PRIORITIZING GOD'S WORD

Scripture Text

Psalm 119:7-11

Intro: When you are about to make a trip where you have never been before, you get instructions from a map to guide and direct you on your journey. If you don’t get instruction from a map to guide you, you could get lost and waste lots of time and gas. The same is true with our spiritual life. We need spiritual directions and instructions as we journey through this world seeking our heavenly home. As we begin this New Year we need to prioritize the word of God and make it of the utmost importance in our lives.

I    I. Let God’s word instruct your way. ( Psalms 119:105) Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. When you buy an article that needs to be put together, you always get the instructions out and read them first because the one who made the product knows best how to assemble it. The same is true with spiritual things. There are many obstructions and detours in our journey through this world. God made us and knows what the best way to navigate through this world on our way to Heaven.                                                                                                                                                                                        II. God’s instructions are perfect. Psalm 19:7 (NKJV)  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; Not only does God's word guide our way through life but The perfect instructions of God’s word can change people. It converts (transforms) the soul from sinner to saint. From worry, doubt and fear to power, love, And a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7). God's word imparts wisdom. The instructions of God can be trusted to make the simple, the humble and lowly one wise. God has revealed His instructions and His “ways” so that people may know them, and base their lives on them so they can walk in the favor and blessings of God and avoid the wrong path.

III. God's word brings joy and enlightenment. Psalm 19:8 (NKJV) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; God’s instructions give joy to the heart and they enlighten (educates) one’s spiritual eyes, that is, improves his life with God's blessings and guides him in the righteous way. The statutes, precepts, commands, and ordinances are all specific instructions within the word to show us how to live the abundant life and avoid sin and the evil way. Joy and guidance fill the soul of one who meditates on and follows God’s commands.

IV. God's word is true and righteous. Psalm 19:9 (NKJV) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. God's word is pure and free from defilement. The world is constantly trying to deceive us and lead us astray. But there is no error or deception in God's word. Judgments is here a synonym for the Law or God’s word, for its purpose was to put fear into human hearts. Fear of God means we respect and reverence Him and His word. The instructions of God are pure.. sure, and righteous. The instructions to fear the Lord was designed to cause believers to obey God and lead righteous lives which leads to God's favor and blessings.

V. God's word is valuable. Psalm 19:10-11 (NKJV) ¹⁰  More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹  Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. Nothing in this world is more valuable! David disclosed his personal reaction to God’s perfect instructions in His Word. He found the instructions of God desirable and enjoyable. In describing their value to him, he compared them to gold and honey—they are more precious than gold, the most valuable commodity, and sweeter than honey, the sweetest substance known. The instructions of God’s word are not a burden to believers who were trying to please God with their lives. For David, keeping God’s instructions for life, which warned him of the dangers of folly and sin, brought great reward. It will do the same for us. Those rewards will go on through out eternity. God's word will bring us the best life possible.

I Conclusion: Psalm 111:10 says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” Proverbs 8:13 (NKJV) The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” In vain does any man pretend to be wise who does not fear the Lord; and he who fears the Lord and has a good understanding departs from evil and does the commands of God. He who lives in sin neither fears God, nor is wise. How important is God’s word to you? Are you are missing out on the blessings of God for your life by not putting a priority on reading His word daily. You can change that right now by prioritizing God's word.

Invitation: If you have never had your sins forgiven, now is the time to confess your sins to Jesus Christ and ask Him to forgive you and save you from Hell. John 6:37 (NKJV) “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” Jesus promises here He will by no means refuse you! Come to Him now!