WEBVTT 00:00:00.900 --> 00:00:05.719 Please take your Bibles and open them up this morning to Psalm chapter 19. 00:00:06.480 --> 00:00:08.279 This is one of my favorite Psalms. 00:00:09.179 --> 00:00:12.820 Excited to get the opportunity to preach it and to walk through it with you all this morning. 00:00:12.939 --> 00:00:16.719 So Psalm chapter 19, and if you're able, when you found it in your Bibles, 00:00:16.800 --> 00:00:19.260 let's stand together in honor of the reading of God's Word. 00:00:19.260 --> 00:00:32.660 Psalm 19, to the choir master, a Psalm of David. 00:00:33.679 --> 00:00:39.640 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. 00:00:40.420 --> 00:00:44.820 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 00:00:44.820 --> 00:00:49.460 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 00:00:50.240 --> 00:00:54.700 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. 00:00:55.600 --> 00:01:01.039 In them He has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, 00:01:01.560 --> 00:01:04.060 and like a strong man runs its course with joy. 00:01:04.780 --> 00:01:08.819 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, 00:01:09.359 --> 00:01:11.439 and there is nothing hidden from its heat. 00:01:11.439 --> 00:01:15.920 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. 00:01:16.560 --> 00:01:20.000 The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 00:01:20.640 --> 00:01:24.000 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. 00:01:24.579 --> 00:01:28.299 The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 00:01:29.000 --> 00:01:31.500 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. 00:01:32.259 --> 00:01:35.599 The rules of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 00:01:36.519 --> 00:01:40.579 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold. 00:01:40.579 --> 00:01:44.579 Sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. 00:01:45.599 --> 00:01:47.719 Moreover, by them is your servant warned. 00:01:48.179 --> 00:01:50.179 In keeping them there is great reward. 00:01:51.420 --> 00:01:52.739 Who can discern his errors? 00:01:53.599 --> 00:01:55.500 Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 00:01:56.280 --> 00:01:59.120 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. 00:01:59.480 --> 00:02:01.200 Let them not have dominion over me. 00:02:02.159 --> 00:02:05.780 Then I shall be blameless and innocent of great transgression. 00:02:05.780 --> 00:02:12.140 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. 00:02:12.379 --> 00:02:15.460 Oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer. 00:02:16.099 --> 00:02:18.280 This is God's holy word. 00:02:18.819 --> 00:02:19.740 Let's pray once more. 00:02:19.920 --> 00:02:27.479 Lord, that is my prayer, Father, that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart this morning would be acceptable in your sight. 00:02:27.479 --> 00:02:33.939 Father, would your word go forth from this place, from my mouth, into the hearts of your people, God. 00:02:33.979 --> 00:02:39.479 And would you stir in them a love for you and your glory as proclaimed all over the earth. 00:02:40.060 --> 00:02:41.899 We love you and we pray this in Jesus' name. 00:02:42.579 --> 00:02:42.859 Amen. 00:02:43.340 --> 00:02:44.060 You may be seated. 00:02:44.060 --> 00:02:44.140 Amen. 00:02:46.400 --> 00:02:49.420 But if God spoke to you, would you listen? 00:02:51.020 --> 00:02:53.420 Of course, I'd like to think that the answer would be yes. 00:02:54.099 --> 00:03:00.319 That if the most glorious and important person in all the universe spoke, I would listen. 00:03:00.460 --> 00:03:05.060 But experience might tell me that I always don't do what makes the most sense. 00:03:05.819 --> 00:03:08.759 Just a few weeks ago, Amanda and I sat down in the living room. 00:03:08.840 --> 00:03:09.780 The day was done. 00:03:10.360 --> 00:03:13.240 Amanda was sitting in the chair and I sat down on the couch. 00:03:13.240 --> 00:03:21.340 And here at the end of the day, with all of our responsibilities finished for the day, she attempted to communicate. 00:03:23.580 --> 00:03:27.000 But to this day, I have no idea what she said. 00:03:28.740 --> 00:03:29.219 Why? 00:03:29.400 --> 00:03:36.939 Because the whole time she was speaking to me, I made the rude decision to sit down and scroll through my cell phone. 00:03:37.060 --> 00:03:40.620 And if you want any more marriage advice, you can find me after the service. 00:03:40.680 --> 00:03:41.740 Happy to talk with you later. 00:03:41.740 --> 00:03:47.820 I knew she was saying something, but it was clear that I was not really paying much attention. 00:03:48.040 --> 00:03:50.659 And so after a few minutes, she rightly responded, 00:03:51.080 --> 00:03:54.159 Jonathan, you're not paying attention. 00:03:54.960 --> 00:03:56.659 Conversation was over. 00:03:57.500 --> 00:03:59.420 Here she was, the love of my life. 00:04:00.320 --> 00:04:04.740 The most important person in the world to me, speaking to me. 00:04:04.740 --> 00:04:08.719 Communicating, attempting to communicate with me. 00:04:08.840 --> 00:04:12.120 And I foolishly, wrongly, wasn't listening. 00:04:12.240 --> 00:04:15.879 The breakdown in communication was entirely on me. 00:04:16.699 --> 00:04:22.139 You know, one of the most common objections that you might hear to the existence of God is, 00:04:22.139 --> 00:04:26.839 Well, if God's there, if he's real, if he's in existence, if he's out there, 00:04:26.939 --> 00:04:31.180 why doesn't he just speak clearly and plainly and make himself known? 00:04:31.959 --> 00:04:38.060 If God is real, if the God that you believe in exists, why doesn't he just communicate and speak? 00:04:38.060 --> 00:04:47.180 Well, here, in Psalm chapter 19, David answers that objection very clearly by showing us two ways God has spoken. 00:04:47.899 --> 00:04:51.579 In his works and in his word. 00:04:52.639 --> 00:04:57.980 The early church fathers would say that God has written two books that reveal his glory. 00:04:58.139 --> 00:05:03.040 It's the book of God's creation and the book of God's word. 00:05:03.040 --> 00:05:10.400 In other words, God has spoken, he is speaking, he is trying to communicate, but are we listening? 00:05:11.480 --> 00:05:12.160 Are we listening? 00:05:13.140 --> 00:05:17.820 So this morning, we'll see two ways God has spoken to reveal his glory. 00:05:18.400 --> 00:05:25.040 God's works reveal his glory and God's word reveals his glory. 00:05:25.700 --> 00:05:32.640 Then we'll close by seeing David shows us in verses 12 through 14 the right response of one who is listening. 00:05:33.040 --> 00:05:35.060 In verses 12 through 14. 00:05:35.300 --> 00:05:39.720 So first, God's works declare God's glory. 00:05:39.860 --> 00:05:42.379 Book number one is the book of creation. 00:05:42.560 --> 00:05:43.680 Look there with me to verse one. 00:05:44.939 --> 00:05:48.500 David says, the heavens declare the glory of God. 00:05:49.080 --> 00:05:52.720 And the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 00:05:52.840 --> 00:05:54.700 This is a callback. 