BIG IDEA:
GOD’S INITIATIVE IS THE PATHWAY TO PERSONAL REVIVAL
I. (:33-34) GOD’S INITIATIVE IN CHANNELING OUR MINDS
A. God’s Teaching Ministry is Essential for Obedience
"Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes, And I shall observe it to the end."
Perseverance in obedience is the goal
B. God’s Enlightening Ministry is Essential for Obedience
"Give me understanding, that I may observe Thy law; And keep it with all my heart."
Complete obedience is the goal
II. (:35-37) GOD’S INITIATIVE IN CHANNELING OUR HEARTS
A. God Directs Our Will and Emotions
"Make me walk in the path of Thy commandments, For I delight in it."
Where do we find our greatest joy?
B. God Directs Our Heart
"Incline my heart to Thy testimonies, And not to (material) gain."
What do we value the most?
III. (:38-39) GOD’S INITIATIVE IN CHANNELING OUR FOCUS
A. God Focuses Us on His Word and on the Fear of Him
"Establish Thy word to Thy servant, As that which produces reverence for Thee."
B. God Focuses Us Away from Fearing Men
"Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Thine ordinances are good."
(:40) CONCLUSION
"Behold, I long for Thy precepts; Revive me through Thy righteousness."
* * * * * * * * * *
DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:
1) Our minds have a tendency to follow many rabbit trails of unnecessary debates over the minutiae of words and doctrines that are far from the heart of God. If we can submit our minds to the teaching and enlightening ministry of the Holy Spirit, we can hopefully stay closer to the pathway of the practical application of God’s truth.
2) Jesus taught us in the Sermon on the Mount: “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven … for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mat. 6:19-24). Do we truly Delight in God’s Word more than in material possessions? What type of investment have we made in God’s Word?
3) How does increased fear of God help to alleviate the paralyzing influence of the fear of man?
4) What type of “vanity” have we allowed our eyes to gaze upon this past week? If we know theoretically that it is so “empty” and “unprofitable”, what is the attraction? How can we eliminate unnecessary exposure to alluring images of vanity?
Download the entire Psalms commentary in pdf format
(including notes on each psalm from other commentators)
from:
http://www.bibleoutlines.com
