BE STRONG, ACT LIKE MEN!

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love."

I Corinthians 16:13-14

I am not ashamed to say that without Adam, there would not have been Eve. Let us applaud the worthy men who have accepted the great work of fathering children and being a father and husband to their children. Fatherhood belongs in marriage and the home that stands for a lifetime. Fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers: nothing can take their places.

This coming Sunday, many will be observing Father's Day and honoring their fathers.  I would like to give tribute to all of those godly men who try so hard to be the men that God would want them to be, especially my husband and my brothers in Christ.  With this in mind, let me begin by asking, "What is a godly dad, and what does he do?"  "How important or vital is a godly husband and father in the home?"  Let us read what Scripture says about that:

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.... So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself"  (Ephesians 5:25-28).

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord"  (Ephesians 6:4).

For our men to be good husbands, fathers, active leaders in the church, and lights that shine brightly in this world of darkness, they must start "acting like men."  They must cast aside our culture's deceiving messages, stereotypical roles, and values for God's principles of righteousness and His divinely defined roles.  They must submit to His principles of righteousness, allowing Him to rule in their hearts to motivate them to godliness and manliness.  They must focus their minds on spiritual things (Col. 3:1-4).  Heaven must be their primary goal. That goal demands a total commitment to the Lord.  They must be faithful no matter how high the cost they might have to pay in life.  Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as many other heroes of faith, have left excellent examples for our men to follow. 

Consider the apostle Paul, who, though standing alone in defense of the Gospel, continued to stand (2 Tim. 4:16).  Remember, brothers, that you belong to the Lord, for He has bought you with a price.  He shed His blood to purchase you from the slavery of sin (1 Peter 1:18-19).  So, you must no longer live as you please, but do the Lord's will (Matt. 16:24; 7:21).  You must not, under any circumstance, stop serving the Lord faithfully, for your attitude must be like that of the apostle Paul, "press on"  (Phil. 3:12-15).  You must live godly, be mature in Christ, do the good works, teach, encourage, and correct others in both word and deed (Titus 2:14; Eph. 2:10). 

I don't see any other way you, as a man of God, can be of any value to your Lord!  Why not start giving yourself to the Lord in service to Him and those around you?  Why not become the man that God wants you to be?  Why not spend more time studying and meditating on God's Sacred Book to learn and develop righteous and godly habits?  Learn what you must do to be a godly man of God, for you must keep your heart open and tender to God's instructions.  Seek God's counsel when you face doubts and concerns.  Be determined to be different from the world and consecrate yourself to God alone, for it is the only way to do God's will and be in harmony with His Teachings.

Sadly most men, young and old, have few principles of righteousness and have very little interest in those things that are spiritual and profitable to their faith. Instead, they are interested in walking the easiest path to pleasure, for their affections are set on everything worldly and ungodly.  They have no hope and nothing to look forward to after death.  They are already dead in their sins.  But for you Christian men, you have the life of our Lord Jesus Christ living in you so that you can faithfully serve Him and become more like Him.  That must be your highest goal in life!

Brothers, remember that "manliness" or being "manly" is an essential quality for men, especially husbands.  To be "manly," a man must be brave and courageous.  Husbands, you must be ready to shoulder your responsibility as heads of your household even in times of adversity and problems in life.  You must not surrender, for you must act like a man to be rewarded in this life and in the life to come, with eternal blessings.  Moreover, you must fulfill your God-giving obligations to your children to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4).  You must also show them the way that they must go to please their Creator and be saved (Prov. 22:6).  May the Lord give you the wisdom to love your children and do what is right before God!


I.   ACCORDING TO GOD, WHAT IS A MAN?

God defines a man much more differently than the world does.  He shows in Ezekiel 22:30 the qualities of a man of God.  He wants men who will "make up the hedge."  Men who will take a stand for righteousness amid so much darkness.  He wants men who will "stand in the gap."  Men who are willing to fight for what's right no matter the cost.  He is looking for godliness in men more than manly appearance.  He wants men to go far beyond appearances, for He wants men to be fashioned in His likeness.  In Ezekiel 22:30, God sought for men who were more than just physically strong.  Sadly, He didn't find the men He was looking for because he looked for godly men.  It is time for our older men, our fathers, to start teaching, training, and defining what a man of God is and to start setting godly character, the high standards of Scripture, as goals for our young men to reach toward. Our God still wants to find men who are willing to be used by Him, but our older men, fathers, and leaders, must train them up to be spiritually strong so that they may be men of God.  This training must instill the characteristics, commands, and duties of a "godly man."

"And I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none"  (Ezekiel 22:30).

• Four Areas Men Must Develop to Become Godly Men: 

1. Spiritual:   The command is given by our Lord to be "strong" in Corinthians 16:13.  It does not refer to having physical muscles.  It means to be spiritually strong, strong in their faith and in their character of Jesus Christ.  That character or Spirit of Christ to help them control their mind (mental and emotional) and his body (physically). 
2. Mental:  God demands all men to have a "sound mind" in 2 Timothy 1:7.  To use it to think clearly, commit to love the Truth, and be the best servant in His vineyard. 
3. Emotional:  God's Word instructs all men, especially the young, to know how to express their emotions.  They must train their minds to be like Christ's mind.  Their emotions must be trained to be under His control according to the Word of God (Philippians 2:5).
4. Physical:  Taking care of their body so that it is physically fit to be used by God.  They must exercise the body to control it and bring it under the discipline of his mind.  They must learn to train their body to be strong, durable, and coordinated (1Timothy 4:8).  And though our text states that "bodily training is of some value," there is some value in consistent physical activity of some kind as long as such activities do not become excessively important to them.  Thus, it is good for men to train their bodies to be strong, durable, and well-coordinated. 

God in Ezekiel 22:30 found no man that He could use for His glory.  Our God is still seeking men who are willing to be His men of valor and honor.  The towns and cities in our country lack spiritually strong men to teach the whole counsel of God. There are not enough godly men interested in God's high calling to be preachers, teachers, and elders.

There is a critical need for men,

1. That would go into the fields and labor for God and His kingdom.  
2. That would be fathers who are spiritual leaders in their homes. 
3. Who would put God first in the lives of those whom God has entrusted to him, his family. 
4. Who would teach and worship our God in their homes every second of their lives with family devotions, praying, and counsel. 
5. Who would live a committed life for our Lord and Savior, bearing good fruit to shine their light in this world of darkness.   
6. Who would be leaders of their home in word and deed without any hypocrisy.   
7. Who would not abandon their God-ordained role as head of their home.
8. That would be like Abraham, godly fathers, the right kind of man, the image of a godly (godfearing) father.
9. That would practice love and joy in the lives of their children.   
10. That would be godly fathers that still want to remain pure in a society full of so much darkness.   
11. That would seek to practice pure speech.   
12. That would avoid everything harmful to not pollute his home.   

Sadly, we live in a culture where Dad is Mr. Mom due to a lack of godly leadership, perhaps divorce, or even same-sex marriage.  It is vital for the man who professes to be a Christian to understand and apply godly principles in his life and be aware of what God, through His everlasting Word, expects and demands of him as a father and husband.   There is no consistent training in the area of godly Christian manhood for our young men or boys in our culture.  They are not being taught by their fathers and leaders the meaning of Christian manhood and how to develop godly character in them.  Satan has been working hard and has well organized his training for our young men.  His evil training has saturated our present society, including the Lord's church, so that our young men cannot escape it altogether.  Satan has effectively succeeded in fighting all that is Christian manhood.  Consider how Satan has saturated our present culture:

1. He has deceived many of our men with his empty philosophies that lead to nothing more than the destruction of the home.   
2. His evil training has come through Hollywood T.V. shows, movies, books, magazines, the internet, newspapers, etc.
3. Through the worldly influence of so-called Christian friends, those who are not walking upright. 
4. Through unbelieving acquaintances and worldly men in positions of influence. 
5. So often through poor parental example.  

