Recently while reading Psalm 12, the following verses stood out to me …
Psalm 12: 1 Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
Psalm 12: 6 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
I recalled the instruction we have from God to exhort one another daily so we won’t be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3: 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Exhort: to urge earnestly by advice, warning, etc. to do what is proper or required; admonish strongly
It is by the word from God, brought forth by the Holy Spirit, that we exhort one another. These exhortations are one way God “preserves” those who sincerely consider these words and conform their lives to these words. Even as we live in the midst of those who follow after things of this world, we are kept from going in the ways of this world and urged to continue in the ways of God … “preserved” from our generation.
Preserve:
-To keep from harm, injury, danger, evil
-To protect; save
-To keep from spoiling or rotting
In exhorting one another daily, we’re urged to deal in truth, integrity and charity, rather than doing whatever it takes to “get ahead” in this world. We’re warned against trusting in ourselves but to, rather, trust in God for all of our needs. We’re encouraged to turn to God with all of our cares, and continue in the word we believe God has given us. We’re warned about tricks of the devil. We’re reminded of the promises of God and of how temporary this world is. And we’re strengthened and encouraged as we share with each other how God has helped and kept us in the various matters we face.
Titus 2: 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
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