WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.280 This is section 129 to 136. 00:00:11.419 --> 00:00:19.359 When I was here a few weeks ago, I looked at the very first part of this testimony, 00:00:19.359 --> 00:00:20.480 ! 00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:28.719 about how our soul keeps them, and the wonder of the unfolding of God's Word giving us 00:00:28.719 --> 00:00:28.719 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.000 the Word of God. 00:00:32.000 --> 00:00:36.200 I'd just like to pick up on this from that point and really just to go through the rest 00:00:36.200 --> 00:00:43.939 of this section and to try and explain parts of it and how it applies to ourselves in our 00:00:43.939 --> 00:00:47.820 Christian lives as well. 00:00:47.820 --> 00:00:56.519 Psalm 119 is the longest of Psalms, as we know, and it's a wonderful Psalm. 00:00:56.520 --> 00:01:03.520 It's as if the Psalmist has taken a step back to reflect on all of God's goodness to him. 00:01:03.520 --> 00:01:11.520 And the Psalm celebrates the gift of God's covenant instruction, the Torah, as a perfect 00:01:11.520 --> 00:01:12.520 guide for life. 00:01:12.519 --> 00:01:17.519 And this Psalm links in very closely to Psalm 19 as well. 00:01:17.519 --> 00:01:25.519 And it reflects the view that the Lord, our Lord, who abounds in steadfast love and faithfulness, 00:01:25.519 --> 00:01:32.519 that he freely and fully forgives his people when they confess their sins. 00:01:32.519 --> 00:01:37.519 He loves his people without limit. 00:01:37.519 --> 00:01:45.519 And therefore, he also guides the faithful in the way of life that is genuinely good and 00:01:45.519 --> 00:01:46.519 beautiful. 00:01:46.519 --> 00:01:57.519 So as we pick up here in this section, in the second part of verse 130 here, and what 00:01:57.519 --> 00:02:06.519 it tells us was that this unfolding of God's Word, it imparts understanding to the simple. 00:02:06.519 --> 00:02:11.519 And we might ask the question, first of all, who are the simple? 00:02:11.519 --> 00:02:19.519 And if we refer to Psalm 19 for that, then Psalm 19 tells us that the law of the Lord is 00:02:19.519 --> 00:02:28.519 perfect, reviving the soul, and the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 00:02:28.520 --> 00:02:37.520 And I suppose we can ask ourselves the question, as we read these verses, as we sing these verses, 00:02:37.520 --> 00:02:46.520 do we really think about the words there and how does that relate to us with this word, this 00:02:46.520 --> 00:02:49.520 word that makes wise the simple? 00:02:49.520 --> 00:02:56.520 Well, this making wise the simple basically means that God's Word and His revealed truth, 00:02:56.520 --> 00:03:05.520 they provide a spiritual insight and understanding to those who are open and to those who are 00:03:05.520 --> 00:03:06.520 teachable. 00:03:06.520 --> 00:03:09.520 They are open to God's Word, they are teachable. 00:03:09.520 --> 00:03:17.520 And it transforms them from being ignorant and inexperienced individuals into people of 00:03:17.520 --> 00:03:18.520 true wisdom. 00:03:18.520 --> 00:03:24.520 And if we are going to look to apply that to ourselves, then do we accept the fact that we 00:03:24.520 --> 00:03:29.520 were ignorant and inexperienced previously? 00:03:29.520 --> 00:03:33.520 And there is only one answer to that, and of course we were. 00:03:33.520 --> 00:03:40.520 We might have learnt much of God's Word, but it wasn't applied to us, to our hearts. 00:03:40.520 --> 00:03:47.520 And we were totally ignorant in that respect of the way of faith by salvation in Jesus Christ, 00:03:47.520 --> 00:03:51.520 by believing in Jesus Christ. 00:03:51.520 --> 00:03:58.520 So, we were inexperienced in that particular aspect of faith. 00:03:58.520 --> 00:04:05.520 This term simple in this context, it doesn't imply foolishness as we might understand simple, 00:04:05.520 --> 00:04:14.520 or people who lack education or intelligence as we might understand the word today. 00:04:14.520 --> 00:04:16.519 It doesn't imply that at all. 00:04:16.519 --> 00:04:20.519 But it implies that just people being open to instruction. 00:04:20.519 --> 00:04:23.519 Ordinary people. 00:04:23.519 --> 00:04:28.519 Ordinary people just like you and I, for each one of us here. 00:04:28.519 --> 00:04:36.519 and as we know ourselves and we can apply to ourselves, there is no person who is so blind, 00:04:36.519 --> 00:04:43.519 or who is so ignorant, that their mind and heart cannot be opened by God's 00:04:43.519 --> 00:04:43.519 00:04:43.519 --> 00:04:49.519 No matter where they have been, or what they have done, or anything that is in their lives. 00:04:49.519 --> 00:05:04.519 If they are willing to accept God's word, if they're teachable in that respect, then God's Spirit can transform out of that darkness and into the light of his word. 00:05:04.519 --> 00:05:17.519 This verse in Psalm 19 and here in Psalm 119, it highlights how God's law transforms and clarifies the nature of his word. 00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:27.519 It emphasizes how the word gives us life, it provides wisdom and it guides believers towards righteous living. 00:05:27.519 --> 00:05:41.519 And when we reflect on this word law, we can think about it as God's teachings and God's principles that are embedded in the scriptures. 00:05:41.519 --> 00:05:46.519 Something that directs us towards righteousness. 00:05:46.519 --> 00:05:49.519 And that righteousness is indeed wisdom. 00:05:49.519 --> 00:05:58.519 And as we know from the word elsewhere, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 00:05:58.519 --> 00:06:13.519 So this sure testimony, as we have it, acts as a guide that imparts divine wisdom to those who are willing or who have been made willing by the Spirit of God to receive it. 00:06:13.519 --> 00:06:18.519 So what we have here is, it's a spiritual transformation. 