III} SOUND

A. DOCTRINE.-WORD

2 Timothy 4:3 KJV 1900

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Sound Doctrine, a Key to Spiritual Growth & Development to Maturity

Summary:  It is fashionable in some Christian circles today to minimize the importance of “doctrine.”

This is contrary to what Jesus did.

He not only preached the good news of the gospel, He also taught the people extensively — “Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching…” (Matthew 26:55) and “Jesus went all through the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues…” (Matthew 9:35).

Matthew 26:55 KJV 1900

55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

Matthew 9:35 KJV 1900

35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

So should we who minister in the churches — “[Pastor Timothy,] devote yourself to preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13).

1 Timothy 4:13 KJV 1900

13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Matthew 28:19-20  

Matthew 28:19–20 KJV 1900

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

• “Doctrine” means “teaching.”

Jesus emphasized its importance in the Great Commission.

• Teaching God’s word is at the heart of the Great Commission (vs. 20).

• We are to reach people for the Lord and to baptize and teach them with a goal of making mature disciples (19).

• Jesus exhorted them to teach His commands (20).

• And He said not simply to teach His commands, but to teach them to obey them (20).

2 Timothy 4:2-4  

2 Timothy 4:2–4 KJV 1900

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

• This is an increasing trend today. Many Christians, even some pastors, are minimizing the importance of solid doctrinal teaching.

Sometimes that which is “exciting” evokes more interest than teaching which provides a strong foundation for victorious living.

• The apostle Paul understood this great need in the churches in all generations:

Preach the word of God!

Teach the word of God!

Consistent feeding upon God's word is essential for spiritual growth into Christian maturity.

• There is a simple truism: we tend to live according to what we believe.

And if we are to live lives that are biblically pleasing to God, it is very important that our lives and conduct be grounded in the solid, fundamental teachings of the Scriptures.

Hebrews 5:12-6:2  

Hebrews 5:12–6:2 KJV 1900

12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

• God expects Christians to mature, to move beyond spiritual infancy — “…you ought to be teachers … mature … trained … [going] forward to maturity.”

• There are “elementary teachings” (6:1) [“the foundation,” KJV] from which we go “forward to maturity.”

Without these solid foundations, we remain in a continual state of needing “milk, not solid food” and remain spiritual “infants” (5:12).

1 Timothy 4:16  

1 Timothy 4:16 KJV 1900

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

• This is a word to pastors.

We must watch our doctrine closely.

Why?

Because good doctrine will have a “saving” effect on both the pastor and on those who hear his teaching.

Look at the next verse, which applies to elders, and by extension, to pastors and all spiritual leaders.

Titus 1:9  [An elder, vs. 6]

Titus 1:9 KJV 1900

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

• To be a spiritual overseer in the Lord’s Church, one must “hold firmly” to the trustworthy message that has been taught.

The Pastor in turn will thereby be equipped to do two important things:

(1) he can encourage others by sound doctrine and help them build their lives; and

(2) he will be well equipped to refute those who try to bring wrong doctrines into the church.

• As a pastor and elder over many years, I have had numerous occasions where I had to speak out against wrong teaching, in order to protect the flock. To be able to do so, I had to be solidly grounded in the good doctrines of the Bible.

• 1 Timothy 1:3  

1 Timothy 1:3 KJV 1900

3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

• False doctrines can creep easily into the church.

Titus 2:1-6  

Titus 2:1–6 KJV 1900

1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

• “Sound doctrine” is not only things like salvation, baptism, sanctification, the Deity of Jesus Christ, and similar foundational teachings.

It also includes important teachings on biblical living

— as mentioned above, such things as temperance, self-control, strong faith, love, respect, sobriety, purity, kindness, and more.

• As I said earlier, we live according to what we believe.

So it is vitally important that our churches be places where a broad base of biblical teaching covers the things needed to live in a way that pleases God.

1 Timothy 4:6 

1 Timothy 4:6 KJV 1900

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

• A “good minister” has himself been nourished on good teaching and the truths of our faith.

Then he in turn will communicate these life-changing truths to others and will be continually “nourishing” them on sound teaching.

Here’s how it works:

• 2 Timothy 2:2  

2 Timothy 2:2 KJV 1900

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

• Notice here that four — I’ll call them generations

— were positively influenced by sound doctrine. The teaching went from

(1) the apostle Paul to

(2) Pastor Timothy to

(3) other reliable people, who would in turn would be able to

(4) teach others.

• You can see the dramatic multiplying effect that sound doctrine can have in a fairly short period of time.

