Affliction Leading to Awe of God and His Law

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Part 23 –
Affliction Leading to Awe of God and His Law
This episode takes the central theme of Psalm 119, “oh that my ways may be established to keep your statutes,” and applies it to Christian sanctification. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit conforming us into the image of Christ: He gradually conforms our condition with our perfect position in Christ. With respect to the believer’s attitude and obedience to the Law, the Holy Spirit cultivates the inner delight of God’s law in the inner man (Romans 7:22), making it the governing disposition of the soul, where we love God (and His Law) with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. Psalm 119 describes affliction as one of the means God uses to force the issue of holistic delight in God’s Law. Similarly, the Holy Spirit orchestrates affliction to push the urgency of sanctification, hopefully leading to a more exhaustive embrace of God and His Law. God intends that affliction graduate the believer from simply parroting God’s Law into apprehending the “why” of God’s Law, leading to delight.

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  • 00:00:28 – Introduction to Kingdom Questions
  • 00:00:41 – Central Theme of Psalm 119
  • 00:01:40 – The Process of Sanctification
  • 00:02:55 – Our Position and Condition in Christ
  • 00:04:03 – Delighting in God”s Law
  • 00:06:26 – Motivation for Following Christ
  • 00:07:52 – Understanding Our Relationship with God
  • 00:09:06 – Affliction as a Means of Growth
  • 00:12:21 – Closing Thoughts and Prayer
  • 00:13:00 – Conclusion and Invitation to Ask Questions
Part 23 –
Affliction Leading to Awe of God and His Law

Podcast (kingdomquestions): Play in new window | Download | Embed

  • 00:00:28 – Introduction to Kingdom Questions
  • 00:00:41 – Central Theme of Psalm 119
  • 00:01:40 – The Process of Sanctification
  • 00:02:55 – Our Position and Condition in Christ
  • 00:04:03 – Delighting in God”s Law
  • 00:06:26 – Motivation for Following Christ
  • 00:07:52 – Understanding Our Relationship with God
  • 00:09:06 – Affliction as a Means of Growth
  • 00:12:21 – Closing Thoughts and Prayer
  • 00:13:00 – Conclusion and Invitation to Ask Questions
This episode takes the central theme of Psalm 119, “oh that my ways may be established to keep your statutes,” and applies it to Christian sanctification. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit conforming us into the image of Christ: He gradually conforms our condition with our perfect position in Christ. With respect to the believer’s attitude and obedience to the Law, the Holy Spirit cultivates the inner delight of God’s law in the inner man (Romans 7:22), making it the governing disposition of the soul, where we love God (and His Law) with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. Psalm 119 describes affliction as one of the means God uses to force the issue of holistic delight in God’s Law. Similarly, the Holy Spirit orchestrates affliction to push the urgency of sanctification, hopefully leading to a more exhaustive embrace of God and His Law. God intends that affliction graduate the believer from simply parroting God’s Law into apprehending the “why” of God’s Law, leading to delight.

Episode Scripture References -

2 Corinthians 5:21, Psalm 119:71, Galatians 6:8, Psalm 119:8, Psalm 119:5-6

More About This Episode -

Victor starts by highlighting a key verse from Psalm 119, where the psalmist expresses a desire for his ways to be established to keep God’s statutes. He explains that in the New Testament context, this desire signifies a plea for the Holy Spirit to conform believers to the image of Christ. He discusses the state of sanctification, noting that while believers may delight in God’s law inwardly, there are parts of them that do not always align with God’s statutes.


He emphasizes that the process of sanctification involves engaging the mind to embrace the Holy Spirit’s work. Victor states that as believers, they need to recognize areas where they struggle to love and follow God’s law, admitting that many might not fully appreciate its value. He queries whether one would follow Christ purely out of love for Him, even if consequences for sin were removed, hinting at the importance of motivation in following God’s way.


Victor elaborates that true delight in God’s law should extend beyond a mere interior acknowledgment and should encompass a holistic appreciation for the path God lays out. He brings to attention the importance of viewing God’s statutes not as burdens but as the foundation for a fulfilled life.


He reflects on how affliction can lead individuals back to appreciate and love God’s laws deeply. Citing Psalm 119:71, he notes that sometimes affliction is beneficial, as it prompts a reassessment of priorities and a deeper understanding of God’s statutes. This reassessment can lead to a mature understanding of why God’s commands are in place, emphasizing the intention behind them.

Key Terms From This Episode -

Main Theme: Application of Psalm 119 in everyday Christian life

    Key Points:

  • New Testament Context: Plea for the Holy Spirit to conform believers to Christ’s image
  • Delight in God’s law versus misalignment in parts of believers
  • Question of following Christ without fear of consequences for sin
  • Role of Affliction: Can lead to greater appreciation for God’s laws
  • Cited Psalm 119:71: Affliction prompts reassessment of priorities

    • Episode Scripture References -

    2 Corinthians 5:21, Psalm 119:71, Galatians 6:8, Psalm 119:8, Psalm 119:5-6

    More About This Episode -

    Victor starts by highlighting a key verse from Psalm 119, where the psalmist expresses a desire for his ways to be established to keep God’s statutes. He explains that in the New Testament context, this desire signifies a plea for the Holy Spirit to conform believers to the image of Christ. He discusses the state of sanctification, noting that while believers may delight in God’s law inwardly, there are parts of them that do not always align with God’s statutes.


    He emphasizes that the process of sanctification involves engaging the mind to embrace the Holy Spirit’s work. Victor states that as believers, they need to recognize areas where they struggle to love and follow God’s law, admitting that many might not fully appreciate its value. He queries whether one would follow Christ purely out of love for Him, even if consequences for sin were removed, hinting at the importance of motivation in following God’s way.


    Victor elaborates that true delight in God’s law should extend beyond a mere interior acknowledgment and should encompass a holistic appreciation for the path God lays out. He brings to attention the importance of viewing God’s statutes not as burdens but as the foundation for a fulfilled life.


    He reflects on how affliction can lead individuals back to appreciate and love God’s laws deeply. Citing Psalm 119:71, he notes that sometimes affliction is beneficial, as it prompts a reassessment of priorities and a deeper understanding of God’s statutes. This reassessment can lead to a mature understanding of why God’s commands are in place, emphasizing the intention behind them.

    Key Terms From This Episode -

    Main Theme: Application of Psalm 119 in everyday Christian life

      Key Points:

  • New Testament Context: Plea for the Holy Spirit to conform believers to Christ’s image
  • Delight in God’s law versus misalignment in parts of believers
  • Question of following Christ without fear of consequences for sin
  • Role of Affliction: Can lead to greater appreciation for God’s laws
  • Cited Psalm 119:71: Affliction prompts reassessment of priorities
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