CENTRAL THOUGHT
Brokenness of spirit is essential in Christian living.
HYMN: ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER.
TEXT: Psalm 51:1-19; Isaiah 6:1-8
INTRODUCTION
Ordinarily, when something is broken, its value declines or disappears altogether; broken dishes, broken bottles, broken mirrors, broken glass etc. are generally scrapped. However, it is so with regards to the spirit of man. the Bible says, “…a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise”, Psalm 51:17. Thus God puts a premium on a man with a broken spirit. The man whose spirit is totally yielded and surrendered to God does not go un-noticed by God. Such a man allows God’s Spirit direct his own spirit and his heart (attitude, lifestyle) is “tailored” in meekness and “laced” with humility.
It must be noted that God is not usually pleased with outward actions if the heart is not right. In our relationship with God, we all need to have this broken spirit, that is a heart that are yielded in total surrender to Him.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
- To understand what a broken spirit means.
- know how an individual may become broken in spirit.
- Examine some of the traits in the life of someone with a broken spirit.
- consider some individuals who showed brokenness in spirit.
- appreciate the benefits of having a broken spirit.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY A BROKEN SPIRIT? PSALM 51:16-17
Man is made up of body, soul and spirit. The body is the house of the soul and spirit and goes back to dust again at death (Genesis 3:19) and becomes immortal in the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-58. the soul refers generally to the emotions, passions, feelings, desires and appetites of an individual. the spirit of man refers to the intellect, will, mind, conscience and other invisible faculties that make him a free moral agent and rational being. Both the soul and spirit of man are immortal. They are so closely related that it is difficult to bring out in fine details the differences between them. Generally we can say that the spirits is that which knows and the soul is that which feels. Thus the spirit of man determines who he is and reveals his real person to the world around him.
The natural man manifests pride, arrogance, self centeredness, etc. the desires of the flesh rules his spirit. The spirit of the natural man is surrendered to the pursuit of selfish interests and the desires of the flesh to the detriment of his soul and body. However, there is a difference in lifestyle when hat spirit becomes ‘broken’. A broken spirit is oriented towards God and His ways. Thus a ‘broken spirit’ describes the spirit of a man who has been transformed by the HOLY SPIRIT and is totally yielded to GOD. The man with a a broken spirit submits his will to the will of GOD. Humility/meekness characterizes the lifestyle of the man whose spirit is broken. The spirit of such a man is surrendered to GOD and the HOLY SPIRIT puts HIS seal upon that man.
Q2. HOW DOES AN INDIVIDUAL BECOME BROKEN IN SPIRIT?
Part of our lesson text reads, “Behold, I was sharpen in iniquity; and bin sin did my mother conceive me”, Psalm 51:5. a man is born with a spirit that is inclined towards sin resulting in a life that manifests all forms of ungodliness. The desires of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21) rule the spirit of the natural man. it is only transformation by the HOLY SPIRIT that can change the orientation of that man. this happens when the individual accepts the LORD JESUS CHRIST as his personal LORD and SAVIOR. The individual knowingly and willingly surrenders himself to CHRIST and from that point onward in his/her life the HOLY SPIRIT inhabits the spirit of that individual and bears witness with his/her spirit the he/she is now a child of GOD (Romans 8:16). This is how an individual becomes broken in spirit.
The natural spirit is done away with a new life with a spirit oriented towards GOD surrendered to HIS ways begins. This is how an individual becomes broken in spirit.
Q3. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TRAITS THAT CAN BE OBSERVED IN THE LIFE OF SOMEONE WITH A BROKEN SPIRIT?
- Acknowledging one’s sin/faults (Psalm 51:1-5).
A man with a broken spirit does not hide his sin; rather he acknowledges them and seeks GOD’s forgiveness.
- Confession and repentance (Psalm 32:5).
In addition to acknowledging his sins and accepting his faults, a man with a broken spirit confesses them to GOD. He genuinely repents and seeks GOD’s forgiveness.
- Acknowledges GOD’s holiness and justice (Psalm 51:4).
The man that has a broken spirit acknowledges that GOD is “all righteous”. GOD is holy, righteous and excellent in all HIS ways. Any sin is against HIM and HE exercises justice in punishing the evil doer but HE responds in mercy to the sinner who confesses his sins, genuinely repents and puts faith in CHRIST, HIS only begotten SON whom HE gave for the sin’s of mankind.
- Restitution (Luke 19:8).
Where necessary, a man with a broken spirit makes restitution. He tries to put right what he has done wrong, e.g. return of stolen items.
- A forgiving spirit (Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 18:21-35; Luke 17:3-4).
When a man’s spirit is broken, he finds it easy to forgive. A man with a broken spirit walks in love and does not keep record of wrongs.
- Leaves vengeance to GOD.
The believer with a broken spirit does seek revenge, He leaves all vengeance to GOD who declares in HIS word, ‘vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord’, Romans 12:17, 19-21; 1 Peter 2:22).
