Mentoring Men for the Master

THE CASE FOR “INTERNALIZING THE WORD”

What is the CASE  for Internalizing the Word of God?  The sole purpose of Mentoring Men for the Master, Int’l. is to equip men to  “Internalize God’s Word.  But why is “internalizing the Word” so very important?

To answer this question, we need to ask and answer 5 simple questions:

  1. What does it mean to “Internalize the Word?”  It means to get the Word on the inside of us – in the mind, the heart, the life – thereby enabling the Holy Spirit to take the Word, to change our minds to think godly,  and transform us into the image of Christ.” (Romans 8:29).
  2. Why should every believer “Internalize the Word?”
    1. The command of God demands it (Joshua 1:8; James 1:21-25).
    2. The need of the believer requires it.  God’s predestined purpose for every believer is “to conform to the image of Christ” (Romans 8:29) and the method God prescribes for this to take place is to “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7b NASB).
    3. Those who “conform to the image of Christ” are fulfilling  God’s purpose for their lives; otherwise, they are misusing or wasting their lives.
  3. How does one “Internalize the Word?”
    1. He must Know it in the head by diligent study (2 Tim. 2:15)
    2. He must Stow it in his heart by memorization and meditation (Joshua 1:8; James 1:21-25).  Our rule:  “Memorizing is hard by the yard, but a cinch by the inch.”
    3. He must Show it in his life by obeying its teachings (1 John 2:3-4).
    4. He must Sow it in his world by his witness (Phil. 1:6 NIV); Psalm 126:5-6_
  4. What are the “generic” results of “Internalizing the Word?”
    1. Intimacy with the triune God – John 14:21
    2. The fullness of the Holy Spirit – Acts 5:32.
    3. Overflowing joy – John 15:11.
    4. Answered prayer – John 15:7
    5. Assurance that you are a true disciple of Jesus – John 8:31-32.
  5. What are the “personal” results?   “Internalizing the Word” saved my marriage, my ministry, and changed my life.” (Young Pastor).  “I never thought of being the spiritual head of my family until I began to “Internalize the Word.”  (member of staff of MMM) “I attended church regularly for 25 years, but never knew how to be a father or husband until I began to “Internalize the Word.” (Sunday School Teacher)