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970406AM

The Song of the Word Psalm 19

On 9/22/96 we began a journey. We have studied the Psalm or Song of the Word. As we open our Bibles to the Psalm extolling the majesty of God’s word, Psalm 19 years ago a missionary statesman stood holding a well worn Bible and said:

Though the cover is worn and pages torn… and places bore traces of tears– More precious than gold is this book worn… and old, that can shatter and scatter my fears– When I prayerfully look in this precious old bood many pleasures and treasures I see– Many promises of love from my Father above, who is nearest and dearest to me. This book is my guide, tis a friend by my side– it will brighten and lighten my way. And each promise I find, soothes and gladdens my mind as I teach it and preach it each day. To this book I will cling, of its worth I will sing though great losses and crosses be mine. For I cannot despair, though surrounded with care while possessing this blessing divine. -Don Jennings-

I. THE SONG OF THE WORD IS FIRST A SONG OF THE CHRIST (PSALM 19 AND THE BIBLE). JESUS BELIEVED and taught: THE SCRIPTURES. He often said “Search the Scriptures” “have you not read” Who said that? A. John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. (NKJV) B. The One Who Sustains the Universe Colossians 1:15-17 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (KJV) C. He who controlled the elements, commands demons and declares He is the only One who determines each one of our destiny! He said it, so I believe Him! What are the other proofs? II. SECONDLY THE SONG OF THE WORD IS A SONG OF THE CREATOR (19:1-6). In v. 1-6 this Psalm sings a song of Creation Truth: A. OUR CREATOR REVEALS HIMSELF Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (NKJV) B. NEXT OUR CREATOR REVEALS THAT HIS NAME IS JESUS! What does Ps 19:1-3 teach? We know that the “glory” the heavens delare are in the fullest sense, no less than our Lord Jesus Christ. Who is Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (KJV) C. NEXT OUR CREATOR REVEALS WHAT HIS CREATURE’S NEED – SALVATION! What does Psalm 19:4a Their line is gone out through all the earth, teach?
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1. Paul quotes this verse in Romans 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. (KJV) 2. Jesus said He was John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. (KJV) D. FINALLY OUR CREATOR REVEALS HIS CREATURE’S ONLY HOPE – JESUS! What does Psalm 19:4b -5 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race, teach? The two metaphors (bridegroom and runner) seem out of place. But isn’t Jesus our Bridegroom from Heaven? He who waits to come at His time to our home with Him? Eph 5 and John 14 1. JESUS IS GREATER THAN OUR SUN Now hold onto this one. The sunlight and heat you felt on a hot July or August day is only 1/2 of 1/billionth of the sun’s radiant energy. 93 million miles of space and a hundred miles of atmosphere and all the other buffers God has put there keep us shielded. But, with that in mind look again at Revelation 1:16 and his JESUS’ countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength. (KJV) 2. JESUS IS AS INESCAPABLE AS OUR SUN! What does Psalm 19:6 teach? His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. (KJV) 3. And note the significance of the statement that “there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” This refers mainly to the sun’s effect on the earth, and scientists now know that the heat energy transmitted to the earth by solar radiation empowers all activity on earth, either directly (e.g., winds, rains) or indirectly (plant life through photosynthesis, and therefore also animal and human life). Through “fossil fuels” derived from buried organisms, it even drives our machinery. It is significant that the science which deals with all these energy transfers is called thermodynamics (meaning “heat power”) and its two basic laws are the best-proved and most universally applicable laws of science. 4. As marvelous as God’s witness in the creation may be, it can never bring lost men to salvation. The sun may sustain their lives, but it can never save their souls. III. NEXT THIS PSALM IS A SONG OF CONVERSION (19:7-9): JESUS SPEAKS THIS MORNING THRU THE SCRIPTURES. In Psalm 19:7-9 we find Six masterful strokes by the eternal author as He etches his character and sufficiency toward us. A. THE CHARACTER OF THE WORD OF GOD IS THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST ! 1. HIS PERFECT LAW RESTORES (v. 7a) = The Word of God is the Divine Teacher. Christ THE DIVINE TEACHER: The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: God’s truth that totally transforms 2. HIS SURE TESTIMONY MAKES WISE (v. 7b) = The Word of God is the Divine Witness. Christ THE DIVINE WITNESS: 9 the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. God’s testimony absolutely trustworthy 3. HIS RIGHT STATUTES REJOICES (v. 8a) = The Word of God is the Divine Directions (perfect joy) Christ THE DIVINE DIRECTIONS: The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. God’s statutes giving directions to only secure place in the universe 4. HIS PURE COMMANDMENTS ENLIGHTENS (v. 8b) = The Word of God is the Divine Decrees (seeing God) Christ THE DIVINE DECREES: : the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. God’s commands giving a clear portrait of God’s non-optional absolutes 5. HIS CLEAN FEAR ENDURES (v. 9a) = The Word of God is the Divine Conditions (eternal life) Christ THE DIVINE CONDITION: The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever. This is fearing God, lovingly acknowledging by my actions God sees me
