Weekly Sermon
 
In Psalm 119:6 the psalmist proclaimed, “Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.”  In verse 31 the psalmist lifted up his prayer, “I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.”  In verse 46 the psalmist expressed his commitment, “I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.”  Again in verse 80 the psalmist lifted up his prayer, “Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.”  Yet again in verse 116 the psalmist lifted up his prayer, “Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.”
 
In all five of these verses, the psalmist employed either the verb “ashamed” or its corresponding noun “shame.”  Furthermore, in all five of these verses the psalmist spoke about not being ashamed or not having shame.  What then does it mean to be “ashamed”?  It means to have a feeling of humiliation or embarrassment because of some wrong or foolish decision.  So then, what was involved in the psalmist’s desire not to be ashamed?
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Weekly Sermon
 
In Psalm 119:6 the psalmist gave the testimony, “Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.”  Furthermore, in verse 15 the psalmist expressed the commitment, “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.”  Finally, in verse 117 the psalmist expressed the commitment, “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.”
 
In all three of these verses, we find the psalmist employing the verb “have respect” in relation to the Word and ways of the Lord.  Concerning the Word of the Lord, the psalmist declared in the closing portion of Psalm 119:6, “When I have respect unto all thy commandments [that is – unto all the commandments of the Lord’s Word].”  Concerning the ways of the Lord, the psalmist declared in the closing portion of verse 15, “And have respect unto thy ways.”  Then again concerning the Word of the Lord, the psalmist declared in the closing portion of verse 117, “And I will have respect unto thy statutes [that is – unto the statutes of the Lord’s Word] continually.”  So then, what does this verb “have respect” mean?  It means “to view with a high regard, to view as being worthy of high honor and priority affection, to hold a spirit of high regard, honor, esteem, and even love and joy toward someone or something.”  This is just the heart attitude that the psalmist, this young man of God, determined to have toward the Word and ways of the Lord.  Even so, this is just the heart attitude that we also ought to have toward the Word and ways of our Lord.

Meditations in Ezekiel

I.     The Dead Condition

Ezekiel 37:1-2 – “The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, and caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.”

Ezekiel 37:11 – “Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.”

         1.  Very Dead
         2.  Very Many
         3.  Very Dry
         4.  Without Hope

Weekly Sermon

James 1:25 reads, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

In James 1:22 God’s Word delivers an instruction and an admonition concerning our right relationship toward God’s Word, saying, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”  The positive instruction is that we are ever to pursue being doers of God’s Word.  The negative admonition is that we are never to be hearers only of God’s Word, deceiving our own selves thereby.  In order to emphasize and explain this admonition, James 1:23-24 presents an illustration concerning those who are hearers only of God’s Word, and not doers also, saying, “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.” 

Then in direct contrast to the hearers only of God’s Word, James 1:25 describes those who are doers also of God’s Word and pronounces a promise of the Lord’s blessing upon them, saying, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”  Grammatically, James 1:25 can be divided into four parts.  First, there is the description of daily study – “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty.”  Second, there is the description of diligent submission – “And continueth therein.”  Third, there is the description of dedicated obedience – “He being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work.”  Finally, there is the declaration of divine blessing – “This man shall be blessed in his deed.”

Weekly Sermon

(For those who have been consistently following this blog, you will find that the following message does not quite follow in the flow of my James 1 study.  This is true because it was prepared and preached years before that verse-by-verse study through James 1 began.  Nevertheless, I believe that it is of value to present in this place.) 

James 1:21-25 reads, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  But whoso looketh into the perfect Law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

In James 1:21 we who are the children of God are instructed to receive with meekness the truth and teaching of God’s holy Word.  Rather than reject that truth and teaching, we are to receive that truth and teaching.  Yea, we are to receive it with all readiness of mind.  However, simply receiving the truth and teaching of God’s holy Word is not enough.  Having received that truth and teaching with meekness and with all readiness of mind, we must then take another step with it.  Thus the instruction of verse 22 is given to us, “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only.”  In fact, concerning this matter James 1:22-25 presents us with a pointed command, a powerful warning, and a precious promise.  

