I. Introduction
At an early age, Isaac Watts (1674-1748) displayed unusual
talent in writing poetic verse. As a young man he became increasingly
concerned with the congregational singing in the English speaking
churches. Only ponderous metrical psalms were used until this
time. To use any words other than the actual words of scripture
would have been considered an insult to God. Challenged by his
father to "write something better for us to sing," young
Watts began to create new versions of the psalms with inspiring
and expressive style, Eventually, at the age of 25, he published
an important hymnal titled The Psalms of David in the Language
of the New Testament. How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts
is based on Psalms: 119:9.
II. Verse 1-Read
A. "How Shall.............from sin?" Psalms 119:9, John 8:34-35, Romans 6:15-18, James 2:10 This question has great validity during the times that we live in. The temptations of this life are easily accessible to today's youth. We as parents and as fellow Christians must ask this question and seek for answers. The blame for the rapid decline in church membership and the massive exodus of young people from the church in the 70's-90's must be shouldered by all. Proper teaching and strict adherence to God's word is the foundation that we must lay to secure their hearts.
B. "Thy word the choicest rules imparts to keep the conscience
clean." - Matt. 4:4, Luke 8:11-15, Romans 10:17, Eph. 6:17-18,
Hebrews 4:12 Without the word of God to guide us our consciences
cannot be trained to discern Good and Evil. Only constant study
of the word of God, prayer and application to our lives will help
us to keep our conscience clean.
III. Verse 2-Read
A. "Tis like the sun......all the day." Psalms 19:1-6 How appropriate this verse is. The word of God is being discussed and not only does the psalmist use the Sun in illustrating it but all things of nature declare God and his handiwork. His word will guide us in our lives just as the sun guides travelers and sailors.
B. "And through the dangers....... Psalms 43:3, Luke 1:78-79
It is the Word of God (which includes the teachings of Jesus)
that can light our way here on this earth. Without the word of
God we would be like someone entering a dark room full of hazards
with no way to detect what is around us.
IV. Verse 3-Read
A. "Thy word is ................" Psalms 100:5, Psalms 119:142, 160. Young people tend to think that they will live forever, or at least that they are invincible. Our job in teaching them is to convey the fact that only the word of God (everlasting truth) can provide for them the ability to live forever and that the only thing that we can ultimately depend our eternal souls on in this life is God's promises!
B. "That holy book shall guide our youth..........."
Psalms 25:8-10, Acts 8:27-35 The Eunuch requested Philip to guide
him in understanding the passage that he was reading. Philip's
response was to take that scripture and preach Jesus to him. Philip
used the scripture as a guide to lead the Eunuch to the Savior.
The bible is truly an amazing book. It has rightfully been called
"The book of books." The first book ever printed was
the bible-the German Gutenberg Bible, between the years 1450-1455.
Today, it is printed in more than 600 languages, and portions
of it are printed in more than 1,000 tongues and dialects. It
has long been the worlds best seller.
In addition to being God's love letter and self disclosure of himself, the bible clearly spells out his plan for our redemption and fellowship with him. It is also our final authority for all matters of faith, morals, and practice. Through the inspired word, God, the Holy Spirit, illuminates and guides believers in their Christian walk and also prepares them for their future heavenly destination.
Our finite minds will never be able to comprehend all
the teaching of scripture, but the essential truths related to
our redemption and Christ like living cannot be misunderstood.
It was Abraham Lincoln who once observed: "Read the Bible
for whatever reason you can accept and take the rest on faith,
and you will live and die a better man."