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6. HIS TRUE JUDGMENTS VINDICATES (v. 9b) = The Word of God is the Divine Decisions (REV.19). Christ THE DIVINE DECISIONS: : the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether . God’s judgments, His final word on everything! Nonnegotiable living B. THE CONTENT OF THE WORD OF GOD IS THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: 1. HIS PERFECT LAW RESTORES (v. 7a) = Christ THE DIVINE TEACHER: The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: God’s truth that totally transforms So how is it with you? The Word of God is designed to be our Divine instructor. Jesus is asking: a) Is my Word at work in you ? COMFORTING YOU? Psalm 119:82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? (KJV) b) Is my Word at work in you ? PRODUCING HOPE IN YOU? Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (KJV) c) Is my Word at work in you ? CLEANING YOUR HEART? Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (KJV) d) Is my Word at work in you ? PROMOTING GROWTH IN GRACE? 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (KJV) 2. HIS SURE TESTIMONY MAKES WISE (v. 7b) = Christ THE DIVINE WITNESS: 9 the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Jesus is asking, have you come to My Word to understand: a) LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION Ps. 139:13-15 b) HE SETS OUR UNCHANGEABLE FEATURES Exodus 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? (KJV) c) DEATH (and how to prepare) Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (KJV) d) MARRIAGE all of the secrets from the Author Himself. Gen 2:18-24 Proverbs 5:19b Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. (KJV) e) CHILDREN and how to raise them, with inside secrets from your Heavenly Father! f) MONEY its purpose and usage . . . Matthew 19:29-30 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (KJV) g) PLEASURE and how to keep in happiness . . . John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (KJV) 3. HIS RIGHT STATUTES REJOICES (v. 8a) = Christ THE DIVINE DIRECTIONS: The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. God’s statutes giving directions to only secure place in the universe. Only one thing to do if you have perfect and straight directions from God to the true and only goal of life!! Follow them!Jesus is asking are you following My Word ? a) KNOW HIS DIRECTIONS 2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (KJV)
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b) BELIEVE HIS DIRECTIONS John 2:22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. (KJV) c) TRUST HIS DIRECTIONS 1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (KJV) 4. HIS PURE COMMANDMENTS ENLIGHTENS (v. 8b) = Christ THE DIVINE DECREES: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. Jesus is asking are you obeying My Word ? a) REGULARLY CONFESS YOUR SINS (Joshua 7:19 Now Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I beg you, give glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.” (NKJV)) b) REGULARLY PRAISE GOD (Psalm 50:23 Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” (NKJV)). c) GRATEFULLY THANK HIM FOR EVERYTHING! Romans 1:21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (NKJV); 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV). This is another great test of life. If you can’t say aloud with sincerity: “Thank you dear Father in Heaven for that 5. HIS CLEAN FEAR ENDURES (v. 9a) = Christ THE DIVINE CONDITION: The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever. Jesus is asking are you reflecting My Holiness? How ? a) HALLOW HIS PRESENCE = Exodus 3:5-6 Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand [is] holy ground.” Moreover He said, “I [am] the God of your father — the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. (NKJV) b) FEAR HIS HOLINESS = Judges 13:21-22 When the Angel of the LORD appeared no more to Manoah and his wife, then Manoah knew that He [was] the Angel of the LORD. And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, because we have seen God!” (NKJV) Manoah – die because saw God c) BOW BEFORE HIS GLORY = Matthew 17:6 And when the disciples heard [it,] they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. (NKJV) transfiguration, fell on face d) TALK ABOUT HIS MAJESTY = 2 Peter 1:17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (NKJV)– Peter still talking at end of life. 6. HIS TRUE JUDGMENTS VINDICATES (v. 9b) = Christ THE DIVINE DECISIONS: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether . Jesus is asking are you deciding to follow My Word ? IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED PRIESTS! Listen to Peter and John 1 Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (NKJV)