Weekly Sermon

James 1:22-24 reads, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”

In James 1:21-22 God’s Word presents a three-fold instruction for the transformation of our spiritual character unto the righteousness of Christ.  First, we are instructed to repent of all our sinfulness.  In the opening portion of James 1:21, the instruction is given, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness.”  Second, we are instructed to receive God’s Word with meekness.  In the closing portion of James 1:21, the instruction is given, “And receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”  Third, we are instructed to respond unto God’s Word with obedience.  In James 1:22 the instruction is given, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

The third of these instructions is presented, not only as an instruction concerning what we ought to do, but also as an admonition concerning what we ought not to do.  We are to be faithful doers of God’s Word, but we are not to be hearers only of God’s Word.  In fact, this admonition against being hearers only extends from James 1:22-24.  Grammatically, this passage can be divided into three parts.  First, there is the imperative about our responsibility – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.”  Then there is the illusion about which we must beware – “Deceiving your own selves.”  Finally, there is the illustration about the hearer only – “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”

Weekly Sermon

James 1:21 reads, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

James 1:21 instructs us to receive the truth and teaching of God’s Word with meekness of heart.  In so doing, this verse describes God’s Holy Word as “the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”  In fact, throughout James 1:18-25 we find a series of descriptions concerning God’s Word that reveal the wondrous treasure that the Lord our God has granted unto us in giving us His Holy Word.

Weekly Sermon

This sermon is a companion to two previous sermons:  Which Is Able to Save Your Souls - James 1:21-22 (Part 1) 
                                                                                        Which Is Able to Save Your Souls - James 1:21-22 (Part 2)   
James 1:21-22 reads, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

In the opening portion of this paragraph (verses 19-20), we receive an exhortation concerning right relations with those around us.  As a whole, this exhortation indicates that we should deny the ways of selfishness in the manner that we relate to one another.  Yet selfishness is the natural principle of our hearts.  Thus in order to deny our selfishness and in order to relate aright toward one another, we must be delivered from the natural characteristic of selfishness in our hearts and from the spiritual corruption that flows out of it.  Yea, our soul, our inner man, needs deliverance from its own, naturally selfish and sinful desires.

So then, by what means can we obtain this spiritual deliverance from the natural corruption of selfishness in our hearts?  James 1:21 gives the answer, saying, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”  The conjunction “wherefore” with which this verse begins connects it directly to the exhortation of verse 19 and the explanation of verse 20.  Because self-denial in our relations with others is not natural to our selfish hearts, and because the wrath that naturally flows out of our selfishness does not produce the righteousness of God, we need to be delivered from the selfish corruption of our hearts and to be transformed unto the spiritual character of righteousness.  Even so, the closing line of James 1:21 reveals that the Holy Word of God is able to accomplish this deliverance for our souls. 

Yet this verse does not specifically refer to God’s Word as the Holy Word of God, but as the engrafted Word of God.  In so doing, it indicates that the message of this verse is for those who are already saved eternally through faith in Christ.  The Word of God is not engrafted (or, implanted) in the hearts of lost sinners.  The Word of God is only engrafted (or, implanted) in the hearts of God’s children.  Therefore, the deliverance about which this verse speaks in this context must not be viewed as the salvation of our eternal souls from eternal condemnation to hell.  Rather, the deliverance about which this verse speaks in this context must be viewed as the salvation of our inner character from the corruption of selfishness. 

Grammatically, James 1:21-22 can be divided into three parts, each providing us with an instruction.  First, there is the preparatory instruction to repent of sin – “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness.”  Then there is the central instruction to receive the Word – “And receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”  Finally, there is the extended instruction to respond in obedience – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”  Thus the path of deliverance from the selfish corruption of our hearts and of transformation unto the spiritual character of righteousness can be summarized with three words of instruction – repent, receive, respond.  Central to all of this is our relationship toward God’s Word.  We must repent of anything contrary to God’s Word.  We must receive the truth and wisdom of God’s Word.  We must respond obediently to the instruction of God’s Word.  In the first two parts of the message, we considered the first two of these truths – that we must repent and that we must receive.  Now in this third and final part of the message, let us consider the third of these truths – that we must respond.

