Learn, Obey, Teach
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the
Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
Ezra 7:10 (NIV)
The New American Standard Version reads “For Ezra had set his
heart…” and
The Contemporary English Version says “Ezra had spent his entire
life studying and obeying the Law of the Lord and teaching it to others”.
The KJV and the NKJV reads that “Ezra had prepared his heart…”
Notice that the beginning of study and preparation to serve the Lord begins
in the heart. In the mind of each of us we determine and purpose to dedicate
ourselves to learning about God and doing what He wants us to do. This purpose
in life is three-fold, but begins in our minds. We need to learn about God and
what God speaks to us, and the reason is so that we can please God. This is
done by our obedience to His commands, decrees, statutes, testimonies, laws,
etc. And once we learn to obey God, our duty is to share what we know about
God with others. Matthew 5:16 says “…Let your light so shine
before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which
is in heaven.” See, our purpose in this life is to glorify God
and give Him the glory. Our example and influence should cause others to do
the same thing. What Ezra purposed to learn was the Law of the Lord. That is
what the Bible is. We should also desire and make it a lifelong effort to learn
and know what the Bible teaches, so that we can follow its teachings and eventually
let our light shine that others will be encouraged to do the same thing. Our
world will be a better place when we show more respect for God and His word
in our little corner of the world. You may not do anything that affects people
in other places, but you do have a lot to do with those around you. If you claim
to be a Christian, do you develop your faith as Ezra did? James 4:17 says that
to know the right thing to do, and not do it is the same as committing sin.
The right thing is to learn God’s laws and obey them and teach others
how to obey them. Why not follow the Bible and begin your spiritual journey
again. Let us help you. To start, you must do it God’s way.
You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the
cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37). You must repent of your sins
(Luke 13:3) you must confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32)
and you must be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts
2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful and continue learning (2
Peter 3:18). May God bless you in your study of His word.
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By Carey Scott via the Madisonville Meteor, 5/21/2008
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