- Honoring others above self (Genesis 13:1-13, Philippians 2:3, Romans 12:10).
When a man is broken in spirit, he does not seek self glory. He hardly talks about himself; rather he honors others above himself; rather he honors others above himself and above all, his desire is to honor GOD and bring glory yo GOD’s name.
- Exhibits humility and meekness.
Humility/Meekness are visible traits of a man with a brother spirit.
- Desire for holiness (Psalm 51:7, 10-11).
The man who is broken in spirit has but one desire – to live for GOD and please HIM.
- Dependence on GOD.
John 15:5 declares, “I am the vine, ye are the branches, He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without me ye can do nothing”.
A man broken in spirit knows that he can do nothing of himself and so he must depend absolutely on GOD. He knows that God will make all things work together for his good, Romans 8:28.
- Proclaiming the gospel (Psalm 51:13).
A man with a broken spirit will gladly tell others about his experience of GOD’s salvation.
Q4. CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES IN SCRIPTURE OF SOME PERSONS WHO EXHIBITED BROKENNESS IN SPIRIT?
- Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4, 18:10, 22:1-14).
GOD called Abraham to follow HIM and in simple obedience, Abraham followed. In Hebrews :8 we read, “By faith Abraham, when he was called out to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed, and he went out, not knowing whither he went. “This obedience to the call of GOD is and indication of a man who has submitted his will to that of GOD,a manifestation of a broken spirit. In Genesis 13:1-12, Abraham demonstrated selflessness in resolving the conflict between his herdsmen and those of Lot and in Genesis 22 Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to GOD’s demand and as a demonstration of his love for GOD. These are all indications of a man with a broken spirit whose life is totally surrendered to GOD.
- Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-8).
When Isaiah saw the manifestation of the presence and glory of GOD, he cried, “…who is me, for I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips, and dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the king, the Lord of hosts, Isaiah 6:5. Isaiah was broken in spirit at the sight of GOD’s glory. Isaiah’s emptiness dawned on him and he was very willing to do GOD’s bidding.
- Peter (Luke 5:1-11).
The people were eager to hear the word of God and so the LORD sat in the ship belonging to Simon Peter and taught the people: When HE had finished speaking, he asked Peter to cast his net into the water so that he could catch some fish. Peter stated that they had toiled all night and couldn’t catch any fish but that he would obey the Master’s word.
when he did, he was amazed at the quantity of fish they caught. Peter suddenly realized his sinful state and that he did not deserve to stand in the presence of the LORD and so required that the LORD JESUS should depart from him. ‘When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at JESUS’ knees, saying, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord’, Like 5:8. Peter was broken in spirit and at the end, himself and those who were with him (James and John) forsook all and followed HIM. ‘And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all ad followed Him’, Luke 5:11.
- Paul (Philippians 3:10-14).
Paul experienced ‘broken in spirit’ on his way to Damascus (Acts 9:1-8) and from then onward his desire became to know the LORD and the power of HIS resurrection. Paul never saw himself as having achieved anything but he pressed on in the faith with the singular desire of pleasing the MASTER whom he had come to know. Paul was willing to suffer for the MASTER and HIS gospel; an indication of a spirit that is broken and totally yielded to the will of the LORD JESUS.
Q5. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT MAINTAINING SOUND DOCTRINE?
The benefit of having broken spirit are too numerous to mention. Some of the earthly benefits include the assurances of GOD’s presence always and the peace, joy and satisfaction that comes to the heart of an individual who knows he has done(and is, doing) the will of GOD. These un-quantifiable assurance, peace, joy and satisfaction are beyond human understanding.
Also, a man who is broken in spirit will have his prayers answered and his needs met. Trials and temptation may come his way but GOD delivers him from all of them (1 Corinthians 10:13). The individual whose spirit is surrendered to the dictates of the HOLY SPIRIT will enjoy divine health. When we pattern our lives along the pathway os scripture, we will certainly enjoy divine health (3 John v2). The pathway of scripture includes being broken in spirit.
The man with a broken spirit will receive eternal rewards. He/She will reign with the MASTER in eternity.
The crown of life, crown of righteousness etc., await such an individual in eternity (2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:7, 10-11, 17, 26-28, 3:5, 12, 21). At the end of life, the man with a broken spirit will hear the voice of the MASTER saying,’well done, though good and faithful servant’, Matthew 25:21.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
The man with a ‘broken spirit’ is quick to repent. He does not gloss over sin or try to sweep it under the carpet. He not only bears wrong patiently, but also rewards every wrong with kindness. Meekness/Humility remains trademarks of a believer who is broken in spirit. Brokenness of spirit manifested in total surrender to GOD, HIS will and HIS purpose)ought to be a visible trait in a believer’s life.
MEMORY VERSE:
Psalm 51:17
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O GOD, thou wilt not despise.”