Sermon: Absorption
by Chris Cumming
Recently I was listening to a man being interviewed on Fox News
and he made a rather bold statement that got my attention. He proclaimed that
mankind has lost the art of thinking.
Later I went to the Internet and found several articles attesting the same
thing. We are a species that no longer engages in deep thinking of any kind.
Here is a quote from the article by Chad Howse, “The Lost Art of Thinking.”
“Thinking is a lost art as distractions have become our focus. Think about the
last time you stepped outside in silence and just thought. No headphones, no
cell phone, just silence and thought.
“Well, thought used to be something humans did a lot, and every day.
“When we once wandered from town to town on foot, asking ourselves
things like “why am I here?” or “who do I want to be?”, we now check our
phones to see how many likes our image has received or look with envy at
the lives that others are living.” ~end quote
The world has lost the art of thinking. Could this happening in the
Church of God? Is someone or something distracting firstfruits from
thinking and thinking deeply?
What does God have to say about thinking? What should we be thinking
about? How should we think? Are there different spiritual ways of
thinking?
In this sermon we will answer these questions and more as I encourage
all of us to invoke the art of thinking.
Be a diligent thinker.
Let us begin with a key verse on the subject. Turn in your Bibles to
Proverbs 4.
Proverbs 4:20-27
20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine
heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their
flesh.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of
life.
24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from
thee.
25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight
before thee.
26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from
evil.
Notice the commentary on some key phrases here.
Verse 20
My son, attend to my words - Which go
before and which follow after, his doctrines, instructions, cautions,
and exhortations.
~John Gill
Incline thine ear unto my sayings - stoop and bow the ear; listen attentively to what is said, as being of the greatest moment and importance. ~John Gill
Verse 21
Let them not depart from thine eyes - Commit them to writing, frequently
read them over; let them be always in sight, as a rule and directory to
steer the course of life by.
~John Gill
Word: commit: To pledge oneself to a position. To engage yourself.
Keep them in the midst of thine heart - lay them up there, and ponder them; often meditate upon them, and do not forget them; show the most affectionate regard unto them, and look upon them as a most inestimable treasure, for which no place is so fit a repository as the heart. ~John Gill
Word:
ponder: to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate.
Verse 25
Let thine eyes look right on. - that is,
pursue a sincere and direct purpose, avoiding temptations.
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
- to the precepts of the word, to observe them; to the promises of it
for encouragement; to the examples of the saints gone before, as motives
to excite diligence, and to exercise patience, faith, and hope; to the
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life, and to the blessed hope
laid up in heaven. ~John Gill
Verse 26
Ponder the path of thy feet - Weigh well
the part thou shouldst act in life. See that thou contract no bad
habits. ~Adam Clarke
Ponder the path of thy feet - Consider
well what path it is, whether right or wrong; or weigh it in the
balances of thought. ~John Gill
And let all thy walls be established - so
as to walk on steadily, constantly, uniformly, and not be easily moved
out of the ways of religion and truth. ~John Gill
Verse 27
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left:
remove thy foot from evil. - The ever-recurring image of the
straight road on which no one ever loses his way represents here as
elsewhere the onward course through life of the man who seeks and finds
wisdom. ~Barnes Notes
We skipped over verse 23 in all this commentary as it is the key verse
to this passage and to this sermon to be a diligent thinker. Let us
read that verse again.
Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of
life.
We will do more immersion on this one.
Commentary:
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it
are the issues of life. - Better, as in the margin, i. e., with
more vigilance than men use over anything else. The words that follow
carry on the same similitude. The fountains and wells of the East were
watched over with special care. The heart is such a fountain, out of it
flow the “issues” of life. Shall men let those streams be tainted at the
fountain-head? ~Barnes Notes
Keep thy heart with all diligence -
“Above all keeping,” guard thy heart. He who knows anything of himself,
knows how apt his affections are to go astray.
