Psalm 19
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (ESV)
Introduction
• God is a speaking God. He speaks in creation, in Scripture and unto salvation.
• Psalm 19 teaches that God speaks:
– universally in creation,
– clearly and powerfully in Scripture, and
– personally and savingly to the human heart.
• Movement of the psalm:
– the sky above us
– the Word before us
– the prayer within us
1. God Speaks Clearly Through Creation
1.1 Creation Proclaims God’s Glory (v. 1)
• The heavens declare God’s glory
• Creation continually testifies to God’s power and majesty
• This is true, but non-saving revelation
1.2 Creation’s Witness Is Universal and Inescapable (vv. 2-6)
• Creation speaks without words, yet to all people
• No one is outside its reach
• The sun illustrates God’s global testimony
• General revelation renders humanity accountable, not redeemed
2. God Speaks Powerfully Through His Word
2.1 The Perfection and Sufficiency of God’s Word (vv. 7-9)
• Attributes of Scripture:
perfect, sure, right, pure, clear, true and righteous altogether
• God’s Word lacks nothing
2.2 The Transforming Power of God’s Word (vv. 7-8)
• The Word:
revives the soul, makes wise the simple, rejoices the heart and enlightens the eyes.
• Scripture transforms and saves
2.3 The Incomparable Value of God’s Word (vv. 10-11)
• More desirable than gold
• Sweeter than honey
• God’s Word warns and rewards His redeemed people
3. God Speaks Savingly to the Heart
3.1 The Word Exposes Hidden Sin (v. 12)
• God’s Word reveals unseen sin
• Leads to a plea for mercy
3.2 The Word Produces Humility and Dependence (v. 13)
• Prayer for restraint from presumptuous sin
• Dependence on God for perseverance and holiness
3.3 The Right Response: Acceptable Worship (v. 14)
• Prayer for words and thoughts pleasing to God
• Response includes:
humility, repentance, obedience and worship
• God is addressed as Rock and Redeemer
Conclusion:
• The Word still Speaks
God speaks in creation, in Scripture and to the human heart.
• All revelation points to Christ:
the living Word, the final revelation and the true Redeemer.
• Psalm 19 ends not with silence, but surrender