Summer in the Psalms: Psalm 119
“1 How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart. 3 They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. 4 You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments. 7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. 8 I shall keep Your statutes; Do not forsake me utterly! 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. 10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. 11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”
—Psalm 119:1-11
Is there a right way and a wrong way to read the Bible? One thing’s for sure: if you don’t read it at all – that’s wrong! Many benefits come from regular Bible study, and today’s sermon focused on the most significant benefit of all. While it’s good to turn to the Bible for answers to our questions, it’s better to read it to grow your relationship with God. In short – it’s better to know God than to know about God.
The writer of Psalm 119 focused this long chapter (the longest in the Bible!) on his love for God’s word. He said in verse 11 that he “treasured it in his heart that he might not sin against God.” He had the proper focus! He learned God’s word to love God completely, and that’s the key to a fulfilling life. Fulfillment comes to those who make God their heart’s priority.
Begin by reading Psalm 119:1-11 aloud.
—Psalm 119:1-11
Is there a right way and a wrong way to read the Bible? One thing’s for sure: if you don’t read it at all – that’s wrong! Many benefits come from regular Bible study, and today’s sermon focused on the most significant benefit of all. While it’s good to turn to the Bible for answers to our questions, it’s better to read it to grow your relationship with God. In short – it’s better to know God than to know about God.
The writer of Psalm 119 focused this long chapter (the longest in the Bible!) on his love for God’s word. He said in verse 11 that he “treasured it in his heart that he might not sin against God.” He had the proper focus! He learned God’s word to love God completely, and that’s the key to a fulfilling life. Fulfillment comes to those who make God their heart’s priority.
Begin by reading Psalm 119:1-11 aloud.
Discussion Questions
1. Read the first two sections (vv.1-16) of Ps. 119. What is one thing that stands out to you as you read the text? Why does that jump out to you?
2. What does your current time with God look like? What would you desire it to look like?
3. Discuss the reasons that may hinder someone from reading the Bible regularly. How can you overcome those hindrances?
4. Does anyone recall a bible verse you memorized as a kid? Why do you think you still remember it? Why is that verse vital to you?
5. Talk as a group and discuss Bible verses that would be helpful as you deal with different circumstances in life.
Challenge: Memorize Psalm 1 this summer. At the end of each group meeting, ask each member to recite the portion they have learned!
2. What does your current time with God look like? What would you desire it to look like?
3. Discuss the reasons that may hinder someone from reading the Bible regularly. How can you overcome those hindrances?
4. Does anyone recall a bible verse you memorized as a kid? Why do you think you still remember it? Why is that verse vital to you?
5. Talk as a group and discuss Bible verses that would be helpful as you deal with different circumstances in life.
Challenge: Memorize Psalm 1 this summer. At the end of each group meeting, ask each member to recite the portion they have learned!
Posted in Sermon Notes