The Godward Life
Notes
Transcript
Handout
My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands;
Which way are you going?[…why?]
My life must be focused on....God (Godward).
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up. In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
He is both Goal & Guide!
He is both Goal & Guide!
To help us live a Godward life, Solomon encourages us to...
[SIX exhortations…the what AND the why! Reasons, not just because I said so.]
OBEY God ()
What: “Don’t forget my teaching…keep my commands”
“If you love me, you will keep my commands.
text
[]
Why: “Many days, full life, & well being”
The Spirit is the one who gives life. The flesh doesn’t help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
text
LOVE God ()
(& others)
What: “Loyalty, faithfulness”
Chesed (covenant love; loyalty; grace/graciousness)
“Tie them around neck & write on heart”
Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.
Deut 6.
Deaut 6.4-6
Why: “favor & high regard with God & people”
When a person’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
TRUST God ()
[Most notable part of this passage…a favorite of many (YVieta)]
What: “Trust in the LORD & don’t rely on own understanding & know/acknowledge Him”
Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act,
Why: “He makes your paths straight”
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.
FEAR God ()
What: “Don’t be wise in own eyes…fear the LORD”
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Why: “Healing to body & refreshment to your bones”
HONOR God ()
What:
Why:
SUBMIT to God ()
What:
Why:
for the Lord disciplines the one he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
[LORD’S SUPPER (on 04/07)]
1 corin 11.
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.