What is God's Way? Psalm 119:25-32
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Introduction
Introduction
A popular singer recorded a well-known song some 50 years ago, “My Way”, with the words “I did it my way”. It was a fun song, but it was out of step with what the Bible teaches for the person who desires to follow Christ. It would be more accurate for such a person to say “I did it God’s way”. We find God’s way described for us in the Bible. As we look again at , take note of the word “way” throughout these verses.
25 My soul cleaves to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word.
26 I have told of my ways, and You have answered me;
Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
So I will meditate on Your wonders.
28 My soul weeps because of grief;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
29 Remove the false way from me,
And graciously grant me Your law.
30 I have chosen the faithful way;
I have placed Your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to Your testimonies;
O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I shall run the way of Your commandments,
For You will enlarge my heart.
The word “way” in these verses has the idea of going on a journey, along a path. We will ask and answer this question: Which way are you going? Which path will you choose?
The False Way
The False Way
The psalm writer begins this section with some discouragement. He says his soul is cleaving, or sticking to the dust. This is a picture of falling down on the path during the journey. Perhaps he has stumbled over something. Now he is dirty from the fall. He needs help so he prays for help by saying “Revive me.” That means he wants new life, another chance. He tells God about the way he has been taking. Now he realizes that it has been the wrong way. He’s been on the wrong path. The Bible says such a path leads to destruction ().
So in verse 29, he prays that God will take this wrong, false path away from him. Instead, he wants to know what the Bible says about the path he should be taking. Those who choose their own way, which is the false way, will not experience the blessings that God has for those who choose the second path.
The Faithful Way
The Faithful Way
The true path to follow is called the faithful way. It will take the followers of Christ where they need to be going. That is the path that to choose. Now there is a different outcome. Instead of stumbling into the dust and having the dust stick to us, we now are going to stick to the Bible, God’s Word. The same word in verse 25 (cleave), is used now in verse 31 (cling). Not only is the right choice made in the selection of this path, but that is the path where you would want to stay. In fact, the writer says that he is going to run on that path and experience God’s blessing in his life.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The big question for each of us to answer each day is this: which path will you follow? Which way will we go? It is so easy for us to just get up and go each day without giving thought to what God would want us to do. So getting into the Bible and understanding the Bible is a good way to start. Then pray for the strength to make the right choice with each step you take. Look for opportunities to be a blessing to others. Such people are all around you. Show God’s love and tell them about God’s love so that they will join you on the the faithful way.
It all starts with the first step. Everyone has chosen his own way in their lives, which makes everyone a sinner who needs a Savior. The first step is in knowing that Jesus Christ is that Savior who will you show the right way. The only way. He says that He is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to Father, but through Him (). Knowing and trusting Him as your own Savior starts you on God’s way. Then with each step of each new day, He continues to guide you in that way, on the path, as you continue on in the new life that He gives you. Do it God’s way. It’s the way to everlasting life.