Eight Questions To Ask When Facing Ethical Decisions
1. IS IT PERMISSIBLE? (If there is a clear Biblical command against it, then it is not permissible.)
"The man who says, 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him .… You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love… " (1 John 2:4; Gal 5:13)
2. WILL IT LEAD TO PEACE AND MUTUAL EDIFICATION?
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification… If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 14:19; 12:18)
3. WILL IT BUILD UP OTHER PEOPLE?
"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others… Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." (1 Corinthians 10:24; Romans 15:2)
4. IS IT PROFITABLE (BENEFICIAL)?
"All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." (1 Corinthians 10:23 – nasb)
5. IS IT CONSTRUCTIVE?
"Love… looks for a way of being constructive… Love builds up." (1 Corinthians 13:4b – Phillips; 1 Corinthians 8:1b)
6. DOES IT HAVE THE GOOD OF OTHERS AT HEART?
"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others… Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (1 Corinthians 10:24; Philippians 2:3, 4)
7. WILL IT CAUSE OTHERS TO STUMBLE?
"Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved… " (1 Corinthians 10:32, 33) (See 1 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 14:13)
8. DOES IT GLORIFY GOD?
"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God… " (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Facts of the Matter: Daily Devotionals.
Seven Guidelines In Helping You Determine The Will Of God
Discerning the will of God can, at times be a bit daunting. No wonder Solomon proclaimed, "A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" (Proverbs 20:24) (See Proverbs 16:9)
1. BE SURE YOU ARE OBEYING THE KNOWN WILL OF GOD
For example: "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality… Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:18) (Also consider 1 Peter 3:17; 4:19; 5:2, and Matthew 22:37-39)
2. SURRENDER TO THE POINT OF BEING WILLING TO DO ANYTHING HE SAYS
"Going a little farther, [Christ] fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'" "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… " (Matthew 26:39; Philippians 2:5) (See Luke 9:23, 24; 14:26-33; John 12:25, 26)
3. SEEK GOD'S WILL BASED ON PRINCIPLES FOUND IN HIS WORD
His guidance will never be contrary to His Word. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path… Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me." (Psalm 119:105, 133)
4. WATCH FOR PROVIDENTIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
If they align with his Word, give them careful consideration. "God gave you a lot of leading, when He gave you a head." (Dawson Trautman)
5. ASK GOD TO REVEAL HIS WILL
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all… and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts… should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:5-8 – excerpts )
6. INNER PEACE
"Through prayer, the study of the Word and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgement according to the best of my ability and knowledge. If my mind is at peace and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. I have found this method always effective in trivial or important decisions." (George Mueller)
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… " (Colossians 3:15a) (See Psalm 29:11; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; 16:33; Romans 15:13)
7. GODLY COUNSEL
"Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance… Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked… " (Proverbs 20:18; Psalm 1:1b) (See Proverbs 11:14; 15:22)
Facts of the Matter: Daily Devotionals.
Practical Suggestions On How To Spend Time With God
Intimate fellowship with Christ was the purpose of both creation and the cross: "God… has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord… " (1 Corinthians 1:9b) Here are a few suggestions on how to cultivate that intimacy:
1. Make the time regular — preferably in the morning:
Set a goal of 5 days a week, minimum. Solitude and silence should grace the time. If you are new at it, start with 10 minutes. The time will pass surprisingly quickly and soon you will find yourself expanding it to more.
2. Have a specific place where you can be alone:
The patio
The car
The bathroom
A closet
3. Include in your time:
Worship
Thanksgiving
Confession of sin
Petition (asking God for answers)
Intercession (prayers for others) – Make a list of people
4. Read and meditate over Scripture:
Set up an ordered sequence. I find I get more when I take a slow, measured, and in depth approach, rather than race through a specified number of chapters a day. Begin by meditating from a Psalm and a portion of a Proverb. As your appetite (and allotted time) expands, you may also want to add a segment from the New Testament. Once this pattern is well established, you may then want to add a portion from the Old Testament.
5. Journal:
Write down what you are gleaning from the Scriptures. I find using different colored pens to circle and underline principles and key words or ideas is helpful.
With appropriate passages ask, "What does this text teach me about Jesus?" Write it down.
