Verse 105 is one of the most familiar of the 176 verses found in this psalm. We use this verse along with verse 11 to form what we refer to as the pledge to the Bible. It relates to us one of the great advantages of the believer over the unbeliever. There are many advantages, but this one is a big one.
The believer has a greater understanding of life and its purpose. We know where we came from, where we're going, and how we're to get there. God helps us by giving us the Word of God to show us the way. The Bible never uses the word 'unsaved' to describe the person without Christ. The biblical word is 'lost'. That in itself is frightening. To be lost is to be without direction or help. It is an awful experience.
Tonight, let's look at this passage and see the Word of God as our Lamp, and let's determine, as the psalmist, to be faithful to God's direction in our lives.
I. God's Word Guides Us
A. Guides … In Our Walk v105-106
1. Our feet are set in the darkness of the world, but the Word is a lamp for them.
2. The picture is one of the lantern on a pole; it provided enough light for each step taken.
3. It provided enough light to show the path in front, but not a search light to reveal the end.
4. Only the light of the Word can illumine the path and keep us from stumbling and falling.
5. We find the way we are to go through the Word of God.
a. God's Word will not tell us which street to take to work.
b. God's Word will not tell us specifically who we are to marry, or what we are to do.
c. God's Word will not tell us everything that we shouldn't do.
d. But as we understand and learn the principles of God's Word.
e. It shines a light to direct us in our decisions and gives us the direction that we so desperately need.
6. Note v106
a. We need to make a commitment to God's Word.
b. The Word will not supernaturally keep us from making wrong decisions.
c. It will not miraculously block our path if we tend to go a different direction.
d. But if we will commit ourselves to it, we have the promise of God's direction.
(Prov 3:5-6) "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. {6} In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
B. Guides … In Our Weakness v107
1. His afflictions came from the outside.
2. Believers are not immune to afflictions in this life, regardless of what some may say about it.
3. Again we see the psalmist recognizing that only God can deliver him from the trials of life.
4. Quicken = enliven or revive 5. Revival comes only from God and His Word.
C. Guides … In Our Worship. v108
1. "Accept, I beseech thee…" our worship is offered unto God, and we should pray that it would be acceptable.
2. "…Freewill offerings of my mouth…" interesting way of putting it isn't it?
3. Our praise should always come freely from the heart, never forced.
4. "…Teach me thy judgments" as we worship God we also need to be open for His instruction through the Word.
5. Our worship experience will be unfulfilling if both are not included.
6. We offer worship and receive instruction.
II. God's Word Guards Us. V109-110
A. By calming our fears. v109
1. "My soul is continually in my hand"
2. That phrase speaks of being in a fearful condition.
3. Similar to when David went against Goliath.
(1 Sam 19:5) "For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?"
4. But in times of peril, God's Word is there to comfort and encourage.
B. By hindering our foes. v110
1. The enemy is seen here laying traps and snares in an attempt to gain the victory.
2. But it is through God's Word that we can gain the advantage and avoid the snares.
3. We are not ignorant of the strategies of our enemy; and God's Word will protect us.
(2 Cor 2:11) "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
(Eph 6:11) "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
C. Our distress strengthens us in the faith.
1. The psalmist was in constant danger, his life was taken in hand against the forces of evil.
2. To cope with this situation he remembered the Word and its promises.
3. Our Lord has promised never to leave nor forsake His children.
III. God's Word Gladdens Us v111-112
A. Our Happy Heritage. v111
1. God's inspired Word is a heritage from forefathers in the faith, who lived by it and preserved it for all generations.
2. Its examples are cause for us to rejoice as well.
3. The psalmist had trained to keep the Lord's statutes in his heart all his life and even forever.
4. Like Christ the Living Word, the Bible, the Written Word, will abide forever.
B. Our Heavenly Home. v112
1. Faithfulness to the Word will keep us mindful of our ultimate destination.
2. There is an end to all of this….and it isn't 'six feet under' or becoming a part of some cosmic force of nature.
3. We have a home prepared for us and it is awaiting us along with loved ones and friends who have gone on before us.
4. There is cause to rejoice and there is cause to keep our shoulders to the wheel.
5. Paul reminds us of just that:
(Gal 6:9) "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
(2 Th 3:13) "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing."
God's Word Guides Us… God's Word Guards Us… God's Word Gladdens Us…
What is our need tonight? Come and find all we need in Him.