Hiding God's Word: Transforming Hearts Through Scripture
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embarked on a unique journey through Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, reading all 176 verses together. This exercise was not just about reading but about immersing ourselves in the Word of God, allowing it to penetrate our hearts and minds. The focus of today's teaching was on the importance of hiding God's Word in our hearts. Psalm 119:11 says, "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." This verse underscores the transformative power of internalizing Scripture.
We explored practical ways to hide God's Word in our hearts. One method is to read and meditate on Scripture repeatedly. By reading a verse 1,000 times, speaking it out loud, and hearing it, we create a cycle that reinforces the Word in our hearts. This practice helps us to focus, reduces distractions, and strengthens our spiritual resolve.
Another key point was the importance of surrounding ourselves with Scripture in our daily environments. Whether it's through audio Bibles, scripture-based songs, or visual reminders like posters and wristbands, keeping the Word of God constantly before us helps to internalize it deeply. This practice not only fortifies our faith but also makes it easier to recall Scripture in times of need.
We also discussed the significance of teaching and sharing the Word with others. Teaching children, disciples, or even friends helps to reinforce the Word in our own hearts. Engaging in conversations about Scripture, using scriptural slangs, and making the Word a part of our daily dialogue ensures that it remains active and alive within us.
Finally, we were reminded that the Word of God is powerful and capable of discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). However, for it to be effective in our lives, it must dwell richly within us (Colossians 3:16). This requires intentional effort on our part to read, meditate, and speak the Word consistently.
### Key Takeaways
1. Internalizing Scripture: Hiding God's Word in our hearts is a powerful antidote to sin. By repeatedly reading, speaking, and hearing Scripture, we create a spiritual cycle that reinforces the Word within us, making it a part of our very being. This practice helps us to focus and reduces distractions, allowing the Word to transform our lives. [20:30]
2. Surrounding Ourselves with the Word: Keeping Scripture constantly before us through audio Bibles, scripture-based songs, and visual reminders helps to internalize it deeply. This practice not only fortifies our faith but also makes it easier to recall Scripture in times of need. Surrounding ourselves with the Word ensures that it remains active and alive within us. [27:14]
3. Teaching and Sharing the Word: Teaching children, disciples, or friends helps to reinforce the Word in our own hearts. Engaging in conversations about Scripture and making it a part of our daily dialogue ensures that it remains active and alive within us. This practice also helps to build a community of believers who are grounded in the Word. [36:54]
4. The Power of the Word: The Word of God is powerful and capable of discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). However, for it to be effective in our lives, it must dwell richly within us (Colossians 3:16). This requires intentional effort on our part to read, meditate, and speak the Word consistently. [28:53]
5. Creating a Spiritual Environment: Surrounding ourselves with people who value and speak the Word helps to reinforce it in our hearts. Being in the company of believers who encourage and correct us ensures that we stay grounded in Scripture. This practice helps to create a spiritual environment where the Word of God can thrive. [47:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:17] - Introduction and Reading Plan
[01:58] - Reading Psalm 119:1-10
[02:49] - Men and Women Reading Alternately
[04:35] - Strengthen Me According to Your Word
[05:47] - Meditating on God's Precepts
[07:27] - Turning Feet to God's Testimonies
[08:41] - Affliction and Learning God's Statutes
[09:59] - The Endurance of God's Commandments
[11:24] - Celebrating 100 Verses
[11:56] - Continuing the Reading
[12:28] - The Lamp Unto My Feet
[13:13] - Uphold Me According to Your Word
[14:20] - Esteeming God's Precepts
[15:27] - The Righteousness of God's Testimonies
[16:29] - God's Commandments Are Truth
[17:34] - Praising God Seven Times a Day
[18:38] - Final Verses and Celebration
[19:14] - Short Exhortation and Charge
[20:30] - Hiding God's Word in Your Heart
[27:14] - Letting the Word Dwell Richly
[28:53] - The Responsibility of Knowing the Truth
[30:24] - Practical Steps to Internalize Scripture
[36:54] - Teaching and Sharing the Word
[47:11] - Creating a Spiritual Environment
[48:00] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 119:11 - "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee."
2. Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
3. Colossians 3:16 - "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."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 119:11, what is the purpose of hiding God's Word in our hearts?
2. How does Hebrews 4:12 describe the power and capability of God's Word?
3. What does Colossians 3:16 instruct believers to do with the Word of Christ?
4. In the sermon, what practical steps were suggested for internalizing Scripture? ([30:24])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might internalizing Scripture be an effective way to avoid sin, as suggested in Psalm 119:11? ([20:30])
2. How can the description of God's Word in Hebrews 4:12 impact our understanding of its role in our lives?
3. What does it mean for the Word of Christ to "dwell richly" in us, according to Colossians 3:16, and how can this be achieved practically?
4. How does surrounding ourselves with Scripture in our daily environments help in internalizing it, as discussed in the sermon? ([27:14])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current practice of reading and meditating on Scripture. How can you incorporate the practice of reading a verse 1,000 times into your routine? ([30:24])
2. What are some ways you can surround yourself with Scripture in your daily environment? Consider audio Bibles, scripture-based songs, or visual reminders. ([27:14])
3. Think about a recent conversation you had. How could you have included Scripture or scriptural slangs in that dialogue? ([36:54])
4. Identify one person (a child, disciple, or friend) with whom you can share and teach the Word of God this week. How will you approach this? ([36:54])
5. What specific steps can you take to ensure that the Word of God dwells richly within you? Consider your daily habits and routines. ([28:53])
6. How can you create a spiritual environment in your home or workplace that encourages the internalization of Scripture? ([47:11])
7. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenging situation. How might having Scripture hidden in your heart have helped you navigate that situation differently? ([20:30])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Power of Internalizing Scripture
Description: Hiding God's Word in our hearts is a powerful antidote to sin. By repeatedly reading, speaking, and hearing Scripture, we create a spiritual cycle that reinforces the Word within us, making it a part of our very being. This practice helps us to focus and reduces distractions, allowing the Word to transform our lives. The process of internalizing Scripture is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. It involves a deliberate effort to engage with the Word daily, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. This transformative power of Scripture is highlighted in Psalm 119:11, which says, "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." By embedding the Word deeply within us, we equip ourselves with a spiritual defense against the temptations and challenges of life. [20:30]
Bible Passage: "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a specific verse that has impacted you recently. How can you make a deliberate effort to internalize this verse in your daily life starting today?
### Day 2: Surrounding Ourselves with the Word
Description: Keeping Scripture constantly before us through audio Bibles, scripture-based songs, and visual reminders helps to internalize it deeply. This practice not only fortifies our faith but also makes it easier to recall Scripture in times of need. Surrounding ourselves with the Word ensures that it remains active and alive within us. By integrating Scripture into our daily environments, we create a spiritual atmosphere that continually points us back to God. This can be achieved through various means such as listening to Scripture while commuting, placing Bible verses around our homes, or even setting reminders on our phones. The goal is to make the Word of God an ever-present reality in our lives, guiding us and providing comfort and strength. [27:14]
Bible Passage: "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What are three practical ways you can incorporate Scripture into your daily environment this week? How will you implement them starting today?
### Day 3: Teaching and Sharing the Word
Description: Teaching children, disciples, or friends helps to reinforce the Word in our own hearts. Engaging in conversations about Scripture and making it a part of our daily dialogue ensures that it remains active and alive within us. This practice also helps to build a community of believers who are grounded in the Word. By sharing the Word with others, we not only strengthen our own understanding but also encourage and edify those around us. This communal aspect of Scripture is vital for spiritual growth, as it fosters accountability, support, and mutual encouragement. Whether through formal teaching or casual conversations, making the Word a central part of our interactions helps to keep it vibrant and relevant in our lives. [36:54]
Bible Passage: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person you can share a meaningful Scripture with this week. How can you initiate a conversation about this verse and its impact on your life?
