Inspired Through His Word!

Have you ever heard a passionate love song about the law?

I fought the law and the law won!!

Psalm 119 is the most complete discussion on the intrinsic value of God’s Word in the Bible. It was never just about following a list of rules. The author wanted us to discover it in all its richness, to view the depths of the Word of the Lord. Actually in following His laws, there is great freedom.

The structure of the chapter is 22 stanzas, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is an amazing work of art in that all eight verses in each stanza begin with the exact same letter which is something that is lost on us in translation.. Also, just about every one of the 176 verses refers to God’s Word in some way. It was done in this way to help the Hebrew reader of this psalm to sing or memorize the words and phrases.

The psalmist uses several different words to refer to God’s Word: word, way, judgments, law, testimonies, statues, decrees, commands, precepts.

There is no way that I can could ever begin to tackle a running commentary on each of these verses but Charles Spurgeon did. In his Treasury of David, a commentary on the Psalms, he devotes 350 pages – more than 250,000 words – to the study of this one psalm

However it is my heart’s desire that we will walk away with even a greater appreciation and love for His Word. However, not only that, but I want you to feel so drawn into its teachings and how God speaks to us through it!

You will walk away with practical steps to making the Word of God come alive when you commit to exploring its depths!

Testimonies/ Statues refer to God’s own witness to His will for all people. It is the dynamic outflow of His confirmation to us.

How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,
Who seek Him with all their heart. v2 nasb

If we keep God's testimonies they will keep us; they will keep us right in opinion, comfortable in spirit, holy in conversation, and hopeful in expectation. If they were ever worth having, and no thoughtful person will question that, then they are worth keeping; their designed effect does not come through a temporary seizure of them, but by a persevering keeping of them: "in keeping of them there is great reward." Charles Spurgeon

Way is just that. It is God’s ability to give guidance through the complex and intricate details and varied landscape of life. v1 ways

The Law refers to legal instruction in that it is perfect because it is precise in bringing salvation, it is the source of hope and life. The law brings an awesome sense of fear of the Lord v1

The law represents God’s name and His life giving presence. We are taking on God’s character when we live out His truth in our lives.

Precepts, commands, truth refer to separate commands and prohibitions, boundaries that bless us with freedom. We obey the commands not as a duty but because it is indeed proven truth. They embody truth.

Devotion to the law is not enough to inspire obedience. He recognizes that the law must be established in the mind and heart, in the vital core of His being. Obedience to the law requires wisdom and at the same time it produces wisdom as it is proven through our lives.

Understanding is a big prerequisite to obedience and it is a gift from God. The law can only be obeyed as God’s presence fills the worshipper and enables to abide in it, in His teachings, His way and instruction.

So, what keeps us from loving God and diving into His fullness?

· the reality of everyday life and routines

· the good things that outweigh the best things

· the pit that we all face at one time or another.

And in no time at all we quickly become ignorant.

However, we overcome these setbacks when we truly understand what His Word can do in us! His Word is the most complete revelation of who He is, He shows us how to know Him, the way to be acceptable to Him and the right perspective on life itself.

It was Jesus who said in John 15 that abiding in Him was letting His words abide in us. A genuine love for God will prompt us to know more of His Word.

v9-11

LIVE

SEEK

HIDE

The Benefits of His Word

1. Blessing v1,2 – Success – Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1

2. Peace v165 – freedom from anxiety, stability

3. Teaching v12,18,135,144

4. Insight and Understanding v99,v100,v104

5. Victory over sin v11

6. Eternal v44,v152

7. Direction v105

8. Discipline v67,v71, v176

9. Salvation v155

Where To Begin

1. Prayer and the Holy Spirit; Ephesians 1:18

The Word is an objective safeguard, while the anointing of the Holy Spirit is a subjective experience; but both the apostolic teaching and the Heavenly Teacher are necessary for continuance in the truth. And both are to be personally and inwardly grasped. The is the biblical balance too seldom preserved by men. Some honor the Word and neglect the Spirit who alone can interpret it; others honor the Spirit but neglect the Word of of which he teaches. The only safeguard against lies is to have abiding within us both the Word and that we heard from the beginning and anointing that we have received from him. John Stott.

2. Choose a book

3. ZOOM IN - for example use pencil crayons ...red – I AM; blue – prophetic, HS; yellow –inspiration; black – sin; its affect; green –salvation; orange – commands;

Mark it up!

4. Reinforce - studylight.org; biblegateway.com

5. Go Inside OUT. Let His Truth transform you by being a doer of the Word

6. Set your own pace.

7. Take time to Journal and memorize!

Let the clear passages interpret the unclear ones.

First read in context; is this history, poetry, prophetic

You can study the same passage many times and discover new things.