SALTY CHRISTIANS

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men."  

Matthew 5:13

Most of us know someone who is on a salt-free or low-salt diet under doctor's orders. In some cases, they can add a little more hot sauce or pepper to make up for the loss of taste, but we all know when food lacks salt because it is hardly worth eating. People are sometimes like that... bland. It is usually a sign that they lack the faith and courage to speak up and defend what they believe in or do the right thing when most people will not.

Jesus made a special point of using the symbolism of salt to show us the nature of our example and teaching before a watching world. Let us meditate on saltiness.

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls His disciples "the salt of the earth," metaphorically. Indeed, this is a great compliment that Jesus is paying His followers.  To be as "the salt of the earth" expresses the vital importance they have in God's plans and purposes.  We are as important as salt is to this earth.  Salt is so essential to human life that without it, our bodies cannot function.  Salt provides balance to the earth.  Without salt in the world and in the oceans, we would all die.  God grants this honor (to be the salt of the earth) only to those who follow Him, His disciples.

Just as salt is necessary to make our food taste good, it is indispensable to our Christians' lives.  The saltiness of doing the will of Jesus gives our lives flavor and the quality of life that makes us acceptable to Christ.  To understand Jesus' concept of salt, we must be aware of the many qualities salt possesses.  Consider the excellent qualities or properties that salt can offer in our lives to reflect a life worthy of Christ, which is vital for the preservation of our faith.

• Salt is of Great Value:  

In Jesus' time and throughout history, salt has been a very valuable product.  Salt has moved the course of history on many occasions.  It has controlled economies and generated taxes.  It has moved men to create monopolies and even to fight wars.  Salt has been used as a currency of exchange. Many Arab merchants traded salt for gold.  The word "salary" from the Latin word "salarium" originally denoted a Roman soldier's allowance to buy salt from sal ‘salt.’  Salt was as valuable as the salary of a Roman soldier.

• Salt Adds Zest And Flavor:  

Salt is a flavoring agent.  It improves the taste of bland food.  Any food that lacks salt is tasteless, plain, and even unpleasant.  Job said, "Can something tasteless be eaten without salt, Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?"  Obviously NOT!  We must understand that our faithfulness to Christ, our salt, is what gives flavor to life.  The saltiness of Christians even gives flavor to the lives of those who are not Christians.  Those who are not Christians are observing how we conduct and live our lives as Christians.  If we live godly and righteous lives and our faith is real, they will want a similar path.  It should cause them to want to become Christians.  

"To be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.  For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age."  (Titus 2:9-12)  

When Jesus said, "you are the salt of the earth," He implied that flavor was found in the salt and not on the earth.  Truly, this earth without salt is tasteless, insipid, and unsavory.  Thus, our godly influence is the only thing that will give flavor and meaning to this dying world of darkness.  Our influence is very important to God and to this world.  As Christians, we must be to the world what salt is to food.  Salt turns a tasteless meal into a tasty and flavorful one.  If the world does not see Christ reflected in us, they will not see Him anywhere.  There is no other salt on earth but Christians, Jesus' followers.  There is no substitute for salt.  Each Christian must be like grains of salt, scattered throughout this world of darkness to give and intensify flavor and be acceptable and pleasing to God.  There is a significant difference between food that has no salt and food that has salt. Likewise, our lives must make a difference everywhere:  in our homes, our families, our friends, our teachers, and in the church.  Our faithfulness and righteousness, our godly conduct, our good conscience, and our speech must be the salt that will impact the lives of others around us.  We must be the salt in all of our conversations with others (Col. 4:6).  How? By letting "our  speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."  We must be salt when reproving, rebuking, exhorting, and instructing one another.

We must be salt in our attitudes and conduct toward others.  We must stress the need for godly behavior, godly example, godly influence, manifesting the fruits of the Spirit in our daily living.  A genuine follower of Christ does not show hatred or bitterness but rather love and joy; he does not show an anxious and hopeless heart but a heart of peace and longsuffering.  He does not show malice and unbelief but kindness, goodness, and faith.

We must be the salt of the earth by the way we cover our bodies.  We must cover our bodies modestly and discreetly (1 Tim. 2:9).  In our worldly culture, we are ruled by indecent, sensual, and provocative fashions, like the attire of a harlot.  As Children of God, we must fight against the current of ungodly fashion.  We must clothe ourselves in a godly and chaste manner.  We teach others by our godly example, by dressing the way God wants us to.  We must be different!  They must know that we, the church, are the salt of the earth by the way we cover our bodies with modesty and godliness.  It is the only way we can point others to Christ!

We, Christians, must show godliness.  Others must perceive our godliness as being lived out in our lives.  Our godly example portrays Christ living in us and will direct others to Him.  This is how they'll know we are clothed with Christ.  It is the only WAY our Christianity is enhanced or intensified by our salt.  In other words, this is how we show salt in ourselves and glorify our Creator.  How is this done? 

1. By letting our light shine before men.  
2. By showing our good works of righteousness.  
3. By showing God's Ways to others responding in love, with a heart that desires to please and glorify God rather than self.

One of the greatest dangers to the Lord's church today is the danger that we become tasteless or insipid. You see, salt adds enthusiasm and zeal to our Christian life. That is to say, that we, the church, run the risk of losing our enthusiasm, zeal, and interest, becoming dull, wishy-washy, anemic, weak, and lifeless.  The church may stand for nothing!  She may lose her love for the Truth and her willingness to contend earnestly for it.  She may compromise everything!  She may indulge sinners within her, neglecting to correct what is crooked:  the sinful life.

Jesus expressed His fear that the “cause of Christ” might be committed to those who would lose the salty flavor that must characterize His Way of life. Sadly, those who stand for nothing and compromise everything will fall for anything.

"As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."  (Ephesians 4:14-16)

If we are indeed His followers, we have no business being bored and ineffective.  On the contrary, we must be zealous, enthusiastic, energetic, and eager.  We must have a passion for Christ and show it.  Let us learn from our first-century brethren who were not insipid or tasteless, lacking flavor and zest.  Their love for Christ, the Gospel, and His church was so fervent that they were even willing to die for it in the midst of tremendous opposition.  

"Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).  When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them,  saying, 'We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.'  But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men'"  (Acts 5:26-29).  

Their zeal compels me to want to be a better Christian for Christ and His cause!  They had filled all Jerusalem with His doctrine.