### Day 4: The Power of the Word
Description: The Word of God is powerful and capable of discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). However, for it to be effective in our lives, it must dwell richly within us (Colossians 3:16). This requires intentional effort on our part to read, meditate, and speak the Word consistently. The transformative power of Scripture lies in its ability to penetrate our innermost being, revealing our true motives and guiding us towards righteousness. By allowing the Word to dwell richly within us, we open ourselves to its corrective and instructive power, enabling us to align our lives with God's will. This process of internalization is a daily commitment, requiring us to prioritize time with the Word and to approach it with a receptive and humble heart. [28:53]
Bible Passage: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt convicted or guided by Scripture. How can you make a habit of turning to the Word for guidance in your daily decisions?
### Day 5: Creating a Spiritual Environment
Description: Surrounding ourselves with people who value and speak the Word helps to reinforce it in our hearts. Being in the company of believers who encourage and correct us ensures that we stay grounded in Scripture. This practice helps to create a spiritual environment where the Word of God can thrive. By intentionally seeking out and maintaining relationships with fellow believers, we create a support system that fosters spiritual growth and accountability. This community aspect is crucial for sustaining our faith, as it provides encouragement, correction, and shared wisdom. Engaging in regular fellowship, whether through church, small groups, or informal gatherings, helps to keep the Word of God central in our lives and strengthens our resolve to live according to its principles. [47:11]
Bible Passage: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Think about your current circle of friends and community. How can you foster deeper spiritual conversations and mutual encouragement within this group starting this week?
Quotes
1. "So it means that if I can hide the word of God in my heart. I will not sin. It may take long for me to hide the word of God in my heart. But if I can get to that point. Sin will become a thing of the past. Amen. You can see verse 9. It says that how shall a young man keep himself pure. It's still through your word. It said by taking heed. This is another word for hiding the word of God in your heart. Taking heed. You know when you hide it in your heart. Then you carefully ensure that you do what it says." [21:10] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Prayer is not just about. It's not just about asking for things. Or even praying in tongues. It's about fellowshipping with God. Primarily. You may not understand all the things that we read just now. But it's helping your soul. And the devil is hearing the confession from your mouth. That I will not love those that don't love the law of God. If you do this every day for one year. Even if you don't have any other avenue to pray. You would have still been better than an average Christian. Amen." [22:45] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So let the word of God dwell richly in you that's how you can make the word of God that is active and powerful see it is possible for the word of God to be capable of doing some things and it's not happening in your life you think it's a general problem that we don't have light in nigeria it's not true there are some people that enjoy 24 7 lights that possibly is possible do you know it's even possible in this life you know the reason you don't know or the reason you are you are not a particle of it it's because you are not there you are not at that level amen." [28:53] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So let the word of God dwell richly in your heart so god told joshua he said this is what you need to do said this book of the law it must not depart out of your that's another way to hide the word of god in your heart it's a it's a cycle you put the word of god in your heart so that it can flow effortlessly and you will know the truth and the truth through your mouth jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth what speaks so when you put the word of god in your heart then you begin to speak it then it comes back to your heart then it goes like that and it continues like so that's when you we have good success and make your own way prosperous." [30:24] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Read them 1 000 times write it down read them 1 000 times yes that's one of the ways to hide the word of god in your heart i doubt it if you read a verse a single verse 1 000 times you i don't think you will ever forget it i don't think so maybe later on later later later later on that's if you even choose to so read them 1 000 times that's number one now plus that read them i know you've written it already you can put this thing and say read them out loud 1 000 times because if you read with only your eyes you may overlook some read with your eyes speak them with your mouth and then see this is what it does when you read and you you read it out loud what it does is that your eyes is seeing it your mouth is speaking it your ears are hearing it again so it's a circle." [32:15] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So you see when you do this consistently it is impossible for you to go through some certain situations and there will be no scriptures as a matter of fact you have not done well as a believer if you close your eyes to pray for five ten minutes and no scripture rolls through your mind you should be full of the word you should be full of the word yes you know pastor told us he said you know in the occultic world basically it's a battle of words if i know more words than you that's all how many of what how many of what have you of you have watched merlin you've watched merlin you see that by the time he exhausts there are certain spells that he does not know right for instance