09/27/2024
Protection against sinning; wouldn't we all like an invincible suit of armor, or some impenetrable costume like a super hero wears that could protect us from sin? Well this morning we find that such a covering is real, and it is available to each of us. The Word of God provides us with the defense we need against sin. It even goes a step further and gives us instructions on how to mend ourselves in the event we are injured when caught without the advantage of our protection, or too immature in our faith to protect ourselves. God's word is power and it is invincible but we must clothe ourselves in it.
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Psalms 119:11 ESV
Psalm 119 is a wonderful map to God's Word. Pastor E.M. Bounds spoke about its revelation in this manner:
"Psalm 119 is a directory of God's Word. With three or four exceptions, each verse contains a word that identifies or locates the Word of God. Quite often, the psalmist knelt in supplication, praying several times.
Here in verse 11, the psalmist found his protection against sin - by having God's Word hidden in his heart and his whole being filled with that Word." – E. M. Bounds
Prayer and the Word of God are closely related. Prayer increases our desire for knowledge of God and the source of that knowledge is the Bible. Pastor Bounds continued on by saying this eloquently with this statement...
"We find that the power of prayer creates a real love for the scriptures and puts within people a nature that will take pleasure in the Word." – E. M. Bounds
How many times during prayer do we recall scripture? How often during our day does a verse come to mind, or a snippet of verse we can't quite quote surface to comfort us? Prayer occurs all the day long, and it leads us to the Word of God in some of the most unexpected, yet blessed, ways. God's Word is indeed our armor against sin, and prayer is like a servant who helps us don it.
What we do in our darkest hour reveals the truth about us... some might cheat, lie, steal, or murder, but as Christians we pray, we search the Word of God, and listen for His voice to reveal His will to us. In the darkness of our secret suffering we either demonstrate our sinful selves, or we take refuge in our faith through prayer and the Word of God.
There is a well-known quote attributed to the famous basketball coach John Wooden that goes like this:
"The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching." – John Wooden
What a wonderful lesson for a college coach to teach young athletes. I wonder how many of his players carried that lesson beyond the basketball court when they left college? I wonder how many of them realized that they were never alone, and that God was always with them, and watching? I wonder how many Christians dwell on this, and truly carry God's Word beyond the church doors when the leave the sanctuary… feeling that God is always with them ALWAYS?
“The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”
Psalm 121:8 NLT
In sports, music, or any skill; we don't immediately play the big game, or pick up an instrument and perform with the philharmonic, it takes much effort and years of practice. Defeating sin when we think no one is looking takes the same intensity. Repetitive prayers, a regimen of Bible study, a thirst for God... all of these are things which strengthen our armor against sin and temptation, and strengthen our faith and character. In this way, when the hard times come, we will be prepared to stand in righteousness, and resist the dark one successfully.
God's word is our protection, and His forgiveness through Christ, is our salve when we stumble. I pray this morning that each of us finds His Word during our prayers; even when they come upon us suddenly, and expectantly, during our darkest day. I pray that our remembrance of God's Word is what spawns the prayers we lift them up to Him, and that these prayers prompt us to always abide in Him, and to dwell forever in His Holy Word. I pray that our strength of faith continues to grow throughout our lives until at last sin is defeated once and for all in us through Jesus Christ. I thank God for the voice of His Holy Spirit in our prayer closets, His Word in our hearts, and the fact that we are never alone or without Him watching over us.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Word, and your presence here with us always. Thank you for reminding us in prayer, and by the scripture that we utter all the day long, that we are not alone, and that our actions are never cloaked in darkness. You are the light that is cast over all we do, and there is no living in the dark, or even a shadow, for your light shines eternal, and surrounds us… even beneath our feet. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is with us always, and Holy are you who beckons us to open our eyes to find that you have defeated darkness, death, and sin for us through your Son Jesus. Merciful are you who has not left us to our own devices, nor left us in darkness. Great are you who pours your grace over us like a warm oil, and is with us, whether in Heaven, the world, or the recesses of Shoel.
Hear our prayers Father, and hear your Holy Word that infuses them. Hear also the name of your Son Jesus in whom we pray, and the Amen that confirms them, and seals them as ours. We need not shout in prayer Abba, for you are closer that a breath. A whisper, a small still voice, is all that is required to carry our prayers to you, and to bridge the distance between heaven and earth. Send your Son quickly to bring us to your throne Father, and we pray that you will find us worthy of abiding in your presence for all eternity through Him. And all believers whispered…
Amen, Amen, Amen!
“This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 1:5-7 NLT
“1 I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!
3 He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.
5 The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.
7 The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.”
Psalm 121 NLT
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!”
Psalm 138:7-8 ESV
Rich Forbes