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Post by Cindy on Oct 7, 2018 7:34:23 GMT -5
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
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The Holy Spirit protects you from false doctrine, but that doesn’t eliminate the need for diligent Bible study.
For the next few days we’ll consider several benefits of Bible study. Today we’ll address the broader question of why Bible study is necessary at all.
Perhaps you know believers who think Bible study is unnecessary. Bible reading, they say, is sufficient because we have the Holy Spirit, who teaches us all things. Often they cite 1 John 2:27 in support of their view: “As for you, the anointing [the Holy Spirit] which you received from [God] abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.”
That passage, however, isn’t implying that Bible study or Bible teachers aren’t necessary. On the contrary, John was exhorting his readers to abide in what they’d already learned (1 John 2:24) and to shun only those teachers who deny Christ and try to deceive believers.
The Holy Spirit is the believer’s resident lie detector, granting discernment to shield him or her from false doctrine. Although a Christian may be temporarily confused by false teachers, ultimately he can never drift into apostasy or deny Christ. If anyone does depart from the faith, his departure is proof that he was never a true believer in the first place (1 John 2:19).
The Spirit protects you from error, but you must fulfill your responsibility as a student of the Word. Even a man of Timothy’s spiritual stature needed to study the Word diligently and to handle it accurately (2 Tim. 2:15).
I pray that the psalmist’s attitude toward Scripture will be yours as well: “O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps. 119:97).
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Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for His precious Word. ✧ Ask Him to give you a deeper love for its truths.
For Further Study: Read Titus 1:7–16 and 2 Timothy 2:2. ✧ What skills must an overseer have regarding God’s Word? ✧ Why are those skills necessary? ✧ Do those skills apply to church leaders only? Explain. ✧ Are you skilled in handling God’s Word?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
I'll add more each day to this as he does a number of devotions on this topic.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 7, 2018 7:38:02 GMT -5
LONGING FOR THE WORD
“Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).
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Scripture is our source of spiritual growth.
A newborn baby was abandoned in a pile of trash in a city alley. The mother had obviously left it there to die. The infant was near death when someone heard its faint cry and summoned medical help. The child survived, but only because it received the attention and nourishment it needed.
That situation has a spiritual parallel, which Peter used to illustrate the believer’s dependence on God’s Word. If a baby is deprived of nourishment, it will soon die. Similarly, if a Christian doesn’t feed on the Word, he or she will languish spiritually and will become ineffective for the Lord. On the positive side, a believer should long for God’s Word as intently as a newborn baby longs for its mother’s milk.
Scripture draws on the parent/child metaphor in other ways as well, referring to Christians as being born again (John 3:7; 1 Peter 1:3), children of God (Rom. 8:16; 1 John 3:1), and adopted sons (Rom. 8:15; Eph. 1:5). Just as it is natural for biological children to grow and mature, Christians also have the capacity for spiritual growth. In fact, we’re commanded to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
The Word of God is the mainstay of your spiritual diet. It’s your primary source of nourishment. Paul said, “As you … have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed” (Col. 2:6–7). “Your faith” in that context refers to the content of Christianity—the doctrines of Scripture. As your knowledge and application of Biblical principles increase, you will become more and more grounded in truth and steadfast in Christ.
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Suggestions for Prayer: If you’ve lost your appetite for God’s Word, it may be because of sin (1 Peter 2:1). If so, ask God to cleanse your heart and to give you a renewed longing for His truth. Then commit yourself to daily time in the Word.
For Further Study: Read Acts 20:32 and 1 Thessalonians 2:13, noting the effect Scripture has on believers.
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 7, 2018 7:41:20 GMT -5
PREPARING FOR SPIRITUAL SERVICE
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable … that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
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Scripture equips you for spiritual service.
Each week I have the privilege of interacting with more than one hundred students at The Master’s Seminary. One of my greatest joys is seeing their determination to do God’s work in God’s way.
That attitude is the key to success in ministry, as Joshua learned when he assumed leadership over the Israelites after Moses’ death. At that point God said to him, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Josh. 1:8).
