Part 3. “That I Might Not Sin”

      Psalm 119: 11 states: “Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” God has made this provision available to those who are His own. Every believer, who has a Bible, has the opportunity to walk in the light of His Word and has the promise that it will help him or her not to sin against God. We can walk sure footed on the rough ground.

       How can this be – that if I have His Word hidden in my heart, “that I might not sin against God"? 

Psalm 119: 1-16 sheds great light on this concept:  “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. Oh, that my ways were directed to keep your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments! I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteousness judgments. I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!” 

"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word.  With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wonder from Your commandments! Your Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, o Lord! Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much

as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes, I will not forget Your word.”

      As I said, “How can this be” --- that if we have His Word hidden in our hearts, we will not sin against

Him? And on top of not sinning, we get a bonus! We will be blessed! Verse 2 says: “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with a whole heart! They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.” See verses 2 and 3 in The Amplified version: “Blessed, happy, fortunate [to be envied] are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek, inquire for and of Him and crave Him with the whole heart. Yes, they do no unrighteousness --- no willful wandering from His precepts; they walk in His ways.” So --- when we keep His ways, we are better equipped to refrain from doing iniquities or unrighteous things. This is talking about sin. Having His Word established in our hearts and spirits will strengthen us to stand against the temptation to sin. We will recognize temptation when it comes and we will have the desire and strength, or we could say, the grace, to say “No” to it. This is power that comes with having Word wisdom and understanding, as well as having the Holy Spirit living inside of us.

       The psalmist refers to “those who keep His testimonies … .” How does one know the testimonies to keep but by knowing His Word?!

      The Apostle, John, implies this principle in I John 2: 14, where he writes, “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.” It seems here that there is a connection between overcoming Satan and having God’s Word on the inside. This wicked one wants us to fail in our ability to resist evil so he sets traps for us along the way. Having God’s Word inside us means that the appropriate knowledge and understanding, in our spirit, is ready to rise up to give us the where-with-all to overcome any trap the wicked one can put in our path. It will clearly benefit us to have that path illuminated by God’s Word as have ourselves empowered by His Word. “Thank you, Lord, that we do not have to sin! We are no longer compelled to fall in to its snare. Thank You for giving us the capability to live and walk above sin. In Jesus Name, we are grateful. Amen.”

      In prayer to the Father, Jesus Himself, said: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 17: 17. This one verse speaks great victory to the believer as well as substantiates my many declarations that “God’s Word is Truth.” Getting the truths of God, His Word, truly into the soul and spirit, will sanctify the believer, making him holy and giving him the power to live above sin.

      The word “sanctify,” Strongs #37, is the Greek word “hagiazo,” pronounced “hag-ee-ad’-zo,” meaning “to make holy, ie. purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate; -- hallow, be holy, sanctify.” “Venerate” describes having feeling of great respect or to revere. In the New Testament the word, “sanctify,” “describes a manifestation of life produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit.” Spirit Filled Life Bible, WW, P. 1595. I love that! ---- “... the word ‘sanctify’ describes a manifestation of life produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit.” Say that in your own words. You might say something like: “One who is sanctified lives like Jesus is in them ----in their real life.”

      This passage, in John’s gospel, is part of Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and for all believers. Many

even call this “The Lord’s Prayer.” Keeping in mind that our Lord is our own great and perfect

intercessor, let us read His prayer in it’s entirety: John 17: 1 – 26: “After saying this, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the time is here. Give your Son glory so that your Son can give you glory. After all, you've given him authority over all humanity so that he can give eternal life to all those you gave to him. This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent. On earth I have given you glory by finishing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, give me glory in your presence with