"But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, 'These men who have upset the world have come here also; and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.'  They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things.  And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them.'"  (Acts 17:5-9) 

Without a doubt, they turned the world upside down with the Gospel.  The Lord's church began with the two-edged Sword of the Spirit. They did not hesitate to use that Truth to cut to the heart of those who lived in sin or error.  They still proclaimed the Good News.  They preached repentance, salvation, and damnation.  They did not waiver or compromise the Truth about sin.  They brought the hope of salvation to a dying world lost in darkness because of sin.  They confronted sin and offered the cure.  My question is then, don't you think that what was good for them back then is good for us today?

• Salt Increases Thirst:  

It is also true that salt generates thirst.  When we consume foods that are rich in sodium, our bodies will crave fluids all day.  It increases our thirst.  It gives us a strong desire to "take the water of life without cost"  (Revelation 22:17).  Remember Jesus' words to the Samaritan woman at the well when He asked her to give Him a drink.

"Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”  (John 4:13-14)  

Also, notice what Jesus told the Pharisees at the feast of booths, 

"Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."'  

We must have an intense desire to thirst for Christ if indeed we are salt ourselves.

• Salt Has Strength:  

Salt has the power to destroy certain microorganisms, such as bacteria.  It can stop the growth of weeds and grasses.  It can also kill certain insects.  By the same token, the salt in Christians can kill all of the ungodly, lawless works of the flesh and all forms of evil.   

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."  (Galatians 2:20)  

"For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live."  (Romans 8:13)  

The power in our lives to kill the flesh and live in newness of life rests in the Gospel, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..."  (Romans 1:16).  If we indeed claim to be His disciples, we will surely abide in His Words.  We will feed and digest His Words.  We will live and walk in His Word.  

"So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.'"  (John 8:31)  

It is only through the Word that we can be built up and be given strength.

"And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified."  (Acts 20:32)

 Apart from the Word of God, we will lose our strength rendering us weak and unable to withstand sin.  

"Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You."  (Psalm 119:11)

• Salt Preserves or Saves:  

When salt is added to any kind of fresh meat, it acts as a preservative agent.  It delays the decay process.  There is nothing worse than decomposed meat.  It is disgusting!  The practice of salting meats to preserve them has been used for ages.  Notice that when Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, many of His listeners were familiar with fish.  They were in the fishing business.  They were well aware of the qualities of salt and how it was used to cure and preserve their fish.  This made it easier for them to understand the effects of the salty way of living.  They were to have a preserving, saving influence on those among whom they walked.  Before the invention of refrigeration, salt was the only thing people had to preserve and save things.  Salt was crucial for preserving.

When men abandon salt in their lives, they start walking in sin, in the works of the flesh.  The earth is corrupted.  Sin begins to take control of their lives.  Truth has very little influence on their lives. They are seared in their conscience toward sin and the works of lawlessness.  Sin starts to rot the soul, and the hope of salvation is lost.

"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."  (Galatians 5:19-21)  

We know that the earth can decay, corrupt, and rot if we, as salt, don't prevent it.  It is easy to see such decay in all moral values (crimes, dishonesty, insecurity, lack of integrity, immorality, indecency, lack of interest in principles of righteousness).  Our world is decaying little by little.  And though the world has advanced significantly in technology, science, reforms,  medicine, and knowledge, they still cannot stop the deterioration and corruption in our society.  Thus, the only hope for this world of darkness is the salt of the earth, that is, those sincere and genuine Christians or followers of Christ.  Faithful Christians are the means that God uses to stop the forces of evil.  We Christians are here to stop all lawlessness and corruption and to hold back or prevent all decadence in our society.  How?  By our godly influence and example.  As Christians, we must prove ourselves to be blameless, pure, and above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we appear as lights in this world.  Thus, our godly conduct and the Word of God are what make us the salt of the earth.

To be genuine Christians, we must escape the corruption of this world (2 Peter 1:4).  We must be godly examples so that others might escape the lawlessness that causes that corruption.  It is therefore vital to "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction."  Unfortunately, many pretend to be salt but preach a different Gospel, a false doctrine or teaching that is not Christ's.  A corrupt Gospel does not save anyone from all lawlessness or corruption.  Therefore, it is crucial to preach true and sound doctrine to preserve and save the souls that have been corrupted because of sin and false doctrine.

It is also vital to demonstrate with our good and righteous works the faith that we profess, that we might not deny Him (Titus 1:16). Take heed! Those who are disobedient and unfit for any good work can never be the salt of the earth.

• Salt Has a Destructive Power:

The kind of salt used in Bible times was not of the same quality as the refined salt we consume today. It was common back then for salt to lose its properties.  In Luke 14:34-35, Jesus declared, "Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Using a little bit can melt ice, but using a lot can ruin things.  Too much salt can also harm or kill living organisms like grass, garden slugs. You see, salt in moderate quantities was useful for the soil as a fertilizer.  But when salt faded, it was harmful to the soil as a fertilizer instead of useful. It was difficult, if not impossible, to grow vegetables.  The phrase, "It is no longer good" in Matthew 5:13, implies that it was useful and valuable, but now it is no good anymore.  I think one of the things that can disturb or provoke anyone is to tell him, "you're useless" or "you're good for nothing."  Spiritually speaking, if we are not the salt of this earth, in this life, "we are good for nothing" but to be trampled underfoot by men.

According to the dictionary, the manure pile (dunghill) is where the excrement is deposited. Salt fights against filth and uncleanliness (impurity, dirt).  But notice that salt was of no use and good for nothing when it lost its properties.  I honestly believe that these words should prick our hearts. Therefore, let us examine our hearts to see if we are behaving like the salt of the earth or are good for nothing.  Take heed and meditate on this!

One striving to follow Jesus will make this world a better place in the same way that salt helps and gives flavor to food.  In Acts 2:47, the disciples were described as "praising God and adding favor with all the people."  Surely, they added something valuable and good to society.  Salt is a powerful flavoring agent.