Write out a prayer that relates to the passage. Also, jot down specific answers to prayer.
Record applications you are making from your time of prayer and meditation on the Scriptures.
QUESTION: If you are not consistent in your time alone with God, are you willing to begin now by taking the necessary time and effort to develop constancy in this critical area of your life?
Facts of the Matter: Daily Devotionals.
Five Reasons Why We Fail To Apply God's Word To Our Lives
Let's admit it! Basically we are rebels at heart! We want to do our own thing. It's called the "Frank Sinatra Syndrome." And in our rebellion we disallow God's Word to penetrate and thus transform our lives. Here are five reasons why we do it:
IGNORANCE – The litmus test of our love for Christ is John 14:21. Nothing more. Nothing less: "Whoever has my commandments and obeys them, he is the one who loves me… " You cannot obey what you do not know. Let me ask you, "Do you have the Scriptures?" Or better yet, "Do the Scriptures have you?" (See Ezra 7:10)
CHERRY-PICKING the Scriptures. That is, we select what we like while avoiding difficult truths that focus on servanthood, suffering for the Gospel, holiness of life, etc. We love to hear about Peter's deliverance from prison, but shy away from the idea that John the Baptist's faith cost him his head. (Acts 12:1-17; Mark 6:16-29) By way of contrast, Paul was careful to give the Ephesians the whole counsel (purpose) of God (Acts 20:27) (Compare Hebrews 11:1-35a with 11:35b-40)
FORGETFUL – We look into the mirror of the Word, note the needed changes, and tend to walk away, forgetting to make the application. The consequence? Self-deception. (James 1:22-25) Jesus pointed out that "the world's worries and the taste of wealth and the passions for other interests" distract us from applying the Word of God to our lives (Mark 4:19 Berkeley Translation. See Deuteronomy 8:11, 14, 19).
VACILLATING – Peter instructs us that the "unstable" (vacillating) distort the Scriptures "to their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:16b) In Jesus' "Parable of the Sower," the believer begins to apply God's Word to his life, but then incurs "trouble or persecution." And because of his shallow roots, he vacillates and falls away (Mark 4:16, 17).
DISTORTING – In our ignorance or instability, we (literally) "torture, twist, wrench, or pervert" the Word of God (Cinderella's sister and the shoe?) rather than face up to its exact meaning. The consequences? Our "destruction." (2 Peter 3:16 – See 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Corinthians 4:2)
QUESTION: Are there changes you need to make now, to ensure the fact that when you face Him, you will stand unashamed? (2 Corinthians 5:9-11)
"Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 – Amplified)
Here Are Three Steps To Building God's Word Into Your Life
I. MEMORIZE IT
But why? As a newly born again teenager, I got started on consistent Scripture memory. Nothing has so powerfully affected me spiritually as this difficult but life-changing discipline. Here are three reasons for doing it:
1. To transform your mind in order to live out God's will: "Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)
2. To help you win the spiritual battle over sin and Satan: After 40 days of fasting and prayer, Jesus was tempted by Satan. In all three instances, He won over the Enemy by quoting Scripture that was appropriate to the situation, "Jesus answered, 'It is written… it is written… it is written… '" (Matthew 4:4, 6, 7) If Jesus deemed it necessary to utilize the Scriptures in this manner for spiritual victory, how about you and me?!
3. To equip you to help others spiritually: Ever have the experience of fumbling with your Bible in trying to find a verse? Memorizing key Scriptures supplies you with the tools to intelligently and powerfully minister God's Word to others. "The Scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God, and fit him fully for all branches of his work." (2 Timothy 3:17 — Phillips Translation)
II. ANALYZE IT
Years ago, I remember reviewing a pre-med student's memory verses. He had them down cold! Boy, was I impressed! Then I began asking him what the verses meant, and he didn't have a clue! So, as you are in the process of memorizing a verse or passage, ponder and mull over its meaning in your mind. Dig out its definition by studying it in its context.
III.PERSONALIZE IT
While you are memorizing Scripture, ask God where and how He wants you to change in applying its truths to your life. Someone once said, "God did not give us the Scriptures to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives."
Every person I know who is dead-serious about his walk with God has made an earnest effort to memorize God's Word.
QUESTION: Just how serious are you?
