Lesson 12: MEDITATE ON THE WORD OF GOD-PART 1

MEMORY VERSE –“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” Psalms 119:11
LESSON TEXT- Luke 8:4-15

INTRODUCTION

The word meditates stems from the Latin root meditatum, i.e. to ponder. Apart from memorizing the word of God, Joshua was strictly instructed to mediate daily on the word. Josh 1:8. David said “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” Ps. 119:11

LESSON OUTLINE

1. THE MEANING OF MEDITATION
2. OBJECTIVES OF MEDITATION

LESSON CONTENT

A. THE MEANING OF MEDITATION-Psa.63:6; Ps 77:11
1. Meditation is “the act of focusing one’s thoughts; to ponder, think on, and muse. It is a component of many religious practices for ages.
2.”Meditation consists of reflective thinking or contemplation, usually on a specific subject to discern its meaning or significance or a plan of action. Ps 119:103
3. Synonyms of mediation include;
Rumination
Deep thinking
Remembering in an attempt to keep in focus
Calling something to mind for the purpose of consideration
Reflection, or meditation Psalm 143: 5; Rom 10: 8;Jer.15:16; Ps 19:10;Pro.8:11
B. OBJECTIVES OF MEDITATION
Worship-Your mind is focus on the Lord and His works, Ps. 27:4;77: 12.It is a place and space in our lives for communion with God Ps. 16: 11; Acts 2: 25-28. It is a means of elevating the spiritual over the material world. It is bring your body, soul and spirit out of the realm of the of activities, the world of hustling and bustling and coming and going.
1.Instruction-Meditation improves our understanding of the Word and God’s ways as it applies to our lives, Ps. 49:3. Understanding comes from the meditations of his heart. Ps.119: 27,97.In meditation we exchange our thoughts with God’s.
2. Motivation or Encouragement-Good time of meditation on Gods words motivate and inspire us in service. It gives faith and courage for the works God has called us to do,Josh.1:7-8.
3. Transformation-It is designed to transform and change our lives. This would apply to all the above, Ps. 4: 4; 19:14;119:15; Rom. 12: 2; Col. 3:1-10.

CONCLUSION

In Josh 1: 8, God promised Joshua success as part of the fruit of his meditation on the Word. It is different from the prosperity mentality of the power of positive thinking. Biblical meditation leads to understanding with revelation of His Will. It guides one to obedience and godly living which is the key prosperity and good success. Transcendental meditation is not biblical meditation. It opens up one’s mind for satanic attack.

QUESTIONS

1. What is the difference between memorizing and meditation?
2. Why does the seed that fell among thorns failed to produce fruits?
3. What are the benefits of meditating on the words of God?
4. Describe practically how to meditate on the word of God.

ASSIGNMENT

Students should prepare to explain their experiences on the Word of God they meditated on within the last one week.