The Purpose Of The Word

Psalm 119:129-136 The Purpose Of The Word - Illumination

I. The Laws In God's Word

129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

Ps 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

God's Word Is Perfect - The law of the LORD is perfect,

God's Word Is Powerful - converting the soul:

God's Word Is Prudent - the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple

God's Word Is Pleasing - 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:

God's Word Is Pure - 8 the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

God's Word Is Precious - 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

God's Word Is Profitable - 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Why did the Psalmist keep God's laws?

A. For Protection—Ps. 119:11.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

God's Word not only saves from sin—it keeps us from sinning.

B. For Power—Heb. 4:12. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

C. For Pleasure—Jer. 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.

II. The Light Of God's Word

130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

A. The Shining Of The Light

B. The Showing Of The Light "The entrance of thy Words giveth light."

Ps. 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Guide in Jungle "You can carry the light too high, but never too low."

God's Word reveals to man his sins and shortcomings.

C. The Sharing Of The Light "It giveth understanding unto the simple."

God's Word has always been, and will always be, simple.

Isa. 35:8. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

III. The Longing For God's Word

131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

A. The Longing for His Simple Word—

Rom. 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

B. The Longing for His Sound Word—

2 Tim 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

THE PURPOSE OF THE WORD OF GOD

The Word of God is written for the glorification of the Saviour, the salvation of the sinner and the sanctification of the saint.

(a) OUR GROWING UP: EDUCATION:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(b) OUR GOING ON: SANCTIFICATION:17 That the man of God may be perfect

(c) OUR GIVING OUT: PROCLAMATION: Paul says, “ Preach the Word.” ( 4:2 ) Preach it faithfully, as a herald declares the message of his king, preach it incessantly, in season and out of season, preach it effectively, reprove, rebuke, exhort, preach it persistently

(d) OUR GETTING HOME: CONSOLATION: the time of my departure is at hand.( 4:6 ) When Sir Walter Scott was dying he said to his secretary, “ bring me the book.”

She said, “ But there are thousands of books in your library which book do you mean ?”

He said, “ there is but one book, the Bible.”