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I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes

Text: Psalm 97-112
1 June 2008

(I) THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PSALM 119

1. The focus of the Psalm is “The word of God”

2. Many deep lessons to be learned from the deep reflections of the psalmist

3. Many challenges to be found

a) To appreciate afresh the gift of God’s word

b) To emulate the example of the psalmist

c) To discover for ourselves the significance of God’s word

(II) THE VALUE OF GOD’S WORD

1. It gives outstanding wisdom

a) It makes one wiser than enemies

“You, through Your commandments, Make me wiser than all my enemies,
For they are ever with me.” Psalm 119:98

b) It makes one wiser than the ancients

“I have more understanding than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the ancients,
Because I keep Your precepts.” Psalm 119:99-100

2. It enables a person to reject false ways

“I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.” Psalm 119:101

“Through Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.” Psalm 119:104

3. It gives needed enlightenment

“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

(III) APPROPRIATE RESPONSES TO GOD’S WORD

1. Love for God’s word

“Oh, how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.” Psalm 119:97

a) Declared love for God’s word

b) Meditation- as proof for such a love for God’s word

c) Meditation all the day

i) Deep love needed

ii) Deep focus needed

2. Taking an oath

“I have sworn and confirmed
That I will keep Your righteous judgments.” Psalm 119:106

a) A solemn oath

b) Confirmation of that oath

c) Consecration: To keep God’s righteous judgments

3. A heritage

“Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever,
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.” Psalm 119:111

a) Choosing our heritage

b) Choosing God’s word as heritage

c) Rejoicing in the choice made

4. Performing of God’s Word

“I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, to the very end.” Psalm 119:112

a) Inclination of the heart

b) Determination of the heart

c) Performing of God’s statutes as a life-long commitment