This is how Paul described spiritual success to Timothy: “In pointing out [the things I have said] to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following” (1 Tim. 4:6).
“Servant” speaks of one who oversees and dispenses the goods and property of another. A good spiritual servant is one who knows and dispenses God’s Word. Whatever level of ministry you pursue, you must conform to Biblical teaching. To do that, you must know what God says about ministering to His people.
I’ve met many people who love the Lord and want desperately to serve Him effectively, but they haven’t taken time to learn the principles that govern spiritual ministry. Consequently they’re ill-prepared and in some cases unwittingly participating in activities that actually violate God’s Word.
Don’t let that happen to you. God’s Word supplies all the strength, instruction, and comfort you need to serve Christ properly. Study it thoroughly, and follow it closely.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for every ministry opportunity He gives you. ✧ Ask Him to help you see any areas of your service that might need to be corrected, and then respond accordingly.
For Further Study: According to Philippians 1:12–18, is it possible to minister with impure motives? Explain.
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 7, 2018 7:45:19 GMT -5
ENJOYING GOD’S BLESSINGS
“Blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it” (Luke 11:28).
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Obeying Scripture brings spiritual blessing.
When Scripture speaks of a person’s being “blessed,” it usually refers to the reception of some temporal or spiritual benefit. It also includes the joy and sense of well-being that comes with knowing that God is at work on your behalf.
The psalmist wrote, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Ps. 1:1–2). Those who know and obey God’s Word will be blessed. The psalmist likened them to a strong, productive, prosperous tree.
James added, “One who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty [God’s Word], and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). Again, the very act of obedience brings blessing.
John opens the book of Revelation with this promise: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it” (Rev. 1:3). Jesus closed Revelation with the same promise: “Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book” (Rev. 22:7). Obedience and blessing always go hand in hand.
As a Christian, you’ve been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). Every spiritual resource is yours. Even in times of sorrow and persecution, God’s blessing rests on you (1 Peter 4:14). But you can forfeit His blessings by neglecting His Word or by committing other sinful acts. So guard your heart carefully, and continue in the Word. As you do, your joy will be boundless!
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Suggestions for Prayer: Make a list of specific ways in which the Lord has blessed you in recent days. Praise Him for each one.
For Further Study: Read James 1:12, 1 Peter 3:14, and 1 Peter 4:14. How does God’s blessing apply when you’re suffering unjustly?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 8, 2018 9:18:00 GMT -5
EXPERIENCING SPIRITUAL VICTORY
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. … Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee” (Ps. 119:9, 11).
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Scripture is the source of spiritual victory.
Many Christians struggle with spiritual defeat or recurring sins because they haven’t learned to apply Biblical principles to specific situations. Perhaps they don’t know God’s will because they haven’t matured in the Word. Or maybe they know what He expects of them, but they disregard His counsel. In either case, the result is the same.
Jesus Himself repelled Satan’s attacks by quoting specific portions of Scripture that applied to specific temptations (Matt. 4:1–11). He knew the Word, believed it, and refused to compromise its principles. In so doing, He set a pattern for us to follow.
Using metaphorical language, the Apostle John emphasized the priority of the Word when he described three levels of spiritual maturity: children, young men, and fathers. In 1 John 2:13 he says, “I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.” Spiritual children aren’t yet mature in their faith, but they know who their Heavenly Father is. They know they belong to God.
John continues: “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14). Spiritual young men are healthy, vibrant, and aggressive because the Word abides in them—it has found a home in their hearts. They’re victorious over the evil one because their doctrine is sound and they’ve cultivated spiritual wisdom and discernment (Phil. 1:9). They recognize Satan’s lies and reject them.
1 John 2:14 also says, “I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning.” Spiritual fathers have a deep, mature relationship with God that comes from prolonged time in prayer and the Word.
Which of those terms best describes you—spiritual child, young man, or father? What specific things can you do today to move toward a more mature and victorious Christian life?
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Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to help you love Him more deeply and to know His Word more completely. Therein is the key to spiritual victory.
