“Spiritual Discipline: The Study of God’s Word”
Sermon Title: Spiritual Discipline: The Study of God’s Word
Scripture: Psalm 119:9-16 ESV
Introduction: The Study of God’s Word as Spiritual Discipline
Before diving into today’s passage on the study of God’s Word as it relates to our spiritual discipline, let’s take a moment to clarify two fundamental terms: discipline and Christianity.
Discipline
The word “discipline” finds its origin in the Latin term “discipulus,” from which we derive the word “disciple.” A disciple is “one who follows another for the purpose of learning.” The Latin word “disciplina” means “instruct, educate, and train.” This foundational concept reminds us that as Christians, we are all His disciples. We gather to worship Him as God, to read Scripture, and to grow in our understanding of who God and Jesus are so that we might reflect Him in our lives. This notion of discipline is deeply intertwined with becoming “Christ-like” in both attitude and action.When we speak of Christian Disciplines, we refer to the instructions and training that shape us as disciples of Christ. Christian discipline isn’t merely about personal improvement; it’s a pathway to becoming like Christ, embodying His teachings, and living a life that honors God’s principles and character.
Christianity
Christianity is often categorized as one of the world’s religions, but it can also be understood as a worldview—a framework through which we interpret and respond to life. Charles Colson described it as the “lens” through which we see and evaluate events. This worldview is more than a philosophical stance; it’s a perspective shaped by Biblical values, allowing Christians to discern right from wrong, just from unjust, and moral from immoral based on Scripture.For example, early Christian values helped to fuel the abolition of slavery. Christians, not other religions or societal movements, were at the forefront of ending slavery, even when “cultural Christians” supported it. Our worldview, therefore, influences not only personal choices but also has the power to effect social change.
Purpose of Christian Discipline
Pastor John has emphasized that Christian discipline’s purpose isn’t merely to increase our knowledge but to transform us. The knowledge of spiritual truths should move us beyond intellectual understanding to genuine transformation.
1 Corinthians 8:1 warns, “We know that we all possess knowledge,’ but knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” The goal of spiritual discipline, then, is transformation rather than mere accumulation of information. This caution is especially relevant to the study of Scripture, as there’s a risk of becoming a “couch Christian”—someone who gathers knowledge without living it out. Like “couch athletes” who critique others from the sidelines without participating themselves, these “couch Christians” may know Scripture well yet lack the humility and transformed character that true discipleship requires.
Richard Foster, in Celebration of Discipline, writes, “The purpose of the Spiritual Discipline is the total transformation of the person.” The purpose of study is to let God’s truth shape our hearts and actions, allowing the Holy Spirit to mold us into Christ’s likeness.
The Importance of Heart in the Study of God’s Word
Psalm 119 opens with a probing question, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity?” This purity refers not only to sexual purity but to a holistic cleanliness before God. The Psalmist answers his question by declaring, “By living according to your word.” Notably, he doesn’t merely say “reading” or “memorizing” but “living” according to the Word. Knowledge without application falls short of the true purpose of study. To live according to God’s Word, we need to internalize it, embodying its principles in every area of life.
The Psalmist emphasizes this by saying, “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.” Studying Scripture isn’t like learning an academic subject; it’s about aligning our entire being with God’s character and purposes. Unlike other studies that fill our minds, studying God’s Word involves engaging our hearts, leading us to humble service and obedience.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Purity of heart is foundational, not just to studying Scripture, but to experiencing God. When our study is heartfelt, we are moved beyond intellectual pursuit to a genuine encounter with the living God.
Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts
Psalm 119:11 states, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” This passage teaches us that God’s words should not only be in our minds but cherished in our hearts. Like civil laws, God’s laws offer guidance and correction, but ignorance is not an excuse for disobedience. By hiding His Word in our hearts, we commit ourselves to living a life that aligns with His character.
The example of King Josiah in 2 Kings 22-23 serves as a powerful reminder of this. When he discovered the Book of the Law, Josiah responded with repentance and led his people to renew their covenant with God, committing to follow His commands with all their hearts and souls. This narrative underscores that studying God’s Word isn’t just an intellectual exercise but an act of devotion and transformation.
Methods of Studying God’s Word
Psalm 119 offers insight into various methods of studying Scripture:
Repetition
Verse 13 says, “With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.” Repetition, or rereading Scripture, engrains God’s truths in our hearts and minds. Repeatedly exposing ourselves to God’s Word helps to transform our thought patterns, creating new habits of thinking that can influence our actions. Richard Foster notes that repetition can change behavior by forming ingrained habits of thought.Meditation
Verse 15 adds, “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.” Meditation, in a Christian sense, means filling our minds with God’s truth and focusing deeply on it, as opposed to merely emptying our minds. Foster describes Christian meditation as “the ability to hear God’s voice and obey His word.” Effective meditation requires setting aside time and attention to dwell on His Word, fostering a deep understanding that fuels obedience.Setting Aside Time
Setting aside time is crucial for meaningful study. It’s easy to listen to Scripture on a commute or read a few verses in a busy day, but truly studying God’s Word requires dedicated time. When we prioritize time for study, we create space to meditate and let the truths of Scripture sink deep into our hearts.
The Reward of Studying God’s Word
Psalm 119:14 highlights the joy that comes from living according to God’s Word: “I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” The result of true study is joy—a joy that surpasses material wealth. Knowing God deeply and understanding His love leads to an inner peace and satisfaction that the world cannot offer.
Spiritual disciplines are not restrictive but freeing, enabling us to experience God’s presence and joy in a profound way. This joy in following God’s decrees motivates us not to neglect His Word, not out of obligation, but because we delight in His truth.
The Purpose of Studying God’s Word: Developing a Biblical Worldview
The purpose of studying Scripture extends beyond personal transformation to influence our worldview. Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs but a lens through which we interpret the world. Barna Research illustrates the stark differences in moral views between those with a biblical worldview and those without, highlighting the significance of grounding our beliefs in Scripture rather than societal trends.
Without a solid foundation in Scripture, we risk being swayed by popular opinion, especially on issues like sexuality, identity, and morality. By studying Scripture, we equip ourselves to hold fast to God’s truth in a culture that often shifts with the latest trends.
Final Exhortation: The Necessity of Study for Spiritual Growth
2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Studying Scripture equips us not only for personal transformation but for every good work God has prepared for us. When we let Scripture guide our worldview, we become lights in the world, bearing witness to God’s truth in every area of life.