00:06:18.519 --> 00:06:27.519 A total transformation from the way that we were before into what now, the passion that God has made us. 00:06:27.519 --> 00:06:42.519 The process transforms the simple or the ordinary passion, making them wise in the knowledge of God, giving real instruction and leading them to wisdom and godliness. 00:06:42.519 --> 00:06:54.519 And it's very true, isn't it, that when we come to faith, we actually begin to really and truly understand the meaning of life. 00:06:54.519 --> 00:07:00.519 And why we're here? We are here primarily to worship God. 00:07:00.519 --> 00:07:06.519 As the Catholicism tells us, man's strength is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. 00:07:06.519 --> 00:07:08.519 That's the purpose of our life. 00:07:08.519 --> 00:07:13.519 That is what we didn't understand properly within our hearts. 00:07:13.519 --> 00:07:19.519 We knew it in our heads, but not within our hearts, with the Spirit applying it. 00:07:19.519 --> 00:07:27.519 But now we know it, because we've been transformed from that place of darkness to where we are now. 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:30.519 And that in itself is a miracle. 00:07:30.519 --> 00:07:33.519 Every one of us is a miracle. 00:07:33.519 --> 00:07:39.519 And we are here, we are now part of the family of God. 00:07:39.519 --> 00:07:42.519 We are a child of God. 00:07:42.519 --> 00:07:43.519 We are miracleful. 00:07:43.519 --> 00:07:44.519 We are miracleful. 00:07:44.519 --> 00:07:45.519 We are miracleful. 00:07:45.519 --> 00:07:46.519 We are miracleful. 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:47.519 We are miracleful. 00:07:47.519 --> 00:07:48.519 We are miracleful. 00:07:48.519 --> 00:08:02.219 And just as I read out there, what gives us assurance with that as well is I read out in 1 Peter 2 there that we are a chosen race. 00:08:02.879 --> 00:08:04.459 We are a royal priesthood. 00:08:05.060 --> 00:08:06.319 We are a holy nation. 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:17.539 We are a people for his own possession that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 00:08:17.540 --> 00:08:26.500 And these words in verse 10 of 1 Peter 2, once you were not a people, but now you are God's people. 00:08:27.420 --> 00:08:33.259 Once you have not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 00:08:34.180 --> 00:08:37.960 And how wonderful that is for each one of us. 00:08:37.960 --> 00:08:50.259 And we understand from that that we are now seen by the Father, by God, as being righteous in his sight through Jesus Christ. 00:08:50.940 --> 00:08:53.740 And I wonder how much do we really take that in? 00:08:53.820 --> 00:08:59.540 Because there is no greater privilege than what we have as being the children of God. 00:08:59.539 --> 00:09:05.159 We are righteous in his sight and it is the greatest of blessings that we can have. 00:09:06.240 --> 00:09:07.539 It's just wonderful. 00:09:09.519 --> 00:09:17.019 And out of that change, out of that change that has come into our lives, there is now this. 00:09:17.019 --> 00:09:26.019 And we look here in verse 131 and verse 132. 00:09:26.899 --> 00:09:34.819 In 131, first of all, I open my mouth and pant because I long for your commandments. 00:09:34.820 --> 00:09:48.220 And as I work with you and I are tonight, are we panting, are we longing for more of God's word and to learn more often. 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:56.100 Wanting to be taught and guided and corrected and encouraged by the Lord himself. 00:09:56.100 --> 00:09:59.920 Surely that is what we are looking for. 00:10:00.600 --> 00:10:07.480 Yes, when we came to faith first, for each one of us, there was a real longing and we couldn't get enough of it. 00:10:07.540 --> 00:10:11.600 But as life goes on, we have highs and lows, highs and lows. 00:10:11.700 --> 00:10:20.540 But the steady thing ought to be for wanting more and more of God's word in our lives and God's presence in our lives as well. 00:10:20.539 --> 00:10:27.539 As we've been led on in that way, just as the psalmist has here, I open my mouth. 00:10:27.639 --> 00:10:34.000 It's like he's doing this physically, he's doing it spiritually, wanting, wanting and panting. 00:10:34.559 --> 00:10:37.539 Because I long for your commandments, for your word. 00:10:37.539 --> 00:10:44.779 And when we think of Psalm 42 that we've sung there, there again the psalmist says, 00:10:44.860 --> 00:10:50.740 My soul longs for more of the living God in my experience. 00:10:52.259 --> 00:11:01.279 And in Psalm 139 we have words there that tells us that God knows us so intimately. 00:11:01.279 --> 00:11:07.519 He knows everything about us, but his thoughts and he thinks about us. 00:11:07.620 --> 00:11:12.720 And we're told in that psalm and his thoughts are so precious to us. 00:11:13.159 --> 00:11:17.419 How precious are your thoughts towards me, the psalmist says. 00:11:18.179 --> 00:11:25.699 And when we think of that, does that in itself not make our soul long for more of God and his word? 00:11:25.700 --> 00:11:32.920 The year in verse 132, it just starts to go a little deeper. 00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:39.680 And the psalmist becomes a personal prayer for the psalmist. 00:11:40.120 --> 00:11:47.340 Turn to me, he says, and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:51.420 Turn to me, O Lord, and be gracious to me. 00:11:51.419 --> 00:11:54.679 Turn your face towards me. 00:11:55.719 --> 00:12:00.979 Or sometimes we have to plead with the Lord, O Lord, please turn your face back towards me. 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:03.839 How I need you now in my experience. 