I was blessed personally to receive sound doctrine under some great men of God in Anchorage, Alaska.

In turn I committed myself to passing that on to my former Bible college students in Alaska, to the members of the churches I have pastored, and now to those who read the sermons and bible studies on my Bible-teaching website.

Just get God’s word out, and you might be amazed at how far the Lord will cause it to spread and to influence people’s lives for good.

Matthew 15:8-9,

Matthew 15:8–9 KJV 1900

8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

• This is a strong warning to us in leadership — that is, not to teach as doctrines that which is merely the teachings of men without a biblical basis.

• The best way to combat false doctrine is to know the Bible well.

That way, when a false teaching comes along, the Holy Spirit will bring Scriptures to your recollection that will help you to refute and reject the erroneous teaching.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 

2 Timothy 3:14–15 KJV 1900

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:13,

2 Timothy 1:13 KJV 1900

13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

• Do you want to be solidly established on good Bible doctrine?

You can, if you follow both of the biblical principles we just read:

(1) “Know the Holy Scriptures!” There is no substitute for a solid knowledge of the life-giving word of God.

(2) Submit yourself to the ministries of pastors and other ministers that you know and trust, men with proven track records of both character and Bible knowledge.

Today, some 50 years years later, I am still feeling solidly grounded because of the teachings of my pastors/teachers, David Burr, Dick Wright,Robert Meyer I have been substantially influenced by the teachings of these men of God.

In sum, stay in God’s word daily. Read it, study it. And stay under the teaching of men of God whose ministries you have come to trust and who have proven themselves to teach that which lines up with the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). If you do this, your spiritual life will surely prosper.

Acts 17:11 KJV 1900

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Doctrine

De 32:2; Job 11:4; Pr 4:2; Isa 28:9; Isa 29:24; Jer 10:8; Mt 7:28; Mt 16:12; Mt 22:33; Mr 1:22,27; Mr 4:2; Mr 11:18; Mr 12:38; Lu 4:32; Joh 7:16-17; Joh 18:19; Ac 2:42; Ac 5:28; Ac 13:12; Ac 17:19; Ro 6:17; Ro 16:17; 1Co 14:6,26; Eph 4:14; 1Ti 1:3,10; 1Ti 4:6,13,16; 1Ti 5:17; 1Ti 6:1,3; 2Ti 3:10,16; 2Ti 4:2-3; Tit 1:9; Tit 2:1,7,10; Heb 6:1-2; 2Jo 9-10; Re 2:14-15,24

Sound doctrine forsaken: —

1. The grounds of their apostasy — viz., their hatred of the truth; they will not endure sound doctrine; they will reject it and cast it behind their backs; they hate and abhor it.

They look upon it as a grievous burden, as Israel did upon the doctrine and visions of the prophets (Jer 13:27,27).

Jeremiah 13:27 (KJV 1900)

27 I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be?

Jeremiah 13:27 KJV 1900

27 I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be?

It is not so much they cannot, but they will not endure sound doctrine; they love their lusts above the law, and therefore they hate him that reproves in the gates.

Errors they can tolerate, and superstition they can tolerate, but the truth they cannot hear.

2. A second ground of their apostasy is their delight in false teachers; they so dote on them, that one or two will not content them, they must have heaps of them.

They love their lusts, and therefore they seek out for such teachers as may not disquiet them.

They wittingly and willingly suffer themselves to be deluded by them.

The word signifies —

(1) An earnest desire of getting such teachers.

(2) It notes an indiscreet and confused gathering together of such a multitude of teachers without wit or reason, without any respect either to their life or learning, head nor tail.

The disciples create their doctors, the lusts of their followers are their call.

3. A third cause of their apostasy is that innate malice and inbred concupiscence which is in the hearts of men.

But the word in the original is "lusts," which implies, not a simple desire or sudden motion, but a vehement, ardent, earnest desire and pursuit of a thing.

4. They have itching ears; this is another reason why they seek out for false teachers;

they love not such as deal plainly and faithfully with them, they must have such as please their humours, tickle their fancies with novelties and curiosities, but they must in no wise touch their vices.

5. Here is the issue and consequences of their contempt of the truth — viz., the loss of truth, and following fables.

This is the devil's method.

First he stops the ear against sound doctrine,

SECOND then he opens it to error.

THIRD Like a cruel thief, he draws the soul out of the right road into some wood, by-lane or corner, and there binds, robs, and rifles it.

1. God not only knoweth what men do at present, and what they have done, but what they will do in time to come.

He tells Timothy here what will be done many years after he is dead and gone.