Prayerful Meditation On The Scriptures
Prayerful meditation on the Scriptures is fundamental to spiritual growth. Yet most believers find the experience something less than fulfilling. Here are five suggestions:
1. Meditation on the Scriptures should not be viewed as a method or system, but as an attitude: Faith, openness, reverence, expectation, supplication.
"This people draw near to me with their words… but they remove their hearts far from me, and their reverence for me consists of traditions learned by rote." (Isaiah 29:13 nasb)
2. Meditation can actually be quite difficult at times. Thus, we should not judge its value on how we feel. Yet it is important that our efforts are enlightened, well-directed, and sustained.
"Let me understand the teachings of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders." (Psalm 119:27)
3. It is only if we have a heart fixed on obeying God without reservation that a little effort goes a long way. When we are resisting Him through disobedience or compromise, no amount of effort can produce the desired result.
"I have more understanding… for I obey your precepts." (Psalm 119:100)
4. In our pride, we don't want to be beginners. In truth, we will never be anything but beginners. Given the challenge in learning to effectively utilize meditation for spiritual growth, we would do well to recognize the need for a mature mentor.
"Whatever you have learned or received… from me, or seen in me – put into practice." (Philippians 4:9)
5. Often, what first seemed easy and rewarding, suddenly becomes utterly impossible. We struggle with inner confusion, coldness, and lack of confidence. We find concentration difficult. Our imagination and emotions wander – or run wild. We often feel dry and desolate. Repugnant fantasies buried deep within us take over. We totally lose interest in spiritual matters.
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do… For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:15, 19)
My friend in Christ, don't give up, because God promises you that "the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day." (Proverbs 4:18)
When Interpreting The Scriptures, Inaccuracy Is Not An Option
If you were anticipating brain surgery, I suspect you would want to be sure the surgeon got an "A" in "Brain Operations 101"! There are some things in life where inaccuracy is not an option! Interpreting the sacred Word of God is one of them:
"Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved… a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth… Ignorant (literally: untaught) and unstable people distort [the]… Scriptures, to their own destruction." (2 Timothy 2:15 – Amplified; 2 Peter 3:16)
As lay-people, we have a responsibility to correctly examine the Scripture, since bad doctrine usually leads to bad living. Following are 10 basic principles of Biblical interpretation :
1. Work from the assumption that the Bible is authoritative.
2. The Bible interprets itself; Scripture best explains Scripture.
3. Interpret personal experience in the light of Scripture and not Scripture in light of personal experience.
4. Biblical examples are authoritative only when supported by a command.
5. Scripture has only one meaning and should be taken literally.
6. Interpret words in harmony with their meaning in times of the author.
7. Interpret a word in relation to its sentence and context; a passage in harmony with its context.
8. Since Scripture originated in a historical context, it can be understood only in the light of biblical history.
9. Historical facts or events become symbols of spiritual truths only if the Scriptures so designate them.
10 When two doctrines taught in the Bible appear to be contradictory, accept both as scriptural in the confident belief that they resolve themselves into a higher unity.
Simple Approach To Dig Deeper Into God's Word
If you want to dig deeper into God's Word, then try this simple approach:
Choose a short passage of Scripture. Then:
I. READ the passage: (We'll use Matthew 9:9-13 for our example)
"As Jesus went on from there he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. Follow Me," He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this they asked His disciples, `Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?' On hearing this, Jesus said, `It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
II. RECORD the facts:
vs. 9 – Jesus tells Matthew to follow Him. Matthew obeys.
vs. 10 – Jesus and His disciples have dinner with Matthew and his friends: tax collectors and "sinners."
vs. 11 – The Pharisees question Jesus' disciples as to why He ate with such people.
vs. 12, 13 – Jesus hears about it and responds:
"I am convicted that I have not been more active in introducing my lost friends to Christ. Within 2 months 1 will have a dinner party for several of them, and plan to share how Christ has changed my life."