00:12:04.240 --> 00:12:06.039 Perhaps we've wandered off somewhere. 00:12:06.579 --> 00:12:09.379 Perhaps we're not in the place we ought to be and we have to cry out, 00:12:09.979 --> 00:12:12.779 Turn your face back towards me, O Lord, I pray. 00:12:14.039 --> 00:12:17.099 And that's the reality of our experience. 00:12:17.100 --> 00:12:24.360 And it's reflected again in verse 135 here as well, where it tells, where the psalmist says, 00:12:24.840 --> 00:12:29.019 He wants the Lord to shine, to shine upon his face. 00:12:30.620 --> 00:12:34.240 And make your face shine upon your servant. 00:12:35.399 --> 00:12:38.000 And he's saying, look upon me and help me to pray. 00:12:39.019 --> 00:12:41.660 And help me to focus on you. 00:12:41.759 --> 00:12:45.420 That's what I need to do, to focus on you and on your word. 00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:53.099 And this is a genuine, holy desire to experience God's close presence. 00:12:54.059 --> 00:12:57.959 Be gracious to me and be merciful to me. 00:12:58.139 --> 00:13:03.259 As we read there in 1 Peter chapter 1, and that's exactly what we need, isn't it? 00:13:03.519 --> 00:13:06.559 We need his grace and we need mercy. 00:13:07.339 --> 00:13:08.839 And that's what he's gifted us. 00:13:08.840 --> 00:13:21.280 So we have the emphasis here in the second line of verse 132. 00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:25.639 He says, ask us your way with those who love your name. 00:13:25.780 --> 00:13:27.660 Turn to me and be gracious to me. 00:13:27.659 --> 00:13:39.139 Because the psalmist is reaching back and he knows that God's face was turned towards his own people in days gone by. 00:13:39.500 --> 00:13:41.639 As he led them on the exodus. 00:13:41.799 --> 00:13:44.360 As he took them through the wilderness. 00:13:44.579 --> 00:13:47.919 As he took them into the promised land and so on. 00:13:48.299 --> 00:13:52.419 Up to that point, he knows that that is a history of God. 00:13:52.419 --> 00:13:58.019 And he's saying, look upon me and help me to pray and help me to focus on you. 00:14:00.339 --> 00:14:02.120 This is a genuine desire. 00:14:03.339 --> 00:14:06.360 And this is what you do, Lord. 00:14:07.199 --> 00:14:10.319 Because you help your people and I know that from the past. 00:14:10.399 --> 00:14:11.860 And that's what we can say as well. 00:14:12.199 --> 00:14:15.019 We know that from the past because that's what God does. 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:18.620 He turns his face towards us when we call out to him. 00:14:20.740 --> 00:14:24.759 He does that for everyone who loves his name. 00:14:27.319 --> 00:14:28.659 And that's what we have. 00:14:29.559 --> 00:14:33.799 Those of us who love his name, each one of us because he has first loved us. 00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:39.899 And we do the same, pleading for grace, pleading for mercy, pleading for forgiveness. 00:14:39.899 --> 00:14:44.779 And we do the same, pleading for forgiveness, with that hunger in our hearts for God's close presence. 00:14:45.919 --> 00:14:46.799 And here's the thing. 00:14:47.299 --> 00:14:49.139 We didn't do that before. 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:51.980 Before God came into our lives. 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:53.819 But we do it now. 00:14:55.579 --> 00:14:59.000 We didn't realise we needed to do that before. 00:14:59.959 --> 00:15:03.819 But we realise we have to do it now all the time. 00:15:03.820 --> 00:15:12.320 And it's all of God's grace unfolding through his word in our experience. 00:15:13.879 --> 00:15:16.720 And that in itself should be an encouragement for us. 00:15:17.980 --> 00:15:21.820 That now we do it when before we didn't do it. 00:15:22.379 --> 00:15:25.140 And we had no concern of doing it. 00:15:25.220 --> 00:15:26.140 But we do now. 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:29.920 Because God is working in our lives. 00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:37.059 And that in itself leads us to want to be more pleasing to God in our own walk. 00:15:37.659 --> 00:15:39.439 And to obey him and to praise him. 00:15:40.219 --> 00:15:45.319 And to give him the honour and the glory that belongs to him alone. 00:15:47.079 --> 00:15:48.279 To walk the walk. 00:15:49.299 --> 00:15:50.919 And to fight the good fight. 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:55.299 That's what we have to do constantly in our Christian walk. 00:15:55.299 --> 00:16:00.620 And as in verse 133 here. 00:16:00.719 --> 00:16:01.919 The psalmist moves on. 00:16:02.279 --> 00:16:04.359 Asking the Lord in that respect. 00:16:05.159 --> 00:16:07.359 To keep his feet steady. 00:16:07.639 --> 00:16:08.959 Keep my feet steady. 00:16:09.639 --> 00:16:11.759 Keep me in your word. 00:16:13.639 --> 00:16:14.819 Just the same. 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.599 As a psalmist. 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:18.759 We look for guidance. 00:16:19.359 --> 00:16:20.959 Knowing God is with us. 00:16:21.679 --> 00:16:23.779 His word tells us that he's with us. 00:16:23.779 --> 00:16:28.799 And his word promises that he will never leave us. 00:16:29.459 --> 00:16:31.919 And he will never ever forsake us. 00:16:32.299 --> 00:16:35.279 Even as we have in John chapter 10. 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:37.779 Where Christ the shepherd says, 00:16:38.600 --> 00:16:40.139 My sheep hear my voice. 00:16:40.399 --> 00:16:42.399 And I know them and they follow me. 00:16:42.939 --> 00:16:45.240 I give them eternal life. 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:47.419 And they will never perish. 00:16:48.159 --> 00:16:51.699 And no one will snatch them out of my hand. 00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:55.040 Forever safe and secure. 