the glory I had with you before the world existed. I made your name known to the people you gave me. They are from this world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me. They did what you told them. Now they know that everything you gave me came from you, because I gave them the message that you gave me. They have accepted this message, and they know for sure that I came from you. They have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I'm not praying for the world but for those you gave me, because they are yours. Everything I have is yours, and everything you have is mine. I have been given glory by the people you have given me. I won't be in the world much longer, but they are in the world, and I'm coming back to you. Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of your name, the name that you gave me, so that their unity may be like ours. While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name, the name that you gave me. I watched over them, and none of them, except one person, became lost. So Scripture came true. But now, Father, I'm coming back to you. I say these things while I'm still in the world so that they will have the same joy that I have. I have given them your message. But the world has hated them because they don't belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one. They don't belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Use the truth to make them holy. Your words are truth. I have sent them into the world the same way you sent me into the world. I'm dedicating myself to this holy work I'm doing for them so that they, too, will use the truth to be holy. I'm not praying only for them. I'm also praying for those who will believe in me through their message. I pray that all of these people continue to have unity in the way that you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they may be united with us so that the world will believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me. I did this so that they are united in the same way we are. I am in them, and you are in me. So they are completely united. In this way the world knows that you have sent me and that you have loved them in the same way you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given to me to be with me, to be where I am. I want them to see my glory, which you gave me because you loved me before the world was made. Righteous Father, the world didn't know you. Yet, I knew you, and these disciples have known that you sent me. I have made your name known to them, and I will make it known so that the love you have for me will be in them and I will be in them.’ ” American Standard Version

I am humbled and so very encouraged to know that my Lord prayed this prayer for me ---- for all of us who are His. “Thank you, wonderful Savior!”

PART 2: A Lamp - Continued -If you're reading my blog for the first time or have never read my previous posts, I recommend starting at the beginning.

      There is great reward in observing God’s statutes and great distress in not doing so.  Let’s see more of Moses’ instructions to God’s people: “But you were loyal to the LORD your God and are still alive today. I have taught you laws and rules as the LORD my God commanded me.  You must obey them when you've entered the land and taken possession of it. Faithfully obey these laws.  This will show the people of the world your wisdom and insight.  When they hear about all these laws, they will say, ‘What wise and insightful people there are in this great nation!’  What great nation ever had their gods as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we pray to him?  Or what other great nation has such fair laws and rules as all these teachings I am giving you today?  However, be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you don't forget the things which you have seen with your own eyes.  Don't let them fade from your memory as long as you live.  Teach them to your children and grandchildren.  Never forget the day you stood in front of the LORD your God at Mount Horeb.  The LORD had said to me, ‘Assemble the people in front of me, and I will let them hear my words.  Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live on earth, and they will teach their children the same thing.’”   Deuteronomy 4:4-10, God’s Word for the Nations.

      “Today I'm giving you the choice of a blessing or a curse.  You'll be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I'm giving you today.  You'll be cursed if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God, if you turn from the way I'm commanding you to live today, and if you worship other gods you never knew.  …  be careful to obey all the laws and rules I'm giving you today.”           Deuteronomy 11: 26 – 28, 32, God’s Word for the Nations.

      It is well established in Scriptures that our Heavenly Father, Creator God, has pre-ordained a specific path for each of us to follow through life.  He will show us the way, illuminate the way, and make provision for that way.  It is our responsibility to learn what it is and then to walk in it.  Keeping in mind that Jesus is God’s Word, made flesh, consider His words as recorded in John 12: 46:  “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.”

This concludes PART 2.  My next post will begin  PART 3: "That I Might Not Sin"

PART 2: A Lamp - Continued -If you're reading my blog for the first time or have never read my previous posts, I recommend starting at the beginning.

Now let us continue this quote from Boiling Point, by George Barna:


“At the start of the third millennium, America is a nation in which only one-fourth of all adults and just 1 out of every 10 teenagers believes that there is absolute moral truth. The majority of America, therefore, either believes or yields to the belief that all moral truth is relative to the individual and his/her circumstances.”

“Interestingly, Americans have chosen relativism without much enthusiasm or conviction for that position. Our research shows that even though one’s stand on this matter is one of the most important choices an individual will make in his/her life, very few adults and teens ponder the existence and nature of truth. Most of those who do think about it don’t make much headway: a majority of them remain confused, frustrated or undecided as to what they think. Consequently, most people revert to the default position of the prevailing culture: moral truth is relative. We found that even a majority of those who contend that moral truth is absolute are somewhat confused about their belief and are likely to contradict themselves when questions about truth are posed from different angles.”