Indeed, salt can lose its flavor.  Why?   Because salt can become contaminated with impurities, like dirt.  Jesus is warning Christians about losing what makes them valuable before God as "salt." If he is not careful to separate himself from the harmful impurities of sin, a Christian runs the risk of becoming contaminated.  Thus, "he is good for nothing" in his service to the Lord unless he comes back to Him seeking forgiveness on God's terms.  Christians must be pure in speech, thoughts, and deeds (Col. 4:6).  In doing this, they will have a preserving influence on godliness and righteousness as salt preserves food and prevents it from spoiling.  Like salt, each Christian must strive to remove or melt any hindrances that would cause others to stumble.  However, like salt, he may irritate some people.  (You know how irritating salty sweat can be when working in the sun).  Why?  Because so often, when one stands up for Christ and lives for Him only, others will be irritated or rubbed the wrong way, though this is not his purpose.  Moreover, like salt, followers of the Lord have the power to destroy that which is sinful whenever they confront it.  We must eradicate all sin from our lives and fight all forms of evil.  A faithful Christian should cause others to thirst for righteousness as salt causes physical thirst (Matt. 5:6).

To be salt, we Christians must be different (distinct) from the people of the world and reflect Christ in everything we do and say. We may have great knowledge of the Scriptures, but our knowledge is useless if we show a false worldly image in our behavior. We are no different than the ungodly. We are hypocrites and can never be the salt of the earth. God will bring His wrath on us just like on them. Take heed!

It is sad to see a Christian dress like the ungodly world, party and revel like the world, and show all the outward evidence that the world still influences him. It should be the other way around. We should be the light of the world, the salty influence that shows the world a better way to live. My beloved brethren, it is deplorable for a Christian to become a stumbling block and a cause of sin and death instead of being the salt of the earth that preserves life!! Jesus wants us to be a good and positive influence on the world and thus the preserving salt.

 A Christian who walks like the worldly and ungodly is not walking in righteousness but in darkness and lawlessness. Instead of being salty, being different, provoking others to do good, and having a significant impact on their hearts, he behaves worse than the world. His ungodly conduct actually causes others to sin, people who may not even know God yet. 

The Christian knows better, and that makes it worse. Instead of opposing the works of darkness and lawlessness, he participates as if he has no conscience of sin. He has forgotten that “salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.  And 'if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown and trampled underfoot by the men.'"  Take heed to the words of Christ!

CONCLUSION:

Salt is mostly good for two things:  to enhance flavor and for food preservation.  Jesus wants His followers to be  “the salt of the earth.”  That means we must make this world flavorful for God and thus preserve it. Salt has preserving power.  Jesus, our Lord, demands that we be to people what salt is to foods.  Why?  Because we are the saving and preserving force or power to this world.  The world is lost in sin.  Therefore, we must carry the Gospel (the saving force or power) to them.  Without the righteousness and holiness of God, this world is doomed (Psalm 9:17; Prov. 14:34; Amos 9:8).  You see, God spared the ancient world of righteous Noah and his family.  God could have spared Sodom and Gomorrah for only ten righteous people.  Thus, it is vital to have close contact with the salt and the meat.  You see, salt that is away just a few inches from meat would do no good.  We must not isolate ourselves from the lost but rather be a godly influence on them so that we may teach them the paths of righteousness to be saved.

What the world (darkness) needs is salt, pure salt.  To be the pure salt of the earth, we must be Christians who sincerely and faithfully live for the Lord, doing His will.  Christians who steadfastly stand for the Truth and righteousness, being themselves good examples, being concerned about their influence and teaching, always doing their very best so that they might be the salt of the earth.  Sadly, many Christians have lost their saltiness or flavor because they have been polluted, contaminated, and stained by the flesh, this world (James 1:26-27; Jude 22-23).  Likewise, Christians can lose their saltiness or flavor by becoming lukewarm, watered down, wanting to partake of the fruits of darkness without rebuking them, not zealous for the Lord.  Lukewarmness can rob us of our saltiness or flavor.

Therefore, let us always remember that for salt to be effective, we must come in contact with the Truth, abide in it, feed on it, and digest it.  This is the only way we are going to preserve our lives and receive salvation.  We must take advantage of salt to have its effect on us.  It will be of no use to us if we do not use it well.  It will eventually be thrown away.

In Mark 9:50, Jesus said,

"For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

In this passage, the word "fire" makes reference to hell.  The phrase "salted with fire" is used literally in this text.  In the Bible, salt is a symbol to describe that which is preserved from decay. Thus, if one is salted with fire, then he is preserved with fire from absolute decay (i.e., he is eternally kept in a state of severe pain with no end whatsoever).  Here in this Scripture, Jesus is stressing the truth about punishment in hell for all eternity.  There will be no annihilation!  In this context, the word "everyone" is assigned to those who refused to "cut off" the offending part.

In Leviticus 2:13, we read, 

"You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt."

In our context, the phrase, "with all your offerings you shall offer salt," parallels Romans 12:1, which says that all Jesus' faithful followers are to be "living sacrifices."  How?  By denying the pleasures of sin and choosing to live a life according to the will of God.  Thus, we can see a contrast in this Scripture between the two future states of preservation:  heaven and hell.  Those who are living sacrifices to God will be preserved to enjoy God's love in heaven.  Everyone else that does not do the will of God will be preserved in hell to face their just punishment.

Mark 9:50 communicates a similar sentiment to Matthew 5:13.  "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men."  And although salt preserves, if any Christian does not persevere until the end, he is worthless and good for nothing (Matt. 10:22; Rev. 2:10).  When one is the salt of the earth, he will have "peace with one another."

We are the salt of the earth when we love God's Truth and the souls of men.  When we speak the Truth in love, we can preserve life and show the flavor or beauty of our faith.  Love without Truth is blind and willing to combine with other false doctrines that suit it well.  Love without Truth compromises our firm faith.  Love without Truth ignores sin and fails to confront it.  On the other hand, Truth without love can be offensive and will turn people away from the Gospel.  Truth without love is cold and hard.  Truth without love has very little influence.  

Therefore, we need both Truth and love to be of great value like salt.  So, are you the salt of the earth?  Does your life show the qualities of salt?  Or have you been contaminated with impurity like sin?  

Remember the Lord's admonition, 

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."  (Romans 12:2)

Why not start examining your life and see if there are any impurities you need to correct?  Why not resolve to start being the salt our Lord demands that we be?  Know that to be the salt of the earth is a great privilege granted to us by our Lord.

May God bless each one of us as we strive to please Him and do His will.  May our Lord help us never to lose our salt and become tasteless in His kingdom.  May we be Christians seasoned with His salt so that we may glorify Him with our righteous and godly works.

"Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."  (Luke 14:34). 

Luci

THE GLORY OF GOD AS REVEALED IN HIS CREATION AND IN HIS LAW

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God; 

And their expanse is declaring the work of  His hands.  

