Understanding – Page 3

29.d. “A secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory”

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

1 Corinthians 2:7    But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.

Ephesians 3:3-10   how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.  When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,  which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.  This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Jeremiah 6:10    To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ears are uncircumcised, they cannot listen; behold, the word of the LORD is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it.

Jeremiah 3:15   “‘And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

1 Corinthians 2:6    Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.

In the Biblical sense, a mystery is not a riddle. It is a truth that can only be known by revelation and not by intuition. Now it can be known because it now has been revealed to His saints. There are aspects to God’s plan that were not clearly revealed until Jesus Christ. The mystery of salvation for all who would believe and trust in and rely on Jesus Christ. The mystery of God’s grace, mercy, and love reaching out to all mankind. The mystery of the new birth and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The mystery of hope, joy, peace, courage, love, gentleness, kindness, patience, in all things at all times through the power of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts ought to overflow with thankfulness and our lives are lived in such a way that in all things Jesus Christ is honored and glorified.

28.y. “I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.”

Colossians 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light

Psalms 119:99   I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

James 3:17    But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Psalms 143:10    Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!

Romans 12:2     Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 5:17    Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

1 Peter 4:2    so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

Spiritual ignorance is the constant source of error, instability, and sorrow. (Spurgeon) Our Christian walk is based on our knowledge of God and our understanding of His will. How are we to “bear fruit in every good work”, if we do not have knowledge and understanding in what is honoring, pleasing, and glorifying Jesus Christ? Neglect and complacency fill us with Ignorance and ignorance of knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding voids our lives of purpose, meaning, joy, power, courage, happiness, generosity, hope, and satisfaction. We think the spiritual things of God are for Pastors to understand and know and try to educate us in God’s will and purpose. Don’t misunderstand me. Pastors can and do dive deep into spiritual things of God as they are led, fed, and grow in this understanding given to them by God. The problem is with us. We leave the diving deep into God’s Word to them and expect our lives to have growth, meaning, purpose and bear the fruit of good works by nibbling on the breads crumbs of their prayerful study. We leave church with a crumb worth of knowledge and even less understanding, Sunday after Sunday, convincing ourselves we are good and pleasing to God. There is a feast before us in God’s Word. Why would we choose to eat left over crumbs and lead spiritually starved lives? We seem to think being in spiritual starvation is natural. If we had two mirrors, one worldly and one spiritually, would we see an overweight obese worldly person in the worldly mirror and a malnutrition, underweight, and starved reflection in the spiritual mirror?

How we choose to spend out time reflects our spiritual growth, maturity, knowledge, and understanding. We get to choose to eat and drink from the bountiful spiritual feast found in God’s Word. When we seek and desire to eat from it, grow from it, get fulfilled from it, and be satisfied from it, we will begin to grow in spiritual knowledge and understanding, rightly dividing the Word of Truth, bearing fruit in good works, and honoring and glorifying Jesus Christ.

28.s. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you”

Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalms 29:11   May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

Isaiah 26:3   You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you

Psalms 85:8   Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.

Isaiah 48:18    Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea;

Luke 1:79   to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

John 14:27   Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Romans 5:1   Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:6     For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

2 Thessalonians 3:16    Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Peace of mind. How people are able to rise above fear, worry, anxiousness, confusion, hatred, and anger? Everywhere we turn we are bombarded with fear, worry, anger, confusion by mainstream media news outlets and various social media outlets. They tell us what we should be fearful of. They tell us who to hate. They tell us we should be angry. They tell us we should be anxious. They tell us we should worry and what to worry about. These are all from the voice of those in darkness, without hope, and under the influence of Satan’s lies and deceitful deceptions. This is what this world has to offer. It truly is a shame when Christians are influenced by these worldly thoughts. Paul is saying our lives will have trials and troubles and when we are blindsided our practiced response should be in humble prayer to God. Why? Because we trust, rely on, and have faith in God, the Creator, All-Powerful, All-knowing, and All-capable, Holy, Loving, Merciful and full of Grace… God. There is a peace that passes all understanding. It can be found nowhere else but in God. And yet, Christians buy into the fear, worry, anxiousness, confusion, anger, and hate seemingly without one thought of God. Have we drifted so far from Him that we have lost the ability to have peace in our lives? It is shameful to hear some of the thoughts and witness some of the actions Christians are doing. Is God ever limited? Is anything beyond the control of God? Do we even believe in the power of God? This world will offer many things to convince us where we can find peace. It will tell us to listen and to follow them down paths with the promise of peace. When we allow ourselves to be influenced more by the world than by trust, reliance, and faith in God we are walking in darkness on a slippery slope of false hope that will lead to great grief, worry, fear, anxiousness, and certainly no peace. We replace what God is able to do in our lives with false hope in what the world has to offer. Does this make any sense? Will we ever find peace for our hearts, minds, and souls apart from God? Will God give peace to those who trust in and make peace with what the world has to offer. Oh that our eyes were more on the heavenly, holy, and eternal rather than on lies and deceptions the world proclaims. God is not limited in anything. He is more than able to carry us through this life and into eternity with peace of mind no matter what occurs in this life. It is by intentional faith, trust, reliance, and obedience in Jesus Christ there is the hope of salvation, redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life. This is the beginning and completion of where we find and experience true peace.

