Central CC of Fresno

“The WORD for ALL Situations”

Psalm 119

June 27, 2010

Introduction: This incredible “praise song” should impress upon every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ the importance of God’s Word being known and utilized to live properly for God. . The song writer used each letter of the Hebrew alphabet to start off each 8 verse section (strophe) with words expressing various aspects of our lives. He then related each one to the Word of God and so showed how it touches every area of life and is essential to all of life. He demonstrates to us how the Word is relevant and invaluable in all types of situations that the godly face. The numerous references to enemies, affliction, persecution, and adversaries demonstrate that the writer is in touch with real life. This song reveals the absolute importance of what God has revealed as being an adequate resource and indispensable guide through life’s difficulties.  This “praise song” is not just a song of praise, it is a lesson on the absolute necessity of God’s Word needing to be the foundation for how a believer in Jesus Christ lives their life and reacts to life’s situations.

1. The blessing of obeying God's Word 119:1-8

2. The cleansing power of God's Word 119:9-16

“A life of full obedience is not a conclusion of faith. It is a beginning point and an access to a life filled with many-sided communion with God." - Constable

3. An appreciation for God's Word 119:17-24

4. A prayer for greater understanding 119:25-32

5. Loyal commitment to God's Word 119:33-40

Not a command to external conformity by a command toward a “heart” of absolute devotion to God.

6. God's Word and salvation 119:41-48

Not just a desire to be “saved” to desire to speak about God unashamedly in the presence of others.

7. God's Word as a source of hope 119:49-56

8. Strong commitment to God's Word 119:57-64

9. Confidence in the Word of God 119:65-72

Affliction had taught him to appreciate God's statutes more than he had previously done (vv. 71-72).

10. God's Word as an object of hope 119:73-80

11. The reliability of God's Word 119:81-88

12. The permanence of God's Word 119:89-96

13. The sweetness of God's Word 119:97-104

"While God's truth is food for our souls, it is not a 'buffet' from which we select only the things we like." - Wiersbe

14. The illumination God's Word provides 119:105-112

15. The reverence God's Word inspires 119:113-120

16. The vindication of those who keep God's Word 119:121-128

17. The wonder of God's Word 119:129-136

Only God’s Word can keep us going in the right direction.

18. The righteous character of God's Word 119:137-144

19. The truth of God's Word 119:145-152

20. Love for God's Word 119:153-160

Only the Lord can save and redeem because only His Words are true and His laws righteous.

21. Joy in God's Word 119:161-168

22. Salvation in God's Word 119:169-176

Commitment to God’s Word and a belief in God’s promises which allows him to cry out for help.

(Strophe titles from Dr Thomas Constable)

Sermon Based Community Group Questions:

1.       What is the best “self-help” book you have ever read?  Why was it good for you?

2.       Why might a “self-help” book, or the self-help philosophy be contrary to what we learn in Psalm 119?

3.       What does Psalm 18:6, 29:2, 40:17, 63:7, 70:5, 109:26 and 121:1-2 say about “help”?  These are just a small sampling of Scriptures on this topic.  Where does our true help come from?

4.       Romans 12:2 states we can be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.”  According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, how is this possible?  What is the purpose of this “renewing of our minds”?

5.       Psalm 119 is written in 22 sections (called strophes) of 8 verses.  Each section is written using a letter from the Hebrew alphabet.  Most contemporary Bibles have the letter’s pronunciation listed about the 8 verse “strophe.”  The author is communicating to us that all of life can be dealt with through devotion, including a genuine love, for the Word of God.  In the sermon notes from this past Sunday each “strophe” has a “heading” attributed to it.  Each of these headings was given by Dr. Tom Constable.  His commentaries on every book of the Bible can be found easily with a Google search of his name.  In the notes, Jeff wrote a brief summation of each “strophe.”  Some actually had a quote given as a summation to the strophe.  As a community group, take some time before and during your time together to put in your own, one-sentence, summations for the strophe’s without a summation given to it (i.e. 1, 12, 18, etc.)

6.       Before praying, share with our group what Psalm 119 has contributed to your understanding of the Word of God.