2 Day to day pours forth speech, 

And night to night reveals knowledge. 

3 There is no speech, nor are there words; 

Their voice is not heard. 

4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, 

And their utterances to the end of the world.  

In them He has placed a tent for the sun, 

5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; 

It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.  

6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens, 

And its circuit to the other end of them; 

And there is nothing hidden from its heat.  

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; 

The Testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.  

8 The precepts 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 forever;

The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.  

10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.  

11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;

In keeping them there is great reward.  

12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.  

13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; 

Let them not rule over me; 

Then I will be blameless, 

And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.  

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart 

Be acceptable in Your sight, 

O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."

Psalm 19 

How does God persuade a fleshly, sin enslaved people to look up and see the glory of righteousness? Once upon a time, He thundered on the mountain, then set it on fire and sounded a supernatural trumpet so loud that they could not help but tremble and fall on their faces in His presence. In a peaceful way, Psalm 19 reaches out to us by displaying the glory of God's creation, spoken into existence. The Psalmist then proceeds to display the glory of God's Laws, which lead us into righteous living.

Lately, I've been reflecting on how God's Word acts like a seed.  As I meditate on this, I can't help but think about the seeds I use in my garden.  The seeds are so small, but they are alive and produce after their kind.  Such seeds grow up and produce an abundant harvest.  It is hard for our physical senses to judge whether a seed is alive or not. Since we cannot see, feel, hear, smell, or taste the life of a seed, there is only one way to prove if such a seed is alive to be planted.  You see, a seed will not produce until it is planted.  Seeds do not grow just by displaying them on a shelf or a sack.  They must be adequately planted to produce a bountiful harvest.  This is the way the Word of God works in our lives.  If we want the Word of God to produce a bountiful harvest in our heart and mind, we must plant it well.  We must desire and cherish it.  How?  By hearing, reading, meditating, and speaking it. We must hear and heed the Words of Christ (which include the apostle's words Luke 10:16), the will of the Father.

"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’  24 'Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock... 26 Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.'  28 When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; 29 for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes."'  (Matt. 7:21-29)

Those who obey God's Words are wise because they will enter heaven.  On the other hand, those who are rebellious, foolish, and lawless do not obey the Word of God; thus, they will be lost eternally.  We must stress the need for hearing and heeding the words of Christ!  "He who has ears, let him hear"  (Matt. 13:9).  We must be open and obedient to His Words.  Notice what Jesus Himself said,

"Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, 'You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; You will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; 15 For the heart of this people has become dull, With their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes, Otherwise they would see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them.'  16 But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.'"  (Matt. 13:13-17)

The Word of God, the Words of Christ, can save us from our sins.  But we must obey all things (Matt. 28:18-20), honor His authority over us (Matt. 28:18), love Him, and fear Him with all reverence, and show others the way to heaven through His Word and our godly example (Matt. 5:16).

Psalm 19 will be the focal point of this lesson.  I love reading and studying the Psalms!  They are filled with praise, prayer, and the riches of God's Word.  We find many prayers for deliverance and steadfastness through God's Word to help us through all our struggles.  They also help us face the enemies that so often surround us.  Without the everlasting, perfect, and mighty Word of God, we would despair.  God's Word is His wisdom, especially during difficult and trying times.  God's Word produces hope, reverence, and encouragement.  It stimulates gratitude, wisdom, direction and gives us life.  Faithfulness to God's Word is the true excellence of all virtues.  God's Word must fill our thoughts day and night.  The Word of God tastes sweet like honey as we study it.

I hope we all can be stimulated to good works through God's Word, His Law.  Each verse of this Psalm is edifying, filled with admiration and warning. The holy words of God must not be taken for granted. God has provided everything that we need. Jesus came as the ultimate expression of God's Word so that now we are without excuse. Let us marvel at His majestic Word and tremble in His presence.

I.  GOD'S EXCELLENT REVELATION IN HIS PERFECT WORKS (CREATION):

• God Reveals Himself Through His Works:  (Psalm 19:1-6).

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.  3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.  4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.  In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.  6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat."

• "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."  (Psalm 19:1-2)

In today's world, there is very little respect, honor, or fear of God.  People take God's Word for granted. They use His name in a derogatory, dirty, and despicable way without even thinking.  They don't know who God is, and so they reject Him.  Do they even care who God is?  Do they know how to know Him?  How to respond to His calling?  Psalm 19 has the answers to these questions.  The truth is that we can know God because He has revealed Himself to us through His marvelous works, His creation.  God’s power and wisdom are shown in His creation (vs. 1-6).  God’s majestic creation declares His glory (verses 1-2).  The heavens declare the work of His mighty hands.  Just gaze at the skies and delight yourself! You are seeing God's glory!  All that the eyes can see proclaims His glory!  His creation speaks to all men God's wisdom and knowledge throughout the earth (verses 3-6).  His “voice” is present everywhere all over His creation, speaking to us constantly. God communicates His glory and wisdom to us day and night.  God's infinite creation shows His infinite wisdom.  God has an eye for beauty and diversity.  He appreciates law and order.  His creation "pours out speech."  It speaks abundantly to us about Him, His glory, and power. I am always amazed at His majestic creation.  The more I study and learn about our world, the more I am in awe of His glory, splendor, and mighty power.

In Romans 1:20, Paul stresses this very point.  He makes this argument to the Gentiles that they should come to know God because of His creation.

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse."  

This is a powerful truth, an argument that is still useful today.  Therefore, all of mankind is compelled to know God and seek Him because His creation speaks volumes about the great Creator and Lord of the universe.

• "3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.  4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world."  (Psalm 19:3-4)

Hence, no one has an excuse before God Almighty.  

• "In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.   6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat."  (Psalm 19-4-6)

In these verses, David uses the glory of the sun to prove three things about God's revelation:

1. The sun is like a bridegroom leaving his chamber.  
2. The sun rises from one end of the heavens, and following its appointed path, it makes a circle to the other end.
3. There is nothing hidden from its heat.

Isn't it interesting that so many pagan cultures worshiped the sun because of its colossal heat and strength!  They knew they were dependent upon the sun.  Yet God created the sun to show them His mighty power.  The sun is the most glorious heavenly body, and it exhibits the wondrous wisdom of its Maker.  A few days ago, we had a solar eclipse that showed us this truth.  It is tough to grasp or fathom.  The glory of God is the sum of His perfections (Psalm 24:7-10; Rom. 1:20).  But what has man done with the knowledge of such a mighty God?  

