Sermon:
Habitude and Echo
by Chris Cumming
The other day I was watching an interview of the daughter of a football star.
She was asked what it was like growing up with such a famous and athletic father
as hers. She replied that it had a profound effect as he instilled in all his
children the principles of practice and repetition. I said to myself, "Hey,
those are biblical principles!" The daughter went on to say that all the
children went on to success. When I see people invoking certain principles that
result in prosperity and success, I conclude that they probably originated in
the mind and later, the Word of God.
Are the concepts of practice and repetition established in the Bible? Does God
want us invoking practice and repetition? The purpose of this sermon is to
encourage all firstfruits to invoke the principles of practice and repetition.
Practice and repeat.
These two words are not specifically used in the King James Bible but many words
with the same meaning are used.
Let us look at some definitions of these words and the words used in the Bible
to denote these principles.
We will begin with the words that make up the title of this sermon, "Habitude
and Echo." These words mean, "Practice and Repetition."
Practice-habitude [customary condition or
character] rule, form, habit, method, process, system, custom,
manner, way, law, commandment, precept.
Noun
1. habitual or customary performance; operation:
2. habit; custom:
3. repeated performance or systematic exercise for the purpose of acquiring
skill or proficiency:
4. condition arrived at by experience or exercise:
5. the action or process of performing or doing something: to put a scheme into
practice; the shameful practices of a blackmailer.
6. the exercise or pursuit of a profession or occupation, especially law or
medicine:
7. the business of a professional person:
Verb (used with object),
practiced, practicing.
11. to perform or do habitually or usually: to practice a strict regimen.
12. to follow or observe habitually or customarily: to practice one's religion.
13. to exercise or pursue as a profession, art, or occupation: to practice law.
14. to perform or do repeatedly in order to acquire skill or proficiency: to
practice the violin.
15. to train or drill (a person, animal, etc.)
in something in order to give proficiency. verb (used
without object), practiced, practicing.
16. to do something habitually or as a practice.
17. to pursue a profession, especially law or medicine.
18. to exercise oneself by repeated performance in order to acquire skill: to
practice at shooting.
Repetition------echo
renewal, copy, repeat, perseveration, multiply
Noun
1. the act of repeating, or doing, saying, or writing something again; repeated
action, performance, production, or presentation.
2. repeated utterance; reiteration.
3. something made by or resulting from repeating.
4. a reproduction, copy, or replica.
5. Civil Law. an action or demand for the recovery of a payment or delivery made
by error or upon failure to fulfill a condition.
The Bible is a book of Repetition and Practice. It repeats
itself in many ways throughout its pages and demands that you practice the truth
therein. Let us talk about the aspect of repetition. Take the accounts of
Jesus ministry. We are given four accounts with several things and events being
repeated. Several versions of the Harmony of the Gospels have been written to
show and compare the many repetitions.
There is a verse that sort of underlies this idea of repetition. It is John
5:31
John 5:31
If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
John the Baptist was sent as His witness before He came on the scene.
The Old Testament is also a collection of repeated accounts. The records of 1
Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings are repeated in 1 Chronicles and 2
Chronicles. The first set is told from a historical point of view. The second
set is told from a religious or priestly point of view.
We see stories repeated in the Bible. Follow me now as I read from a document I
found on the Internet speaking to Bible repetitions:
"Some events are repeated because multiple authors touch on the same time
period. This is what often confuses people regarding Genesis. It is a collection
of eleven records. Since each tells his account by placing it in history, there
are overlaps between the start and end of each account. Genesis 1:1-2:4 is God's
account of the creation. Genesis 2:4-5:1 is Adam's account of his life, starting
with the creation. Genesis 5:1-6:9 is Noah's account which is mostly a genealogy
of his family but ends with the flood. Genesis 6:9-10:1 is Noah's sons account
which starts with the flood and ends with the dividing of the nations. And so
on.
Some repeats are summaries of prior events, often told in a different form.
Psalms 104 contains a poetic account of the flood. Psalms 105 is an account of
the Exodus in the form of a psalm. The summaries help keep the events in context
and make memorization easier. But they also serve as checks on transmission of
the text. There have been many who have tried to alter the Bible's message by
changing words here and there to make it say something different. These
alterations are often easy to spot because people rarely are able to find all
the references and the alterations don't work in the different writing forms.
The alterations cause contradictions to appear and the glaring errors tell us
that the work is not accurate." ~end quote
There are also a number of repeated statements throughout the Bible. As you have
learned from our many Bible studies, this is to emphasize a point. Paul repeats
himself throughout all his letters. Witness how many times he speaks to the
importance of avoiding false doctrines and religious argument. We have seen
this many times just in our study of
1st and 2nd Timothy. Paul once wrote and states specifically that his
ministry was one of repetition.
Galatians 1:8-9
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than
that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto
you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Notice the scriptures linked to the phrase in verse 9, "so say I now again."
2 Corinthians 13:1-2
1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three
witnesses shall every word be established.
