We need no instruction in the way of sin.

Posted : 13 Mar, 2013 02:35 AM

Psalm 119: 33. Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.





We need no instruction in the way of sin. That has been our

way, ever since Adam "sought out his own invention." The

ungodly "desire no knowledge of the way of God's statutes."

The heart leads the judgment, and "their heart is enmity to the

law of God." But for a child of God, this is a prayer for

constant use. The outward revelation is of no avail without the

inward teaching. The Divine Instructor must interpret and

apply His own rule. However plain the word may be, the

darkness must be removed from the understanding. Light will

not show an object, except the faculty of sight be given. A

blind man cannot see at noonday. We know nothing

spiritually, except as we are taught of God. The more we are

taught, the more we feel our need of teaching, and the more

pressing will be our cries for this invaluable blessing. The

blind man must be led in the plainest and most direct, as well

as in the more difficult and rugged paths. And thus do we

need the shining of light from above-not only in the "deep

things of God"-but for the reception of the most elementary

truths. And yet we want not this knowledge for its own sake-to

feed pride or speculation-but for its practical influence. For of

what avail is the discovery even of important truth, if we be not

molded into its likeness, and constrained "into the obedience

of faith?" The connection of every thought with Christian

practice, here directed to its proper end, is a most striking

proof of the Divine origin of the statutes. The most clear

instructions for the regulation of our conduct flow from single

sentences or expressions in these "statutes;" and this clearly

proves an infinite wisdom in their distribution, a reference in

the eternal mind to every detail of practical duty, and a Divine

power and unction, applying the word to the several

circumstances of daily conduct. For, indeed, what mind but the mind of God could have comprehended in so small a

compass such a vast system of instruction? In this view,

therefore, the Lord's teaching becomes the spring of

obedience. For how can we "keep" a way, which we do not

understand? And who was ever "taught the way of the Lord's

statutes," who had not his heart constrained and directed by

their spiritual beauty and sweetness? In this path we realize

union with the Savior; "the love of God is perfected in us;" and

our confidence is established before God.

The object nearest to the believer's heart, and which causes

him many an anxious-and too often many an unbelieving

thought-is the grace of perseverance. Now the Lord's teaching

is the principle of perseverance. It is "the light of life,"

enlightening the mind, and quickening the heart. Under this

influence, therefore, we live-we endure-we cannot fail of

keeping the way unto the end. Thus the end crowns the work.

For with this blessing of perseverance, is sealed to us the

hope of victory over our spiritual enemies, and the

participation of our Savior's glory. Confidence, indeed, without

prayer and dependence upon our glorious Head, is most

daring presumption. But that "well-ordered and sure

covenant," which "is all our salvation, and all our desire,"

engages for our continuance in "the way of the Lord's

statutes." "I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not

depart from Me. I will put My law in their inward parts, and

write it in their hearts: and I will be their God, and they shall be

My people."





by

Charles Bridges

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