We have been looking at achieving personal holiness. We have seen from Jonathan Edwards' resolutions some guidance to obtain this type of holy walk. We have seen that we are to do all for the glory of God, put away all sin, live with the knowledge of the link between eternity and the present, and have personal discipline. Today, we continue to look at the necessity of personal discipline. Yesterday, we saw that we should resolve to study the Scriptures. The King James Version says in 2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." The word "study" is in the aorist tense and imperative mood. This means that the word is a command to single or punctual action. You are to make a set time to study the Word. It should not be an afterthought or a "do the best you can." This is a very important command that must not be neglected.
Edward's resolution number six stated: "Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live." Jonathan Edwards understood the need of personal discipline; the fact that you would have to put some effort, i.e. "might" into it. Too often we get lazy concerning our duty to God. We make excuses to make us feel better about our lackadaisical approach to the study of His Word. How is your discipline regarding the study of God's Word? Today we are so blessed to have a number of Bible resources on computer for minimal cost that can allow us to do in seconds what it might have taken days to accomplish 100 years ago. We have received much so we are responsible for much. Let us be faithful to use every legitimate resource we have to be good students of the Scriptures.
Today, examine your discipline regarding studying the Word. Use all your might to commit to a study of the Word. Allow nothing to steal from you the treasure that has been given to you from God, i.e. His Holy Word. Be obedient to this command and watch the spiritual fruit develop and grow.
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