Good Morning Everyone!
Today we will be studying psalm 19, and our message is entitled, ‘Responding to God’s Revelation.’
The word “revelation” implies the fact that God must make Himself known to us. In other words, we cannot know God on our own. So, revelation must come from God’s initiative. Theologian Wayne Grudem says this about revelation: “If we are to know God at all, it is necessary that he reveal himself to us.”
In Psalm 19, David writes about how God reveals Himself, and he concludes the psalm with his response to God’s revelation. So, this morning, we are going to look at two ways how God reveals Himself, and what should be our response to His revelation. First…
1. God Reveals Himself in Creation (General Revelation) (Vs. 1-6)
In v. 1 David begins the psalm by saying, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” The heavens and skies are crucial elements of God’s Creation (Gen. 1:1, 8). The two verbs here ‘declare’ and ‘proclaim’ emphasize the continuity of these respective revelations. And the phrase, ‘the work of His hands’ illustrates God’s great power. So, the heavens and skies are continually enumerating every single detail of God’s power and His glory.
When we look up to the sky, it’s like we’re looking at a detailed painting by an amazing artist. (Here are some of the pictures taken by sister Jacque Dy. She is one of the people I know who is intentional about worshipping God by looking at the beauty of God’s creation). David is basically telling us that the world around us and above us is the media by which God speaks. God’s media declares very clearly that God made this world and He is glorious. It is also like God putting His art works on a permanent display. And God displayed these things for us to better understand Who He is. So, the universe is not by accident, it is God’s handiwork. Since God has created these things for us to observe, let us worship Him and give Him the glory that He deserves.
Looking at the skies, we can learn so much about God’s greatness, His power and His control. The sun, moon, stars and the whole universe are a permanent reminder of God’s glory. So, general revelation is without words, and it is universal in its scope. It transcends human communication without the use of speech, words, and sounds. Yet, the message is constantly communicated to the whole world.
General revelation continues to point people to God, and it is available to everyone. So, no one in the world is ignorant of God. Simply by opening our eyes and ears, we can witness the divinely created and sustained media which brings the message that God is powerful and glorious. Indeed, God’s creation reaches all people, at all times. So, general revelation should lead people to seek God.
Application
Brothers and sisters, God has revealed Himself generally to all people through His creation. In other words, we can know so many things about God as we witness His amazing creation. We know that He is Creator because we see His handiwork. Creation declares His existence and glory. So, let us train ourselves to appropriately respond to God's creation. When we see some aspect of His creation that impresses us, let us learn to worship God. We may say: ”Lord, you are great. Thank you for allowing me to catch a glimpse of Your glory!”
The other way how God reveals Himself is through His words…
2. God Reveals Himself in Scripture (Special Revelation) (vs. 7-11)
In vs. 7-11 we see God’s revelation through His word. Please, take note of the transition from ‘God’ to ‘LORD’ which is the covenant name. In other word, He is ‘YHWH’ the God of covenant, the One Who instructs people and is faithful to them. So, the word of the LORD does not only reveal God’s will, but also transforms the lives of people.
Let us look at verses 7-9, notice the pattern here. There’s a synonym for God’s Word, followed by an attribute of God’s Word, which is followed by a benefit to following God’s Word.
1. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul (v. 7a):
The law of the LORD is complete and perfect. It can’t be added to. The Bible is like an unending well that refreshes and realigns us with God's purposes. We can go to doctor for the needs of our body; we can go to college for the needs of our mind; but we can only go to Scripture for the needs of our soul. Because the perfect word of God revives us by cleansing us from our sin, and by assuring us the forgiveness.
2. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple (7b)
The word of God is trustworthy. It makes wise the simple. Only the Word of God can renew the mind. Even as believers, our minds are influenced by the world, but God’s Word can transform the way we think. Without the Word of God, we are incapable of thinking as we should. God’s Word teaches us not just what to believe but how to think.
3. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart (v. 8a):
Here, David is basically saying that Scripture is sufficient in giving us guidelines for living. And because God’s precepts are right, then following them will bring true joy to our hearts. The world that may offer temporary happiness, but joy comes from the word of God. So, let us turn to God’s word in order to experience true joy.
4. The commands of the LORD is radiant, giving light to the eyes (v. 8b):
The purifying work of God’s word is beautiful. It reveals all the corruptions of our life. Scripture is pure, clear and authoritative. It is not a book of suggestions, but a book of commands. And it is not a book about man, but a book about God. Because of its overall clarity, it brings people into an understanding of God. So, God’s word enlightens our eyes so we could see who God really is.
5. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever (v. 9a):
In v. 9a, David breaks up the pattern a little bit. “The fear of the Lord” isn’t really a synonym for God’s word. But it does describe the awe and majesty of God Himself. The fear of God keeps us from sin and wrongdoing. In other words, by instigating a fear of the consequences of wrong, we are protected from those situations where we would actually do wrong. So, the fear of the Lord keeps us from the deception of the evil one, and keeps us right on track.