2. The more perfidious the world is, and the more false teachers abound, the more careful must Christ's ministers be to oppose them by preaching sound doctrine.

The badness of the times approaching must make us to redeem the present season.

The sun will not always shine; tempests will arise, and the night will come when no man can work.

Those that reverence Moses to-day, to-morrow are murmuring against him (Exodus 14; 15:14 ).

Exodus 14 (KJV 1900)

1 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.

4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did so.

5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:

7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.

8 And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.

10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.

11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

15 And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

26 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

31 And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.

Exodus 15:14 (KJV 1900)

14 The people shall hear, and be afraid: Sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

3. Saving doctrine is sound doctrine.

4. Unsound persons cannot endure sound doc trine.

It is salt which searcheth men's sores and puts them to pain.

It is light which these sore eyes cannot endure, nor these thieves abide.

They do evil, and therefore they hate the light (Joh 3:20).

John 3:20 (KJV 1900)

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

They do not only fear, but hate the light.

They cannot endure to have the law preached, their consciences searched, nor their sins discovered.

But as for sound men, they love sound doctrine; they desire it (Ps 43:3).

Psalm 43:3 (KJV 1900)

3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

They come to it (Joh 3:21), and bless God for it (1Sa 25:32-33).

John 3:21 (KJV 1900)

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

1 Samuel 25:32–33 (KJV 1900)

32 And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:

33 And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.

5. In the last days there will be many false teachers.

There will not be one or two, but there will be heaps of them, the world will swarm with them.

Men will have variety of lusts, and those call for variety of teachers to uphold them.

Good men, and especially good ministers, are rare, they are one of a thousand (Job 33:23), but wicked ones abound; there is much dross, but little gold; much chaff, but little wheat; many weeds, few good flowers.

Job 33:23 (KJV 1900)

23 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, One among a thousand, To shew unto man his uprightness:

If the devil have any work to do, he wants no agents to effect it.

If men once set open their doors, they shall not want deceivers.

When men slight truth they shall have teachers which shall be God's executioners to bind them and blind them, and lead them into error.

6. Observe, as all other parts of man, so amongst the rest the ear hath its diseases.

Salt is fitter for such than oil: though it be more searching, yet it is more sovereign.

This itching disease was never so common as in our days.

There is a sinful spiritual itch upon the soul which is sevenfold — viz., an itch of —

(1) Novelty.

(2) Curiosity.

(3) Singularity.

(4) Popularity.

(5) Flattery. (

6) Disputing.

(7) Quarrelling. (T. Hall, B. D.)

B]DEPORTMENT--- WALK. Eph 4:22

Ephesians 4:22 KJV 1900

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Ps 37:14; Ps 50:23; 2Co 1:12; Ga 1:13; Eph 2:3; Eph 4:22; Php 1:27; Php 3:20; 1Ti 4:12; Heb 13:5,7; Jas 3:13; 1Pe 1:15,18; 1Pe 2:12; 1Pe 3:1-2,16; 2Pe 2:7; 2Pe 3:11

ἀναστροφή anastrophḗ, an-as-trof-ay'

from G390; behavior:—conversation.

English-Strong's Index: g391

G391 ἀναστροφή anastrophḗ an-as-trof-ay' (13)  from G390; behavior:—conversation. feminine noun

conversation (10) Ga 1:13; Eph 4:22; 1Ti 4:12; Jas 3:13; 1Pe 1:18; 2:12; 3:2,16; 2Pe 2:7; 3:11

Galatians 1:13 KJV 1900

13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Ephesians 4:22 KJV 1900

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

1 Timothy 4:12 KJV 1900

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

James 3:13 KJV 1900

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

1 Peter 1:18 KJV 1900

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

1 Peter 2:12 KJV 1900

12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 Peter 3:2 KJV 1900

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

1 Peter 3:16 KJV 1900

16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

2 Peter 2:7 KJV 1900

7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

2 Peter 3:11 KJV 1900

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

manner of conversation (1) 1Pe 1:15

1 Peter 1:15 KJV 1900

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

of their conversation (1) Heb 13:7

Hebrews 13:7 KJV 1900

7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

the conversation (1) 1Pe 3:1

1 Peter 3:1 KJV 1900

1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

Psalm 50:23 KJV 1900

23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: And to him that ordereth his conversation aright Will I shew the salvation of God.