Living in a feminist culture, our men have access to more women for fornication without guilt or obligation to marry. They get the pregnancy without the baby. They get the date without picking up the check. They are not required to be gentlemen. No opening doors, no pulling out chairs, no providing, no protecting, and no male responsibility. All because everything is "equal." In other words, modern feminism is the perfect recipe for men to side-step God's call for how to treat a woman. But a godly man knows better. A godly man knows he is equal in value but different in role. He knows that he can be a protector, a provider, and a husband without being "toxic" or "dangerous." Men, it is easy to go along with a movement that encourages you to be lazy. It is no small wonder why so many men have eagerly jumped on board!  Jesus calls on you to not do what most men do. Follow the example of godly men. Cherish women. Value them and listen to them. But don't accept the temptation to abandon your role as true and godfearing men in the process! 


II.   OUR YOUNG MEN NEED GODLY MEN TO MENTOR THEM:

Indeed, our young men need godly men in their life.  They need godly mature men to teach them by example, godly attitudes, speech, and conduct.  The most important man in their life must be their father.  As they get older, they will listen to other men, watch, and spend time with them to develop godliness and manliness.  Men whom they can follow as an example of manhood and who are walking as faithful servants of God (Phil. 3:17).  They must also learn to walk away from those who are not walking righteously but sinfully, in rebellion toward God (2 Thess. 3:6).

Our young men must learn in an organized manner the practical details of spiritual warfare.  They need to be taught by their fathers and leaders all the Bible applications, foundations, and principles to apply them to themselves.  Because of their leadership position, the Lord demands that men, fathers, and leaders train our young boys in godly character and responsibilities.  Each of our boys has a specific job or specific position in the Lord's service.  It means that our young men must aim to become men of God:  a man who is fit and well prepared to be used by God according to His divine plan.  We must train our boys to be spiritually strong men of God: men who are prepared to invest their time, character, and talents in the Lord's work, in whatever area of service to which God directs them.  We must acknowledge that character building is of the Lord.  It is our Lord who raises up men of valor to serve Him!  Our Lord, through His revealed Word, can develop in them good and godly habits that produce godly manhood.  It is about time that our men get right with our God, that they may give their lives as a living sacrifice to our Lord, that they may let the Lord use them for His glory, and, most importantly, start acting like real men of God, like men!  I assure you the Lord will provide through His Word a plan to prepare them.  He provides what is necessary to refine and strengthen the character in a young's man life.

It is crucial for our older men, those to whom God have been given the duty or responsibility of training our young men, to instill the character of Jesus and shape the heart of our young men in their life. God's definition of a man goes beyond the physical characteristics that the world uses to define a man. It is often contrary to the speech, attitudes, and behavior that the world expects to find in a man.

1. Our young desperately need men who reflect godly character (a life filled with the fruits of the Spirit Gal. 5:22) and commitment to the Lord.
2. Men who are faithful to God with their talents, time, and money.  
3. Men who accept that God's ways are higher than theirs, for such men recognize God's absolute authority in their life (Phil. 2:12).  
4. Men who willingly obey God's commands and counsel without arguing, complaining, or making bargains.  
5. Men who accept discipline and correction from God and others without complaining, getting angry, or feeling sorry for themselves.  
6. Men committed to God show their love to Him through obedience to Him and His Words.  
7. Men who are humble and fear God, for they respect His authority in their life.

Our young men must be taught to submit to the voice of authority (Hebrews 13:17).  To submit means to surrender, to give up resistance, and to yield in both attitude and behavior to the will of another person rather than grudging obedience.  Our young must learn to give up their own desires without fighting, complaining, or arguing with those who are in authority over them.  They must be disciplined or chastised to follow God's standards and principles and develop good and godly habits while still young.  Chastisement will teach them obedience to God and His wisdom.  It will drive foolishness out of them and train them to be more sober-minded (Prov. 22:15; Titus 2:6).  Likewise, chastisement will teach them the fear of God and help them to build a tender conscience for right and wrong.  The more one is taught through correction and discipline, the more he will be conscious of that which is righteous, for it strengthens our faith to better understand God's ways.

Sadly, Isaiah 3:12 applies equally to the condition of our families, the church, and our Christians today. Our boys are not being taught all that is necessary to build godly character in them.  They are not being taught in the areas that they need to develop into a man of God, manhood.

"As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they that lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths"  (Isaiah 3:12).

Before I start with the characteristics of what makes a real man, a "godly man," I would like to start with the definition of what godliness is and what it means to be godly.  To be godly means to be devout, that is, to be a Cornelius as in Acts 10 or an Abraham.  Such a man does that which is well-pleasing to God.  Godliness is fear or reverence toward God.

"And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding'"  (Job 28:28).

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love"  (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).

III.   CHARACTERISTICS OF A GODLY MAN:   (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

Let us analyze in-depth what a "godly man" would look like.

1. He would be a man "on the alert."  He is aware that he has to watch with intense vigilance his own soul and the souls of those whom he loves to protect them.  He will be watchful and careful. He knows that we are engaged in a spiritual war against a crafty and dangerous enemy. 
2. He is to "stand firm in the faith."  He knows that he can succeed in standing firm only if he completely surrenders to God, obeying Him with all of his heart, soul, and mind.  He surrenders to God's wisdom, not earthly wisdom. 
3. "Act like men."  He shows himself as a real man in Christ.  He labors intensely to prove himself worthy of God, courageous in his steadfastness and his judgment.  He will not compromise his principles as cowards do.   
4. "Be strong."  He is strong.  His eyes are fixed on Jesus, and he will not release his grip.  He trusts in His God with all of his strength, heart, soul, and mind. 
5. "Let all that you do be done in love."  He knows that all he does in word and deed must be done in a spirit of love toward God and toward his neighbor.  He shines his light before all men. 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 is crystal clear about how men are to behave before God.

1. They are to behave like real men. 
2. They are to be responsible. 
3. They are to be grounded in their faith. 
4. They are to show strength in every area of their life. 
5. They are to do all things in the spirit of Christian love.   

In 1 Timothy 4:7, the apostle Paul speaks to Timothy regarding spiritual discipline as personal urgency.  "Train yourself for godliness."  The word "train" in our context comes from the word "gummos," which means "naked" and is the same word from which we derive our English word "gymnasium."  The Greeks participated in traditional athletic contests without clothing so as not to be burdened or encumbered.  Thus, the word "train" originally carried the meaning "to exercise naked."  In the New Testament, it refers to exercise and training in general (the sweat of a good workout).  It is like Paul was saying, "gymnasticize (exercise, work out, train) yourself for the purpose of godliness."  In a few words, Paul is calling for some spiritual sweat!  Just as athletes discarded everything that could possibly burden them, so must we get rid of every encumbrance, association, bad habit, and tendency that impedes godliness.  Brothers, for you to excel, you must strip yourselves down to a lean, spiritual nakedness.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us"  (Hebrews 12:1).  

Men, you will never get anywhere spiritually without a conscious and strenuous divestment of those things that hold you back!  So, examine your hearts and ask yourselves, "What are those things that are weighing me down?  God calls you to discipline.  God's discipline demands that you throw it off.  Are you man enough to train yourself for godliness and direct all of your energy toward it?  Remember Paul's words,

"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified"  (1 Cor. 9:25-27).  

Paul talks about intense labor, energetic sweat, strenuous toil, agony, and endeavor to be godly!  A godly and successful Christian life demands sweat!  No manliness, no maturity!  No discipline, no discipleship!  No sweat, no sanctification, and holiness!

• Stand Firm:

Men are called to stand firm or stand fast in their faith, be on the alert, act like men, be strong, and do everything in love.  To stand firm or stand fast is a military term meaning to "hold your position." There is no room for retreating.  The Greek word is stēkō which reminds us of driving a stake into the ground.  The term “Stand firm or stand fast” is used several times in the Bible.  "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong"  (1 Corinthians 16:13).  Today, many fail to stand firm and keep the faith. Men must be on guard, alert, and be watchful against those things which cause them to want to retreat.  All Christians are commanded to stand firm to be saved (Matthew 24:13).  So, what are some reasons that many fail to stand firm?

