DRAWING NEAR
June 11
Gazing into the Perfect Law
"One who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty,
and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an
effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does"
(James 1:25).
James 1:21-24 contrasts hearers of the Word and doers of the Word.
Hearers don't respond to Scripture or benefit from its truths--though
they may study it in depth. Doers receive it in humility and obey its
commands. James 1:25 adds that they are blessed in what they do. That
means there is blessing in the very act of obedience.
James calls Scripture "the perfect law, the law of liberty" (v. 25).
It is "law" because it's God's obligatory behavioral code. Grace
doesn't eliminate God's moral law-- it gives us the spiritual
resources to obey it, and forgiveness when we fail. That's how Jesus
fulfills the law in us (cf. Matt. 5:17).
Scripture is "the perfect law" because it is complete, sufficient,
comprehensive, and without error. Through it God meets every need and
fulfills every desire of the human heart. In addition, it is "the law
of liberty." That may sound paradoxical because we tend to think of
law and freedom as opposites. But as you look intently into the Word,
the Holy Spirit enables you to apply its principles to your life,
thereby freeing you from the guilt and bondage of sin, and enabling
you to live to God's glory. That's true freedom!
"Look intently" translates a Greek word that pictures bending down to
examine something with care and precision. Stooping implies humility
and a desire to see clearly what Scripture reveals about your own
spiritual condition. It's an attitude as well as an action.
As you study Scripture, let this be your underlying attitude: "Lord,
as I gaze intently into your Word, reveal the things in my life that
need to be changed. Then grant me the grace to make those changes so
I can live more fully to your glory."
Suggestions for Prayer:
Memorize Psalm 139:23-24 and make it your sincere prayer.
For Further Study:
Read Hebrews 4:12-13.
To what is God's Word compared? What effect does the Word have on
those who are exposed to it?
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
James 1:21-24
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness,
and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save
your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like
a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what
kind of man he was.
Matthew 5:17
17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I
did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my
anxieties;
24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way
everlasting.
Hebrews 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit,
and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart.
13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things
are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:
http://www2.oneplace.com/Ministries/Grace_to_You/
and
http://www.gty.org.uk/
You may email John MacArthur in care of Grace to You at:
letters@gty.org
NOTE for those of you reading via newsgroups: If you wish to reach
me, please contact me via e-mail for quickest results.
In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase@wowway.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
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There is a living God. He has spoken in His word. He means just what he says, and will do all that He has promised. - Hudson Taylor
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