The Dark Side of Psalm 119

Overview

This Bible teaching from Founded In Truth Fellowship, led by Matthew van der Els, explores the complexities and "dark side" of Psalm 119. While often seen as a celebration of God's law (Torah), the Psalm also reveals a deep struggle with suffering and a longing for God's promised blessings. The teaching emphasizes that the true revelation of God is not found in the written word alone, but in the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies and fulfills the Torah.

Key Points

Psalm 119 is unique in its structure and content, lacking a clear narrative or resolution. It's essentially a "circular rant" where the author repeatedly praises God's Torah, cries out in distress, and reaffirms his commitment to God's teachings.
The Psalm expresses raw emotions of anxiety, frustration, and even anger towards God. The author feels he is faithfully following God's law but is not experiencing the promised blessings. Instead, he faces suffering, persecution, and a sense of abandonment.
The teaching highlights the danger of focusing on external obedience to rules without pursuing a genuine relationship with God. It warns against making the Bible an idol and relying on it for salvation instead of seeking God himself.
The teaching emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God and the fulfillment of the Torah. The entire Old Testament points to him, and he is the source of true joy and salvation.

Applications to Everyday Life Acknowledge and process difficult emotions

The Psalm gives permission to honestly express feelings of frustration, doubt, and even anger towards God. It's okay to wrestle with these emotions in prayer.

Seek a relationship with God, not just rule-following

Focus on developing a personal connection with God rather than simply adhering to a list of rules. True obedience flows from a loving relationship.

Find hope and joy in Christ

Recognize that Jesus is the ultimate source of hope and joy, even in the midst of suffering. He is the fulfillment of God's promises and the one who brings true peace.

Avoid idolizing the Bible

While the Bible is God's inspired word, it should not be worshipped or treated as an end in itself. It points to Jesus, who is the living Word of God.

References

Psalm 119: The entire Psalm is referenced throughout the teaching, with specific verses highlighted to illustrate the author's emotional state and struggle.
John 1:1-4: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind."
Luke 24:44-47: "He said to them, 'This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.' Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, 'This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.'"
John 5:39-40: "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
Isaiah 2:3: "Many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.' The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
Commentaries: John Calvin and C.S. Lewis's differing views on Psalm 119 are mentioned.
Scholarly Works: N.T. Wright's interpretation of John 1:1 and Pete Enns's understanding of the Old Testament's purpose are cited.

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