Weekly Sermon

This sermon is a companion to a previous sermon:  Which Is Able to Save Your Souls - James 1:21-22 (Part 1)     

James 1:21-22 reads, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

In the opening portion of this paragraph (verses 19-20), we receive an exhortation concerning right relations with those around us.  As a whole, this exhortation indicates that we should deny the ways of selfishness in the manner that we relate to one another.  Yet selfishness is the natural principle of our hearts.  Thus in order to deny our selfishness and in order to relate aright toward one another, we must be delivered from the natural characteristic of selfishness in our hearts and from the spiritual corruption that flows out of it.  Yea, our soul, our inner man, needs deliverance from its own, naturally selfish and sinful desires.

So then, by what means can we obtain this spiritual deliverance from the natural corruption of selfishness in our hearts?  James 1:21 gives the answer, saying, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”  The conjunction “wherefore” with which this verse begins connects it directly to the exhortation of verse 19 and the explanation of verse 20.  Because self-denial in our relations with others is not natural to our selfish hearts, and because the wrath that naturally flows out of our selfishness does not produce the righteousness of God, we need to be delivered from the selfish corruption of our hearts and to be transformed unto the spiritual character of righteousness.  Even so, the closing line of James 1:21 reveals that the Holy Word of God is able to accomplish this deliverance for our souls. 

Yet this verse does not specifically refer to God’s Word as the Holy Word of God, but as the engrafted Word of God.  In so doing, it indicates that the message of this verse is for those who are already saved eternally through faith in Christ.  The Word of God is not engrafted (or, implanted) in the hearts of lost sinners.  The Word of God is only engrafted (or, implanted) in the hearts of God’s children.  Therefore, the deliverance about which this verse speaks in this context must not be viewed as the salvation of our eternal souls from eternal condemnation to hell.  Rather, the deliverance about which this verse speaks in this context must be viewed as the salvation of our inner character from the corruption of selfishness. 

Grammatically, James 1:21-22 can be divided into three parts, each providing us with an instruction.  First, there is the preparatory instruction to repent of sin – “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness.”  Then there is the central instruction to receive the Word – “And receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”  Finally, there is the extended instruction to respond in obedience – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”  Thus the path of deliverance from the selfish corruption of our hearts and of transformation unto the spiritual character of righteousness can be summarized with three words of instruction – repent, receive, respond.  Central to all of this is our relationship toward God’s Word.  We must repent of anything contrary to God’s Word.  We must receive the truth and wisdom of God’s Word.  We must respond obediently to the instruction of God’s Word.  In the first part of the message, we considered the first of these truths – that we must repent.  Now in this second part of the message, let us consider the second of these truths – that we must receive.

Weekly Sermon

James 1:21-22 reads, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

In the opening portion of this paragraph (verses 19-20), we receive an exhortation concerning right relations with those around us.  As a whole, this exhortation indicates that we should deny the ways of selfishness in the manner that we relate to one another.  Yet selfishness is the natural principle of our hearts.  Thus in order to deny our selfishness and in order to relate aright toward one another, we must be delivered from the natural characteristic of selfishness in our hearts and from the spiritual corruption that flows out of it.  Yea, our soul, our inner man, needs deliverance from its own, naturally selfish and sinful desires.

So then, by what means can we obtain this spiritual deliverance from the natural corruption of selfishness in our hearts?  James 1:21 gives the answer, saying, “Wherefore lay apart all filth-iness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”  The conjunction “wherefore” with which this verse begins connects it directly to the exhortation of verse 19 and the explanation of verse 20.  Because self-denial in our relations with others is not natural to our selfish hearts, and because the wrath that naturally flows out of our selfishness does not produce the righteousness of God, we need to be delivered from the selfish corruption of our hearts and to be transformed unto the spiritual character of righteousness.  Even so, the closing line of James 1:21 reveals that the Holy Word of God is able to accomplish this deliverance for our souls.

