The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 70-1, titled "Bible Questions and Answers."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.

Question

In Psalm 119, it says, "Your testimonies are full of wonder: therefore my soul observes them." And in 2 Peter it says, "If moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness; and love are increasing, you will not be unfruitful." So, the question is, "Is the increasing spiritual awareness and meditation of the treasures of God's Word the requirement for a truly obedient walk?"

Answer

I think it is. I think that obedience is a direct product of meditation on the Word of God. I do not think that you can behave in a certain way independent of how you think. I do think you will behave in accord with how you think, and you think on the Word of God and you behave in response to that. No question about that, a continual growing, meditating on the Word of God is going to alter your behavior. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."