00:05:54.700 --> 00:05:59.759 David's reflecting on God's work and creating all things in Genesis chapter one. 00:05:59.759 --> 00:06:05.379 Where we're told that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 00:06:05.439 --> 00:06:07.980 In other words, he created all things. 00:06:08.680 --> 00:06:13.800 And David tells us that the heavens, the works that God has created, are speaking. 00:06:14.539 --> 00:06:16.560 They are declaring something. 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:18.779 They have a message to proclaim. 00:06:19.079 --> 00:06:19.560 What is it? 00:06:19.980 --> 00:06:27.139 The message that creation proclaims is that there is a God and he is glorious. 00:06:27.139 --> 00:06:28.979 That's the message. 00:06:29.740 --> 00:06:33.860 There is a God and he is glorious. 00:06:34.979 --> 00:06:39.620 And David shows us that creation declares the glory of God. 00:06:39.979 --> 00:06:43.919 David says, constantly, universally, and joyfully. 00:06:44.579 --> 00:06:50.379 This message is proclaimed constantly, universally, and joyfully. 00:06:50.560 --> 00:06:53.939 First, he says, creation declares God's glory constantly. 00:06:54.560 --> 00:06:55.339 Look there at verse two. 00:06:55.339 --> 00:06:58.719 Day to day pours out speech. 00:06:59.479 --> 00:07:01.339 Night to night reveals knowledge. 00:07:02.199 --> 00:07:03.079 Day and night. 00:07:03.659 --> 00:07:04.539 All day long. 00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:05.699 All night long. 00:07:05.819 --> 00:07:07.359 Every hour of the day. 00:07:07.419 --> 00:07:08.239 It's constant. 00:07:08.879 --> 00:07:11.699 Not a single day has gone by since the creation of the world. 00:07:11.779 --> 00:07:13.439 All the way in Genesis chapter one. 00:07:13.519 --> 00:07:16.419 All the way to today, August 11th, 2024. 00:07:16.799 --> 00:07:20.500 Where creation has not proclaimed the glory of God. 00:07:20.579 --> 00:07:21.719 It is constant. 00:07:21.720 --> 00:07:24.760 Every day of your life. 00:07:25.460 --> 00:07:28.440 God has spoken to you through creation. 00:07:28.660 --> 00:07:35.560 You have not lived a single second of your life without creation bearing witness to the glory of God. 00:07:36.360 --> 00:07:39.000 You may not have always listened to that proclamation. 00:07:39.000 --> 00:07:43.000 But creation proclaims God's glory constantly. 00:07:44.100 --> 00:07:44.819 Not only this. 00:07:45.480 --> 00:07:49.100 David says that creation declares God's glory universally. 00:07:49.819 --> 00:07:50.660 Look there at verse three. 00:07:51.480 --> 00:07:56.439 He says, there is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 00:07:57.220 --> 00:07:59.360 Their voice goes through all the earth. 00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:01.980 And their words to the end of the world. 00:08:01.980 --> 00:08:03.980 This is universal proclamation. 00:08:05.020 --> 00:08:07.879 It's not an audible message that we listen to. 00:08:07.960 --> 00:08:09.819 It's a visual message. 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:12.660 This is a visual message being proclaimed. 00:08:12.800 --> 00:08:15.720 Creation speaks not to our ears, but to our eyes. 00:08:15.720 --> 00:08:23.040 Which means that this message is not inhibited or restricted or limited by any barriers of language. 00:08:24.020 --> 00:08:25.520 Any barriers of distance. 00:08:26.240 --> 00:08:27.759 Any barriers of culture. 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:32.840 It's not limited like I am to speaking to a group of English speaking individuals only. 00:08:33.220 --> 00:08:40.399 Creation proclaims the message that there is a God and he is glorious to all the earth. 00:08:42.080 --> 00:08:45.899 Proclamation is made in Allendah and in Asia and Russia and in South America. 00:08:46.340 --> 00:08:47.580 To the rich and to the poor. 00:08:47.700 --> 00:08:48.200 To children. 00:08:48.399 --> 00:08:49.000 To adults. 00:08:49.439 --> 00:08:51.519 We all get this message. 00:08:51.620 --> 00:08:56.059 In other words, everyone on earth has access to this book. 00:08:56.059 --> 00:09:03.579 It has been read aloud to every single person in every single place everywhere on the planet. 00:09:04.699 --> 00:09:07.299 That's astounding common knowledge, isn't it? 00:09:08.079 --> 00:09:09.879 Everyone, everywhere. 00:09:10.179 --> 00:09:18.559 The most stubborn atheist that you can think of has lived every single day of his or her life witnessed to by creation. 00:09:19.939 --> 00:09:23.599 It has spoken to them every single day. 00:09:24.439 --> 00:09:25.599 But have they listened? 00:09:26.959 --> 00:09:28.519 Calvin says, 00:09:28.619 --> 00:09:36.319 The glory of God is not written in small, obscure letters, but richly engraven in large and bright characters. 00:09:36.919 --> 00:09:38.379 Which all men may read. 00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:40.339 And read with the greatest ease. 00:09:41.339 --> 00:09:43.679 Now this is what we call general revelation. 00:09:44.619 --> 00:09:45.639 You may not know that term. 00:09:45.639 --> 00:09:52.240 It means that it's general in the sense that all people have access to the revelation of God and creation. 00:09:52.460 --> 00:09:58.399 All people who exist in creation have heard the proclamation of creation. 00:09:58.919 --> 00:10:01.860 Now there is a God and he is glorious. 00:10:02.100 --> 00:10:02.939 It is constant. 00:10:03.360 --> 00:10:04.220 It is universal. 00:10:04.539 --> 00:10:05.980 And lastly here, David says, 00:10:06.080 --> 00:10:08.939 Creation proclaims this message joyfully. 00:10:09.100 --> 00:10:09.899 I love this. 00:10:09.899 --> 00:10:14.819 Because David, he gives us these two images here of this joyful proclamation. 00:10:15.120 --> 00:10:16.100 He says in verse 4, 00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:20.340 In them, the heavens, he has set a tent for the sun. 00:10:20.959 --> 00:10:23.079 These two poetic illustrations for the sun. 00:10:23.220 --> 00:10:25.779 He compares it to a bridegroom leaving his chamber. 00:10:25.779 --> 00:10:29.740 And a strong man running its course with joy. 00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:32.559 Just think about those two images for a minute. 00:10:32.679 --> 00:10:35.980 He says the sun is like a bridegroom leaving his chamber. 00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:37.480 What's he leaving to go do? 00:10:38.179 --> 00:10:40.559 He's going to go get his bride. 00:10:41.699 --> 00:10:44.360 This bridegroom is waking up on his wedding day. 00:10:44.500 --> 00:10:47.959 He's rising up out of bed to go marry his beloved. 00:10:48.360 --> 00:10:51.620 It is a moment of excitement and joy and anticipation. 00:10:52.360 --> 00:10:55.079 I don't think I needed an alarm clock on my wedding day. 00:10:55.080 --> 00:10:57.100 You get up with joy. 00:10:57.980 --> 00:10:59.980 And again, this is universal proclamation. 00:11:00.220 --> 00:11:04.000 In the ancient world, everybody would know what that bridegroom was doing. 00:11:04.639 --> 00:11:06.080 This was a communal celebration. 