6. The decrees of the LORD are firm, all of them are righteous (v. 9b):
Finally, David wraps up this section by describing the decrees of the Lord. The word ‘decree’ is a legal term, often used in connection with the verdict of a judge in a court of law. So, when God speaks on a matter, that truly is the final word. Maybe you’ve seen the t-shirt or heard the saying, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it.” Well, not really. The truth is, “God said it, and that settles it. Whether I believe it or not, when God said it, it is final. So, the word of God is righteous, and there is nothing false or unrighteous about it.
After taking about the importance of God’s word, David now talks about his delight in the word of God. In vs. 10, he says, “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.” David placed the value of God’s word above fine gold. And he compares God's Word to honey and drippings from the honeycomb. The kind of honey people in those days valued most highly. Brothers and sisters, how much value do we put on God’s word? How much delight do we find in reading it?
In v. 11 David says, by God’s word “your servant is warned.” He is speaking about an attitude of humility and teachability. He considers himself God’s servant. So, as a servant he waits on his master for the instructions, and he is ready to do what he is commanded. Because David knows, “in keeping them there is great reward.”
God promises spiritual reward, and even temporal reward if we allow God to transform our lives. But it takes the attitude of a servant, willing to be taught, willing to be warned concerning our sin, and willing to obey His words and be changed by them. DL Moody once said, “The scriptures were not given for our information but our transformation.”
Illustration
In the beginning, God spoke and the world was created. God's word is so powerful that it can make something out of nothing. And in the Garden of Eden, it was the disobedience to God's word that led to the fall of humanity. And When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He rebuked the devil and said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God.” It is the Word of God that produces faith and leads us to salvation. So, nothing is more important in our spiritual growth than the regular intake of God’s word.
Application
Brothers and sisters, let us ask ourselves, “How often do I read God's Word and apply it in my life?” Many believers give up reading God's Word regularly. It happens when they lose their delight for God's Word. So, the word of God is no longer a valuable and attractive aspect of their spiritual life. Let us ask God to revive our passion for God’s word, so we get excited to study His word and apply it in a daily basis.
Please, allow me to share with you 5R’s method to study the Bible:
1. Read
Get a plan to read the Bible in a year or twice year. Get a schedule to read it regularly. Get a version you understand (NIV, ESV, NASB etc). Get a translation which is easy for you to read (Chinese, Tagalog etc).
2. Reflect
Meditation means thinking about what God's word says. It is helpful to write it down or type it so you can go over it throughout the day. Ask yourself what God is saying to you about Himself through His word and what He wants you to do in response.
3. Remember
Memorize it. Bible memorization is one of the most powerful tools in your discipleship toolbox. If you hid it in your heart, no one can take it from you and it will be there when you need it. God will bring it to your remembrance.
4. Recount
Share what you have learned with others. Tell others what God is saying to you through His word. You would be amazed how hungry people are for spiritual truth.
5. Respond
Simply put, do it. Don't just be a reader of the word, be a doer. Jesus challenged the Pharisees for not obeying the law. Studying God’s word is not an academic exercise. It is a matter of the heart.
After writing about God’s general and the special revelation, David responds to God in vs. 12-14. And it should also be…
3. Our Response to God’s Revelation (Vs. 12-14)
David responds with an acknowledgment of his way, and a prayer for cleansing from sins, and preservation from sinfulness. Indeed, the proper response to God’s revelation is the confession of sin and the desire to be accepted by God.
The first thing David realized was his need for forgiveness from sin, error, and faults; that's what looking up at the skies will do. The revelation of the glory of God means that I see myself as I really am. As we realize the glory of God in the creation and the greatness of God in the Scriptures, we can see a need for the grace of God in our life. What we see in creation and what we read in Scripture is what we should be processing in our hearts and our minds.
In v. 14 David now focuses his attention on sins of speech and of the heart. He not only invites God to examine the words he speaks publicly, but those private words that he utters only to himself which might not be suitable for public audience. David understands clearly that the ultimate problem is the heart. And He knows that only God can bring about the transformation of the heart.
Application
Brothers and sisters, this should be our prayer too: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, My rock and my redeemer.” Let us pause for a while and ask these questions: How would my life be different if I began praying this prayer every morning? What difference would it make if I prayed this prayer before attending an important meeting at work? How would this prayer transform my language and actions when I’m out with my friends? Or when I’m talking to a client on the phone who always complains? Or when I’m negotiating business a contract? And how might this prayer affect the way I speak to my spouse, my children, my employees, or my colleagues?
Brothers and sisters, may we like David, in humility of heart, sanctify the words of our mouth; the meditation of our heart; the thoughts of our mind, and the motives of our inner being. So that we would be pleasing and acceptable in the sight of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Closing
In psalm 19, we saw how David looked upward at nature, downward at Scripture, and inward at his soul. God’s creation or general revelation, calls for our worship. And the Bible, God’s special revelation, calls for our obedience. Brothers and sisters, God is constantly calling us closer to Him through our worship, and through our obedience. God has revealed Himself through His creation and in His Word, so now let us respond to Him in worship and in obedience.
Three things we have learned today from psalm 19:
God Reveals Himself in Creation (vs. 1-6)
God Reveals Himself in Scripture (vs. 7-11)
Our Response to God’s Revelation (vs. 12-14)
Let us pray!