28.p. “Practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Matthew 6:25-33 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

It is not easy to stay away from falling into the trap of anxiousness. It sneaks up on us and floods our hearts and minds with all sorts of fear, worry, and paralysis. It is common to all of us but some seem to rise above it and are able to have peace and hope through it. Where do this peace and hope come from? It comes from and through Jesus Christ. In God’s Word, we find the reason for hope, trust, and refuge, but it is so much more than reading about it. It must be believed, trusted, and relied upon. It must be what feeds our hearts, minds, and souls. Some may think they can live a worldly life and chase after worldly things and keep Jesus Christ and the Word of God in their back pocket for when things in life go bad. This person will never enter a time of trial or trouble with any foundation and when their life is sideswiped they fall pray to a host of heart defeating depressing days. It is far better to be intentionally walking in trust, reliance, and hope in Jesus Christ when trials and troubles come.

28.l “Powers of discernment trained by constant practice”

Philippians 3:15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Romans 15:1     We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Hebrews 5:14   But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

1 Corinthians 14:20  Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.

Galatians 5:10   I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.

Psalms 25:8-9    Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.  He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

Proverbs 2:3-6   yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,  if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,  then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

James 1:5   If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Mature, strong, trained, confident, humble, and with constant practice able to distinguish good from evil are all words used to convey the importance of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in the life of a Christian. Have you ever heard a child say, “I can do it myself”, or “I want to do it myself”, for a task that is beyond their ability to do? They are not physically mature enough to execute what they want to do. They are more than willing to try but not mature enough to know their limitations. The opposite is true as well when you hear a child say, “I can’t do it”, “I won’t even try to do it”, for tasks that are well within their ability to do them. They are physically able but mentally they are not mature enough.

Being strong means that a person has the physical and mental ability combined with maturity so that they are able to stand up to obstacles and opposition. An immature person will think they have the strength (they do not have) for a task they are facing. They will go headlong into a mental or physical battle for which they are not strong enough to overcome. Others use their strength for very immature things. Having physical and mental strength but lacking mature wisdom, knowledge, and understanding is what you see in the world. These are those who shun God, reject Jesus Christ, and live in self-reliance and self-confidence. There is no surrender, humility, or acknowledgment of God. As Christians, we are tempted to think we are stronger and more mature than we are. When this happens we start relying on ourselves rather than the strength of the Holy Spirit. When we rely on ourselves we become self-reliant and self-confident which is neither humble nor surrendered.

We need constant practice at doing what is right, good, and true. This is what yields maturity. How do we put into practice that which we have chosen to neglect? How do we become strong in things of God when all we practice day in and day out are things of this world? We can be very mature in things of this world and even be seen as having wisdom, worldly speaking, but in the things of God we are immature, weak, and void of Godly wisdom and strength. It is sad to see those who are years into being a born-again Christian acting, speaking, and thinking like infants.

It is in humble surrendered reliance in God with heart deep desire and seeking His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that we will find the path that waters our souls and matures our thoughts, speech, and actions.