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures."  (Romans 1:18-23).

II.   GOD'S EXCELLENT REVELATION THROUGH HIS WORD, HIS LAW:

• God Reveals Himself Through His Word (His Law):  (Psalm 19:7-11)

"The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.  8 The precepts 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 forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.  10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.  11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward."

In Psalm 19:7-11, we are reassured that the Word of God is a great blessing when we study and understand it. The Word here is called:

• Law
• Testimony
• Precepts
• Commandment
• Fear
• Judgments

The Word of God, His Law, is described by six names, characteristics, and actions. It is a rule and God's Testimony for the Truth.  His Law is man's prescription of duty. It causes us to fear our God and reverence His righteous Judgments (judicial choices).  It is distinct, perfect, reliable, right, pure, holy, and true.  It revives the sinner, giving him the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  It teaches God's principles of righteousness and holiness.  Those who embrace it will be significantly rewarded.  God's Word is God's wonderful gift to all humanity because of its nature. Indeed, God's power is described in His Word and can revive our souls, for His instruction is perfect, complete, and lacks nothing.

Let's examine each of these terms carefully:

• "The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul."   (Psalm 19:7a) 

Here we are told that God's Law, the Word, is perfect.  There's no room for mistakes or error, only perfection!  It is perfectly designed for us.  It perfectly equips us with all that we need.  God gives us His perfect Word to help and guide us in a world of darkness and imperfection.   He pours out His Word on us with a fragrant aroma to help us live righteously.  But, we have been warned not to add or take away from it. "Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it."  (Deuteronomy 12:32).  The Word of God is as satisfying and refreshing as a glass of cold water on a hot day....just what we need!  The beauty of it is that it draws us back to Him. The Word is the living water that we keep running to when we thirst for righteousness.  It converts our souls and brings salvation.  It's the power to restore our souls back to Him by showing us our sin and our need for Him and His Word.  The Word of God, His Law, can bring back to life the soul that is dead because of sin.  The Word of God can revive us, but we must let it work in us.  For "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

• "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."  (Psalm 19:7b) 

This refers to the whole Bible as God's sacred Testimony.  It is His Testimony of Who He is to us. Yes, the Word is sure, absolute, and confirmed.  It is trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The Word of God is easy to read, and we can trust the words God has written for us.  The instructions given in His Word are easy to follow.  When we follow them, we find salvation, contentment, joy, and, most importantly, eternal life.  Obedience to God's Word shows wisdom.  He who refuses to heed God's Word shows himself to be a fool.  In I Corinthians 1:19-21, Paul shows how God used the "foolishness" of the Gospel to destroy the wisdom of the wise.  God's Word can never be shaken. We can lean on it with confidence.  The Word makes us wise to salvation.  Even the simple can understand what is written in it.

"They read from the book,  from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading."  (Nehemiah 8:8)

The people of Israel asked Ezra to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had given to them.

"And they read from it before the gathering from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law."  (Nehemiah 8:3)

"And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up."  (Nehemiah 8:5)

It was such an encouraging and emotional moment when they revered the Word of God. What encouragement! They knew God's Word is sure, making wise the simple.

God's Word is Law to be defended and to be revered.  It is His Testimony to His faithfulness to those who choose to follow Him.  Let us never take His Word carelessly.  God's Word as Law is perfect, and we can never go wrong.  As Testimony, we know it is all Truth, complete and sure.  Our God is so faithful that He makes way for those who have trouble understanding it.  He shows them and teaches them what is right.

• "The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart."  (Psalm 19:8a)  

Here the word Precepts is defined as law, decree, or rule.  It tells us that the Bible is God's Law, decreed by Him, and made to rule over all.  It is His commandment for all those who profess to be Christians. The word Precept is defined here as a rule intended to regulate behavior or thought. God's Word dictates to us, His children.  God's Law is straight and perfect.  His laws are not crooked. God's statements are ordained for obedience, that one might walk the straight path and be joyful. God's straight paths, His Precepts, bring joy as we obey them. Obeying God's straight Precepts maximizes our joy in life. When we follow God's ways, they will bring gladness to our hearts.  God's Precepts are dictated to us so that we may do what is right, straightforward, suitable, and correct. The word "dictate" means to tell with authority. Therefore, we must believe and obey God's Word.

• "The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes." (Psalm 19:8b) 

God's Word is pure and gives off light.  Some translations say, "The commandment of the Lord is radiant" to show the purity of His Word.  The purity of His Law is enlightening to us (2 Timothy 3:15; Psalm 119:105).  His Word brings discernment.  It removes the darkness in us, leading us on the path of Light.  It is a lamp to our feet as we walk in the Light that we might find the perfect and righteous direction.   God's commandments are pure, meaning free from moral defilement, genuine, true, without spot, and holy.  The Word of God is purifying to all who read, study and embrace it.

 "And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the Word of God's message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the Word of God, which also performs its work in you who BELIEVE"  (I Thessalonians 2:13).  God's Word enlightens us and opens our eyes to an understanding of sin.  It teaches us to fear, honor, and glorify Him.  "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures."  (Luke 24:45)

• "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever."  (Psalm 19:9a)   

The word fear refers to the reverence and respect of our LORD.  It is a respect and reverence that grows out of a healthy fear of the great power of God and His righteous indignation against all sin and disrespect that men show toward their Creator and Lord. It is awe-filled reverence to our God.  It is used in Nehemiah 1:11 as "servants who delight to fear Thy name."  In other words, we, His children, must delight in honoring Him in all things.  In Job 28:28, Job refers to the fear of God as wisdom.  To revere God is wise.  So my question is, "Why can we not be in awe of His Word?" "Why should we not seek and make it our ambition to read, study, understand, and obey all that He has to say about His Word?"  The fear of the LORD is clean, meaning in a moral and ethical sense, it is clean by teaching us what is right and wrong.  Psalm 119:9 states that the Word of God cleanses us and makes us pure,  "How can a young man keep his way pure?  By keeping it according to Thy Word."  Those things that are corrupt decay and pass away.  Purity endures forever. 

