DO YOU HAVE IT?

Psalm 119:165   Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.                                                         

Pastor Rick Jackson

This verse has been a great comfort to me over the years. I have resorted to this verse during many trials and yet I can tell you honestly that I believe I have not plumbed the depths of the power locked in this single verse. I feel like I have been wading in its truth, basking in its joy and standing on its promise but as a child without complete understanding. May the Dear Lord help us to launch out a little today.

Before we can look at the peace that this verse offers and the promise this verse proclaims we must see first:

I. THE PEOPLE OF THIS VERSE     “they which love thy law”

One of the first things we must determine before we examine this point is what does this verse mean by the term “the law.” The law in the Scriptures can refer to all the Bible, certain portions of the Bible, or even, as used in the New Testament, a method by which some erroneously think they can achieve salvation.

Here I believe the Holy Spirit means the Word of God in its totality. 2 Kings 17:13 shows us that “the law” can refer to more than the Pentateuch. Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

And since Psalm 119 deals with the totality of the Word of God I believe that it is a safe assumption to say in Ps. 119:165 He is referring to the Word of God in its totality, even the New Testament. “But Brother Rick, when David wrote this the New Testament hadn’t been written.” On earth it did not exist, this is true. Verse 89 of this chapter declares, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” So who are “they which love thy law?”

1. YOU CAN’T REALLY LOVE IT UNLESS YOU’RE SAVED! [v 41, 42, 81, 155]

2. YOU CAN’T REALLY LOVE IT UNLESS YOU REALIZE IT’S PURPOSE! [19:7]

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

3. YOU CAN'T REALLY LOVE IT UNLESS YOU GET IN IT! [v. 9-11, Jm. 1:21-25]

This gets us to the place where we can examine:

II. THE PEACE OF THIS VERSE [119:165]

Is. 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. / Is. 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

1. IT IS PEACE WITH GOD [Rm. 5:1]

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Ps 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

2. IT IS THE PEACE OF GOD [Philippians 4:7]

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Col. 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

3. IT IS PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM [John 14:27]

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Now you might think that the "peace" we have looked at is the promise of the verse but look again. The peace is a given, so that brings us to:

III. THE PROMISE OF THE VERSE

"and nothing shall offend them." The word "offend" is the Hebrew word "mikshowl" and occurs 14 times in the Old Testament. 8 times it is translated "stumblingblock", 3 times "Offend" or a variation thereof, 2 times "ruin" and 1 time "fall". This helps us to understand the promise. The person who loves the Word of God has great peace and nothing will be a stumblingblock to them.

IN THE N.T. NOTE:

1. IT IS THE WEAK THAT STUMBLE [1 Corinthians 8:9]

 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

2. IT IS THE UNBELIEVER WHO STUMBLES [1 Corinthians 1:23]

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

3. IT IS THE STRONG WHO LOVES THE WORD [Romans 4:20]

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

2 Cor. 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2 Cor. 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1 John 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

Notice that Paul said we are weak but in Him is our strength and He will lift us up when we fall because our love is imperfect in the flesh. But to be as strong as we can be we have to be people of the Book!

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.