• Pride:  

What is so bad about pride? Shouldn’t we take pride in some things? Well, the pride I’m talking about is described here: "In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, 'There is no God'"  (Psalm 10:4).  A proud man thinks so much of himself that he does not think of God. This is haughty pride, which is the opposite of the spirit of humility that God seeks: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The “poor in spirit” are those who recognize their utter spiritual bankruptcy and their inability to come to God except for God’s mercy and grace. On the other hand, the proud are so blinded by their pride that they think they have no need of God or, worse, that God should accept them as they are because they deserve His acceptance rather than admitting and acknowledging their poverty of soul.  

In 1 Corinthians 1:31, the Corinthian church had many problems, and most of them were the result of pride. Paul dealt with these problems separately in chapter 13. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4).   The word translated “proud” comes from a Greek word meaning to “puff up” or “blow up.” The phrase “having a big head” communicates the same idea. To be puffed up is to have an inflated opinion or ego of oneself.  Pride cannot coexist with godly love. Christian love is not proud or focused on self. Jesus Christ is our example. He did everything in love (1 Corinthians 16:14).  "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends"  (John 15:13).  What does this have to do with standing firm? "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall"  (Proverbs 16:18).   If we do not rely on our faith, we are headed for a fall. “Be on your guard!”

• Pain:  

God calls men to stand firm in their faith and be strong even during pain (2 Cor. 4:8-9, 16-17).  Paul lists several types of pain:  mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual.  Men must stand firm in their faith when pain and suffering come instead of retreating and resign.  They must be strong for their family and those whom God has charged that they care for.  They must fix their eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen and think of the reward so that they can stand firm.  Moreover, a man of God will rely on his faith toward God and stand firm in times of unhappiness and happiness.  They have learned to control their passions (feelings and emotions), for they stand firm, abounding in the work of the Lord as their main passion.  The word “passion” means to suffer, to undergo evils, to be afflicted, as in the passion (suffering) of  Christ. “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion (suffering) by many infallible proofs...” (Acts 1:3).  Passion means strong emotions and feelings. Anything worthwhile will involve some suffering, some affliction, and some passion (feelings and emotions).

• False Teaching:  

A man of God will stand firm in the faith against false teaching. He will "continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel"  (Colossians 1:23).

• Sexual Immorality:  

He will likewise flee from sexual immorality and will honor God with his body.  He will not give into any temptation that will cause him to sin and fail to stand firm until the end (1 Corinthians 5:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20).  He recognizes that sin will take him farther than he wants to go and keep him longer than he wants to stay, and cost him more than he would want to pay.  He will remain faithful to God's principles of righteousness with tooth and claw until the end!

• Discipline:

• God wants men to be disciplined in purity.  

He does not want men who are desensitized to sin and our culture's acceptable indulgence, for such men are primed for a fall!

• He is also calling for men to be disciplined for marriage. 

They must fix their minds on Jesus and love their wife with sacrificial love, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25).  God has already addressed the love of a husband as modeled by the love that Christ has for His bride, the church. There is no better example than the love of our Father in heaven toward us, His children.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.... So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself"  (Ephesians 5:25-28).

• God also wants men to be disciplined for fatherhood.  

Men, as fathers, you must sweat in your fatherly workout, for you must bring your children up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).  Men, as fathers, you have that power!

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord"  (Ephesians 6:4).

• Men, if you want to be godly men, you must discipline your mind and have the mind of Christ.  

That is, you must think, talk, and act like Christ.  You must put into practice the exhortation given in Philippians 4:8.  A godly mind does not refuse discipline but acknowledges that he must put off anything that will hinder godliness.  Remember, you can never have a godly mind without reading and studying the Scriptures regularly.  When you fill yourself with God's Word, your life can be transformed into the image of God.  You must meditate on God's Law day and night (Psalm 1:2).  You cannot progress without learning them thoroughly, memorizing them, and making them a part of your everyday life. 

• You must also discipline yourself in prayer, for the Enemy approaches with fiery barrages. 

You must reach up and reposition your helmet and carefully test the edge of your sword and slip it back into your scabbard.  A good and brave soldier falls to his knees with sincere, profound petitionary prayer, for he obeys God's instructions to take up all in prayer (Eph. 6:18).

• You must discipline yourself in worship and praise toward God. 

Not only on Sundays but every minute of your life.

• Integrity must be part of your daily discipline.  

Truth and integrity are vital to your walk with God.  Integrity is one of the greatest needs in the church today.  The church desperately needs men of integrity, for our lost world longs for freedom from dishonesty.  Thus, you must model honesty and integrity.  A godly man keeps his word.  He will never promise to do something he does not intend to do or follow through with.  He does not conveniently forget what he has promised.  Faithfulness, one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), is the trademark of a godly man.  The Scriptures speak of this man of integrity as one who "keeps his oath even when it hurts."  "He is unique"  "Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?"  (Prov. 20:6).  Indeed, integrity is a rare beauty!

• A godly man disciplines his tongue.  

He knows the destructive power of the tongue (James 3:3-6).  The tongue has inflammatory power in human relationships.  James says that those who misuse their tongue are guilty of spiritual arson.  For it corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire.

• He also disciplines himself to work with enthusiasm, wholeheartedness, and excellence.  

He also focuses on Jesus, for he runs with perseverance the race marked out for him.  He does not grow weary and lose heart.  He disciplines himself to be a good leader in the church and embraces it with wisdom.  Men, you must sweat like Joshua if you want to improve your leadership abilities.

• A godly man disciplines himself to reach out to the lost and win souls to the glory of God.  

He has a heart filled with love, so he is willing to go the extra mile to reach out to those souls lost in sin.  Our Lord Jesus longs for your heart to beat with His!


CONCLUSION:

If all men did what God demands of them, they would be effective fathers, husbands, leaders in the church, and shining lights to a world dying because of sin.   This ought to motivate each man to godliness and manliness!  

In today's world and even in the church, a disciplined Christian is an exception, not the rule.  This applies to both men and women.  We cannot justify ourselves, claiming that this has always been the case, for it has not!  Our nation and the church are in desperate need of real men, and you must choose to be that man!  The kind of man that will make a difference in this life because he disciplines himself to serve His Creator.  Fathers, the presence or absence of spiritual discipline can bless or damn your children and grandchildren.  Thus, spiritual discipline blesses the world you live in and the world to come.  So are you willing to sweat?  Are you willing to enter the gymnasium of godly discipline?  Will you strip away those things that are holding you back?  Will you allow the Word of God to discipline you?  Are you willing to sweat with pain that you might receive great gain?  You see, God is looking for a few great, real, and good men that will allow Him to train and discipline them!

Thanks be to God for every godly man and father who is sincerely seeking to lead their children, especially his boys, in the direction of heaven.  May his tribe increase for the glory of God and His kingdom.

May the Lord help our brothers in Christ be godly men and fulfill the great need that godliness provides and demands.

Luci

THE WRATH OF GOD AGAINST UNGODLINESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness."  

Romans 1:18

The Lord is not apologetic when He warns us of the wrath to come nor does He flinch when He defines and condemns our fashionable sins. Let us review the abundant Scriptures that speak to us of the future Judgment of God.

God is crystal clear about SIN.  He hates sin and His anger is expressed in what Scripture calls the “wrath of God.”  A wrath that is revealed in the course of this life, and which will be fully revealed at the Day of Judgment.  The Lord is not apologetic when He warns us of the wrath to come nor does He flinch when He defines and condemns our fashionable sins.  Let us review the abundant Scriptures that speak to us of the future Judgment of God:

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness... because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened...Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools... and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things...Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves; for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.  For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature:  and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due... who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practice them.” Romans 1:18-32

God will bring to account every thought, word, and deed. He is omniscient.  He knows us through and through:

"The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent:  inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."  
Acts 17:30–31

"But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each person according to his deeds."  
Romans 2:5-6

"There is no creature hidden from his sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do."  
Hebrews 4:13

Who can stand before His indignation?  Who can endure the burning of His anger?  His wrath is poured out like fire and the rocks are broken up by Him."   
Nahum 1:6

"His eyes are upon the ways of man. He sees all his steps."  
Job 34:21

"Every man’s way is clean in his own eyes but the Lord weighs the motives."
Proverbs 16:3

"And He said to them, 'You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God."
Luke 16:15

"Every careless word that men shall speak they shall render account of it in the day of judgment."  Matthew 12:36

"When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day."
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

Sadly men refuse the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, preferring darkness to light.  They prefer condemnation rather than salvation.

