The Law of the Lord (Psalm 19:7-11)
The psalmist has just declared that God has revealed himself in nature. Acts 17:26-28. Romans 1:20.
Yet, God has further revealed himself. Nature doesn’t tell me which God to follow. Therefore, God revealed himself in Scripture.
The psalmist teaches us about Scripture.
The Law of the Lord is Perfect, v 7
God’s law is perfect. The law has no faults. This should not surprise us since God is perfect.
God’s law, therefore, converts the soul. The idea is that God’s law revives the soul, brings the soul back to life. The basis for conversion to Christ is Scripture. Isaiah 55:11. Luke 8:15. 1 Peter 1:23.
If we preach God’s Word today, people will be converted.
The Law of the Lord is Sure, v 7
God’s law is sure. God’s law is firm, raised above all doubts. Because God’s Word is firm, it will never change. “Forever, O LORD, your word is settled in heaven” (Ps. 119:89). The faith “was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
God’s law makes wise the simple. “Simple” stands for those who are easily led astray. God’s law makes them wise, keeps them from being led astray. God’s Word makes one wise to salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7). Wise people still pay attention to Scripture.
The Law of the Lord is Right, v 8
God’s law is right, i.e., his statutes are straight and upright. Such should be expected since the law proceeds from an upright God. God’s law leads one in the right track.
God’s law rejoices the heart. In being obedient to Scripture, people rejoiced. Acts 8:39. Acts 16:34. If we follow Scripture, we have every right to rejoice.
The Law of the Lord is Pure, v 8
God’s law is pure, i.e., free from impurities.
God’s law enlightens the eyes. God’s law is often compared to a lamp (e.g., Prov. 6:23). God’s law teaches what sin is and helps us avoid sin. Romans 7:7. 1 Timothy 1:8-11.
The Law of the Lord is Clean, v 9
“Fear” of the Lord here stands as the religion of God, i.e., what God has revealed.
God’s law endures forever. Jesus said that his word would never pass away (Matt. 24:35). His word will not pass away, for it will judge us in the last day (Jn. 12:48).
The Law of the Lord is True and Righteous, vv 9-11
God’s law is true. This should be expected since God is truthful. Titus 1:2. Hebrews 6:18. Jesus told us that God’s word is truth (Jn. 17:17).
God’s law is righteous. This means that God’s law is right. As I follow Scripture, I never wonder whether or not I’m doing “right.”
God’s law is to be desired more than fine gold and sweeter than the sweetest honey. The point here is that we need to desire Scripture. We must desire the truth. “Buy the truth, and do not sell it” (Prov. 23:23). “I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure” (Ps. 119:162). “The Bible is as necessary to our safe passage through this lifetime as oxygen is to sustain life.”
God’s law warns God’s servant – keeps God’s servant from sin.
God’s law rewards God’s servant. We receive a reward as we do God’s word. “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Lk. 11:28). “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it” (Rev. 1:3). Are you doing God’s will?
This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Owingsville church of Christ in Owingsville, Kentucky.