From the TeachingtheWord Bible Knowledgebase

 

Part six of a series of selections from Profiting From the Word by A. W. Pink. 

Arthur Pink poses another vital question: Is the reading and studying of God's Word producing a purging of your ways?

Thus far in this series, we have seen Arthur W. Pink address the need for the Word of God to bring about conviction of sin, sorrow over sin, confession of sin, and deepening hatred of sin in the life of the believer. In the next section of Profiting From the Word, Pink addresses the Biblical imperative to forsake sin:

An individual is spiritually profited when the Word causes a forsaking of sin. 'Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity' (2 Timothy 2:19). The more the Word is read with the definite object of discovering what is pleasing and what is displeasing to the Lord, the more will His will become known; and if our hearts are right with Him the more will our ways be conformed thereto. There will be a 'walking in the truth' (3rd John verse 4).

At the close of 2 Corinthians chapter 6 some precious promises are given to those who separate themselves from unbelievers. Observe, there, the application which the Holy Spirit makes of them. He does not say, 'Having therefore these promises, be comforted and become complacent thereby,' but 'Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit' (2 Corinthians 7:1). 'Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you' (John 15:3).

Here is another important rule by which we should frequently test ourselves: Is the reading and studying of God's Word producing a purging of my ways? Of old the question was asked, 'How can a young man cleanse his way?' and the Divine answer is 'by taking heed according to Your Word.' [Psalm 119:9] Yes, not simply by reading, believing, or memorizing it, but by the personal application of the Word to our 'way'. It is by 'taking heed' to such exhortations as 'flee fornication' (I Corinthians 6:18); 'flee from idolatry' (1 Corinthians 10:14); 'flee these things' - a covetous love for money (1 Timothy 6:10-11); 'flee also youthful lusts' (2 Timothy 2:22); that the Christian is brought into practical separation from evil. For sin has not only to be confessed but 'forsaken' (Proverbs 28:13).¹

In his first letter to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul confronted serious sin in the church's doctrine and life, head-on and unequivocally. In his second letter he gives still further corrective guidance, but Paul also rejoices that his first letter had produced all of the desired results - and they are precisely the things of which Pink has spoken of thus far: conviction of sin, sorrow over sin, confession of sin, a deepening hatred of sin, and now a forsaking of sin. The Corinthians, reproved by the Word, set about in earnest to deal with the sin among them, corporately and individually, and Paul now commends them for it:

Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you. (2 Corinthians 7:9-12)

Is the Word having this kind of an effect upon you? Upon your church? In your home?

Next: Is God's Word Fortifying You Against Sin?

References:

1. Arthur W. Pink, Profiting From the Word (Carlisle, Pennsylvania: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1970), pages 14-15.

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