Psalm 119

I. What the Bible Is!

a. Water for cleansing (9)

This whole section deals with victory over sin. young people in particular

need to learn to heed and hide the Word that they might overcome

temptation. As you read the Word and meditate on it,

it cleanses your inner being, just as water cleanses the body.

John 15:3, Ephesians 5:25-27

b. Wealth and treasure (14, 72, 127, 162)

Many people do not know the difference between prices and values. your

Bible may cost but a few dollars, but what a treasure it is. How would you feel if

you lost God’s Word and could not replace it?

c. A companion and friend (24)

The writer was a stranger (19), rejected by the proud (21) and by princes

(23), but he always had the Word to be his counselor.

Proverbs 6:20-22

d. A song to sing (54)

imagine making songs out of statutes - laws! Life is a pilgrimage; we are

“tourists” and not residents. The songs of the world mean nothing to us, but

God’s Word is a song to our hearts.

e. Honey (103)

The sweetness of the Word is like honey to the taste. It is sad when the

Christian must have the “honey” of this world to be satisfied.

Psalm 34:8; Job 23:12

f. A lamp (105, 130)

This is a dark world and the only dependable light is the Word of God (2

Peter 1:19-21). It leads us a step at a time, as we walk in obedience. First John

1:5-10 ells us we walk in the light as we obey His Word.

g. Great spoil (162)

Poor soldiers were made rich by the spoil left by the defeated enemy. The

riches of the Word do not come easy; there must first be that spiritual battle against

Satan and the flesh. But it is worth it!

Luke 11:14-23

h. A heritage (111)

What a precious inheritance is the Bible! And think of those who had to

suffer and die that we might have this inheritance.

II. What the Bible Does!

a. It blesses (1-2)

It is the book with a blessing (Psalm 1:1-3). We are blessed in reading the

Word, understanding the Word, and obeying the Word. We are also blessed

when we share the Word with others.

b. It gives life (25, 37, 40, 50, 88, 93)

“Quicken” means to give life. The Word gives us eternal life when we believe

(1 Peter 1:23). It is the living Word (Hebrews 4:12). But the Word also

quickens us when we are weak, discouraged and defeated. Revival comes when

we yield to God’s Word!

c. It gives strength (28)

Trusting the Word encourages us (Matthew 4:4). God‘s Word has power

(Hebrews 4:12) and can empower us when we believe and obey.

d. It gives liberty (45)

A law that gives liberty - what an oxymoron! Sin would have dominion over

us (133), but the Word sets us free (John 8:32). True liberty comes in obeying

God’s Word. His Word is the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25).

e. It imparts wisdom (66, 97-104)

We may get knowledge and facts in other books, but true spiritual wisdom is

fond in the Bible. Note in vv. 97-104 that there are various ways to discover truth

-- from your enemies, from your teachers, from your older friends -- and all of

these are good. But above them all is the knowledge of the Bible. teachers may

know from books, and elders may know from experience (both deserving respect),

but these without the Bible are not sufficient.

f. It creates friends (63)

Knowing and obeying the Word of God will bring into your life the very

finest of friends. Those who truly love God’s Word are friends indeed. there

are false friends who may dazzle you with their worldly wisdom and wealth,

but their friendship will lead you astray. Stick with those that stick with the

Bible (31).

g. It gives comfort (55, 76, 82, 92)

More than 60 verses in this psalm mention trial and persecution. The

believer who obeys the Word will have trials in this world, but the Bible gives him

lasting comfort. The Comforter, the Spirit of God, takes the Word of God

and applies it to our hearts to comfort us.

h. It gives direction (133)

the Christian life is a “walk”, a day at a time and a step at a time (1, 3, 45).

The Word directs our steps, both for walking and for running (32). Note the

prayers in vv. 35 and 116-117. As we pray for guidance, the Lord answers

through His Word.

III. What We Must Do With the Bible!

a. Love It! (97, 159)

The way you treat your Bible is the way you treat Christ. To love Him is to