It is impossible to discuss Meditation as a Spiritual Discipline without a clear dialog about the discipline of Studying God’s Word. The reason is simple; it is not possible to remember things that you have not learned. One can not arrive at a clearer or broader understanding of things he or she has never been taught.
All revelation is based upon a declaration.
Someone must declare a truth, and it must be heard and learned before the hearer can achieve a fuller understanding.
A disciple must study the Word of God before he or she can Meditate on the Word of God. It is meditation that leads to revelation. The truth of this assertion is clearly seen in the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.
“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 said to you.” John 14:26 (NASV)
Clearly we must receive instruction from The Father in order for the Holy Spirit to guide us. We must become students of the Word in order to experience the benefits and blessings available through Meditation. Meditation and Study produce fruit in the life of the believer. They work in tandem, as partners to produce untold power and blessing in the life of the believer.
Study God’s Word
We study because we are commanded to do so. God says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) The New Living Translation interprets the passage in the following way,
“15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth”
Considering the New Living Translation version of the passage, we must conclude that the intent is to work hard and apply yourself to the correct understanding and interpretation of God’s Word. We “Study/Labor” so that God declares that we are ones, among many, who accurately and correctly explain and live the Word.
God declares that you will grow and develop into an empowered person only by Studying. You will only gain the power which resides in His Word by digging into it and gaining a below-the-surface understanding. The below-the-surface understanding of the Bible offers substance for our Meditation which in turn empowers us through Revelation.
We study the Word because it is the Power of the GodHead available to us. It witnesses about itself saying,
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires”. Hebrews 4:12 (NLV)
We fail to clearly understand the power of The Word for Study and Meditation in the life of the disciple. When one understands this power and the benefits it offers to those who will labor in the study of God’s Word, then God creates an appetite for it in us and gives us greater ability to digest its wisdom.
As we discuss the Power in God’s Word for disciples who study and meditate, we will discover the exciting reality of the simplicity of God’s truth. The Word of God is Creative, Corrective, Restorative and Redemptive as we shall see in the coming weeks of study. In preparation for this portion of the study, read the following passages of scripture in the coming week in preparation for our discussion of the Study of and Meditation on God’s Word.
Genesis 1:1-31 | Genesis 15:1-4 | 1 Corinthians 1:23 & 24 | Philippians 4:8&9