1. In the first part of this verse the writer expressed his love to God for His law. 2. This morning we showed how the writer of this Psalm revealed: a. 9 characteristics of God's law [it is valuable, faithful, settled, sweet, right, wonderful, pure, truth, and everlasting] b. 9 blessings that God's law provides [it provides cleansing, power to overcome temptation, strength, hope, fellowship, understanding, light, joy, and peace]. 3. This information helps us understand why the writer loved God's law as he did. 4. In addition to expressing his love to God for His law, the writer said, "it [God's law] is my meditation all the day." 5. Meditating upon God's law is emphasized throughout Psalm 119 [see vs.15, 23, 48, 78, 99, 148]. 6. By meditating upon the law of God continually, we will always be mindful of our responsibilities that relate to it. 7. In our lesson we are examining 6 of these responsibilities.
Discussion:
I. FIRST, WE MUST APPROACH GOD'S LAW WITH VISION (vs.18)
A. This is an excellent request to make as we study the Scriptures. B. Jesus dealt with the need for vision in Matthew 13:10-16 as He explained why He taught with parables.
II. IN ADDITION, GOD'S LAW IS TO BE:
A. kept and observed (vs.34) 1. God knew something special about Abraham concerning how he would teach his children to keep the way of the Lord (Genesis 18:19). 2. See James 1:22, 25. B. trusted (vs.42) 1. God is to be trusted with all the heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). 2. Trusting God involves trusting His law that is faithful (Psalm 119:86a). C. loved (vs.47-48) 1. God is to be loved with all the heart (Matthew 22:37). 2. Loving God involves loving His law. D. learned (vs.73; 1 Peter 2:2) E. respected (vs.117).
Conclusion:
1. The writer of Psalm 119 meditated upon the law of God continually. 2. By following his example we will be thinking on the right things as we are instructed in Philippians 4:8. 3. We will also know the Lord's will so we can fulfill our responsibilities. 4. Let us remember that those who "walk in the law of the Lord" are "blessed" (Psalm 119:1).
