Upon Your Heart and in Your Mind

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.   All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NIV)

           As workers in the service of Jesus Christ, we have many duties to perform and  have to do many jobs.  We play the roles of teacher, preacher, judge, and soldier.  We must have the proper tools to do these each of these jobs and the most important equipment is the Word of God which we have etched upon our hearts and embedded in our minds.  At any time we need to be ready to respond to needs of those around us.  When we have key verses committed to memory then we can respond in the most appropriate manner, relying on the truth and not our own possibly faulty paraphrase.  Memorizing specific verses to fit specific needs will allow us to convey God's message with confidence and conviction.
          The following are some of the important jobs we have to do and some verses that relate to these jobs:


Teacher

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

           The Bible is our textbook for instruction.   This book is a reliable source of information and truth that has been verified in many ways.  Through careful study, contemplation, and prayer we can fill our minds with the words that can be passed on to those who are hungry for what it has to offer.  The truths that we present to others because of our knowledge of God's Word will be our shining example which will hopefully stimulate them to want to learn more.

Preacher

 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge,
 nor to be hasty and miss the way.
Proverbs 19:2 (NIV)

          It is good to be excited about God's Word and the good news of Jesus Christ.  However it is not good to be on fire for Jesus and not present the facts as are written in the Bible.  In fact, this can be very dangerous.  This is the way cults and false teaching come about.  We should be preaching as well as teaching, but we need to fill ourselves with knowledge that is absolutely true.  The study of God's Word is the work of a lifetime and not something you just pick up in a semester.

Judge

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn.   In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!   Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:11-14 (NIV)

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)


Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1 John 4:1 (NIV)



 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;
 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
Proverbs 3:21-22 (NIV)

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

         We are told not to judge others.  God is the judge.  However, we should judge ourselves and we should be discerning.  As is often said, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably isn't true.  We need to be on our guard and test what we read, hear, and think.  Be ready to respond appropriately when someone gives you wrong information.  Don't be duped by false teachers.  Judge from the standpoint of discernment and sound thinking.  If you are firmly grounded in the Word then it is more difficult to be fooled.

Soldier

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.   Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.   For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.   Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.   Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.   In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.   Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)


           The Bible speaks of the metaphorical battles in which we must engage on a regular basis.  There is a war for your soul and the souls of everyone.  We are in a spiritual battle with those powers who are against God and all who are with Him.  Our weapons, our shield, and our battle armor is the Word of God.

  Be strong and very courageous.  Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.    Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.   Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:7-8 (NIV)


 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)


For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4 (NIV)

               Writing God's words upon our hearts and searing them upon our minds so that we never forget them or lose sight of them is to our advantage.  God's laws, commandments, and promises will provide us encouragement and hope, good physical and mental health, and prosperity and success.  It's in the Book.  Read it and find out for yourself.   Read it, study it, meditate upon it, and live it.

 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. 
 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
Proverbs 3:1-7 (NIV)