Weekly Sermon

James 1:19-25 reads, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

With James 1:19-25 we come to the fourth paragraph of this epistle.  Again we remember that the Holy Spirit inspired purpose for this epistle is to provide pastoral counsel for a spiritually mature walk in the believer’s life.  Even so, this fourth paragraph gives counsel concerning a right relating toward others out of a heart-character that is being spiritually transformed through a meek reception of and a faithful obedience to God’s Word of truth.  Thus we find in this para-graph instruction to relate aright toward others and to relate aright toward God’s Word. 

 The word “wherefore” with which James 1:19 begins indicates that the instructions of this verse are connected to and flow out from some truth in the previous paragraph (verses 12-18).  Because of the instructions that follow in verses 21-25 concerning our reception of and obedience to God’s Word, many see this connection as being with the truth in verse 18 that God our heavenly Father has begotten us “with the word of truth.”  Thus they conclude that the instructions of verse 19 are intended to reveal the response that we ought to have toward the truth of God’s Word.  Yet when this conclusion is applied to all three of the instructions in verse 19, it lacks Biblical validity.  Certainly it is Biblically valid to say that we should be “swift to hear” the message of God’s Word.  However, is it also Biblically valid to say that we should be “slow to speak” forth the message of God’s Word, or from a different perspective that we should be “slow to speak” against the message of God’s Word?  No, it is not Biblically valid to say that we should be “slow to speak” forth the message of God’s Word.  Rather, we should be ever ready to speak forth God’s Word of truth in love to evangelize lost sinners and to edify the fellow believers.  It is also not Biblically valid to say that we should be “slow to speak” against the message of God’s Word.  Rather, we should never speak against the message of God’s Word.  Furthermore, is it Biblically valid to say that we should be “slow to wrath” toward the message of God’s Word?  No, it is not Biblically valid; for we should never respond in wrath toward the message of God’s Word.

What then is the connection between the instructions of verse 19 and the truths of verses 12-18?  The primary truths of verses 12-18 are that those who endure temptation faithfully shall be blessed with the crown of life, that we should never falsely accuse the Lord our God of being the cause of sinful temptation, that the true cause of sinful temptation is the selfish desires of our own corrupt hearts, and that the Lord our God is the Source of every good and perfect gift, the great example being our spiritual new birth.  Verse 19 then indicates that we should behave in a manner of self-control and self-denial, being “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”  What primary truth of verses 12-18 would lead to such instruction?  It is the truth that the true cause of sinful temptation is the selfish desires of our own corrupt hearts.  Because even as the children of God, we retain the selfish influences of our sinful flesh upon our hearts (See Romans 7:17-21; Galatians 5:17), the desires of our hearts are often motivated and corrupted by selfishness.  Therefore, as we relate to others, we must deny our selfish inclinations to listen unto others’ opinions little, to speak forth our opinions much, and to be provoked unto selfish wrath quickly.  Even so, James 1:19-25 provides a four-fold counsel concerning the manner by which we are to deal with the selfish, sinful corruption within our hearts.

Weekly Sermon

This sermon is a companion to two previous sermons:  Why We Must Be in God's Word Daily (Part 1)
                                                                                       Why We Must Be in God's Word Daily (Part 2)     

11.  For hope & comfort in heart.

Romans 15:4 – “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

Psalm 119:81 – “My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.”

Psalm 119:49-52 – “Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.  This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.  The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.  I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.”

12.  For divine peace in heart.

Psalm 119:165 – “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”

13.  For divine joy in heart.

Psalm 119:54 – “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.”

Psalm 119:111 – “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.”

Jeremiah 15:16 – “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

Psalm 19:8 – “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

14.  For spiritual wisdom in life.

Psalm 37:30-31 – “The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.”

Psalm 119:130 – “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

Psalm 119:97-100 – “O how love I thy law!  It is my meditation all the day.  Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.”

