Obedience to God’s Word

Psalms 119:57–64
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There is a price to pay to be a godly man. You have to buck the current because the tide’s running the other way. (Vance Havner).

Godliness

Many in our world see the Bible as merely a book of dos and don’ts. But we as Christians see it as the inerrant, infallible, inspired Word of God. Our love of God and our love for His Word should be inseparable. In this passage we are told how to keep the characteristics of a godly person.

1. Conviction “Thou are my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words...”

a. Person - “O Lord” (v. 57) Many times we find ourselves in a situation where all we have left is the Lord, and discover He was all we needed anyway.

b. Prayer - “Entreated” (v. 58) means to ask earnestly.

2. Commitment We live in a world where the lack of commitment is all around us. The Christian life requires commitment.

a. Reflection - “I thought on my ways...” (v. 59). When we read the Word of God it should compel us to think about the way we are living.

b. Response - “ I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments” (v. 60). When we have a commitment, we will do away with excuses and delays.

3. Contrast

a. Robbery - “The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law” (v. 61). When the world tries to take away our joy, we need to spend time in His Word.

b. Remembrance - “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of the righteous judgments” (v. 62). When did we last get up at midnight to give Him thanks?

4. Companionship It is amazing how much of the Old Testament refers to companionship.

a. Worship - “I am a companion of all them that fear Thee; and of them that keep Thy precepts.” (v. 63). We will take on the characteristics of those we fellowship with.

b. Wonder - “The earth O Lord, is full of Thy mercy; teach me Thy statutes” (v. 64). The more we are in His Word the more we will see God in the wonders of His creation.

Application

Lord, help me to possess these characteristics of a godly man each day of my life! I know I will never be perfect, but I do want to be godly.

Psalms 119:57-64 (English Standard Version)

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