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Sola Day 15 My Reformation

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 12:1-8 
Romans 10:14-15
Psalm 119:1-16

Sola, Day 15

Last fall, I began reading a biography on Martin Luther (and friends, by “read” I mean “listen to” because I’m a single mama to three little girls and … multitasking). I read about Luther proclaiming “Sola” truths, contradicting the Roman Catholic Church, and igniting a movement that would change history.

The reformation was monumental in church history, shaping even our churches today. Likewise, we each have the opportunity to undergo our own “mini-reformation” as we study Scripture and build our lives on the Solas of biblical faith.

How do we approach our “reformations”?
We ask vital questions about each Sola and see where we stand.
We examine whether we reject or accept the teachings of Scripture.

Let’s check-in with one another.
I will be honest as I answer, and I ask you to give yourself permission for complete honesty as well. No condemnation. Let’s just recognize where our hearts still need reformation.

Sola Scriptura: By Scripture Alone
The Bible is the sole infallible source of authority and the Word of God, and shall not be added to or taken from. It was written by men, but inspired by the Holy Spirit, and all truths we need for our spiritual lives are found in the Bible alone. 

Are we allowing the Bible to be our main source of wisdom and authority?
Do we seek wisdom elsewhere, first and most?
Whose words dictate what is right or wise?

Many books are written by Christians, but many who claim that title believe their own version of “God” rather than the God of the Bible, or they may twist truth just a bit so it makes us feel happier. Only by deeply knowing God’s Word are we able to discern genuine Scriptural truth.

So I ask, do we place more weight on Christian books or the Bible?
I’m in the middle of a wonderful book called “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.”
It’s phenomenal and I can’t recommend it enough!
But if I’m honest, some days, I’ve prioritized this book above the Bible.

How about you?
What’s your honest answer?

Sola Fide: By Faith Alone
We are saved through faith alone. We are neither covered by another’s faith, nor can we bargain our way to salvation. God will accept no bribe, because all we can offer are appearances of righteousness. The only acceptable offering to God is humble, honest faith, which is itself a gift from God.

If grace is God freely extending salvation by His hand, faith alone is our hand reaching out to touch His, accepting His gift.

Sola Fida enraged the Catholic church as it condemned their common practice of requiring penance and purchasing indulgences to reduce their punishment for sin.

Instead, Luther dared assert that even our very best efforts are sin-stained worthlessness before our utterly holy God. Only Jesus’ propitiatory death could pay the life-debt of our sins, and only our faith in Him connects us to the power of His resurrection to bring forgiveness for our sins.

So let’s do a little faith check-in, sisters.
Do you find yourself bargaining with God?

I’ve seen incredible growth in my faith over the last few years, but I’ve also been praying some big, hard, monumental prayers, and when it comes to these prayers? That faith waivers. I want to be sure my trust is in God alone, not in something feeble I try to offer Him as an exchange for what I want.

Have you ever attempted to manipulate God?

Sola Gratia: By Grace Alone
We are saved through God’s grace alone. There is nothing we could ever do to save ourselves.
Grace is God, who paid everything for our redemption, offering salvation to us for free. We cannot earn it. 

Sometimes, we do “good things” because we are trying to earn God’s favor. We believe by praying a certain way, or giving a certain amount, we somehow earn the smile of God.

I most often get caught in this trap with people; I equate the number of people who like me to the amount of grace God extends. It sounds silly as I type, but I said I’d be honest.

How about you?

Solus Christus: Through Christ Alone
Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone. There is no one else who can save. Jesus is fully God and fully man. 

Do you believe this?

The temptation is to give some authority to our own opinion or others in the Church? What if we modify the Jesus of the Bible to make Him more appealing or more tolerant? My temptation is to make Jesus less jealous for my heart than He actually is. I will choose to turn to books, music, or mind-numbing activities before turning to Christ.

How are you tempted to water down the Jesus of the Bible?

Soli Deo Gloria: For the Glory of God Alone
The work of salvation was done by God alone, therefore He alone receives glory. Any good fruit my life bears is due entirely to Christ’s lifeblood flowing within my veins.

But is it?
Or are we focused on our own glory?

When I lead worship, write Journey studies, or prepare a meal for friends, is it for my own glory, or for Him? Sometime last year, I did a heart-check on this topic and realized just how off I was. As I shared with a friend how part of me was engaging in these activities for self-glorifying reasons, she encouraged me to keep ministering, serving, and loving while asking God to transform my heart. Let’s ask for a heart like Jesus, who was focused completely on His Father receiving all glory.

