Let Us Grow In Our Knowledge of the Scriptures (Psalm 119:71-73)
Introduction:
1. In these verses the writer of Psalm 119 made 2 references to "growing in knowledge of the Scriptures." a. First, he mentioned the role of affliction in vs.71 -- it had led him to learn God's statutes. b. Second, after acknowledging that God had created him in vs.73, he made a request for understanding so he might learn God's commandments. 2. Between these 2 references to learning God's law, the writer touched on its value in vs.72 -- it is better than "thousands of gold and silver." 3. The writer of Psalm 119 is to be commended for his desire to grow in knowledge of the Scriptures. 4. In our lesson we are studying passages that will help us to develop the same desire. 5. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO GROW IN KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES
A. This principle is taught in both the Old and New Testaments. B. Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:4-7 C. New Testament: Colossians 3:16 D. One reason why we should want to learn the Scriptures is because they are so valuable (Psalm 119:72). E. Another reason is that . . .
II. FAILURE TO GROW IN KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES LEADS TO DESTRUCTION
A. This principle is also taught in both the Old and New Testaments. B. Old Testament: Isaiah 5:13; Hosea 4:6. C. New Testament: John 12:48. D. This information should impress us with the importance of growing in knowledge of the Scriptures. 1. God wants us to learn His Word. 2. Failure to so leads to destruction. E. Let us turn our attention to the fact that . . .
III. SPECIAL BLESSINGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SCRIPTURES
A. These blessings are revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. B. Old Testament: 1. "cleansing" (Psalm 119:9) 2. "power to overcome temptation" (Psalm 119:11) 3. "direction" (Psalm 119:105). C. New Testament: 1. "increasing your knowledge of Christ" (John 5:39; 2 Peter 3:18) 2. "knowing the truth that will make you free" (John 8:31-32) 3. "building you up" (Acts 20:32) 4. "increasing your faith" (Romans 10:17) 5. "equipping you completely to do God's will" (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 6. "saving your soul" (James 1:21) 7. "spiritual growth" (1 Peter 2:2). D. For our final point we need to show . . .
IV. WHY THE SCRIPTURES PROVIDE THESE BLESSINGS
A. (Hebrews 4:12) God's Word is alive and active. B. (John 6:63) Jesus said that His Words "are spirit, and they are life." C. (Ephesians 6:17) The Word of God is "the sword of the Spirit."
Conclusion:
1. The writer of Psalm 119 would encourage us to adopt this disposition: "Let us grow in our knowledge of the Scriptures." 2. As we study the Scriptures, let us keep in mind the statements he made in vs.97 and vs.18.