Good morning,

Love. How do we define it? Who is love? Does the Bible give us example of people who loved?

These are questions we will explore during the next few weeks.

This week we will define love.

Definition of God’s Love (charity = love)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Description of Agape love

The following is a description of agape love, also called “charity” in the New Testament (1 Cor. 13). This paraphrase is based upon research of the Greek and English words and their meanings in 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

LOVE BEARETH ALL THINGS. God’s love makes it possible to withstand all stress and difficulty. Because God is love, He supports and carries on His own Person whatever is placed upon Him. God’s love protects, covers, and keeps off anything which threatens the benefit and welfare of another. God’s love holds back, refrains, and is tolerant and patient in all circumstances.

LOVE BELIEVETH ALL THINGS. God’s love puts faith in others, believing the best of everyone (without criticizing or looking for fault).

LOVE HOPETH ALL THINGS. God’s love persists in hoping, against all odds, in confidence and expectation of fulfillment of that which is promised.

LOVE ENDURETH ALL THINGS. God’s love causes one to carry on through, despite hardships.

LOVE NEVER FAILETH. God’s love never proves insufficient in duration or is unsuccessful in effectiveness. Love will never disappoint or prove undependable. God’s love goes on forever and will never come to an end.

Credit due to: http://www.krowtracts.com/agape.html

There are fifteen terms defining love in these five verses. Each one should challenge the way we think about love.

Love beareth all things. Is God, who is love, big enough to help us to go through the stress and difficulties of life? He is. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. He protects and guides us. He restrains Satan. When we are overwhelmed, the Holy Spirit helps us weather the storm.

Love believeth all things. Do we believe the best in everyone? God’s does. He saw what we could be. He saw the best in us, even when we were lost sinners. He did not look at our faults.

Are we willing to see the best in people? Will we love them as Christ loved us?

Love hopeth all things. We always have hope. It is never ending. Our hope is built on the person of God and His promises. If God makes a promise in the Bible, it will happen. That is where our hope lies.

Love endureth all things. Endurance means to carry on in spite of hardships or failures. Not in our strength, but God’s. Think of all the people in the Bible that endured through hardship. Abraham, Moses, King David, Ruth and Naomi, Paul, and Jesus Himself. They never quit and we shouldn’t either.

Love never faileth. Why? Because God is love. God never fails to love. He loved us. He wants us to lover others.

Conclusion

Our goal is to evaluate our relationships through the filter of God’s love. Then apply God’s definition in 1 Corinthians 13 to each relationship and area of our lives. Having done this, we will have a closer relationship to our Lord Jesus Christ and to others.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Love. How do we define it? Who is love? Does the Bible give us example of people who loved?

These are questions we will explore during the next few weeks.

This week we will define love.

Definition of God’s Love (charity = love)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Description of Agape love

The following is a description of agape love, also called “charity” in the New Testament (1 Cor. 13). This paraphrase is based upon research of the Greek and English words and their meanings in 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

LOVE DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY. God’s love does not act, react, function, or perform in a manner which is in bad taste, improper, or in violation of what is right.

LOVE SEEKETH NOT HER OWN. God’s love does not demand its own way.

LOVE IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED. God’s love is not easily annoyed or incited to anger or resentment.

LOVE THINKETH NO EVIL. God’s love does not reason about or reflect upon that which causes or constitutes misfortune, suffering, difficulty, or the like. God’s love does not ponder upon wickedness.

LOVE REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY. God’s love feels joyful when right, sincerity, integrity, honesty, and truth prevail.

Credit due to: http://www.krowtracts.com/agape.html

There are fifteen terms defining love in these five verses. Each one should challenge the way we think about love.

Love doth not behave itself unseemly. Unfortunately, we do not practice pure love. In the name of love we celebrate unions God calls abominations. We falsely use the name love, without understanding the meaning of the word. If we fail to follow God’s definition of love, we are behaving unseemly. We should think before we speak and act.

Love seeketh not her own. It is a shame that the love relationship is encumbered by demands. We should never demand love. Christ is our example. He gave love freely. He did not demand love. Love was always a free choice. Do we demand people love us? Should we submit to people who demand love of us? That is not God’s Agape love.

Love is not easily provoked. What annoys us? What causes us to fly off the handle? Those responses are not loving responses. Satan knows what triggers these things in our lives. We either choose to follow Satan and be unloving or follow God’s love.   

Love thinketh no evil. Someone has wronged us. What is our response? Revenge, evil, hoping the person suffers? That is the opposite of what God wants. He wants us to love our enemies. God also does not want us to have evil thoughts. Hard to do when we live in a world that preaches unrighteousness. For us to live above the world, we must fill our minds with righteousness. The Bible, Godly preaching, Biblically based television programs.