2 Corinthians 1:12 KJV 1900

12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Galatians 1:13 KJV 1900

13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Ephesians 2:3 KJV 1900

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 4:22 KJV 1900

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Philippians 1:27 KJV 1900

27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Philippians 3:20 KJV 1900

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

1 Timothy 4:12 KJV 1900

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Hebrews 13:5 KJV 1900

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Hebrews 13:7 KJV 1900

7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

James 3:13 KJV 1900

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

1 Peter 1:15 KJV 1900

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

1 Peter 1:18 KJV 1900

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

1 Peter 2:12 KJV 1900

12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 Peter 3:1–2 KJV 1900

1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

1 Peter 3:16 KJV 1900

16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

2 Peter 2:7 KJV 1900

7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

2 Peter 3:11 KJV 1900

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

The Christian Walk: Definitions

What Does “Walk” Mean?

I. Your walk describes your conduct.

A. When Bible writers tell believers how to “walk,” they are telling us how to live or conduct our behavior (thoughts, words, and deeds).

The Christian walk is the Christian life or lifestyle, the believer’s direction or orientation in life.

Behavior stems from belief, and the NT writers repeatedly tell us that correct belief ought to produce correct behavior.

B. The word “walk” suggests continuation and persistence.

The believer is not standing or sitting; he’s walking.

The verb translated “walk” is often used in the present tense in the original language of the Bible, suggesting a continued mode of conduct or behavior.

The Christian walk describes an ongoing, normal pattern of life.

C. The Christian walk is an aspect of sanctification, that is, growth in godliness (cf 2 Peter 3:18 ).

2 Peter 3:18 KJV 1900

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

The growing, faithful Christian will strive to walk (live) in a way that is pleasing to God.

Believers should desire to “walk humbly with [their] God” (Micah 6:8 ).

Micah 6:8 KJV 1900

8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; And what doth the Lord require of thee, But to do justly, and to love mercy, And to walk humbly with thy God?

Note the Quote: God has ever been interested in the walk of His saints, desiring that His own character might be reflected in them, and that they might in this way be for His pleasure and glory while passing through the world.

To Abraham God said, “I am the Almighty God: walk before my face, and be perfect” (Gen 17:1 ). … Abraham’s life was to be in accord with the revelation that God was pleased to make of Himself to him, and nothing was to be seen in his walk that would be inconsistent with this revelation.

Genesis 17:1 KJV 1900

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

II. Your walk describes the quality of your spiritual life, your “walk with the Lord.”

A. To walk with God describes salvation.

Those who walk in close communion with the Lord experience wonderful blessings.

Examples:

1. Enoch walked with God and “God took him” (Gen 5:24).

Genesis 5:24 KJV 1900

24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

The implication is that Enoch knew the Lord very closely, walking with Him in fellowship and obedience, and God translated him directly into heaven.

Enoch’s remarkable experience was both a testimony of his deep faith in God (see Heb 11:5-6) and a strong reminder at the beginning of biblical history that there is life in God’s presence after death for the people of God.

Hebrews 11:5–6 KJV 1900

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

2. Moses describes Noah as just and perfect among his generation. Summing up Noah’s spiritual condition, the author says, “Noah walked with God” (Gen 6:9). In other words, to walk with God amounts to knowing God or being rightly related to God and enjoying close harmony and fellowship with Him.

Genesis 6:9 KJV 1900

9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

3. When God appeared to Abraham, He said, “I am Almighty God; walk before me , and be thou perfect” (Gen 17:1). Later, Abraham described himself in the following terms: “The Lord, before whom I walk…” (Gen 24:40).

Jacob stated that Abraham and Isaac walked before God (Gen 45:15).

David walked before the Lord by observing (walking in) God’s law (2 Chron 6:16).

The psalmist’s desire was to “walk before the Lord in the land of the living” (Ps 116:9).

To walk “before the Lord” implies living in God’s presence, under his guidance, and with his approval.

Genesis 17:1 KJV 1900

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Genesis 24:40 KJV 1900

40 And he said unto me, The Lord, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father’s house:

Genesis 45:15 KJV 1900

15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

2 Chronicles 6:16 KJV 1900

16 Now therefore, O Lord God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me.

Psalm 116:9 KJV 1900

9 I will walk before the Lord In the land of the living.

4. Christians should strive to walk “after” the Lord and to walk “in” his ways.

Deut 13:4 You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.

Deuteronomy 13:4 KJV 1900

4 Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

Joshua 22:5 But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Joshua 22:5 KJV 1900

5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Jeremiah 7:23 But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people.

