Daily Lesson for Sunday 18th of February 2024
Read Psalms 119:1-16,161-168. How should we keep God’s commandments, and what are the blessings that come from doing that?
The Bible depicts a daily life of faith as a pilgrimage (“walk”) with God in His path of righteousness. The life of faith is maintained by walking “in the law of the Lord” (Psalms 119:1, NKJV) and by walking “in the light of Your countenance” (Psalms 89:15, NKJV). These are by no means two different walks. Walking in the light of God’s countenance implies upholding God’s law. Equally, walking “in the law of the Lord” involves seeking God with the whole heart (Psalms 119:1-2,10).
Image © Kevin Carden at Goodsalt.com
Being “undefiled in the way” is another way the Psalms describe the righteous life (Psalms 119:1). “Undefiled” describes a sacrifice “without blemish” that is acceptable to God (Exodus 12:5). Likewise, the life of the righteous individual is a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Thus, a love for sin must not defile it. A life devoted to God is also a “perfect way,” meaning that the person assumes a right direction in life that is pleasing to God (Psalms 101:2,6; see also Psalms 18:32).
Keeping God’s commandments has nothing to do with a legalistic observance of divine rules. On the contrary, it consists of “a good understanding” of the difference between right and wrong and good and evil (Psalms 111:10; see also 1 Chronicles 22:12), and involves the whole person, not merely outward actions. Being “undefiled,” keeping God’s commandments and seeking God with the whole heart, are inseparable attitudes in life (Psalms 119:1, 2).
God’s commandments are a revelation of God’s will for the world. They instruct people on how to become wise and to live in freedom and peace (Psalms 119:7-11,133). The psalmist delights in the law because the law assures him of God’s faithfulness (Psalms 119:77,174).
“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psalms 119:165, NKJV). The image of stumbling depicts moral failure. As the lamp to the psalmist’s feet (Psalms 119:105), God’s Word protects us from temptations (Psalms 119:110).
How did Christ demonstrate the power of God’s Word in His life (Matthew 4:1-11)? What should this tell us about the power that comes from a heart set on obeying God’s law?
(0)The post Sunday: Your Word I Have Hidden in My Heart appeared first on Sabbath School Net.
Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24a-08-your-word-i-have-hidden-in-my-heart/
