May 15, 2022 – Gary Rohrmayer
Message Big Idea – To cherish means to treat with great affection, to lovingly protect and care, to devote yourself with a great level of respect. Cherishing God’s word means to do all that is mentioned above towards His revelation or communication with us. Christians are those who cherish the Bible.
Unique Features of Psalm 119
- It is longest chapter in the Bible, 176 verses.
- Designed as an acrostic poem using all 22 letters Hebrew alphabet with 8 verses in 22 stanzas.
- The author is unknown. Some would say it is King David others suggest it was Ezra or Daniel. Yet some who say that this is the genius behind this psalm the author wants nothing to distract us from the theme which is the Supremacy of God’s word.
- Its theme is simple: God’s word is Supreme! And it is to be supremely Cherished by everyone.
“I delight in your commands because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees” (Psalm 119:47-48).
- Look up the word delight and think on the relationship between love and delight.
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long” (Psalm 119:97).
- What time of day do you find it easier to read, pray or worship? What habit can you begin to stretch these activities into the other times of your day?
“I hate double-minded people, but I love your law” (Psalm 119:113).
- Think of a movie character that illustrates a double minded person.
“All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore, I love your statutes” (Psalm 119:119.)
- How much does mediation on God’s perfect justice influence your love toward Him and His word?
“Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold” (Psalm 119:127).
- What does money represent to you? Status? Security? Freedom? Influence?
“Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them” (Psalm 119:140).
- What God given promises do you regularly think about and rely upon? Have any been tested in your life to this point?
“See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love” (Psalm 119:159).
- Precept is a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct. What rule of conduct do you love?
“I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law” (Psalm 119:163).
- Contemplate the relationship between falsehood and trustworthiness.
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165).
- Define peace. What is the relationship between stumbling and peace?
“I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly” (Psalm 119:167).
- Meditate on the relationship between obedience and love.
How to get the most out of this study
- Set a time every day to meet with God and read His word.
- Don’t do it alone.
- Talk about what you are learning.