The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest
route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite
passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can
make a whole Christian."~ A.W. Tozer
route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite
passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can
make a whole Christian."~ A.W. Tozer
What are you thinking about? Whatever it is, it is forming and shaping who you are. As Christians, our highest goal and aspiration is to bring glory to our glorious Savior! This is not a natural function of your Christian walk. Naturally, we are self involved and bent to follow our own thinking and ways. Scripture reminds us that our ways are not the ways of God (Isaiah 55:8) and as a quest to bring Him glory we must allow Him to change our mind about life and godliness.
Ephesians 4:21-24 …if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Often times we go through our day not recognizing that our minds are a battlefield. Our mind is naturally bent against the things of God, it takes action on our behalf to renew it! Satan uses our minds and thoughts to distract us from the things of God, bring on discouragement, to keep us walking in worldliness and sin.
Romans 8:5-8 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
2Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..
- Identify what you are thinking and put it to the scriptural test according to Philippians 4:8.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble (excellent and dignified), whatever things are just (upright), whatever things are pure (free from moral defilement), whatever things are lovely , whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue (moral strength and excellence) and if there is anything praiseworthy—*meditate* on these things.
- There is only one thing that you can think on that always meets the requirements above, and that is scripture. The Word of God is precious and glorious and it IS how we know Him and how we grow in Him. We should view it as more necessary than physical food.
2Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds form the mouth of God' "
John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
- Purpose to replace wrong thoughts with the truth of God’s word, so that we can bear fruits of righteousness as we abide in Him. Realizing which thoughts are the wrong ones, can only come from spending time in the Word and in prayer. Ask God to reveal to you your mindset, and ask Him if it brings glory to Him. As the Lord works on you in this area, I am assured that you will begin to bear fruits of righteousness in your life and “whatever you do will prosper”.
Colossians 3:1-2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Psalm 1:2-3 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 119:11,15,16 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Choose a scripture to meditate on. Just memorizing would a verse as mere words would fall short, our aim is to “engraft” scripture into our mind. The word engraft means “to plant or introduce something foreign into that which is native; to set or fix deep and firm” (Webster Dictionary 1828) We should meditate on scripture until it changes us: our thoughts, habits, desires, decisions…so that we are walking in truth. James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted (engrafted KJV) word, which is able to save your souls.
M Memorize the passage. Having a “general idea” of what scripture says is not sufficient because our hearts will deceive us and we will be in danger of leaning on our own understanding. Psalm 119:11 Your word have I hidden in my heart…
A Analyze the passage. Ask God to give you an understanding of the verses you have memorized. Study it using Bible study tools such as Lexicons, dictionaries and commentaries; gaining an understanding of the meaning of words and the context in which they were given. Allow God to be your teacher. John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; 2Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing(dissect correctly) the word of truth.
P Personalize the passage. Purpose to obey and apply the word which you have meditated on. Use it in prayer as you go before the Lord. Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. walk as children of light. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed (metamorphose) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
