Psalms 119:97-120 - Homiletics

Knowledge and action.

Of God's Law these verses treat, calling our attention to—

I. STUDY THAT LEADS TO LOVE . ( Psalms 119:97-103 .) A cursory view of God's Word may have no result; but a serious study of it, a continuous and prayerful meditation upon it, will end in a strong attachment to it. It will become the source of perennial enjoyment; it will be prized above all price (see Psalms 119:1-24 ). Indeed, so close will the heart cling to it that even the greatest danger will only suggest its truths ( Psalms 119:109 ). Sickness will bring it near; death will turn towards it. As the value of other treasures lessens, its worth will be enhanced.

II. KNOWLEDGE . ( Psalms 119:98 , Psalms 119:99 , Psalms 119:105 .) The study of the Word of God, of the will of Christ, will make the disciple to understand

III. PRACTICAL WISDOM .

1. This begins in hatred of evil ( Psalms 119:104 ), having a sincere aversion to the various forms of iniquity.

2. It proceeds to perception of what is right and good ( Psalms 119:105 ), understanding the true character of human life, and knowing what is the way in which to walk.

3. It continues in deliberate avoidance of evil ( Psalms 119:101 ).

4. Then determined loyalty to the truth and will of God under all provocations to err ( Psalms 119:102 , Psalms 119:110-112 ). However strong the pressure or clever the intrigue, the man who loves God's Law is constant in obedience, and refuses to leave the King's highway; he goes straight to the goal.

5. This ends in immunity from the sad penalties of sin which the guilty have, sooner or later, to pay ( Psalms 119:118-120 ).

6. And its issue is a blessed fulfillment of the good man's hope ( Psalms 119:116 ). This practical wisdom rests upon—

IV. A REVERENT PURPOSE OF HEART . ( Psalms 119:106-115 .) Enlightened by the Divine teaching, understanding what is the wise and what the foolish course, perceiving who are his friends and who his enemies, the disciple of the great Teacher

V. PRAYER AND PRAISE .

1. Daily supplication for the upholding hand of God, without which the fairest and strongest resolutions fail ( Psalms 119:116 , Psalms 119:117 ).

2. Daily thanksgiving—the sacrifice of grateful speech and sacred song ( Psalms 119:108 ).