2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time;
and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all
other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
Philippians 3:1
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to
me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
That phrase, "but for you it is safe" is speaking to the safety in Paul writing
divine things on paper in addition to just speaking them.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
In the Word of God you will see the use of repeated ideas. It will be the same
idea but using different words. The repetition but with different words allows
one statement to help define the other. This is important in language because
words come with varying meanings and implications. Two wordings of the same idea
refines the idea more precisely. It keeps people from assigning too narrow or
too broad of a meaning to what is said.
Notice Psalm 119 and the first two verses. The same idea is stated in each verse but using different words.
Psalm 119:1-2
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole
heart.
This verse is also speaking to our need to study God's word continually and
practice what we read. Practice and repeat.
In addition to repeated accounts, stories, statements and ideas, God repeats
words.
Notice some examples:
John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man
be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
This is an example of the same word repeated twice. Does
God repeat a word three times?
Isaiah 6:3
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts:
the whole earth is full of his glory.
Notice the commentary on the words, "Holy, holy, holy."
Holy, holy, holy - The “repetition” of a name, or of an expression, three times, was quite common among the Jews. Thus, in Jeremiah7:4, the Jews are represented by the prophet as saying, ‘the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, are these.
Thus, Jeremiah 22:29 : ‘O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord;’ Ezekiel 21:27 : ‘I will overturn, overturn, overturn;’ see also 1 Samuel 18:23 : ‘O my son Absalom! my son, my son. ~Barnes Notes
God wants us to practice and repeat. The repeating is in
the studying of the word of God. Immerse yourself in the word of God. Repeat
the readings, study the scriptures, replete study in the same subjects and
meditate on concepts, morals and principles of God.
Deuteronomy 11:18-32
18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and
bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your
eyes.
19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in
thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when
thou risest up.
20 And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy
gates:
21 That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land
which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon
the earth.
22 For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you,
to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave
unto him;
23 Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall
possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.
24 Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from
the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the
uttermost sea shall your coast be.
25 There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the LORD your God shall
lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread
upon, as he hath said unto you.
26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;
27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command
you this day:
28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but
turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods,
which ye have not known.
29 And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto
the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon
mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.
30 Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down,
in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal,
beside the plains of Moreh?
31 For ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD
your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell therein.
32 And ye shall observe to do all the statutes and judgments which I set before
you this day.
Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate
therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is
written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou
shalt have good success.
Psalm 119:9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according
to thy word.
Psalm 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:18
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Proverbs 3:1-2
1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Matthew 4:4
...Jesus speaking to Satan
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but
by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word
with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those
things were so.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect,
will of God.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think
on these things.
2 Timothy 2:15 [See
Lesson]
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 [See
Lesson 14] [See
Lesson 15] [See
Lesson 16] [See
Lesson 17]
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured
of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
1 John 2:27
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not
that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things,
and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in
him.
So you have now what you need to engage in
repetition-study. It is now time to practice.
James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Matthew 7:21-25
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of
heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy
name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful
works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that
work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will
liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat
upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Matthew 12:50
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my
brother, and sister, and mother.
Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Luke 11:28
But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep
it.
Luke 12:47-48
47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself,
neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be
beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much
required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
John 13:17
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Romans 2:13
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law
shall be justified.
Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
1 John 2:3
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1 John 3:7
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
3 John 1:11
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth
good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Let us end the sermon with some quotes on Repetition and Practice
Quotes on repetition
Here is an interesting quote on the wrong kind of
repetition:
"History is an endless repetition of the wrong way of living."
"It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen."
"Any idea, plan, or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought."
"Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality."
"Repetition of the same thought or physical action develops into a habit which, repeated frequently enough, becomes an automatic reflex."
"Constant repetition carries conviction."
"We cannot always control our thoughts, but we can control our words, and repetition impresses the subconscious, and we are then master of the situation."
"You affect your subconscious mind by verbal repetition."
"A baseball swing is a very finely tuned instrument. It is repetition, and more repetition, then a little more after that." ~Reggie Jackson
"A dancer's life is all about repetition."
Quotes on practice
Over at our Fundamentals section of the Las Vegas web site
we have two posted quotes:
"Success is nothing more than a few basic spiritual
disciplines, practiced every day."
"Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic
fundamentals."
“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”
“You don't need to justify your love, you don't need to explain your love, you just need to practice your love. Practice creates the master.”
“Practice doesn't make perfect. Practice reduces the imperfection.”
“The way anything is developed is through practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice and more practice.”
“Practice makes the master.”
“Practice is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation.”
“You are what you practice most.”
“No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That's the only way to keep the roads clear.”
“It is a mistake to think that the practice of my art has become easy to me. I assure you, dear friend, no one has given so much care to the study of composition as I. There is scarcely a famous master in music whose works I have not frequently and diligently studied.” ~Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
“Tomorrow’s victory is today’s practice.”
The football star I mentioned at the beginning of this
sermon did right by his daughter and now we see that God is doing right by us.
So continue now in your journey to Salvation:
Practice and repeat.