St Mary's Church Almondsbury
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“Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People” Sermon Series
Sermon 4: Meditating on scripture and seeking guidance	Psalm 119: 9-16: How can young people keep their way pure?    By guarding it according to your word. ^10With my whole heart I seek you;    do not let me stray from your commandments. ^11I treasure your word in my heart,    so that I may not sin against you. ^12Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes. ^13With my lips I declare    all the ordinances of your mouth. ^14I delight in the way of your decrees    as much as in all riches. ^15I will meditate on your precepts,    and fix my eyes on your ways. ^16I will delight in your statutes;    I will not forget your word.
Keep your life pure by benefiting from the Bible 1. The Bible is our manual for life There is a logical order in these six words used in Psalm 119 v9-16 to tell us what it is and is for: ‘Word’ – a general term for God’s communication with us. In the New Testament it is described as ‘God breathed’ – the basis of the Bible’s authority. It has a supreme authority. ‘Commandments’ – The Bible has a straight authority, the right to give orders. ‘Statutes’ – these have a binding force and permanence. ‘Ordinances’ – or judgements, the decisions of an all-wise judge who understands the human condition, so is appropriate. God’s statutes are for our good. ‘Decrees’ - or testimonies - a faithful and true witness to God, so it is reliable expression of mind. ‘Precepts’ – The word used by an overseer to make sure everything is happening correctly – applied to the nitty gritty of living. So the Bible is an authoritative manual (not so much a rule or law book) or life. 2. The Bible needs to be approached humbly These are general principles to check that we are approaching the Bible with a healthy attitude (rather than study tips): Guard – or take heed, to attend to, take notice of. Seek – with whole heart that we are willing to go out and make an effort to find something new, outside of where we are. Treasure – in heart, to greatly value in the core of our being. Teach – willing to learn, to be changed by God. Declare – willing to let this change be seen by others through our words (in the text) and lifestyle. Delight – joy, take pleasure, willingness because it really is in our heart. Meditate – mull over, ponder, reflect, take time, sometimes focus on short passages. Not forget – not neglect or overlook or leave behind – that is to put into practice. 3. Benefits of absorbing the Bible ‘keeping way pure’ – Our ‘way’ is all of our path through life. Pure (cleanse) means two things: · Morally blameless and innocent before God (not sinning against him), so in a living close relationship with him. · Physical cleansing of produce, so clear of impurities which do us and others harm. Do you want to keep your way pure? How can you benefit more from your Bible?
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