For Further Study: Memorize Psalm 119:11. Recite it often as a reminder of the priority of hiding God’s Word in your heart.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 8, 2018 10:00:48 GMT -5
GIVING GODLY COUNSEL
“Concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another” (Rom. 15:14).
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Scripture is the source of godly counsel.
In recent years the question of who is competent to counsel has become an important issue in the church. Many pastors and other church leaders have curtailed their counseling ministries or stopped them altogether. They’ve been made to feel inadequate for not having formal training in psychological counseling techniques.
Behind this movement away from pastoral counseling is the subtle implication that the Holy Spirit and Scripture are incapable of addressing the deepest needs of the human heart. It is claimed that only secular psychology dispensed by trained analysts can do that.
But the truth is, the heart of man is “more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9). No one. That includes humanistic counselors. Verse 10 says, “I the Lord search the heart, I test the mind.” Only God can understand the human heart.
David prayed, “O Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me. Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, and art intimately acquainted with all my ways. … Where can I go from Thy Spirit? Or where can I flee from Thy presence?” (Ps. 139:1–3, 7).
Only God knows what’s in a person’s heart. Only His Spirit working through His Word can penetrate one’s deepest thoughts and motives to transform the heart and renew the mind (Heb. 4:12; Rom. 12:2).
Professional psychologists are no substitute for spiritually gifted people who know the Word, possess godly wisdom, are full of goodness, and are available to help others apply divine truth to their lives (Rom. 15:14).
When people come to you for counsel, the best thing you can do is show them what God’s Word says about their problem and how it applies to their situation. But you can’t do that unless you know the Word and are allowing it to do its work in you first. Then you’ll be in a position to counsel others more effectively.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the wise and all-sufficient counsel of His Word. ✧ Reaffirm your commitment to share it at every opportunity.
For Further Study: According to Psalm 119:24, on what did the psalmist rely for his counsel?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
I'd like to add a note to this one if I may, as this is a subject dear to my heart. When I first got my Biblical Counseling Certificate, I was thrilled. But when I began to actually think about counseling other people, it scared me to death!. I knew the Bible well enough for the school to give me my certificate, but honestly felt that I needed to know it much better before I attempted to counsel others. So I continued to study my Bible every day and studied it for many years before I felt comfortable enough to begin counseling others seriously. Some people hear that and think that they could never counsel others then, since it would take years to be that familiar with their Bible. But the truth of the matter is, that God intended for each and every Christian to be a counselor to their Christian brothers and sisters and to their family members. That's one reason we're told: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16) It's why Paul tells us to encourage each other with God's Word he teaches us. While it may be true that for those who haven't ever studied their Bible that it will take years before they know it like an old friend, there's no time like the present to get started. Do you really want to stand before your Lord and see His disappointment in you? Best to start today and see His smile don't you think?
Let me share something Jesus said from the NKJV: “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” (John 8:31) If you abide in His Word. Abide means to live in, to dwell in something, like you would dwell in your house. It's something you do continually and daily, not occasionally, not once a week on Sunday when you hear a Pastor speak about something in the Bible. but every single day. You do it because you love the Lord, and your Lord IS the Word, therefore you love His Word.
Here's something else to consider: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” (John 15:7) Notice that one of the requirements for answered prayer is that His Words remain in us. How can they if you don't know them? How can they if you don't spend time daily in His Word? In Deut 8:3 and Matthew 4:4) we're told that we don't live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God. Bread was and is a daily staple, especially during the old and new testament times. Without bread many would have starved to death. God is again telling us that we need to be in His Word every single day. That is the only way we can be spiritually healthy. In the prayer Jesus taught, He even includes “Give us each day our daily bread.” (Luke 11:3)
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Post by Cindy on Oct 9, 2018 9:08:59 GMT -5
SEARCHING FOR TRUTH
“Thy law is truth. … And all Thy commandments are truth. … The sum of Thy word is truth” (Ps. 119:142, 151, 160).
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Scripture is the source of divine truth.
