Psalm 119:9 "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word."
 
Introduction
 
We are living in a vile and unpure culture that surrounds Christians with sexual images, lustful movies, wicked entertainment, immoral music, which all lead to sinful and unclean temptations.
 
A Bible teacher once said, "Everywhere we look we find temptation to fill our minds with thoughts of sexual relationships that God wouldn't approve."
 
The fundamental solution to living a pure and clean life in our thoughts and actions is found in God’s word.
 
Jesus said in John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
 
Moral purity is intentional and does not happen by accident. This passage presents three "I WILL" statements that we should reflect on to pay close attention to God's Word if we want to live pure lives.
 
1. I WILL MEDITATE
 
Psalm 119:15 "I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways."
 
Reading or listening to the Word of God is quite different from reflecting deeply on it.
 
Reflecting on biblical principles helps us grasp the meaning, purpose, and solution for purity, and appreciate God's intent for holy living.
 
Meditating on the Word of God helps us apply it daily and live in a way that pleases God.
 
Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
 
Memorising Scripture is good, but if the Word of God does not move from our heads to the heart, then all is vain. Scripture should affect our hearts toward obedience, leading to sanctification.
 
Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
 
2. I WILL DELIGHT
 
Psalm 119:16 "I will delight myself in thy statutes..."
 
Finding joy in God's teachings encourages us to reject all kinds of wickedness. The pleasure we have in pleasing God demonstrates that we respect, both God and His Word.
 
Psalm 19:9 “The fear of the LORD is clean…”
Proverbs 8:13  “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil…”
 
Joseph overcame temptation from Potiphar’s wife because he had a heart to please God.
 
Genesis 39:9 “…how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God??”
 
3. I WILL NOT FORGET
 
Psalm 119:16 "I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word."
 
Remembering the principles we learn is essential for successfully applying scriptural teachings both now and in the future, particularly when facing moments of temptation.
Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
 
Conclusion
 
There are two more key points in our passage to help us heed God's Word.

1. A sincere heart/faith.  

Psalms 119:10 “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.”
 
The psalmist recognized his tendency to stray but trusted that sincere faith/heart in the Lord would help him resist temptation and remain steadfast.
It is important to recognise that doubt can breed a double mind and a divided heart.
 
Living a life of integrity requires sincere commitment to the principles found in God's Word, rather than indifference or lack of dedication.
 
2. A maintain a teachable spirit.  
​
Psalms 119:12 “Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.”
 
As we grow in purity, we should continue to have a tender heart to the instruction from God’s Word.
 
Proverbs 9:9 “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
 
When we allow God’s Word to cleanse our ways, then we can say with the Psalmist.
 
Psalms 119:13 “With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.”
 
TAKING HEED
 
In Christ alone, and for God's Glory!
Charlie - Galatians 2:20
God is always good and treats us far better than we ever deserve! Amen!
www.gbbc.org.au I [email protected] I 0401 955 955 

2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears"

The Apostle Paul warns Timothy that there will come a time when people will not tolerate sound, divine teaching; but because of their lustful desire will follow after teachers that will tickle ears by preaching and teaching things that justify lustful, selfish living. They will even twist the Word of God to do it.
 
The most popular verses and messages people love to hear are those relating to personal blessings and possessions. But the unpopular verses and messages are those relating to separation, sacrifice, and surrender. People love to hear about the love of God, but when it comes to the Holiness of God and the righteousness of God they shy away. People love to hear about what God has sacrificed for them, but when it comes to sacrificing something for God it is hard to the ears. You will notice the loudest Amen’s are when we pray giving thanks for our food, but when a message is given on fasting it is usually shot down as a religious tradition that is only practiced by legalistic religious people. 

The Christ-like life is all about Sacrifice and Surrender to the will of God. The whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation is all about living to submit to the ways of God and striving to be like God.  

Proverbs 6:23 “… and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”
 
We are living in that “time” – the time when fewer and fewer people want to hear convicting and challenging messages, and instead labeling them as negative preaching. They are more comfortable in hearing positive messages that only appeals to fleshy and carnal nature. However, God gives us a reason why people turn away their ears from sound divine teachings. 
 
2 Timothy 4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts…”
 
They give in to their lustful ways. Instead of fearing God, obeying the Scriptures, and changing their ways, they would rather listen to a teacher that changes the Word of God to fit their comfortable, unholy lifestyle. They love themselves too much; so therefore they despise preaching that challenges them to live fully and wholeheartedly for God. They are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.
 
Paul is encouraging Timothy and every preacher not to change the message to fit-in with people’s lifestyle, but rather to PREACH THE WORD as it is.
 
2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 

Someone once said “We preach the Bible as it is; to men and women as they are.” “In season, out season…” At all times, and in every season, just PREACH THE WORD! whether people want to hear or don’t, whether you feel like it or don’t, JUST PREACH THE WORD as it is; and we as listeners that are disciples and students of the Word must endure sound, divine teachings that are the whole counsel of God’s HOLY Word.  1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 “Quench not the Spirit. Vs 20 Despise not prophesyings.”

Philippians 3:18-21 "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: vs 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) vs 20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: vs 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."