“… Born-again Christians, who ought to be the most verbal and convincing defenders of absolute moral truth, are more likely than nonbelievers to support the absolute stand with certainty; but the ‘absolutist’ represent less than half of all born-again adults. While the Christians who back the absolutist view outnumber those who promote the relativist view by almost a 5 to 1 ratio, we also discovered that when Christians were asked about truth in different ways, their confusion and lack of conviction was overt. The reason you don’t hear many believers discoursing on the principle of truth is probably because so few of them, regardless of their leanings, have a well researched, clearly articulate and compelling perspective on the matter.”

“What happened? How did Christians, the very people to whom God entrusted the substance of truth and morality, arrive at this vapid posture? As best we can untangle it, the route was circuitous. The teaching that people receive from their churches – the place where, hopefully, the truths asserted by God are clearly, consistently and convincingly expounded – has generally been ineffective at helping them comprehend moral truth. Our studies show that few churches use their teaching ties – sermons, Sunday school, VBS, small groups, membership classes – to intentionally and relentlessly communicate a coherent and cohesive worldview in a systematic fashion. Church-based teaching is generally founded on Bible context and delivery. In addition, the role models who impact Christians have fared poorly at portraying absolute moral truth through their words and actions.”

“Certainly, if the public were willing, it could discern the contours of a truth-based worldview from Scripture. However, most people’s experience with God’s Word is irregular and superficial, at best. Few Americans read the Bible often enough, broadly enough and sufficiently circumspectly to enable them to develop a truth-based worldview. Add to that the fact that they are immersed in a culture that promotes relativism and that the Church rarely holds its adherents accountable for their values and beliefs, and the consequence is that moral truth is essentially reflected. The practical result is obvious: without a solid moral foundation, churches and church people are affected by the culture more than they are affecting the culture’s views and behavior.” Consider again that last statement: “The practical result is obvious: without a solid moral foundation, churches and church people are affected by the culture more than they are affecting the culture’s views and behavior.”

“Whether you realize it or not, your view of moral truth is at the core of your worldview. (In this text we are speaking of a worldview as a way of interpreting all aspects of reality.) Chuck Colson has argued that the dominant American worldview of young adults can be summed up in one word: ‘whatever.’ Without the clarity and consistency of absolute moral truth, we are reduced to doing what seems right, what feels good, what produces the least resistance and what provides the greatest personal fulfillment. Naturally, our unconscious dismissal of absolute morality and ethics has produced a plethora of attitudinal and behavioral changes, including the reforming of our values.”

“But if you thought the move toward moral relativism is alarming, realize that tens of millions of Americans have taken the next logical step beyond moral relativism. Cultural analysts argue that there are really three dominant strains of thought in America today. There is the traditional or pre-modern view that says absolute moral truth exists, it is knowable and it has consequences for people’s lives. The modern view maintains that all truth is relative to the person’s perspective. The newest iteration, which is increasingly popular, is known as postmodernism. This philosophy asserts that there is not truth at all: Efforts to discover absolutes, much less to live them, are fruitless. Postmodernism is based on existentialism, which claims there is no meaning or purpose to life; personal experience is all that a person can know and appreciate.”

“Did you ever wonder how so many people can own Bibles, perhaps even read the Bible, and yet so completely miss the mark in their attitudes, values and lifestyles? It is largely because of the worldview disconnect. To the postmodern person, the Bible is simply a collection of time-honored stories that amount to another self-help volume. It is to be read just like any other self-help book: with some skepticism and for personal gain. Post-moderns outright reject the idea of the Bible being an accurate guidebook for life, much less the literal Word of a holy, omnipotent and omniscient God. They do not memorize or apply Scripture because, in their worldview, the Bible has no greater power, virtue or value than books by Stephen King, Jerry Seinfeld or Dr. Seuss.”

“In fact, postmodernism renders Jesus; entire death and resurrection little more than an interesting but obscure story of one individual’s compassion, heroic effort and ultimate demise. Postmodern people view it as a story that offers insight into one person’s challenges and responses, but not as a standard by which our lives are to be shaped or judged. The life of Jesus, in other words, is just another story among the billions of human histories that we might reflect upon and is no more or less meaningful than the stories of James Cassidy, Sheilah Brown, Jose Rodriguez or Choi En Lie –whoever they are.”   Boiling Point, p.77-81.

PART 2: A Lamp - Continued -If you're reading my blog for the first time or have never read my previous posts, I recommend starting at the beginning.