27.r. “But now you must put them all away”

Ephesians 4:17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

Romans 1:32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Colossians 3:5-8 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

Galatians 5:21 I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

We should walk in a different way than the world around us does. There seems to be consistency for Christians to portray themselves as not so different than the world around them. We are not to have a spirit of compromise with the world. There ought to be something different about us. When there is fear, worry, anxiousness, and confusion we should be a reflection of the light of Jesus Christ displaying, peace, joy, understanding, and love. What kind of conversations do we allow ourselves to get into? What kind of things do we say that we would never say in church? What kind of things do we listen to or watch? How do we treat others? How kind, generous, forgiving…… are we outside of church? Sadly I fear that many Christians reflect they are much closer to things that are more worldly than things Godly. Do we forget that in all we say, think, and do we are to honor and glorify Jesus Christ? How much of what we think, say, and do throughout the day is accomplished without giving a single thought to honoring and glorifying Jesus Christ?

Die to self – Live for Christ

27.b. “Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened”

Ephesians 1:15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Matthew 11:25    At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;

1 Corinthians 2:10   these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God

John 14:26   But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

James 3:17-18   But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Proverbs 2:1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding; furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Man will think the proper study of mankind rests in philosophy, science, cultural and social, studies. There may be some truth to this but in its highest science, loftiest speculation, and deepest philosophy, it will never give wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God apart from God’s Word. It may engage the attention of a child of God as a study of what man thinks they know or speculate to understand. (Spurgeon) It is good to know thy self but far more beneficial, glorious, and fruitful to know thy God. (Alford)

Our eyes of our heart need to be enlightened by God to understanding and knowledge of Him. Scripture speaks of “hearts of stone” and “hardened hearts) about those who intentionally choose to harden their hearts against the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of things of God. They are ever hearing the Word of God but there is no enlightenment in their heart. It seems as though it comes in one ear and out the other. We all need to be mindful of not only hearing but seeking to understand. Do we think we can we seek this understanding once per week on Sundays and have any growth, not to mention maturity, in God and things of God? Do we think we can gain this understanding and knowledge by osmosis – somehow it just filters in through all of the chaos and busyness of life? I can’t tell you how many times people quote what was on the news as if it was their own thoughts. They believe the fear, hate, anger, division, worry, etc… because that is what the narrative of “News” tells them to do. They actually believe they should fear or hate or worry or be divisive, or be angry and do not see that these are not their thoughts but the thoughts of those who do not know God or things of God. They have allowed them into their hearts and minds. They have allowed them to take root and grow. They see the fruits of them in their lives and think it is proper fruit. It is not wrong to be informed but we need to be mindful of the source and the underlying message it is giving. We can only do this if the eyes to our hearts and minds are seeking wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from and of God. When you read a news article scan it for words like, it could, it might, it may, it is possible, it is conceivable, it may be, it is feasible, potentially it could, it is probable, it is likely, you should worry about, etc…….. these are all enticing words to engage and develop your thinking toward a specific conclusion of the writer or speaker. When our hearts and minds spend more time on things of this world and what it deems and says should be important to us, we will be filled with dark clouds of thought and it will consume us. How much time is spent catching up on the daily news compared to quality time in God’s Word? How much of your thoughts are consumed with what someone else has determined for you to be worthy of your time and thoughts?

Watch out for what your itching ears are listening to. They will give you insight into what is filling your hearts and minds. Wouldn’t it be something if believers what believers spoke out of their hearts and minds was things of God rather than the vomit coming out of social and media outlets.

26.u. “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things”

