WALKING IN THE LAW ...
July 8, 2001 AM
Sermon Outline
Ps 119:1-8
INTRO: How many times have I read the 119th Psalm? How many times have I referred to it? Yet, I never tire of its extolling of the virtues of the law of the Lord. I never read it that I do not find another wonder or lesson. Just so this morning I want us to look at the first section ... the first eight verses for a simple plain lesson about Walking in the Law of the Lord.
I. A DESCRIPTION OF THE PERSON WHO DOES SO
A. Such a person is undefiled in his way
1. we admit that life has its defiling aspects
2. the choices to sin are all about us - the bright lights beckon
3. but the law of the Lord implanted is powerful
4. notice 119:9 and 11 - Jas 1:21 - 1 Thes 2:13
5. a person walking the law of the Lord is undefiled because of the law!
B. Such a person keeps His testimonies
1. he recognizes the value, advantages of them
2. he understands the value of what he has in Gods law
3. Ps 19:7-11 this man knew the value of the word
4. 2 Tim 3:16 instruction in righteousness ... how could we know without some basis for knowing ... some body of revealed information?
5. these testimonies become life changing, forming
C. Such a person seeks God wholeheartedly
1. I continue to believe right here is one of the greatest problems for most folks
2. we can acknowledge the value of the word
3. we can acknowledge the benefits of godly living
4. but whole hearted? thats asking a lot!
5. Mt 6:33 - Mk 12:30 Anything less will be a constant difficulty for us
D. Such a person abstains from iniquity
1. Jas 1:27 unspotted from the world
2. But notice that He keeps Himself...He makes deliberate, conscious choices day by day
3. And there may be times which we make those choices alone...against the trends, the current (Eph 5:6,7)
4. I always recall Gen 39:9...Joseph abstained!
5. or Dan 1:8...Daniel abstained!
6. The choices are ours to make...to sin, or not-and no matter the situation, its finally our choice
II. THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH WALKING
A. Such a person will be happy (blessed)
1. I know that happiness is broadly defined
2. But consider such elements of true happiness as contentment, peace, certainty...this is blessedness
3. still, we must choose our definition-Gods or ours
4. Ps 112:1
B. Such a person will not experience shame
1. guilt leads to discovery - discovery leads to shame
2. but guilt will not be a problem for this person who walks in Gods law - it is violation which brings guilt
3. shame is not fun! and shame can be avoided!
4. I recall Num 32:23...will it be shame in this life...or in the judgment
C. Such a person praises God
1. Because he recognized that God has graciously provided His law for our benefit
2. because he recognized God is the source of blessing
3. note Ps 103:2 ff as such praise
CLOSE: Each of us has choices to make...and one of them involves the course our lives will take. Remember Mt 7:24-27. You choose.
Cecil A. Hutson
08 July 2001