Most of us would agree that, if followers of Christ would read and meditate on words like these on a regular basis, we Christians would live our daily lives as better examples of Christ. ["These" words I am referring to are from Proverbs 3: 7-35, quoted in my previous post.] Our value systems would reflect Christ and would result in a Christian world view rather than a secular world view. Christians would actually behave and love differently than non believers. This is talking about having and using wisdom and understanding that comes from God while, at the same time, acknowledging that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7). Wisdom is knowing Truth and then using it appropriately in given situations. Understanding is knowing Truth and having proper insight that allows one to use it wisely. What a difference it would make in the world if all, or at least more, believers would heed these words in Proverbs! Can we imagine the benefits of diligently teaching God’s principles to our children, starting at the earliest possible age and living the life of faith and godly integrity before them in every arena of our lives? What a difference this would make in most households and the effects would flow as “rivers of living waters” out into the marketplace. Teaching the Word and the value of It, to children, should not be left to the Sunday School teacher alone, for approximately one hour per week. Certainly though, the formal training of Sunday School is of great benefit in reinforcing the teachings of the home. But the day to day teaching and living before them, of the parents especially, and also grandparents, older siblings, extended family and friends, is the way to get the Word and Its practical daily application into the hearts and minds of children. This is the best way to anchor them in Truth and set them up to come into their own faith in Christ that will not only get them to Heaven for eternity, but get them onto the path of God’s glorious plan for each child -- his or her own abundant life.

Speaking of Sunday School, how many Christian parents do not even bother with getting their children to Sunday School on a regular basis these days? There just does not seem to be a high value placed on this systematic exposure and study of God’s Word for the children in the Body of Christ. I am not saying that Sunday School is the only way to reach this goal. Call it what you will ---- any small group interactive, teaching/learning situation that instructs children consistently is what I am talking about. They need a firm foundation that will result from teaching ---- line upon line, precept upon precept ---- the glorious provision of Salvation, the principles of our God and the TRUTHS of God’s Word to will equip them to navigate through our complex world. We do not need to look far to see Satan’s evil devices, wanting to steal, kill and destroy our children and grandchildren.

As we consider the life guiding values gained from God’s Word and Christ’s example, let’s look at some comments regarding evolving Christian values in America, found in the book, Boiling Point, by George Barna and Mark Hatch: “Values are the concepts we embrace that define what is right, worthwhile or desirable in life – in other words, the principles and standards that we choose to live by. Traditionally, societies have stayed true to their values for prolonged periods of time. But these days everything is up for grabs; everything is susceptible to change. The age of unquestioned, predictable and enduring core values is history. Driven by our ongoing search for meaning and fulfillment without having to rely upon God, our core values have been changing with unusual rapidity in the last few decades.” Barna & Hatch, Boiling Point, p. 77.

Barna and Hatch discuss the differing levels of values. Secondary values, they say, we appreciate and would like to experience them, but “can get by without them.” Primary values, such as independence, belonging and happiness are “must have” values, which “describe what is most important to us in life. We will compromise, if need be, on integrating our secondary values into our life situations’ but we typically will go to the mat to defend or incorporate our core values into every last fiber of our life.” Barna & Hatch, Boiling Point, p. 77.

The authors move on to explain the “cornerstone value”: “There is one more level of values of importance to this discussion: the cornerstone value. Just as the Christian faith has a cornerstone belief (i.e., we exist to know, love and serve God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength), or professional sports are based on a cornerstone goal (i.e., winning or being the best), so do Americans develop their lives around a cornerstone value. That is a value on which most of our other values hinge; it is the nucleus that spawns other operational values within us. Perhaps the most fundamental value that drives our lifestyles and decision making is whether or not we believe that absolute moral truth exists. Few perspectives in life have a more significant impact on who we are, how we live and what we believe than our personal conviction about moral truth.”

“The constant retooling of our core values can be largely traced to a seminal shift in our thinking regarding our perspective on truth. In short, most Americans have chosen to reject absolute moral truth in favor of relativism. That single change has opened the door to a wholesale revision of our entire set of values – and the resulting behaviors.”

