Class Lesson November 6, 2022

4

Meditate on God’s Word

Question 1:

What song or jingle often gets stuck in your head?

THE POINT

Saturating our minds with Scripture keeps us focused on the things of God.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

Researchers contend that we are exposed to anywhere between 4,000 and 10,000 messages a day. That number might seem unbelievable until we consider the amount of time we spend in front of a screen. The average American logs more than seven hours a day looking at a screen. This includes more than three hours spent on our phones and nearly four hours on our computers. We spend more than two hours of that time scrolling through social media.1 Additionally, on average, we watch television slightly more than three hours a day.2 At the same time, only 39 percent of those who attend church at least once a month, “read a bit” of Scripture each day.3

These stats reveal a troubling imbalance that poses a damaging effect on our spiritual life. We face a constant barrage of messages competing for our thoughts, attention, and allegiance; but how many of them are truly worthy of our time? By contrast, everything in God’s Word is vitally important and worthy of our time. We benefit greatly when we regularly read, think about, and meditate on the truths in Scripture.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Psalm 1:1-3

Ps. 1:1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

People talk a lot about happiness. Whether it’s at home, on campus, or at work, people generally want to be happy. Our American Founding Fathers even wrote in our Declaration of Independence that “the pursuit of Happiness” was one of those “unalienable rights” with which we are endowed by our Creator, along with “Life” and “Liberty.”4 We might think of happiness as having the freedom to do whatever we wish, but the Bible paints a very different picture.

The word happy in Scripture is often equated with the word blessed, and many people prefer that, believing happiness can be fickle or driven only by outward circumstances. While that might capture the world’s view of being happy, Scripture gives us a deeper meaning. From God’s perspective, ultimate happiness cannot be found by fulfilling all your dreams, marrying the right person, or pursuing your own desires. The psalmist said we find true happiness by delighting “in the law of the Lord” (v. 2) rather than walking in the ways of the world.

In verse 1, the psalmist employed three different terms—“the wicked,” “sinners,” and “mockers”—to describe ideologies and behaviors of the world. We will often be tempted to “walk in step with the wicked” of the world. Because the world’s influence is persuasive, we could easily look for happiness apart from God. But you cannot find it there. True happiness—God’s blessing!—comes when a person delights in God’s Word and “meditates on his law day and night” (v. 2).

Question 2:

When has a Bible verse stuck with you during a season of life?

What comes to mind when you hear the word “meditates”? Perhaps you envision a monastery where a group of monks sit with eyes closed in deep introspection. Or maybe you think about someone embracing Eastern religion and attempting to empty his mind. Biblical meditation differs greatly from the different representations of Eastern religions. Rather than emptying your mind of your negative thoughts, biblical meditation seeks to fill your mind with God’s truth. And rather than engaging you with nature or the universe, biblical meditation forges you more deeply in relationship with God Himself as you consider wholeheartedly His written Word.

The Hebrew word used for meditate means primarily, “to be occupied with.” Second, it means to mumble to oneself. So, instead of just silently thinking to yourself, biblical meditation also involves audibly talking to yourself. Putting these two meanings together, you are to continually keep God’s Word at the forefront of your mind and speak His truth over your circumstances.5

There is an indelible link between meditating on God’s Word and memorizing it. For God’s Word to be readily available on your tongue, it must be written internally on your heart. Scripture memory is a fifth practice involving God’s Word for the maturing believer. A maturing Christ follower should regularly read God’s Word, hear God’s Word, study God’s Word, meditate on God’s Word, and memorize God’s Word. Scripture memory will greatly aid you in meditating on the Word. Writing God’s Word on your heart so that you can speak it over your everyday circumstances fuels an incomprehensible peace, satisfaction, and happiness no matter what troubles you face.

Psalm 1:4-6

4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

The psalmist gave another contrast between “the wicked” and “the righteous.” Scholars differ over whether “the judgment” in verse 5 refers to the final judgment or to any judgment by God. Either conclusion fits the psalmist’s argument. His thesis is simply this: God watches over those who walk according to His Word, and He judges those who do not. Stated another way, those who know and follow God’s Word experience blessing while those who do not suffer ruin. Thus, it behooves us to etch God’s Word on our hearts through study, meditation, and memorization, so that we might live out His truth in our everyday lives.

Without Scripture, we would never know what it means to righteously live. But as we read, hear, and study it, Scripture shows us what righteous living is. Then, by meditating on it and memorizing it, we carry it with us to employ at the proper time. Consider the following examples. 

• If tempted to complain about your circumstances, recall Philippians 2:14-15a, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure.” 

• If frustrated or angry with your fellow church members, recall Jesus’s words in John 13:34: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” 

• If struggling to respect your employer, recall Colossians 3:22-23: “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

When you internalize God’s Word, His truth is ready for you to call on at any time to help induce obedience, love, and worship. We don’t meditate on or memorize Scripture aimlessly. The purpose is to help you live like Jesus.

