Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Awed by the Word of God

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The character of a renewed heart is profoundly marked by a deep reverence and awe for the Word of God. This transformation is a hallmark of genuine spiritual renewal, where the believer's attitude towards Scripture shifts from mere acknowledgment to profound veneration and obedience.

Reverence for Scripture

A renewed heart approaches the Bible not as a mere collection of ancient texts, but as the living and active Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 declares, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This verse encapsulates the believer's understanding that Scripture is dynamic and penetrating, capable of transforming the innermost being.

Delight in the Law of the Lord

The renewed heart finds delight in the law of the Lord, as expressed in Psalm 1:2 : "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This delight is not superficial but stems from a deep-seated appreciation for God's commandments, which are seen as life-giving and wise. The believer meditates on these truths continually, allowing them to shape thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

Trembling at His Word

Isaiah 66:2 highlights the humility and contrition of those who are truly awed by God's Word: "This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word." The renewed heart trembles at the Word of God, recognizing its authority and the weight of its truth. This trembling is not born of fear alone but of a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's holiness and sovereignty.

Obedience and Transformation

The awe inspired by God's Word naturally leads to obedience. James 1:22 exhorts believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." The renewed heart is not content with passive listening but is compelled to act upon the teachings of Scripture. This obedience is evidence of a life transformed by the power of God's Word, as the believer seeks to align every aspect of life with divine principles.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in cultivating this awe within the renewed heart. John 16:13 promises, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, enabling believers to grasp their depth and significance. This divine guidance fosters a deeper appreciation and reverence for the Word, as the Spirit reveals its truths and applies them to the believer's life.

A Source of Comfort and Hope

In times of trial and uncertainty, the renewed heart turns to Scripture as a source of comfort and hope. Romans 15:4 states, "For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope." The believer finds solace in the promises of God, trusting in His faithfulness and drawing strength from His Word.

Conclusion

The character of the renewed heart, awed by the Word of God, is a testament to the transformative power of Scripture. Through reverence, delight, trembling, obedience, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the believer's life is continually shaped and molded by the divine truths contained within the Bible.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:161
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart stands in awe of your word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Minstrel
... and Israel, whatever they might be in character, were the ... you have waited upon the
Lord, and renewed your strength. ... of the soul, and refreshes the heart with a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/the minstrel.htm

Gethsemane, the Oil-Press
... in Gethsemane with the perfection of His character as the ... prostrate form, and the
threefold prayer, renewed as each ... conflict, and at leisure of heart to care ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/gethsemane the oil-press.htm

Carey's Last Days
... being crippled otherwise than being of a character too satanic ... and awed, with a lesson
in his heart that he ... at the grave, to long for renewed intercourse with ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... by the presence of the divine benevolence renewed towards mankind ... in the faith of
the heart," and salvation ... and let him in return assume the character which we ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

Sin: Its Spring-Head, Stream, and Sea
... Depend upon it a man's after-character is very much shaped ... to the end when you have
just been renewed"why, this ... is none the less grievous to the heart of God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/sin its spring-head stream and.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... In contests of this character there is generally more or ... where it is already planted,
but renewed exertion and ... by these, the captain, whose heart burned with ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

The Greatest Trial on Record
... What character would you seek to have exhibited more ... soul, he has accepted you; he
has renewed you, or ... is a work of grace in your heart, God's divine election ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the greatest trial on record.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ...
... the pardoning love of God shed abroad in his heart. ... ever observe, covetousness formed
no part of his character. ... The order was renewed in 1816, yet from some ...
/.../chapter 4 from the close.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it ... least affect the picture of Christ's
character, but only ... With renewed faith and confidence, it returns from the ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

The Heir to the Throne
... They looked upon the old Pharaoh, renewed in youth and ... with fascination the development
of the heir's character. ... organized rebellion in the very heart of my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter v the heir to.htm