Love rejoiceth not in iniquity. In other words, God’s love follows after righteousness. The question for each of us is, do we desire to follow after righteousness?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Love. How do we define it? Who is love? Does the Bible give us example of people who loved?

These are questions we will explore during the next few weeks.

This week we will define love.

Definitions of Love

Three types of love

Eros, sexual love

The Hebrew word yada and the Greek word eros are the words used to indicate sexual love. In Genesis 38 Judah makes love with a woman he assumes is a prostitute. In the original Hebrew of verse 26, the word is yada, meaning “to know” and in this context “to know carnally” or “to have sexual intercourse with.” In the New Testament, the Greek word eros is not found because there is no context in which it might be used.

Phileo, brotherly love

The second type of love is the brotherly love that exists between close friends regardless of gender. There is no sexual connotation; it is the love for and by a friend. The Hebrew word is ahabah, and it is used to describe the love between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:17. The Greek word for brotherly love or affection is phileo, as used to refer to friendship in John 15:19, Romans 12:10, and Hebrews 13:1.

Agape, God’s love

Finally, there is the Hebrew word chesed and the Greek word agape, which are used to express the kind of love God demonstrates toward His elect. Chesed is often translated as “steadfast love” or “lovingkindness.” A good example of chesed is found in Numbers 14:18, “The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression” (Numbers 14:18, ESV). God’s chesed love is why He never gives up on those He has adopted as His children. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people repeatedly fell into idolatry and sin, yet He always preserved a remnant; He never gives up on His people. The reason is His chesed love.

A similar idea is found in the New Testament with the Greek word agape. Agape love is the goodwill and benevolence of God shown in self-sacrifice and an unconditional commitment to loved one. Agape is similar to chesed in that it is steadfast, regardless of circumstances. Agape love is the kind of love we are to have for God in fulfillment of the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37). Jesus wants to instill agape in His followers as we serve others through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 22:39; John 13:34).

(www.gotquestions.org)

Definition of God’s Love (charity = love)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

The following is a description of agape love, also called “charity” in the New Testament (1 Cor. 13). This paraphrase is based upon research of the Greek and English words and their meanings in 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

LOVE SUFFERETH LONG. God’s love has a tolerance for and endures trying situations and persons beyond an average standard. God’s love is patient.

LOVE IS KIND. God’s love is of a friendly nature, generous, hospitable, warm-hearted, and good. God’s love is charitable and helpful, showing sympathy and understanding for others. It is considerate, forbearing, tolerant, courteous, and thoughtful, desiring only to promote another’s welfare. It is generous, liberal, and beneficial, demonstrating itself in kindly acts.

LOVE ENVIETH NOT. God’s love does not resent another’s good fortune or desire to have what is his. God’s love is not jealous and does not deprive another of what he has.

LOVE VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF. God’s love does not boast and brag or abound with self-praise. It is not vain nor proud.

LOVE IS NOT PUFFED UP. God’s love is not high-minded or puffed up with pride.

LOVE DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY. God’s love does not act, react, function, or perform in a manner which is in bad taste, improper, or in violation of what is right.

LOVE SEEKETH NOT HER OWN. God’s love does not demand its own way.

LOVE IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED. God’s love is not easily annoyed or incited to anger or resentment.

LOVE THINKETH NO EVIL. God’s love does not reason about or reflect upon that which causes or constitutes misfortune, suffering, difficulty, or the like. God’s love does not ponder upon wickedness.

LOVE REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY. God’s love feels joyful when right, sincerity, integrity, honesty, and truth prevail.

LOVE BEARETH ALL THINGS. God’s love makes it possible to withstand all stress and difficulty. Because God is love, He supports and carries on His own Person whatever is placed upon Him. God’s love protects, covers, and keeps off anything which threatens the benefit and welfare of another. God’s love holds back, refrains, and is tolerant and patient in all circumstances.

LOVE BELIEVETH ALL THINGS. God’s love puts faith in others, believing the best of everyone (without criticizing or looking for fault).

LOVE HOPETH ALL THINGS. God’s love persists in hoping, against all odds, in confidence and expectation of fulfillment of that which is promised.

LOVE ENDURETH ALL THINGS. God’s love causes one to carry on through, despite hardships.

LOVE NEVER FAILETH. God’s love never proves insufficient in duration or is unsuccessful in effectiveness. Love will never disappoint or prove undependable. God’s love goes on forever and will never come to an end.

Credit due to: http://www.krowtracts.com/agape.html

Conclusion

Our goal is to evaluate our relationships through the filter of God’s love. Then apply God’s definition in 1 Corinthians 13 to each relationship and area of our lives. Having done this, we will have a closer relationship to our Lord Jesus Christ and to others.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Love. How do we define it? Who is love? Does the Bible give us example of people who loved?