“This transformation has done more to undermine the health and stability of American society—and, perhaps, of the world – than anything else. It is not a change that happened overnight. The confluence of ‘new thinking’ that swept America in the late ‘60s and early ’70s became a staple of pop culture. The result has been a wholesale revision in people’s thought patterns and behaviors based on the notion that a person is the center of his/her universe and is, therefore, responsible for determining what is right and wrong, appropriate and inappropriate, useful and useless, significant and insignificant. In this system, without any grander vision of truth, meaning and value, each person thereby dictates the standards and principles that will rule his/her world, regardless of anyone else’s standards and principles.”
Before continuing this quote from George Barna’s book, I would like to interject a thought here. A phrase from the Bible continually stays in my mind as I read this. It refers to people “doing what is right in their own eyes,” and is found in Deuteronomy 12:8, Judges 21:25, Psalm 12:15 and Proverbs 21:2. A society that has no specific moral code will be made up of individuals who do just that -- “what is right in their own eyes,” resulting in a self focused, sin filled people comprising a culture that will eventually destroy itself from within. Think about that as you read his passages. Look again at Barna’s last two sentences: “The result has been a wholesale revision in people’s thought patterns and behaviors based on the notion that a person is the center of his/her universe and is, therefore, responsible for determining what is right and wrong, appropriate and inappropriate, useful and useless, significant and insignificant. In this system, without any grander vision of truth, meaning and value, each person thereby dictates the standards and principles that will rule his/her world, regardless of anyone else’s standards and principles.” In other words, this is an entire society of people who “do what is right in their own eyes.” We need to pray! ---Yes, right now!
[In my next post, I will continue quoting from Barna's book regarding the unfortunate shifting of our cultural value systems.]

Part 2: A LAMP - Continued -

Let’s continue with Paul’s instructions to young Timothy: “Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness – all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word and deed. [And aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace – which is harmony and concord with others – in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart. But refuse – shut your mind against, have nothing to do with trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels. And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome – fighting and contending. Instead he must be kindly to every one and mild-tempered – preserving the bond of peace; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong. He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth – that is, that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it, And that they may come to their senses [and] escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, [henceforth] to do His [God’s] will.” II Timothy 2: 22-26, Amplified.

This same passage in God’s Word for the Nations, goes like this: “Stay away from lusts which tempt young people. Pursue what has God's approval. Pursue faith, love, and peace together with those who worship the Lord with a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. You know they cause quarrels. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel. Instead, he must be kind to everyone. He must be a good teacher. He must be willing to suffer wrong. He must be gentle in correcting those who oppose the Good News. Maybe God will allow them to change the way they think and act and lead them to know the truth. Then they might come back to their senses and God will free them from the devil's snare so that they can do his will.” II Timothy 2:22-26.

In writing this epistle to Timothy, Paul was keenly aware that Timothy needed to study and know God’s Word in order to minister to others and to stand firm against unrighteous temptations and behaviors. It was imperative that Timothy have this divine illumination guiding his personal life and his ministry. He needed to teach these same principles to others and set a good example, even as a young man. Paul instructs Timothy in effective servant leadership, knowing that this is the example set by Christ, Himself. Several times, Paul refers to knowing and doing God’s will and the key to revelation knowledge of God’s will, of course, is knowledge of the Truth of God’s Word. In verse 25 Paul says, “so that they may know the truth.” So here we see it again, the Truth is found in the Word of God and knowledge of God’s Word will help us stay on God’s righteous path, illuminating the way, helping us recognize and avoid the snare of the devil. As I said before he, (the devil), has a plan, or we may call it a plot, for our lives. But following the ways of our Lord, as clearly defined in His Word, will help us avoid his snares and even captivity.

In the Bible, there are many terms used to refer to God’s Word, such as “precepts,” and “statutes.” One of the most common is “law,” the Jewish name for Pentateuch, which consists of the first five books of the Old Testament. “Law/s” appears 318 times in the Old Testament and 219 times in the New Testament.

The word “law” is found many times in Proverbs, the “Book of Wisdom.” That is because wisdom from God is imbedded in His Word. Proverbs 3 is a good illustration of the value, wisdom and benefits of allowing the Law to direct one’s path.

