BE ON TOP OF YOUR GAME

KEY TEXT: Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (KJV) – “¹⁸ And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: ¹⁹ And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: ²⁰ That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.”

The above text teaches that when a king begins to rule, he should personally write a copy of God’s law, keep it with him, and read it throughout his life. This daily engagement with Scripture would teach him to fear the Lord, obey God’s commandments, remain humble before his brethren, and avoid turning aside from God’s will.

Many of us do not fully understand what it means to fear God; that is why we often treat Him casually. Bible study teaches us how to fear God. We usually fear things that are visible, and because God is invisible and not perceived through our physical senses, we tend not to fear Him as we should. We cannot easily comprehend both God’s goodness and His wrath.

To unbelievers — and even to many Christians — God can seem unreal in daily life. The more a person studies the Bible, the more real God becomes to them. And the more real God becomes, the deeper their love for Him and reverence toward Him grow.

We learn to fear God by spending time with Him and engaging deeply with His Word. What are some of the benefits of fearing God?

Proverbs 1:7 (KJ21) – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 9:10 (KJ21) – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Proverbs 22:4 (KJ21) – “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life.”

The fear of God gives a person knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Myron Golden offers a helpful definition of these three concepts: he defines knowledge as the accumulation of truth, understanding as the assimilation of truth, and wisdom as the application of truth.

When you fear God, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom are imparted to you. As a result, you become well-equipped to fill the gaps in your life. When you fear God, you also receive riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4).

In other words, the more you study and apply God’s Word, the more you reduce the problems in your life. Many problems exist because of a knowledge gap, an understanding gap, or a wisdom gap.

What places the Bible above all other books is that its truth is 100% pure and uncorrupted. Other writings by human beings may contain elements of truth mixed with error. Unfortunately, when a person does not study the Bible, it becomes difficult to distinguish between truth and error.

A person who reads many other books but neglects Bible study may fall short of true success, even when trying to apply what they have learned. This is because some principles they adopt may align with biblical truth, while others may contradict it. Such a person may achieve a certain level of success, but it will be limited, and they may experience many trials and errors along the way.

When you study the Bible, understand it, and apply it to your life, you position yourself for lasting success in every area of life.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJ21) – “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

Through Bible study, one learns to fear God and how to keep His commandments.

What is the result of a person who engages in personal Bible study?

Deuteronomy 17:20 (KJ21) – “That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand or to the left; to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.”

A person who engages in Holy Spirit–led Bible study will develop a humble heart. Because of our sinful nature, pride and selfishness can easily fill our hearts. We are constantly in danger because these two evils attack the heart at any time.

You might go to church and feel very humble while you are there, even going the extra mile to perform acts of selflessness. But as you are heading home, someone may annoy you along the way, and you could fall into a road rage or an argument. In the heat of anger, pride can take over, and you may end up acting harmfully toward the other person.

The fourth commandment says in Exodus 20:8 (KJV):
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

The Sabbath principle — which reminds us of our dependence on God — should remain in our minds every day of the week. The best way to keep this principle continually before us is through consistent study of God’s Word.

When you regularly interact with Scripture, you leave little room for pride and selfishness. Your love for God and your love for others are strengthened, and you are less likely to turn to the right or to the left.

The Bible also promises kings that when they study and apply God’s Word, they will prolong their days in their kingdoms. Jesus has made us priests and kings; therefore, this message is not only for earthly rulers — it is for us as well.

If we want to maintain that spiritual royalty, we must study and apply God’s Word continually.

That is the only way we are going to be on top. That is the only way we are going to remain on top.

GOD BLESS YOU!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that teaches me to fear You, walk in wisdom, and live with humility. Help me to love Your Word and study it daily. Remove pride from my heart and fill me with understanding and obedience. Teach me to apply what I learn so that my life may honor You and prosper in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activity

For the next 5 days:

1. Set aside 15 minutes each day for Bible study.
2. Read one short passage and write down:
   • One truth you learned
   • One instruction to obey
   • One promise to believe
3. Ask God to help you apply that truth in a real-life situation that day.

Reflection question:
How is God’s Word shaping my thoughts, choices, and attitudes today?

Author: Mark Alex   

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