Topical Bible: The Law of God: Saints: Prepare Their Hearts to Seek

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The concept of preparing one's heart to seek the Law of God is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and devotion in the life of a believer. This preparation is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual discipline that aligns the heart with God's will and purposes.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible underscores the necessity of seeking God with a prepared heart. In 2 Chronicles 12:14, we read about King Rehoboam: "And he did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD." This verse highlights the direct correlation between the condition of one's heart and one's actions. The failure to prepare one's heart to seek God leads to a life that strays from His commandments.

Conversely, Ezra is commended for his dedication to the Law of God. Ezra 7:10 states, "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel." Ezra's example illustrates the comprehensive nature of preparing one's heart: it involves studying, practicing, and teaching God's Law.

The Role of the Heart

In biblical terms, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." The heart's condition is crucial in the pursuit of God's Law, as it determines the believer's ability to understand and apply divine truths.

The preparation of the heart is an act of worship and submission. Psalm 119:10-11 declares, "With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." This passage reveals the intimate connection between seeking God and internalizing His Word, which serves as a safeguard against sin.

Practical Application

For the saints, preparing the heart to seek God's Law involves several practical steps:

1. Prayer and Meditation: Engaging in regular prayer and meditation on Scripture is essential. Psalm 119:18 pleads, "Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law." Through prayer, believers invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate their understanding and guide their study.

2. Repentance and Humility: Acknowledging one's sins and approaching God with a humble heart is vital. Isaiah 66:2b states, "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word." Repentance clears the way for a deeper relationship with God.

3. Obedience and Application: James 1:22 exhorts, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." True preparation involves not only hearing God's Word but also putting it into practice in daily life.

4. Community and Accountability: Engaging with a community of believers provides support and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together."

Conclusion

The preparation of the heart to seek the Law of God is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires dedication, humility, and a sincere desire to know and follow the Lord. Through prayer, study, and community, believers can cultivate hearts that are attuned to God's will, enabling them to live lives that reflect His righteousness and truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Ministry and Prayer
... His saints are under it, and even His angels are ... or excused from obedience to the
law of prayer ... the secret of their religious experience and communion with God. ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/vii the ministry and prayer.htm

God's Law Immutable.
... And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and
power was given him over ... The papacy has attempted to change the law of God. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /25 gods law immutable.htm

God's Law Immutable
... And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and
power was given him over ... The papacy has attempted to change the law of God. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 25 gods law immutable.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... brethren, while they neglect the kingly dignity of the saints! ... of the Lord, and in
his law doth meditate ... and night, in earnest supplication to God for their ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... is resisted; God is daily dishonored; his law violated; he ... the hopes and comforts
of the saints, because you ... excellency, and pleasure of serving God, and labor ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... Must they wilfully transgress my law, and I undergo their ... How many of the precious
servants of God, of all ... Enoch and Elijah, which of the saints have escaped ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... hair, as so many summoners, bid thee prepare for thy ... offend in one point of the law"
(wilfully) "is ... This all God's saints, whilst they lived here, knew well ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... All immediately begin to prepare for battle ... works shall praise Thee, O Lord; and
Thy saints shall bless ... a witness that with the existence of God's law is bound ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm

And Bring us not into Temptation but Deliver us from Evil
... servile and base than was seemly in Saints, have fallen ... they find many such passages
in the Law and the ... Through hearkening unto God let us become worthy to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter xix and bring us.htm

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ...
... In this way must the saints press onward, since, however ... same effect, our Saviour
declares, that "the law and the ... since that time the kingdom of God is preached ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 the law given.htm