16 Jan 2001

Psalm 119:9-16

FIGHTING PROBLEMATIC TENDENCIES

A. Certain problematic tendencies in our life
1. The tendency to sin against the Lord
"…That I might not sin against You!" vs 11

2. The tendency of the heart to wander

"Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!" vs 10

3. The tendency of forgetting the Lord's Word

I will not forget Your word." vs 16

4. The tendency to remain in uncleanness

"How can a young man cleanse his way?" vs 9

B. Fighting these tendencies with the Lord's Word

If we employ the Lord's Word in our lives, we will see its efficacious outworkings.
1. There is thorough purification of our life
"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." vs 9

2. There is full protection against sin

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!" vs 11

3. The focus of the heart is centered on God…preventing us from wandering away

"With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!" vs 10

4. There will come precious joy and delight.

"I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches." vs 14

"I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word." vs 16

5. There is permanence in the remembrance of the Lord's Word
"I will not forget Your word." vs 16

C. The process of effecting what we promise

1. Memorisation of the Lord's Word
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!" vs 11

2. Meditation of the Lord's Word

"I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways." vs 15

3. Praying for the Lord to teach us

"Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes!" vs 12

4. Practising the Lord's Word

"By taking heed according to Your word." Vs 9

5. Proclaiming the Lord's Word
"With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth." vs 14