For out of it are the issues of life -
“the goings out of lives.” Is not this a plain allusion to the arteries
which carry the blood from the heart through the whole body, and to the
utmost extremities? As long as the heart is capable of receiving and
propelling the blood, so long life is continued. Now as the heart is the
fountain whence all the streams of life proceed, care must be taken that
the fountain be not stopped up nor injured. A double watch for its
safety must be kept up. So, in spiritual things: the heart is the seat
of the Lord of life and glory; and the streams of spiritual life proceed
from him to all the powers and faculties of the soul. Watch with all
diligence, that this fountain be not sealed up, nor these streams of
life be cut off. Therefore “put away from thee a froward mouth and
perverse lips - and let thy eyes look straight on.” Or, in other words,
look inward look onward - look upward. ~Adam Clarke
Keep thy heart with all diligence - The
mind from vanity, the understanding from error, the will from
perverseness, the conscience clear of guilt, the affections from being
inordinate and set on evil objects, the thoughts from being employed on
bad subjects; and the whole from falling into the hands of the enemy, or
being the possession of Satan: great diligence had need be used in
keeping it, since it is naturally so deceitful and treacherous; a strict
eye is to be kept upon it; all the avenues to it to be watched, that
nothing hurtful enters, or evil comes out; it is to be kept by all
manner of means that can be thought of, by prayer, hearing, reading,
meditation; and, above all, by applying to Christ for his grace and
Spirit to sanctify, preserve, and keep it. Or, "above all keeping, keep
thine heart"; though other things are to be kept, and care taken of
them, as kingdoms and cities, and towns and families, and treasures and
riches; yet the heart above all:
For out of it are the issues of life - of
natural life: it is the seat of it, from whence all actions of life are
derived; it is, as philosophers say, the first that lives, and the last
that dies; and it is the seat of spiritual life the principle of it is
formed in it; from whence all spiritual and vital actions flow, and
which lead unto and issue in eternal life: as is a man's heart, such is
his state now, and will be hereafter; if the heart is quickened and
sanctified by the grace of God, the man will live a life of faith and
holiness here, and enjoy everlasting life hereafter: and if the heart is
right, so will the actions of men be; they are regulated and denominated
by it; they will then spring from right principles, and be directed to
right ends, and performed with right views; great care therefore should
be taken of the heart, since so much depends upon it, and it is so well
known to God the searcher of it. ~John
Gill
Here are some things from the Biblical Illustrator:
On keeping the
heart
I. The duty enjoined. We must keep the whole heart in—
1. A state of holy watchfulness.
2. A state of continued devotion.
3. A state of joy and confidence.
4. A state of lively activity.
5. A state of preparedness for death and uncertainty.
II. The mode of performing it specified.
1. Under all circumstances.
2. In all places.
3. At all times.
4. With all intensity of solicitude.
III. The motive designed.
1. Thoughts are formed there.
2. Purposes are planned there.
3. Words originate there.
4. Actions proceed from thence.
Learn—
1. The means of spiritual safety: preservation of the heart.
2. The importance of this exercise. All depends upon it.
3. The necessity of cleaving to God with purpose of heart.
~The Biblical Illustrator
The art of
governing our thoughts.
1. We must rightly pitch our main designs, and choose that for the great business of our lives that really ought to be so.
2. We must avoid two things, viz., idleness and loose company.
3. We must be as attentive as possible to the first motions of our minds; so that when we find them tending towards something that is forbidden, we may stop them at once.
4. There are some particular exercises which would prove helpful. Converse with discreet and pious persons; reading good books, and especially the Bible; taking times for meditation; and fervent and constant prayer to God.
5. With our diligence we must join
discretion. We must have a care not to “intend” our thoughts
immoderately, and more than our tempers will bear, even to the best
things. We must so keep our hearts as at the same time to keep our
health and the vigour of our minds. As long as we consist of bodies and
souls, we cannot always be thinking of serious things.
~The Biblical Illustrator
Here is another item from the Biblical Illustrator:
The keeping of
the heart
I. The suggestive saying, “Out of (the heart) are the issues of life.”
1. All our words and actions
originate there. “All these evil things come from within, and they
defile the man.”
2. The moral quality of every word and action depends on its inner
motive.
3. Thoughts and feelings themselves, apart from actions, are all either
good or evil. “The thought of foolishness is sin.”
4. Within the heart is formed that “character” which determines most of
the actions of the man. We give the name “character” to that complex
collection of tendencies and habits which grows up within us all as the
sum and result of individual acts continually repeated. The germs of the
ultimate character can often be detected in the child.
5. The “issues of life,” in outward condition, depend most of all on the
heart within us.
6. The everlasting “issues of life” come “out of the heart.”
II. Take up the admonition, “Keep thy heart with all diligence.” The margin reads, “Keep thy heart above all keeping.” The common estimate of the relative value of the outside and the inside is terribly astray. It creeps into our very religion.
1. We can avoid the evil.
2. We can fill up the heart with good. ~The Biblical Illustrator
The duty and
blessedness of keeping the heart
I. Occasions when it is of the
utmost moment to attend to this duty.
1. When you draw near to God in the solemn exercise of religious duty.
You have then to do with a God who searches the heart. Be upon your
guard against those vain excursions of the soul that eat out all the
life and spirit of devotion.
2. When you are surrounded with an abundance of worldly enjoyments.
There is something in prosperity that tends to intoxicate the mind.
3. When God’s afflicting hand is upon you. “In the day of adversity
consider”; for consideration and a guard upon the heart are needful.
4. When under provocations from your fellow-creatures. These are very
trying periods, and the spirit that is in us often lusteth to resentment
and retaliation. Do not be too sensitive of injuries.
5. When your hands are full of worldly business. We walk in the midst of
snares. It is no easy thing to keep our souls disengaged, and to live
above, while we ere in, the world. Love nothing with a very strong
affection that is not immutable [unchangeable]
as thy God.
6. When you are engaged in diversions and recreations. Very many are in
excess given to pleasure, make it the main business of their existence.
We ought not to give too much time to recreations, nor seek them for
themselves.
7. When you find any tumultuous passions are excited within you. Think
what inflammable matter you carry in your bosoms, and be watchful
against the approach of whatever may kindle it into a flame.
8. Keep thy heart with all diligence in solitude and retirement.
Solitude is not necessarily a blessing. Then only it is a blessing when
it is employed piously, with holy feelings and a holy object in view.