These are questions we will explore during the next few weeks.

This week we will define love.

Definition of God’s Love (charity = love)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Description of Agape love

The following is a description of agape love, also called “charity” in the New Testament (1 Cor. 13). This paraphrase is based upon research of the Greek and English words and their meanings in 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

LOVE SUFFERETH LONG. God’s love has a tolerance for and endures trying situations and persons beyond an average standard. God’s love is patient.

LOVE IS KIND. God’s love is of a friendly nature, generous, hospitable, warm-hearted, and good. God’s love is charitable and helpful, showing sympathy and understanding for others. It is considerate, forbearing, tolerant, courteous, and thoughtful, desiring only to promote another’s welfare. It is generous, liberal, and beneficial, demonstrating itself in kindly acts.

LOVE ENVIETH NOT. God’s love does not resent another’s good fortune or desire to have what is his. God’s love is not jealous and does not deprive another of what he has.

LOVE VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF. God’s love does not boast and brag or abound with self-praise. It is not vain nor proud.

LOVE IS NOT PUFFED UP. God’s love is not high-minded or puffed up with pride.

Credit due to: http://www.krowtracts.com/agape.html

There are fifteen terms defining love in these five verses. Each one should challenge the way we think about love.

God has a good sense of humor. He begins with love suffereth long. Patience. We are not patient people. We want what we want NOW! God has reasons, unbeknownst to us, to wait. Are we willing to be patient for God?

Love is kind. Reading the description in our text is convicting. It seems that there is more to kindness than just being nice to people. It involves action. It is the giving of ourselves to others for their good. It encompasses a person’s time, talent, and treasures. Do we care about our friends, family, and enemies in this manner? This should be our goal.

Love envieth not. Are we always looking at what others have and wanting it?  God wants us to be satisfied with what we have. We often forget that whatever we have, comes from God. He supplies our needs. He blesses us with spiritual and physical blessings.

Love vaunteth not itself. Love does not boast about what we have done. It is not proud. We must think about our lives and recollect the times pride has entered in to an achievement, honor, or success. God should always get the praise. He has given us the abilities and successes we have.

Love is not puffed up. We are not better than others. When we make ourselves to be better than others, we are puffed up. Only by the grace of God, Christ’s death on the cross for us, paying our sin debt, do we have any standing before a Holy God.

If this was not enough to challenge us, we still have ten more. It is God’s desire to help us to grow in our relationship to Him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Love. How do we define it? Who is love? Does the Bible give us example of people who loved?

These are questions we will explore during the next few weeks.

This week we will define love.

Three types of love

Eros, sexual love

The Hebrew word yada and the Greek word eros are the words used to indicate sexual love. In Genesis 38 Judah makes love with a woman he assumes is a prostitute. In the original Hebrew of verse 26, the word is yada, meaning “to know” and in this context “to know carnally” or “to have sexual intercourse with.” In the New Testament, the Greek word eros is not found because there is no context in which it might be used.

Phileo, brotherly love

The second type of love is the brotherly love that exists between close friends regardless of gender. There is no sexual connotation; it is the love for and by a friend. The Hebrew word is ahabah, and it is used to describe the love between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:17. The Greek word for brotherly love or affection is phileo, as used to refer to friendship in John 15:19, Romans 12:10, and Hebrews 13:1.

Agape, God’s love

Finally, there is the Hebrew word chesed and the Greek word agape, which are used to express the kind of love God demonstrates toward His elect. Chesed is often translated as “steadfast love” or “lovingkindness.” A good example of chesed is found in Numbers 14:18, “The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression” (Numbers 14:18, ESV). God’s chesed love is why He never gives up on those He has adopted as His children. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people repeatedly fell into idolatry and sin, yet He always preserved a remnant; He never gives up on His people. The reason is His chesed love.

A similar idea is found in the New Testament with the Greek word agape. Agape love is the goodwill and benevolence of God shown in self-sacrifice and an unconditional commitment to loved one. Agape is similar to chesed in that it is steadfast, regardless of circumstances. Agape love is the kind of love we are to have for God in fulfillment of the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37). Jesus wants to instill agape in His followers as we serve others through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 22:39; John 13:34).

(www.gotquestions.org)

Love is a multifaceted term.  Depending on the context, it could land in any one of three categories. So, defining our terms is crucial. Once we have defined the types of love, then we need a definition of how love should act.

