Love the Word (Psalm 119:97-104)
Should you and I make resolutions? Resolutions are words of expression. “Be it resolved that I would like to be in better shape in 2018.”
A commitment; however, is taking action toward something. “To achieve my goal of being in better shape this year, I will decrease my portion size and exercise three days per week.”
Today, I want to encourage you to set a spiritual goal and commit to take steps to accomplish that goal in 2018. Why? If you and I do not take steps toward change, there will be no change in His church. If, on the other hand, we commit to be more like Him, His church will be transformed!
Where do we begin?
Last week, we saw where Jesus called us the light of the world. We came to understand that His light shines in us when we walk in obedience to Him. Since our primary reason for existence and God’s will for us, is to bring glory to Him through our lives, we should set personal goals and make commitments that will move us in that direction.
Would you agree that the Bible is the only place to find the things of the Lord for which we should obey? Would you also agree that reading the Bible in the power of the Spirit is how we come to know those things?
So, by setting a goal of bringing glory to God in 2018, we must also incorporate a commitment to read and follow God’s Word.
1. Love the Word
The things we love are given the most attention. We make adjustments for the things we love. We sacrifice for the things we love. More importantly, we are committed to the things we love.
The psalmist expresses that kind of love for God’s instruction.
Why should we love God’s Law (instruction)?
First, we realize the instruction comes from God to you. That makes it a supernatural message that is personal to you.
Second, we recognize that God’s instruction reveals God’s character.
Third, we understand that following God’s instruction will lead you to glorify Him in your life.
With that, we could all say together – I love God’s Word! However, what must accompany our words for them to reflect a genuine love? They must be followed by action!
The psalmist used the word “meditation”. The Hebrew word means: “Giving considerable thought with a focus of responding properly to the information”. The intention of meditation is to take action.
Therefore, When we truly love the word of God, we will read it, think on it and respond to it.
2. Value the Word
From this passage, the Psalmist says God’s word provides wisdom, understanding and teaching.
God’s commands makes him wiser than his enemies. Wisdom is not simply knowledge about a subject. Wisdom is the application of experience, knowledge and judgment. According to the Psalmist – obedience to God’s commandment (which incorporates all of God’s experience, knowledge and judgment) will make one wise. (Therefore, We would be wise to follow)
In verse 99, God’s testimonies provide more understanding than his teachers. This is not intended to discount those who teach the word, but it is intended to free everyone who loves the word.
Teachers teach what they have been taught. God teaches what He knows; therefore He is a flawless teacher to His people.
God will speak to you every day you love His word.
His testimonies serve as warnings and urgings that align our lives to His perfect way. So, When we hear and understand directly from God, we experience greater understanding than we could receive from any teacher.
In verses 100 and 104, the term “understanding” means processing and responding appropriately to the directions provided. And The word “precepts” indicates an action to be obeyed by all. Putting that together; when God almighty instructs us through His word, it is not for our consideration, it is for our obedience – which is the appropriate response.
In verse 102, God’s word is authoritative teaching, guidance and instruction. For what purpose? For living out a life that brings glory to Him.
3. Respond to the Word
There is a connection between our love of the word, the value we place on it and our response to it.
Can we value God’s word and be selfish? Or use His name in vain? Or worship idols? Or lie? Or be divisive? No. You cannot exhibit your love for the Word, nor can you attribute value to it - unless you obey it.
The psalmist is made wiser because the word is ever with him. It is not a weekly event or morning devotion. He recognizes its value and makes the proper application in his daily life.
The church of today has been poorly discipled to believe Christianity is only a Sunday and Wednesday occurrence. Without saying it, we attempt to live for Christ with the least possible interference in our lives. We attempt to live as close to the line of the world as possible without crossing it.
Jesus said…“Unless you give up everything, you cannot be my disciple”. It is impossible to give up everything for His glory and keep something for ourselves.
He said...“Deny yourself, pick up your cross daily and follow me”. You and I cannot partially deny ourselves, or mostly pick up the cross or sometimes follow Him.
The psalmist experiences more understanding through proper instruction because he thinks on, and responds, to it. Do you want to grow in wisdom in 2018? Immerse yourself consistently in God’s Word, and following the instruction of James 1:22, do what it says.
In verse 100, the psalmist understands more because he keeps the Lord’s precepts. To “keep” is to comply with a command. This portrays more than obedience to the word, but an intentional act to stay in the word.
Notice the psalmist holds back his feet from every evil way in order to keep God’s word. Obedience is not only doing that which God commands, it is showing restraint over those things that draw us away or hinder our fellowship with Him.
How do we know where to show restraint? If it is not morally pure or good - according to His standard, we must avoid and stop the activity – SO WE CAN KEEP GOD’S WORD.
In verse 102, he does not turn aside from God’s rules. When we value God’s word, we will not ignore His rules for us. When we recognize His rules are based on His authority, and realistically, the authority we gave Him over our lives – we will gratefully obey.
Lastly, The Psalmist describes His desire for God’s word.
It is sweeter than honey to his mouth! He loves the word to such a degree – he hates everything that is contrary to the Truth.
What would your life look like December 31, 2018 if you committed to Love, value and respond to the Word this year? More than you could ever imagine!
No comments:
Post a Comment