Psalm 119:1-40

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Longest Psalm, an Alphabetic Acrostic

(Transcript not available - coming soon)

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The Word of God is perfect and sufficient.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t waste time on what is worthless!

QUESTIONS

  1. Explain the structure of Psalm 119.

  2. What New Testament verse reinforces our doctrinal point, “The Word of God is perfect and sufficient”?

  3. What is the theme of verses 25-32?

  4. What does it mean to be loyal to God’s Word?

ANSWERS

  1. Psalm 119 is not only the longest psalm; it is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. As an alphabetic acrostic psalm it is structured around the 22 letter Hebrew alphabet. Each letter in successive order has 8 lines beginning with that letter.

  2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

  3. These verses are united by the psalmist’s prayer for a greater understanding of God’s Word, because through it there is revival and restoration.

  4. Loyalty has both positive and negative aspects. It means turning to the Word of God in its perfection and sufficiency for life. It also means turning away from all other sources of secrets for successful living.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss the desire to live a pure life. The answer is not in will power, but in hiding the Word of God in your heart. Discuss Psalm 119:9-16.

  2. An emphasis in Psalm 119 is not just knowing God’s Word, but desiring it, rejoicing in it, longing for it, wanting to obey it. The psalmist did not take the Word of God lightly. How can you develop this fervor for God’s Word in your own life?

CHALLENGE

  1. In Psalm 119:37 the psalmist expresses a determined act of the will not to waste time on anything that is worthless. Will you put into practice that same desire this week?

KEY VERSES

  • “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11

  • “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” Psalm 119:18