Senior Class Notes – October 20, 2019

Fall 2019 Unit 2 Session 2 – God’s Will and The Bible. Psalm 19:7-14 PSG p. 94 – 103. Please read: Reaching Deeply into God’s Word PSG p. 104 – 105.

October 20, 2019

The Point: God gives us direction through His Word.

Inspirational verse: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1). “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made” (Romans 1:20).

Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. After looking into the heavens (Psalm 19:1-6) to witness the glory of god, David looks into the Word of God: Its laws, statutes, precepts, commands, and ordinances. His experience is that an awareness of God’s Word results both in practical help (wisdom, righteousness, and warning) and in positive, pleasant feelings (joy, enlightenment). The living God responsible for creation is revealed throughout the pages of scripture (KJVCRSB). The perfect (Flawless) law of God (Psalm 12:6; 18:30; Prov. 30:5) can change people. It revives the soul and the Law’s statutes can be trusted to make one wise (BKC). David abruptly transitions to “special” revelation: the law of the Lord. Six parallel statements affirm the great value of God’s law. The first part of each one differently describes the Lord’s law, characterizing it in very appealing terms: it is perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, firm. The second part of each one does likewise: The Lord’s law is refreshing, makes one wise, gives joy and light, endures forever, and is righteous (NIVZSB). God’s word reveals His saving grace. God’s law (or teaching) is described as “perfect,” which is best understood here as “complete.” This law needs no alteration in part or in whole. It has power to bring deep and radical change in the inner life or soul. It is God’s great instrument in conversion (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23). The Word of God is spoken of as God’s “testimony” because it is His own instruction concerning His person and purpose. God’s Word is sure (2 Peter 1:19), and may be trusted because He is faithful (1 Tim. 1:15). To those wise in their own eyes, the truth of God is hidden (Matt. 11:25), but to the simple the Scriptures give wisdom that leads to salvation (2 Tim. 3:15) (KJVFSB). The simple are the childlike people whose understanding and judgement have not yet matured (see Psalm 119:98-100) (NIV). The Law is the word torah, which Jews today use to refer to the first five books of the Old Testament. Torah has a broader sense than law in the purely legal sense. It is the expression of God’s will for human beings as revealed in His recorded words and actions. This expanded sense of law is seen in three companion terms used in this psalm: (KJVTSB)

Testimony: is a legal term that has a sense of “witness” and is sometimes synonymous with “covenant.”
Statutes: carries the sense of specific laws that form a legal code.
Commandment: has the implication of something that must be obeyed.

Psalm 19:7-9 mentions six aspects of God’s Word that provide everything needed for us to know how to live life to its fullest. These descriptions reveal the breadth and depth of God’s Word.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.” Scripture has been guiding people to have successful, joyful, meaningful lives for over two thousand years. Medical books, encyclopedias, and even weight-loss books have value for a season, but they rapidly become obsolete and soon cannot even be sold at garage sales. Yet Scripture has been thoroughly effective in helping people live fruitful lives for centuries, whether they were in Rome in 300 AD or New York City in 2019.

Consider how complete and perfect God’s instruction is: It can guide a man to be a nurturing father to his children in Tokyo or a church to effectively minister to its community in Sa͂o Paulo, Brazil. The Bibles guidance provides perfect instruction for a single businessperson working on Wall Street or a married school teacher balancing work and family. The instruction found in the Bible does not grow out of date nor is it any less effective from one generation or culture to another. It continues to have the ability to renew our lives, restore us when we’ve failed, and empower us to face difficulties (PSG p. 97). The law of the Lord refers to the torah translate as law, but is better understood as “teaching” or “instruction.” It is the revelation of God’s will for his people. Jehovah’s instruction is not a burden; “For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off” (Deut. 30:11); “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3), but a delight for those who trust in Him (Psalm 1:2). The law of the LORD is perfect: perfect is a term that is often used in relation to sacrifices that are acceptable to God because they are “without blemish” (Lev. 1:3, 10), but it can also refer to the perfect work of God (Deut. 32:4). Converting the soul means the restoration of strength or vitality “And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived” (1 Kings 17:22); “All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul:” (Lam. 1:11) (KJV).

