Christian Meditation
Cal Erickson teaches that Christian meditation is a consistent, Christ-centered practice that deepens our relationship with God and leads to spiritual fruitfulness and blessing.
In this sermon, Cal Erickson explores the biblical practice of Christian meditation, emphasizing its distinctiveness from Eastern meditation. He encourages believers to develop a consistent and thoughtful meditation habit that centers on God's Word and deepens their relationship with Jesus Christ. Drawing from Psalm 1 and the example of Daniel, Erickson highlights the spiritual benefits of meditation, including worship, fruitfulness, and blessing. This teaching invites listeners to embrace meditation as a vital part of their spiritual growth.
Full Transcript
Please open our Bibles to Psalm 1. Brother Al exhorted us to try to leave two things in our message. Well, there's at least one thing I want to talk about. Psalm 1, and only for context, verse 1, blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Now here's my two verses. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bring forth his fruit in his season.
His life also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. If we were going to pursue something, we should pursue meditation as believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. And what I'm going to give you is experiential knowledge of this topic.
We, as young people, sometimes think of meditation, and we think of Eastern meditation that has nothing to do with Christian meditation. But let me explain. Because the Eastern meditation will take your mind and try to empty it of all the troubles and cares of this life, that you'll be free from it.
That's not it. So put that out of your mind. But what Christian meditation is, it's our minds are filled with Christ.
Thinking of Daniel, who through all of his life would read the scriptures that he had on hand, and he would be in prayer and meditation and supplication to his God over it. Meditation for the believer should not be rushed. Meditation for the believer should be consistent.
And let God develop themes from the Word of God that you've read, or the Word of God that's been ministered unto you. Let God speak to you. Meditation is a relationship with the God of heaven, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The meditation is considering him and talking with him. And sometimes it has the idea of being silent and letting him open up as a morning blossom the beauties that are found in the Lord Jesus Christ. It's something to be practiced.
It's something that will produce worship. It's something that'll glorify the Lord Jesus in your heart. Meditation.
Meditation. Again. Meditation.
Develop it. Practice it. You will be blessed by God.
Because it says, his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in this season. His leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
May God bless you. May you install and practice meditation in your lives consistently.
Sermon Outline
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I. Introduction to Christian Meditation
- Contrast with Eastern meditation
- Focus on filling the mind with Christ
- Meditation as a biblical practice
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II. Biblical Example of Meditation
- Daniel's consistent prayer and meditation
- Meditation rooted in scripture
- Supplication and reflection
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III. The Practice of Meditation
- Meditation should not be rushed
- Letting God reveal themes from His Word
- Meditation as a relationship with God
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IV. Benefits of Meditation
- Produces worship and glorifies Christ
- Leads to spiritual fruitfulness
- Brings blessing and prosperity
Key Quotes
“Christian meditation is not about emptying your mind, but filling it with Christ.” — Cal Erickson
“Meditation is a relationship with the God of heaven, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” — Cal Erickson
“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.” — Cal Erickson
Application Points
- Set aside regular, unhurried time daily to meditate on Scripture and reflect on God's Word.
- Focus your mind on Christ during meditation rather than trying to empty your thoughts.
- Allow meditation to deepen your worship and relationship with God, producing spiritual fruit in your life.