Psalm 19:7-8 – “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

15.  For spiritual guidance in life.

Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Proverbs 6:22-23 – “When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.  For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.”

16.  For godly parenting of our children.

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

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This sermon is a companion to a previous sermon:  Why We Must Be in God's Word Daily (Part 1)

6.  For godly ministry unto others.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Ephesians 4:11-16 – “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

7.  For spiritual victory against the devil.

Ephesians 6:10-17 – “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

8.  For God’s approval upon us.

2 Timothy 2:15 – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Acts 17:11 – “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

9.  For God’s blessing upon us.

Psalm 1:1-3 – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

10.  For the development of faith.

Romans 10:17 – “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

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1.  For Christ’s abiding in us (For the Holy Spirit’s filling of us)

John 15:4-7 – “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Ephesians 5:18-21 – “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

Colossians 3:16-17 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

2.  For God’s sanctifying unto Himself

John 17:14-20 – “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.”

John 15:1-3 – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”

3.  For spiritual transformation unto Christ-likeness

Romans 12:2 – “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

James 1:21 – “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Psalm 19:7 – “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”

4.  For spiritual growth unto maturity

1 Peter 2:2 – “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

5.  For spiritual protection from temptation

1 Corinthians 10:11 – “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

Psalm 19:11 – “Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.”

Psalm 119:11 – “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

Psalm 119:104 – “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.”

Posted in Weekly Sermon, Word of God, Daily Bible Study

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Weekly Sermon

In Psalm 119:25 the psalmist, this young servant of the Lord, expressed his condition and his request unto the Lord in prayer, saying, “My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.”

The request of the psalmist was presented in three words – “Quicken thou me.”  In fact, the psalmist lifted up this request unto the Lord nine times in this psalm (Psalm 119:25, 37, 40, 88, 107, 149, 154, 156, 159).  Herein the word “quicken” means “to be made alive; to be enlivened; to be revived.”  Thus the psalmist was praying that the Lord might make him alive, that the Lord might enliven him, that the Lord might revive him again.  Yet in what way did the psalmist need to be made alive?  In what way did he need such enlivening and such reviving?  Certainly in order to make this request, the psalmist was physically alive; and there is no indication that he was on his deathbed, preparing to die. 

On the other hand, the psalmist was in circumstances of great distress and affliction.  Mentally and emotionally, he was in a condition of great distress and discouragement.  In the opening portion of Psalm 119:25, he proclaimed, “My soul [that is – his inner man] cleaveth unto the dust.”  Again in Psalm 119:107-110 he proclaimed, “I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.  Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.  My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.  The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.”  Circumstantially, the psalmist was suffering the affliction of reproach and persecution from the wicked.  In Psalm 119:29-40 he expressed his request, saying, “Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.  Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.”  Again in Psalm 119:81-88 he expressed his burden, saying, “My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.  Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?  For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.  How many are the days of thy servant?  When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?  The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.  All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.  They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.  Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.”  Yet again in Psalm 119:153-157 he expressed his burden and request, saying, “Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.  Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.  Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.  Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.  Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.” 

However, this servant of the Lord did not make his request to be quickened, to be enlivened, to be revived, simply concerning his mental and emotional need.  Rather, he made his request concerning his deeper, spiritual need.  In Psalm 119:36-37 he expressed his request, saying, “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.”  The psalmist, this young servant of the Lord, understood that spiritual revival was necessary for mental and emotional enlivening.  He understood that the spiritual reviving of his heart would enter him into the blessed fellowship of the Lord wherein he would experience the wonderful peace of God (Isaiah 57:15, 18-19).  Furthermore, he understood that experiencing the wonderful peace of God in his inner man would be the very means by which his mental and emotional condition might be enlivened and guarded.  Even so, Philippians 4:7 declares, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

So then, as we consider the psalmist’s request throughout this psalm for spiritual reviving and for mental and emotional enlivening thereby, we shall encounter the Source of this reviving, the foundation for this reviving, the means of this reviving, and the purpose for this reviving.