It amazes me how people can spend so much time searching for truth but ignore the Bible. In his poem Miriam, John Greenleaf Whittier reflected on the same conundrum:
We search the world for truth. We cull
The good, the pure, the beautiful,
From graven stone and written scroll,
From all old flower-fields of the soul;
And, weary seekers of the best,
We come back laden from the quest,
To find that all the sages said
Is in the Book our mothers read.
God never intended for truth to be mysterious or unattainable. His Word is a repository of truth, containing every principle we need for life and thought.
But knowing truth begins with knowing God, who is its Author. 1 John 5:20 says, “We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”
The psalmist proclaimed, “The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are sure. They are upheld forever and ever; they are performed in truth and uprightness” (Ps. 111:7–8).
As Christians, we are those who walk in truth. That’s how Jesus described us when He prayed to the Father: “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Similarly John said, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (3 John 4). In contrast, unbelievers “suppress the truth in unrighteousness,” thus making themselves targets for the wrath of God (Rom. 1:18).
To love God is to love truth; to love truth is to love the Word. May you walk in the truth of God’s Word today and every day.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the privilege of knowing Him and being able to walk in His truth.
For Further Study: How does Jesus describe the Holy Spirit in John 14:17, 15:26, and 16:13?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 10, 2018 9:20:18 GMT -5
GOD’S SELF-DISCLOSURE
“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son” (Heb. 1:1–2).
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Scripture is the storehouse of divine revelation.
For decades liberal theologians have misrepresented the Bible as merely a collection of man’s religious thoughts and aspirations. But Scripture is much more than that. It is in fact divine revelation—God’s self-disclosure through His Spirit to the human authors. Man could never know God’s identity, attributes, perspectives, or commands if God hadn’t revealed them to him. Nor could man know his own origin, purpose, or destiny.
Paul said, “‘Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.’ For to us God revealed them through the Spirit” (1 Cor. 2:9–10). In 2 Timothy 3:16 he adds, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” God inspired every word of Scripture and speaks on every page.
Hebrews 1 speaks of two general means by which God revealed Himself: Old Testament revelation (“long ago,” or "in the past" Hebrews 1:1) and New Testament revelation (“by His Son,” Hebrews 1:2). First He spoke to the Jewish fathers through the Old Testament prophets “in many portions.” That refers to all the books of the Old Testament. “In many ways” speaks of the specific means by which He communicated: visions, prophecies, parables, types, symbols, ceremonies, theophanies, and audible voice.
From the close of the Old Testament to the arrival of John the Baptist, there were approximately four hundred years during which God was silent. But that silence was shattered when John announced the coming of Christ. From that time on, God spoke through His Son. The Gospels record His life and teachings, the book of Acts shows the propagation of His teachings through the apostles and early church, the epistles apply His teachings to everyday life, and Revelation tells of His triumphant return and the consummation of divine revelation.
Isn’t it wonderful to know God’s perspective on life and history?
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Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God that His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Ps. 119:105).
For Further Study: According to Deuteronomy 29:29, what is the purpose of divine revelation?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 12, 2018 11:28:08 GMT -5
MODERN-DAY REVELATIONS
“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3, emphasis added).
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Scripture contains everything you need to know for godly living.
For many years I’ve watched with deep concern as a significant number of Christians have drifted from a thoughtful, Biblical, God-centered theology to one that is increasingly mystical, non-Biblical, and man-centered. One of the most disturbing indicators of this trend is the proliferation of extra-Biblical revelations that certain people are claiming to receive directly from God.
Such claims are alarming because they dilute the uniqueness and centrality of the Bible and cause people to lean on man’s word rather than God’s. They imply that Scripture is insufficient for Christian living and that we need additional revelation to fill the gap.
But God’s Word contains everything you need to know for spiritual life and godly living. It is “inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,” so that you may be fully “equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). What more is necessary?
When the Apostle John died, apostolic revelation came to an end. But that written legacy remains as the standard by which we are to test every teacher and teaching that claims to be from God (1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1). If a teaching doesn’t conform to Scripture, it must be rejected. If it does conform, it isn’t a new revelation. In either case, additional revelation is unnecessary.
