Psalm 37:31 - How to Win Spiritual Battles.
Psalm 37:31 (NLT) They have made Gods law
their own, so they will never slip from his path.
INTRODUCTION
God's plan for godly living is the only
means to a healthy life. If we really desire to
follow God and live a good life, we must saturate
our mind with the truth of His Word. God's
truth is designed to be the foundation for our
life. It will help us to walk securely and make
wise and effective decisions. A life lived
according to God's program will lead to healthy
relationships and freedom from the dependencies that bind
us. [Life Recovery SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Have you ever noticed that when the Bible
talks about spiritual armor, only one piece is an
offensive weapon? This armor includes the belt of
truth, the breastplate of righteous, the shoes of
the gospel of peace, and the helmet of
salvation.
Then we have the sword of the Spirit,
which is the Word of God.
Now, a soldier in the first century
wouldnt fight his opponent with a helmet or his
sandal, would he? No, hed deflect blows with his
shield, hed take a hit with his breastplate, and
hed fight back with his sword.
In the spiritual battle, we fight back
with an offensive weapon: the sword of the
Spirit, which is the Word of God. It means that we
remind ourselves of the truth of what God has
said.
Isnt it amazing how an entire
situation can be transformed by putting things into
perspective? The Bible says, How can a young man
cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your
word (Psalm 119:9 NKJV).
For instance, the devil might whisper in
your ear, Youre worthless. God doesnt
love you. He wants to ruin your life.
But you can reply, You know what?
Thats a lie, because it is written, For I know
the thoughts that I think toward you, says the
Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give
you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11
NKJV).
We respond with the Word of God. Jesus
knew the Scriptures, and we need to know them as
well. Are you memorizing Gods Word? Psalm 119
says, Your word I have hidden in my heart, that
I might not sin against You (verse 11
NKJV).
And Psalm 37:31 tells us, They have
made Gods law their own, so they will never
slip from his path (NLT).
Fill your mind with Gods Word. And be
ready to use it because it will give you the
defense you will need in the hour of spiritual
attack. [Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries;
https://www.harvestdaily.com]
COMMENTARY
Many are surprised into the commission of
sin because of a failure to study the
Scriptures. They were off their guard, and Satan found
them an easy prey.
Wonderful possibilities are open to those
who lay hold of the divine assurances of Gods
word. There are glorious truths to come before the
people of God. Privileges and duties which they do
not even suspect to be in the Bible will be laid
open before them. As they follow on in the path
of humble obedience, doing His will, they will
know more and more of the oracles of God.
The precious faith inspired of God
imparts strength and nobility of character. As His
goodness, His mercy, and His love are dwelt upon,
clearer and still clearer will be the perception of
truth; higher, holier, the desire for purity of
heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling
in the pure atmosphere of holy thought is
transformed by intercourse with God through the study of
His Word. Truth is so large, so far reaching, so
deep, so broad, that self is lost sight of. The
heart is softened and subdued into humility,
kindness, and love. And the natural powers are
enlarged because of holy obedience. From the study of
the words of life students may come forth with
minds expanded, elevated, ennobled.
Youthful minds fail to reach their
noblest development when they neglect the highest
source of wisdom"the Word of God. That we are in
Gods world, in the presence of the Creator, that
we are made in His likeness; that He watches
over us and loves us and cares for us"these are
wonderful themes for thought and lead the mind into
broad, exalted fields of meditation. He who opens
mind and heart to the contemplation of such
themes as these will never be satisfied with
trivial, sensational subjects.
The Bible has the highest claim to our
reverent attention. We should not be satisfied with a
superficial knowledge, but should seek to learn the full
meaning of the words of truth, to drink deep of the
spirit of the Holy Oracles. HP136
CLOSING THOUGHT
Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are
those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with
their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk
in his ways! You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be
steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not
be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all
your commandments. I will praise you with an
upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
Psalm 119:1-7 (ESV)
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
Psalm 119:11 - How to Be Spiritually Strong.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210318-1056.html
Matthew 4:4 - Spiritual Food Is Necessary
for Spirit Living.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200618-0839.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.revelationnow.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657