Transformed By Truth: Living As I Should Psalm 119:7 Series

Transformed by Truth: Living as I should Psalm 119:7

Introduction:

Today, we embark on a journey through Psalm 119:7, a powerful verse that calls us to praise God with a heart transformed by His truth. Our central verse, Psalm 119:7 (NLT), says, "As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!" This verse encapsulates the essence of being transformed by God’s truth through learning and living according to His righteous regulations.

Point 1: Learning God’s Righteous Regulations

Psalm 119:7 (NLT) - "As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!"

The psalmist’s journey begins with a commitment to learning God’s righteous regulations. The Hebrew word for "learn" is lamad, which means to be instructed or trained. This learning is not passive but an active pursuit of understanding God’s will and His ways.

Proverbs 2:6 (NLT) - "For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Solomon, the wisest man, emphasizes that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding come from the Lord.

This wisdom is foundational for learning God’s regulations.

The Hebrew word for "knowledge" is da‘ath, signifying a deep, intimate understanding.

Just as Solomon sought wisdom from God, we too must diligently seek to learn from His Word.

Imagine a student who diligently studies and practices to master a musical instrument. Likewise, we must immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing it to instruct and transform us.

John Piper once said, "We cannot know what prayer is for until we know that life is war. The stakes are so high that we cannot afford not to pray and study God’s Word."

Point 2: Living According to God’s Truth

Psalm 119:7 (NLT) - "As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!"

The psalmist’s response to learning God’s truth is to live it out. The Hebrew word for "live" here implies action, a life that reflects the teachings of God.

James 1:22 (NLT) - "But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves."

James addresses believers, urging them to be doers of the Word.

Listening alone is insufficient; application is crucial.

The Greek word for "doers" is poietes, meaning a performer or one who acts.

Our lives must be a testament to the transformative power of God’s Word.

Consider an athlete who not only studies the rules of the game but also trains rigorously to perform well. Similarly, we must live out God’s truth through our actions.

Francis Chan says, "Lukewarm living and claiming Christ’s name simultaneously is utterly disgusting to God."

Point 3: Thanking God with a Transformed Life

Psalm 119:7 (NLT) - "As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!"

A life transformed by truth naturally overflows with gratitude. The psalmist expresses thanks through a life that honours God.

Colossians 3:17 (NLT) - "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."

Paul encourages the Colossians to let their actions reflect their faith in Christ.

Every aspect of life should be an expression of gratitude to God.

The Greek word for "thanks" is eucharisteo, indicating a profound sense of gratitude.

Our daily actions and decisions should be acts of thanksgiving to God.

Picture a person who, after receiving a life-saving organ transplant, lives every day with gratitude, honouring the gift they've received. Our transformed lives should similarly reflect gratitude to God for His truth.

Charles Stanley states, "Gratitude produces deep, abiding joy because we know that God is working in us, even through difficulties."

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Psalm 119:7 calls us to be transformed by truth through learning God’s righteous regulations, living according to His truth, and expressing our thanks through a transformed life. As we immerse ourselves in His Word, let our lives be a reflection of His teachings, and may we continually offer thanks through our actions and decisions.

Application and Call to Action:

This week, commit to deepening your understanding of God’s Word. Set aside time each day to study and meditate on Scripture. As you learn, put His teachings into practice in your daily life. Let your actions be a testament to the transformative power of God’s truth and live each day with gratitude.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that transforms us. Help us to learn Your righteous regulations, live according to Your truth, and continually offer our thanks through our actions. May our lives reflect Your love and truth in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Go forth this week, prioritising God's Word, living out His truth, and embodying His love in all you do.