“He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.  For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.  But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” 
John 3:18-21

When men reject or refuse the Gospel, they are left to live without the power of the Gospel, which changes their sinful lives.  They refuse to believe in Him and His Truth.  They choose to live in darkness rather than in the Light because they love their evil deeds, their sins.  They hate the Light, refusing to come in total surrender to Him because they do not want their sins exposed by the Light. They choose to remain in their lawlessness, their sins.  That is a sad choice!  The Gospel offers them a life free from the bondage of sin.  Blaspheming the God of heaven, they refuse to turn to God and repent of their lawless deeds.  Therefore, they must suffer the consequences of their bad choices eternally.   

GOD'S JUDGMENTS ARE RIGHTEOUS ALTOGETHER

"Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, And upright are thy judgments."

Psalm 119:37

When we look closely at God’s Judgments as revealed in the Scriptures, we notice that people often reject the Gospel and its power to change their lives of sin.  Sadly, they are left to live without the Gospel, the hope of salvation and without Christ.  That is a sad choice.  Why?  Because they refuse the power that there is in the Gospel of our Lord and Savior to change their lives of sin into righteousness.  They choose to live a life of darkness rather than light.  Therefore, they will suffer the consequences of their choices, in this life and the next.   God in His infinite loving-kindness and mercy, gives all men the opportunity for repentance and restoration, and yet we find that people will not turn from their sins to God.  They prefer to blaspheme the God of heaven because they refuse to repent of their lawless deeds.  Sadly, on the final day of reckoning no one will be able to claim an unfair judgment, nor will there be any courts of appeal.   We all will be standing before the Judgment seat of Christ.

"... For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God."  Romans 14:10.  

"So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  Philippians 2:10-11

 "You are righteous, O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due. And I heard another from the altar saying, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgements."  
Revelation 16:5-7

In the Day of Judgment, God will judge all people for their sins against Him.  He will judge all who have sinned. He will do this because He is holy and righteous.  God must punish the sinner.  The WORD will  judge ALL.  God cannot and will not ignore the one who has broken His righteous Law.  The Law is a reflection of the character of God, His righteousness.  Therefore, to break God's Law is to sin against God and deny the holiness and righteousness of His character.  He will be vindicated.  He will judge.

Judgment means accountability, and accountability means responsibility.  God created us in His image, unique from everything else in this world.  What a magnificent and sublime blessing!  He holds us responsible for living up to that blessing as best we can, bearing good fruit for His glory.  He demands that we live upright, blameless.  The Day of Judgment will be a day on which God will call us to account for how we have lived up to the responsibility of being created in His image, in His righteousness.

Sadly, there will be a final Day of Judgment. That day is already set by God, and everyone from every age and every place, small and great, will be present on that day to be judged according to their deeds.  The fact that God is a God of truth and righteousness means that He is also a God of justice, and judgment is required by law to be connected to justice.  There is no other way to be right with God except to become righteous.

"Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.  And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
Revelation 20:11-15

God has appointed Christ to be the Judge on that day.  He will indeed be the most righteous Judge before Whom any of us will ever stand.  He will judge us according to our deeds.  He knows everything about our hearts, whether good or bad.  There will be no deceit, no legal maneuvering, no injustice.  Truth will prevail!  But thanks be to our God, His Son has come to save us from God’s wrath by dying that cruel death on Calvary in order that we may have a second chance, redemption by the cleansing of His precious blood.  He is offering ALL men the opportunity to repent, turn to Him and seek His forgiveness through the obedience of the Gospel of His Son our Lord and Savior. He is now knocking at the door to the hearts of many saying, 

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me."  
Revelation 3:20.

Everyone is invited, all sinners, to drink of the water that He gives us so that we might never be thirsty.  

"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.'  And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.'"Revelation 22:17 

"Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost."  
Revelation 21:6

Now is the time to take advantage of God's grace, His gift for all men while there is still time to repent.  While we are still alive on this earth, there is the hope that we may be transformed from lawlessness into righteousness and become faithful to Him, through His teachings.  Let us not be stiff-necked and disobedient, provoking His wrath and rejecting His grace for He will hold you and me accountable in that Day of Judgment.  That day is coming for all men, you can be sure of it.  Let us not reject His invitation to be reconciled which was made possible through the precious blood of His Son, our Lord and Savior.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."   
John 3:16

"Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed."  Romans 3:24-25

My prayer to God is that we heed these divine warnings and be received into the joys of our Lord.

"Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."  Hebrews 2:17

“Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.“ 2 Corinthians 9:15

Luci

I leave you with this great Hymn, “There’s  a Great Day Coming.”

There's a great day coming, 

A great day coming,

There's a great day coming by and by;

When the saints and the sinners shall be parted right and left,

Are you ready for that day to come?

Chorus:

Are you ready? 

Are you ready?

Are you ready for the judgment day?

Are you ready? 

Are you ready?

For the judgment day?

There's a bright day coming, 

A bright day coming,

There's a bright day coming by and by;

But its brightness shall only come to them that love the Lord,

Are you ready for that day to come? [Chorus]

There's a sad day coming, 

A sad day coming,

There's a sad day coming by and by;

When the sinner shall hear his doom, "Depart, I know ye not,"

Are you ready for that day to come? [Chorus]

SIMPLICITY IN CHRIST

"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."  

2 Corinthians 11:3

The simplicity that there is in Christ brings us freedom.  Our Lord Jesus Christ came to set free those who were captives because of the slavery of sin.  

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.  He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed."  Luke 4:18

So often, we are led astray by subtleties, false teachings, busyness, riches, possessions, achievements, goals, desires, activities, and dreams. These can only lead us away from the simplicity of resting in Christ. The more we engage in these activities, achievements, and goals, the easier we become captives. In other words, we are enslaved by them. Jesus said our heart cannot serve two masters, meaning we cannot serve Him and our earthly desires and possessions at the same time.

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."  Matthew 6:24

The essence of simplicity in Christ lies within the heart of man. It is a way of life rooted in the heart rather than one's desires and possessions. The peace found in Christ brings about a deep satisfaction within us. This inner peace reduces our attachment to worldly desires and possessions, diminishing our need for them to fulfill and satisfy us. When our hearts are filled with idolatrous attachments to earthly possessions, it crowds out Christ. Our hearts should first seek after Christ and all spiritual riches. Earthly riches, possessions, and other material pursuits must hold less importance in our hearts. Let us not be deceived by subtle thoughts or attitudes of the heart. God blesses us when we serve Him with the right heart attitude. Let's reflect on what our prayers and petitions communicate to God. Are they mainly focused on material gains and possessions, or do they seek to deepen our relationship with Him? While we may rightfully pray for financial and physical needs, let's also genuinely seek the heavenly and spiritual riches. How can we become better followers of Him?

How many plan our lives for security and earthly wealth but wander aimlessly in spiritual matters? We forget that God desires us to be more motivated and zealous in spiritual matters for the sake of His kingdom than in gaining earthly possessions. God wants us to deepen our relationship with Him.

"Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it.  When you set your eyes on it, it is gone.  For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens."  Proverbs 23:4-5

Even when God has blessed us with material riches, our hearts in Christ yearn to bless others instead of accumulating everything for ourselves. It's important to remember that every good gift comes from above, from the merciful hand of God. Simplicity means understanding that God blesses us with material possessions, but ultimately, everything belongs to Him, the Giver of all blessings. The only way to avoid becoming enslaved by our possessions is to realize that we cannot take them when we die.