he didn't know how to turn he didn't know how to turn a a dummy dog into a real dog right what did he do he went to search these scriptures to to see the words of god that align with that situation and what did he do he began to speak it it didn't happen at first he spake it again he spoke it again he spake it you know king james version spake spoke he he did all of that he still didn't work he went out he came back he still didn't work and then he was nearly falling asleep he said it again and the dog barks if you do this every day i tell you you will be above only for you i tell you the truth." [45:49] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So you see when you do this consistently it is impossible for you to go through some certain situations and there will be no scriptures as a matter of fact you have not done well as a believer if you close your eyes to pray for five ten minutes and no scripture rolls through your mind you should be full of the word you should be full of the word yes you know pastor told us he said you know in the occultic world basically it's a battle of words if i know more words than you that's all how many of what how many of what have you of you have watched merlin you've watched merlin you see that by the time he exhausts there are certain spells that he does not know right for instance he didn't know how to turn he didn't know how to turn a a dummy dog into a real dog right what did he do he went to search these scriptures to to see the words of god that align with that situation and what did he do he began to speak it it didn't happen at first he spake it again he spoke it again he spake it you know king james version spake spoke he he did all of that he still didn't work he went out he came back he still didn't work and then he was nearly falling asleep he said it again and the dog barks if you do this every day i tell you you will be above only for you i tell you the truth." [45:49] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So you see when you do this consistently it is impossible for you to go through some certain situations and there will be no scriptures as a matter of fact you have not done well as a believer if you close your eyes to pray for five ten minutes and no scripture rolls through your mind you should be full of the word you should be full of the word yes you know pastor told us he said you know in the occultic world basically it's a battle of words if i know more words than you that's all how many of what how many of what have you of you have watched merlin you've watched merlin you see that by the time he exhausts there are certain spells that he does not know right for instance he didn't know how to turn he didn't know how to turn a a dummy dog into a real dog right what did he do he went to search these scriptures to to see the words of god that align with that situation and what did he do he began to speak it it didn't happen at first he spake it again he spoke it again he spake it you know king james version spake spoke he he did all of that he still didn't work he went out he came back he still didn't work and then he was nearly falling asleep he said it again and the dog barks if you do this every day i tell you you will be above only for you i tell you the truth." [45:49] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So you see when you do this consistently it is impossible for you to go through some certain situations and there will be no scriptures as a matter of fact you have not done well as a believer if you close your eyes to pray for five ten minutes and no scripture rolls through your mind you should be full of the word you should be full of the word yes you know pastor told us he said you know in the occultic world basically it's a battle of words if i know more words than you that's all how many of what how many of what have you of you have watched merlin you've watched merlin you see that by the time he exhausts there are certain spells that he does not know right for instance he didn't know how to turn he didn't know how to turn a a dummy dog into a real dog right what did he do he went to search these scriptures to to see the words of god that align with that situation and what did he do he began to speak it it didn't happen at first he spake it again he spoke it again he spake it you know king james version spake spoke he he did all of that he still didn't work he went out he came back he still didn't work and then he was nearly falling asleep he said it again and the dog barks if you do this every day i tell you you will be above only for you i tell you the truth." [45:49] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So you see when you do this consistently it is impossible for you to go through some certain situations and there will be no scriptures as a matter of fact you have not done well as a believer if you close your eyes to pray for five ten minutes and no scripture rolls through your mind you should be full of the word you should be full of the word yes you know pastor told us he said you know in the occultic world basically it's a battle of words if i know more words than you that's all how many of what how many of what have you of you have watched merlin you've watched merlin you see that by the time he exhausts there are certain spells that he does not know right for instance he didn't know how to turn he didn't know how to turn a a dummy dog into a real dog right what did he do he went to search these scriptures to to see the words of god that align with that situation and what did he do he began to speak it it didn't happen at first he spake it again he spoke it again he spake it you know king james version spake spoke he he did all of that he still didn't work he went out he came back he still didn't work and then he was nearly falling asleep he said it again and the dog barks if you do this every day i tell you you will be above only for you i tell you the truth." [45:49] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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