“They also do no unrighteousness; they walk in His ways” (Psalm 119:3).
“Then I shall not be ashamed when I look upon all Your commandments” (Psalm 119:6).
Many believe that Christians can “continue in sin” (Romans 6:1) without concern. Paul refuted this error and asked the question: “How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:2). Jude indicated that those who teach this error have perverted the word of God by turning it into a “license for immorality” (Jude 4, NIV).
Our goal must be to “do no unrighteousness” (Psalm 119:3). John said that his first epistle – and by principle, all of the Bible – was written “so that you may not sin” (1 John 2:1). God’s “commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119:172). Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). In order to “do no unrighteousness” (Psalm 119:3) and “not sin” (1 John 2:1), we must follow the righteous instructions found in God’s word.
David also indicated that God’s people should keep a clear conscience (Psalm 119:6). However, this does not mean that we keep ourselves free from guilt by ignoring God’s word and adopting a human standard. Paul persecuted Christians in good conscience (Acts 23:1). Our conscience must be trained by the word of God (Hebrews 5:13-14). Once our conscience is properly trained and we observe the commandments of God, we will not need to be ashamed as we examine our lives by God’s perfect standard.
The above post is an excerpt from the book, The Psalm of the Word: A Study of Psalm 119. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!