APR 17

James 1:21-27
Memorise Micah 6:8
“To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God”

The late Rev. Timothy Tow, founder of the B.P. Movement in Singapore and the Far Eastern Bible College, often related this quote by John Calvin to his theology students. It is said that when asked about what requirements one must have in studying theology, John Calvin’s reply was, “Humility, humility and humility.” None of us can say that we are humble enough, and so we must constantly seek the Lord for humility and more humility.

In the study of God’s Word, humility is most needed. First we need humility to examine ourselves and honestly confess our many sins and evil conduct before the Lord. Sins are filthy, loathsome and detestable in God’s sight and we should have abhorrence to it. Once we have such an attitude and seek to cleanse ourselves of a mind full of sensuality and wickedness, we are able to receive truth with greater force. As James 1:21 clearly tells us, we must first lay apart all filthiness and sin first, before we can begin to receive God’s Word. Purity of heart and mind is the best preparation always for seeing and receiving truth. Without humility, a proud person would always approach God’s Word with a “not me!” attitude, deliberately ignoring all calls to repentance and refusing to have his sins pointed out in the flawless mirror of Scripture.

A humble spirit thus receives the Word of God with meekness. Meekness, gentleness, docility, are vitally required in receiving the instructions of God’s Word. When we approach the Bible with such a manner, then the Word of God will be firmly engrafted or implanted in us, leading to fruits of righteousness, to the glory of God.

Dear teens, are you proud of your human intellect and wisdom, causing you to question what God says in His Word? It is time to say to yourself that if God says it, I will believe it. Don’t doubt anymore. As you prayerfully meditate on what God says in His Word more and more, you will soon find that you cannot deny the supreme truth it holds.

Thought: Humility is true greatness.
Prayer: Lord, teach me that pride goes before a fall and before honour is humility.