00:11:06.840 --> 00:11:07.720 Everyone saw it. 00:11:08.080 --> 00:11:09.320 Everyone knew about it. 00:11:09.580 --> 00:11:11.220 Everyone celebrated it. 00:11:11.300 --> 00:11:17.920 This was universal, joyful celebration as the bridegroom goes, rises, and leaves to get his bride. 00:11:19.220 --> 00:11:22.100 He says he's like a strong man running his course. 00:11:22.200 --> 00:11:22.440 How? 00:11:23.120 --> 00:11:24.160 With joy. 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:28.159 We've been watching the Olympics this week, the past couple of weeks. 00:11:28.219 --> 00:11:32.299 And I started to notice as I watched that many of these athletes, they smile. 00:11:33.159 --> 00:11:34.419 They're happy people. 00:11:34.980 --> 00:11:39.219 And maybe just because they're fit and in the top 1% of the world in fitness. 00:11:39.339 --> 00:11:39.679 I don't know. 00:11:39.679 --> 00:11:44.239 But I think it's because they're doing what they've been built to do. 00:11:45.039 --> 00:11:47.019 They've trained their whole life for this moment. 00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:48.939 It only comes once every four years. 00:11:49.099 --> 00:11:50.059 They've prepared. 00:11:50.279 --> 00:11:50.699 They're ready. 00:11:50.819 --> 00:11:56.279 And they go about their course with joy because this is what they're designed to do. 00:11:56.279 --> 00:11:58.459 David says in a similar way. 00:11:58.539 --> 00:12:00.720 The sun does what it's designed to do. 00:12:00.779 --> 00:12:03.319 It rises and it goes across all the earth. 00:12:03.419 --> 00:12:06.220 It runs its course all across the earth with joy. 00:12:06.220 --> 00:12:19.940 It's just because they're not just meant to teach us. 00:12:20.019 --> 00:12:22.000 Church, it's meant to move us. 00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:28.179 Messages that are proclaimed with joy are meant to be received with joy. 00:12:29.059 --> 00:12:32.240 We're not just meant to know that there's a God and that he's glorious. 00:12:32.440 --> 00:12:36.340 We're meant to know that truth and rejoice in that truth. 00:12:36.960 --> 00:12:42.039 We're meant to exalt in that truth that there is a God who made all things including us. 00:12:42.039 --> 00:12:43.340 That we belong to him. 00:12:43.620 --> 00:12:46.580 That he's glorious and worthy of our honor and our worship. 00:12:46.580 --> 00:12:48.220 It's not just information. 00:12:48.440 --> 00:12:53.139 It's meant to transform us that we delight in him and honor him as he's due. 00:12:54.520 --> 00:12:59.920 The sad truth is, of course, despite the fact that all people have heard this message, 00:13:00.060 --> 00:13:02.180 many do not listen. 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:05.220 Many do not receive it with joy. 00:13:06.340 --> 00:13:10.220 So Paul tells us in Romans 1, the passage that we had read this morning, 00:13:10.360 --> 00:13:14.440 that they have heard it but they have suppressed it. 00:13:14.759 --> 00:13:16.000 Romans chapter 1. 00:13:16.580 --> 00:13:20.340 Paul writes that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven 00:13:20.340 --> 00:13:24.000 against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:28.420 who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 00:13:29.300 --> 00:13:31.660 For what can be known about God is plain to them 00:13:31.660 --> 00:13:34.160 because God has shown it to them. 00:13:35.259 --> 00:13:39.920 For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, 00:13:39.920 --> 00:13:44.240 have been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world 00:13:44.240 --> 00:13:46.960 and the things that have been made. 00:13:47.740 --> 00:13:50.620 So they are without excuse, Paul says. 00:13:51.659 --> 00:13:52.759 It's remarkable. 00:13:53.159 --> 00:13:54.480 Common knowledge, isn't it? 00:13:54.480 --> 00:13:59.759 Everyone on the planet knows that there is a God. 00:13:59.840 --> 00:14:05.659 Everyone on the planet knows that he possesses eternal power 00:14:05.659 --> 00:14:09.600 and he is divine in nature, that he is glorious. 00:14:09.879 --> 00:14:10.899 Everyone knows this. 00:14:10.980 --> 00:14:11.240 How? 00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:14.620 God has spoken through the book of creation. 00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:18.240 Constantly, universally, joyfully. 00:14:18.379 --> 00:14:22.379 But sinful men suppress the truth of God, 00:14:22.460 --> 00:14:28.179 which tells us creation alone is not enough to save anyone. 00:14:28.179 --> 00:14:35.339 General revelation of God is not enough to save anyone. 00:14:35.339 --> 00:14:39.439 We need more specific revelation from God. 00:14:39.779 --> 00:14:42.699 We need more direct communication from God. 00:14:42.799 --> 00:14:47.679 We need another book, which is where David turns here in verses 7 through 11. 00:14:47.899 --> 00:14:51.719 Second, God's words declare God's glory. 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:55.659 God's words declare God's glory. 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:59.879 At first glance, it might seem like David is making a big jump 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:03.039 from what he talks about in verses 1 through 6, creation, 00:15:03.259 --> 00:15:07.100 and now what he's talking about in verses 7 through 11, God's word. 00:15:07.699 --> 00:15:12.740 But what he's doing is he's moving from God's general revelation to the whole world 00:15:12.740 --> 00:15:15.819 to what we call special revelation. 00:15:16.620 --> 00:15:19.860 From a broad proclamation of his glory to all the world, 00:15:19.860 --> 00:15:25.500 now to a specific, special, direct revelation of him and his glory 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:27.200 to a specific people. 00:15:28.100 --> 00:15:30.360 You can know that there is a God by the first book, 00:15:30.539 --> 00:15:34.440 but you cannot know God without the second book. 00:15:35.139 --> 00:15:37.500 The second book is God's word. 00:15:38.440 --> 00:15:40.679 The whole world has access to the first book, 00:15:40.759 --> 00:15:43.220 but not everybody had access to the second book. 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:47.220 God gave the law, his word, to his chosen people. 00:15:47.299 --> 00:15:48.500 He gave them to the Jews. 00:15:49.159 --> 00:15:51.480 To one specific people out of all the world, 00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:53.920 he did not paint his law across the sky. 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:55.659 He put it on a tablet of stone. 00:15:56.300 --> 00:15:59.340 He delivered it to one specific people, 00:15:59.680 --> 00:16:02.960 that they might be his chosen people out of all the people of the world, 00:16:03.019 --> 00:16:04.480 that he might be their God. 00:16:04.560 --> 00:16:07.759 This is particular, special revelation. 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:11.240 The Jews were his covenant chosen people. 00:16:11.340 --> 00:16:12.720 And you see some of this difference even. 00:16:12.820 --> 00:16:13.200 It's subtle. 