Meditating God’s Word, the Purpose and Plan
(Psalm 19:7-14)
Introduction
How are we benefited through the meditation of God’s Word?
• Meditation of the Word of God enriches us to be the powerful practitioners of God’s Word.
• The result is that the wisdom of God dwells in us richly that we have been guided and preserved in this fallen world, affected by sin.
• Colossians 3:16-17 Word of God dwells in us richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing.
• Our perception of life, our purpose of life, and our pattern of life are decided and determined by the Word of God.
• It helps us to navigate our lives like a RADAR system (for an aeroplane) or a Compass (for a ship).
The Purpose of Meditation (Psalm 19:7-14)
Meditation, according to John Owen, the Puritan theologian, is one of only two disciplines (prayer being the other) that have “a special tendency towards the ruin of the law of sin.”
Another writer said,
“It is not the busy skimming over religious books or the careless hastening through religious duties which makes for a strong Christian faith. Rather, it is unhurried meditation on gospel truths and the exposing of our minds to these truths that yields the fruit of sanctified character.”
Psalm 19:7-14
First, in verses 7-9, six synonyms are used for God’s Word: law, testimony, statues, commandment, fear of the LORD, and judgements.
Second, six synonymous descriptions are mentioned for God’s Word: perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true.
Thirdly, the impact of the Word is stated:
1. Converting or restoring the soul
2. Making wise the simple
3. Rejoicing the heart
4. Enlightening the eyes
5. Enduring for ever
6. Righteous altogether
This can be mentioned in another way, as we normally understand the impact of God’s Word:
• Regenerates us
• Transforms us
• Revives us
• Sanctifies us
• Builds us up
• Warns us against false teachers
Meditation plants the truth of God’s Word deep into our souls so that we are genuinely changed and enabled to walk in faith and obedience.
• 2 Timothy 3:15-17
The Plan of Meditation
Meditation requires time and effort. It can’t be rushed. It involves withdrawing from the distractions of this life so that we can fix our thoughts on God and His Word.
Here are four practical tips for meditating on God’s Word:
1. Place & Time: Carve out a specific time and place each day when you are least likely to be interrupted or distracted to get alone and meditate on God’s Word.
2. Prayer & Preparation: Start with prayer and ask God to help you with your meditation. You can ask the Lord to draw you closer to Him, open your eyes to His truth, help you apply that truth in your life, and transform you as you meditate on God’s Word.
3. Portion & Ponder: Choose a small section of Scripture. Think about what the passage means. Study it in depth so that you can understand it in context. Take notes. Ask questions. Memorize the passage.
4. Pray & Practice: Ask God what He wants to say to you through the text. Consider how you can apply the passage to your life in practical ways, and ask God to help you follow through in obedience to what He shows you.
Conclusion/Application
Without a Compass or a RADAR system a ship is lost out there in the deep sea, and in a very dangerous position.
• Is that the state of our lives today?
Meditation is a way of internalizing God’s Word-taking it deep into our hearts.
• So that the Holy Spirit can work through it to guide, teach, purify, and transform us from within.
• It keeps us away from all the dangers out there.
• We are guided and the perception of our life, the purpose of our life, and the pattern of our life are decided and determined by the Word of God.
28 сен 2024