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a) A NEW TESTAMENT PRIEST HAS THE HOLY TEMPLE OF A PURE BODY 2 Cor 6.19 b) A NEW TESTAMENT PRIEST HAS THE HOLY TEMPLE OF A PURE MIND Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV) c) A NEW TESTAMENT PRIEST HAS THE HOLY TEMPLE OF PURE EARS He that hath d) A NEW TESTAMENT PRIEST HAS THE HOLY TEMPLE OF PURE HANDS e) A NEW TESTAMENT PRIEST HAS THE HOLY TEMPLE OF PURE FEET f) A NEW TESTAMENT PRIEST HAS THE HOLY TEMPLE OF PURE SERVICE IV. FINALLY THE SONG OF CELEBRATION (19:10-14): David spells out two superlatives of the Scriptures: their Attraction is greater than anything else, and their Satisfaction is better than all else. Listen- Psalm 19:10-11 MORE TO BE DESIRED [chamad #2530 desired, delighted, covet] [ARE THEY] THAN GOLD [zahab #2091splendor, shimmering], YEA, THAN MUCH FINE GOLD [ pawz #6337 pure gold] : SWEETER ALSO THAN HONEY AND THE HONEYCOMB [#5317, 6688 dripping honey honey comb]. 11 MOREOVER BY THEM IS THY SERVANT WARNED: [AND] IN KEEPING OF THEM [THERE IS] GREAT REWARD. (KJV) A. This morning, have you experienced the irresistible attraction and the incomparable satisfaction of experiencing God? The two metaphors David used are Possessions “fine gold” and Pleasures “dripping honey”. In his world – gold was king of riches and honey was the sweetest known substance. He proposes to all who will try, that experiencing God is the highest pleasure and greatest treasure to be found. What do you think? God and His Word have fallen on hard times in our world. There are far more exciting pleasures and captivating treasures than Him, aren’t there? B. Have you found God in such a way that it has filled your soul with sheer delight? Is He sweeter than the sweetest experience you have ever felt? Are you captivated by His beauty, His perfections and the brightness of His glory? If there is any hesitance in your responses look again at Isaiah 64:7 No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and made us waste away because of our sins. (NIV) 1. GOD WANTS TO MEAN MORE TO US THAN MONEY OR NICE THINGS: Job 22:25 then the Almighty will be your gold, the choicest silver for you. (NIV) 2. THE LORD WANTS US TO FIND OUR LASTING JOY AS WE LINGER IN HIS PRESENCE: Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (NIV) 3. HE WANTS US TO TRY HIM OUT, TAKE THE TASTE TEST THIS MORNING: Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. (NIV) 4. GOD THE FATHER WANTS TO INTOXICATE US WITH HIS LOVE: Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. (NIV) 5. THE LORD IS THE ONLY SOURCE OF DEEP AND ABIDING JOY: Psalm 43:4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. (NIV) 6. GOD IS THE MOST RIVETING, BREATHTAKING AND ALLURING SIGHT IN THE UNIVERSE IF YOU WILL JUST STOP AND FOCUS ON HIM: Psalm 96:6-8 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. (NIV)
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7. LISTENING WITH OUR HEARTS WE TASTE HIM: Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (NIV) C. CHRIST EXAMINES EACH SERVANT INDIVIDUALLY. 1. ONLY THOSE SERVANTS WHO BUILT TO “SPECS” ARE REWARDED 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Now if anyone builds on this foundation [with] gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on [it] endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (NKJV) 2. JESUS GIVES OUT CORRECT REWARDS 2 Timothy 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (NKJV) 3. THE REWARD APPOINTMENTS COME ONE AT A TIME. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things [done] in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (NKJV); Colossians 3:2425 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. (NKJV)). 4. KEEPING THE WORD GETS THE CROWN 2 Timothy 2:5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (NKJV) 5. BUILDING FOR SELF BRINGS HEAVENLY LOSS 1 Corinthians 3:15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (NKJV) 6. UNDISCIPLINED LIVING ALWAYS LEADS TO SPIRITUAL DISQUALIFICATION First Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring [it] into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (NKJV) V. IF YOU MET JESUS, YOUR CREATOR THIS MORNING, WHAT COULD HE SEE? 1. He can see your past. John 4:17-18 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. (KJV) 2. He can see your thoughts. Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. (KJV) 3. He can see your future. Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (KJV) B. Have you met Jesus, your Creator? What are you going to do when you meet Jesus? He is here this morning. Will you hear His voice?

#259 Breathe on me breath of God