Psalm 19—God’s Revelation And Man’s Response

Quite a number of our members were unable to come due to ill health, so we pray for their healing. While we miss Pastor Ian and the family, we hope that they are enjoying their well-deserved break.
While the children were in Sunday School, we listened to R.C. Sproul’s talk entitled ‘False Assurance’ also from his series ‘Assurance of Salvation’. During the morning service, Philip preached from Psalm 19.
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GOD'S REVELATION AND MAN'S RESPONSE (PSALM 19)
This Psalm is talking about how God reveals himself through two primary ways and what man’s response to it ought to be. We will divide this psalm into three distinct sections.
1. GOD’S REVELATION THROUGH THE WORLD (vs 1 to 6)
When David looked up at the starry sky and at the vastness of space, and the sun each morning, he saw the hand of God and was moved to write this psalm, which combines beautiful poetry with profound theology.
We see abundant evidence of God’s glory (weight/worth) by looking at His creation. God never ceases to give a revelation of Himself through His creation. As apostle Paul put it, God did not leave himself without witness (Acts 14:17). The purpose of creation is to shout the glory of God. The revelation is continuous. The revelation is abundant. The revelation is without words. The revelation is universal.
But what about those who don’t know? Paul's reply to this question can be found in Rom 1:20, where he explains that there isn’t anybody who doesn’t know. The message is not hidden. It is clearly seen, being understood. As Paul put it, they “suppress the truth by their wickedness.” The evidence is there. The problem is that people do not want to submit to God as Lord. In the middle of verse 4 there is a change of focus from the whole creation to the sun, which also reveals God’s glory, power, and wisdom to the whole earth. One does not have to listen for words, because the effect of the sun is evident, as “nothing is hidden from its heat.”

2. GOD’S REVELATION THROUGH THE WORD (vs 7 to 11)
The subject from God’s general and natural revelation through creation to His special revelation through His Word. While natural revelation declares a good deal about the power and majesty of God, it cannot communicate the details that specific revelation reveals.
In verses 1 to 6 David uses the name God, or El in Hebrew, once in verse 1. But in verses 7 to 10, he uses the name Yahweh six times.
In verses 7 to 9 we come across six nouns or names for God’s word, followed by six adjectives which describe the quality of God’s word which are then followed by six verbs which describe the functions of God’s word. First let us note the nouns: law, statutes, precepts, commands, fear, and decrees. Next we will look at the adjectives that describe the quality of God’s law and the verbs that describe the function of God’s law. First, David says the law of the LORD is perfect. No matter what their spiritual condition might be, the law of the LORD shows them how they may be restored to a right relation with God. Second, David says the statutes of the LORD are trustworthy. By living according to the stipulations of the Bible, the law of God, the simple may become wise; but without the Scriptures, there can be no godly wisdom. Third, David says the precepts of the LORD are right. They are spot on. Living out the plan of God will bring joy, while living in rebellion will lead to sadness and insecurity. Fourth, David says the commands of the LORD are radiant. God’s commands give light. They give people spiritual understanding and guide them in making right choices. Like Psalm 119:105. Fifth, David says the fear of the LORD is pure. Some translation have, the fear of the LORD is clean. I prefer the word clean. In the Levitical rituals, anything that was contaminated or corrupted through defilement in the world outside the sanctuary was labelled unclean and therefore not permitted in the presence of God. The law of God produces in us a reverential fear and awe, which is not polluted or perverted in way and therefore acceptable in the presence of God. And this reverential fear never goes out of date and endures forever. Finally, David says the decrees of the LORD are firm. God’s standards are not relative and shifting. This is the firm rock upon which we can stand on (Matt 7:24).
How desirable is God’s word to you? Is it more precious than gold and sweeter than honey? The Hebrew word translated precious is the word from which we get the word covet. What David expects of you is that you have a Holy coveting for the word of God and that a pure lust for His word should consume you. As David reflected on the enjoyment of the word of the LORD he also reflected on its impact in his life. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward (Vs11).
The ultimate purpose of God’s revelation through the word is for the world to know Jesus. John 5:39 The scriptures do lead to eternal life. But they do so by pointing people to Jesus. John 20:31.

THE BELIEVER’S RESPONSE TO THE REVELATION (Vs 12-14)
David’s response to God’s revelation was to face his own sin and call out to God for His help in overcoming it, mentioning two types of sin: Hidden faults and wilful sins.
But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. These are unintentional, hidden, or inadvertent faults. Since he knows he cannot detect them, he prays for God to clear him of secret and or hidden sins.
He also prays to God to withhold him from wilful or deliberate or pre-meditated sins. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
If David was cleared of secret sins and withheld from committing wilful sins, he says, he would then be blameless before God and would not come to the point of committing great transgression. From hidden faults to wilful sins to great transgression. We also see a possibility that a believer can commit such sin.
David brings the psalm to a close with a prayer. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
David is aware that his sin lies deeper than his outward actions. Heb 4:12 God’s word searches our innermost being.
David addresses the LORD as my Rock and my Redeemer—the solid foundation of his life, his security and safety and strength.

We saw that God’s glory is on display in the splendour of creation. But God’s name is most truly glorified when God’s people devote themselves to studying God’s word and allow it to direct every area of their lives.