00:16:55.520 --> 00:16:57.259 In Jesus Christ. 00:16:57.259 --> 00:17:00.439 And so the psalmist is asking God. 00:17:00.939 --> 00:17:02.840 To keep his feet steady. 00:17:03.539 --> 00:17:05.059 Because at this point. 00:17:05.400 --> 00:17:06.180 In his prayer. 00:17:07.019 --> 00:17:08.180 He is acknowledging. 00:17:08.660 --> 00:17:09.879 His sinful nature. 00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:13.879 This is his personal prayer. 00:17:14.379 --> 00:17:16.339 And he is effectively asking God. 00:17:16.480 --> 00:17:19.279 For God's spirit to accompany his word. 00:17:19.400 --> 00:17:20.539 And for it to be. 00:17:20.539 --> 00:17:21.960 Engrafted within him. 00:17:22.720 --> 00:17:24.259 So that he will be guided. 00:17:24.359 --> 00:17:25.779 And ruled by it. 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:27.559 And not be led astray. 00:17:27.700 --> 00:17:28.819 By his own desires. 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:29.899 Or his own wants. 00:17:30.019 --> 00:17:32.000 Or whatever may lead him astray. 00:17:32.519 --> 00:17:33.579 He is acknowledging. 00:17:34.059 --> 00:17:36.599 That there are evil inclinations. 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:37.899 Within him. 00:17:38.279 --> 00:17:40.599 And he doesn't want them to go over. 00:17:40.819 --> 00:17:42.180 Any part of his life. 00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:46.340 He is human. 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:51.400 And he is aware of the constant spiritual battle. 00:17:51.660 --> 00:17:53.220 That is going on inside him. 00:17:53.920 --> 00:17:57.279 Just as it is with each one of us. 00:17:57.840 --> 00:17:59.980 That constant spiritual battle. 00:18:00.120 --> 00:18:02.060 That is going on inside of us. 00:18:03.120 --> 00:18:05.640 And just as we heard of last Wednesday evening. 00:18:05.759 --> 00:18:07.860 From Colum's excellent address. 00:18:07.859 --> 00:18:09.939 This battle of faith. 00:18:10.439 --> 00:18:11.259 And the spirit. 00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:13.279 Warring against the flesh. 00:18:14.139 --> 00:18:15.599 And don't we have it so often. 00:18:16.139 --> 00:18:18.619 For I do not do the good that I want. 00:18:19.139 --> 00:18:21.379 But the evil I do not want. 00:18:22.159 --> 00:18:23.839 That is what I keep on doing. 00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:26.539 But now. 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:28.919 If I do what I do not want. 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:30.699 It is no longer I who do it. 00:18:30.979 --> 00:18:31.919 But this sin. 00:18:32.259 --> 00:18:34.159 That dwells within me. 00:18:34.160 --> 00:18:37.960 And we can ask ourselves that question. 00:18:38.160 --> 00:18:38.600 Why? 00:18:39.500 --> 00:18:40.060 Why? 00:18:40.360 --> 00:18:42.519 Why is sin constantly. 00:18:43.040 --> 00:18:44.840 Trying to get the better of us? 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:47.620 And why does that happen. 00:18:47.940 --> 00:18:48.980 All too often? 00:18:52.580 --> 00:18:53.220 Well. 00:18:53.580 --> 00:18:54.420 First of all. 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:56.759 This again is a sure sign. 00:18:57.320 --> 00:18:59.019 That God is surely working. 00:18:59.540 --> 00:19:00.279 In our hearts. 00:19:01.120 --> 00:19:03.100 Because we have this awareness. 00:19:03.099 --> 00:19:04.319 Of sin. 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:06.639 We have this awareness. 00:19:07.119 --> 00:19:08.559 Of the constant battle. 00:19:09.219 --> 00:19:10.859 But yet we also have a desire. 00:19:10.859 --> 00:19:12.000 To know God better. 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:14.659 A desire to overcome this sin. 00:19:15.199 --> 00:19:17.379 And a desire to please God. 00:19:18.179 --> 00:19:19.939 And we are also given to us. 00:19:19.939 --> 00:19:21.619 With the same words as Paul. 00:19:21.719 --> 00:19:22.159 Aren't we? 00:19:22.619 --> 00:19:25.879 When we do what we do not want to do. 00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:28.240 O wretched man that I am. 00:19:28.579 --> 00:19:31.219 Or O wretched woman that I am. 00:19:31.220 --> 00:19:32.680 Whatever it may be. 00:19:34.319 --> 00:19:35.980 For we didn't have that. 00:19:36.500 --> 00:19:38.380 Before God came into our lives. 00:19:38.519 --> 00:19:39.700 But we have it now. 00:19:41.500 --> 00:19:42.759 We have it now. 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:45.480 And we need to take heart from that. 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:47.140 Hard as it is. 00:19:47.240 --> 00:19:49.039 Sometimes in our circumstances. 00:19:49.420 --> 00:19:52.319 With this sin that is continually around us. 00:19:52.799 --> 00:19:54.500 We must take encouragement. 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:57.740 Because we never had this battle before. 00:19:57.859 --> 00:19:58.640 But we do now. 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:00.859 And it gives. 00:20:01.119 --> 00:20:01.960 It gives. 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:04.839 Every confidence and assurance. 00:20:05.640 --> 00:20:07.980 That we are indeed a child of God. 00:20:08.140 --> 00:20:10.299 Because it is a Lord that we look to now. 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:12.900 And it is a Lord that we cry out to. 00:20:12.900 --> 00:20:16.060 And I ask a question. 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:17.720 For each one of us. 00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:19.680 Are you more aware. 00:20:21.360 --> 00:20:22.640 Of sin today. 