God went to great lengths to record and preserve His revelation, and He jealously guards it from corruption of any kind. From Moses, the first known recipient of divine revelation, to the Apostle John, the final recipient, His charge remained the same: “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2; cf. Rev. 22:18–19).
Don’t be swayed by supposed new revelations. Devote yourself to what has already been revealed.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to guard your heart from confusion and to help you keep your attention firmly fixed on His Word.
For Further Study: According to 2 Timothy 4:1–4, why must we preach and uphold God’s Word?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 17, 2018 9:11:24 GMT -5
FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
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God’s Word is inspired.
Second Timothy 3:16 speaks of the inspiration of Scripture. “Inspired” is the translation of a Greek word that literally means “God-breathed.” Every word of Scripture is from the mouth of God!
Theologians speak of inspiration as the mysterious process by which God worked through the authors of Scripture to produce inerrant and divinely authoritative writings. Inspiration is a mystery because Scripture doesn’t explain specifically how it occurred. The only glimpse we have is from 2 Peter: “Know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (1:20–21).
“Interpretation” speaks of origin. Scripture didn’t originate on the human level but with the Holy Spirit, who “moved” upon the authors to write it (v. 21). “Moved” is the translation of a nautical term that describes the effects of wind upon a ship as it blows against its sails and moves it through the water. Similarly, the Spirit moved on the Biblical writers to produce the Word of God in the language of men.
The human authors of Scripture knew they were writing God’s Word, and they did so with confidence and authority. Often they cited or alluded to one another as authoritative agents of divine revelation (e.g., 2 Peter 3:15–16).
On a personal level, inspiration guarantees that what Scripture says, God says. It’s His counsel to you; so you can study and obey it with full assurance that it is true and will never lead you astray.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Praise the Lord for His inspired Word. ✧ Reaffirm your commitment to live according to its principles today.
For Further Study: Often the New Testament affirms the inspiration of the Old Testament by attributing Old Testament quotations to God Himself. For example, compare these Old Testament passages with their New Testament counterparts: Genesis 2:24 with Matthew 19:4–5; Psalm 2:1–2 with Acts 4:25–26; Isaiah 55:3 with Acts 13:34; Psalm 16:10 with Acts 13:35; Psalm 95:7–11 with Hebrews 3:7–11. ✧ How might you respond to someone who says that the Bible is merely the words of devout religious men?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 17, 2018 9:15:05 GMT -5
RALLYING AROUND THE WORD
“Every word of God is tested [pure, flawless]” (Prov. 30:5).
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God’s Word is without error.
The term inerrancy conveys the belief that the original writings of Scripture are wholly true in everything they teach—whether doctrine, history, science, geography, geology, or any other discipline or knowledge. It also applies to accurate copies of those original writings.
Inerrancy is an unpopular concept with some people because they believe it isn’t really important. But consider the implications. No Christian would deny that our relationship to Jesus Christ is of utmost importance. But how can we know Him except as He is presented in the Bible? He is our Lord, and we must obey His commandments (Heb. 5:9). How can we know what He commands if we doubt His Word?
Others reject inerrancy because they think it’s divisive. But inerrancy should be a rallying point for evangelicals, not a dividing point. What unifying factor do we have if we can’t agree on the truth of divine revelation?
Still others withhold judgment on the issue, thinking it’s a technical matter that is best decided by Biblical scholars. On the contrary, it is the most basic of all matters. It’s nothing less than asking, “Is there a sure word from God?”
Inerrancy isn’t simply a matter of theological debate. It’s a matter of God’s character. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18); therefore His Word is true. Jeremiah 10:10 says that the Lord is “the true God” or the God of truth. The Apostle John said, “God is true” (John 3:33). And Jesus defined eternal life as knowing “the only true God” (John 17:3). Christ came so we might “know Him who is true … the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).
Don’t be shaken by those who attack the integrity of Scripture. As you have opportunity, study any problem passages so you’ll know firsthand what the issues and proposed solutions are. And remember, Scripture was given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who is “the Spirit of truth” (John 16:13). He cannot err.
