The Word of God and the Revival of the Soul

This Psalm of humility exalts the Law of God, and points us to Christ. The theme of the Psalm is the glory of God.

Scripture: Psalm 19

Sermon Notes:

1. This is a Psalm of humility, which exalts the Law of God, and points us to Christ. The theme of the Psalm is the glory of God.
2. The Psalms are a gym for the soul. Memorize this Psalm.
3. We see the glory of God (heavens), the law of God, and David's response.
4. As we see the glory of God in His creation, our hearts well up with praise (cf. Revelation 4:10-11).
5. Calvin said the glory of God in creation is not written in small letters, but it is written in large letters for all to read.
6. Likewise God's law shines a light on our hearts, pointing to Christ, preparing us to respond to the law in repentance.
7. Psalm 19:4-6 alludes to Christ, who tabernacles with us (John 1:14). He is the sunrise (Luke 1:78-79), and the bridegroom (Eph. 5).
8. The Law of God refers primarily to the books of Moses, but taken as a whole refers to all of God's Word.
9. The Law is perfect; we cannot add to or remove from it. The Law is sure: it is solid ground that does not shift or change. The Word is pure: it is without mistakes or errors. The Word is true: it is faithful and trustworthy. The Rules of God are righteousness: they reflect His character. It is God's rules which govern His kingdom.
10. In Isaiah 55, the Word of God is likened to rain and snow which bring nourishment to the earth. God's Word will accomplish the purpose for which it is sent: to bring life; to revive our souls.
11. God's Word brings life. In Ezekiel 37, God’s Word and the Spirit of God bring life to a valley of dry bones.
12. It is the Spirit which brings reviving life to the soul. The Word of God accompanied by the Spirit of God converts sinners.
13. Our own words won't persuade anyone; so the pressure is off in evangelism.
14. Whenever we share the gospel, we need to emphasize the simple gospel revealed by the Word.
15. Take courage, be bold, be confident and let God's Word work.
16. It was the simple ones that followed Christ. Bible scholars wanted to kill Him. Who are we like?
17. The simple are receiving Jesus' teaching about the kingdom (Matt 11:25-30).
18. A litmus test of our sanctification is whether or not our heart rejoices in the precepts of the Lord.
19. The commandment of the Lord enlightens the eyes; it's not scholarship, but obedience to the commandment which enlightens (John 8:12, 31-32).
20. Only when we submit to the Lord do we find true freedom.
21. We can't expect enlightenment when we reject God's Word.
22. David responds to God’s Word with humility and repentance.
23. We ask God to cleanse us from hidden sins because we're oblivious of them.
24. When our Lord called us to repent He called us to live an entire life of repentance. We're to die to sin and be revived by the Spirit. We're to face our sin and do battle against it.
25. A life of repentance leads us to our Rock and Redeemer.
26. Christ is our Rock, who was with the people (Exodus 17:5-6).
27. The Spirit was given at Christ's exaltation in His death; from Christ's mouth flows His Word, and from His side flows the life giving water of the Spirit (John 7:37-39, 19:34-35).
28. Jesus says to the doubting and unbelieving, ‘Peace be with you; put your hand in my side; do not doubt but believe.’

Application Questions:

1. How do we respond to the glory of God revealed in the creation? Cf. Revelation 4:10-11.
2. Do the precepts of the Lord cause our hearts to rejoice?
3. How should we respond to the fact of our hidden errors and presumptuous sins? Are we dry, bitter, grumbling?
4. How should the power of the Word and Spirit affect our approach and attitude in evangelism?
5. What is it that enlightens our eyes and brings true freedom?
6. Do we know Christ? Have we rejected or doubted the gospel?