Question 3:

How does meditating on God’s Word help us?

Philippians 4:8

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I noted at the beginning of this session the massive number of messages we’re exposed to each day. Indeed, we face a constant barrage of messages competing to fill our minds. Most are probably not important enough to be worthy of our time. Many of them, though, possess the ability to negatively affect the way we think and what we dwell on.

Question 4:

What are the consequences of unhealthy thinking?

Meditating on God’s Word not only helps us pursue right living, but it also keeps us focused on the right thoughts. That’s what Paul wanted the first-century Philippian believers to remember. Philippians 4:8 is one long, exhaustive verse in which Paul commanded his readers to think rightly. Paul provided several qualities that should define the things we think about—the apostle said we are to “think about such things.” We should fill our minds with those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and praiseworthy.

Some might argue that these characteristics are not uniquely or distinctly Christian. Moral philosophers could also applaud this list, but Paul was viewing this from the perspective of a follower of Christ. We can keep our thoughts rightly focused as we’re led by the Holy Spirit and infused with the Word of God. We will be exposed to the many messages the world throws at us, but we must sift them through the filter of God’s Word. When we meditate on God’s Word—and even memorize it—our thoughts in those moments will be on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, morally excellent, and praiseworthy. We think like Christ!

Our mind’s filter is only as effective as our scriptural database is full. To think rightly about all aspects of life and to love God more deeply, we must daily and consistently meditate on and memorize Scripture. Don’t be overwhelmed. Commit to meditate on God’s Word for the purposes of God’s blessing, right living, and right thinking.

Question 5:

What are the benefits of dwelling on these godly virtues?

GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT

This familiar phrase from the computer world reminds us that we only get out of a computer what is put into it. The same can be true with our minds. Do an inventory of the last 24 hours, listing what you’ve been hearing and how it might have influenced your thinking:

Input (hearing)                Output (thinking)

1.                                 1.

2.                                 2.

3.                                 3.

Use this list to motivate you to spend more time meditating on God’s Word.

“My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.”

PSALM 119:148

LIVE IT OUT

How will you grow in this area of staying focused on the things of God? Choose one of the following applications:

Make some room. Most of us spend more time in front of a screen than we would want to admit. Consider reducing that time by thirty minutes per day to make some room in your schedule for Bible intake and meditation.

Make a list. In a journal or on a device, identify ten meaningful verses that you would like to commit to memory. Devise a plan to start memorizing Scripture. Consider reaching out to a trusted leader, mentor, or friend to help you get started or to hold you accountable.

Take a retreat. Take a half day or a full day to get alone with God and your Bible. Don’t rush through reading Scripture, but as you read, pray about what you read. Meditate on its words, its meaning, and its application to your life.

God desires for you to experience true happiness through meditating on His Word. This requires strong filters through which to sift the many messages you receive each day. Let’s commit to honoring Him with our minds and hearts!

Teacher Notes:

Click Play to Watch

Which commercial jingle gets stuck in your head?

What is the purpose of the jingle?

Researchers say that we are exposed to anywhere between 4,000 and 10,000 messages a day. Consider the amount of time we spend in front of a screen - 7 hours a day (4 on computers/social media - 3 on television).

We went to the Haywood Mall yesterday with the grandkids – message on every store window trying to get my attention.

This is a troubling imbalance that can have a damaging effect on our spiritual life. We face a constant barrage of messages competing for our thoughts, attention, and allegiance; but how many of them are really worth our time? Whereas everything in God’s Word is vitally important and worth our time.

 

We benefit greatly when we regularly read, think about, and meditate on the truths in Scripture.

What is biblical meditation?

It’s not bible study / It’s not Eastern meditation

You are going deep with God’s Word when you meditate – you don’t leave the words on the page

There are truth treasures in God’s Word

When you meditate you invite and deposit God’s Truth into your heart

You have God’s promises now & Faith comes by hearing the Word

 

4. Meditate on God’s Word - Psalm 1:1-6 / Philippians 4:8

I.         Meditating on Scripture brings a Treasure of blessings, delight, and righteous living.  

Psalm 1:1-6

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

If you were to ask your family or friends this question, "What is the one thing you want most in this life?" What do you think their answer would be?

"I just want to be happy."

Do you believe that America is a happy nation? I read in a recent study that America was 19th of 154 countries in the world in the happiness rankings. Certainly, living in America doesn't promise you will possess happiness, but you are free to pursue happiness.

Evidently, Finland is the world's happiest country. Finland's website says the country's happiness "has a lot to do with our daily habits: a short walk in the forest, going ice swimming or tasting something fresh from nature."

 

The Bible gives us the pathway to a happy life.

Psalm 1 lays out a clear plan and path for happy living and a consistently blessed life. This opening Psalms’ promise summarized is, “If you want to be happier, read this book. If you want to be a person who bears fruit in season, read this book.”

