[1] #265, God’s Amazing Book - Part 1, Sunday 01-14-2007

 

~Text: Psalm 119:1-11
~Theme: How can God’s Word help us in everyday life?

 

Introduction:

1. The Newspaper – Editor’s column

2. God didn’t just write a column, He wrote a whole book.

A. Manual of Life

B. Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

3. Psalms is the middle book of the Bible.

A. Right in the center of the Bible is Psalm 119.

B. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter of the Bible (176 verses)

1). Twenty-two sections of eight verses

2). Each section starts with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

4. Psalm 119 is all about God’s Amazing Word.

A. There are different themes found in Psalm 119.

1). God’s Word is the Word of Life (Directions, Promises)

2). We must humbly acknowledge our “erring ways.”

B. How can God’s Word help us in everyday life?

1). If you don’t recognize the practical value of the Word you won’t read it.

 

Text: Psalm 119:1-11

1. The Bible can keep us from a life of shame. (vs. 5-6)

A. Shame and regrets are painful to think about.

1). Sometimes I rewind to them.

2). I have to remind myself of God’s forgiveness and the lesson learned.

B. We don’t have to choose a life of shame.

1). The Psalmist prayed for steadfastness. (v. 5)

a). Lord give us stability, consistency

2). This steadfastness is in obedience to the Word.

a). … “Then I would not be put to shame.” (v. 6)

2. The Bible can keep us from sexual sins. (vs. 9-11)

A. How can a young man keep his way pure?

1). This is the enemy’s unseen weapon of mass destruction unleashed on America.

B. What is God’s answer?

1). “Living according to your Word.”

2). “I seek you with all my heart.”

C. A passion can only be controlled by a greater passion.

1). Our love for God and His Word must be greater than our love for pleasure.

a). Example: Priests (keepers of the fires in the holy place)

2). Keep the fire lit for God!

D. There is power by internalizing the Word.

1). “I have hidden your word in my heart …” (v. 11)

2). “Sin will keep you from this Book or this Book will keep you from sin.”

3. The Bible can give us true hope. (vs. 49-50)

A. “Remember your Word to your servant. For you have given me hope.”

B. Our hope is in God who cannot lie.

1). I don’t mind funerals of believers.

C. The Word of God was given by the Holy Spirit.

1). We must be led to apply God’s Word.

a). Example: A person near death. Be led by god before saying, “They won’t die.”

2). There’s a saying. “God still speaks today.”

a). Yes, but what He says will not contradict what He already said.

4. The Bible can give us true peace.

A. “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165

B. There’s a difference between shallow peace and great peace.

1). Shallow peace is simply the absence of outward conflict.

2). Great peace is found in relationship with God, holding on to what He says.

a). Example: My concern over the finances of the church … “I own the cattle on a thousand hills.”

C. Jesus promised us his peace.

1). “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.” John 14:27

2). “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 

Conclusion: Do we realize what we have in our hands?

Example: A worker for rubbish disposal noticed a fast-food sweepstake ticket in the trash. He opened it and won $200,000. Someone else had it in hand, but didn’t bother to open it.