God only asks that we obey Him, follow His ways, and honor Him.  Since He blesses us with many gifts, we must always remember to praise Him for each blessing. When we disobey His commandments, we forget Him. We must not forget Him when we prosper; instead, we must remain humble and not become prideful. We should remember His steadfast love for us. Let's be cautious and remember what happened to the Israelites when they became ungrateful, forgot their Lord, and became proud instead of humble (Deuteronomy 8:6-16).

"Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him...   Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today;  otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. He led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water; He brought water for you out of the rock of flint.  In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end."

The thrill of living a bountiful life of blessings often causes us to forget God, who is the source of all these blessings. In our enjoyment of plenty, we may start walking away from God and towards the altar of self and material or earthly riches. As we go in the wrong direction, we might even begin worshipping at the altar of self, believing in our self-sufficiency. Jesus spoke strongly about the entrapment of prosperity and earthly riches, emphasizing their potential danger.

"Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  Matthew 19:24

Our Lord Jesus desires and calls us to live a peaceful, simple, and free life in Him, unhindered by slavery to possessions, prosperity, and wealth. He wants us to treasure Him and the eternal life He has promised to all who believe and keep His commandments. Let us remember to keep our hearts fixed only on Him.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Matthew 6:21

Jesus, our Lord, has given us His Word and teachings regarding financial freedom. However, they are often conveniently ignored and overlooked. The financial freedom He desires for us isn't about amassing wealth but finding freedom from its fruitless pursuit. True freedom is discovered when we seek the peace that can only be found in pursuing and seeking after Him. We will find genuine satisfaction in whatever He provides us by seeking and pursuing Him. Yes, we must learn to be content with what He provides, as this will free us from the love of money and earthly riches.

"Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you."'  Hebrews 13:5

"Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." I Timothy 6:17

May our Lord keep our hearts free from the entanglements of this world and its possessions. May we allow Him to show us His peace and rest and help us seek His riches. May we have the wisdom not to focus on earthly and vain things. May He show us His wisdom and ways that teach us the simplicity of a heart that must abide in us to abide in Him.

Luci

I leave you with the beautiful words of the sacred melody, "Be Thou My Vision."

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

THE RICHES AND GLORIES OF GOD'S LAW, PSALM 119 – PART THREE

  "Let my lips utter praise; For thou teachest me thy statutes.   Let my tongue sing of thy word; For all thy commandments are righteousness."  

Psalm 119:171-172

Q.  PE:  God's Wonderful Word Directs Our Steps.

• Obeying God's Wonderful Testimonies.  (verse 129)

"129 Thy testimonies are wonderful; Therefore doth my soul keep them." 

"Thy testimonies are wonderful."  The Psalmist is once more expressing his awe and delight toward the Word of God on an ongoing basis.  Jesus is called Wonderful, and so are the uttered Words of God. God's Word and Testimonies are truly amazing!

"Therefore doth my soul keep them."  His enduring and abiding delight in God's Word produced in him a significant obedience.  An obedience that was in his inner soul. 

• Receiving the Light Giving Word.  (verses 130-131)

"130 The opening of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.  131 I opened wide my mouth, and panted; For I longed for thy commandments."

"The opening of thy words giveth light."  The Psalmist repeats the thought that God's Word brings light to him.  It gave him a clearer vision, clarity.  Often the Word of God does not penetrate the heart and mind of men because of their prejudices and indifferences.  They refuse to let the Word of God enlighten their hearts.

"It giveth understanding unto the simple."  God's Word is easy, clear and life giving to the simple who is thirsty for understanding and knowledge.  One does not need to be intelligent or a genius to learn and understand His Word.  Truly those whose hearts are simple are the ones who frequently are despised and ridiculed but God does not forget them.  The simple can draw nearer to God's Word with confidence, awaiting God to give them understanding.

"I opened wide my mouth, and panted."  Since the Word of God is clear enough for the simple, the Psalmist longed for God's Word like a hungry and thirsty animal who pants after water.  The word "opened" implies an animal's urgent eagerness of thirst and hunger.

"For I longed for thy commandments."  The Psalmist longed to know, keep and teach God's Commandments. 

• Four Petitions Rooted in the Word of God.  (verses 132-135)

"132 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me, As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.  133 Establish my footsteps in thy word; And let not any iniquity have dominion over me.  134 Redeem me from the oppression of man: So will I observe thy precepts.  135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; And teach me thy statutes."

"Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me."  The Psalmist is actually making two petitions:  For God to look and to be merciful.  He was confident God was going to answer him since He loves those who love Him.  This is God's way of looking upon them (turning His attention) and being merciful to those who love Him and His Word. 

"As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name."  To love God's name means:  To love the person of God, love His character, His revealed Word and love His glory. 

"Establish my footsteps in thy word; And let not any iniquity have dominion over me."  He asked for God's mercy that he might walk uprightly before God.  His primary desire was to not let sin have dominion over him.  Many today direct their steps in anything but the Word of God.  Steps of:  feelings, lusts, friends, parents, circumstances, fate and comfort.  He wanted his steps to be firm and grounded in the Word of God to avoid being mastered by sin.  The apostle Paul said there was great danger when we allow ourselves to be mastered by sin:  "12 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything."  I Corinthians 6:12.

"Redeem me from the oppression of man."  This third petition acknowledges the dangers from our oppressors.  Those who would oppress and oppose all righteousness.

"So will I observe thy precepts."  Here the Psalmist is not just asking God to free him from man's oppression so he could obey him better but rather to surrender to Him in complete obedience.

"Make thy face to shine upon thy servant."  This is the Psalmist 4th request.  He wants to encounter God's grace and goodness.  To be at peace and to know Him better. 

• Sorrow for Those Who Reject the Law of God.  (verse 136)

"136 Streams of water run down mine eyes, Because they observe not thy law." 

"Streams of water run down mine eyes."  This is a good example of a poetic hyperbole in the Psalms.  Though these were not literal streams of water running down the Psalmist's eyes, he is speaking exactly according to the literal style of poetry.  His tears were tears of compassion toward those who reject and despise the Word of God.

"Because they observe not thy law."  The Psalmist is troubled over the sins of others and the consequences.  The Psalmist grieves the same way Jesus grieved over Jerusalem, Matthew 23:37-39; Mark 3:5.

R.  TSADHE:  The Purity and Truth of God's Word.

• The Righteousness of God and His Word.  (verses 137-138)

"137 Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, And upright are thy judgments.  138 Thou hast commanded thy testimonies in righteousness And very faithfulness."

"Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, And upright are thy judgments."  God's character of righteousness is exhibited in His Word (Judgments).  It implies the authenticity of God's revealed Word. Not only His thoughts but also His very own character.

"Thou hast commanded thy testimonies in righteousness And very faithfulness."  He repeats the idea of the previous verse.  God's revealed Word reflects both His righteous character and His faithfulness. 

• Zeal and Love for God's Word.  (verses 139-140)

"139 My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine adversaries have forgotten thy words.  140 Thy word is very pure; Therefore thy servant loveth it."

"My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine adversaries have forgotten thy words."  The more his enemies despised God's Word, the more the Psalmist resolved to be zealous for God's Words. His primary goal was to honor His Word.  His admiration and respect for God's Word was not passive.  The living and active Word of God brought him forth a living and active answer.  His zeal implied action and energy.

"Thy word is very pure; Therefore thy servant loveth it."  The Psalmist loved the perfect purity of God's Word.  God's inspired Word is perfectly pure and holy.  The Bible gives us an infinite number of reasons why we ought to love the Word of God and the God Who gave it to us.  Why?  Because it is:

1. The Word of the LORD,  Genesis 15:1.
2. The Word of God, Luke 8:11.
3. The Word of the Kingdom, Matthew 13:9.
4. The Word of salvation, Acts 13:26.
5. The Word of grace, Acts 14:3.
6. The Word of the gospel, Acts 15:7.
7. The Word of faith, Romans 10:8.
8. The Word of the cross, I Corinthians 1:18.
9. The Word of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:19.
10. The Word of Truth, 2 Corinthians 6:7.
11. The Word of life, Philippians 2:16.
12. The Word of Christ, Colossians 3:16.
13. The Word of His power, Hebrews 1:3.

