June 24, 2026
Success in Christian Life #
Psalm 119:9-16
Introduction
What is Success in the Christian life? What do I mean by that, I think success in the christian life should be defined by a genuine, sincere walk with the Lord, in which the christian grows, and develops a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. You can call it spirituality, success, a truly genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, but whatever words you use to define that, I’m calling that a successful christian life.
Sometimes I’m convinced that christians think that Success, or spirituality comes from simply attending church. Church attendance is important, I would say it is critical to being successful in the Christian life. But some people confuse physically attending a church service, and being in tune to what is going on.
Some people read their Bibles, but they merely check a box, and move on, it doesn’t change them, impact them in any way. Bible reading is also critical to the success in a Christian life.
While it is true that you cannot fix, and change your life, you need Jesus in your life in order for it to be changed, there is also effort, and work that we need to do, to make all of that happen. It is not magic, and it doesn’t happen by accident because we are setting in church. You can set in a chicken coop, but it doesn’t make you a chicken. You can set in a garage, but it doesn’t make you a mechanic. There is application that is necessary.
Theme: verse 9 – from an unclean life to a clean life! – Transformation
Requirement: verse 10 – A desire… this doesn’t work if you don’t want it. – a drunk, or drug addict cannot be changed, until they desire change! Effort required:
You don’t take a bath once, and be clean forever, we live in a filthy world. Everything we own, tends to get dirty, and requires cleaning! – Vacuum cleaner.
I. Memorization (11) #
A. Plan to Memorize #
i. Methods #
- Write it out – over and over
- Read it out – 5x every morning, and night.
ii. Work at it! #
B. Purpose of Memorizing #
“that I might not sin against thee.”
i. Not for correcting others! #
ii. For Correcting self! #
- The Psalmist purpose, was to keep himself right
iii. Themes #
- Fear/Faith (Hebrews 11)
2 Timothy 1:7 — For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
- Thoughts
Philippians 4:8 — Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- Eyes
Matthew 5:27–28 —27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
- Alcohol
Proverbs 20:1 — Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
II. Learning (12) #
This is application, not just memorization
A. Praise the LORD #
- Blessed art thou, O LORD – God is good, and when we recognize that, we will take his Word positively.
- God is not an abusive parent, that is selfish, and is annoyed by you.
- God is a good parent, that wants what is best for you as a child!
B. Student #
i. Become a student of God #
ii. He has written down everything He wants you to know in His word! #
- Look for how it applies to your life. Make application, and learn how God’s Word affects
2 Timothy 2:15 — Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
III. Recitation (13) #
A. Reading #
- Reading out loud by yourself, is very helpful. It is slow, but it is amazing what it will do for you.
- Read it with your family. – We taught our children how to read out of the Bible.
B. Recite #
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Having memorized it, and it is in the heart, it should often upon our lips.
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As a prayer, recited back to God, asking Him to help you!
- Scripture is often repeated in prayer, as a reminder to God, as a reminder to self, what God said!
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As a reminder to yourself.
IV. Rejoicing (14) #
This is not a duty, it is a desire fulfilled that brings true joy!
A. The Joy to life #
- When you realize God’s Word is not trying to limit your fun, but protect, and better you life… it will become a joy to you!
- It changes our perspective!
B. Value in Life! #
i. If someone gave you $10,000 tonight on your way home, you would be thrilled! #
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- You might first be suspicious… but after that passes, you would be thrilled!
ii. The Word of God, is far greater in value, because it teaches us how to wisely live life, and enjoy it! #
V. Meditation (15) #
A. Thinking on God’s Word #
i. Studying, sit down, and understand what a passage means! #
Proverbs 25:2 — It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
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- As a preacher/teacher pastor, it is my job to take a passage, and figure out what it means. – It is extremely rewarding.
Proverbs 2:1-6 -
Proverbs 3:13-18
B. Respect #
- Some passages we don’t like, but we respect them!
VI. Continuation (16) #
- It is not a once and done, it is a life long commitment to the Word of God!