Spiritual Disciplines

In this concluding sermon of the series, Pastor Martin addresses the practical question of how to maintain and increase the fear of God in the heart. He establishes the general principle that what God declares to be His own work in us must also be the concern of our conscious spiritual endeavors, then provides seven specific directives: be certain of an interest in the new covenant, feed on Scripture in general, meditate on forgiveness, feed on the majestic greatness of God, cultivate the awareness of God's presence, cultivate the consciousness of obligations to Him, and associate intimately with those who walk in His fear.

Pastor Martin undertakes a thorough study of what it means to meditate in the law of God day and night. He explains that the Hebrew word for 'meditate' means to mutter or mumble, connecting verbalization with focused thought. He identifies the object of meditation as the Word of God, the proper time as whenever the mind is free, and the great benefit as spiritual digestion -- bringing the general Word into direct contact with one's personal situation. He uses the analogy of the stomach in physical digestion and the art gallery illustration to show meditation's transforming power.