2020 Aug 07 Psalm 119 Stanza 1, CSL Primary Review
2020 Aug 07 Psalm 119 Stanza 1, CSL Primary Review
Hello, and a hearty welcome! Let's begin consideration of the opening stanza of Psalm 119! Then we may look into some points from Christian Small letters! It has now been determined that Monday should be best to begin adding the segment on Jesus' life and ministry.
PSALM 119
The first 8 verses contain 7 different terms used throughout this psalm. Let's examine these terms to be able to better comprehend their contribution to godly wisdom. The first few verses also show that it is possible and reasonable to keep God's law, to practice or live by it! Notice how this is worded, as we consider the first stanza in it's entirety:
"Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah. 2 Happy are those who observe his reminders, Who search for him with all their heart. 3* Really they have practiced no unrighteousness; In his ways they have walked. 4 You have commanded That your orders be carefully kept. 5 If only I could remain steadfast So as to observe your regulations! 6 Then I would not be put to shame When I consider all your commandments. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart When I learn your righteous judgments. 8 I will observe your regulations. May you never utterly forsake me."
TRUE HAPPINESS FOUND.
As mentioned in our preview, an outstanding point of this stanza is that true happiness depends on walking in God's law, and true Christians do so by faith, or deep trust, in God, His word, and Jesus' example and ransom provision for true forgiveness of sins with genuine repentance--turning around from an erring course (Acts 3:19). Notice the expressions here, that such ones finding happiness haved exercised faith and really have "practiced no unrighteousness; In his ways they have walked." Another translation says "They do no wrong but follow his ways." (Psalm 119:3, NIV). Thus it is not only possible to obey God--it is realistic and highly rewarding to do so! May each person plead to God for a proper view of loving and serving Him obediently, His orders being "carefully kept!" A proper view of God is thus essential to growing spiritually.
Also, Jesus showed God would have, which Jesus should oversee, a channel of instruction, called a "faithful and discreet slave" through which spiritual food, and guidance, would be provided for the benefit of the entire Christian household on earth. It is hoped that such an organization would remain faithful to God, not becoming evil by 'beating his fellow slaves and eating and drinking with the confirmed drunkards.' (Matth 24:45-51). It should be the genuine truth of God that should be promoted, clearing up any misunderstandings causing confusion among those who would be true Christians worldwide. While their faithfulness and obedience can be blessed by God, they most likely cannot constitute a perfect organization when largely made up of imperfect people--humility should always mark such an organization, with a willingness to make adjustments in teaching when errors, large or small, become revealed in God's way. We may pray that such a channel of instruction remain spiritually pure before our holy God. If such an organization has erred seriously, are not God and Christ merciful? Perhaps for some time it's leading members have feared having committed fraud. Would it not be appropriate for such ones to pour out their hearts to Jehovah, seeking to acknowledge any error before their God, repenting of any wrongs committed, and turning completely from such, appealing for Jehovah's guidance to correct their steps and regain his favor and blessing?
Now let's begin considering at least the 10 terms mentioned in verses 1-16, starting with the first 7.
Verse 1 mentions God's LAW, which can be defined as a singular custom or practice of a community, or a rule of conduct prescribed and enforced by a controlling authority. In verse 1, reference is made, not to a singular law, but rather to the whole body of such customs, practices, or rules. Psalm 19:7 says "The LAW of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength."
Verse 2 speaks of God's REMINDERS. Peter said, at 2Peter 1:12-13,15: "For this reason I intend always to remind you of these things, although you know them and are well-established in the truth that is present in you.13 But I consider it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you with reminders,...15 I will always do my utmost so that after my departure, you may be able to recall these things for yourselves." so God's REMINDERS assist our memory of God's truth and good guidance, to be better able to apply it to our life. Often this requires hearing something more than just once! So may we not fall into the trap of complaining when we hear something more than once--we need these, to ponder how to apply them in our lives! "The REMINDER of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise." (Psalm 19:7).
Verse 3 mentions walking in God's WAYS. Clearly, God has ways of doing things, and if possible, we want to do things God's way--we can be happy to know the way God wants us to do something--He sees the big picture, and long-range view, and thus knows the best way to do things! Thus, David writes, at Psalm 37:34, "Hope in Jehovah and follow his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth..."
Verse 4 speaks of God's ORDERS to be "carefully kept." Recall Psalm 19:8 says "The ORDERS from Jehovah are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice." Clearly a command to do or avoid something, evidently with even more urgency or zeal than a command or commandment.
Verse 5 mentions observing God's REGULATIONS. These are defined as authoritative detailed rules or procedures, given to regulate or control an organization or system. In Scripture, when in the plural, this term evidently may be more simply translated as INSTRUCTIONS.
Verse 6 speaks of God's COMMANDMENTS. Something commanded, or required to either do or avoid. Psalm 19:8 says "The commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes." (AMP). God's commandments preserve our purity before God, making it possible to serve Him acceptably and see things clearly, with spiritual vision.
Verse 7 mentions God's righteous JUDGMENTS. These are evaluations formed by discerning and comparing or contrasting. His evaluations and decisions should be respected and appreciated, and often much can be learned from them. They are "true, altogether righteous." (Psalm 19:9).
Thus we have seven of at least ten terms highlighted throughout Psalm 119. Thinking about these with a view to comprehending or understanding them will help you make more sense of our consideration of this Psalm in the days ahead, and may help you grow in godly discernment, understanding, and wisdom!
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CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTER PRIMARY REVIEW
JEALOUSLY SEEKING TO OUTSHINE OTHERS.
Let's also look at a scripture from Galatians 6. Actually James highlights why we should be careful not to be so competitive in our dealings with others, although it is a common spirit in this world. Many are jealous of others, and become contentious in wanting to outdo, or outshine, others. Here's the problem, in the words of James 3:16: "For wherever there are jealousy and contentiousness, there will also be disorder and every vile thing." Is that what we want? Disorder, and every vile or evil thing? This does not bring genuine joy or happiness to our life. Rather, the counsel of Galatians 6:4 comes to our aid here. We read: "But let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person." We're to be seeking to improve day by day, in our life or our business or our hobby, but not comparing our work to others. Rather, try to become better than you were last week, or last month, or last year at this same time, examining your own activity, comparing your previous records to what you're doing now. I like also how the Amplified Version puts this verse: "But let each person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor."
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JESUS' LIFE AND MINISTRY (BEGINNING MONDAY)
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
