HOW TO BECOME OBSESSED WITH GOD’S WORD
Text: Joshua 1:8
Introduction
Back in the sixties all I did was listen to music. As a matter of fact so much of it I listen to was over and over and so repetitive that I cannot to this day get it out of my head.
I have found that no matter what you do you can’t get that song out of your head.
Wouldn’t it be great if God’s word would stick like that music did?
Reading His word is good!
Memorizing His word is even Better!
But God say’s that is not enough, but that we also need to meditate on His word.
GOD HAS COMMANDED US TO MEDITATE ON HIS WORD!
WHAT IS MEDITATION?
"The Hebrew word translated "meditate" literally means, "mutter." When one continually mutters God’s word to himself, he is constantly thinking about it"
To meditate on God’s word is to slowly and reverently repeat God’s word to yourself.
Meditation "involves reflecting on God’s word and ways and applying them to every area of your life"
God tells us in Joshua "Thou shall meditate..."
I find that to day we are so busy and we want to do the right thing so the day may start out right with reading God’s word and that is all that we do then you forget about it for the rest of the day.
It is like sitting down to a wonderful meal, you can be like a vacuum and suck it all down in a rush. Or you can take your time and enjoy. That is why I like to cook, you can taste bits and pieces of the food and enjoy it all through the day.
Even with hobbies, or work when you have become obsessed with them you will find yourself thinking about it constantly.
We need to become obsessed with God’s word!
I. MY RESOURCE - "This book of the law..."
Joshua had the first 5 books of the Bible. We have Genesis to Revelation. We have a great book written by God.
2 Timothy 3:16,All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Psalm 19:7-11 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.
If Joshua was able to conquer Cannan having only five books, how much more ought we to overcome now that we have a complete Bible.
As busy as he was, Joshua had to take time to meditate upon God’s Word!
II. MY RETAINMENT - "... shall not depart out of thy mouth;"
It is so important for a young Christian to start right; therefore the first lesson should be this verse for in it is the design to help establish one in the faith and practice of the Christian Life.
We fill our minds with everything except for what is good for it.
Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
2 Tim. 1:5-6 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. [6] Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
III. MY REFLECTION - "...but thou shalt meditate therein day and night..."
The Bible tells us to study God’s Word.
2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Psalm 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth
Acts 17:11 ...they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily,...
The Bible tells The believer to study, to meditate God’s Word. The bible is not a difficult book for the believer.
In 1 Cor. 2:14 The Bible Say’s - But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
This Bible comes to life when you get saved.
IV. MY REASON - "... that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein:"
See Psalm 119:9
A. That You May Observe
1. One of the benefits of meditation is that it helps us to be obedient to God’s word.
"That you may observe to do all that is written in it..."
2. If you are meditating in the word, and the word is constantly on your mind and in your mouth it will keep you from sin.
B. Sin Protection
Ps. 119:9, 15-16 - How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to your word. I will meditate on your precepts, and contemplate your ways. I will delight myself in your statutes; I will not forget your word."
1. We can keep ourselves from stumbling into sin by meditating on the word.
2. If we are meditating on the word then the lies of the enemy will not have an affect on us.
3. If a father is standing there with a belt in his hand it is a good deterrent to keep his son from doing wrong.
Transition: Meditation helps keep us from sin.
V. MY RESULTS - "... for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
I believe that the prosperity mentioned here is primarily Spiritual. See Psalm 1:3.
Ps. 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2] But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. [3] And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Note: MEDITATION BRINGS BLESSING
A. Make Your Way Prosperous
1. Those who know and obey God’s word and law will be prosperous and successful in that they possess the wisdom to live righteously and to achieve God’s goal for their lives.
2. Being prosperous and successful in life is often times dependent upon knowing the right thing to do. Nowhere do we get more practical advice than God’s word.
3. Those who seek to live under God’s blessing meditate on God’s word in order to shape their...
* thinking,
* attitudes,
* actions.
B. Streams of Living Water
1. A tree planted by the water always has everything that it needs.
2. A tree that is planted by the water never dries up!
3. A tree that is planted by the water never worries about the hot sun.
4. If you want to be like that tree you need to meditate on the word of God.
5. You may not always be successful in the world’s eyes, but you will always be successful in God’s eyes!
