Cleansing by God’s Word
August 11, 2022
Commentary
Everywhere we look we find temptation to lead impure lives. The writer in this passage seems to be suggesting six ways to survive adolescence by keeping pure and growing in the Lord:
1. By obeying the Word of God (vv. 9-10). “By taking head according to Your Word.”
2. By memorizing it (v. 11). “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.”
3. By personalizing it (v. 12). “Blessed art Thou O Lord: teach me thy statutes.”
4. By verbalizing it (v. 13). “With my lips have I declared all the judgments of Thy mouth.”
5. By vitalizing it (v. 14). “I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies…”
6. By internalizing it (v. 15). “I will meditate in Thy precepts…”
Many today have a hard time dealing with reality. The truth is that as Christians we cannot live a life without the truth of God’s Word implanted and demonstrated in our lives. This passage of Scripture makes three very practical suggestions:
I. Examine our dependence (vv. 17-19). We desperately need God in our lives.
a. Dependent for life itself (v. 17). Every breath we take.
b. Dependent for insight into His Word (v. 18). Illumination, not new revelation.
c. Dependent for guidance through life (v. 19). Not our home, we are just passing through.
2. Express our desire (vv. 20-21) To know the Word of God and be obedient to it.
a. Motivated by recognition of the humble (v. 20). With a desire to know the mind of God.
b. Motivated by rebuke of the proud (v. 21). Understanding the God rebukes the proud.
3. Establish our decision (vv. 22-24). To stop playing Church.
a. Despite scorn we will remain faithful (v. 22). Even when treated as contemptible.
b. Despite slander we will be strengthened (v. 23), Even when we are lied about.
c. Despite sadness we will be joyful (v. 24). Even when we have no one else to delight in.
Application
To keep my life pure and grow in the Lord while reaching others for Christ I must be sure to follow the teaching of the psalmist in this passage.
Psalms 119:9– 24 (NET)
9 How can a young person maintain a pure life? By guarding it according to your instructions.
10 With all my heart I seek you. Do not allow me to stray from your commands.
11 In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you.
12 You deserve praise, O Lord. Teach me your statutes.
13 With my lips I proclaim all the regulations you have revealed.
14 I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules as if they were riches of all kinds.
15 I will meditate on your precepts and focus on your behavior.
16 I find delight in your statutes; I do not forget your instructions. ג (Gimel)
17 Be kind to your servant. Then I will live and keep your instructions.
18 Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law.
19 I am a resident foreigner in this land. Do not hide your commands from me.
20 I desperately long to know your regulations at all times.
21 You reprimand arrogant people. Those who stray from your commands are doomed.
22 Spare me shame and humiliation, for I observe your rules.
23 Though rulers plot and slander me, your servant meditates on your statutes.
24 Yes, I find delight in your rules; they give me guidance. ד (Dalet)