God’s Word and Our Afflictions

1. Read: Psalm 119:65-72

2. About the Text:

1) It is the longest Psalm in the book of Psalms.

2) It is also the longest chapter in the Bible.

3) The Psalm is divided into 22 parts.

4) Each part begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

5) In Hebrew, each line of these parts begin with that letter.

6) Is this significant? There’s not a letter that doesn’t honor God’s word.

7) The content of this chapter is respect, praise, and honor for God’s word.

8) God’s word is described with several different words in this Psalm.

a. Laws

b. Testimonies

c. Ways

d. Precepts

e. Statutes

f. Commandments

g. Judgments

h. Word

i. Truth

9) All of these words are used to refer to God’s word.

10) There is great respect for God’s word in this Psalm.

11) We ought to have this same respect also.

12) Without God’s word we would not have the information we need for our salvation.

13) We ought to join the Psalmist in praising God for His wonderful word!

14) This first part of this Psalm serves as an introduction to the entire Psalm.

15) Let’s study it together.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. Verse 68 says, “You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes.”

2. God’s goodness is in his word: “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments” (verse 66).

3. James 1:13, 17 – “ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. . . . Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

4. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All scripture . . . good works.”

1. Verse 67 – “Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word.”

2. Verse 71 – “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.”

3. Afflictions are not without purpose for the child of God.

4. 1 Peter 1:7 – “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

5. Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

1. Verses 69-70 – “The proud have forged a lie against me, But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart. Their heart is as fat as grease, But I delight in Your law.”

2. The wicked only have plans to take care of themselves.

3. This is why we need to put our trust in God and His word.

4. Verse 65 – “You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word.”

5. Verse 72 – “The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.”

6. Proverbs 3:5-6.

7. God is the God of all comforts – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

1. Though we may be afflicted, God’s word teaches us that . . .

1) God is Good.

2) Afflictions Refine the Righteous

3) The Wicked Will Not Comfort Us.

2. Invitation