00:16:13.720 --> 00:16:14.899 You might miss it. 00:16:15.300 --> 00:16:19.240 But you see some of this distinction in the words that are used for God's name. 00:16:19.240 --> 00:16:22.100 He says, the heavens declare the glory of God. 00:16:22.860 --> 00:16:26.639 And that word there is El, short for Elohim. 00:16:26.779 --> 00:16:28.960 This is kind of a general name for God. 00:16:29.080 --> 00:16:32.320 This is his revelation to the Gentiles, to the world. 00:16:33.080 --> 00:16:39.600 But verse 7, the law of the Lord, Yahweh, covenant name of God, 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:44.320 the covenant-keeping God of the Jews, the law of the Lord is perfect. 00:16:44.320 --> 00:16:50.820 And David is shifting from general revelation to special revelation. 00:16:51.040 --> 00:16:54.200 And again, apart from special revelation, 00:16:55.040 --> 00:16:57.280 apart from the word of God, 00:16:57.840 --> 00:16:59.800 you cannot know God. 00:17:00.920 --> 00:17:03.720 The only way that David is able to look out at creation 00:17:03.720 --> 00:17:07.779 and rightly understand that this is God's glory being proclaimed 00:17:07.779 --> 00:17:11.279 is because he's looking and understanding it and reading it 00:17:11.279 --> 00:17:15.119 through the interpretive lens of the word of God. 00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:18.200 And so here, in verses 7 through 11, look there with me. 00:17:18.859 --> 00:17:22.680 And notice he just gushes about the goodness of the law of God. 00:17:23.619 --> 00:17:27.460 He just overflows with praise for the word of God. 00:17:27.539 --> 00:17:30.019 Look how David describes the law here. 00:17:30.819 --> 00:17:31.559 He says, verse 7, 00:17:31.559 --> 00:17:33.700 The law of the Lord is perfect. 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:37.319 The testimony of the Lord is sure. 00:17:37.519 --> 00:17:39.659 The precepts of the Lord are right. 00:17:40.200 --> 00:17:42.159 The commandment of the Lord is pure. 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:45.519 The word of God, David understands, it is a treasure. 00:17:46.319 --> 00:17:47.859 It's a glorious gift. 00:17:48.879 --> 00:17:51.419 And the effect of someone who reads the law 00:17:51.419 --> 00:17:53.940 and keeps the law and delights in the law of the Lord, 00:17:54.039 --> 00:17:54.539 David says, 00:17:54.639 --> 00:17:57.200 The law revives the soul. 00:17:58.159 --> 00:17:59.460 Do you want to have your soul revived? 00:17:59.460 --> 00:18:01.319 David says, 00:18:01.660 --> 00:18:03.400 Meditate on the law of God. 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:06.860 The law makes a simple person wise. 00:18:06.960 --> 00:18:07.940 Do you want to grow in wisdom? 00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:08.640 David says, 00:18:09.019 --> 00:18:11.100 Meditate on the law of God. 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:14.059 The law makes the heart rejoice. 00:18:14.759 --> 00:18:15.980 It enlightens the eyes. 00:18:16.059 --> 00:18:17.880 Do you want your heart to rejoice this morning? 00:18:18.000 --> 00:18:18.559 David says, 00:18:18.860 --> 00:18:21.920 Go and turn your attention to the word of the Lord. 00:18:23.059 --> 00:18:23.400 He says, 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:26.000 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. 00:18:26.140 --> 00:18:28.460 The rules of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:31.420 All of this is painting a picture, isn't it? 00:18:31.420 --> 00:18:32.759 That the word of God, 00:18:33.079 --> 00:18:35.819 which David had in his day as the law of God, 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:40.240 is good and beautiful and right and true. 00:18:41.819 --> 00:18:44.200 David loves the law of God. 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:45.340 Why? 00:18:46.259 --> 00:18:50.680 Because it is God's special revelation of himself. 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:52.640 His holiness, 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:54.480 His goodness, 00:18:55.120 --> 00:18:58.420 and His glory to His covenant people. 00:18:59.519 --> 00:19:00.019 David says, 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:00.980 This word, 00:19:01.100 --> 00:19:02.400 this law of God is greater, 00:19:02.560 --> 00:19:05.539 is more wonderful than all the things that men, 00:19:05.640 --> 00:19:07.900 that you and I tend to chase after in this life. 00:19:07.960 --> 00:19:10.960 I wonder if I offered you the law of God 00:19:10.960 --> 00:19:13.360 or $10 million in your bank account tomorrow, 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:14.279 which would you choose? 00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:17.619 He says, 00:19:17.740 --> 00:19:20.160 The law of God is more precious to him than gold, 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:22.619 even much fine gold. 00:19:23.619 --> 00:19:24.879 Sweeter also than honey. 00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:25.099 You know, 00:19:25.139 --> 00:19:26.819 there's an old rabbinical practice 00:19:26.819 --> 00:19:29.059 that I've stolen for my household, 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:30.279 where the rabbis, 00:19:30.339 --> 00:19:31.680 they would read this verse, 00:19:31.759 --> 00:19:34.200 The law of the Lord is sweeter also than honey, 00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:35.379 and the drippings of the honeycomb. 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:36.660 And they would take some honey, 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:38.660 and they'd have their disciples sit there, 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:40.599 and they would get a little drip of honey, 00:19:40.599 --> 00:19:42.299 and have them stick out their tongues, 00:19:42.439 --> 00:19:44.219 and drizzle a little bit of honey on their tongues, 00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:44.919 and ask them, 00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:46.179 What's sweeter than honey? 00:19:46.959 --> 00:19:48.139 And I do this with my boys, 00:19:48.359 --> 00:19:49.339 and they know now to say, 00:19:49.419 --> 00:19:50.279 The word of the Lord, 00:19:50.599 --> 00:19:52.980 the word of God is sweeter than honey. 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:54.799 I don't think I've ever done this 00:19:54.799 --> 00:19:56.779 without them smiling and getting excited 00:19:56.779 --> 00:19:58.039 as I ask them that question, 00:19:58.179 --> 00:19:59.379 and the honey goes down, 00:19:59.439 --> 00:20:00.039 they smile, 00:20:00.179 --> 00:20:02.500 and they receive it with joy, 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:03.179 and they know, 00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:04.079 I hope they know, 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:06.599 that as sweet as that honey is, 00:20:07.419 --> 00:20:09.019 as good as it is to the taste, 00:20:09.019 --> 00:20:12.400 as much as they desire to have more of it, 00:20:13.119 --> 00:20:16.599 that the word of the Lord is even sweeter than honey, 00:20:17.359 --> 00:20:19.220 the drippings of the honeycomb. 