Heart-Searching Scriptures
A two-hour personal meditation
History: This meditation has been used in many weekend conferences and one-day workshops for groups ranging in size from 10 to 50.
Purpose: The Scriptures and the methods used are designed to help each one face afresh the "sin-question" in their own lives, as well as God's holiness, and the life Christ has promised for His children. Dullness in the Christian life is usually due to a "dim view" of sin, and this meditation is intended to help each one face up to specific "blocks" in his or her life, and to do something about them.
Suggestions: Start with the whole group. Use an appropriate hymn, and explain the purpose for the hour spent alone. Be sure everyone has a Bible, pencil and paper. Read the entire page aloud with the group, and ask if there are any questions.
After the hour alone, reassemble the group without unnecessary talking, and spend about a half hour in prayer, talking to the Lord Jesus about what He has shown, and thanking Him for what has been learned. Hymns of thanksgiving should be included in this period.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew
a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).
A. HEART-SEARCHING SCRIPTURES
| Romans 1:28-32 | Matthew 23:25-28 |
| Galatians 5:16-21 | Colossians 3:8-15 |
| II Timothy 3:1-5 | Mark 12:28-31 |
Page 114
1. Read slowly and thoroughly, over and over, the passages listed above. Read them prayerfully, until the Holy Spirit turns His light upon the present condition of your heart.
2. Write down a list of sins, shortcomings, failures as revealed . . . both in deed and in thought. Open your heart to a sense of the blackness of sin in God's holy presence, until He brings to you a deep sorrow which leads to true repentance. This will surely come if you wait for it. A definition of sin: My right to myself, my natural independence and my self-assertiveness (Isaiah 53:6).
3. Recognize and confess sin, and don't be afraid to put it into words. If I take the easy way "Help me, Lord," my "worrying" (for instance) will continue with me the rest of my life! If I am honest, "Forgive this sin . . . against You, Lord . . . that I am not trusting You . . ." then the power of the Cross, and the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus are for me (I John 1:9).
4. Ask yourself these questions, and answer them:
a. Is my sin against God? What attitude is back of this? What place have I given the Lord Jesus?b. Why have I been like this? What do I really want?
c. What persons have I sinned against? (Matthew 5:23, 24).
d. Should I seek help with some of the things which I cannot forget and overcome alone?
B. WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE. THE LIFE HE WILL GIVE YOU.
| Hebrews 2:5-18 | Psalm 32 |
| Hebrews 10:12-18 | John 4:14; 8:34-36 |
| Hebrews 4:11-15 | Psalm 103:1-4 |
| Ephesians 5:26, 27 |
Page 115
With the use of a familiar hymn, meditate on the suffering and cost to Christ.
Remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is present there with you, and that you are in His presence. Be specific. Be honest. His forgiveness is for those who come to Him, those who will humble themselves before Him. He will meet you.
Remember, also, that the Heart-Searching Scripture study is primarily to help you find and face your subconscious barriers.
The Good News (Gospel) is not primarily, "confess, be honest, face up and God will forgive your sins." He will do this.
But the truth about the Good News is primarily this: "People, what are you waiting for? Give thanks and rejoice! Jesus Christ said, It is finished. The Good News is: that from God's viewpoint, your sins are already forgiven."
