To Control Your Conduct, Control Your Thoughts – Part Four
Romans 7: 22 – 25
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119: 11).
Scripture is spoken of using various terms.
* “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul…”
The term “law” used here doesn’t simply mean the legislation of the Lord, it means the revelation of the Lord is perfect. That means God’s Word is complete and therefore best for us.
The Anglican Thirty-ninth Article says, “God has given us everything in His word necessary for salvation.”
If you want to do what is right regarding salvation obey His Word.
* “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple…”
Whatever God testifies to is reliable. You can go to the bank with it.
It makes “wise the simple.” The word translated “simple” as used in this text means a person who is open minded to instruction.
Psalm 119: 130 notes the Scripture “gives understanding to the simple.’
* “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart…”
“Statutes” means His prescriptions. They bring joy.
* “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes…”
If life is viewed through the commandment of the Lord you have the best perspective and fullest understanding of it.
* “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever…”
Why does he speak of “fear?” For the same reason teens speak of something as “awesome.” It is overwhelming, mind boggling.
Also, because as sinners we know we aren’t clean and He is.
* “The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether….”
In American courts of law, the world’s best, many innocent people have been convicted and many guilty persons not convicted. God makes no error of judgment. None.
What He rules out we should rule out.
What He affirms we should affirm.
To develop a Biblical worldview you have to view the world through the Bible. Too many of us are like the report given by Brit Hume, ABC White House correspondent, on a former President’s trip to South Korea: “He was the very picture of an engaged commander-in-chief standing with his men on an outpost watchtower to gaze at the enemy territory just across the way. Whoops!” he said, “those field glasses do work better with the lens cap off.”
Preset your mind set. All of us do without realizing it. Most often it is done unconsciously. For example, are you an optimist or a pessimist? How did you get that way? Likely you evolved into it.