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:20.920 David says, 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:24.099 The law is good by them as your servant, 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:25.359 worn and keeping them, 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.680 there is great reward. 00:20:26.960 --> 00:20:27.400 I wonder, 00:20:27.799 --> 00:20:30.500 Do you love the word of the Lord like this? 00:20:32.559 --> 00:20:33.799 Do you crave it? 00:20:34.680 --> 00:20:36.660 More than you crave riches? 00:20:36.660 --> 00:20:40.240 And more than you desire a fat bank account, 00:20:40.340 --> 00:20:41.920 do you crave the word of the Lord? 00:20:42.960 --> 00:20:45.140 More than you desire your next meal, 00:20:45.900 --> 00:20:48.779 do you hunger and thirst for the word of God? 00:20:50.300 --> 00:20:52.060 We need to realize that this book, 00:20:52.240 --> 00:20:53.640 that God has written, 00:20:53.800 --> 00:20:53.980 church, 00:20:54.040 --> 00:20:55.180 is a treasure. 00:20:56.360 --> 00:20:57.320 It's a privilege. 00:20:58.560 --> 00:21:01.700 It's a treasure that not everyone in the world has access to. 00:21:01.700 --> 00:21:06.539 It's a joy and a gift and a treasure that we have seats all in this room 00:21:06.539 --> 00:21:09.120 with the word of God tucked up underneath. 00:21:10.019 --> 00:21:13.100 And many of us in our homes have the word of God on a bookshelf, 00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:14.220 or on a coffee table, 00:21:14.299 --> 00:21:15.480 or a dining room table. 00:21:15.759 --> 00:21:16.720 Many of them are closed. 00:21:16.840 --> 00:21:17.640 They need to be open. 00:21:22.620 --> 00:21:26.200 David is referring to the book that he had in his day, 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:27.860 the law of the Lord. 00:21:27.859 --> 00:21:29.279 He says, 00:21:29.559 --> 00:21:30.859 this law is perfect. 00:21:31.699 --> 00:21:32.139 But of course, 00:21:32.219 --> 00:21:33.379 on this side of the cross, 00:21:33.479 --> 00:21:35.839 we understand that the law is perfect, 00:21:35.979 --> 00:21:36.679 but it's insufficient, 00:21:36.879 --> 00:21:37.219 isn't it? 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:39.919 As good as the law is, 00:21:39.979 --> 00:21:41.139 there's a problem here. 00:21:41.199 --> 00:21:44.939 And the problem is that no one can keep it perfectly. 00:21:46.099 --> 00:21:47.859 The problem here isn't with the law. 00:21:47.959 --> 00:21:48.859 The law is perfect. 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:50.899 The law is good. 00:21:50.979 --> 00:21:52.079 The law is right. 00:21:52.179 --> 00:21:53.199 The law is sure. 00:21:53.299 --> 00:21:54.659 The law is to be desired. 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:57.500 But we are not perfect. 00:21:58.580 --> 00:22:05.680 The problem with the law is that it cannot produce in us what it demands from us. 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:07.400 You should think about that. 00:22:08.120 --> 00:22:12.840 The law cannot produce in us what it demands from us. 00:22:13.580 --> 00:22:16.680 It shows us how far the gap is between us and God, 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:20.220 but it never lays on its side and acts as a bridge for us to climb the gap. 00:22:20.220 --> 00:22:25.339 It shows us how far we have to climb to reach our way up to the Lord. 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:27.480 His holiness is so high and so great. 00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:28.799 Our sinfulness is so low, 00:22:28.960 --> 00:22:33.200 but it never stands upright to act as a ladder for us to climb our way to the Lord. 00:22:33.900 --> 00:22:37.420 It cannot produce in us what it demands from us. 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:38.220 What does it demand? 00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:40.680 The law of God demands perfection. 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:43.559 God demands righteousness. 00:22:43.880 --> 00:22:45.579 The righteousness of God. 00:22:45.640 --> 00:22:47.240 It can teach us what righteousness is, 00:22:47.299 --> 00:22:49.240 but it cannot make us righteous. 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:50.160 That's the problem. 00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:53.380 I've often quoted this line from John Bunyan. 00:22:53.500 --> 00:22:54.319 I've quoted it before. 00:22:54.420 --> 00:22:55.099 I'll quote it again. 00:22:55.620 --> 00:22:57.700 Run, John, run, the law demands, 00:22:58.460 --> 00:23:00.380 but gives us neither feet nor hands. 00:23:01.420 --> 00:23:03.880 Far better news the gospel brings, 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:06.920 which bids me fly and gives me wings. 00:23:08.200 --> 00:23:13.279 The gospel provides what God demands of us. 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:17.799 The gospel provides the very righteousness of God 00:23:17.799 --> 00:23:21.500 that's required in order for sinners to be made right with God. 00:23:21.500 --> 00:23:25.920 The gospel is the good news that now the righteousness of God 00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:28.480 has been manifested apart from the law, 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:31.660 although the law and the prophets bear witness to it. 00:23:32.099 --> 00:23:36.119 The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ 00:23:36.119 --> 00:23:40.459 for all who believe, Paul says in Romans chapter 3. 00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:46.079 The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ 00:23:46.079 --> 00:23:47.799 for all who believe. 00:23:47.899 --> 00:23:51.179 If we really want to get the message of creation, 00:23:51.899 --> 00:23:53.079 what is pointing us to? 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:55.959 If we really want to understand the message of the law, 00:23:56.079 --> 00:23:57.819 what is driving us to? 00:23:57.819 --> 00:24:02.379 We need to hear the proclamation of God's glory 00:24:02.379 --> 00:24:05.500 in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:24:07.200 --> 00:24:10.419 Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 00:24:10.539 --> 00:24:13.559 is the clearest, the greatest, 00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:19.240 the most spectacular revelation of the glory of God. 00:24:20.799 --> 00:24:22.839 Hebrews chapter 1 tells us, 00:24:23.059 --> 00:24:24.919 long ago at many times and in many ways, 00:24:25.059 --> 00:24:27.399 God spoke to our fathers by the prophets. 00:24:27.819 --> 00:24:29.519 But in these last days, 00:24:29.659 --> 00:24:33.000 He has spoken to us by His Son, 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:36.179 whom He appointed the heir of all things, 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:38.740 through whom also He created the world. 