Jeremiah 7:23 KJV 1900

23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’

5. God sometimes describes himself as walking with or among his people (e.g., Lev 26:12; Deut 23:14 ; 2 Sam 7:7 ).

Leviticus 26:12 KJV 1900

12 And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.

Deuteronomy 23:14 KJV 1900

14 For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.

2 Samuel 7:7 KJV 1900

7 In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?

God’s desire is to dwell among his people and “walk in them” ( 2 Cor 6:16 ).

2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV 1900

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Christ promises to walk with his worthy people “in white” (Rev 3:4), referring to fellowship in heaven.

Revelation 3:4 KJV 1900

4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

6. So it seems to follow that God’s people walk with God.

To walk with God implies a saved (regenerate) spiritual condition.

To walk with God amounts to fearing him, obeying him, serving him, and holding fast to him.

B. To walk with God describes the quality of your relationship with God.

1. The prophet Amos asked, “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3 ).

Of course, the answer is “no, they can’t.” Walking together implies agreement, fellowship, and relationship. Cf. Prov13:20 .

Amos 3:3 KJV 1900

3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Proverbs 13:20 KJV 1900

20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

2. We might describe the quality of our spiritual condition in terms of how closely we are walking with God.

Our walk with God may be very close and personal, or it may be quite cold and distant.

The believer may be walking closely by the Lord’s side, as it were, or far behind or ahead of him.

Every genuine believer walks with God, but experience varies regarding how close to God we are walking.

C. Behavior and spiritual condition are closely related; thus, the Christian “walk” describes both spiritual life and daily conduct.

III. Your walk should be consistent.

A. Biblical writers frequently contrast the walk of the individual before coming to faith and after.

1. OT: God expected the Jews to live differently from their pagan past and from their pagan neighbors. Cf. Deut 8:19; 2 Kings 17:8

Deuteronomy 8:19 KJV 1900

19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.

2 Kings 17:8 KJV 1900

8 And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made.

2. NT: The walk of the “old man” is significantly different from that of the “new man” (Eph 4:22-24; 1 Pet4:3-4).

Regeneration is the decisive factor in how one walks in this world.

It’s only after the experience of salvation that one begins to walk with the Lord.

Those crucified and raised with Christ by faith must “walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4). See Col 3:5-10

Ephesians 4:22–24 KJV 1900

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

1 Peter 4:3–4 KJV 1900

3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

Romans 6:4 KJV 1900

4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Colossians 3:5–10 KJV 1900

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

B. Unfortunately, some who claim to hold Christian belief deny it by their unchristian behavior—their ungodly walk (cf. Titus 1:15-16; 1 John 3:17, 4:20 ).

One’s walk may contradict his talk. When that is the case, one’s profession of faith either comes into question or proves to be invalid.

Titus 1:15–16 KJV 1900

15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

1 John 3:17 KJV 1900

17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

1 John 4:20 KJV 1900

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

C] DEVOTION— WORSHIP

Affection

1Ch 29:3; Ro 1:31; 2Co 7:15; Col 3:2,5; 2Ti 3:3

1 Chronicles 29:3 (KJV 1900)

3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

Romans 1:31 KJV 1900

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

2 Corinthians 7:15 KJV 1900

15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

Colossians 3:2 (KJV 1900)

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:5 KJV 1900

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

2 Timothy 3:3 KJV 1900

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

What Is the Difference between Affections and Emotions? As Gerald McDermott explains, Jonathan Edwards saw affections as “strong inclinations of the soul that are manifested in thinking, feeling and acting” (Seeing God: Jonathan Edwards and Spiritual Discernment, p. 31).

A common confusion is to equate “affections” with “emotions.”

But there are several differences, as summarized in this chart from McDermott (p. 40):

Affections

Long-lasting

Deep

Consistent with beliefs

Always result in action

Involve mind, will, feelings

Emotions

Fleeting

Sometimes overpowering

Often Fail to produce action

Feelings (often) disconnected from the mind and will

He explains why affections are different than emotions:

Emotions (feelings) are often involved in affections, but the affections are not defined by emotional feeling.

Some emotions are disconnected from our strongest inclinations.

For instance, a student who goes off to college for the first time may feel doubtful and fearful.

She will probably miss her friends and family at home.

A part of her may even try to convince her to go back home.

But she will discount these fleeting emotions as simply that—feelings that are not produced by her basic conviction that now it is time to start a new chapter in life.

The affections are something like that girl’s basic conviction that she should go to college, despite fleeting emotions that would keep her at home.

They are strong inclination that may at times conflict with more fleeting and superficial emotions. (pp. 32-33)

Here is how Sam Storms explains the difference in Signs of the Spirit: An Interpretation of Jonathan Edwards’ “Religious Affections:

Certainly there is what may rightly be called an emotional dimension to affections.