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Suggestions for Prayer: If Psalm 119:12–16 reflects the intent of your heart, read it to the Lord as a prayer of praise and commitment.
For Further Study: According to Matthew 22:29 and John 17:17, what was Jesus’ view of Scripture?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 17, 2018 9:18:26 GMT -5
TRUSTING GOD’S WORD
The law of the Lord is perfect. … The commandment of the Lord is pure. … The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether” (Ps. 19:7–9).
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God’s Word is infallible.
Infallibility refers to the truth of Scripture as a whole, whereas inerrancy focuses on the accuracy of every single word. Like inerrancy, infallibility is grounded in the character of God. God cannot lie and does not change (1 Sam. 15:29). He is thoroughly consistent in everything He does, and His Word reflects those characteristics. The psalmist wrote, “The sum of Thy word is truth, and every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting” (Ps. 119:160). Paul said, “The Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Rom. 7:12).
Jesus said He didn’t come to abolish the law or the prophets (sections of the Old Testament) but to fulfill them. He promised that everything in Scripture will be fulfilled (Matt. 5:17–18). John 10:35 declares that the authority of Scripture “cannot be broken.” It is binding and cannot be destroyed, abolished, or done away with. God’s Word is indestructible, authoritative, and infallible.
On a practical level, infallibility means that you can trust the Bible. It will never deceive you or give you counsel that will later prove to be erroneous. That was the confidence of the psalmist when he wrote, “Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee. Turn away my reproach which I dread, for Thine ordinances are good. Behold, I long for Thy precepts; revive me through Thy righteousness. May Thy lovingkindnesses also come to me, O Lord, Thy salvation according to Thy word; so I shall have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Thy word. And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I wait for Thine ordinances. So I will keep Thy law continually, forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Thy precepts. I will also speak of Thy testimonies before kings, and shall not be ashamed. And I shall delight in Thy commandments, which I love” (Ps. 119:38–47).
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Suggestions for Prayer: Praise God that His Word is utterly trustworthy.
For Further Study: Memorize Psalm 119:165 as a reminder of the infallibility of God’s Word.
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 17, 2018 9:21:22 GMT -5
SUBMITTING TO DIVINE AUTHORITY
“Listen, O heavens, and hear, O earth; for the Lord speaks” (Isa. 1:2).
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God’s Word is the only source of divine authority.
We might assume that those who affirm the inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility of God’s Word would automatically submit to its authority. But that isn’t always the case. Even those who hold to a high view of Scripture sometimes fail to obey it. We need to be reminded that the authority of God’s Word isn’t simply a doctrine to be affirmed but a priority to be pursued.
Israel fell into the trap of holding to a high view of Scripture while failing to abide by its statutes. To them Paul said, “If you bear the name ‘Jew,’ and rely upon the Law, and boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth, you therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? … You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you’” (Rom. 2:17–21, 23–24).
Israel’s sin led unbelievers to blaspheme God. That’s analogous to our society in which the Lord is constantly ridiculed because of the sins of His people.
You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read, and your life is under scrutiny every day. What do others learn from you? Do they see an accurate picture of your God?
Christians will always be maligned, but let it be for righteousness’ sake, not because of sin. As Peter said, “Keep your behavior excellent among [unbelievers], so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12).
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Suggestions for Prayer: Confess any areas of your life where you are being disobedient to God’s Word. ✧ Seek His grace and power to live each day as one who truly respects the authority of God’s Word.
For Further Study: Read 1 Corinthians 10:1–13. What purpose does the Old Testament record of Israel’s punishments serve for us?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 17, 2018 9:23:58 GMT -5
A PSALM OF SUFFICIENCY
“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
“They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
“Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Also keep back Thy servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me; then I shall be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Ps. 19:7–14).
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God’s Word addresses the soul’s every need.