00:24:39.819 --> 00:24:42.359 He is the radiance of the glory of God 00:24:42.359 --> 00:24:44.740 and the exact imprint of His nature, 00:24:44.859 --> 00:24:48.539 and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. 00:24:49.480 --> 00:24:51.519 Creation reveals the divine power 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:53.639 and the eternal nature of God. 00:24:53.640 --> 00:24:57.360 But the divine power and eternal nature of God 00:24:57.360 --> 00:25:00.960 are revealed most clearly in Jesus Christ. 00:25:02.340 --> 00:25:04.820 All things were made through Him and for Him, 00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:06.880 Paul says in Colossians chapter 1. 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:08.460 And He is before all things, 00:25:08.520 --> 00:25:10.840 and in Him all things hold together. 00:25:11.660 --> 00:25:13.540 And He is the head of the body, the church. 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:16.400 He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, 00:25:16.460 --> 00:25:18.940 that in everything He might be preeminent. 00:25:18.940 --> 00:25:22.559 For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:27.539 and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:29.779 whether on earth or in heaven, 00:25:30.100 --> 00:25:33.440 making peace by the blood of His cross. 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:35.019 This is the gospel, church. 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:37.900 It's the good news that sinners like you and me 00:25:37.900 --> 00:25:40.860 can receive the very righteousness of God 00:25:40.860 --> 00:25:42.900 through faith in Jesus Christ 00:25:42.900 --> 00:25:44.940 and be reconciled to Him. 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:46.960 This is the gospel message. 00:25:47.880 --> 00:25:49.240 And apart from this gospel, 00:25:49.420 --> 00:25:51.180 apart from the good news of Jesus Christ, 00:25:51.380 --> 00:25:53.400 we have no hope. 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:55.180 I want you to understand, 00:25:55.320 --> 00:25:57.360 creation and the message it proclaims, 00:25:57.380 --> 00:25:59.519 God is good and God is glorious, 00:25:59.840 --> 00:26:01.759 that is enough to damn us, 00:26:01.860 --> 00:26:03.220 but not enough to save us. 00:26:04.480 --> 00:26:05.720 The law of God, 00:26:05.820 --> 00:26:08.059 as good and as perfect and as right as it is, 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:10.580 is insufficient to save us. 00:26:10.880 --> 00:26:13.420 Only the gospel of Jesus Christ, 00:26:13.420 --> 00:26:15.279 received by grace through faith, 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:16.380 can save sinners, 00:26:17.140 --> 00:26:18.840 reconcile us to a holy God. 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:24.039 So church, we must proclaim it. 00:26:25.519 --> 00:26:27.840 This is why missions exist. 00:26:29.180 --> 00:26:31.120 This is why we send missionaries out 00:26:31.120 --> 00:26:33.340 to the corners, to the ends of the earth, 00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:35.539 to proclaim the good news with joy, 00:26:35.600 --> 00:26:38.580 because apart from hearing the message of the gospel 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:41.799 and receiving it by faith in Christ, 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:43.199 by the grace of God, 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:45.399 there is no hope. 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:48.359 This is why we share the gospel 00:26:48.359 --> 00:26:49.720 with our family, 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:51.240 with our friends, 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:52.279 with our neighbors, 00:26:52.339 --> 00:26:54.740 because they have heard the message of creation. 00:26:55.199 --> 00:26:58.220 They must hear the message of the gospel 00:26:58.220 --> 00:26:59.859 in order to be saved. 00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:03.220 Paul quotes this passage, 00:27:03.359 --> 00:27:03.819 Psalm 19, 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:05.359 in Romans chapter 10. 00:27:05.359 --> 00:27:07.299 And he says, 00:27:07.599 --> 00:27:09.699 everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord 00:27:09.699 --> 00:27:10.799 will be saved. 00:27:10.879 --> 00:27:11.799 We believe this. 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:13.759 But then he asks, 00:27:13.839 --> 00:27:15.799 well, how then will they call on him 00:27:15.799 --> 00:27:17.659 in whom they have not believed? 00:27:18.519 --> 00:27:20.679 And how are they to believe in him 00:27:20.679 --> 00:27:22.679 of whom they have never heard? 00:27:23.379 --> 00:27:24.879 And how are they to hear 00:27:24.879 --> 00:27:26.879 without someone preaching? 00:27:27.599 --> 00:27:29.059 And how are they to preach 00:27:29.059 --> 00:27:30.459 unless they are sent? 00:27:31.199 --> 00:27:32.119 As it is written, 00:27:32.240 --> 00:27:33.379 how beautiful are the feet 00:27:33.380 --> 00:27:34.960 of those who preach the good news. 00:27:35.760 --> 00:27:37.520 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. 00:27:37.720 --> 00:27:38.540 For Isaiah says, 00:27:38.640 --> 00:27:39.880 Lord, who has believed 00:27:39.880 --> 00:27:41.220 what he has heard from us? 00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:43.480 So faith comes from hearing 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:46.560 and hearing through the word of Christ. 00:27:46.660 --> 00:27:47.220 But I ask, 00:27:47.280 --> 00:27:48.020 have they not heard? 00:27:49.020 --> 00:27:50.120 Indeed they have. 00:27:50.820 --> 00:27:53.060 For, quoting Psalm 19 verse 4, 00:27:53.660 --> 00:27:55.260 their voice has gone out 00:27:55.260 --> 00:27:56.460 to all the earth 00:27:56.460 --> 00:27:57.860 and their words 00:27:57.860 --> 00:27:59.960 to the ends of the earth. 00:27:59.960 --> 00:28:03.019 They have heard enough 00:28:03.019 --> 00:28:04.360 to condemn them, 00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:06.600 but not enough 00:28:06.600 --> 00:28:07.920 to save them. 00:28:09.180 --> 00:28:10.500 The gospel message 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:13.500 must be proclaimed, church. 00:28:14.180 --> 00:28:16.579 Creation will not proclaim it. 00:28:17.140 --> 00:28:18.559 The law of God 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:19.920 will not proclaim it. 00:28:20.079 --> 00:28:22.420 You and I must proclaim it 00:28:22.420 --> 00:28:24.620 constantly, universally, 00:28:25.259 --> 00:28:26.180 and joyfully. 00:28:26.400 --> 00:28:27.880 That there is a God. 00:28:27.880 --> 00:28:29.340 He is glorious 00:28:29.340 --> 00:28:31.160 and you may know Him 00:28:31.160 --> 00:28:33.040 through faith in Jesus Christ. 