## The Strength Of God's Word

## Psalm 119:25-32

We have been studying the longest "chapter" in the Bible, Psalm 119. There are 22 sections of eight verses each. Each division deals with some aspect of God's Word. We have looked at what the Word of God does for us, and how it works in the lives of believers.

Tonight's section deals with the strength of God's Word. Here the psalmist urges men to be true to the Bible. It deserves our commitment because of the strength it brings.

a. It is strong unto salvation.

b. It is strong for witness-bearing.

c. It is strong to save lives.

d. It is strong to give hope.

I. It is strong unto salvation: Saved according to the Word, Vs. 25 -26.

A. His soul cleaved to the dust.

1. 'the dust' = this world.

2. This world offers no hope to the lost soul.

3. The opposite is true.

4. We find that the things of this world can choke the Word. cf Mt. 13:22

(Mat 13:22) "He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful."

5. Paul said if our hope was only limited to this life…this earthly existence…then we were miserable.

(1 Cor 15:19) "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."

B. He declared his ways to the Lord: he repented.

1. Repentance is a misunderstood doctrine these days.

2. It is necessary for us to be saved because it deals with our thinking.

3. It involves a complete turn around in our minds concerning what sin is, who we are, who God is, and what He did for us.

4. When Paul instructed the Philippian jailer to believe in the 'Lord Jesus Christ'.

5. Not to believe in the 'man upstairs' or 'the force of good' or any other mystic foolishness that is put forth today.

6. Salvation is in the person of Jesus Christ and in His finished work on Calvary.

7. When we repent, we change our thinking which will result in a change of our behavior!

C. In His repentance the Lord heard him,

1. Salvation brought desire to know the Lord's will for him (statutes)

2. Emphasis: God's Word (the gospel) tells us how to be saved.

3. The Word of God also instructs us on how we should live for Him. Cf. 2 Tim 3:16

a. For Doctrine = what is right

b. For Reproof = what is wrong

c. For Correction = how to get it right

d. For Instruction = how to keep it right

II. It is strong for witness-bearing: Taught according to the Word, Vs. 27, 28.

A. The Lord could make him understand the way of His precepts (his next step).

1. Do not forget the principle of spiritual understanding. Cf. 1 Cor. 2:14

2. Paul told us that the natural man could not understand the things of the spirit.

3. It is the Holy Spirit within the believer that brings the understanding of God's Word.

B. An understanding would enable him to bear testimony of God's wondrous works.

1. We cannot bear witness properly until we have an understanding of His Word.

2. How often do we fail to speak a word of witness, because we feel inadequate to explain the Scriptures?

3. God will give us the understanding and the confidence in our witness as we study His Word and become effective in its use.

(Heb 5:14) "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

C. In life there still will be fear and heaviness; doubts of the flesh.

1. The Word was able to strengthen him.

2. The Word will strengthen us and it will enable us to have a stronger and more effective witness to others who are going through difficult times.

3. How often have we stood by and said nothing to someone who was facing a tremendous trial…simply because we didn't know what to say?

4. Emphasis: God's Word directs the saved toward proper service in the church.

III. It is strong to save lives: Living according to the Word, Vs. 29, 30;

(Eph 2:9-10) "Not of works, lest any man should boast. {10} For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

A. It helps him to avoid lying and falsehood.

B. He learns the graciousness of the Lord's law (His Word).

C. It causes him to determine to choose the way of truth, John 14:6.

D. It was like an open book, arrayed before him.

1. How many of us have a road map.

2. It does us no good as long as it is folded up or in the glove box.

3. But when we open it up and spread it before us, then we can know which way to go!

4. The same is true of God's Word.

E. Emphasis: God's Word is sufficient all through the life of the saved.

IV. It is strong to give hope: Hoping according to the Word, Vs. 31, 32.

A. Life is to be spent clinging to the Lord's testimonies, the Word.

B. He implored the Lord that he be not put to shame disappointed in his choice.

1. Note Moses' instruction to the nation of Israel before they entered into the promised land.

2. Cf. Deuteronomy 11:22-28

3. The shame is when we fail to obey His Word.

4. I realize that we are not under the covenant as Israel was, but there is a principle here concerning consequences of actions.

5. Each of us will reap the consequences of our actions.

(Gal 6:7-9) "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. {8} For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. {9} And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

C. His course was to be run in the way of the Lord's commandments.

(2 Tim 4:6-8) "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. {7} I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: {8} Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." [9]

D. He expected by this that the Lord would enlarge his heart; fulfill his every hope.

E. Emphasis: The word of God can guide us safely into eternity.

So we see the strength of God's Word.

- It is strong unto salvation.
- It is strong for witness-bearing.
- It is strong to save lives.
- It is strong to give hope.

In this New Year, we need to recommit our lives to the Word of God. It will make the difference in our lives and in our effectiveness to make a lasting impact upon others.