00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:26.400 Than you were say 5 or 10 or 15 years ago. 00:20:26.500 --> 00:20:27.340 However many years. 00:20:27.720 --> 00:20:29.220 Are you more aware of sin. 00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:30.519 In your life today. 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:32.620 Than you were when you began. 00:20:33.120 --> 00:20:34.080 Your Christian walk. 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:38.480 I think the answer to that is. 00:20:38.679 --> 00:20:39.439 We are. 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:41.960 We see more of sin. 00:20:42.399 --> 00:20:43.439 As we continue. 00:20:44.039 --> 00:20:45.339 In our Christian walk. 00:20:47.139 --> 00:20:48.339 And we might ask a question. 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:50.319 Then why do we see more of sin. 00:20:50.419 --> 00:20:51.159 As we go on. 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.099 When it. 00:20:52.099 --> 00:20:53.879 It is liable to just pull us down. 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:55.099 And it is just liable to. 00:20:55.539 --> 00:20:55.859 To. 00:20:56.319 --> 00:20:56.639 To. 00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:58.399 Bring us to. 00:20:58.559 --> 00:20:58.759 To. 00:20:59.099 --> 00:21:00.579 To discouragement. 00:21:02.199 --> 00:21:02.819 And to. 00:21:02.899 --> 00:21:03.799 To take us down. 00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:04.720 From where we were. 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:06.899 The reason is. 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:08.799 Because we are becoming more holy. 00:21:09.119 --> 00:21:10.019 At the same time. 00:21:12.159 --> 00:21:13.940 It may not seem like that. 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:16.399 But God's spirit. 00:21:16.639 --> 00:21:17.559 Is constantly. 00:21:17.919 --> 00:21:18.379 Applying. 00:21:18.819 --> 00:21:19.759 His word to us. 00:21:19.879 --> 00:21:21.279 Leading us to more awareness. 00:21:21.799 --> 00:21:23.159 Of sin around us. 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:25.039 And at the same time. 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:27.299 Giving us more understanding. 00:21:27.619 --> 00:21:28.500 Of his word. 00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:30.139 And his ways. 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:32.940 And his requirements. 00:21:32.940 --> 00:21:36.039 We are being sanctified. 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.980 That progressively. 00:21:38.900 --> 00:21:39.400 That is. 00:21:39.660 --> 00:21:40.799 Made more like him. 00:21:41.120 --> 00:21:42.100 More like Jesus. 00:21:42.820 --> 00:21:43.380 Progressively. 00:21:43.640 --> 00:21:44.620 In our lives. 00:21:46.080 --> 00:21:47.340 And that's what the. 00:21:47.340 --> 00:21:48.980 Psalmist was praying here. 00:21:49.140 --> 00:21:49.360 About. 00:21:49.720 --> 00:21:50.940 He didn't want this sin. 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:52.680 To take him over at all. 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:54.019 He's praying to God. 00:21:54.180 --> 00:21:55.920 Keep my footsteps straight. 00:21:55.920 --> 00:21:58.460 And that's what we need to do. 00:21:58.460 --> 00:22:00.440 Keep our footsteps straight. 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:02.140 As we see more of sin. 00:22:02.779 --> 00:22:02.980 Then. 00:22:03.560 --> 00:22:03.920 We. 00:22:03.920 --> 00:22:03.960 We. 00:22:04.080 --> 00:22:05.539 Should be seen more. 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:06.560 Into God's word. 00:22:06.779 --> 00:22:07.940 And in God's word. 00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:09.660 And understanding God's word. 00:22:10.120 --> 00:22:10.380 More. 00:22:10.380 --> 00:22:15.980 I mentioned this was a personal prayer. 00:22:16.340 --> 00:22:17.280 Of the psalmist. 00:22:17.420 --> 00:22:17.580 But. 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:19.760 It's also a prayer. 00:22:19.760 --> 00:22:20.920 As we can see. 00:22:21.560 --> 00:22:21.680 To. 00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:23.440 It's also a prayer. 00:22:23.640 --> 00:22:25.020 To keep him safe. 00:22:25.420 --> 00:22:27.120 From all the external. 00:22:27.640 --> 00:22:28.200 Influences. 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:29.480 Round about him as well. 00:22:29.480 --> 00:22:32.779 Whatever they may have been. 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:33.779 At that time. 00:22:34.140 --> 00:22:35.960 He says in verse 134. 00:22:36.440 --> 00:22:37.200 Redeem me. 00:22:37.299 --> 00:22:38.319 From man's oppression. 00:22:38.819 --> 00:22:39.940 That I may keep. 00:22:40.200 --> 00:22:41.259 Your precepts. 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:43.960 He would have had. 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:45.500 His own distractions. 00:22:46.279 --> 00:22:47.160 In his day. 00:22:47.940 --> 00:22:49.700 Some very strong distractions. 00:22:49.960 --> 00:22:51.180 Some perhaps not so strong. 00:22:51.279 --> 00:22:52.240 Just as we have. 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:53.539 In our day. 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:54.759 Different distractions. 00:22:55.339 --> 00:22:56.960 Some very strong for us. 00:22:57.440 --> 00:22:58.759 Some not so strong. 00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:00.980 All different for us. 00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:02.480 As we heard last week. 00:23:02.900 --> 00:23:03.460 That whatever. 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:04.339 Whatever. 