How can we ensure God's laws are not "considered a stranger" in our hearts? Setting the Stage: Hosea 8:12 “Though I wrote for them My myriad laws, they regarded them as something alien.” God’s people had His word in writing, yet it felt foreign to them. The danger is the same today if we let the Scriptures slip to the margins of life. Why Israel Treated the Law as ‘Alien’ - They preferred surrounding culture’s idols (Hosea 8:4–6). - Worship became mechanical, not relational (Hosea 6:6). - Prosperity dulled their sense of dependence on the Lord (Hosea 10:1). These patterns still turn hearts cold, making God’s commands seem strange rather than familiar. Guarding against Familiarity Drift Today - Remember the word is God-breathed and profitable for every area of life (2 Timothy 3:16). - Recognize Scripture as living and active, always addressing us personally (Hebrews 4:12). - Reject the myth that modern life has outgrown ancient commands (Psalm 119:89). Practices that Keep the Word at Home in Us Daily Intake • Read aloud; hearing anchors truth (Romans 10:17). • Follow a steady plan so no section of Scripture feels “foreign.” Memorization & Meditation • Store verses in the heart (Psalm 119:11). • Mull over a phrase throughout the day (Psalm 1:2). Conversation • Talk about Scripture at meals, commutes, bedtimes (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Share discoveries with friends; teaching reinforces learning (Colossians 3:16). Application • Ask, “What do I obey today?” then act (James 1:22). • Journal answered prayer and changed attitudes—seeing fruit keeps the word familiar. Worship • Sing songs rich in Scripture (Ephesians 5:19). • Celebrate the Lord’s Table remembering the covenant written in Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20). Community Accountability • Small groups that read whole books together. • Encourage one another daily so no one is hardened by sin’s deceit (Hebrews 3:13). Signs the Law Is Becoming a Stranger - Verses once loved now rarely surface in thought. - Conviction feels dull; excuses come quickly. - Other voices (media, peers) set values more than Scripture. - Obedience becomes selective and sporadic. Christ, the Fulfillment of the Law Jesus embodied perfect obedience (Matthew 5:17). Union with Him writes the law on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 10:16). The closer we walk with Christ, the more natural His commands feel. Taking the Next Step Choose one practice above to begin or renew this week. A consistent, affectionate relationship with Scripture keeps God’s laws from ever feeling like strangers within us. |
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