• Holding Fast to the True Word. (verses 141-142)

"141 I am small and despised; Yet do I not forget thy precepts.  142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is truth."

"I am small and despised; Yet do I not forget thy precepts."  Though he felt despised and insignificant in his own eyes and the eyes of others, yet he found comfort and strength in God's Word.  We have examples of this in young David, I Samuel 16:10-13; and Paul in 2 Corinthians 11.  Yet they found courage in God and His Word.  The Psalmist did not allow his emotions to take hold of him, but rather he drew nearer to the Word of God without abandoning it when he felt discouraged, "small and despised."   It is so easy to run away from God and His Word when one feels this way.

"Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is truth."  This is exactly the joy and glory that Christians enjoy because God's glory is His righteousness that never changes. 

• God's Word Gives Life in Times of Trouble and Anguish.  (verses 143-144)

"143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; Yet thy commandments are my delight.  144 Thy testimonies are righteous for ever: Give me understanding, and I shall live."

"Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; Yet thy commandments are my delight."  The Psalmist found delight and kept God's Word despite his difficulties and trials in life.  He treasured God's Word in good times and bad times (anguish and trouble). 

"Thy testimonies are righteous for ever: Give me understanding, and I shall live."  In the midst of the Psalmist's troubled and challenging times, he found understanding from God's Word even more vital and relevant to him.  He could understand this because God's righteousness is everlasting.

S.  QOPH:  Praying to the God of the Bible. 

• Crying Out to God and Hoping in His Word.  (verses 145-147).

"145 I have called with my whole heart; answer me, O Jehovah: I will keep thy statutes.  146 I have called unto thee; save me, And I shall observe thy testimonies.  147 I anticipated the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy words." 

"I have called with my whole heart; answer me, O Jehovah: I will keep thy statutes."  The Psalmist is pleading with God that he might keep His Law (Statutes) in perfect obedience.

"I have called unto thee; save me,  And I shall observe thy testimonies."  This plea is repeated from the previous verse.  He is again crying out fervently to God for wisdom and strength that he might be able to obey His Testimonies, His Law.  This is the kind of prayer that pleases God. 

"I anticipated the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy words."    It is evident that the Psalmist fervently depended on God and His Law (Word).  He would wake up early in the morning to seek God in prayer (crying out) and in the meditation of His Word (I hope in Thy Words).   The Word of God and his prayer gave him hope.  Prayer and the study of the Word of God are vital.  Likewise, we use the Word of God in our prayers to be effective.  In prayer, the Word of God reveals:  the nature and heart of our God, the One we pray to; thanksgiving for His eminence; our praise; His righteous will; His promises to those who love Him faithfully; the substance for our prayers, as we read the Scriptures. 

• Seeking the Word That Gives Life With a Diligent Heart.  (verses 148-149)

"148 Mine eyes anticipated the night-watches, That I might meditate on thy word.  149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thine ordinances."

"Mine eyes anticipated the night-watches, That I might meditate on thy word."  The Psalmist not only would wake up early to seek God (as in the previous verse), but he also would await the night to meditate on God and His Word.  Jesus is our example of one Who would pray early in the morning, Mark 1:35.  On some occasions, Jesus would pray all night, Luke 6:12.

"Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thine ordinances."  The Psalmist is petitioning God to hear him according to His righteousness and mercy (lovingkindness).  Moreover, he asks God to revive him according to His Ordinances (justice).  We ask God to forgive our sins according to His Ordinances and His lovingkindness (mercy).  God's children are able to pray for forgiveness because of the blood of Jesus that cleanses us when we sin.  We also pray for His Ordinances (justice) on earth when wickedness abounds. 

• Near and Far From His Law.  (verses 150-151)

"150 They draw nigh that follow after wickedness; They are far from thy law.  151 Thou art nigh, O Jehovah; And all thy commandments are truth."

"They draw nigh (near, closely) that follow after wickedness."  The Psalmist could perceive when the wicked who oppose him was near.  Likewise, he could sense when they became a threat to him.

"They are far from thy law."  Though they came closer to him, they were far from God's Word.

"Thou art nigh (near), O Jehovah."  Though the wicked were both near to him and far from God's Word, he knew that God was near.  He had drawn nearer to the Psalmist through His Word.

"And all thy commandments are truth."  Since God had drawn nearer to the Psalmist, he could see with clarity that all of God's Commandments are Truth.  He recognized that God's Word is truly inspired and infallible. 

• Trust in God's Everlasting Word.  (verse 152)

"152 Of old have I known from thy testimonies, That thou hast founded them for ever."

"Of old have I known from thy testimonies."  There is an old relationship between the Psalmist and God's Laws (Testimonies).  His extraordinary love and appreciation for the Word of God was deep.  His profound love for the Word had developed deep roots with time.  The Psalmist testified of God’s Testimonies:

1. How he prayed - God testifies when He answers the prayers of the righteous because he had prayed with all of his heart that God might help him understand His Law.  (I have called with my whole heart, 119:145).  
2. What he prayed for - God helps him to observe His Laws or Testimonies.  (I have called unto thee; save me, And I shall observe thy testimonies, 110: 146). 
3. When he prayed - God helped him early.   (I anticipated the dawning of the morning, and cried, 119:47).  
4. The reasons for his request - God helps him because of His lovingkindness.  (Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness, 119:149).  
5. How God answered his prayer - God is near.  (Thou art nigh, O Jehovah, 119:150).  
6. His testimony to His everlasting faithfulness.  (Of old have I known from thy testimonies, That thou hast founded them for ever, 119:152).

"That thou hast founded them for ever."  His long lasting love and reverence to the Law of God (Testimonies) led him to understand how eternal they were (founded, forever).  The more one studies and meditates of God's Word, the more one can understand its divine origin.

T.  RESH:  Revival According to the Word of God. 

• A plea for Revival From God's Word.  (verses 153-154)

"153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me; For I do not forget thy law.  154 Plead thou my cause, and redeem me: Quicken (revive, new life)  me according to thy word.

"Consider mine affliction, and deliver me."  The Psalmist is acknowledging a life of suffering, yet he is not impatient but asks God for deliverance, God's hand of rescue.

"For I do not forget thy law."  Some are driven away from God and His Word in times of affliction.  For the Psalmist, all his troubled and challenging times drew him closer to God and His Word.

"Plead thou my cause, and redeem me."  He is seeking help and salvation.  He knew he needed God to plead (defend) his cause and he needed Him to redeem him.

"Quicken (revive, new life) me according to thy word."  This thought is repeated throughout the Psalm.  He wanted God to bring him back to life, to make him alive, according to His Word.  The Word of God is our source of revival. (“the power of God unto salvation,” Romans 1:16). 

• The Wicked Are Far From Salvation.  (verses 155-156)

"155 Salvation is far from the wicked; For they seek not thy statutes.  156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Jehovah: Quicken me according to thine ordinances."

"Salvation is far from the wicked; For they seek not thy statutes."  The wicked are far from God's Law.  Why?

1. Because they flee from it. 
2. Because they will not seek His Statutes.  
3. Because they are proud.  
4. Because their lawlessness (wickedness) grows out of their rejection of God and out of hearts hardened against seeking God through His Word (For they seek not thy statutes).  
5. Because they preferred to live in their wickedness rather than to humble themselves before God in total surrender so that He might forgive them.   
6. Because they are arrogant in their disobedience to God, Titus 1:16.   
7. Because they love lawlessness and hate righteousness.  Paul stated in Galatians 5:19-21 the same thing about those who abhor righteousness and walk in sin.

"Great are thy tender mercies, O Jehovah."   Though the wicked in their arrogant disobedience are far from salvation as well as God’s Word (Statutes), God's tender mercies are free to all who will seek Him.  It means that God is not far because of His tenderhearted mercy.  Also, that He is ready to show mercy to ALL who seek after Him.

"Quicken (revive) me according to thine ordinances."  This same thought is repeated in verse 154.  The Psalmist underlines the significance of God's Word (His Ordinances) as the starting point and our measure of revival.  Revival is God's tender mercy to us, His grace.  But we must honor that revival by crucifying sin in us to live for Him exercising godliness. 

