1. The Lord's followers are to "people of faith" (Hebrews 10:38), "people of hope" (1 Peter 1:3), and "people of love" (Ephesians 5:1-2). 2. The Lord's Word is included in the objects that His people are to love. 3. Our lesson is based on the statement found in Psalm 119:97 [the writer also expressed his love for the Lord's Word in vs.47-48, 113, 127, 159, 167]. 4. We are analyzing a number of statements made in Psalm 119 that will help us understand why the writer loved God's law as he did. a. 9 special characteristics of God's law are revealed. b. 9 special blessings that God's law provides are also revealed. 5. Let us first observe how . . .
Discussion:
I. 9 SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD'S LAW ARE REVEALED
A. It is valuable (vs.72; Psalm 19:10a). B. It is faithful (vs.86a). C. It is settled (vs.89). D. It is sweet (vs.103; Psalm 19:10b). E. It is right (vs.128). F. It is wonderful (vs.129). G. It is pure (vs.140). H. It is truth (vs.151). I. It is everlasting (vs.152, 160; Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:23b-25a). J. This description of God's law helps us understand why the writer loved it so. K. In addition to these characteristics of God's law, . . .
I. 9 SPECIAL BLESSINGS THAT GOD'S LAW PROVIDES ARE REVEALED
A. In a general way, vs.1 states that those who "walk in the law of the Lord" are "blessed." B. Specific blessings include: 1. cleansing (vs.9; John 8:31-32) 2. power to overcome temptation (vs.11; Luke 4:1-11) 3. strength (vs.28) 4. hope (vs.49) 5. fellowship (vs.63) 6. understanding (vs.104, 169) 7. light (vs.105) 8. joy (vs.162) 9. peace (vs.165). C. God provides these special blessings to those who love His law.
Conclusion:
1. Let us love the Lord's Word. 2. Let us meditate upon it continually.