For further practice you may want to try the following passages: John 18:1-11; Psalm 23; Ecclesiastes 5:18-20; Genesis 3:1-7; Colossians 3:12-16; John 18:15-18, 25-27; Revelation 1:12-18
1. IS IT PERMISSIBLE? (If there is a clear Biblical command against it, then it is not permissible.)
"The man who says, 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him .… You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love… " (1 John 2:4; Gal 5:13)
2. WILL IT LEAD TO PEACE AND MUTUAL EDIFICATION?
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification… If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 14:19; 12:18)
3. WILL IT BUILD UP OTHER PEOPLE?
"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others… Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." (1 Corinthians 10:24; Romans 15:2)
4. IS IT PROFITABLE (BENEFICIAL)?
"All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." (1 Corinthians 10:23 – nasb)
5. IS IT CONSTRUCTIVE?
"Love… looks for a way of being constructive… Love builds up." (1 Corinthians 13:4b – Phillips; 1 Corinthians 8:1b)
6. DOES IT HAVE THE GOOD OF OTHERS AT HEART?
"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others… Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (1 Corinthians 10:24; Philippians 2:3, 4)
7. WILL IT CAUSE OTHERS TO STUMBLE?
"Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved… " (1 Corinthians 10:32, 33) (See 1 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 14:13)
8. DOES IT GLORIFY GOD?
"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God… " (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Facts of the Matter: Daily Devotionals.
Seven Guidelines In Helping You Determine The Will Of God
Discerning the will of God can, at times be a bit daunting. No wonder Solomon proclaimed, "A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" (Proverbs 20:24) (See Proverbs 16:9)
1. BE SURE YOU ARE OBEYING THE KNOWN WILL OF GOD
For example: "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality… Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:18) (Also consider 1 Peter 3:17; 4:19; 5:2, and Matthew 22:37-39)
2. SURRENDER TO THE POINT OF BEING WILLING TO DO ANYTHING HE SAYS
"Going a little farther, [Christ] fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'" "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… " (Matthew 26:39; Philippians 2:5) (See Luke 9:23, 24; 14:26-33; John 12:25, 26)
3. SEEK GOD'S WILL BASED ON PRINCIPLES FOUND IN HIS WORD
His guidance will never be contrary to His Word. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path… Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me." (Psalm 119:105, 133)
4. WATCH FOR PROVIDENTIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
If they align with his Word, give them careful consideration. "God gave you a lot of leading, when He gave you a head." (Dawson Trautman)
5. ASK GOD TO REVEAL HIS WILL
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all… and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts… should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:5-8 – excerpts )
6. INNER PEACE
"Through prayer, the study of the Word and reflection, I come to a deliberate judgement according to the best of my ability and knowledge. If my mind is at peace and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly. I have found this method always effective in trivial or important decisions." (George Mueller)
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… " (Colossians 3:15a) (See Psalm 29:11; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; 16:33; Romans 15:13)
7. GODLY COUNSEL
"Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance… Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked… " (Proverbs 20:18; Psalm 1:1b) (See Proverbs 11:14; 15:22)
Facts of the Matter: Daily Devotionals.
Practical Suggestions On How To Spend Time With God
Intimate fellowship with Christ was the purpose of both creation and the cross: "God… has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord… " (1 Corinthians 1:9b) Here are a few suggestions on how to cultivate that intimacy:
1. Make the time regular — preferably in the morning:
Set a goal of 5 days a week, minimum. Solitude and silence should grace the time. If you are new at it, start with 10 minutes. The time will pass surprisingly quickly and soon you will find yourself expanding it to more.
2. Have a specific place where you can be alone:
The patio
The car
The bathroom
A closet
3. Include in your time:
Worship
Thanksgiving
Confession of sin
Petition (asking God for answers)
Intercession (prayers for others) – Make a list of people
4. Read and meditate over Scripture:
Set up an ordered sequence. I find I get more when I take a slow, measured, and in depth approach, rather than race through a specified number of chapters a day. Begin by meditating from a Psalm and a portion of a Proverb. As your appetite (and allotted time) expands, you may also want to add a segment from the New Testament. Once this pattern is well established, you may then want to add a portion from the Old Testament.
5. Journal:
Write down what you are gleaning from the Scriptures. I find using different colored pens to circle and underline principles and key words or ideas is helpful.
With appropriate passages ask, "What does this text teach me about Jesus?" Write it down.
Write out a prayer that relates to the passage. Also, jot down specific answers to prayer.
Record applications you are making from your time of prayer and meditation on the Scriptures.
