Message Notes

MORNING WORSHIP 26 July 2020
Text: Psalm 119
Title: “Blessed are the Undefiled in the way”

INTRODUCTION

REMEMBERING THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD

1. The one who delights in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 1)

2. The one whose sins have been forgiven (Psalm 32)

3. The one who considers the poor (Psalm 41)

OBSERVATIONS OF LIFE

1. Observations of People in life

a) A common practice

b) A natural thing to do

2. Observations of People who are wicked

a) Many psalms describe the wicked (Psalms 7, 10, 14)

i) They are compared to the ferocious and destructive lion (Psalm 7:2)

ii) They are full of cursing, deceit and oppression (Psalm 10:7)

iii) They denounce the existence of God (Psalm 14:1)

b) The heart is stirred:

i) It can become worried about the activities of the wicked

ii) It is also warned not to walk in the ways of wickedness

iii) Moved to pray for the Lord to uphold justice

iv) Moved to pray against the wicked

3. Observations of people whose lives have been blessed by God

a) The undefiled in the way (Psalm 119:1a)

b) Walking in the law of the Lord (Psalm 119:1b)

c) Keeping of God’s testimonies (Psalm 119:2a)

d) Seeking the Lord with the whole heart (Psalm 119:2b)

A STRONG DESIRE TO BE BLESSED BY THE LORD

1. Commencement of the Journey of Blessing

a) Recognition of the need of cleansing from God (Psalm 51)

i) From sin

ii) From transgression

iii) From iniquity

b) Cleansing from the perspective of heeding God’s word
“How can a young man cleanse his way?” (Psalm 119:9)

i) Our sinful ways must change

ii) God’s word helps us to change our sinful way of life

2. Choosing to Contemplate on God’s word as a regular practice

a) It is essentially a choice

i) “I have chosen the way of truth.” (Psalm 119:30a)

ii) “I have said that I would keep Your words.” (Psalm 119:57b)

b) Determination expressed

i) “I will meditate on Your precepts.” (Psalm 119:15a)

ii) “And contemplate Your ways.” (Psalm 119:15b)

iii) “Your servant meditates on Your statutes.” (Psalm 119:23b)

c) Determination Kept

i) “I remembered Your judgments of old, O LORD,
and have comforted myself.” (Psalm 119:52)

ii) “I remember Your name in the night, O LORD,
And I keep Your law.” (Psalm 119:55)

3. Crying out for Revival time and again

a) When we have fallen badly

“My soul clings to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word” (Psalm 119:25)

b) When we are tempted by covetousness

“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
And revive me in Your ways.” (Psalm 119:37)

c) When severe persecution/ affliction is experienced

i) Wrongful persecution
“They persecute me wrongly; Help me!” (Psalm 119:86)

ii) Near death situation
“They almost made an end of me on earth.” (Psalm 119:87a)

iii) Affliction
“I am afflicted very much;
Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:107)

iv) “Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
so that I may keep the testimonies of Your mouth.” (Psalm 119:88)

PROGRESSING IN OUR JOURNEY TO BE BLESSED BY THE LORD

1. A Love for God’s Word

a) Declaration of love for God’s word

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

b) Delight in God’s word

“And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.” (Psalm 119:47)

2. Wisdom and Understanding attained

a) A prayer for spiritual eyes to be opened

“Open my eyes, that I may see
wondrous things from Your law.” (Psalm 119:18)

b) A prayer for understanding

i) Desire to be taught

“Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes.” (Psalm 119:33a)

ii) Longing for understanding

“Give me understanding,
And I shall keep Your law.” (Psalm 119:34a)

c) Wisdom given

i) Wiser than enemies

“You, through Your commandments,
Make me wiser than my enemies.” (Psalm 119:98)

ii) More understanding than teachers

“I have more understanding than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.” (Psalm 119:99)

iii) More understanding than the ancients

“I understand more than the ancients,
Because I keep Your precepts.” (Psalm 119:100)

THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD GIVEN

1. God will deal well with the faithful

“You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD,
According to Your word.” (Psalm 119:65)

2. God’s faithfulness will endure

“Your faithfulness endures to all generations.” (Psalm 119:90a)

“In faithfulness You have afflicted me.” (Psalm 119:75b)

3. The blessing of Joy

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

4. God as our Shield

“You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word” (Psalm 119:114)

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To learn how to treasure the Word of God

2. To hide His word in our heart

3. To love His word more and more

“Therefore, I love Your commandments more than gold,
Yes, than fine gold!” (Psalm 119:127)