Scripture References: Psalm 19 (Main); Joshua 1:7-8; Romans 1:18-20; Galatians 3:13
Intro: This sermon focuses on the church value "obedient to the Word of God," exploring Psalm 19 as a guide. It begins by affirming the priority of being with Jesus over doing for Him. Psalm 19 uniquely presents God's Word in three distinct movements: the soundless word of creation, the perfect word of Scripture, and our response centered on the Redeemer.
Key Points:
- The Soundless Word: Creation (v. 1-6):
- David highlights how the heavens and the natural order constantly "declare" and "proclaim" God's glory, power, and divine nature.
- This communication is universal ("message has gone out to the whole earth") yet without audible speech or words.
- This general revelation points towards God and leaves humanity without excuse (cf. Romans 1), but it's insufficient to fully renew or save us. Nature can inspire awe but also be confusing.
- The Perfect Word: Scripture (v. 7-11):
- David shifts to God's revealed Law (Torah), using synonyms like instruction, testimony, precepts, commands.
- Scripture's Qualities: Perfect (reviving the soul), Trustworthy (making wise), Right (rejoicing the heart), Radiant (enlightening eyes), Pure (enduring forever), Reliable/True & Righteous (altogether).
- Scripture's Value: More desirable than gold, sweeter than honey. It's a standard ("ruler") for life.
- Call to Trust: Like Joshua commanded to meditate on and obey the Law for success in a new/uncertain situation, we are called to trust God's reliable Word when facing our own "firsts" (new parenthood, job, retirement, etc.).
- Our Response & The Redeemer (v. 12-14):
- Need for Grace: Confronted by God's perfect standard, David acknowledges personal shortcomings – hidden, unintentional faults stemming from the heart, which are hard to perceive or control.
- Prayer for Help: He prays for cleansing from hidden faults and divine restraint from willful, presumptuous sins.
- Dependence on the Redeemer: Ultimately, David's hope for being "blameless" and "acceptable" (like a perfect sacrifice) rests not on his own obedience, but on the "LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." This points prophetically to Jesus.
- Gospel Fulfillment: Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law and became our Redeemer, taking the curse for us (Gal 3:13). Our ability to obey flows from His finished work and grace, not self-effort.
Conclusion: God speaks powerfully through both creation and Scripture. While creation reveals His glory, His perfect Word in Scripture uniquely revives the soul and provides trustworthy guidance. Recognizing our inability to perfectly meet this standard drives us to Jesus, our Redeemer, whose sacrifice makes us acceptable and empowers true obedience born of faith and gratitude.
Call to Action: Listen for God's soundless voice in creation. Prioritize engaging with His perfect Word, the Bible, trusting its reliability. When confronted with your shortcomings by Scripture, don't despair; run to Jesus, your Redeemer. Find your confidence and motivation for obedience in His finished work, not your own efforts. Remember His sacrifice in communion.
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Exploring the Mission and Vision of our Church: Part 1, The Word of God.
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