QUESTION: If you are not consistent in your time alone with God, are you willing to begin now by taking the necessary time and effort to develop constancy in this critical area of your life?
Facts of the Matter: Daily Devotionals.
Five Reasons Why We Fail To Apply God's Word To Our Lives
Let's admit it! Basically we are rebels at heart! We want to do our own thing. It's called the "Frank Sinatra Syndrome." And in our rebellion we disallow God's Word to penetrate and thus transform our lives. Here are five reasons why we do it:
IGNORANCE – The litmus test of our love for Christ is John 14:21. Nothing more. Nothing less: "Whoever has my commandments and obeys them, he is the one who loves me… " You cannot obey what you do not know. Let me ask you, "Do you have the Scriptures?" Or better yet, "Do the Scriptures have you?" (See Ezra 7:10)
CHERRY-PICKING the Scriptures. That is, we select what we like while avoiding difficult truths that focus on servanthood, suffering for the Gospel, holiness of life, etc. We love to hear about Peter's deliverance from prison, but shy away from the idea that John the Baptist's faith cost him his head. (Acts 12:1-17; Mark 6:16-29) By way of contrast, Paul was careful to give the Ephesians the whole counsel (purpose) of God (Acts 20:27) (Compare Hebrews 11:1-35a with 11:35b-40)
FORGETFUL – We look into the mirror of the Word, note the needed changes, and tend to walk away, forgetting to make the application. The consequence? Self-deception. (James 1:22-25) Jesus pointed out that "the world's worries and the taste of wealth and the passions for other interests" distract us from applying the Word of God to our lives (Mark 4:19 Berkeley Translation. See Deuteronomy 8:11, 14, 19).
VACILLATING – Peter instructs us that the "unstable" (vacillating) distort the Scriptures "to their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:16b) In Jesus' "Parable of the Sower," the believer begins to apply God's Word to his life, but then incurs "trouble or persecution." And because of his shallow roots, he vacillates and falls away (Mark 4:16, 17).
DISTORTING – In our ignorance or instability, we (literally) "torture, twist, wrench, or pervert" the Word of God (Cinderella's sister and the shoe?) rather than face up to its exact meaning. The consequences? Our "destruction." (2 Peter 3:16 – See 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Corinthians 4:2)
QUESTION: Are there changes you need to make now, to ensure the fact that when you face Him, you will stand unashamed? (2 Corinthians 5:9-11)
"Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 – Amplified)
Here Are Three Steps To Building God's Word Into Your Life
I. MEMORIZE IT
But why? As a newly born again teenager, I got started on consistent Scripture memory. Nothing has so powerfully affected me spiritually as this difficult but life-changing discipline. Here are three reasons for doing it:
1. To transform your mind in order to live out God's will: "Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)
2. To help you win the spiritual battle over sin and Satan: After 40 days of fasting and prayer, Jesus was tempted by Satan. In all three instances, He won over the Enemy by quoting Scripture that was appropriate to the situation, "Jesus answered, 'It is written… it is written… it is written… '" (Matthew 4:4, 6, 7) If Jesus deemed it necessary to utilize the Scriptures in this manner for spiritual victory, how about you and me?!
3. To equip you to help others spiritually: Ever have the experience of fumbling with your Bible in trying to find a verse? Memorizing key Scriptures supplies you with the tools to intelligently and powerfully minister God's Word to others. "The Scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God, and fit him fully for all branches of his work." (2 Timothy 3:17 — Phillips Translation)
II. ANALYZE IT
Years ago, I remember reviewing a pre-med student's memory verses. He had them down cold! Boy, was I impressed! Then I began asking him what the verses meant, and he didn't have a clue! So, as you are in the process of memorizing a verse or passage, ponder and mull over its meaning in your mind. Dig out its definition by studying it in its context.
III.PERSONALIZE IT
While you are memorizing Scripture, ask God where and how He wants you to change in applying its truths to your life. Someone once said, "God did not give us the Scriptures to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives."
Every person I know who is dead-serious about his walk with God has made an earnest effort to memorize God's Word.
QUESTION: Just how serious are you?
Prayerful Meditation On The Scriptures
Prayerful meditation on the Scriptures is fundamental to spiritual growth. Yet most believers find the experience something less than fulfilling. Here are five suggestions:
1. Meditation on the Scriptures should not be viewed as a method or system, but as an attitude: Faith, openness, reverence, expectation, supplication.
