My teaching philosophy is that to help another person learn, I must be able to communicate the subject in a variety of ways.
Why is this important to me when I teach something?
Because I recognize that some of us learn in different ways.
Some prefer to learn by reading.
Others learn best by listening.
Still others learn best by doing.
And there are more ways than this to learn.
But the question before us today is: how do we learn about God?
Join me in a study of Psalm 19 to discover how King David answered this question.
How Do We Learn About God?
A Study of Psalm 19:1-6 | General Revelation
1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world. [i]
Who is speaking in the verses above?
What do they speak?
How often do they speak?
Why is this appropriate? (See Genesis 1:1-8)
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat. [ii]
How does this description of the sun reveal part of God’s character, power and reach?
What is important to remember about the sun from Genesis 1:14-19?
Explain why this type of learning about God in verses 1-6 is called general revelation.
Is anyone exempt from general revelation? Why or why not? (See Romans 1:20)
How Do We Learn About God?
A Study of Psalm 19:7-10 | Special Revelation
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple; [iii]
David, the author of this Psalm, abruptly transitions from talking about general revelation to the law of the Lord. What is the law of the Lord to King David? (See Deuteronomy 17:18—20 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
According to the verse above, list the characteristics of the law of the Lord in one column and what these characteristics do for us in another column.
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes; [iv]
Continuing to build your columns, list the characteristics of the law of the Lord and what these characteristics do for us.
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.[v]
What else should you add to your two columns?
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb. [vi]
How does this add to the importance of the law of the Lord, and what does it do for us?
Explain why this type of learning about God in verses 7-10 is called special revelation. (Also see Exodus 34:27)
How Do We Learn About God?
A Study of Psalm 19:7-10 | Personal Response
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward. [vii]
Who is speaking now?
What is being acknowledged by the term servant?
Explain why the special revelation mentioned in verses 7-10 is a warning to the servant.
How is keeping the law of the Lord rewarding?
12 Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression. [viii]
What else can the Lord do for us?
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. [ix]
How does referring to the Lord as “my rock” reference verses 1-4 of this Psalm? Verses 7-10? Explain the implications.
What is a redeemer? (See Leviticus 25:47-49)
Based on this Psalm, why did David consider God his redeemer?
How Do We Learn About God?
A Study of Psalm 19:1-6 | The New Testament Connection
Consider the words of Paul in Romans 8:1-5.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.[x]
How do these words from Paul connect to David’s Psalm 19?
Now consider Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:7-10.
7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. [xi]
How does this agree with Psalm 19?
How Do We Learn About God?
A Study of Psalm 19:1-6 | Application
What in the natural world fills you with awe towards God?
Since God is daily revealing Himself through the created world and has provided the scriptures to reveal Himself further, what can you do daily in response to Him?
How does knowing God reveals Himself to us in multiple ways inspire you to share about His redemption through Christ with others?
Share in the comments an example of how you first learned about God.
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn
[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 19:1–4.
[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 19:4–6.
[iii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 19:7.
[iv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 19:8.
[v] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 19:9.
[vi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 19:10.
[vii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 19:11.
[viii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 19:12–13.
[ix] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 19:14.
[x] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ro 8:1–5.
[xi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Ti 4:7–10.