God's Word endures forever, and it never perishes because it is pure, without any blemish, error, or flaw.  It is in harmony with God's character, thus enduring forever.  It remains unchanged. Likewise, God is steadfast and unchangeable!  The Word of God cleanses us from the filth of sin.  It cleans our character, lives, mouths, personality, bad habits, and actions.  It regenerates men into righteousness, in the likeness of God, our Creator.  In knowing and understanding this, we are more than confident that God will sustain us.  The Bible, the Word of God, His Law is amazing!  Let's never take for granted His Word!  Let's revere and embrace it in our hearts.  The fear of the LORD is reverential obedience and hatred of evil or sin (Proverbs 1:7, 29; 2:1-5; 3:7).  The fear of God was a trademark that characterized the first-century church (Acts 9:31).  The fear of the LORD is what we need today to please God.

• "The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether." (Psalm 19:9b). 

The word Judgments here is referring to God's ordinances.  His rules and commandments.  "Thou has ordained Thy precepts, that we should keep them diligently.  Oh that my ways maybe established to keep Thy statutes!"  (Psalm 119:4-5).  We can confidently rely on the Word of God for direction and counsel, for it is righteous altogether.  Every word God speaks is righteous, and so are God's actions.  They are for our benefit. God has our best interests in mind.  We can rest assured that we can depend on Him and His Word completely.  Those who walk in His Law are not defiled but instead are blessed.  His Word is "true and righteous altogether."  His Truth is perfect, according to the LORD's righteousness. 

• "They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold."  (Psalm 19:10a).  

The phrase "more desirable" says we are to covet and take full pleasure in His Word.  God's Word must be desired more than anything else in life... even much fine gold!   Consider, gold is one of the most sought after precious metals.  It doesn't compare to the value of God's Word, His Law.  It doesn't even come close to the value of God's righteous commandments and statutes. The value of God's Law to transform and regenerate us is immeasurable, for it revives our souls and makes us wise (the simple).  It gladdens the heart as it enlightens our eyes.  How impressive is God's Law! God's Law is more valuable than all the money and possessions this world has to offer us.  When we treat the Word of God, His Law, as more valuable than gold, we will then learn to be more diligent in studying it.   

• "Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb."  (Psalm 19:10b).  

God's Word is also sweeter than honey dripping from the honeycomb.  Do you like honey?  I do!  I eat it and love cooking with it.  Oh, what a pleasant taste it is to our palate!  It is full of sweetness and pleasure to the senses.  Did you know that the Bible, the Word of God, has the same effect on us by causing pleasure to our souls?  "How sweet are Thy words to my taste!  Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"  (Psalm 119:103).  But the big difference is that honey has a temporary sweetness, and the Word of God is everlasting to everlasting to those who believe and obey it.  It is satisfying to the hungry and malnourished soul. A side effect of honey, when consumed in excess, is that it works against our bodies, causing damage to our teeth and our vital organs.  But no matter how much we consume of the Truths of God, it is never enough.  Actually, the more, the better for our souls. God's Word can fulfill and enrich us like nothing else in this world.  It fills the emptiness in our hearts that many people try to fill with earthly things.  Yet, the only thing that can satisfy our spirit and soul is God and His Word.  God's Words are the sweetest blessing in our life.

• "Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned."   (Psalm 19:11a)   

Let us never forget that the Word of God is a warning to us, a warning to obey by doing exactly what is expected of us, a warning not to put it aside.  A warning of the terrible consequences if we do not abide in it.  God does not leave us ignorant of the dire consequences of rejecting and disobeying His Word.  God has warned us greatly about violating His righteous laws. We must never take God's Word for granted.  It is a terrible thing to neglect!  It is the lifeline of our soul and life.  "Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me"  (Ezekiel 3:17).   God's revelation is demonstrated when we receive the warnings of God's Word.

• "In keeping them there is great reward."  (Psalm 19:11b)   

David highlights for us God's great reward when we keep His Words.  Not only will we be rewarded on that great Day of Judgment, but even today, there are great rewards in our lives.  When we obey God's laws, the rules He has given for our lives, we are walking the path of righteousness, and we will reap the fruits of righteousness.  Because we keep God's laws and commands, our very lives help us judge righteously (make righteous choices) in our lives with hope, contentment, peace, and calmness of heart.  Others cannot enjoy these blessings because of sin and evil in their lives. They are slaves to their desires and lusts, making it difficult to be free from the slavery of sin.  They refuse to obey God's commands, so they rob themselves of the joy that can only be found when we obey God's commands. There is a great reward in keeping God's Word exceedingly beyond what we can imagine.  We learn full obedience through God's Word.  His Word gives us peace, wisdom, comfort, joy, relief, and great satisfaction.  The Word gives us grace and redemption through Jesus Christ.  His revelation is shown in our willingness to obey His Word and receive His rewards.

III.    GOD'S REVELATION DEMANDS A RESPONSE - THE FEAR OF GOD:

• Response to God's Revelation:   (Psalm 19:12-14)

"Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.  13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.  14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."

• "Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults."  (Verse 12)  

This is a prayer for forgiveness, with the confession of sins.  Here David is asking for the forgiveness of his sins.  Indeed, David acknowledges he has committed sins, many faults, and made many errors in his life.  He admits to his faults, flaws, and shortcomings, and so must we.  He needs God's forgiveness.  Moreover, David is not just concerned about those sins he is aware of but asks God to cleanse him from his hidden faults and sins.  We must have David's heart and ask God humbly to point out to us not only those flaws, faults, shortcomings, and sins in our life that we are aware of but all those things that, in our day to day walk, we fail to acknowledge as sin (hidden faults).  How often do we fall short of loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength?!  How often do we fail God because we don't love our neighbor as ourselves?!  How often do we fall short when we fail to show the love of Christ with compassion to the lost, helpless, and hopeless?!  How often do we fall short when we mistreat others?!  It is easy to ignore how we treat others.  It is easy for us to offend others without even acknowledging that we have done something wrong.  

David is clearly aware that he has fallen short, even in ways he is not aware of.  For all those times, he humbly asks forgiveness, and so must we. We must examine our hearts and purge all such terrible attitudes from it before our Almighty God.  And though we might not lie, steal, curse or lust, we're still falling short when we fail to love God and our neighbor completely. Why?  Because our attitude of the heart does not reflect Christ living in us.  And since we all have hidden faults, and we know we have many, we are always in need of God's forgiveness.  "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  (1 John 1:9)

• "Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression."  (Verse 13) 

David is praying for God's deliverance from future sins.  He is asking God's help to give him victory over sin.  He likewise is asking God to keep him from sinning and rebelling against God. We all need to humbly approach God's throne for strength to overcome the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life.  David's words, "Let them not rule over me," are the appropriate response to God's revelation.  Paul also said, "For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."  (Romans 6:14)  Therefore, sin must not be our master, for sin must not rule over us with its sinful desires.  We must not surrender to our weaknesses!  Just as David prayed to God in his own life to help him overcome sin, we should pray to God the same way. Under no circumstances must we let sin rule over us and be our master.  Since God has delivered us from the slavery of sin, let us not turn back to it.  Who are we going to allow to rule our life?  God or Satan?  We must be wise to make the righteous choice.  David acknowledged he was God's servant, and therefore he asks God to help him from turning aside that he might be blameless and innocent of many transgressions.

