Message Notes

(I) A STATEMENT OF LOVE FOR THE WORD OF GOD

“Oh, how I love Your law!…” Psalm 119:97

1. It is a carefully chosen response.

“And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love. My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments which I love…” Psalm 119:47-48

2. It is not just an emotional outburst

3. It is found in the context of facing the difficulties of life

a) The constant presence of enemies

“…my enemies; For they are ever with me.” Psalm 119:98

b) The constant influence of the ways of evil

“…every evil way…” Psalm 119:101

4. It represents a definite reality

a) To love God’s word more than gold

“Therefore I love Your commandments More than gold, yes, than fine gold!” Psalm 119:127

b) To love the word of God exceedingly

“My soul keeps your testimonies, And I love them exceedingly.” Psalm 119:167

(II) SOME SIGNIFICANT REASONS FOR LOVING GOD’S WORD

1. Because of finding sufficiency of wisdom in the Scriptures

“…For You Yourself have taught me.” Psalm 119:102

a) More wisdom than enemies

“ You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me.” Psalm 119:98

b) More understanding than teachers

“ I have more understanding than all my teachers…” Psalm 119:99

c) More understanding than the wise men of old

“ I understand more than the ancients…” Psalm 119:100

2. Because of our experience of delighting in God’s word

“How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119: 103

3. Because it brings great peace.

“Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165

(III) THE PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF LOVING THE WORD OF GOD

1. Meditation on the word of God throughout the day

“ Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” Psalm 119:97 “…For Your testimonies are my meditation.” Psalm 119:99

2. Attitude towards that which is false

“ Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.” Psalm 119:104

3. Spiritual resolve

a) Restraining ourselves from evil

“ I have restrained my feet from every evil way…” Psalm 119:101

“ I have not departed from Your judgments…” Psalm 119:102

b) Keeping the word of God

“…That I may keep Your word.” Psalm 119:101

“…Because I keep Your precepts.” Psalm 119:100