Whenever you are alone, be present with your God.
II. Arguments urging attention to this duty. This duty is important,
because—
1. It is the heart that falls directly under the cognizance [awareness]
of God. Be a man’s actions ever so regular, if his heart be not right
with God, he will, when weighed in the balances, be found wanting.
2. Because of the influence which the state of the heart has upon the
conduct. He who is concerned about making the tree good will surely make
the fruit good also.
3. Because keeping the heart is essential to our peace. Is there nothing
peaceful, pleasant, comforting, in being masters over our own spirits,
able to suppress any rising passion, to restrain any rebellious lust
that threatens the peace of God’s kingdom within—of that inner house of
man, himself? What a poor, contemptible, miserable creature is he who
has no rule over his spirit, in respect of present things as well as
future!
III. Directions for keeping the heart.
1. If you desire to keep your heart, endeavor by all means to know it.
Endeavour to know human nature in general, its weakness and its
corruption. Above all, endeavor to know your own heart, your particular
weakness: knowing it, watch that point carefully.
2. If you desire to keep your heart, solemnly feel as in the Divine
presence. Seriously consider that God searches the hearts, and that He
is with you wherever you are, and whatever you do.
3. If you would keep your hearts, be often calling them to account. I
hope that none of you live without self-examination.
4. See to it that your mind be well furnished. Lay in a stock of useful
knowledge from the Word of God, from observations of providence, from
converse with your fellow-creatures.
5. If you would keep your heart, be often looking up to Him who made it.
To find our hearts taken off from dependence on ourselves, and fixed
upon God, is a token for good in every part of our Christian course.
~The Biblical Illustrator
Let us now look at some verses
linked to our key passage in Proverbs 4.
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.
Commentary:
Think on these
things - meditate upon them, revolve
them in your minds, seriously consider them, and reason with yourselves
about them, in order to put them into practice.
~John Gill
Proverbs 3:21
My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and
discretion:
Commentary:
Sound wisdom
is meant sound doctrine, the wholesome words of Christ, the solid and
substantial truths of the Gospel. The Vulgate Latin version renders it,
"keep the law"; but the Syriac version, much better, "keep my doctrine",
the doctrine of the Gospel; which also is meant by...
Discretion - or
"counsel", as some render the word, and as the Gospel is called, this
should be kept; the doctrines of it should be held fast and not let go,
or be departed from; and the ordinances of it should be observed and
kept, as they were delivered, from a principle of love, and a view to
the glory of Christ; the advantages arising from them follow.
~John Gill
Proverbs 22:5
Thorns and snares [various
difficulties, trials, and sufferings]
are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far
from them.
Commentary:
He that doth keep his soul shall be far
from them - he that is concerned for
the good of his soul, is careful for the welfare of that, and takes heed
to his ways where and how he walks, will be far both from the way of the
froward, and from the thorns and snares which are in his way.
~John Gill
Proverbs 23:19
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
Commentary:
And guide thine heart in the way
- in the way of the Lord, in the way of wisdom and understanding, in the
way of truth and faith, in the way of religious worship, in the way of
the commandments and ordinances of the Lord; in all which the heart
should be guided and directed, or otherwise it will be of no avail.
~John Gill
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou
forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from
thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy
sons' sons.
Commentary:
Only take heed to thyself
-To walk according to this law, and not swerve from it:
~ John Gill
Note:
Is anyone reminded of our primary verse in 1 Timothy 1:6 [see
Lesson] "some have turned aside unto vain jangling."
And keep thy soul diligently
- from the transgressions and breaches of it:
~John Gill
Hebrew 12:15
...speaking to the ministry but
applicable to all firstfruits
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root
of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.
Commentary:
Looking diligently - This phrase implies close attention. It is implied that there are
reasons why we should take special care. Those reasons are found in the
propensities of our hearts to evil; in the temptations of the world; in
the allurements to apostasy presented by the great adversary of our
souls. ~Barnes Notes
And now back to our principle chapter of Proverbs 4.
Proverbs 4:5-7
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the
words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall
keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy
getting get understanding.
Commentary:
Verse 5
Forget it not
- when gotten, keep it in remembrance; be continually meditating on
Wisdom, or Christ, his glories and excellencies; the fulness of grace
and truth in him; the blessings of goodness which come by him; the great
use and profit of having and enjoying him.
~John Gill
Verse 7
Therefore get wisdom
- not an interest in Christ, but a knowledge of it; and make use of all
means to obtain a greater knowledge of him, and of interest in him,
which is what the apostle calls "winning" Christ; by which he means, not
getting an interest in him, that he had already, but gaining a greater
degree of knowledge of him. ~John
Gill
All these verses speaking to the purpose of this sermon:
Be a diligent thinker.
Let me close with a quote I found on the Internet:
"Watch
your thoughts. They become words. Watch your words. They become deeds.
Watch your deeds. They become habits. Watch your habits. They become
character. Character is everything."
That character, the author of quote is speaking about, is
the character of Christ. Do we want the character of Christ?
Be a deep and diligent thinker.
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