Psalm 19 The Law of the LORD is Perfect
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· 13 viewsThe redeemed rely on the perfect Word of God.
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The Law of the LORD is Perfect
Chair Bible pg. 456
Main Idea: The redeemed rely on the perfect Word of God.
Last week Pastor Matt/Robbie walked you through ...see 18:50 (pattern in &2, 18&19, 118, 119)
C.S. Lewis wrote, “I take this to be the greatest poem in the psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.” (Lewis, p. 73)
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
Could be argued that is answering the question...Is there a God? True, but the point is far deeper than simply arguing for existence. The first line reveals the core purpose of the Psalm, the glory of God...
The Glory of God displayed through his Creation
The Glory of God displayed through his Creation
1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
“Heavens” same word used in declare and proclaims--absolute active...declare=make known, proclaim= conspicuously announce.
“glory of God” glory=doxa weight, impressive
God Elohim same word used in Common name used for God, supreme being.
“Sky above” the expanse, firmament makes known his handiwork…”works of his hands”
“It is not merely glory that the heavens declare but the glory of God, for they deliver to us such unanswerable arguments for a conscious, intelligent, planning, controlling, and presiding Creator, that no unprejudiced person can remain unconvinced of them.” (Spurgeon, 270) The heavens reveal the works of his hands!
Poetry using personification...describing non-verbal communication
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
communication is continuous day and night in an ongoing cycle. The multi-faceted nature of his handiwork never cease proclaiming his glory.
Where is this communication of the glory of God taking place?
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
How can such a conclusion be reached? Focus narrows to the primary communicator of the glory of God in Creation...the Sun.
In them he has set a tent for the sun, “in them” the heavens, sky “The sun is de-deified - it is simply God’s daily cosmic courier. In the Bible, the sun is relieved of the crushing burden of deity…” (Kidner, 109)
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Both are images of joy...bridegroom the arises the day after the honeymoon...Usain Bolt running a race.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
The repeated certainty of the rising and the setting sun, there is nothing hidden from its heat…Idea of heat new NASA mission to sun, the spacecraft will come within 3.9 million miles of the Sun.
The heat of the sun is not a bad thing. Necessary for life.
What does the heat of the sun represent? Back to v. 1. The glory of God. There is nothing that is hidden from the glory of God.
What is the purpose of God’s display of his glory through Creation?
Creation is sufficient to make known to us that there is a glorious God...How do we know who He is, what He is like and what He desires from us and for us.
The Glory of the LORD revealed through his Word
The Glory of the LORD revealed through his Word
Read v. 7-9
Notice the change of the name of God to the LORD, Yahweh--proper name for God, covenant keeping God who saves and who is near his people. How do we know who He is? His Word!
Each statement about the Word of God reveals purpose. The multi-faceted description of the Word of God is intended to be grasped comprehensively not in isolation, understanding the purpose individually and corporately.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, “law” “...torah is broader than law; it refers to doctrine, teaching, instruction. (Davis, 111) “perfect” complete, covers every aspect of life...the Bible is all we need. Gospel of God.
Purpose reviving the soul; “Only the Word (by the Spirit of God )can convert a lost human soul to God. The Bible is a living book full of divine and supernatural life, the very life of God Himself. (Lawson, 99) same as used in “restores my soul” invigorating. The Word of God is perfect...all we need for life and godliness. “YHWH’s instructions are life-giving, or more specifically life-restoring” (Goldingay, 292).
the testimony of the LORD is sure, “testimony” witness, solemn statement made under oath. Testimony of the LORD is sure--reliable, accurate, permanent
making wise the simple; Instructs the simple/childlike with the wisdom of God
8 the precepts of the LORD are right, “precepts” authoritative directives. “Right” morally right, just.
Illus: Right diagnosis, right treatment, joyful results.
rejoicing the heart; Giving joy to inner self/inclination.
the commandment of the LORD is pure, (Note commandment is singular--what God has prescribed for his people to do.)
enlightening the eyes; “Enlightening the eyes,” i.e. lights up the eyes, which is a mark of encouragement (Goldingay, 292). Compared to the sun in the above verses which damages the eye...the word of God enlightens the eyes.
9 the fear of the LORD is clean, fear of the Lord” refers to the parts of God’s law that evoke reverence/worship. The Scripture is a manual for worship. (Lawson, 104) “The fear of God must be understood in an active sense of the doctrine which teaches us how God is to be served. The wrong way to fear God is through human inventions of false worship, which only bring down the divine displeasure.” (Calvin, 104)
“Clean” uncorrupt, pure. Illus: disease and decay...the Word of God endures forever.
enduring forever; remain in force forever.
the rules of the LORD are true, “rules” determination of right and wrong. “True” trustworthy, faithful. “Truth without any mixture of error.
and righteous altogether. Conforming with justice completely
160 The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
,
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
Psalm 171
2 major choices as it comes to the Bible in the modern age:
2 major choices as it comes to the BIble in the modern age:
1. Is the BIble true and right?
2. What do I do with the BIble?
So What?
So What?
Do I desire and rely on the Word of God?
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Why do you desire gold? Want it...why? Think you need it. Rely on it, particularly fine gold.
Word for desire same as when Eve desired the fruit.
Why do you desire honey? Good. sweet.
2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Illus: Tyndale letter while imprisoned for translating the Bible prior to his execution.
Illus: Tyndale letter while imprisoned for translating the Bible prior to his execution.
“I entreat your lordship, that by the Lord Jesus, that if I am to remain here during the winter, you will request the Procureur to be kind enough to send me from my goods which he has in his possession, a warmer coat, for I suffer extremely from cold in the head... a warmer coat also, for that which I have is very thin: also a piece of cloth to patch my leggings ... I wish also his permission to have a lamp in the evening, Brady is wearisome to sit alone in the dark. But above all, I am entreat and beseech your clemency to be urgent with the Procureur that he may kindly permit me to have my Hebrew Bible.” (Davis, 115)
Do I rely on the Word of God to reveal my heart and direct my path?
V. 11 and following are David’s response to the glory of God revealed in His Word. The two-edged sword has penetrated. Like the sun from whom nothing is hidden from its heat, the Word reveals the heart of man.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults. (What I think is hidden or what I am unaware of because of how sinful I am.)
“I am simply not sharp enough to see and expose all my guilt. Once realized you won’t be plagued by the fantasy of perfectionism. The truth is you have no idea how sinful you are.” (Davis, 116)
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me! Incredible admission of David...not self-righteous at all. Deeply aware that he is not only prone to wander, his is prone to willful sin. Only the Lord through his Word by the power of the Spirit can set me free from the dominion of sin. If the Son has set you free, you shall be free indeed…Then...
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
Could we say that God’s glory is most truly glorious not when it displays itself in the vast expanse of space but in the servant in his/her closet, praying in response to the scrutiny of God’s Word. (Davis, 118)
Could we say that God’s glory is most truly glorious not when it displays itself in the vast expanse of space but in the servant in his/her closet, praying in response to the scrutiny of God’s Word. (Davis, 118)
Do I rely on the grace of God (revealed in the Word of God) to live for the glory of God?
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, Praying . There are no neutral thoughts.
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
God as rock...,
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
“in view of God’s mercies” What comes into view through the Word of God is the mercies of God revealed that He is our gracious redeemer. His mercies are culminated in Jesus Christ.
How do we keep his mercies in view…by bring transformed by the renewal of our minds. Then the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts will be acceptable in his sight.