Gripped by GracePsalm 119:73-80

Introduction

• Psalm 119 is a STYLIZED description of the Bible– Each section is composed of personal

observations and applications– Each section is creative and unique in style

Introduction

• Each of the lines in Psalm 119:73-80 begin with the same Hebrew letter

• The yodh is a pictograph of a closed hand or a working, strong arm

Introduction

• yad is a hand– ayin (eyes), and peh (mouth) are similar octets

• The letter affects words with the semantic feel of throwing, working & worshiping

Spiritual Formation

• Spiritual formation or GROWTH is critical to our advance – “NEW GROWTH” is our middle name!

• Spiritual formation is always an act of GRACE. – Grace to be caught, to be confronted, to be

corrected, to be conformed– Legalism is about keeping the rules for sake of the

rules; it is without grace

Spiritual Formation

• Spiritual formation is the PROCESS whereby we are being molded and shaped – into the IMAGE of Jesus,

– by the POWER of the Spirit

– to the GLORY of the Father.

• Spiritual formation is PRODUCTIVE -- to know Him better!

Formation Prayers

1. Give me understanding that I may learn.God has fashioned my mind, given me a

relational construction, personal spirit (Ps 139:13-17)

God establishes and directs these faculties towards His goals through His commandments

Formation Prayers

2. Give me friends who are headed in the same direction.

We share a common fear of God, not each otherWe live exposed, vulnerable, transparent lives

before one anotherWe cheer when each one has success in

applying the Word

Formation Prayers

3. Give me tests regularly that challenge my faith.

God’s answer to this test question is right God’s rulings (judgments) about whether I am

ready for this test or not is always “spot on”God’s testing is never malicious or antagonistic

Formation Prayers

4. Give me reminders regularly of Your unshakeable love for me.

We are never alone, forgotten, abandoned, forsaken or lost

We have an unfailing commitment from God

Formation Prayers

5. Give me mercy, lots and lots of mercy.God’s character offers healing throughout our

growth God’s character offers delight throughout our

growth

Without God, we will die in our sins

Formation Prayers

6. Give me the truth about how You see me.We can easily get sidetracked by the attacks of

lying enemiesWe can easily focus on defense, revenge,

retaliationWe need to set all our mental, emotional

energies on God and His Word to form right responses

Formation Prayers

7. Give me opportunities to counsel others.God’s teaching is seldom just about us growingGod’s purpose in creating community is growthGod never intends for us to “waste your cancer”

Formation Prayers

8. Give me success in several key spiritual areas.

We cannot trust our hearts to direct usWe must have blamelessness before God as our

goal for 2013We do not want to finish in spiritual failure,

decline or stagnation

Conclusion

• O God, placed in Your strong grip of grace, I want to be thrown toward Your targets with increasing accuracy.

• I want to see produce in my own spiritual life and the life of my church family and friends.

• I want to know You and fear You more in this coming year. I want to serve You more faithfully.

• I will worship You, my “Gracious Gripper”.