Tomorrow, we will look at another definition of love.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:169-176

22) I have longed for thy salvation (169-176)

¹⁶⁹ Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.¹⁷⁰ Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.¹⁷¹ My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.¹⁷² My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.¹⁷³ Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.¹⁷⁴ I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.¹⁷⁵ Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.¹⁷⁶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

The psalmist requests understanding, deliverance, and help. He utters praise, supplications, and God’s words. He says the characteristic of God’s word is righteousness. He longs for the salvation of God and delights in God’s law.

The sum total of Psalm 119 is that the psalmist delighted in God’s word. Nothing could keep him from wanting to know and understand God’s word.

The challenge for us is to have a deeper appreciation for the Bible.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:161-168

21) Great peace have they which love thy law (161-168)

¹⁶¹ Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.¹⁶² I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.¹⁶³ I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.¹⁶⁵ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.¹⁶⁶ Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.¹⁶⁷ My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.¹⁶⁸ I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

When the psalmist is persecuted without cause, he standeth in awe of thy word, rejoiced, loved, praised, did, and kept the commandments of God.

How did the psalmist benefit from his commitment to God’s word? He had great peace, nothing could offend him, and hope for salvation.

This should cause us to ponder. Are we as committed, as the psalmist, to God’s word? Is it our comfort in persecution? Are we in awe of it? Are we getting any benefits from our reading, studying, and obeying God’s word? If so, what are they?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:137-176

18) The word is very pure (137-144)

Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.¹³⁸ Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.¹³⁹ My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.¹⁴⁰ Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.¹⁴¹ I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. ¹⁴² Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.¹⁴⁴ The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

19) Thy commandments are truth (145-152)

¹⁴⁵ I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.¹⁴⁶ I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.¹⁴⁷ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.¹⁴⁸ Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.¹⁵⁰ They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.¹⁵¹ Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. ¹⁵² Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

20) Great are thy tender mercies (153-160)

¹⁵³ Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. ¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. ¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. ¹⁵⁶ Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.¹⁵⁸ I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness.¹⁶⁰ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

21) Great peace have they which love thy law (161-168)

¹⁶¹ Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.¹⁶² I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.¹⁶³ I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.¹⁶⁵ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.¹⁶⁶ Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.¹⁶⁷ My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.¹⁶⁸ I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

22) I have longed for thy salvation (169-176)

¹⁶⁹ Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.¹⁷⁰ Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.¹⁷¹ My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.¹⁷² My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.¹⁷³ Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.¹⁷⁴ I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.¹⁷⁵ Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.¹⁷⁶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

CONCLUSION

The characteristics of God’s word are:

Upright

Righteous

Faithful

Very pure

Truth

Everlasting

Endures forever

Righteousness

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:153-160

20) Great are thy tender mercies (153-160)

¹⁵³ Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. ¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. ¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. ¹⁵⁶ Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.¹⁵⁸ I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness.¹⁶⁰ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

The psalmist is afflicted and requests God to plead his case and deliver him. Even in his affliction he chose to keep God’s word. He acknowledges God’s tender mercies, ability to quicken him, and protect him. He grieves over the transgressors because they refused to keep God’s word. The psalmist tells of his love for God’s word.

He understands that, God’s word is true and endureth forever.

When we are afflicted, God’s word provides us comfort, direction, and relief. It gives us encouragement and helps us to see the future.

Consider the book of Psalms.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:137-152

18) The word is very pure (137-144)

Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.¹³⁸ Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.¹³⁹ My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.¹⁴⁰ Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.¹⁴¹ I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. ¹⁴² Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.¹⁴⁴ The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

The psalmist acknowledges that God is righteous.

Then he gives six characteristics of God’s word. The word of God is upright, righteous, faithful, very pure, truth, and everlasting. This causes the psalmist to affirm God’s righteousness, be concerned that his enemies had forgotten God’s word, love God’s word, delight in God’s word, and a desire to understand God’s word.

As believers in Christ, it is our privilege to have all of God’s word, old and new testaments. We can know the very heart of God, if we desire.

Will we avail ourselves of that opportunity?

19) Thy commandments are truth (145-152)

¹⁴⁵ I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.¹⁴⁶ I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.¹⁴⁷ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.¹⁴⁸ Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.¹⁵⁰ They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.¹⁵¹ Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. ¹⁵² Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

The psalmist cries to God that he will keep the statutes and testimonies of God. He hopes in thy word. He chose to meditate on God’s word even at night.

That causes the psalmist to request that God quicken him. He knows that the wicked are not trusting God’s word. He states the character of God’s word is truth. Then he acknowledges that the testimonies come from God.

Today, there are a lot of Christians who challenge that God wrote the Bible. They do not believe in the inspiration of God, His holiness, or His devine being.

The Bible is God’s truth handed down to men for the purpose of knowing God, the sinfulness of men, the history of Israel, salvation through Christ Jesus, and how to live the victorious Christian life. All we have to do is read and obey.

Will we choose to follow God and His word?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com