his enemies as having fat hearts.
a. The heart, of course, represents a person's inner life.
b. A heart "fat as grease" suggests a life totally given over to the flesh.
6. "But I delight in Thy law," he said.
a. His enemies had indulged their lusts and lies and had become vile.
b. He had been indulging himself in God's truth.
c. The psalmist's refused to become like them, and he found God's Word to be the best protection against that kind of life.
C. His Reaction to His Affliction. v71
1. Affliction = Good ???
2. That is the last thing we usually think about.
3. But, the child of God finds goodness in affliction if he does not rebel against it.
4. Any affliction that drives us to the Bible and to our knees is worthwhile.
IV. The Psalmist's Wealth Of Treasure v72
A. It is a matter of' priorities.
1. In which world am I investing?
2. Where do I most want to succeed?
3. In the world of business, or in the world of Bible?
4. Very few people succeed in both, because both are totally demanding if success is to be more than nominal.
5. Jesus said, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
B. The psalmist said, "The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of silver and gold."
1. He had a better treasure in his Bible than in all the gold in the world.
2. He had made his decision; he knew for which world he was living.
3. His treasure was in heaven.
4. What about us?