This passage begins, “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to your life.” Proverbs 3:1. One may say, “This appears to be a father speaking to his son about the house hold rules.” Well, it is more than just a man’s rules as this proverb uses a common literary approach. The commentary for this verse, given in the Spirit Filled Life Bible, helps to clarify: “The Law (Torah), the Jewish Pentateuch, and meaning basically ‘teaching,’ is the foundation of righteousness. The expression “my law,” assuming it is still the parent speaking, implies the more personal principles of the house hold -- close to those of God, but with detailed application.”

Already, in verse one we see a father figure extolling the value of remembering and keeping these statutes, bringing the resulting benefits: “length of days and long life, and peace.” He continues: “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3: 2-6. The writer goes on for many more verses declaring the value of righteous living and the rewards that come as a result. See the invaluable benefits of walking on the righteous path that is directed by godly precepts: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. Happy is the man who finds wisdom. And the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; by His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew.”
“My son, let them not depart from your eyes -- Keep sound wisdom and discretion; so they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.”
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you. Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety’s sake. Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.”
“Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; for the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.” Proverbs 3: 7-35 NKJV

PART 2: A Lamp - Continued -If you're reading my blog for the first time or have never read my previous posts, I recommend starting at the beginning.

As John 1:4-5 states, Jesus “was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” When Jesus came into the world, a light that mankind had not yet known, came into the world. That is the light that illuminates the way. John goes on to elaborate in verses 6-17: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will or the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” and of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

With words like these and the evidences of the consequences faced by our Hebrew brethren not walking in the Light God provided, why are so many believers so indifferent to God’s Word? Why is such a small percentage really studying His Truths? Paul’s instructions to Timothy stand good for all believers. He said, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15. Most of us who were in Sunday School as children memorized this verse, but we were either not taught what it meant or where not paying much attention to the teacher. The latter was probably my own case. Some part of that principle must have been planted in my spirit though, because I can recall that even in high school and college, I respected my Bible and did some semi regular “devotional” type reading of it. I even thought about and had some desire to read through the whole thing and get into systematic study. But, in reality, it seems that cares of the world and the desire to have fun took higher priority. My flesh was stronger than my spirit and it is no wonder since my lifestyle was nurturing my flesh more than my spirit. Gratefully, by my mid 20’s, I began to hunger for more of its Truth and started into actual study. By that time I had two small sons and I wanted them to have a relationship with Christ and walk in the light of God’s Word. How could I expect them to honor God and His Word if I did not do so myself? I really wanted to be a godly mother for them and to set a good example. And besides, in my spirit, I just knew there was food there that I needed to satisfy my own hungry soul and living water to quench my thirst and guidance to light my path that often seemed crooked.

So what is Paul saying to young Timothy? Paul is telling him to study, just as the Holy Spirit was telling me to study. What would Timothy study but God’s Word? At that time, it would be the Old Testament. Paul was also likely referring to his own prior instructions to Timothy, his protégé and student. The word “study,” (Strong’s #4704) in the Greek, is “spoudazo,” meaning “to make effort, be prompt or earnest: do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavor, labor, study.” So Paul is telling Timothy that he needs to continually study -- the verb is a present imperative meaning that this is to be Timothy’s regular practice. Timothy is to continue in regular, serious study of Scriptures with diligence and effort so that he can please God and be knowledgeable, as an example of Christ, before others. This should be the heart’s desire of every one of us who calls ourselves “Christian.”

Most of us have embarrassed ourselves while trying to discuss some Truth or fact from Scripture when we ourselves, and those listening, came to the conclusion that either we did not have enough knowledge, or we simply did not know what we were talking about. I have been there more times than I care to think about and do not like finding myself in that position. It is through study as well as seeking God in prayer that we can avert these incidences of embarrassment. This is not saying that we will have all wisdom and all the answers. But we will know our God well enough and walk in step with Him on that illuminated path and closely enough to Him that we will have the right words to say, with genuine authority and power as well as wisdom to say, “I don’t know” when appropriate, as well. Another important component to having and gaining biblical knowledge and wisdom is that of being a part of a good Bible based church fellowship. The value of sitting under good, sound teaching and preaching is beyond measure. We are never too old or “mature” for Sunday School or Bible study groups. This small group systematic study, as well as the personal accountability that generally comes with it, helps us do as instructed and exampled in God’s Word. “Iron sharpens iron” and we need it!