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:06.140 I may be attracted to. 00:23:06.319 --> 00:23:08.640 That gives me a great desire to sin. 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.960 May not bother the next. 00:23:10.079 --> 00:23:11.099 The Christian beside me. 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:11.680 One iota. 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:13.299 And vice versa. 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:16.019 But that's the way we are made. 00:23:16.180 --> 00:23:16.480 Because. 00:23:17.019 --> 00:23:18.460 God knows each one of us personally. 00:23:18.940 --> 00:23:20.500 And he helps us through. 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:21.640 All of that. 00:23:21.740 --> 00:23:22.099 So we. 00:23:22.480 --> 00:23:23.720 We too. 00:23:23.879 --> 00:23:26.140 Need to be aware of this external influence. 00:23:26.140 --> 00:23:26.920 Around us. 00:23:28.019 --> 00:23:28.500 Constantly. 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.759 Divine for our attention. 00:23:29.759 --> 00:23:31.799 And wanting to lead us. 00:23:32.099 --> 00:23:32.359 Away. 00:23:32.920 --> 00:23:33.500 From God. 00:23:34.880 --> 00:23:35.819 For example. 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:38.839 I'm just moving towards the end. 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:39.579 For example. 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:41.000 When we look on. 00:23:41.720 --> 00:23:43.599 Maybe on our televisions. 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:44.940 And what we see. 00:23:45.140 --> 00:23:45.779 And hear. 00:23:46.180 --> 00:23:47.140 On our televisions. 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:48.279 What we hear on the radio. 00:23:48.859 --> 00:23:49.400 What we. 00:23:49.559 --> 00:23:50.480 What we see. 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:52.480 Maybe our work colleagues doing. 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:54.319 Or perhaps. 00:23:54.319 --> 00:23:54.860 What we see. 00:23:54.860 --> 00:23:54.860 00:23:54.860 --> 00:23:55.279 What we see. 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:55.860 Or perhaps. 00:23:55.860 --> 00:23:55.860 00:23:55.860 --> 00:23:56.860 Or perhaps. 00:23:56.860 --> 00:23:57.140 What we see. 00:23:57.519 --> 00:23:58.860 In the behavior. 00:23:58.860 --> 00:24:00.000 And conversations. 00:24:00.319 --> 00:24:00.920 Or friends. 00:24:01.120 --> 00:24:02.240 Or other people. 00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:04.360 And of course. 00:24:04.460 --> 00:24:05.539 What we see in ourselves. 00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:09.839 What we see in our own lives. 00:24:10.640 --> 00:24:11.700 That perhaps. 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:13.319 Prior to this. 00:24:13.860 --> 00:24:15.740 We don't really think too much about. 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:16.599 But when we see. 00:24:16.819 --> 00:24:17.900 This particular thing. 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:19.359 Whatever it may be in our own lives. 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:19.700 Now. 00:24:20.740 --> 00:24:21.819 That is sin. 00:24:22.579 --> 00:24:23.519 And that is something. 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:24.359 That really. 00:24:24.579 --> 00:24:26.159 I need to keep on check of. 00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:29.099 Because we become more aware of these things. 00:24:29.319 --> 00:24:30.299 As we go on. 00:24:31.399 --> 00:24:32.639 And why do you think that is? 00:24:32.700 --> 00:24:32.819 Well. 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:33.460 I believe. 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:35.159 It's because. 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:36.879 We are growing in grace. 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:38.079 Now. 00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:39.599 This is something that. 00:24:40.819 --> 00:24:42.240 There are many debates about. 00:24:42.639 --> 00:24:44.740 How do we know that we are growing in grace? 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:45.480 Well. 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.659 I think this is one of the ways. 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:48.480 Because we begin to see more of sin. 00:24:49.659 --> 00:24:50.740 And more of sin. 00:24:50.740 --> 00:24:52.319 In our own lives as well. 00:24:54.700 --> 00:24:56.720 We may not see our growth in grace. 00:24:56.859 --> 00:24:57.500 We may not. 00:24:57.920 --> 00:24:58.779 We may not. 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:01.559 Have an awareness of it. 00:25:02.099 --> 00:25:02.859 But it's happening. 00:25:03.799 --> 00:25:04.920 That's my belief. 00:25:05.940 --> 00:25:06.859 And personally. 00:25:07.319 --> 00:25:08.839 And I have no other explanation. 00:25:09.539 --> 00:25:11.440 For seeing sin more now. 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:13.620 Than I used to see it. 00:25:13.660 --> 00:25:15.099 In my younger Christian days. 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:17.359 I have no other explanation. 00:25:17.960 --> 00:25:18.579 For seeing it. 00:25:18.700 --> 00:25:19.660 For what it is. 00:25:19.660 --> 00:25:20.960 Other than. 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:23.580 God is revealing that to me. 00:25:25.060 --> 00:25:27.360 That's my understanding of it at least. 00:25:28.080 --> 00:25:28.580 Perhaps. 00:25:29.220 --> 00:25:31.160 Others have a different understanding. 00:25:31.320 --> 00:25:33.180 But I believe that God is doing this. 00:25:33.720 --> 00:25:34.640 Because he is. 00:25:34.900 --> 00:25:36.700 Making us more like Jesus. 