King David was a man of stark contrasts. He knew the humility of shepherding a flock and the prestige of reigning over a nation. He experienced glorious triumphs and bitter defeats. He sought after God, yet also suffered immense guilt and pain from immorality and murder. That led to even his own son’s seeking to take his life. Some of his psalms reflect great hope and others despair. But through it all he continued to look to God, being assured of God’s sovereignty and the sufficiency of His divine resources.
In Psalm 19 David penned the most monumental statement ever made on the sufficiency of Scripture. As we study it in the days ahead, keep in mind that every need of your soul or inmost being is ultimately spiritual, and God has supplied sufficient resources to meet those needs completely. That was David’s confidence. May it be yours as well.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Throughout our study of Psalm 19, ask God to give you fresh insights that will enable you to appreciate and rest more fully in His gracious provisions.
For Further Study: Reread Psalm 19:1–14. ✧ What terms did David use for God’s Word? ✧ What benefits does the Word bring to believers? ✧ Are you enjoying those benefits?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 18, 2018 9:44:06 GMT -5
GOD’S TRANSFORMING WORD
“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul” (Ps. 19:7).
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God can transform you through His Word into the person He wants you to be.
Many today doubt the power of Scripture in dealing with the deeper aspects of the human heart and mind. The Bible may be helpful for certain superficial or “spiritual” problems, they say, but it’s too simplistic and inadequate for the more complex psychological issues of modern man. The truth is, however, the best psychology can do is to modify external behavior. It cannot redeem and transform the soul. Only God can do that through the power of His Word.
That’s the truth behind Psalm 19:7, which calls Scripture “the law of the Lord,” thus emphasizing its didactic nature. It is the sum of God’s instruction to man, whether for creed (what we believe), character (what we are), or conduct (what we do).
The law of the Lord is “perfect.” That represents a common Hebrew word that speaks of wholeness, completeness, or sufficiency. Commentator Albert Barnes wrote that Scripture “lacks nothing [for] its completeness; nothing in order that it might be what it should be. It is complete as a revelation of Divine truth; it is complete as a rule of conduct. … It is absolutely true; it is adapted with consummate wisdom to the [needs] of man; it is an unerring guide of conduct. There is nothing there which would lead men into error or sin; there is nothing essential for man to know which may not be found there” (Notes on the Old Testament: Psalms, Vol. 1 [Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker, 1974], p. 171).
Man’s reasoning is imperfect, but God’s Word is perfect, containing everything necessary for your spiritual life. It is so comprehensive that it can restore your soul. That is, it will convert, revive, refresh, and transform every aspect of your being to make you precisely the person God wants you to be.
Don’t look to impotent human alternatives when God’s Word stands ready to minister to your every need. Spiritual warfare is fought with spiritual weapons, not fleshly techniques, theories, or therapies (2 Cor. 10:4).
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Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to keep you focused on His counsel regarding every situation you face today.
For Further Study: Memorize 2 Corinthians 9:8 as a reminder of God’s super-abounding grace to you.
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 19, 2018 10:36:08 GMT -5
GAINING TRUE WISDOM
“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Ps. 19:7).
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God’s Word imparts wisdom and knowledge beyond the realm of mere human understanding.
David’s characterization of God’s Word as “the testimony of the Lord” (Ps. 19:7) speaks of its role as God’s witness to who He is and what He requires of us. In addition, it’s a “sure” witness. That means it’s unwavering, immovable, unmistakable, reliable, and trustworthy.
Peter made the same point when, after recounting his incredible experience with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16–18), he said, “but we have a testimony more sure than that—the prophetic word” (v. 19, literal translation). The testimony of God’s written Word is a surer and more convincing confirmation of God’s truth than even apostolic experiences with Christ Himself!
Perhaps that’s why our Lord prevented the two disciples on the Emmaus Road from recognizing Him as He gave them a Biblical basis for the things they had seen and heard (Luke 24:27). Their faith and preaching were to be based on Scripture, not merely on their own personal experiences—no matter how profound or moving those experiences may have been.
The benefit of God’s sure Word is that it makes the simple wise (Ps. 19:7). It takes undiscerning, ignorant, and gullible people and teaches them profound truth from God that they can apply to their lives. As they do this, they become skilled in the art of godly living.