The Amplified version, starting with verse 14, says: “Remind [the people] of these facts, and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers. 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.” II Tim. 2:14-15. I want to interject one point here. These verses, v.15 in particular, should be especially meaningful to, and taken to heart by, anyone who God calls to be a teacher. For the teacher, this verse contains the heart of his or her ministry gift. All believers are to study and understand God’s Word, but the teacher will be held to a higher level of accountability in this regard. Teaching the Holy Scriptures to others is a high privilege and a huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly.

This does not let those, without the teacher gift/calling, completely off the hook, because every person has a teacher type influence on someone – our own family members as well as those we encounter in the market place.

Let us continue with this passage: “But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. And their teaching [will devour; it] will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have missed the mark and swerved from the truth by arguing that the resurrection has already taken place. They are undermining the faith of some. But the firm foundation [laid by] God stands, sure and unshaken, bearing this seal (inscription): The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let every one who names [himself by] the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. [Num.16:5; Isa. 26:13.]” II Tim. 2:16-19.

Like Timothy, we should “avoid godless chatter” (NIV) --- “profane and idle babblings” (NKJV) --- and adhere to the Word of Truth. How can we if we do not know the difference? Here is a very simplistic example -- “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” It appears that a vast number of people have been told and really believe that those words are Scripture. Though good hygiene is a desirable thing, this is not a quote from the Bible. Believing that it is, reflects ignorance of God’s Word.

Jack Hayford comments on II Timothy 2:15: “The Bible -- God’s inspired Word -- is the only conclusive source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding concerning ultimate realities. It is a fountainhead of freeing truth (John 8:32) and a gold mine of practical principles (Ps. 19:10), waiting to liberate and/or enrich the person who will pursue its truth and wealth. Thus, Paul’s instruction to “be diligent … a worker” has been applied by serious Christians through the centuries as a directive to study the Word of God. The only way to healthy, balanced living is through the ‘rightly dividing’ (Greek orthotomounta, literally, ‘cutting straight’) of God’s Word. Such correct, straight-on application of God’s Word is the result of diligent study. The test calls us beyond casual approaches to the Scriptures, telling us to refuse to suit the Bible to our own convenience or ideology.”

“In his earlier words (I Tim. 4:13) Paul also told Timothy, ‘Give attention to reading [God’s Word],’ but now he emphasizes studying like a ‘worker’ (from Greek ergon—‘toil, effort’). Ps. 119:11 urges memorizing of the Word of God as a mighty deterrent against sin. Memorizing the Scripture also provides an immediate availability of God’s ‘words’ as a sword, ready in witnessing and effective in spiritual warfare (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). (Is. 55:10,11/ 2 Tim.3:16).” Jack Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Bible, Kingdom Dynamics, p. 1854.

PART TWO: A Lamp .... continued

One of Israel’s greatest prophets of old, Isaiah, implored God’s people to turn from their pagan ways and live in the illumination provided by the Word of God that was available to them at that time -- about 700-690 B.C. Although Messiah had not yet come, and the New Testament and most of the old had not yet been written, God’s chosen ones did have the benefit of Deuteronomy. God did speak directly to Isaiah, but His written Word gave clear direction for their time, and credence for Isaiah as he declared God’s displeasure with and judgment upon the sins in Judah, Israel and surrounding nations. Early on in Isaiah’s time of prophesying, he entreated, “O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord.” Isaiah 2:5.

Had God’s people made the choice to heed this simple plea, the course of their history would be much different. They would have averted the disastrous consequences of their decision to walk in darkness rather than light. God had guided them every step of the way to this point and would continue to do so. They would not have been overtaken, and many brutally killed, by their enemies. Their children would not have been carried away into Babylon, repeopled, and made into eunuchs and slaves. Note that the terrible future, that awaited the Jews, was not to come on them by the hand of their Heavenly Father. By their own choice to walk away from His protective hand, they walked into the brutal hands of powerful enemies. They choose not to walk in the light of the Words of their Lord. For 400 years God’s nation of chosen people were scattered, living under the thumb and rule of others --- the enemies of their God. Nonetheless, the world, and all of mankind, can be grateful that throughout this terrible time of Israel’s history, there was a remnant, though scattered, that remained in God’s light, faithful to God and the Words He had spoken. Isaiah was one of those, as well as Jeremiah, Daniel, the three Hebrew sons who survived the fiery furnace and others.

