Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:20
God had shown up on Mount Sinai, and as we’ve read, the people of Israel were incredibly frightened. They had told Moses that they only wanted him to talk to God, and then he could tell them what God said. God led Moses to respond to the people in Exodus 20:20, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.” Moses lets the people know that they don’t need to be afraid of God. He also told them that God came the way He did to test the people so they would have a healthy fear/reverence for Him to keep them from committing sin. God still wants us to live a life free from sin, but it’s a little different for us as Christians. We should still have a healthy reverence for God because He deserves it, but God wants us to stay away from sin due to passionately loving Him and His Word. God asks a question and then answers the question in Psalm 119:9, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.” We stay away from sin when we walk in obedience to God and His Word; that is why God then tells us in Psalm 119:11, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” We must store up/treasure God and His Word, for that is what keeps us from sinning.
Challenge & Application
· How has God tested you at times to teach you to passionately pursue Him and His Word?
· How are you currently storing up and treasuring God’s Word so that you are more guarded against sinning?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!