September 25, 2006

Text: Psalm 119:161-168


PROBLEM OF ENEMIES
"Princes persecute me without a cause…"    Psalm 119:161a

1. Enemies
Frequently mentioned

2. This problem will never go away

    a) Enemies can and will persecute

    b) They do not need a cause to persecute people

    c) They will not hesitate to persecute even the righteous

PLACE OF GOD'S WORD AMIDST PROBLEMS
1. A relationship of standing in awe
"But my heart stands in awe of Your word"    Psalm 119:161b

2. A relationship of great joy
"I rejoice at Your word as one finds great treasure"    Psalm 119:162

3. A relationship of great Love
"I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law"    Psalm 119:163

"My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly"    Psalm 119:167

4. A relationship of great praise
"Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments"    Psalm 119:164

POWERFUL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
1. Good observation requires:-

a) Facts

b) In-depth analysis

2. Observation of those who love God's word
"Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble"    Psalm 119:165

    a) Experience of peace

    b) Experience of grace from God so that they do not to stumble

PERSONAL DETERMINATIONS
1. Hope
"LORD, I hope for Your salvation…"    Psalm 119:166a

2. Obedience
"And I do Your commandments…"    Psalm 119:166b

"My soul keeps Your commandments…"    Psalm 119:167a

"I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies…"    Psalm 119:168a

3. Love
"I love them exceedingly…"    Psalm 119:167b

4. Consciousness of God
"All my ways are before You…"    Psalm 119:168b