We can learn a lesson from those who went before us. God had showed them they way. He had provided the light for their path of life. In our own age, He has illuminated our way with His instructions for living, the Bible, God’s Word of Truth.

Look at the opening words of the Apostle John’s gospel. John 1: 1-5 declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John is telling us that Jesus is the expressed Word of God -- the eternal and ultimate expression of God and is the light that no darkness can overtake. This is reason enough to dance and shout with unspeakable joy!

I love the way Matthew Henry expounds on these verses: “Reasonable creatures have their light from him; that life which is the light of men comes from him. Life in man is something greater and nobler than it is in other creatures; it is rational, and not merely animal. When man became a living soul, his life was light, his capacities such as distinguished him from. and dignified him above, the beasts that perish. The spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord, and it was the eternal Word that lighted this candle. The light of reason, as well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him. This proves him fit to undertake our salvation; for life and light, spiritual and eternal life and light, are the two great things that fallen man, who lies so much under the power of death and darkness, has need of. From whom may we better expect the light of divine revelation than from him who gave us the light of human reason?

(1.) The discovery of the eternal Word to the lapsed world, even before he was manifested in the flesh: The light shineth in darkness. Light is self-evidencing, and will make itself known; this light, whence the light of men comes, hath shone, and doth shine. [1.] The eternal Word, as God, shines in the darkness of natural conscience. Though men by the fall are become darkness, yet that which may be known of God is manifested in them; see Rom_1:19, Rom_1:20. The light of nature is this light shining in darkness. Something of the power of the divine Word, both as creating and as commanding, all mankind have an innate sense of; were it not for this, earth would be a hell, a place of utter darkness; blessed be God, it is not so yet. [2.] The eternal Word, as Mediator, shone in the darkness of the Old Testament types and figures, and the prophecies and promises which were of the Messiah from the beginning. He that had commanded the light of this world to shine out of darkness was himself long a light shining in darkness; there was a veil upon this light, 2Co_3:13.
(2.) The disability of the degenerate world to receive this discovery: The darkness comprehended it not; the most of men received the grace of God in these discoveries in vain. [1.] The world of mankind comprehended not the natural light that was in their understandings, but became vain in their imaginations concerning the eternal God and the eternal Word, Rom_1:21, Rom_1:28. The darkness of error and sin overpowered and quite eclipsed this light. God spoke once, yea twice, but man perceived it not, Job_33:14. [2.] The Jews, who had the light of the Old Testament, yet comprehended not Christ in it. As there was a veil upon Moses's face, so there was upon the people's hearts. In the darkness of the types and shadows the light shone; but such as the darkness of their understandings that they could not see it. It was therefore requisite that Christ should come, both to rectify the errors of the Gentile world and to improve the truths of the Jewish church.” E-Sword, Matthew Henry commentary.

Part 2: A Lamp... continued

When God directed Moses to lead the Israilites out of Egypt, He literally illuminated their way with a pillar of fire by night. Exodus 13: 21-22 tells us, "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people." The pillar of cloud and pillar of fire were the manifest presence of God showing the multitude the way through the wilderness. They did not have the written Word back then, other than the tablets with God's commandments. In like manner, the Word of God, is the manifest presence of God for believers today, showing the way through the wilderness called life. Yes, we have the Holy Spirit guiding us as well, but without knowldege of the Word, it is hard to correctly discern the voices that may be spoken into our souls and spirits.
I once heard this description of a person witout God and knowledge of God's Word. It would be like a blind man in an unfamiliar pitch black dardened room, looking for a black cat that is not there. Now how undone is that?! Any life will bring its share of difficulties. To face them time and time again without the hope of Christ and the light of His Word would certainly be a frustrating and futile existence. For the discouraged man, the psalmist writes, "Oh, send Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle. Then I will go to the alter of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God." Psalm 43: 3-4. The psalmist is fervently acknowledging the need for and requesting the light and truth that comes from God. And when this is achieved, he knows that he will have encounerted God Himself -- calling God, "my exceeding joy," and he will gratefully praise Him.