Let Us Learn God's Statutes and Commandments (Psalm 119:71-73)
Introduction:
1. These verses touch on some very important points of information. a. (vs.71a) Affliction can produce a positive outcome. b. (vs.71b) The writer's affliction led him to learn God's statutes. c. (vs.72) A comparison is used to reflect the value of God's law. d. (vs.73a) The writer acknowledged the fact that God had created him. e. (vs.73b) The fact that God created him led the writer to ask God for understanding so he could learn God's commandments. f. While all of these points are important, the writer placed special emphasis on "learning God's statutes" and "learning God's commandments." 2. This brings us to the theme of our lesson -- "let us learn God's statutes and commandments." 3. The first observation we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO LEARN HIS WORD
A. This principle is taught in both the Old and New Testaments. 1. Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:6-9 2. New Testament: 1 Peter 2:2 B. One reason why we must follow these instructions is that . . . II. FAILURE TO LEARN GOD'S WORD RESULTS IN DISASTER
A. This principle is also taught in both the Old and New Testaments. 1. Old Testament: Isaiah 5:13a 2. New Testament: John 12:48 B. This information should impress us with the importance of learning God's Word. 1. God wants His people to learn His statutes and commandments. 2. Failure to do so will result in disaster. C. Let us turn our attention to the fact that . . . III. MANY SPECIAL BLESSINGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH GOD'S WORD
A. These blessings are revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. 1. Old Testament: a. "cleansing" (Psalm 119:9) b. "power to overcome temptation" (Psalm 119:11) c. "direction" (Psalm 119:105). 2. New Testament: a. "increasing your knowledge of Christ" (John 5:39; 2 Peter 3:18) b. "knowing the truth that will make you free" (John 8:31-32) c. "being loved by Christ and the Father" (John 14:21). B. For our next point, . . . IV. LET US RECEIVE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM BIBLE CHARACTERS WHO DESIRED TO LEARN GOD'S WORD
A. The Israelites during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8) 1. (vs.1-3) They asked Ezra to read God's law to them. 2. (vs.5-6, 7b) They were reverent and respectful. B. The people by the Sea of Galilee during the Lord's ministry (Luke 5:1) C. Mary (Luke 10:38-39, 42) D. The 3,000 in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2:41) 1. These people had asked what they needed to do (vs.37). 2. Peter answered their question (vs.38). 3. Those who "gladly received" Peter's instructions obeyed them. 4. They were added to the Lord's church (vs.47). Conclusion:
1. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of learning God's statutes and commandments. 2. Suggestions for studying the Scriptures: a. Begin with the statement found in Psalm 119:73. b. Develop the attitude found in Psalm 119:97. c. When studying, make the request found in Psalm 119:18.
