020914.trust.gods .word.psalm.119

John R. Wible, 2014 1

Why Should I Trust The Bible?

Psalm 119John R. Wible

February 9,2014


Affirm it or Rely on it?

• People acknowledge the value of the Bible, but affirming its value does not mean they build their lives on it.

• The Bible shows its reliability• Interpretations may not be

reliable


The Setting

• Longest Psalm, longer than 30 whole books

• An acrostic of 22 stanzas each beginning with successive letters of Hebrew Alphabet (Alep bet)

• Affirms the perfection of the Word


Reliability

• What do men rely on?• But you, what do you rely on?• “The Wise Man Built his House

upon the Rock”• The only safe place to build your

life is on God’s Word


Background of Psalm 119

• Love poem to the Law of God• Acrostic use of all 22 letters of

Hebrew Alphabet in eight line verses using synonyms for Torah

• “The Law is the determining element of all realms of life”

• Written in time of persecution• Author presumed David - Spurgeon


Verses 137-141

137 You are righteous, Lord, and Your judgments are just.

138 The decrees You issue are righteous and altogether trustworthy.

139 My anger overwhelms me because my foes forget Your words.

140 Your word is completely pure, and Your servant loves it.

141 I am insignificant and despised, but I do not forget Your precepts.


Verses 142-144

142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your instruction is true.

143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me, but Your commands are my delight.

144 Your decrees are righteous forever. Give me understanding, and I will live.


Key Words

• Judgments – the prophet’s favorite

• Decrees – refers to Covenant• Precepts – a “proper principle”• Instruction – translated: torah , a

statute, a written law as the Ten Commandments


Questions of Reliability

• Why do some people question the reliability of the Bible?

• It is verified by “internal evidence”

• Verified by “external evidence”– Archeology

–Historical documents–Multiple manuscripts– Its impact on man


Righteous, Pure, True

• If God is righteous then, His Word must, logically be righteous

• The question is whether we have His actual Word – Evidence indicates that we do

• The world wants no standard, but the Bible is the standard, the only one

• Vv 137-144 give us its characteristics


Dependability

• Do you believe it is dependable?• Then, am I depending on it?

Why not?• Bro. James would say, “don’t tell

me about it, show me.”• What of David standing by it no

matter what?• Q: Is there a connection between

understanding the Bible and life?


Verses 1-4• 1 How happy are those whose

way is blameless, who live according to the Lord’s instruction!

• 2 Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart.

• 3 They do nothing wrong; they follow His ways.

• 4 You have commanded that Your precepts be diligently kept.


Verses 5-8

• 5 If only my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes!

• 6 Then I would not be ashamed when I think about all Your commands.

• 7 I will praise You with a sincere heart when I learn Your righteous judgments.

• 8 I will keep Your statutes; never abandon me.


A Blessing to Read

• Q: Can you remember a time when you felt blessed or “happy” merely by reading the Word?

• Q: What is happiness?• Q: Does the Bible actually work?• Ask George Mueller• How do we grow in obedience?


A Role Model

• Charles Barkley: “I am not a role model.”

• But, aren’t we?• Ask Billy Graham

• Be a role model on understanding and following

the Bible• Finish the race well (Some of us

have already rounded the clubhouse turn!)


So, Who is Reliable?

• See page 149 in quarterly.• Q: How would you respond?• The Point: “The only safe place

to build your life is on God’s Word”

• How do you do that? Be familiar with the building materials


Thy Word is a Lamp/Light


Let’s Pray About it!

12/08/13

020914.trust.gods .word.psalm.119

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