“The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” We encounter much of life as novices. Going to school or starting a new job can be challenging when we have never done it before. When we first get married, we are rank amateurs at being spouses! Incredibly, God entrusts newborn children to people who have never been parents before! How can we avoid failure with such important responsibilities? Heeding God’s instruction makes us wise. God offers wise counsel for every major challenge and responsibility of life. You may never have had children before, but the Bible can guide you to make wise parenting decisions. You may never have led before, but the Bible provides wise counsel for leaders of any organization. You may never have dealt with major pressure or temptation before, but the Bible can astutely guide you to overcome any challenge (PSG p. 97-98). Making wise the simple can be seen as “it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130) (KJV).

Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD, is pure enlightening the eyes. Statutes is a synonym for “law” or “commandments,” statutes encompasses all the covenant responsibilities God expects of His people (Key Words PSG p.96).

“The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart.” Rather than being a burden, God’s word brings joy, for it protects us from sin, failure, and guilt. Righteous living leads to joy, not legalism (PSG p. 98).
“The commandment of the LORD, is pure enlightening the eyes.” The world often makes people act self-centered, feel ashamed, or view themselves as inadequate. Scripture makes us God-centered. The world compares us to others, leaving us envious. Scripture compares us to Jesus and gives us hope we can be like Him. Incorporating Scripture into our life makes us come alive! (PSG p. 98). Enlightening the eyes seems like an unusual idiom, but it makes a connection between light and truth, or more specifically knowledge and understanding of the truth “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”; “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple ” (Psalm 119:105, 130); “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” Proverbs 6:23) (KJV).

Psalm 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. Fear is a reverence for God resulting in obedience to His commandments (Key Words PSG p.96). This rarely refers to actual fright or terror; Psalms 76:7, 8, 11, 12; 2 Chronicles 17:10 are instances of that meaning. Usually, the fear of the Lord refers to holding God in proper reverence and awe. It is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge (Psalm 111:10; Job 28:28; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10) and a source of life for God’s people (Proverbs 10:27; 14:27; 19:23). It is to be treasured (Prov. 15:16; Isa. 33:6), something to delight in (Isa. 11:3), and a source of rejoicing (Psalm 40:3). Humility is at its core (Prov. 22:4).

“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever.” Every time we open the Bible, we have the opportunity to encounter Almighty God. That ought to take our breath away! In Scripture, whenever someone met with God, they were overwhelmed. When we approach God’s Word, we come face to face with His unadulterated truth that does not change. When we read it with reverential awe, we are in a perfect posture to receive its instruction (PSG p. 98). The fear of the Lord is the only subject in this list that involves human response to God’s instruction rather than a synonym for it. The concept involves obedience to God with an attitude of humility and reference. Fear of God is a combination of humility, obedience, awe, and respect. Its inclusion further demonstrates the relationship between fearing Jehovah and the knowledge and understanding of His truth (Prov. 1:7; 9:10) (KJV).
“The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” You can stake your life on the Bible! Its instruction is entirely reliable at any time, in any place, for any person. It is wholly righteous, so it will never lead you astray (PSG p. 98).

Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. God’s law is precious and desirable (KJSB).

The psalmist concluded by declaring that God’s Word is like gold and honey. Gold is extremely valuable and represents success for the one who possesses it. Honey brings joy and pleasure. God’s Word not only leads to success, it also fills us with Joy. If you want to know God’s will, regularly read your Bible. Begin each day meditating on Scripture’s instruction. Learn to think and make decisions in a biblical manner. Measure your life by its standards, not the world’s. Your heart should begin to race as you open the Bible each morning to seek guidance from its Author. One divine word created a universe. Imagine what God’s Word can do in your life (PSG p. 99). Gold and honey were valuable commodities in the ancient world, but God’s words are even more valuable (Psalm 119:103, 107) (KJV).

Psalm 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. The warning and reward are both positive benefits of knowing God’s instruction because they keep God’s servants from straying off the path of righteousness and provide them with blessings “Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight” (Psalm 119:35); “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18) (KJV).