00:28:34.120 --> 00:28:35.240 That's the message. 00:28:36.820 --> 00:28:38.320 So how do we respond 00:28:38.320 --> 00:28:39.600 to the message? 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:40.580 This is where we'll close. 00:28:40.780 --> 00:28:41.900 David shows us here 00:28:41.900 --> 00:28:43.460 in verses 12 through 14, 00:28:43.580 --> 00:28:44.120 he shows us 00:28:44.120 --> 00:28:45.620 the right response 00:28:45.620 --> 00:28:46.360 of those 00:28:46.360 --> 00:28:47.500 who are listening. 00:28:47.660 --> 00:28:48.580 Look with me to verse 12. 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:51.000 David heard 00:28:51.000 --> 00:28:51.780 the message 00:28:51.780 --> 00:28:52.740 of God's glory 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:54.020 and God's works 00:28:54.020 --> 00:28:55.600 and in God's words. 00:28:55.680 --> 00:28:56.440 And so what does he do? 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:57.980 He responds 00:28:57.980 --> 00:28:59.200 by calling out 00:28:59.200 --> 00:29:00.080 for mercy 00:29:00.080 --> 00:29:01.259 and grace. 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:02.920 That the Lord 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:03.799 might transform 00:29:03.799 --> 00:29:05.120 His works 00:29:05.120 --> 00:29:06.640 and His words. 00:29:06.720 --> 00:29:07.279 Do you see that? 00:29:08.259 --> 00:29:08.840 David says, 00:29:09.080 --> 00:29:09.279 God, 00:29:09.360 --> 00:29:10.019 your works 00:29:10.019 --> 00:29:11.160 declare your glory. 00:29:11.259 --> 00:29:12.460 Your works are glorious. 00:29:12.600 --> 00:29:13.279 They are good 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:14.220 and right and true. 00:29:14.320 --> 00:29:14.779 And so God, 00:29:14.840 --> 00:29:15.820 I want you to transform 00:29:15.820 --> 00:29:16.920 my works. 00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:18.440 He says in verse 12, 00:29:19.080 --> 00:29:19.860 who can discern 00:29:19.860 --> 00:29:20.580 his errors? 00:29:21.340 --> 00:29:21.840 Declare me 00:29:21.840 --> 00:29:22.180 innocent 00:29:22.180 --> 00:29:23.279 from hidden faults. 00:29:23.900 --> 00:29:24.940 Keep back your servant 00:29:24.940 --> 00:29:26.840 also from presumptuous sins. 00:29:26.920 --> 00:29:27.680 Let them not have 00:29:27.680 --> 00:29:28.799 dominion over me. 00:29:29.160 --> 00:29:29.920 Then I shall be 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:30.559 blameless 00:29:30.559 --> 00:29:31.299 and innocent 00:29:31.299 --> 00:29:32.779 of great transgression. 00:29:33.220 --> 00:29:34.120 He prays 00:29:34.120 --> 00:29:35.279 for His works 00:29:35.279 --> 00:29:37.000 that He might be 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:38.460 holy as God is holy. 00:29:38.559 --> 00:29:39.600 He prays for forgiveness 00:29:39.600 --> 00:29:40.580 for where His works 00:29:40.580 --> 00:29:41.480 have fallen short 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:42.440 of the glory 00:29:42.440 --> 00:29:43.000 of the Lord. 00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:44.420 And then 00:29:44.420 --> 00:29:45.420 verse 14, 00:29:45.580 --> 00:29:46.120 He shifts 00:29:46.120 --> 00:29:46.860 and He prays 00:29:46.860 --> 00:29:48.140 for His words. 00:29:48.259 --> 00:29:48.420 God, 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:49.000 I see that 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:50.059 Your law is glorious. 00:29:50.940 --> 00:29:51.180 God, 00:29:51.279 --> 00:29:52.000 I see that 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:53.039 Your law is good. 00:29:53.039 --> 00:29:54.579 Your word is perfect 00:29:54.579 --> 00:29:55.859 and right and true. 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:57.139 Your words declare 00:29:57.139 --> 00:29:58.019 Your glory. 00:29:58.200 --> 00:29:58.440 Therefore, 00:29:58.680 --> 00:29:58.960 God, 00:29:59.019 --> 00:30:00.579 let the words of my mouth 00:30:00.579 --> 00:30:01.799 and the meditation 00:30:01.799 --> 00:30:02.819 of my heart 00:30:02.819 --> 00:30:04.059 be acceptable 00:30:04.059 --> 00:30:05.440 in Your sight. 00:30:05.500 --> 00:30:06.019 Oh Lord, 00:30:06.159 --> 00:30:06.839 my rock 00:30:06.839 --> 00:30:08.259 and my redeemer. 00:30:08.420 --> 00:30:10.240 This is the right response 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:12.119 of those who are listening. 00:30:12.319 --> 00:30:12.700 Oh Lord, 00:30:12.779 --> 00:30:13.559 You are glorious 00:30:13.559 --> 00:30:15.339 and I am a sinner. 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:16.740 I need You 00:30:16.740 --> 00:30:17.839 to cover my sins 00:30:17.839 --> 00:30:18.500 and I need You 00:30:18.500 --> 00:30:19.460 to make me holy. 00:30:19.619 --> 00:30:20.259 I need You 00:30:20.259 --> 00:30:21.819 to transform my life. 00:30:21.819 --> 00:30:22.659 I need You 00:30:22.659 --> 00:30:23.659 to make me 00:30:23.659 --> 00:30:24.279 acceptable 00:30:24.279 --> 00:30:25.679 in Your sight. 00:30:25.759 --> 00:30:26.379 That's His prayer. 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:29.179 It may be 00:30:29.179 --> 00:30:30.599 that you're hearing this 00:30:30.599 --> 00:30:32.559 and you don't really know 00:30:32.559 --> 00:30:33.799 that you've quite ever 00:30:33.799 --> 00:30:35.819 gotten this message before. 00:30:36.859 --> 00:30:37.980 Your response 00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:38.879 to the work 00:30:38.879 --> 00:30:39.639 and the word 00:30:39.639 --> 00:30:40.259 of the Lord 00:30:40.259 --> 00:30:40.859 this morning 00:30:40.859 --> 00:30:41.799 is faith 00:30:41.799 --> 00:30:42.379 and repentance 00:30:42.379 --> 00:30:43.419 and the proclamation 00:30:43.419 --> 00:30:44.700 of the gospel. 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:46.439 It's faith 00:30:46.439 --> 00:30:47.639 in Jesus Christ. 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:48.599 It's to cast yourself 00:30:48.599 --> 00:30:49.720 on the mercy of God 00:30:49.720 --> 00:30:49.980 and say, 00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:50.200 Lord, 00:30:50.339 --> 00:30:51.439 I am a sinner. 00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:51.940 Would You 00:30:51.940 --> 00:30:53.120 make me acceptable 00:30:53.120 --> 00:30:53.960 in Your sight 00:30:53.960 --> 00:30:54.779 through faith 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:55.340 in Your Son, 00:30:55.440 --> 00:30:55.700 Jesus? 00:30:57.180 --> 00:30:57.980 Cast yourself 00:30:57.980 --> 00:30:58.580 like David 00:30:58.580 --> 00:30:59.700 on the mercy of God. 00:30:59.860 --> 00:31:00.960 Turn from your sin 00:31:00.960 --> 00:31:01.860 and put your faith 00:31:01.860 --> 00:31:02.539 in Christ 00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:03.240 and rejoice 00:31:03.240 --> 00:31:04.440 in the good news 00:31:04.440 --> 00:31:05.080 of the gospel 00:31:05.080 --> 00:31:06.400 that in Him 00:31:06.400 --> 00:31:06.980 by faith 00:31:06.980 --> 00:31:07.700 in His name 00:31:07.700 --> 00:31:08.900 we can truly 00:31:08.900 --> 00:31:09.559 be declared 00:31:09.559 --> 00:31:09.940 innocent 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:11.080 of all sin. 