Affections, after all, are sensible and intense longings or aversions of the will.

Perhaps it would be best to say that whereas affections are not less than emotions, they are surely more.

Emotions can often be no more than physiologically heightened states of either euphoria or fear that are unrelated to what the mind perceives as true.

Affections, on the other hand, are always the fruit or effect of what the mind understands and knows.

The will or inclination is moved either toward or away from something that is perceived by the mind.

An emotion or mere feeling, on the other hand, can rise or fall independently of and unrelated to anything in the mind.

One can experience an emotion or feeling without it properly being an affection, but one can rarely if ever experience an affection without it being emotional and involving intense feelings that awaken and move and stir the body. (p. 45)

Set your affections

Strong's Greek Dictionary 5426. φρονέω phroneo (phronéō) Search for G5426 in KJVSL; in KJV; load in ESI.

φρονέω phronéō, fron-eh'-o

from G5424; to exercise the mind, i.e.

entertain or have a sentiment or opinion;

by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction);

intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience)

:—set the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think.

There are basically 2 Affections that face the Christian. According to this verse In Col 3:2

Colossians 3:2 (KJV 1900)

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

1; THINGS ABOVE.

2; THINGS ON EARTH.

Heavenly things the true object of Christian contemplation.

Colossians 3:2–3 KJV 1900

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

We must not only seek things above, but think them.

I THE OBJECT OF CHRISTIAN Affection CONTEMPLATION.

1. Not things upon the earth, because

1. they are below us; [Php 3:8,19]

Philippians 3:8 KJV 1900

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Philippians 3:19 KJV 1900

19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

2. unsatisfying [Lu 8:18; Pr 23:5; Ho 13:13; Ps 78:39]

Luke 8:18 KJV 1900

18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Proverbs 23:5 KJV 1900

5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Hosea 13:13 KJV 1900

13 The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: He is an unwise son; For he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of children.

Psalm 78:39 KJV 1900

39 For he remembered that they were but flesh; A wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.

3. full of anxieties [Mt 13:22; Job 38:22]

Matthew 13:22 KJV 1900

22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Job 38:22 KJV 1900

22 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? Or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,

4. unnecessary to our happiness; [Job 28:14]

Job 28:14 KJV 1900

14 The depth saith, It is not in me: And the sea saith, It is not with me.

5. transient and uncertain [Pr 23:5; Lu 12:19-20]

Proverbs 23:5 KJV 1900

5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Luke 12:19–20 KJV 1900

19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

1. "Things there are above." (See hints on previous verse.) We ought to set our mind upon them, because

1. they are satisfying;

2. suitable;

3. because our treasure is there—

of riches, [Mt 6:19-21]

Matthew 6:19–21 KJV 1900

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

of honours, [1Sa 2:30]

1 Samuel 2:30 KJV 1900

30 Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

of pleasures. [Ps 16:11]

Psalm 16:11 KJV 1900

11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

II THE DUTY OF SETTING THE MIND UPON RIGHT OBJECTS OF THOUGHT AND AFFECTION.

This is the secret of heavenly mindedness.

"Tell me what a man thinks, and I will tell you what he is."

1. It is our duty not to set our mind on things on the earth, because

1. God may give them to you as your entire portion; [Ps 17:14]

Psalm 17:14 KJV 1900

14 From men which are thy hand, O Lord, From men of the world, which have their portion in this life, And whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: They are full of children, And leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

2. you may provoke him to take them away; [Ps 78:5-7]

Psalm 78:5–7 KJV 1900

5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which he commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children: 6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; Who should arise and declare them to their children: 7 That they might set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep his commandments:

3. they will turn away your thoughts from heaven; [Ps 10:3-4]

Psalm 10:3–4 KJV 1900

3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, And blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth. 4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

4. they will distract you in duty; [Eze 33:31]

Ezekiel 33:31 KJV 1900

31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

5. they involve the guilt of idolatry (ver. 5).

6. It is our duty to set our mind on things above, because

(1) there is nothing else worth our serious thought; [1Jo 2:15]

1 John 2:15 KJV 1900

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

(2) they will keep you from over anxiety about the affairs of this life; [Php 4:11-12]

Philippians 4:11–12 KJV 1900

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

(3) the thought of them will increase your fitness for duty; [Ac 20:24]

Acts 20:24 KJV 1900

24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

(4) they will make the thought of death more pleasant in anticipation. [Php 1:23]

Philippians 1:23 KJV 1900

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

III THE REASON FOR OUR SELECTING SUCH OBJECTS OF BELIEVING AFFECTION our CONTEMPLATION.