Psalms 119:33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

“The general desire expressed in this division is that for guidance. It is not an appeal for direction in some special case of difficulty, but rather for the clear manifestation of the meaning of the will of God.” (Morgan) Without this understanding, the psalmist could not follow the desire of his transformed heart. We need the understanding to persevere in faith, obedience, humbleness, and loving-kindness. Spurgeon said God’s Word reveals the majesty of God and convinces the heart of His power, glory, grace, mercy, and love. How sad is it to have a heart to read God’s Word and not a desire to understand and know God more through it, or how to apply, or how to glorify and honor Him? How sad is it to be distracted away from it so that our desires are shamefully shallow for things of God and amazingly deep for things of this world without a care if it honors or glories Him? We certainly do not need instruction in the way of sin. We do, however, need instruction in righteousness, holiness, and knowledge, and understanding of God and things of God. When our heart is inclined toward God’s Word more than things of the flesh or this world, worldly stuff will not find a place of rest in your heart to breed covetousness. Do I cherish God’s Word more than what the world has to offer? Do I fear things of this world more than trusting in God’s power, plans, and will? How many days are wasted on worthlessness? How many are unable to turn their eyes away from what the world deems important? Technology, modern media, social media outlets, and entertainment technology sets before us an endless ocean of worthlessness to occur not only in our eyes and ears but also in our hearts and minds. This world will try to tell you what is worthy, important, to fear, to be anxious about, what to watch, what to read, what to buy, what to think, what to do, how to be happy, how to be rich, how to find purpose, how to be satisfied, etc….. Most of it is foolishness, rubbish, and a distraction away from things of God. They are not good, they do not last, they help no one else, they build no faith, hope, or love, they distract, temp, and carry us away, and they have nothing to do with Jesus Christ and His honor and glory. We have a natural tendency toward the worthless and must cultivate a heart toward the pricelessness of the Godly. You, we, have control over what we allow into our hearts, minds, and soul. We intentionally choose. We make these choices every day. We choose – covet, lust, fear, lies, anger, pride, greed, just as we choose to neglect and become complacent in things of God. We choose worldly or Godly. We choose to spend time in God’s Word or not. We choose to want to be led by Him, to honor Him, to glorify Him. These choices happen hundreds/thousands of times each day. Ask God to show and give you discernment between worthless things of this world (which includes fear of whatever this world deems us to be fearful of) and things that will honor and glorify Him. Asking is the first intentional choice toward God-honoring living. Humbly and faithfully wanting to be led is an intentional choice that will fill the moments of each day like a refreshing rain to a barren dry land.

26.o. “Serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind”

Galatians 4:8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

1 Thessalonians 3:5    For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

Romans 1:28    And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.

1 Corinthians 1:21   For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom,

Ephesians 4:18   They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.

1 Chronicles 28:9  “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.

Legalism caters to and recognizes our flesh by putting the focus on what we achieve for God, not on what Jesus did for us. We can have a living, free, relationship with God as a loving Father based on what Jesus did for us and who we are in Him. Or we can try to please God by our best efforts of keeping the rules, living in bondage as slaves, not sons. Living that way makes the whole gospel in vain. Such is the battle we all face. We lean more toward what we can do to make ourselves right before God rather than what He has done through Christ, thereby resting, relying on, and trusting in this alone. It is when we recognize, take captive, and discard these thoughts of self-reliance we will truly be able to honor and glorify Jesus Christ through faith in Him alone. If there was an equation, to sum up, this type of thinking it would be; My works + the work of Christ = eternal life. This way of thinking literally says Christ’s sacrifice was not enough. Anything added to Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin = nothing, zero, failure. In Christ alone, there is forgiveness, salvation, redemption, and eternal life. Don’t be tempted or allow your mind to be tricked into thinking you can in any way add any benefit for your soul other than through Jesus Christ.

26.k. “I have chosen the way of truth”

Paslms 119:25 My life is down in the dust; give me life through your word. I told you about my life, and you answered me; teach me your statutes. Help me understand the meaning of your precepts so that I can meditate on your wonders. I am weary from grief; strengthen me through your word. Keep me from the way of deceit and graciously give me your instruction. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set your ordinances before me. I cling to your decrees; Lord, do not put me to shame. I pursue the way of your commands, for you broaden my understanding.

Revival comes from a sense of spiritual need and lowliness. In the Biblical and historical sense, true revival is marked by a shamed awareness of sin and an urgency to confess and make things right. God uses His word in bringing revival. “Can each one of us now say, in this sense, ‘I have declared my ways’ to the Lord? For this should be done, not only at our first coming to him but continually throughout the whole of our life. We should look over each day, and sum up the errors of the day, and say, ‘I have declared my ways,’ – my naughty ways, my wicked ways, my wandering ways, my backsliding ways, my cold, in different ways, my proud ways.’” (Spurgeon) The psalmist understood that he needed more than knowledge; he also needed understanding. With both, he would meditate on God’s wonderful works. With a deep understanding, we will go beyond a mere understanding of the words to a Spirit-led understanding of what they reveal about the nature of God, the gospel, and God’s ways.” (Boice) If we are to be kept from sin, it must be by the grace of God exercised through the teaching of his Word.” “Men do not drop into the right way by chance; they must choose it, and continue to choose it, or they will soon wander from it.” (Spurgeon) The psalmist understood that if he were to give himself entirely to God – to cling to His word as a shipwrecked man clings to a floating plank in the sea – then he could trust that God would not allow him to be put…to shame. This was well-placed confidence. “Having once chosen our road, it remains that we persevere in it; since better had it been for us never to have known the way of truth than to forsake it when known.” (Horne)