Cleansing by God’s Word

Psalms 119:9–24
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Purity

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 (English Standard Version)

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