Is the Bible Good? Some see the Bible as outdated. Some see it as dangerous, used to oppress. Psalm 19 Three Voices in Contrast • The Voice of Creation (1-6) • The Voice of the Word (7-10) • The Voice of the Sinner (11-14)

Ps 19:1-6 1-2. The heavens – the sky, stars, moon, sun The heavens “declare”, they “pour out speech”, they “reveal knowledge.” What are they saying? Throughout space, time, and earth, the created order recounts how glorious is the God whose handiwork they are.

3 They make the glory of God known “through all the world.” The creation is speaking, saying, “my Creator is glorious.” Yet, there is a paradox: They have no words, no speech. Their revelation of “God is glorious,” but it is incomplete.

4a. “their voice” is “their measuring line” means their dominion – the stars, moon, sun have “sway” over all the world.

4b-6. The sun exercises dominion rising in fresh fulfillment each day, traversing the skies like a bridegroom, like a strong man. The sun’s heat is felt over the earth

“He who looks up to the firmament and then writes himself down an atheist brands himself at the same moment as an idiot or a liar.” – Spurgeon

Ps 19:7-10 The Lord has not left us with an incomplete understanding of himself. God has spoken his word to us. Six titles for God’s word. • Law (7) – ‘instruction’ for humankind • Testimony (7) – what God witnesses to as true • Precepts (8) – applicable to the small details of life • Commandment (8) – intended for obedience • Fear (9) – worthy of reverence • Rules (9) – ‘just decrees,’ authoritative decisions

God’s word has nine qualities: 1. Perfect (7) – complete, without blemish 2. Sure (7) – trustworthy, reliable 3. Right (8) – clean, morally right 4. Pure (8) – radiant, free from defect 5. Clean (9) – pure 6. Enduring (9) – changeless 7. True and Righteous (9) – faithful, morally right 8. Desired (10) – precious, valuable 9. Sweet (10) – full of enjoyment

The Effects of God’s word in our lives

• Revives the soul (7) • Makes wise the simple (7) • Rejoices the heart (8) • Enlightens the eyes (9)

The word of God instills true objectives, worthy values.

Psalm 19:11-14 11-14. The voice of the sinner David is warned and enriched by obedience to the word (11) He is convicted of sin and seeks forgiveness (12) He has a new longing to be blameless (13) He prays to be acceptable to God in thought (inward) and speech (outward) (14)

He recognizes that sustained obedience is found only by relying on the Lord himself, in his Rock-strength and in his graciousness as the Redeemer. (14)

God’s word itself is good Perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, enduring, true & righteous, desired, sweet

God’s word has a good influence on us Gives us life, wisdom, joy, & light

God’s word warns, enriches, convicts, and changes our desires for what is good.

The good that God’s word brings happens over a long time. It takes diligence to study it, obedience to grow in it and the Spirit to grasp it.