[Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:33-35]

Introduction

A. A carpenter will use nails and screws to hold a wall in place once he has it positioned right where it needs to be.

B. Once we get our hearts right with God, we need something to hold them in place lest they slip away (cf. 2 Peter 2:15-21).

I. If we wish to stay right, we must continue in God’s Word.

A. This is precisely what Paul told young Timothy (2 Timothy 3:13-4:5) as well as the church in Ephesus (Ephesians 6:10-17).

B. This is also what Jesus told His disciples (John 8:31-32; 10:27-28).

II. Righteousness is an area in which we all need instruction.

A. The right way is not going to come naturally, not even to a Christian (Proverbs 16:25; Isaiah 35:8).

B. Without God’s instruction, we are sure to go astray (Isaiah 53:6; Psalm 23:2-4).

C. We are constantly in need of God’s guiding light (Psalm 119:105).

D. God will instruct us in righteousness if we will seek it (Matthew 5:6,20; 6:33; 7:7-8,13-14).

Conclusion

A. If we do not allow God’s Word to rebuke us, correct us, and lead us today, it will rebuke us at the Judgment when it is too late for correction (John 12:48; Hebrews 4:12; cf. Amos 7:6-7).

B. The Bible has the power to rebuke us, correct us, and hold us on the right path if only we will take the time to listen.