Psalm 19
This passage and lesson reveals to us several things that are very important to understand about God and His Word. As we read in Psalm 19:1-6, we see that God is revealing Himself to the world through His creation (general revelation). We can look at the birds in the sky and the world around us and know there is a God. We marvel over the complexity of the human body and can conclude that there must be an intelligent Creator. This list could go on and on. However, David under the inspiration of God, reminds us in verses 7-14 that we need more than just general revelation to truly know God. General revelation is not enough to save someone, but it is enough to judge someone (Rom 1:20). We need His revealed Word (special revelation) so that we can truly know Him. His Word reveals to us who He really is. In His Word we see His character and attributes. We also see the depravity of man. His Word reminds us that because of that sin, we are on a path that leads to an eternal hell and complete separation from Him forever. Humanity is cursed and is in need of a Savior. We even see men like David come into God’s story. David was mighty and strong and “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22). However, David following in the footsteps of Adam (the first man) ultimately dies because of sin in his life. As great as David was, he was merely a type of the One who was to come. The One that had been promised ever since Gen 3:15. John 1:1-5;14 reminds us that Jesus is the promised One and that He is also the Word (special revelation). Furthermore, Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit writes in Romans 10:5-17, that we need the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order to be saved. In these verses we’re reminded that, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Rom 10:17). The Bible tells us here that general revelation is not enough to save anyone. We desperately need special revelation, the Words of God. Paul’s life and theology reflected this truth. His life was dedicated to taking the Word into all of the world.
This passage and lesson reveals to us several things that are very important to understand about God and His Word. As we read in Psalm 19:1-6, we see that God is revealing Himself to the world through His creation (general revelation). We can look at the birds in the sky and the world around us and know there is a God. We marvel over the complexity of the human body and can conclude that there must be an intelligent Creator. This list could go on and on. However, David under the inspiration of God, reminds us in verses 7-14 that we need more than just general revelation to truly know God. General revelation is not enough to save someone, but it is enough to judge someone (Rom 1:20). We need His revealed Word (special revelation) so that we can truly know Him. His Word reveals to us who He really is. In His Word we see His character and attributes. We also see the depravity of man. His Word reminds us that because of that sin, we are on a path that leads to an eternal hell and complete separation from Him forever. Humanity is cursed and is in need of a Savior. We even see men like David come into God’s story. David was mighty and strong and “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22). However, David following in the footsteps of Adam (the first man) ultimately dies because of sin in his life. As great as David was, he was merely a type of the One who was to come. The One that had been promised ever since Gen 3:15. John 1:1-5;14 reminds us that Jesus is the promised One and that He is also the Word (special revelation). Furthermore, Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit writes in Romans 10:5-17, that we need the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order to be saved. In these verses we’re reminded that, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Rom 10:17). The Bible tells us here that general revelation is not enough to save anyone. We desperately need special revelation, the Words of God. Paul’s life and theology reflected this truth. His life was dedicated to taking the Word into all of the world.
God’s spoken word brings life. This is true in the creation account and in
our salvation. God’s Word also reveals to us His character. Man was created to
be an image bearer of Him, and our ultimate purpose in life is to bring Him
glory. His Word not only reconciles us back to Him, but also guides us in
glorifying Him. Therefore, let’s revere the Word in our lives and in our faith
family. Let’s not be ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for
salvation and the key to living a righteous life that’s pleasing to Him. Let
these truths fuel you to be on mission for Christ.
“The Gospel is only good news if it gets there on time” –
Carl F. Henry
Teaching Tip: We need to always remember that Christ is to
be the central focus of our lessons. Therefore when teaching an Old Testament
passage like this, ask yourself, “Is there anything about my treatment of this
Old Testament text that a faithful Jew could not affirm?” If your answer is no,
then you need to rethink your approach. Christ is the scarlet thread that runs
throughout the entire Bible.1
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1 Teaching tip and question adapted from Gospel-Centered Teaching: Showing Christ in All the Scriptures by Trevin Wax (p.79).
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