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:14.660 It doesn't stop there, 00:31:15.180 --> 00:31:15.539 church. 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:17.640 The whole 00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:18.440 Christian life 00:31:18.440 --> 00:31:19.460 is one 00:31:19.460 --> 00:31:20.340 of constant 00:31:20.340 --> 00:31:21.200 pursuit 00:31:21.200 --> 00:31:22.220 of the glory 00:31:22.220 --> 00:31:23.160 of God. 00:31:24.460 --> 00:31:24.960 And so we have 00:31:24.960 --> 00:31:26.299 to tune our ears 00:31:26.299 --> 00:31:27.539 in to listen 00:31:27.539 --> 00:31:28.940 as He speaks. 00:31:29.120 --> 00:31:30.400 Psalm 19 begs us, 00:31:30.500 --> 00:31:30.660 church, 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:31.860 don't just aimlessly 00:31:31.860 --> 00:31:33.519 exist in the world. 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:34.460 Think, 00:31:35.400 --> 00:31:36.120 look, 00:31:36.920 --> 00:31:37.620 behold, 00:31:38.299 --> 00:31:39.019 reflect, 00:31:39.700 --> 00:31:40.980 admire the beauty 00:31:40.980 --> 00:31:41.700 of creation 00:31:41.700 --> 00:31:42.680 and listen 00:31:42.680 --> 00:31:43.980 to its message. 00:31:44.820 --> 00:31:45.660 There is a God 00:31:45.660 --> 00:31:47.960 and He is glorious. 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:49.100 Would you read 00:31:49.100 --> 00:31:50.320 the book of creation 00:31:50.320 --> 00:31:52.680 and listen to its message? 00:31:52.800 --> 00:31:53.660 But don't just stop there, 00:31:53.779 --> 00:31:54.040 church. 00:31:54.160 --> 00:31:55.200 God has written 00:31:55.200 --> 00:31:57.720 another extraordinary book. 00:31:57.820 --> 00:31:58.680 Would you listen 00:31:58.680 --> 00:32:00.340 to the voice of God 00:32:00.340 --> 00:32:02.100 in the Word of God? 00:32:03.160 --> 00:32:04.019 Read the book. 00:32:05.220 --> 00:32:06.340 Read the book. 00:32:07.400 --> 00:32:08.920 Open the book. 00:32:09.860 --> 00:32:10.820 Devote yourself 00:32:10.820 --> 00:32:11.880 to the book. 00:32:12.620 --> 00:32:14.340 Seek the glory of God 00:32:14.339 --> 00:32:15.179 in the book. 00:32:15.319 --> 00:32:16.099 God has written 00:32:16.099 --> 00:32:16.919 a book 00:32:16.919 --> 00:32:18.059 to be reached out 00:32:18.059 --> 00:32:18.539 and grabbed 00:32:18.539 --> 00:32:19.159 off the shelf 00:32:19.159 --> 00:32:20.259 anytime you please. 00:32:21.299 --> 00:32:21.980 Open it. 00:32:22.819 --> 00:32:23.459 Study it. 00:32:24.299 --> 00:32:25.159 Meditate on it. 00:32:25.819 --> 00:32:26.619 Memorize it. 00:32:27.359 --> 00:32:27.939 Share it. 00:32:28.599 --> 00:32:29.459 Rejoice in it. 00:32:29.619 --> 00:32:30.679 Immerse yourself 00:32:30.679 --> 00:32:32.079 in the glory 00:32:32.079 --> 00:32:32.759 of God 00:32:32.759 --> 00:32:34.059 in His Word 00:32:34.059 --> 00:32:34.939 that you might 00:32:34.939 --> 00:32:36.199 rightly understand 00:32:36.199 --> 00:32:37.480 the glory of God 00:32:37.480 --> 00:32:38.639 in His world. 00:32:40.099 --> 00:32:40.819 And see in it 00:32:40.819 --> 00:32:42.019 the beauty 00:32:42.019 --> 00:32:42.720 and the glory 00:32:42.720 --> 00:32:43.220 of God 00:32:43.220 --> 00:32:43.940 in the gospel 00:32:43.940 --> 00:32:45.180 of Jesus Christ 00:32:45.180 --> 00:32:46.200 who is Himself 00:32:46.200 --> 00:32:47.500 the living Word 00:32:47.500 --> 00:32:48.279 of God. 00:32:50.519 --> 00:32:51.000 Church, 00:32:52.000 --> 00:32:53.279 as we close 00:32:53.279 --> 00:32:53.720 in prayer, 00:32:53.920 --> 00:32:55.240 what sins 00:32:55.240 --> 00:32:56.160 need to be confessed 00:32:56.160 --> 00:32:57.039 to Him this morning? 00:32:58.380 --> 00:32:59.079 Those known 00:32:59.079 --> 00:33:00.400 and those unknown, 00:33:00.559 --> 00:33:01.120 those visible 00:33:01.120 --> 00:33:02.420 and those hidden, 00:33:02.559 --> 00:33:03.299 what words 00:33:03.299 --> 00:33:04.400 need to be transformed 00:33:04.400 --> 00:33:06.160 by the grace of God 00:33:06.160 --> 00:33:06.720 to be made 00:33:06.720 --> 00:33:08.100 acceptable in His sight? 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:08.860 Who here 00:33:08.860 --> 00:33:10.259 needs to say 00:33:10.259 --> 00:33:11.000 for the first time, 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:12.019 God, You are glorious 00:33:12.019 --> 00:33:12.940 and I am a sinner. 00:33:13.039 --> 00:33:13.880 I've fallen short. 00:33:14.680 --> 00:33:16.059 Would You make me righteous 00:33:16.059 --> 00:33:18.119 by Your grace 00:33:18.119 --> 00:33:18.599 and faith 00:33:18.599 --> 00:33:19.460 in Jesus Christ? 00:33:19.619 --> 00:33:20.440 God has spoken. 00:33:21.700 --> 00:33:22.779 He's speaking still. 00:33:22.859 --> 00:33:23.619 We've heard from Him 00:33:23.619 --> 00:33:24.460 this morning. 00:33:24.559 --> 00:33:25.440 Are you listening? 00:33:26.720 --> 00:33:27.740 How will you respond? 00:33:27.880 --> 00:33:28.319 Let's pray. 00:33:30.619 --> 00:33:31.599 Lord, we thank You 00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:34.220 for the ways 00:33:34.220 --> 00:33:35.180 that You have spoken 00:33:35.180 --> 00:33:37.380 in creation 00:33:37.380 --> 00:33:38.240 that declares 00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:39.299 the glory of God 00:33:39.299 --> 00:33:40.560 and Your Word 00:33:40.560 --> 00:33:41.360 that shows us 00:33:41.360 --> 00:33:41.960 Your holiness 00:33:41.960 --> 00:33:42.740 and Your goodness 00:33:42.740 --> 00:33:43.620 and Your purity 00:33:43.620 --> 00:33:46.160 and supremely so 00:33:46.160 --> 00:33:46.759 in the gospel 00:33:46.759 --> 00:33:47.700 of Jesus Christ 00:33:47.700 --> 00:33:49.759 who is the image 00:33:49.759 --> 00:33:50.740 of the invisible God. 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:52.240 And Father, 00:33:52.299 --> 00:33:52.720 we pray, 00:33:53.140 --> 00:33:53.299 Lord, 00:33:53.340 --> 00:33:54.120 if there are any here 00:33:54.120 --> 00:33:55.259 who do not know You, 00:33:55.420 --> 00:33:55.640 Father, 00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:57.500 would You open their ears 00:33:57.500 --> 00:33:58.180 and their hearts 00:33:58.180 --> 00:33:58.840 and their eyes 00:33:58.840 --> 00:34:00.340 to behold the glory 00:34:00.340 --> 00:34:00.799 of God 00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:01.340 and the gospel 00:34:01.340 --> 00:34:02.200 of Jesus Christ. 00:34:02.200 --> 00:34:03.920 and Lord, 00:34:04.000 --> 00:34:05.000 as we grow in You 00:34:05.000 --> 00:34:05.960 together as a church, 00:34:06.080 --> 00:34:06.259 Father, 00:34:06.340 --> 00:34:07.240 would You transform 00:34:07.240 --> 00:34:08.220 our works 00:34:08.220 --> 00:34:09.820 and our words 00:34:09.820 --> 00:34:11.320 that they might be 00:34:11.320 --> 00:34:12.539 acceptable in Your sight. 00:34:13.460 --> 00:34:14.280 We pray all this 00:34:14.280 --> 00:34:14.920 in Jesus' name. 00:34:15.760 --> 00:34:15.980 Amen.