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The Psalms 04
Introduction: 1. We are presently studying a series of lessons from the Psalms. 2. Since the Psalms are part of the Old Testament Scriptures (Luke 24:44), we must study them because they "were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4). 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on the information revealed in Psalm 19. Discussion: I. (vs.1-6) GOD'S CREATION DECLARES HIS EXISTENCE A. The first verse in the Bible indicates that God exists (Genesis 1:1), men such as Daniel believed that God exists (Daniel 2:28), and we must believe that God exists (Hebrews 11:6). 1. Plenty of evidence is available that proves God's existence. 2. For one thing, the objects in the heavens have something to say to us. B. (vs.1) The heavens declare God's glory, and the firmament shows His handiwork. 1. Those who believe the Bible know why this is the case. 2. The Bible says that God made the heavens and the firmament (Genesis 1:1, 6-8, 14-19). 3. Because the Bible teaches that God made the heavens and the firmament, we accept it through faith (Hebrews 11:3); however, we can know that God exists without His Word. 4. By looking at an object, certain things can be known about it. a. The fact that it exists indicates that it had a designer and creator. b. By examining it carefully, something can be known about its creator. 5. Consider the heavens, the firmament [the sky above the earth], the regular passing of days and nights, and the sun with its effect upon everything on the earth. a. These things have something to say to us. b. They do not speak with a language that can be heard with the ears, yet they all tell us something that can be heard in any language. c. They tell us that someone created them and the creator is both powerful and intelligent. 6. (Romans 1:20) Paul used this argument to show that "the invisible things of God" [His eternal power and Godhead] are revealed by the visible things of the world. C. God's creation declares His existence, but to know His will we must turn to His revealed Word. II. (vs.7-11) GOD'S WORD DECLARES HIS WILL FOR MAN A. God's Word is described. 1. The law of the Lord is perfect. 2. The testimony of the Lord is sure. 3. The statutes of the Lord are right. 4. The commandment of the Lord is pure. 5. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. B. God has given His Word to help man. 1. The law of the Lord "converts" [restores] the soul. 2. The testimony of the Lord makes the simple wise. 3. The statutes of the Lord cause the heart to rejoice. 4. The commandment of the Lord enlightens the eyes. C. (vs.10-11) The judgments of the Lord recorded in His Word are precious. 1. They are to be desired more than much fine gold. 2. They are sweeter than honey from the comb. 3. Those who heed their warnings and keep them will receive a great reward. III. (vs.12-14) THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT GOD EXISTS AND WHO TAKE HIS WORD INTO THEIR HEARTS WILL WANT TO BE IN GOOD STANDING WITH GOD A. (vs.12) We will want to be cleansed of secret faults. B. (vs.13) We will want to refrain from committing "presumptuous" [willful] sins. C. (vs.14) We will want our words and the meditation of our hearts to be acceptable in God's sight (Psalm 139:23-24). |