6 March 2006

Text: Psalm 119:41-48 (Cf. 1 Peter 3:15)

LIVING IN A HOSTILE WORLD
1. Reproaches
a) Initial response
"Turn away my reproach which I dread…"    Psalm 119:39a

b) Intended response
"So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me"    Psalm 119:42

2. Possible adversaries- "Kings"
"I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed."    Psalm 119:46

SURVIVING IN A HOSTILE WORLD
1. Prayer
a) For mercies
"Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD…"    Psalm 119:41a

b) For salvation (deliverance)
"Your salvation according to Your word…"    Psalm 119:41b

c) For the word of truth
"So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me,
For I trust in Your word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I have hoped in Your ordinances."    Psalm 119:42-43

i) Trust that God would give His word
ii) Trust that God would not take away His word
iii) Every hope in God's ordinances

2. Determinations
a) To keep God's word always
"So shall I keep Your law continually, forever and ever."    Psalm 119:44

b) Walking in liberty
"And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts"    Psalm 119:45 (Cf. Galatians 5:1)

c) Speaking courageously before kings
"I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed"    Psalm 119:46 (Cf. Acts 9:15)

d) Delighting in the word of the Lord
"And I will delight myself in Your commandments which I love"    Psalm 119:47

e) Lifting prayers of praise to the Lord for His Word
"My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love"    Psalm 119:48a

f) Meditation on the Word of the Lord
"And I will meditate on Your statutes"    Psalm 119:48b

g) Love for the Lord's word
"Your commandments which I love…"    Psalm 119:47, 48