1376. Receive the Message Into Your Own Life
Receive the Message Into Your Own Life
"Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psa_119:11).
The Bible student does not study his Bible merely to get together data to preach unto others. He does not study, merely to prepare himself for some public ministration.
The Word of God was written for "doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;" in order that the man of God might be "perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The real Bible student will, therefore, always have his mind and heart open to receive that for which the Bible was God-breathed. He will certainly place emphasis upon "doctrine," seeking to know the faith that was "once for all delivered unto the saints." He will place stress upon "reproof," seeking for that "evidence" which convicts and convinces him of every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset, and which greatly hinders him in his Christian race. He will always let the Word of God stand over him in "correction;" and he will cherish, with deep appreciation, the "instruction" of the Word with which God would child-train and nurture him.
He will always open his own heart and life, so that God may thus sanctify him by His Truth and make him perfect ("made ready"), and furnished ("well prepared"), unto all good works. He will find that God's Word will show him how to cleanse his way, shape his life, and direct his walk.
Too many believers never allow the Word to sink down deeply into their own hearts. They never permit the Word to admonish them, and to teach them how they ought to live. They never let the Word reveal unto them their own sins and faults.
God's Word is as a flame of fire. It will first shine in and reveal the dross; then, it will consume it.
The Word will discern between soul and spirit; it will discover the thoughts and the intents of the heart. Then, let us all spend much time with the open Bible, seeking its cleansing power. If we will always hide it in our heart, we will not be always sinning against our Lord.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR