Psalms 119:1-24 - Homiletics

The blessedness of obedience.

The first two verses of the psalm leave no mistake as to the nature of true obedience; it includes:

1. Integrity of heart . Sincerity, being "undefiled," seeking the favor and entering the service of God "with the whole heart" ( Psalms 119:10 ), with a spirit in which "is no guile."

2. Consistency of conduct . "Walking in the Law," "keeping his commandments;" it is" he that doeth righteousness that is righteous" (John).

3. Patient continuance in well-doing . Making an earnest and sustained endeavor to do the will of God ( Psalms 119:4 ). Such genuine obedience is attended with great blessedness.

I. IT INVOLVES PURITY OF HEART AND LIFE . "They do no iniquity: they walk in his ways" ( Psalms 119:3 ). Obedience is its own reward, apart from any recompense it may secure. To be pure-hearted, to be true and faithful, to be unselfish and helpful, to be like our Lord in spirit and in character, to be living a life that is worthy and honorable in the sight of God,—is not this the truest and the largest blessing?

II. IT BRINGS SALVATION FROM EVIL .

1. From sin itself, whether in the heart or the life ( Psalms 119:11 ).

2. From the shame to which sin constantly conducts ( Psalms 119:6 ).

3. From Divine condemnation ( Psalms 119:21 ).

4. From the rebuke which comes from the lips of the Lord himself.

III. IT IS THE SERVICE OF SACRED JOY . ( Psalms 119:14 , Psalms 119:16 , Psalms 119:24 ; see also Psalms 119:35 , Psalms 119:47 , Psalms 119:54 , Psalms 119:103 , Psalms 119:111 , Psalms 119:127 , Psalms 119:162 .) Sweeter than honey to the taste, more precious than gold in the heart's esteem, is the Word of God, "the mind of Christ." The sweet substance will soon pail, the spoil will soon he spent, the much-prized wealth may become a snare; but the study of God's will, meditation upon the truth and grace of Jesus Christ, the welcome given by the heart to the heavenly hopes and the Divine consolations with which the pages of Holy Writ are studded, sitting at the feet of the great Teacher and learning of him,—this is the source of pure, unfailing, ever-deepening joy. The acquisition of any kind of knowledge is pleasant to the mind, but the enrichment of the soul by the reception of Divine wisdom means deep "delight," an intense satisfaction to the spirit. If such is the blessedness of obedience, we learn:

1. The excellency of steadfastness ( Psalms 119:5-10 ). How needful to have our feet "firmly fixed" in the way of life; to be saved from "wandering" first into byways and then into highways of evil! Hence:

2. The wisdom of keeping an open mind ( Psalms 119:7 ), of realizing that there is something more to learn. Hence also:

3. The need for serious, strenuous effort ( Psalms 119:4 , Psalms 119:16 ), of being "diligent" in duty and of keeping the will of our Lord always before our mind, of continually refreshing our memory from his Word. Hence also:

4. The need for prayer ( Psalms 119:10 ).

5. The duty of teaching as well as learning ( Psalms 119:13 ). Such true and pure blessedness as we ourselves have gained, we should seek to pass on to other souls.