The Law Of The Lord Is Perfect

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
    The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
    The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
    The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
    Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
    And in keeping them there is great reward.
Ps 19:7-11

As we’ve been studying the book of Romans, over and over again we’ve been reminded that we simply cannot be saved by the keeping of the law.  Last week, we were asked the question , “Is there a contradiction between Paul’s observation that the Law is a demanding, unyielding code of condemnation and David’s obvious affection for the law in Ps 19?  It’s clear from our text above that the psalmist took great delight in the law of God and observed that in keeping it there was great reward.  We find the same love in Ps 119 where in almost everyone of the 176 verses we have a reference to the word of God!

Surely Paul and David cannot be opposed to one another, right?  Absolutely not!  Paul is only pointing out in Romans the weakness of our flesh.  We are unable to keep the law because of our fallen nature.  The point in the law is to show us our need of a Savior.  It exalts the Lord Who provided a way of salvation for those that had fallen short of the glory of God! (Rom 3:23) We can never come up to the standard set forth in the law.  We’d have to be perfectly righteous just as God is; however, the law is still holy and good (Rom 7:12) and worthy of our obedience and meditation.  The difference now is the motivation behind my obedience.  If I tried to keep the commandments prior to salvation, I was motivated by the condemnation that if I didn’t keep them, I’d fall into judgment; however, now that I have a new heart, I strive to keep God’s commands because I love Him and desire to do that which is pleasing to Him.  Remember Christ’s words in Jn 14:15?  “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

Even though the believer is now justified before God through the work of Jesus Christ, he will never cast off God’s word.  In fact, it will be the delight of his heart, even as it was for David, because he sees the great benefit and blessing in it.  We have a richness in the word of God that you won’t find anywhere else.  Paul said in 2 Tim 3:15 that the Holy Scriptures were “able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”  Can we say that about another book or any media for that matter?  Will you find that blessing on the evening news, in the next box office blockbuster, or the current New York Times’ bestseller?  We would do well to devote ourselves far more to the reading of the scriptures than the thoughts of man, even religious books!  Sure, there are works of men that have benefited us, so we would not abandon entirely every work of man, but will we find anywhere else such an undiluted source of wisdom?  No!  Stay in the word of God!  I have no doubt that the “parchments” mentioned in 2 Ti 4:13 were copies of the Scriptures because Paul told Timothy, “If you forget everything else when you come to visit me, don’t forget the parchments!”  How much time have we wasted–WASTED–on the works of men!  Get alone with God, cry out for understanding by His Spirit, and saturate yourself in His word!  As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word of God that you may grow thereby! (1 Pet 2:2) Nothing will profit you more!

Jamie

Leave a Reply