"This people draw near to me with their words… but they remove their hearts far from me, and their reverence for me consists of traditions learned by rote." (Isaiah 29:13 nasb)
2. Meditation can actually be quite difficult at times. Thus, we should not judge its value on how we feel. Yet it is important that our efforts are enlightened, well-directed, and sustained.
"Let me understand the teachings of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders." (Psalm 119:27)
3. It is only if we have a heart fixed on obeying God without reservation that a little effort goes a long way. When we are resisting Him through disobedience or compromise, no amount of effort can produce the desired result.
"I have more understanding… for I obey your precepts." (Psalm 119:100)
4. In our pride, we don't want to be beginners. In truth, we will never be anything but beginners. Given the challenge in learning to effectively utilize meditation for spiritual growth, we would do well to recognize the need for a mature mentor.
"Whatever you have learned or received… from me, or seen in me – put into practice." (Philippians 4:9)
5. Often, what first seemed easy and rewarding, suddenly becomes utterly impossible. We struggle with inner confusion, coldness, and lack of confidence. We find concentration difficult. Our imagination and emotions wander – or run wild. We often feel dry and desolate. Repugnant fantasies buried deep within us take over. We totally lose interest in spiritual matters.
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do… For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:15, 19)
My friend in Christ, don't give up, because God promises you that "the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day." (Proverbs 4:18)
When Interpreting The Scriptures, Inaccuracy Is Not An Option
If you were anticipating brain surgery, I suspect you would want to be sure the surgeon got an "A" in "Brain Operations 101"! There are some things in life where inaccuracy is not an option! Interpreting the sacred Word of God is one of them:
"Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved… a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth… Ignorant (literally: untaught) and unstable people distort [the]… Scriptures, to their own destruction." (2 Timothy 2:15 – Amplified; 2 Peter 3:16)
As lay-people, we have a responsibility to correctly examine the Scripture, since bad doctrine usually leads to bad living. Following are 10 basic principles of Biblical interpretation :
1. Work from the assumption that the Bible is authoritative.
2. The Bible interprets itself; Scripture best explains Scripture.
3. Interpret personal experience in the light of Scripture and not Scripture in light of personal experience.
4. Biblical examples are authoritative only when supported by a command.
5. Scripture has only one meaning and should be taken literally.
6. Interpret words in harmony with their meaning in times of the author.
7. Interpret a word in relation to its sentence and context; a passage in harmony with its context.
8. Since Scripture originated in a historical context, it can be understood only in the light of biblical history.
9. Historical facts or events become symbols of spiritual truths only if the Scriptures so designate them.
10 When two doctrines taught in the Bible appear to be contradictory, accept both as scriptural in the confident belief that they resolve themselves into a higher unity.
Simple Approach To Dig Deeper Into God's Word
If you want to dig deeper into God's Word, then try this simple approach:
Choose a short passage of Scripture. Then:
I. READ the passage: (We'll use Matthew 9:9-13 for our example)
"As Jesus went on from there he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. Follow Me," He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this they asked His disciples, `Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?' On hearing this, Jesus said, `It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
II. RECORD the facts:
vs. 9 – Jesus tells Matthew to follow Him. Matthew obeys.
vs. 10 – Jesus and His disciples have dinner with Matthew and his friends: tax collectors and "sinners."
vs. 11 – The Pharisees question Jesus' disciples as to why He ate with such people.
vs. 12, 13 – Jesus hears about it and responds:
- The "sick ", not the healthy need a doctor.
- God desires mercy over religious observance ("sacrifice ").
- Christ came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
- "I wonder if I am as immediate and responsive to Jesus' call to discipleship as was Matthew."
- "Do I still have lost friends whom I am introducing to Jesus, as did Matthew?"
"I am convicted that I have not been more active in introducing my lost friends to Christ. Within 2 months 1 will have a dinner party for several of them, and plan to share how Christ has changed my life."
For further practice you may want to try the following passages: John 18:1-11; Psalm 23; Ecclesiastes 5:18-20; Genesis 3:1-7; Colossians 3:12-16; John 18:15-18, 25-27; Revelation 1:12-18