• Obeying God's Word Despite Persecution.  (verses 157-158)

"157 Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries; Yet have I not swerved from thy testimonies.  158 I beheld the treacherous, and was grieved, Because they observe not thy word."

"Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries."  This is indeed the cost that we all have to pay for loving His Word.  It is the price we have to pay for taking our cross in a world that despises the Word of God.  It is the price we have to pay for confessing Christ to a world of darkness.  Like the Psalmist, we live in a real world full of persecutors and enemies of His cross.  Persecution is our trail of faith and our strength of perseverance.  (Acts 20:22-24; Philippians 2:14-16).

"Yet have I not swerved from thy testimonies."  Although the Psalmist was surrounded by a cloud of persecutors and enemies, he did not renounce, despair or doubt his faith and his love for God and His Word.  He knew that when one lives godly, persecution and afflictions will arise.  Instead, he was resolved to obey and focus on the Word of God.

"I beheld the treacherous, and was grieved, Because they observe not thy word."  It is noticeable throughout this Psalm, how much the writer loves and honors the Word of God.  The riches and glories of God's Law were very dear and close to his heart.  They were more precious than his own life.  Because of his intense love, zeal, and honor toward God's Word, he felt grieved, when both God and His Word were being disgraced.  We must feel deeply grieved to see others who are lost because of sin and choose to harden their hearts toward God's Word.  We must feel grieved when they insist on living a life of lawlessness and refuse to repent so that their Physician might heal them.  I personally grieve painfully because they refuse to turn to God and prefer to die.  

• Revived by the Truth and Everlasting Word.  (verses 159-160)

"159 Consider how I love thy precepts: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thy lovingkindness.  160 The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever."

"Consider how I love thy precepts: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thy lovingkindness."  Loving God's Precepts as the Psalmist declares, is a distinctive characteristic that sets apart those who are God's children.  We, like the Psalmist, must ask God to revive us by His loving kindness not because we deserve to be helped but rather because we desire and trust to be helped according to His loving kindness. 

"The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever."  The Psalmist loved to abide in God's Word (His Ordinances).  He again declares the infallible character of God's Word.  His entire Word is "everlasting true."  The Word of God is as true in Genesis as it is true in Revelation.  His Word is flawless and endures forever.

U.  SHIN:  In Awe of God's Word.

This section has no specific prayers at all, but instead, there seems to be a quiet and obedient waiting for God. 

• The Treasure of God's Awe-Revealed Word.  (verses 161-162)

"161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause; But my heart standeth in awe of thy words.  162 I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil."

"Princes have persecuted me without a cause."   This Psalmist interacted with princes and rulers among men.  Apparently, these rulers persecuted him without a cause.  He had not broken their laws, harmed them, was not rebellious, did not oppose them and yet he was punished for loving God and His Word.  Isn't it something that God chastens His people and the world persecutes these same people because of their godliness?  (Hebrews 12:4-11).  This is a repeated pattern from the beginning and will go on until the end.  Persecution was the Psalmist's glory because it was His Master's cross.

"But my heart standeth in awe of thy words."  This great man of God was in constant awe of God's Word.  Even persecution by those in authority would not keep him from being in awe of God's Word with reverence.  He loved God's Word in good and bad times.  It is this awe and reverence that sets apart God's people.  Men such as Joseph, Moses, Nehemiah, Josiah and many more.

"I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil."  His awe of God's Word made him love God's Word as one who rejoices when he finds a rich spoil as he had found in God's Word.  But one needs to be reminded that this rich spoil (treasure) is not gained without hardship or distress.  The Psalmist knew the treasure he had found in God's Word was precious and enriching.  The original Hebrew has the word treasure as spoil or plunder from battle.

Our reverence for God's Word is what measures our awe of God's Word.  The same way that spoil is obtained by fighting and plundering the dead in the battlefield of their riches, so are the riches of God's Word plunder that we must fight for. 

• Eternally praising the Law Maker, the God of the Word.  (verses 163-164)

"163 I hate and abhor falsehood; But thy law do I love.  164 Seven times a day do I praise thee, Because of thy righteous ordinances." 

"I hate and abhor falsehood; But thy law do I love."  The hatred and love in this verse in connected perfectly.  One who dearly loves the purity and the Truth of the Word of God will without a doubt hate all lying, falsehood.  We cannot be in awe of God's Word and rejoice in it unless we hate all that is contrary to the Word.  The enemy of God’s Word here was falsehood. 

"Seven times a day do I praise thee, Because of thy righteous ordinances."  God's righteous Judgments (Ordinances) and the glory of His Word are enough reason to praise Him.  This is exactly what the Psalmist did.  He praised God seven times a day.  It was an endless praise. 

• The Peace that Obedience to God's Word Brings.  (verses 165-166)

"165 Great peace have they that love thy law; And they have no occasion of stumbling.  166 I have hoped for thy salvation, O Jehovah, And have done thy commandments." 

"Great peace have they that love thy law; And they have no occasion of stumbling."  Here is where the Christian, the child of God, finds his true happiness.  It is summed up in one word, peace.  The immense love that the Psalmist had for God's Word brought him great peace and stability in his life.  Nothing would cause those who love God's Word with all of their heart to stumble.  Despite the storms of life, there is peace for them that do the will of God.  They are at peace with God because they love His Law.  Consider why we are at peace with God when we love His Law and observe it.

1. A peace obtained by the reconciling blood of Jesus.  
2. Peace because of a good conscience.  
3. At peace with all men.  
4. At peace, because we put to death sin and are alive to righteousness.  
5. At peace because of our love for our neighbor.  
6. At peace, because all things work together for our good.

"I have hoped for thy salvation, O Jehovah, And have done thy commandments."  Here the Psalmist is portraying the kind of active faith and trust that saves. An active faith produces obedience to God's Law (Commandments).  An obedient faith that would save him.  This is the kind of active faith spoken of in James, keeping our eyes fixed on Christ as our foundation and cornerstone.  That is the evidence of our hope.  We obey His Commandments because we hope for salvation.  

• Keeping the Word of God.  (verses 167-168)

"167 My soul hath observed thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly. 168 I have observed thy precepts and thy testimonies; For all my ways are before thee."

"My soul hath observed thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly."  Like the Psalmist, those who hope in God's salvation can convey this joyful delight in His Law (Testimonies).   The Psalmist kept God's Word by keeping God's Commandments, Testimonies, and Precepts in complete obedience.  He knew that the same God Who gave the Word would also see and examine his life.  God sees and examines the ways of man.  Notice the reverence for God Himself when he says "Thy precepts, Thy Testimonies before Thee" and not just for Scripture itself.

V.  TAV:  Sought by God and His Word.

As the Psalmist comes near the end of this great Psalm, his petitions increase in force and in fervency.   He seems to suddenly be falling to his knees in supplication, coming near before the throne of God's grace.  Many have been his tears and prayers.  His earnest petition is to come nearer to God's throne in humility and faith.  He seems to be crying out in earnest prayer to His LORD, perhaps because his soul is at risk or may be because the enemy surrounds him within his walls.  This nearness leads him to end this Psalm in deepest humility, begging to be sought out like a lost sheep.  What an honor to be able to remind our LORD, "You are my rock and my fortress!  You have given me Commandments to save me." 

• "According to Thy Word."  (verses 169-170)

"169 Let my cry come near before thee, O Jehovah: Give me understanding according to thy word.  170 Let my supplication come before thee: Deliver me according to thy word."

"Let my cry come near before thee, O Jehovah: Give me understanding according to thy word."  Here, we see the Psalmist as one who dearly loves God and is humbly approaching God's throne of grace.  He is petitioning in a humble spirit of supplication to help him obtain understanding according to His Word.  He desired his ways and thoughts to be transformed according to the Word of God. The urgency of his need made him cry out and come near to God in prayer.  What a privilege we have to come near God.  Why?