How about you?

Sisters, it’s been a challenging three weeks on this study!
Let’s be encouraged by the growth we’ve experienced, but let’s also leave here challenged to live out the truths we’ve unpacked, allowing them to continue to reform our hearts just like they did Martin Luther and the Church of old.

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Sola Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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The GT Weekend! ~ Sola Week 2

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Sometimes, it takes a simple question to make us stop and wrestle with what we actually think. Wrestling with truth is rarely enjoyable, almost always making us uncomfortable, but it’s extremely necessary for maturity. What do you actually believe about how someone is saved? Or maybe it’s asking, “what do you believe happens after death?”. Or perhaps, “can you lose your salvation?”. If we are comfortable with our answer, we must ask ourselves the follow up, “how do you know that’s true?”.  These questions should make us squirm in our chairs until we can do the hard work of study and understanding the why behind what we believe. Will our belief system hold up? Keep in mind that truth remains true, regardless of whether we assent to it or not. When it comes to salvation and life after death, what do you know to be true? Explore it out until you find good answers!

2) How does it make you feel to know Scripture teaches we can be saved through faith alone? Nothing we can do can earn extra favor with God. We can’t manipulate the “smile of God” on our lives. Further, Scripture says even the ability to have that faith is itself a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8) Knowing there is nothing we can do to win God’s glance or blessing, does this evoke feelings of being incredibly loved, or do you feel angry frustration at being faced with inability? If you feel offended, that’s okay, and natural, as humans we are offended when we are told our work isn’t good enough. What would it look like for you to explore a love so vast it would encompass you if you simply surrendered to it? Where do you need a love like that in your life? Where are you pushing against it?

3) Have you ever wondered if there are many roads to God? Suppose Jesus was just a good man? What if Joseph Smith is equally valid as Jesus when it comes to prophecy? What if Jesus is close to God, but not quite as powerful as God? If the apostle Paul, who saw the resurrected Jesus with his own eyes, were sitting with us today, he would expound with excited animation, “If Christ has not been raised, our faith is worthless and we are still in our sins!” (1 Corinthians 15:17) He would further say, “If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him!” (Galatians 1:9) He said these things because there simply is no other gospel! Only a perfect being who was fully human, lived the human life absolutely perfectly could be offered as a sacrifice. The only way to live that perfect life was if the Being was fully divine. Only God Himself could atone for the debt of payment owed because of sin. There is only one who fits this description, Jesus Christ. What do you believe about Jesus? Get a sheet of paper and set a timer for 90 seconds then write as many beliefs about Jesus as you can get out before the timer goes off. Commit to studying the Bible more in depth to better know this human man who was God Himself!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from 2 Timothy 3:16-17 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Prayer Journal
Lord God, I admit that I get tossed around in my thinking when it comes to lining up what I say I believe, with what I actually believe. It’s easy to say You are good all the time, but when difficulty hits, do I still live like I fully believe You are good? Lord, how deeply I need the anchor of truth in my everyday life so I will not be swayed by other’s powerfully stated opinions, or even by own feelings. Teach me Your Word, Lord. Tune my ear to listen to Your voice. Teach my hands and lips and life choices to reflect the truth You’ve made clear through Your Word. As I learn more, Lord, make me more bold to speak truth and live it out in everyday life!

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Neighbor Day 9 Reaching Beyond Isolation: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Reaching Beyond Isolation!

The Questions

1) Why is this lawyer asking questions of Jesus?

2) Although Jesus never directly answers the man’s question, what can we gather from His answer about our neighbors?

3) During the story Jesus told, He used three characters; what is the importance of the three characters He used?

4) Why is Jesus’ command at the end so important then and today?

Luke 10: 25-37

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Original Intent

1) Why is this lawyer asking questions of Jesus?
There were many who questioned Jesus throughout his ministry, especially religious leaders of the day, as well as those who simply did not understand what Jesus was doing. In the verses just before this passage Jesus is celebrating with a group He has empowered and sent out to do to ministry. They are celebrating over the work that has been accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit through them. As they rejoice, Jesus reminds them there will be those who will not understand, nor see, or hear as they do. On the heels of that conversation, this lawyer stands up and asks, “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”. In Jesus’ answer, Jesus emphasizes His point to the disciple about people missing the message of hope even though they are hearing it. While the lawyer answers the question according to the law, he entirely misses the point Jesus was making, which why the lawyer follows up with another question, “And who is my neighbor?”. Luke tells us the lawyer seeks to justify his own actions by seeking a point of clarification rather than embracing the fullness of hope Jesus offers.

