| |
Sermon:
Habitude and Echo
by Chris Cumming
printer-friendly
MP3
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.
.
|
|