Introduction: 1.In Hebrews 11:6 two worthy activities are mentioned: a.pleasing God b.coming to God. 2.In connection with these 2 activities, this verse teaches that: a.faith is essential for pleasing God b.those who come to God must believe certain things: 1)that He exists 2)that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. 3.These principles should lead us to seek answers to some very important questions. a.Is there sufficient evidence that will lead us to believe that God exists? b.Is there a source of information that teaches us how to come to God? c.Are there people we can read about who came to God so we can learn from their examples? 4.To help us find answers to these questions, today we are presenting "a study of Psalm 19." 5.As we study this beautiful Psalm, let us listen to 3 voices: a.the voice of creation b.the voice of the Word c.the voice of man.
Discussion:
I.VS.1-6TEACHUSTOLISTENTOTHEVOICEOFCREATION
A.In this portion of Psalm 19: 1.David presented evidence that will lead us to believe that God exists 2.David teaches us to listen to what the objects in the heavens have to say. B.Vs.1 mentions the heavens and the firmament -- God's glory is declared by the heavens, and the firmament [the sky above the earth] shows His handiwork. 1.According to Genesis 1, God made the heavens and the firmament. 2.Through faith we accept the Genesis account of creation (Hebrews 11:3). 3.However, David did not mention God's Word in Psalm 19 until vs.7. C.Consider the heavens, the firmament, the regular passing of days and nights, and the sun with its effect upon everything on the earth. 1.These things have something to say to us. a.What they say cannot be heard with the ears, but it can be heard with the heart. b.What they say can be heard in any language. 2.They tell us that: a.someone created them b.their creator is powerful and intelligent. 3.(Romans 1:20) Paul used this line of reasoning to show that "the invisible things of God" ["His eternal power and Godhead"] are revealed by the visible things of the world. D.In order to come to God we must believe that He exists (Hebrews 11:6). E.As we listen to the voice of creation, evidence is presented that will lead us to believe that there is a God in heaven. F.While the creation speaks to us, it is limited in what it says. 1.The creation does not tell us: a.how to come to God b.how to please God c.about the reward for those who diligently seek God. 2.To learn this information, . . .
II.VS.7-11TEACHUSTOLISTENTOTHEVOICEOFTHEWORD
A.In His Word, God has revealed information that we cannot learn from the creation. B.David referred to God's Word as "the law of the Lord," "the testimony of the Lord," "the statutes of the Lord," "the commandment of the Lord," and "the judgments of the Lord." C.David described God's Word as being "perfect," "sure," right," "pure," and "true and righteous altogether." D.David listed the benefits of God's Word -- it converts [restores] the soul, it makes the simple wise, it causes the heart to rejoice, it enlightens the eyes, and it provides warnings. E.(vs.10-11) David emphasized the value of God's Word. 1.It is more precious than fine gold, and it is sweeter than honey from the comb. 2.Those who keep God's Word will receive a great reward. F.As we listen to the voice of the Word, we learn how to come to God, we learn how to please Him, and we learn about the reward He provides. G.To learn from the example of someone who pleased God, . . .
A.(vs.12) David set a good example when he asked for understanding of his errors and cleansing from secret faults. B.(vs.13) David set a good example when he asked for help in refraining from presumptuous sins so he could remain upright and innocent. C.(vs.14) David set a good example when he requested that his words and the meditation of his heart to be acceptable in God's sight (Psalm 139:23-24).
Conclusion:
1.According to Hebrews 11:6, faith is essential for pleasing God. 2.To help us properly develop faith, let us apply the principles revealed in Psalm 19. 3.Let us listen to the voice of creation, the voice of the Word, and the voice of man. 4.In closing, let us read about a man who came to God to receive forgiveness and to become a Christian (Acts 8:35-39).