"For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

The thought is twofold—

it refers to a past act and

to a continuous state.

1. Our death in Christ. This involves

1. our death to sin [Ro 6:2] and

Romans 6:2 KJV 1900

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

2. our death to the world.

[Ga 6:14] We are, therefore, cut loose from "things on the earth."

Galatians 6:14 KJV 1900

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

3. Our hidden life in God. "Your life is hid with Christ in God."

(1) Christian life is a hidden life,

(a) in its origin; [Joh 3:8]

John 3:8 KJV 1900

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

(b) it is hid, as an experience, from the world;

(c) it is hid from the believer himself in times of spiritual desertion;

(d) the full glory of this life is hidden even from the believer. [1Jo 3:1]

1 John 3:1 KJV 1900

1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

(2) Christian life has its hidden source and abiding strength "with Christ in God."

Christ is now hid in heaven and our life is hid with him.

(a) It is hid with him as our Representative; this marks its security; this is the sheet anchor of our spiritual existence.

(b) It is hid with him as its constant source; "For he is our Life," in whom we realize a growth in all the graces of the Spirit; [Ga 5:22] "Because I live, ye shall live also; I am come that ye may have life.., more abundantly."

Galatians 5:22 KJV 1900

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

(3) God is himself the "sphere or element in which our life is hid. It is "with Christ in God."

The Son is "in the bosom of the Father," and thus we have fellowship with both the Father and the Son.

[1Jo 1:3] Thus the believer is doubly secure. He is not only hidden in God's home; he is hidden in God's heart.

1 John 1:3 KJV 1900

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Therefore we can understand the importance of the phrase, "And ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's".—T.C. [1Co 3:23]

1 Corinthians 3:23 KJV 1900

23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

OUR AFFECTION Will Reveal our condition of Worship

So Lets look at

7 Aspects of a Biblical Worship Experience

What comes to your mind when you hear the word, “worship?”

Is it worship leaders and praise bands?

Concerts?

Voices joined together in song on a Sunday morning?

The lifting of hands?

Maybe in the time of COVID-19, it's joining together over a YouTube livestream?

Or, virtual small group prayer meetings?

Perhaps, instead, your first thought was one of many believers gathered, or of yourself sitting quietly alone with your Bible.

It seems the word worship is one of those words.

You know—the words we throw around in church circles as if we know exactly what they mean, but when asked to define them, we find ourselves at a loss for words.

Let’s go straight to the Bible to discover more about the meaning of our word.

Consider the following seven aspects of a biblical worship experience: 1. Worship Is Directed to God Ultimately, biblical worship is for God.

When alone in the wilderness being tempted by the devil, Jesus responded, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only’” (Luke 4:8).

Luke 4:8 KJV 1900

8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Additionally, in Revelation chapter four, we read that God alone is worthy “to receive glory and honor and power.”

Our worship, whatever form it takes, is to be directed to the throne of God. We would do well to regularly evaluate our expressions of worship in light of this by asking if our acts of worship “ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name” (Ps 96:8).

Psalm 96:8 KJV 1900

8 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: Bring an offering, and come into his courts.

2. Worship Is Focused on God

Worship that is biblical is focused on truly knowing God (John17:3 ).

John 17:3 KJV 1900

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Keep in mind that knowing information about God is not the same as knowing him through that information (John 5:39-40).

John 5:39–40 KJV 1900

39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

Our worship, in other words, must be directed toward him because of who he is and not just because of what he does for us.

The focus is his worthiness, not his wealthiness.

Some of the best ways to know God and his worthiness are to spend time studying his names, his attributes, and his deeds.

Each name, each attribute, each deed reveals his character and his worth.

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. – Ps 105:1 3. Worship Is Focused on the Gospel

Psalm 105:1 KJV 1900

1 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: Make known his deeds among the people.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is of utmost importance ( 1 Corinthians 15:3 ).

1 Corinthians 15:3 KJV 1900

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

His life, death, and resurrection—for us.

Biblical worship has the gospel at its center.

It is a response to Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice on the cross and celebrates Him as our Redeemer. – 1 Peter 2:24-25

1 Peter 2:24–25 KJV 1900

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

4. We Are to Worship in Spirit and in Truth Biblical worship is done in spirit and in truth, but what does that mean?

First, worshiping in truth requires that we engage our mind and intellect.

