Lessons

The lesson on March 7, 2010 continued this series with lesson 7.  The scripture reading was in Psalms 19:7-11 KJV “7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.”  The study opened with Colossians 3:15-16 KJV which says “15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  We are to have the word of God in our hearts and mind because this is what gets you the power of God.  We need the power because we have a warfare going on within us between the old and new nature.  As it says in Ephesians 4:22-24 KJV “22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”  You put on the new man by renewing your mind with the word of God.  Remember in Romans 12:2 KJV “2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  We are in a constant struggle with the old man.  The mind is where the game is played and we should fill our thoughts with the word of God.  We saw an example of this by our savior in Matthew 4:4 when the Lord was tempted by the devil, Jesus said “…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”.  The devil tempted him when he was hungry and weak but the Lord responded every temptation by saying “It is written”.  The devil tempts us with our bodies and our mind when we are at our weakest point.  The power we have to take a stand is with the word of God in our minds and heart.  When our soul is in that desparate moment, we turn to God and ask “Don’t you see what’s going on?  Where are you when I need help?”.  An example of this was in Mark 4:38-40 “Mark 4:38-40 KJV “38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” We are so infintile in that stage of our relationship with God.  We shouldn’t pray “Lord be with me today”… He is always with us so we should pray “Lord, please help me to be with you today!” Verse 39 is what happens to us when we are in the word of God.  The antidote to fear is the word of God.  In the scripture reading of Psalms 19:17-21, we have three verses showing six characteristics of the word of God with the six corresponding results of its use.   Be sure to listen to find out more.