As we contemplate whether or not scripture is sufficient for our lives it is important to examine what scripture says about itself. Psalm 19 makes a host of statements that reflect the superiority and sufficiency of scripture. In it we find what is so often missing in evangelical thought. That God’s Word needs nothing, including the fallen thoughts, ideas, and concepts of man.
Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure,making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Verse 7. The law of the Lord is perfect. It is whole, complete, and lacks nothing. Therefore it can revive and restore the soul. Nothing else is needed.
It is sure. It is trustworthy and therefore can make wise the simple. It gives clarity about life and about God.
Verse 8. The guidelines and principle of God are correct and cause man’s inner-self to celebrate.
God’s Word has authority and it always correct. It is untainted with error. It is complete Truth. Therefore, it brings to light that which was not seen before. It provides clear insight into our situation and who God is.
Verse 9. God’s Word will form a deep reverence for Almighty God that is undefiled. It is permanent and never in need of improvement.
His decrees reflect reality and there is no lie in them. They describe what is just, fair, holy, and good. It leads man to understand and practice the Truth.
Verse 10. Our desire for God’s Word should be desired above the riches of this world. As believers, our desire is born out of our faith. Our craving should be for God’s word and should not be a burden.
Verse 11. God’s word warns us about sin, depravity, and temptation. In keeping His word we experience the fullness of life and experience relationship with Him.
Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure,making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Verse 7. The law of the Lord is perfect. It is whole, complete, and lacks nothing. Therefore it can revive and restore the soul. Nothing else is needed.
It is sure. It is trustworthy and therefore can make wise the simple. It gives clarity about life and about God.
Verse 8. The guidelines and principle of God are correct and cause man’s inner-self to celebrate.
God’s Word has authority and it always correct. It is untainted with error. It is complete Truth. Therefore, it brings to light that which was not seen before. It provides clear insight into our situation and who God is.
Verse 9. God’s Word will form a deep reverence for Almighty God that is undefiled. It is permanent and never in need of improvement.
His decrees reflect reality and there is no lie in them. They describe what is just, fair, holy, and good. It leads man to understand and practice the Truth.
Verse 10. Our desire for God’s Word should be desired above the riches of this world. As believers, our desire is born out of our faith. Our craving should be for God’s word and should not be a burden.
Verse 11. God’s word warns us about sin, depravity, and temptation. In keeping His word we experience the fullness of life and experience relationship with Him.
Comments