• "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."  (Verse 14)  

David is praying to be acceptable and pleasing to God with his mouth and heart.  God judges our actions and motives.  He also searches our hearts to see if our motives and attitudes are in harmony with His righteous will.  He demands that our hearts be clean in His sight.  A heart without actions is worthless, as is our faith without works.  No sacrifices are greater than our heart's obedience to God.  We must examine and judge the motives and intentions of our hearts, for God is judging our hearts.  God not only demands a good heart but a heart that bears good fruit to His glory.  Remember, Uzzah had the right motive when he reached out and touched the Ark of the covenant in 2 Samuel 6, but God struck him dead for violating His Law.  Do not forget that we are accountable to God for our actions.  Therefore, we must examine our actions, our deeds to make sure we're walking the path of righteousness in the sight of God.  Let our prayer be three things:  

1. Forgiveness of past sins.
2. Deliverance from future sins and 
3. The cleansing, transformation of our hearts and tongues, that we might be acceptable and pleasing to God.  

God has already revealed His will, glory, power, and laws to us that we may walk the straight path of righteousness in complete obedience to Him.

CONCLUSION:

God Has revealed Himself to us through His written Word to show us who He is so that we might understand His nature and character.   God’s Word is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, and righteous.  His Word is to be desired above great riches and pleasure.  We must read and study the Word of God with a heart of humility and submissiveness.  Don't forget, we are in His presence and reading His Precepts.  This must be taken as a moment for growing and knowing Him better.  Remember, these Precepts are HIS and not ours. They were enacted by His authority. They are from the One True God.  

And though the Word of God is excellent and perfect, few truly want to hear it.  We are often surrounded by haters of God and His Word, whose only desire is to spew hatred and angry words toward those who dare to teach the Gospel and oppose sin (worldliness and ungodliness).  We are silenced and intimidated into not teaching and preaching the Gospel.  We must continue teaching against sin and proclaim all of God's Truth.  We must continue trying to reach out to the lost even when rejected.  We must not allow the Word of God to fail!  Indeed, God's Word will bring opposition.  It has always been this way since the beginning of time.  Don't compromise and keep the Gospel to yourself.  Don't let discouragement silence you.  Keep preaching and teaching, even if you are faced with a brick wall.  Don't allow failure (not able to convert a soul with your many efforts) to dishearten you!  Remember that before God's sight, whether they hear or not, you're faithful and thus successful (Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 3:5-7).  Please, don't lose heart, but keep planting, watering the seed of God's Word.  Let God cause the growth.  God causes the growth and not the one who plants or waters.   Don't define your success by results!  Above all, keep planting the seed of God's Word that the wicked may turn from evil and sin.  If you don't, you will fail God, and He will hold you accountable (Ezekiel 3:17).

Jesus, our Lord, is the Sower that sows the Word (Mark 4:14).  The seed is the incorruptible Word of God (Luke 8:11; 1 Peter 1:23).  All Christians are commanded to become sowers (Matt. 28:19-20).  One cannot make disciples of Christ without sowing the seed of God's Word and sharing His Word.  All Christians must be sowers of God's seed, His Word (Luke 8:11).  The seed has life within it (1 Peter 1:23).  Man's wisdom cannot impart life but only the incorruptible Word of God.  The seed produces after its kind (Gen. 1:11-12).  It also produces fruit with seed in it.  When we let God's Word grow abundantly in us, the seed will be spread, producing much fruit (Matt. 5:16).  Therefore, the seed must be planted to produce a plentiful harvest.  It will not bear fruit as long as it is sitting on a shelf.  James urges us to put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which can save our souls.  The seed is the Word of God, and the sower is he who spreads the Word.  The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh (2 Cor. 10:4).  The Gospel is God's power to save all men (Rom. 1:16).  God's primary intent is for all people to hear His Word and obey it.

And though Jesus is the Sower, He is not the only one.  All Christians are sowers.  Therefore, sowers must be busy sowing the seed and not become rivals (1 Cor. 3:5-9).  They must be longsuffering (Jas. 5:7).  Even the seed that falls on good soil will require time to grow.  Paul prayed for Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith, rooted and grounded in love, and be filled with God's fullness (Eph. 4:16-19).  And so as trees put down deep roots, so we must do the same.  It is important to stress the need for an honest and good heart to hear and accept the Word of God.  A good and honest heart meditates on God's Word as he hears it.  He will do anything to understand it.  He hears it and accepts it.  God's Word becomes his everyday life, for he holds it fast and bears much fruit with perseverance.  He does not forsake God's Word when things get tough, for he understands it, accepts it, and holds it fast.  And though it is important to have an honest and good heart, they are not all evenly productive.  He who has a good and honest heart will genuinely pursue the Truth at all times. He will maintain an intense yearning and motivation to always do righteousness, regardless of difficulties.  It is not enough to bear good fruit once and then fall short into unfruitfulness.  One must persevere (Matt. 10:22; Rom. 2:7; Rom. 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 9:24; Gal. 6:9; Jas. 1:12; 2 Thess. 3:13; 2 Pet. 1:5-6; 2 Tim. 2:12; Heb. 10:36; Phil. 3:14; 1 Tim. 6:12; Heb. 10:36; Heb. 12:1-2; Eom. 12:12; Rev. 2:10; Rev. 3:11, etc.).  Our bearing much fruit will be possible when we let Christ abide in us (John 15:5-8).  

The more we understand God's Word, the more our sins will be manifested.  God's Word will show us our faults, shortcomings, sins, and everything against God.  It can cleanse us from the filth of sin and restrain us from committing sin.  Through the Word of God, we can be blameless (our words and thoughts) and be acceptable to God.  It is in the understanding of the Word of God that His Precepts are right.  His Word is never wrong.  It is our everlasting foundation where our hearts can stand firm for eternity.  The Bible, His Word, His Law, is infinite and boundless.  It never fails us.  It is perfectly suitable for every good work.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable, for REPROOF, for CORRECTION, for TRAINING in RIGHTEOUSNESS; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Please bear with me as I attempt to express these thoughts in the form of poetry.