00:25:36.700 --> 00:25:38.420 As we go on. 00:25:38.420 --> 00:25:38.440 As we go on. 00:25:39.120 --> 00:25:40.400 In our Christian lives. 00:25:40.620 --> 00:25:41.519 And it's only. 00:25:42.519 --> 00:25:43.160 Because. 00:25:43.860 --> 00:25:45.180 Of the grace of God. 00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:46.580 Working in our lives. 00:25:47.319 --> 00:25:49.120 That we have this desire. 00:25:49.319 --> 00:25:50.120 To live more. 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:51.240 By his word. 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:55.200 In verse 135 here. 00:25:55.360 --> 00:25:56.980 As we just move on towards the end. 00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:57.980 And. 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:57.980 00:25:57.980 --> 00:26:00.440 This is why. 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:01.640 Just like the psalmist. 00:26:03.339 --> 00:26:04.640 We also keep. 00:26:05.319 --> 00:26:06.120 Asking God. 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:07.660 To draw near to us. 00:26:08.039 --> 00:26:09.680 To make his face shine upon us. 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:12.160 And to teach us more and more. 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:13.500 Of his word and statutes. 00:26:14.279 --> 00:26:15.900 Deciding more of his close presence. 00:26:15.900 --> 00:26:18.040 And that's why we. 00:26:18.340 --> 00:26:18.740 Also. 00:26:18.940 --> 00:26:19.740 Like the psalmist. 00:26:20.100 --> 00:26:22.340 In the final verse of this section. 00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:24.380 We shed. 00:26:25.080 --> 00:26:26.180 Streams of tears. 00:26:26.180 --> 00:26:27.140 In our hearts. 00:26:27.600 --> 00:26:28.500 And we do so. 00:26:28.620 --> 00:26:29.700 From our eyes as well. 00:26:29.740 --> 00:26:30.220 At times. 00:26:30.300 --> 00:26:30.740 Don't we. 00:26:31.140 --> 00:26:31.340 For. 00:26:32.060 --> 00:26:33.460 When we look around us. 00:26:33.700 --> 00:26:35.900 And we see the state of our society. 00:26:36.580 --> 00:26:37.900 When we look around us. 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:39.560 And we see so many people. 00:26:40.060 --> 00:26:41.220 Who have no concern. 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:42.820 For the word of God. 00:26:43.100 --> 00:26:44.519 We see it in our families. 00:26:44.680 --> 00:26:45.880 We see it in our circle. 00:26:45.900 --> 00:26:46.480 Of friends. 00:26:46.820 --> 00:26:48.320 We see it in Warf colleagues. 00:26:48.640 --> 00:26:49.940 We see it all around us. 00:26:49.960 --> 00:26:50.900 In our town here. 00:26:51.200 --> 00:26:52.140 In our communities. 00:26:52.860 --> 00:26:53.620 And we see. 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:55.019 So many folk. 00:26:55.580 --> 00:26:57.200 Who have no concern. 00:26:57.680 --> 00:26:58.660 For their souls. 00:26:59.140 --> 00:27:00.880 No concern for Jesus Christ. 00:27:00.880 --> 00:27:02.920 And want nothing to do with Jesus Christ. 00:27:03.040 --> 00:27:04.519 Want nothing to do with his word. 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:06.240 Want nothing to do with. 00:27:06.480 --> 00:27:07.640 Anything with the gospel. 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:11.700 And certainly don't want to come out here. 00:27:11.780 --> 00:27:12.880 On a Wednesday night with us. 00:27:12.960 --> 00:27:14.280 That's the last thing they want to do. 00:27:16.900 --> 00:27:17.680 And yet. 00:27:18.400 --> 00:27:19.820 What they don't realise is. 00:27:19.820 --> 00:27:21.180 This is the greatest blessing. 00:27:21.560 --> 00:27:22.820 They could ever have in life. 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:24.300 And they're missing out on it. 00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:25.440 Not to be with us. 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:27.019 But to be with God's people. 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:28.500 Whatever it may be. 00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:30.460 Whatever it may be. 00:27:31.660 --> 00:27:32.819 And we look at our country. 00:27:33.460 --> 00:27:35.559 And we look at the UK today as well. 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:36.980 And we see. 00:27:36.980 --> 00:27:39.980 And just evil. 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:42.860 Against the word of God. 00:27:43.360 --> 00:27:44.360 Against the scriptures. 00:27:44.700 --> 00:27:45.579 Against Jesus. 00:27:46.079 --> 00:27:49.720 Against anything to do with following in the paths of righteousness. 00:27:50.940 --> 00:27:53.019 A real angst against it. 00:27:53.059 --> 00:27:53.440 Don't we? 00:27:53.440 --> 00:27:57.380 Surely that will bring us to tears in our hearts. 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:59.100 And tears in our eyes as well. 00:27:59.640 --> 00:28:00.600 When we look at that. 00:28:00.759 --> 00:28:01.580 Crying out for the. 00:28:01.820 --> 00:28:03.279 We should be crying out for the Lord. 00:28:03.400 --> 00:28:05.000 To have mercy on us. 00:28:05.059 --> 00:28:06.640 And mercy on the decision makers. 00:28:07.080 --> 00:28:08.840 Who are leading us the wrong way. 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:11.240 That God would have mercy on each one. 00:28:11.720 --> 00:28:12.740 And so the psalmist. 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:14.440 He shed tears. 00:28:15.160 --> 00:28:16.259 Streams of tears. 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:20.180 Because people do not keep your law. 00:28:24.539 --> 00:28:25.799 Hordes of people. 00:28:26.859 --> 00:28:28.400 Having no care for anything. 