TAKING HEED - Psalm 119:9-16

 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.  
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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!
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