Summary
In Psalm 119, we’re invited to dive deep into the transformative power of God’s Word. The message emphasizes three key approaches: learning, loving, and living the Word. As we engage with Scripture, we’re reminded that it’s not just a task to complete, but a treasure to cherish. The Psalmist’s passion for God’s decrees challenges us to find the same joy in Scripture as we might in material riches. This perspective shift can revolutionize our spiritual lives, guarding us against sin and providing a firm foundation in turbulent times. The parallels drawn between God’s Word and personal love letters beautifully illustrate the intimate nature of Scripture – it’s not just written for us, but to us, by the Creator of the universe. As we cultivate a habit of engaging with the Bible, we’re encouraged to decide, plan, and act, making God’s Word an integral part of our daily lives. This message serves as a powerful reminder of the life-changing potential that lies within the pages of Scripture, waiting for us to unlock it.
Key Scripture
Psalm 119
Opening Discussion
Would anyone wish to share how consistently “being” in the Word has impacted your life?
Key Takeaways
- God’s Word has breadth, depth, fullness, and richness.
- We need to learn, love, and live the Word of God.
- God’s Word is a treasure, not just a task.
- Engaging with Scripture is essential for spiritual growth and purity.
- Consistency in approaching God’s Word requires intentional decision-making, planning, and action.
Discussion Questions
- Do you make it a practice to come to church spiritually ready? What are some things we can do to change that, and what value would come from it?
- The sermon emphasized three approaches to God’s Word: learn, love, and live. Which of these do you find easiest? Which is most challenging for you?
- Reflect on Psalm 119:11. “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you:
- How have you experienced God’s Word guarding you against sin in your life?
- Andy compared God’s Word to personal letters from loved ones…hidden treasure.
- How would it help you in your desire to read scripture if you viewed it this way?
- Discuss the statement: “God’s Word is not just a task, it is a treasure.”
- How can we shift our mindset from viewing Bible reading as a chore to valuing it as a treasure?
- How does the concept of “keeping” God’s Word (as mentioned in Psalm 119:9) apply to our daily lives?
- The sermon mentioned the power young men have to be a force for good or evil. How can this principle apply to all believers, regardless of age or gender?
- Is there anything keeping you from God’s word?
Practical Applications
- Decide: Make a personal decision about who you want to be in relation to God’s Word. Share your decision with the group.
- Plan: Develop a specific plan for engaging with Scripture. Include:
- A designated place
- A set time
- A cue or prompting
- Do: Commit to following your plan for at least one month. Hold each other accountable within the group.
- Memorization Challenge: Choose a verse from Psalm 119 to memorize this week. Share it with the group next time you meet.
- Reflection Exercise: Each day this week, ask yourself these questions after reading Scripture:
- What does this passage reveal about God’s character?
- What does it teach me about myself?
- How should this impact my relationships with others?
- Group Activity: At your next meeting, have each person share one way God’s Word has been a “treasure” to them recently.
Closing Prayer
Thank God for His Word and ask for His help in treasuring it more deeply. Pray for consistency in engaging with Scripture and for its transformative power in your lives.
Supporting Scripture
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for the main themes discussed:
Explicitly Mentioned:
- Psalm 119 (entire chapter, with focus on verses 1-16)
- Psalm 46:10 (“Be still and know that I am God”)
- Genesis 1 (God creating and evaluating creation as “good”)
- Matthew 18:21-22 (forgiving 70 times 7)
- John 16:33 (“In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world”)
- Ephesians 6:17 (Word of God as the sword of the Spirit)
Alluded to:
- Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus using Scripture to resist temptation)
- Genesis 2:15 (Adam being placed in the Garden of Eden to work and keep it)
Relevant verses for main themes:
On the importance of God’s Word:
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”
- Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…”
On meditating on God’s Word:
- Joshua 1:8 “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night…”
- Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
On living out God’s Word:
- James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
- Matthew 7:24-25 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock…”
On the power of God’s Word:
- Isaiah 55:11 “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”