Happiness and blessed living come from one main source, the Word of God. If you read it regularly, you will be like a tree planted beside divinely flowing streams. Perhaps a challenge is more Bible, less Netflix binge-watching. More Scripture, and less screen time. Maybe some of our unhappiness as a nation and people has to do with ever increasing online time comparing and competing with others and ever decreasing Scripture time drawing on God's abundant resources for life.

Let's notice first there are some things that happy people, according to Psalm 1, do not do.

 

Happy people avoid some people.

Wait, aren't we supposed to love everyone as Christians? Yes. However, the Bible also warns us to watch our associations. The Psalmist gives us three kinds of people not to hang with.

A. Do not walk in step with the wicked (Psalm 1:1a)

The wicked encourage people to live evil lives without concern for righteous living and obedience to God. It's interesting that happy people are not people who say, "yes," to everything. They have also learned to say, "no," to some things.

Many people are in the habit of listening to an ungodly culture for advice on marriage, money, or relationships. The key is, who are you listening to? Are the people you associate with telling you their opinions or experiences alone, or are they telling you what the Word of God says?

Everyone has an opinion, but happy people routinely listen first to what God says in His Word. 

 

 B. Do not stand in the way that sinners take (Psalm 1:1b)

Standing in the path of sinners means you remain, or linger, in the presence of people with corrupt character. A healthy habit is to take inventory of what the people around you are like.

Many people spend hours a day online. Are people online drawing you closer to the Lord? Are they encouraging you to follow God in obedience? Or do they fill your life with drama, discord, and discouragement?

Does this mean that I can only hang around Christian people or go to church day in and day out?

Of course not. Jesus said that we are to be in this world, but not of this world. Jesus associated with sinners, castaways, and money hungry people from time to time. However, Jesus did not do that to become like them, rather He was the friend of sinners who compassionately loved them. He came to seek and save that which was lost.

 C. Do not sit in the company of mockers (Psalm 1:1c)

Note the direction the Psalmist is taking us here. He moves us from walking, to standing, to sitting. He shows us that sinful living is like a slippery slope. Some believers may be tempted to associate with people who have great outward success, because knowing "high rollers" might make you feel like you have arrived, too. Be careful, or you will find yourself surrounded by people who mock and scoff at God.

Do we see this going on in our nation today? Psalm 33:12, Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen for His own inheritance.” I remember growing up in a time when in our public school our teacher began class daily with a reading from God's Word. The 10 commandments were hanging on every classroom wall. We were not a perfect nation or people then or now. However, anytime you are learning more about the Lord, you are blessed.

Many times, Christians are scorned by the world because they believe what the Scriptures teach about marriage, or the sanctity of human life. We believe what we do in this life matters, now and eternally. We believe that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the Life. These are basic Scriptural truths, and increasingly, standing on the truth of God's Word, means social ridicule.

 

We also read in 1 Corinthians 15:33-34, "Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits."

 

 

A few months ago, Crosswalk.com, an online Christian living magazine, published a Top 10 list of the most popular Bible verses:

John 3:16 / Jeremiah 29:11 / 1 Peter 5:7 / Romans 8:28 / Joshua 1:8-9 / Philippians 4:13

2 Corinthians 12:9 / Psalm 23:1 / Genesis 1:1 / Romans 6:23

 

When has a Bible verse stuck with you during a season of life?

Read: Psalm 1 says that the person who rejects the way of sin will know happiness and blessing from the Lord. Sin is a slippery slope, sometimes even before a person is aware of it. We find our delight in meditating on the Word of the Lord. If we regularly meditate on the Word of the Lord, we will be spiritually productive and filled with the life only God can give.

 

 

 

II.         Meditating on Scripture keeps us focused on the right thoughts. 

 

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

 

The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

 

What effect does your thinking about godly matters have on your attitude?

 

Believers are to chart a course of right thinking and disciplined practice that manifests Christ. Believers cannot expect to enjoy the benefits of being in right relationship with God if their minds are focused on ungodly thoughts and their lives occupied with doing ungodly things. The God of peace dwells within those who think right things and do right deeds. Our acceptance of the truth of Jesus Christ is to be translated into practical living that testifies to the power of the gospel to change lives.

 

Audiobooks are rising in popularity. Book sales remain flat, but audio book sales have grown by 20 percent each year. What better book to listen to than God’s Word?

Even if you don’t mind reading, listening to the Scripture is an excellent way to let God speak to you. For the past six years or so, my afternoon commute has consisted of truck fumes and listening to an audio Bible.

Lose the guilt about not reading. Start listening — and let God speak.

 

 

Conclusion:

Saturating our minds with Scripture keeps us focused on the things of God.

 

Consider the prayer of the psalmist: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Ps. 19:14). 

And the counsel of Paul to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15: “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”