That was the psalmist’s joy when he wrote, “Thy commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever mine. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, because I have observed Thy precepts” (Ps. 119:98–100).
Applying that principle to New Testament believers, Paul prayed that we would be “filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9). As that occurs, we’re enabled to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [and] to please Him in all respects” (v. 10). That’s the outworking of godly wisdom and the key to holy living.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Pray that God’s wisdom will increase and abound in your life today and every day.
For Further Study: Read Luke 24:13–35, noting how Jesus ministered the Word to the disciples on the Emmaus Road.
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Oct 22, 2018 8:54:31 GMT -5
LIVING A JOYOUS LIFE
“The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart” (Ps. 19:8).
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Knowing your life is on the right track is a source of great joy.
What brings you joy? Your answer will reveal much about your priorities and about the direction your life is heading spiritually.
The psalmist wrote, “How blessed [happy] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Ps. 1:1–3).
That psalmist knew that true joy and happiness come from knowing God and abiding in His Word. That was David’s confidence when he wrote, “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart” (Ps. 19:8).
“Precepts” in that verse speaks of divine principles and guidelines for character and conduct. God created you and knows how you must live to give glory to Him. And He revealed in His Word every precept you must know to do so.
Every divine precept is “right.” It shows you the path that is right and true. What a wonderful confidence that is! While many around you may be discouraged or despondent because of their lack of direction and purpose, God’s Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Ps. 119:105). It guides you through the difficult mazes of life and gives your life eternal significance. Don’t live simply for your own pleasures. Your life has a high and holy purpose, and each day can be filled with joy as you see that purpose unfold.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to help you be mindful of your eternal purpose today and every day. ✧ Ask Him to direct you to someone who needs Christ and is sensing a lack of purpose in his or her life.
For Further Study: Read Colossians 3:1–4. ✧ How did Paul describe Christ? ✧ What should be the focus of your thinking? ✧ Are you heeding Paul’s exhortation?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by oliverwithatwist on Oct 25, 2018 7:57:42 GMT -5
Many thanks for posting these devotionals.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 27, 2018 7:27:07 GMT -5
You're welcome. I want to add one more to this thread, although there are more than that in the book...
LEARNING TRUTH
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).
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Scripture is a manual of divine truth.
This month we’ve considered many benefits of Scripture. Second Timothy 3:16 lists four more that will be the focus of our studies as we draw this month to a close: teaching truth, reproving sin and error, correcting behavior, and training in righteousness. We’ve touched on each of those to some extent in our past studies, but they warrant additional discussion from this verse, which is Scripture’s most concise statement on its own power and purpose.
First, the Bible is profitable for teaching. The Greek word translated “teaching” refers more to content than to the process of teaching. Scripture is God’s manual of divine truth for patterning your thoughts and actions.
As a believer, you have the capacity to understand and respond to Scripture. That’s because the Holy Spirit indwells you and imparts spiritual discernment, wisdom, and understanding (1 John 2:27). You have “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16).
But having the ability to understand spiritual truth doesn’t guarantee you’ll exercise that ability. God said to the Israelites through the prophet Hosea, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). His truth was available to them, but they ignored it and lived in disobedience.
I’ve heard many people lament that they could have avoided much grief if only they had known the Bible more thoroughly—if only they had taken the time to learn what God expected of them in a particular situation. Perhaps you’ve felt that way. The best way to avoid making that mistake in the future is to faithfully, prayerfully, patiently, and thoroughly saturate your mind with Biblical truth now, and then discipline yourself to live according to its principles. Now that’s the challenge of a lifetime, but it’s the only way to profit from Biblical teaching and to avoid unnecessary heartaches.
I pray that you will be encouraged today as you study God’s Word and diligently apply it to your life.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to use the circumstances you face today to draw you closer to Him and to motivate you to dig deeper into His Word.
For Further Study: Read Exodus 24:1–8. What was the Israelites’ response to God’s Word? What is yours?
MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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