I PRAISE THEE, MY GOD, FOR  THY LAW AND MARVELOUS CREATION

By Luci Y. Partain

I praise Thee, my God, for the gift of Thy creation...

For the gift of the seasons, for human life, and all its perfection.

Thou hast created the heavens and the earth.

And they exist because of Thy goodness and existence.

Oh, how my eyes delight in all the beauty of Thy creation,

For it bears witness of Who Thou Art.

With awe and reverence, my eyes behold all Thy excellent works.

The beauty and majesty of the oceans,

The beauty of the heavens around me,

The beauty and order of Thy constellations and stars,

The glory of the sun shows Thy mighty power,

For it displays the wondrous wisdom of His Maker.

The sum of Thy creation shouts the sum of Thy perfection!

Thy voice thunders all around us,

Speaking to us constantly. We are without excuse.

Thy wisdom and glory speak to us day and night.

Oh, how majestic and marvelous are Thy works,

For they are beautiful and good.

Thou, Oh Triune of God, givest life and love,

Encouragement and grace to all Thy creation.

Thou hast crowned us with Thy glory and honor.

Thus, my heart will ever sing songs of praise and thanksgiving.

Thy Word healeth the wounded and broken soul.

And Thy Word became flesh in our Lord Jesus Christ,

For He became part of Thy excellent creation.

I praise Thee, my God,

From dawn to dusk, I give Thee thanks,

For Thou art my strength and joy

From beginning to end.

Oh, that all men might see Thee, Oh God, in all Thy vast creation...

Oh, that our souls might be connected with Thee through prayer and worship...

Oh, that all men might see Thy beauty, love, and presence in all Thy majestic creation.

Oh, that they might build up Thy kingdom here on earth...

Oh, that they might praise, my most high, all-powerful, and good God!

No mortal lips are worthy to proclaim Thy precious name.

I praise Thee, Oh my God,

For Thy sun, moon, and stars.

Thy hand hast made them, precious and beautiful.

Thy heavens tell of Thy glory, Oh my God!

All Thy creation shall shout for joy,

And sing the glory of its Maker.

Thou art my Giver and Inheritance,

Thou art all I possess,

Thou hast made everything beautiful in Thy time.

Thy creation is the handiwork of Thy love.

Thy creation delights in praising Thee.

Therefore, my humble heart will sing praises to Thee.

For Thou art my God and my King.

Oh, how I love Thy Law,

For it is worth more than fine gold!

It refreshes and renews my hungry and thirsty soul.

Thy Law gives me understanding and light

Making my soul soar to new heights,

For great riches are found in Thy Word, Oh my God.

Thy Law is my strength, my shield, and sword.

A lamp unto my feet that leads me into the pathway of righteousness.

It fills my hungry soul with new wonders day by day.

Sweeter than honeycomb and pure is Thy Law,

For each word Thou utters is faithful, true, and sure.

Oh, how I love to meditate in Thy Law,

For it revives and keeps my heart alive.

Therefore, my soul will hunger and thirst for Thy Law

To feed and to nurture my soul all the days of my life.

Oh, that all men might embrace Thy Law.

Thy Law is living and sharper than a two-edged sword.

Thy living Word discerns the hearts and thoughts of men.

Thy Word reveals Thy divine nature.

 It is as satisfying and refreshing as a glass of cold water on a hot day...

Just what we need! To draw us back to Thee.

Thy Word is the water that our hearts keep running to when we're thirsty.

For it turns our thirsty soul to righteousness and salvation.

Oh, that all men might accept and adore Thy living Word in all its power!

Oh, that they might embrace Thy Law day in and day out.

For Thy Word lights our path and guides our souls as we trod every day,

And while we follow Jesus, our Savior, applying His Word in our life,

He will receive us in His heavenly abode.

Thy Word never  grows old,

For it is eternal and accomplishes Thy purpose.

So friend, why don't you heed His Word and warning,

That you might spend eternity with Him in His kingdom of righteousness?

For this is His plan and purpose

That you might grow and be equipped to walk His path of holiness.

Being imitators of His Son, as Paul also walked.

Oh, that all men might obey Thy Law,

As their utmost Authority, for now and throughout eternity.

Thy Word is Thy power to reach all men.

It causes them to be born again,

For Thy Word is the lifeblood of our hope,

That hope we have in our Lord and Savior

And soon to be fulfilled for all eternity.

I long, Oh God, to hide Thy Word within my heart,

That I might know how I should walk in Thy steps.

May my steps be praise and worship to Thee, my God!

For Thy Word, Oh my God,

Draws my soul deeper into living water

And sanctifies me more and more into Thy likeness.

For I long to be continually washed

With the water of Thy Word,

To have it deep within my soul

That it may quench my thirst.

Teach me Thy hidden riches found in Thy Law

Such are too precious to me!

Thy Law is a treasure chest that helps me

To hunt for Thy precious gems found in Thy Word.

Let me saturate my heart with Thy Truth

That I may treasure it in my heart.

And let me contemplate Thy riches and treasures,

And delight in Thy teachings, Thy Law.

Open my eyes that I may see Thy truth yet unseen.

Lead me to the straight path, Oh my God.

To never go astray,

Thy Word,  Oh God, is the guide and light  I need

To keep me in Thy straight ways.

My heart is overwhelmed with thanksgiving for Thy Law.

Thy Word is the manna, the bread that feeds my hungry soul

And will continually feed it

From now until I die.

So teach me, my God,

So that I may not depart from Thy Law.

For I want to keep Thy Word alive within,

Hidden in my heart for all eternity.

May we cultivate a heart that is wholly devoted to God and His Word.  May we hear and heed the words of Christ on how to be saved from our sins, deny our self daily, serve and love others, and endure to the end.  May we have a desire for God's Word and receive the warnings of His Word.  May we demonstrate our willingness to obey God's Word and receive His rewards.  May we confess our sins in prayer and ask God to help us overcome and have victory over sin.  May we plant the incorruptible Word of God and reach out to the lost even when rejected.  And may we have a desire to please God with our mouth and heart that we might be acceptable in His sight.

Luci