God calls us to not only love him but to love the truth about him (2 Thess 2:10 ), and this requires the use of our mind and intellect.

2 Thessalonians 2:10 KJV 1900

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

This aspect of our worship goes hand in hand with Bible study, and helps us have a correct mental grasp of God’s truth (Col 3:16 ).

Worshiping in truth helps us avoid that which is unbiblical.

Colossians 3:16 KJV 1900

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Secondly, worshiping in the spirit requires that we engage our affections and emotions.

Scripture says we are to pour out our souls to God (Ps 42:4).

Psalm 42:4 KJV 1900

4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: For I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

This aspect of our worship involves our heart and depends on a correct heart grasp of God’s value (Matt 15:8-9 ).

Matthew 15:8–9 KJV 1900

8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

It’s part of focusing our worship on God and his worthiness.

To worship in spirit and in truth is a matter of the heart and the mind.

It is worship based on a right understanding of who God is and a right valuing of his worth.

–John4:23-24 5. Worship Is A Response to God’s Worth

John 4:23–24 KJV 1900

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

We have already seen that biblical worship must be focused on knowing God.

As well, it must be a heart response to that knowledge (Matthew 15:8).

Matthew 15:8 KJV 1900

8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Worship that is biblical flows from a posture of response—a response to our right understanding of who God is and our right valuing of his worth.

Our inner responses of treasuring, delighting in, reverencing, and being satisfied with God ultimately reflect his infinite worth and are a crucial aspect of biblical worship.

There is no one like God (Isaiah 46:9 ).

Isaiah 46:9 KJV 1900

9 Remember the former things of old: For I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

His worth is beyond compare.

6. Worship Is a Response Involving Our Entire Being

The Word of God tells us that we are integrated beings—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and it exhorts us to worship him as such.

. – Mark 12:30 ! – Psalm 146:1

Mark 12:30 KJV 1900

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Psalm 146:1 KJV 1900

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul.

– Psalm108:1

Psalm 108:1 KJV 1900

1 O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, Even with my glory.

Created as integrated beings with a desire to worship woven into all of that being, we were designed to engage in worship with all that we are.

Biblical worship engages us in many dimensions. It is our heart, our soul, our mind, and our body—united in the process of offering up worship to God.

Yes, worship is the singing of a song to the Lord with our mouth.

It is also the streaming of tears down our face as the words of the song evoke in our heart the absolute goodness of our God.

Worship is also a silent “thank you” whispered in the depths of our soul, as well as the bending of our knees or a dance of joy.

Of course, some responses will come much more naturally than others to each of us.

It may be, for example, that you find most of your worship is a response of the heart.

In that case, you must learn to be intentional about discovering ways to also respond to God’s greatness with your body which can be used to communicate a variety of emotions both exuberant and subdued.

Whether our response is of the heart, soul, mind, or body (or any combination), it should always bring him glory and draw our own attention to the reality, greatness, and goodness of God. 7. Worship Permeates All Areas of Life

 – Rom 12:1

Romans 12:1 KJV 1900

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

According to this verse, our everyday life—when lived in a demonstration of acts of love for others and in reliance upon God—displays his worth and make us worshipers.

In other words, Romans 12:1 calls us all of to a life of worship.

Absolutely, worship can be offered to God through music as believers lift their voices on a Sunday, or any, morning.

But it is essential that we understand that biblical worship is not just about singing nor is it something exclusive to the church building.

Worship is acts of the mouth. Singing, praying, praising, repenting...whether in Sunday morning on-site or streaming worship service, weekly small group (in-person or online), or simply sitting alone in worship.

It’s also acts of love involving the hands and feet.

Worship is driving a friend to a doctor’s appointment, taking a meal to a neighbor, or extending grace to a child.

Whatever form it takes, worship is the act of putting his supreme worth on display.

In truth, biblical worship is not an occasional song or act of praise.

Neither is it a weekly event we attend on Sunday morning. It is, rather, a lifestyle.

Our life is our worship. As believers in Christ Jesus, we are called to offer our entire being, our entire life as worship to God.

Biblical worship is the praising of God’s greatness, goodness, and beauty.

It’s adoring, honoring, revering, and loving him extravagantly—anytime, anywhere, and in a multitude of ways—because he alone is worthy.

To worship biblically our worship must be directed toward and focused on God, focused on the Gospel, done in spirit and in truth, and offered in response to God’s great worth and with our entire being.

Worship will be the way we live life, day in and day out.

“Worship is the believer’s response of all that they are mind, emotions, will, body – to what God is and says and does.” – Warren Wiersbe