00:28:29.299 --> 00:28:32.839 Except what they can get for themselves in this life. 00:28:33.379 --> 00:28:36.940 Doing the opposite of what God asks and instructs. 00:28:39.200 --> 00:28:42.900 And yet the sure hope that we have in Christ. 00:28:42.900 --> 00:28:46.540 It should never stop us praying for them. 00:28:48.680 --> 00:28:50.600 Because we were there once ourselves. 00:28:51.080 --> 00:28:52.500 Many if not most of us. 00:28:53.620 --> 00:28:55.400 Depending on our previous experience. 00:28:56.080 --> 00:28:57.519 In a very similar position. 00:28:59.580 --> 00:29:01.480 In the same position actually. 00:29:01.680 --> 00:29:02.600 Because without Christ. 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:04.200 Every one of us was the same. 00:29:04.259 --> 00:29:05.140 No matter what we did. 00:29:06.400 --> 00:29:07.220 Without God. 00:29:07.540 --> 00:29:08.360 And without Christ. 00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:09.220 In this world. 00:29:09.360 --> 00:29:10.680 An enemy of God. 00:29:12.900 --> 00:29:15.560 So we have this sure hope in Christ. 00:29:16.580 --> 00:29:18.800 But all of this should also put us on our guard. 00:29:19.140 --> 00:29:21.320 That we won't be sucked in by the world. 00:29:21.740 --> 00:29:22.960 And by the devil's craft. 00:29:23.100 --> 00:29:25.720 It is this devil who is going about at all times. 00:29:26.100 --> 00:29:28.340 Looking to see who he might devour. 00:29:28.740 --> 00:29:30.080 Who he might lead us through. 00:29:30.940 --> 00:29:32.080 To be on our guard. 00:29:33.420 --> 00:29:34.980 May this word keep us in prayer. 00:29:35.140 --> 00:29:36.160 Just like the psalmist. 00:29:36.580 --> 00:29:38.700 Longing and panting for more of God. 00:29:39.200 --> 00:29:40.280 And more of his word. 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:43.960 And to keep us from falling. 00:29:45.160 --> 00:29:46.440 And to be kept. 00:29:47.639 --> 00:29:48.859 Until that day. 00:29:49.779 --> 00:29:51.740 When we are taken home to be with Jesus. 00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:57.799 What a wonderful section of Psalm 119 this is. 00:29:58.299 --> 00:29:59.359 There's so much teaching. 00:29:59.559 --> 00:30:00.799 And so much comfort. 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:02.079 So much consolation. 00:30:02.619 --> 00:30:03.879 So much encouragement. 00:30:04.079 --> 00:30:05.680 And I've really just touched on here. 00:30:05.680 --> 00:30:08.460 But each of us. 00:30:08.740 --> 00:30:09.340 We have. 00:30:09.680 --> 00:30:10.380 We have. 00:30:10.560 --> 00:30:11.680 Both a personal. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:14.080 But we also have. 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:15.060 A shared. 00:30:16.120 --> 00:30:16.519 Understanding. 00:30:17.380 --> 00:30:18.779 In this experience. 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:19.840 In other words. 00:30:20.320 --> 00:30:21.480 We are in this together. 00:30:22.100 --> 00:30:23.480 Each and every one of us. 00:30:23.480 --> 00:30:27.700 And just as we read. 00:30:27.819 --> 00:30:28.500 And as we sang. 00:30:29.140 --> 00:30:29.539 Surely. 00:30:29.900 --> 00:30:30.880 That should lead us. 00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:32.980 To love one another more as well. 00:30:33.860 --> 00:30:36.099 And especially to pray for one another. 00:30:37.259 --> 00:30:39.360 And to look out for one another. 00:30:40.960 --> 00:30:41.360 All. 00:30:41.539 --> 00:30:44.039 As we are all within this same family of God. 00:30:44.039 --> 00:30:47.720 And to truly give thanks and praise to God. 00:30:48.259 --> 00:30:50.680 For all his goodness to us. 00:30:51.619 --> 00:30:53.639 Just as the hymn writer wrote. 00:30:54.740 --> 00:30:56.319 Then sings my soul. 00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:58.720 My saviour God to thee. 00:30:59.700 --> 00:31:01.440 How great thou art. 00:31:03.339 --> 00:31:04.680 Let's close with prayer. 00:31:05.639 --> 00:31:06.720 Father we just. 00:31:07.659 --> 00:31:09.319 Bless you and thank you for. 00:31:09.319 --> 00:31:13.759 For all of your goodness to us. 00:31:14.059 --> 00:31:16.159 For all of your leading. 00:31:16.299 --> 00:31:17.099 All of your guiding. 00:31:18.179 --> 00:31:20.220 For your word that helps us. 00:31:22.279 --> 00:31:23.779 So much in our lives. 00:31:23.919 --> 00:31:24.500 Where we can. 00:31:25.019 --> 00:31:26.980 Relate to the experience of. 00:31:27.179 --> 00:31:28.579 Your people and your word. 00:31:28.759 --> 00:31:28.799 And. 00:31:29.339 --> 00:31:32.779 That your word helps us in every single situation. 00:31:33.480 --> 00:31:35.980 And any situation we could find ourselves in. 00:31:36.039 --> 00:31:36.659 In our lives. 00:31:37.759 --> 00:31:39.200 Just bless us and keep us. 00:31:39.200 --> 00:31:39.660 We pray. 00:31:40.559 --> 00:31:42.640 Bless each one of us here this evening. 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:44.000 And. 00:31:45.420 --> 00:31:45.860 Lord. 00:31:46.720 --> 00:31:48.039 Be close to us. 00:31:48.640 --> 00:31:50.019 Individually and collectively. 00:31:51.180 --> 00:31:52.819 We just pray that you would. 00:31:53.100 --> 00:31:54.720 Lead guide and encourage. 00:31:55.140 --> 00:31:56.500 Each and every one of us. 00:31:56.860 --> 00:31:58.960 As we step out of this building this evening. 00:31:59.400 --> 00:32:01.240 We just pray that you would be with us. 00:32:01.720 --> 00:32:03.580 And that your word would indeed be. 00:32:03.940 --> 00:32:05.039 A lamp to your feet. 00:32:05.539 --> 00:32:06.980 And a light to our path. 00:32:07.819 --> 00:32:08.759 For Christ's sake. 00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:09.360 Amen. 00:32:09.360 --> 00:32:09.460 Amen. 00:32:11.039 --> 00:32:11.960 Well can we. 00:32:12.140 --> 00:32:12.700 Can we close.