2) Although Jesus never directly answers the man’s question, what can we gather from His answer about our neighbors?
Jesus tells a story, called a parable, to answer the lawyer’s question. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus used them often to answers questions such as these. Through this story we gather that, as follower of Christ, we should show compassion, mercy, and hospitality to our neighbors. We can also understand that our neighbor isn’t just the person who lives next door to us, but rather anyone we happen upon in our goings and comings, whether they are permanent fixtures in our life, or just in our lives for a season.

3) During the story Jesus told, He used three characters; what is the importance of the three characters He used?
Although the three characters may have little connection to present day, when Jesus was telling this story His three characters had significant impact on His audience. The priest and Levites were the Jewish religious leaders of the day who had great knowledge of the Law of God and were regarded as the leaders of the Jewish people, both politically and spiritually. The Samaritans where considered “half-breeds”, outcast, even unclean by the Jewish people because they were descendants from the Jews who had married women during the time of the establishment of northern kingdom when the ten northern tribes separated from Judah. The children who came from these marriages were not fully Jewish, rather only half Jew, which was a disgrace beyond reconciling in the eyes of Jewish people and Jewish leaders. This family lineage made them “less than” in the eyes of those who had two Jewish parents. Jesus used this cultural resistance to the Samaritans to prove a point to Jewish listeners and break down cultural barriers that existed at that time.

4) Why is Jesus’ command at the end so important then and today?
When Jesus told stories of this nature there was intentionality and purpose behind them. In this case, He uses this story to form to activate those listening to go and follow in the footsteps of the Samaritan. His command is simple, Go and do. The importance of this is found in the simplicity of the command. Two thousand plus years have come and gone, but the command of Christ remains to show mercy, be intentional, and show hospitality to those around you, regardless of who you are, or who they are, in the eyes of the world.

Everyday Application

1) Why is this lawyer asking questions of Jesus?
Some people ask questions because they are truly seeking an answer and desire greater understanding, and some ask questions with the intent to justify their own actions because they know what should be done, but are instead trying to find a “loop-hole” around it. As we read this passage, we should take note of our hearts before the Lord. When God moves us to speak to our neighbor or talk to the person behind the counter as we check out at the grocery story, our first response should not be one of questioning and finagling around the situation, but rather one of obedience much like the Samaritan. Questions are not wrong, if our intent is true wonder and deeper understanding rather than justification of our actions. Intentionality, even in our questions, could open our eyes to see and our ears to hear in new ways.  Do we desire loop-holes or obedience?

2) Although Jesus never directly answers the man’s question, what can we gather from His answer about our neighbors?
It is much easier to move through life if the world were always structural defined with obvious black and white lines rather than gray. Giving specific definition to who our neighbors are with names and places would make it much easier. As we read the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus answer is quite clear. Setting aside cultural differences and societal status, our neighbor is everyone we encounter. Every encounter is an opportunity for expressing the gospel in love, and that is the simple answer Jesus was giving through a detailed story. Our purpose is to be on point for Him and be imitators of Him regardless of who crosses our path (Philippians 2:5).

3) During the story Jesus told, He used three characters; what is the importance of the three characters He used?
Jesus, the Messiah, the Emmanuel, the bringing of salvation, came to break down barriers, changes lives, and help us see differently than the world. He empowers us to have open eyes to those who are different from us, to those who believe differently than us, and those who look different as well. There are no barriers when the Gospel is present. May our prayer be to follow Him despite the barriers the world, or even we, put in the way. May our eyes be open to see as He sees and love like He loves!

4) Why is Jesus’ command at the end so important then and today?
In our busyness, we create obstacles with our schedules and our time. The simplicity of the gospel is evident in Jesus command to go and do. In the Great Commission, His words were very similar: go, make disciples, baptize, and teach them. What’s interesting in Jesus’ story is that the Samaritan man wasn’t putting on a great production or doing something special in his everyday life when he encountered the wounded man. He happened up a man on the road and helped him. An injured man entered his world, and he had a choice to make. Much like the Samaritan, we have people constantly entering into our lives and we too have a choice to make just like he did. God, changer of lives, can use anybody to impact this world for Him, we must make the choice to let Him work through us!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
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Catch up with Reaching Beyond Isolation!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

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Our Current Study Theme!

