BIG IDEA:
THE ETERNAL FAITHFULNESS OF GOD TO HIS WORD IS THE PATHWAY TO PRESERVATION
I. (:89-91) THIS IS TRUE IN NATURE
A. Thesis Stated:
“Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven”
“Thy faithfulness continues throughout all generations”
B. Example of the Earth
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God established it by His Word — “Thou didst establish the earth”
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God upholds it by His Word — “It stands”
C. What is True of the Whole is also True of All the Parts
“They (= the parts making up “it”) stand this day according to Thine ordinances,
For all things are Thy servants”
nothing outside the scope of God’s sovereignty and control
II. (:92-95) THIS IS TRUE IN THE LIFE OF THE AFFLICTED BELIEVER
A. Preserved by Delighting in God’s Word
“If Thy law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction”
B. Preserved by Remembering God’s Word
“I will never forget Thy precepts, For by them Thou hast revived me”
C. Preserved by Seeking God’s Word
“I am Thine, save me For I have sought Thy precepts”
D. Preserved by Diligent Study — despite the plots of the wicked
“The wicked wait for me to destroy me; I shall diligently consider Thy testimonies”
III. (:96) CONTRAST: NO SUCH FAITHFULNESS POSSIBLE FOR FINITE, SINFUL MAN
A. Because No Sinless Perfection
“I have seen a limit to all perfection”
B. Because God’s Law is All-Encompassing
“Thy commandment is exceedingly broad”
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Attitudes as well as Actions
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Character as well as Obedience