1. Because we know the way is open.
2. Because we can have access to our God entering into the holiest by the blood of Our Lord and Savior.  
3. Because we know that through the veil, that is our Lord, we are able to tear down the walls of partition and are able to enter into the presence of our God, to rush into Him.
4. Because we are able to open our mouth before Him, to anticipate that our supplication, our prayer, would come near His throne of righteousness and grace.  
5. Because we know this is the Way to our God. 
6. Because we know this Way is always open to those who love Him and obey Him, that is Christians.  
7. Because we know with confidence that we are able to approach God and His throne of Grace since our sins have been cleansed, and we have been redeemed.  
8. Because we have been made righteous by His blood and stand pure, knowing that we not only have access but also confidence.  
9. Because we know that we have access to Him with confidence as the Lord Himself.  
10. Because we know that our God delighted in His Son as well as in those who have been made one in His Son by the sprinkling of His blood.  
11. Because we know we have been made complete in Him.  
12. Therefore let us glory, knowing that we have a "Priest over the house of God" Who offered Himself as our sacrifice and incense for us.  This is precious, priceless and beyond words for me!!

"Let my supplication come before thee: Deliver me according to thy word."  It is beautiful to see the Psalmist's faith as the oil that lights the flame of his supplication.  Every one of his petitions is wished according to His promises, according to His Word.  God's promises were the very inspiration of his supplications before his God.  He wanted God's deliverance according to the promises of God's Word.  It is beautiful! 

• Praising God and Speaking of His Word.  (verses 171-172)

"171 Let my lips utter praise; For thou teachest me thy statutes.  172 Let my tongue sing of thy word; For all thy commandments are righteousness." 

"Let my lips utter praise; For thou teachest me thy statutes."  The Psalmist's yearning was to bring God a word of praise.  This is worthy of God.   He knew that often our words can be wicked and vain.  He had resolved in his heart to use his lips, his mouth, his tongue, to worship, praise and honor God and His Word (Statutes).

"For thou teachest me thy statutes."  When one has learned God's Statutes, he delights in praising God because he has been taught His Word by God Himself.  Notice that the Psalmist did not learn to praise God with his lips by nature but rather because God's Truth taught him, taught from God Himself.  The Word of God taught him how to praise Him which became his own delight.

"Let my tongue sing of thy word; For all thy commandments are righteousness."  To speak to others on behalf of God and for Him must be our greatest desire and delight since God's Word has been our Teacher and has taught us to give praise.  We honor God when we speak and show others that all His Commandments are righteous.  Since we know the purity and infallibility of God's Word, it should make us want to talk about His Word (Commandments) to others and share it.  We must show God's light to all men for them to glorify their Creator.  We must be willing and be encouraged to speak for God and His righteousness to all, especially sinners so that they might be saved.  There is power in the Word to penetrate man's heart that it might be changed and transformed into the likeness of God.  It is our duty to speak the Word to all people and not shed innocent blood.  We need to be like the Psalmist who praised God and spoke of His Word without any reservation whatsoever.  Let us not be cowards but rather have the courage of those great men who have spoken of His Word no matter what their circumstances were. 

• Longing for Salvation and Loving the Word of God.  (verses 173-174)

"173 Let thy hand be ready to help me; For I have chosen thy precepts.  174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Jehovah; And thy law is my delight."

"Let thy hand be ready to help me; For I have chosen thy precepts."  Since the Psalmist had opted to obey and keep God's Word (Precepts), he felt he could courageously ask God for help in his defense.  God's hand and God's Word provided him help.  They go hand in hand since God's Word is the mediator of His hand. 

"I have longed for thy salvation, O Jehovah; And thy law is my delight."  There is a beautiful connection between longing for salvation and delighting in God's Law.  Why?  Because salvation from sin comes from the Word and according to His Word.   "Having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth."  I Peter 1:23.  For the Psalmist, longing for God's Word and delighting in God's Word was natural.  Salvation must be grounded upon the Word or Law of God.  We must create in us, in our souls, a very intense longing for His salvation as well as a more intense delight in His Law.  God's salvation is the hope and yearning of the faithful and will continue to be until the day He shall come again in glorious majesty so that we may be fully and eternally satisfied in complete redemption, taking us with Him forever. 

• Leaning on the Word of God and Seeking God, the One Who Seeks us.  (verses 175-176)

"175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; And let thine ordinances help me.  176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments."

"Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; And let thine ordinances help me."  The Psalmist recognizes that to praise God, there must be life.  Moreover, he acknowledges that his soul needs both that life and the counsel or instruction of God's Word.  He understands that to establish and strengthen a healthy and strong relationship with God, one must have both.  A living soul is able to praise his Creator.  A living man is able to speak God's Words, His Declarations.  He is also praying for salvation for which he was longing.  He is hungry for God's Ordinances, and he wishes to have an even higher and enduring delight, instead of self-gratification.  When the living Word of God enters our heart, we become living souls whose primary desire is to praise Him.  The Psalmist’s great need for God and His Word, his love and devotion, made him more spiritually dependent upon God.  How? 

1. Because he needed more understanding,119:169.
2. He needed deliverance, 119:170.
3. He desired to worship God with an upright heart, 119:171-172.
4. He needed his soul to live to live uprightly, 119:173-174.
5. He needed strength to persevere to the end, 119:175.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you."  I Peter 1:3-5.

When the Psalmist says, "And let thine ordinances (Judgments) help me," he is asking God to enlighten him with His everlasting Word, His character and His perfection as the God of his salvation Who is worthy of all praise. 

"I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek thy servant."  The Psalmist wants to end on a very touching note.  He is recalling all his weaknesses and sinful inclinations, sinful habits (astray like a lost sheep), and therefore is asking God to seek him.  He is humbly confessing before his God all his flaws and weaknesses.  He desires to become upright.  He like us has gone astray like lost sheep, wandering from the fold but have been rescued by the Lord becoming His sheep, His own possession.  The Psalmist prayed like so many of us for God's help, to have a clearer understanding of His Judgments and be cleansed from our sins.  It is impossible to find joy when one is separated from his God.  God in His infinite mercy has helped us through His Word to find the Way back, the straight path.  We had wandered from that path, and yet the Shepherd sought us even though we were not seeking Him.  He helped us find our way back to Him.  The great Shepherd seeks out His flock, scattered without anyone to deliver them and lead them.  "He restoreth my soul."  This touches my heart deeply!

"For I do not forget thy commandments."  God sought His servant in His Word.  His Word is the only means by which He seeks after us.  His Word:

1. Tests our heart. 
2. Gives us confidence.
3. Gives us hope.
4. Strengthens us.
5. Reproves us.
6. Chastises us.
7. Admonishes us.
8. Helps us.
9. Instructs us.
10. Gives us understanding.
11. Saves us. 

This lovely Psalm ends with a great reminder of the power and importance of the Word of God (Law), its riches and glories.  The Psalmist reminds us of the fact that God can come to us seeking us only through His Word, and then only when we seek Him from a sincere heart.  Without God's helping hand to restore our soul, we cannot find our Way back to Him.

CONCLUSION:

God in His everlasting mercy has provided us with the written Word in order that it may be written in our mind and inward heart.  He has given us His revealed Word in order to adopt us and restore our soul from death.  This is His faithfulness and grace to us. God's Law is perfect and able to change man's heart in order that he may return to Him and be eternally saved in the heavenly fold.

 "After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, arrayed in white robes, and palms in their hands; and they cry with a great voice, saying, Salvation unto our God who sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb.  And all the angels were standing round about the throne, and about the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.  And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, These that are arrayed in white robes, who are they, and whence came they?  And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them.  They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat:  for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes."  Revelation 7:9-17.  

This magnificent Psalm has reshaped my soul and my spirit into a more hopeful, trusting, loving and faithful child of God and His Word.  There is no doubt in my heart after reading this precious Psalm that man can be complete, perfect in Him, in His likeness, holy and upright.  Why?  Because in His Word, His Law, we have everything that we need to become flawless, pure, righteous, godly, undefiled and zealous for good works as children of God.  But we need to love His Law, all of His Commandments in order to have a heart willing to be fashioned into His likeness.  It is not impossible.  His Law is not burdensome.  I yearn to have the heart that this Psalmist had!

Luci