This is Neighbor Week Two!
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Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

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Neighbor Day 5 Love lived Out

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Titus 2:1-15
Matthew 28:18-20
Jude 1:1-3
Jude 1:20-25

Neighbor, Day 5

She set her coffee mug down on the table and rested her chin in her hand. The last few weeks of her life had been challenging and throughout the time we’d been sitting in the corner of the coffee shop, she had poured out the highs, lows, and everything in between of those days. I sipped my coffee and listened, occasionally asking clarifying questions to help her process all she desired to share.

I was not her counselor, but I did fill a role in her life. For this season, she had honored me with her willingness and desire to be discipled. Discipleship is defined as one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. While the word can be applied to a range of scenarios, we were focused on growing in our relationships with the Lord and becoming more like Him.

Our meetings typically did not last more than an hour or two, but they were still integral in making progress in our spiritual growth. This specific evening was critical in her journey. Decisions she had made and circumstances beyond her control had challenged her belief in God’s goodness and grace. The temptation to give up on His presence in her life lingered in her words.

She stared out the nearby window for a few moments, seemingly captivated by the breeze moving through the tree limbs outside. As I watched her process, I maintained a peaceful countenance; inwardly, I prayed fervently for the Lord’s words and wisdom.

Oh Lord, you have provided this connection for Your glory. You know the plans and purposes You have for her. You have not left her or forsaken her. Regardless of the choices she has made recently, You have promised not to despise a broken and contrite heart. 

Lord, help me point her to You. Give me the words to honor You and bless my dear sister in Christ. My choices may be different, but my sin is no less profound in Your eyes. Grant me the humility to lead with honor and grace. 

Dwell in the midst of us, Lord Jesus. Move as only You can. I surrender myself to You. Lead me and use me for Your glory. 

No immediate Bible verses sprang to mind. No sudden ray of light shined through the window, directed toward my friend’s hurting heart. Peace filled the space, however, and I found myself breaking the silence.

“I’m proud of you.”
As the unexpected words tumbled from my lips, her expression echoed my own surprise. She dropped her hand from her chin and grasped her mug once again. Her knuckles went white with the tightness of her grip.

“You’re proud of me? After I just shared everything I’ve done wrong in the last few weeks and my struggle to believe He would still want me?” Tears filled her eyes with those last words.

“Yes. I am proud of you because you are still running to Jesus. You may be struggling to believe He wants You and has plans for You and desires to walk through this life with you, but there’s fight left in you. You have not given up.

“You’re acknowledging your choices and how they disregard God’s will for your life. You’re bringing your sin into the light, so it cannot be used against you. Do you believe Jesus died for your sins and is capable of washing you clean in this moment? Do you believe you can leave this coffee shop wholly forgiven?”

She continued to stare at her mug for several moments. She slowly raised her head. Tears still glistened in her eyes, but a fierceness now joined them. “Yes.” Her words were shakier than the resolve in her tone, but she had made a decision regardless.

“Make 1 John 1:9 a reality for your life. Acknowledge the ways you’ve fallen short and trust Him to forgive you. Do you have any ideas on how to avoid being in the same scenarios this coming week?”

With that, our conversation turned to the Word and digging for ways to hold on to and apply the truths the Lord poured out in its pages. We brainstormed practical ways for her to honor Him in her walk and I encouraged her with examples where I had found victory, too. Our time in the coffee shop ended with a quick prayer and the next meeting confirmed on the calendar.

As I walked to my car and pressed the button to unlock the door, I prayed for continued wisdom in my role in her life and for her to cling to Jesus in deeper ways this coming week.

The Lord placed this neighbor in my world to help spur her along in her journey with Him. In order to hear His voice lead me as I guide and encourage her, I knew my own journey must be one of steadfast pursuit as I anchored in truth that would hold me fast to Jesus.

Oh Lord, lead us on. 

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Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Neighbor Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Neighbor!

Neighbor Day 4 For The Love: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out For The Love!

The Questions

1) Why would Simon Peter ask an obvious question in verse 6 and follow it up with such a strong statement in verse 8?

2) Why is this foot washing such a big deal to Jesus? (verse 8)

3) What does Jesus’ response to Peter mean regarding bathing and not everyone being clean? (verse 10)

John 13:1-15

Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2 Now when it was time for supper, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray him. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. 4 So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. 5 Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

7 Jesus answered him, “What I’m doing you don’t realize now, but afterward you will understand.”

8 “You will never wash my feet,” Peter said.

Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”

9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.”

10 “One who has bathed,” Jesus told him, “doesn’t need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For he knew who would betray him. This is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.

Original Intent

1) Why would Simon Peter ask an obvious question in verse 6 and follow it up with such a strong statement in verse 8?
In the cultural context of Jesus’ time, washing feet was the normal, common custom in every home. Footwear in the far east consisted mostly of bare feet! If someone did wear shoes, it was merely a wide strap of leather or wood bound with thin leather straps to the wearer. Considering that travel was almost always on foot, and the roads were dirt-packed, it’s easy to understand why foot washing would become the customary rule in society. When you entered the house, shoes were removed, if they were worn at all, and a household slave would have the unsightly task of washing filthy feet. In this scene from the Upper Room and Jesus’ final Passover meal with His disciples, there was no slave present to wash their feet. When Jesus removed his outer garment, signifying He was preparing to do a servant’s work, Peter knew instantly what Jesus was intending to do. But, he was so mortified that the esteemed Teacher and Son of God would consider such a low task, Peter gave over to his emotions, and in horrified, unfathomable disgust asked, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?!”. It was as if he shouted, “Surely Not!”.

2) Why is this foot washing such a big deal to Jesus? (verse 8)
With frustration that boiled dangerously near anger, Peter burst out, “You will never wash my feet!”. Jesus, undeterred, with firm insistence, responded, “If I don’t wash your feet, you have no part in Me.” It was as if Jesus was saying, “Peter, oh Peter, how I love you! You must let me show what it means in the everyday life to mercifully serve others. You must let me show you that, if even God the Son does not consider Himself to be so far above the work of a slave, then you, my beloved Peter, can have no part of My work or My kingdom. You will have missed everything about my life, my love, and my sacrifice on your behalf. You must let me wash your feet, so you can love others.” If Peter did not let Jesus touch His filth-ridden-feet, his view of how God should act would remain unchallenged. His view of himself, as a future ambassador for King Jesus, would also remain unchallenged. Power and position, to Jesus, did not give a blank check for passing on the dirty-work. Rather, Christ viewed His powerful position as an opportunity to leverage love and mercy with humility in real-time. This was the whole of His mission to earth. If Peter missed this, he missed everything. (John 13:12-15)

3) What does Jesus’ response to Peter mean regarding bathing and not everyone being clean? (verse 10)
As was often the case with Simon Peter, his emotions flung him quickly from one extreme to the complete opposite. One moment, Peter is vehemently stating Jesus would never wash his feet, and then, hearing the reprimand from Jesus, is flaming with a new insistence, “Well, then, Lord! Not, just my feet, but also my hands and my head!”. If this washing is so important, Jesus, then, take all of me! Douse me in water. Plunge me in it. I want it all! But Peter had, again, missed the point. I wonder if his big emotions, so familiar to the Lord, made Jesus smile just a bit at their extreme opposites. Patiently, Jesus drew it out for Peter explaining that “one who had bathed, didn’t need to wash anything but his feet.” While confusing at first, when we read the rest of Jesus’ words, we gain a little more understanding. ““You are clean (speaking to Peter), but not all of you (speaking to all of the disciples).” For He knew who would betray him. This is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”” (verses 10-11) “Clean”, here, meant having a genuine saving relationship with Jesus flowing from faith. Faith in realizing Christ was indeed the long-ago promised Messiah who would come, fulfill the requirements of the Law perfectly, and would come to set all people free. They didn’t understand all the details of Christ’s soon-to-be-realized sacrifice on the cross, but they fully believed Jesus was God, and trusted Him with all they had. The one who was not clean, was Judas Iscariot, who would betray Jesus within hours. Judas did not have a saving relationship with Jesus. Because Peter already had trusted Jesus with his life, becoming “clean”, Jesus said he only needed his feet washed. This meant, he only needed to continue learning what it was like to follow Jesus in real life.