Psalm 19:12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. David noted that we might not be aware that what we are doing is wrong. Who can understand his errors? He therefore asks God to “cleanse thou me from secret faults” In such cases, Scripture will highlight those areas of our life and show us the right way (PSG p. 99). Errors or secret sins can represent those that occur with or without proper instruction. The question is rhetorical and assumes the answer “No one.” For this reason, continual cleansing is required for these sins (KJV). David’s knowledge of God inspires him to excel in his devotion to his Lord. He wants to rid his life of willful sins as well as hidden faults (KJVCRSB). The man of faith can respond only with a prayer that he be kept from both hidden sins “secret faults” and willful sins “presumptuous sins” (KJSB). David’s rhetorical question expresses that without God’s Word, it is difficult for people to know if or when they violate God’s will. The Word brings hidden (secret) faults to light and offers strong warnings about what displeases God so that the believer’s actions, words, and thoughts may receive His favor (Psalm 119:133) (JSB).

Psalm 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgressions. David also noted that sometimes we know full well we are sinning and we stubbornly choose to do so anyway. This reflects a rebellious heart that needs to be transformed. This is the presumptuous sins that David is asking God to “let them not have dominion over me” (PSG p. 101). Presumptuous sins are different in that they lead to being “cut off” from God and His people (Num. 15:30-31) (KJV).

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. David ends this psalm with a prayer that not only his words of my mouth but also his inner thoughts (the meditation of my heart) would be pleasing to God (acceptable in thy sight), whom he acknowledges as his strength and redeemer (KJVCRSB). The NIV translates my strength as “my rock.” (see Psalm 18:2). The Hebrew term (tsuwr) does not refer to a stone, but rather to a large boulder, a formation of stone, and/or to mountains. It refers to a large outcropping of rock that could provide shelter from a storm or safety from one’s enemies (Judg. 20:47). The psalmist spoke confidently of God as his constant, personal source of strength and support (LG p. 104). God is the One who purchases our freedom from any bondage or slavery. The principal meaning of the word redeemer is “defender of family rights” (KJVFSB). Redeemer: used in legal contexts dealing with family law and the redemption of property or relatives in distress (e.g. Lev. 25); it is also prominent in the story of Ruth. The Psalms use the term primarily of God’s rescuing His people from distress (Psalm 78:35; 119:134, 154) (NIVZSB). The final plea is that the psalmist’s speech and thinking (meditation, from the Hebrew hgh has a literal meaning of mumbling to oneself, an activity closely related to concentrating on something in order to understand it) reflect what is acceptable to God. The LORD told Joshua: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Jos. 1:8). The language of sacrifice is used to show that life should be lived as an offering to God “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1) (KJV). There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking the Lord to make you pleasing to Him; in fact, He loves to teach you His ways. He tenderly molds your character so that you speak, think and act in a way that honors Him (CFSLPB).

References: Fall 2019

(CWB) – Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry Copyright © 1960 by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan.
(ETB) – Explore The Book by J. Sidlow Baxter. Copyright © 1960 by J. Sidlow Baxter. Published 1960 by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan.
(IMO) – On occasion, with the prayerful guidance of the Holy Spirit, I will make comments of my own, based on my understanding of the events. I will indicate such times with In My Opinion.
(JSB) – The Jeremiah Study Bible, Copyright © 2016 by David Jeremiah, Inc. Using The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
(LG) – Bible Studies For Life – KJV Adults Leader Guide Summer 2019 Unit 2 Session 5
(NIVMEB) – The Ministry Essentials Bible, Copyright © 2014 by Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, LLC. Based on The Holy Bible, New International Version NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
(NCBD) – Nelson’s Compact Bible Dictionary Copyright © 2004 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. with Scripture Quotations from the New King James Version of the Bible Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, 1990 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
(NIVBTSB) – The New International Version Biblical Theology Study Bible © 2018 by The Zondervan Corporation. Text from The Holy Bible, New International Version Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. previously published as The New International Version Zondervan Study B
(NIVCBSB) – The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Copyright © 2016 by The Zondervan Corporation Text from The Holy Bible, New International Version Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. published by The Zondervan Corporation.
(NIVSB) – The New International Version Study Bible Copyright © 1985 by The Zondervan Corporation Text from The Holy Bible, New International Version Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the New York International Bible Society.
(NIVZSB) – The New International Version Zondervan Study Bible © 2015 by the Zondervan Corporation. Text from The Holy Bible, New International Version Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
(PSG) – Bible Studies For Life – KJV Adults Personal Study Guide Spring 2019 Vol. 6, No. 3.
(SEC) – Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Dictionaries of the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Testament words. Copyright © 1890 by James Strong. Based on the King James Version of the Bible
(TDNT) – Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.