Everyday Application

1) Why would Simon Peter ask an obvious question in verse 6 and follow it up with such a strong statement in verse 8?
Peter’s response to Jesus’ extremely humble gift of love was mortification. Jesus deserved to be served! Jesus was God the Son, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Sustainer of all things, and was as far removed from the position of slave as could possibly be imagined. Peter wanted to make sure he, and his dirty feet, weren’t cause for Jesus to humble Himself. What Peter missed was that Jesus came for this. Christ’s humbling began when He left the glories and rights of His heavenly position as co-equal with God the Father, in order to become sin for us. (2 Corinthians 5:21) He came for the purpose of being humbled, even to the point of death on a criminal’s cross. The Maker of the World would die to become its Savior. When we look at Jesus through the lens of the Almighty One, then cast a furtive glance at our own “dirty feet” of our sin, our lies, our gossip, our anger, and our arrogance, it’s easy to see why Peter would sputter with such indignation. Lord! You are holy! I am not! Leave me, and my dirty feet, here! You don’t deserve to be touching me! And, we would be right, He doesn’t deserve to be touching us. He doesn’t deserve this coming to earth, this dwelling with us, this dying in our place. He deserves none of it, but that’s precisely the point. He didn’t come because He had to, He came because He loved us. The Samaritan in the story of the “Good Neighbor” had the most reasons to keep on walking and leave the hurt man on the road; it wasn’t his job. But He Didn’t. In humility, Jesus loved the unlovable, us.

2) Why is this foot washing such a big deal to Jesus? (verse 8)
Have you ever found yourself using your Christianity as a reason to not engage someone else? Perhaps someone you unintentionally, or very intentionally, viewed as less? They go to the bar, I can’t associate with them! What if my pastor sees me? She cheats on her husband, I need to distance myself from her. What if my friends think I support her decision? I can’t walk away from this gossip among my Christian friends; they will think I’m a snob! She looks full of herself, there’s no way she would want to come to church with me. Oh, the inconsistencies that plague us in our everyday life choices! And I’m speaking to myself! Sisters, with tears in my eyes, we must fall on our knees and beg the Lord Jesus to come, convict us of our arrogant perspectives! We must ask Him to teach us to submit to the power of His Spirit so we can love others with humility and mercy. Sit with the Lord Jesus there in the scene of the Upper Room, wash basin on the floor, water splashed around. May the image of the Lord, having shed His power and position of royalty to pick up the slave’s towel, stick with us as we move through our everyday, and move us to humble acts of lavish, undeserved love!

3) What does Jesus’ response to Peter mean regarding bathing and not everyone being clean? (verse 10)
There are at least two practical applications we can make from this snippet of the foot-washing scene on the night Jesus was betrayed and handed over to be crucified. Of primary importance, we must each honestly evaluate whether we are “clean” as described by Jesus. Are we washed by Christ’s blood, which He poured out for many for forgiveness of sin? Have we been made fully new through faith, trusting Jesus as the only acceptable offering to a Holy God on our behalf? Do we trust Him as our Savior who took our rightly deserved punishment of separation from God because of our sin, and who gave us His own righteousness instead? No other question matters until this matter is settled with all certainty! If we have surrendered to Jesus, trusting Him through faith, then we must evaluate how closely we are following His lead in our lives. Are we arrogantly vacillating from one extreme to the other based on our own perception of reality and what we deem to be necessary or important? Are we willing to lay aside our lens of the world and ask God to adjust our vision so we can see this pursuit of God and loving others from His vantage point? If there were a barometer which gauged our humility, and generous love born from that humility, in our lives, what would it say? Do we see others without pretense? Are we willing to love them? Do we prove it? Ask the Lord to guide you as you seek and probe into the corners of your heart. Ask Him to shine a light of truth and help you to grow in following Him!

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1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

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Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

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Hallel Day 8 Finding Him Faithful

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 116:1-11
Matthew 26:1-29
Isaiah 53:1-12
Psalm 127:1-14

Hallel, Day 8

“Go into the city to a certain man,” He said, “and tell him,
‘The Teacher says: My time is near; I am celebrating the Passover
at your place with my disciples.’”
(Matthew 26:18)

The disciples took this message and sought out the man.
As they walked, they pondered Jesus’ statement.

“What do you think He meant by ‘My time is near?’”

“Peter, He confirmed to you He is the Son of God.
What does He mean?”

“Guys, a few days ago He said the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified after the Passover. Can that really happen to Jesus?”

The men fell into a contemplative silence as they walked and only the sounds of their sandals on the path filled the air. The questions recently voiced still echoed in their minds and they sorted through what they knew of God to try to answer them.

How could Jesus, the Son of God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob be crucified?
The Lord had already proven His faithfulness to His people over and over again.
How could He abandon His very son?

The Lord heard Abraham’s cry for an heir in his old age. (Genesis 15:1-6)
He heard Sarah’s laughter and filled her womb. (Genesis 18:9-15)
He changed Israel’s name and made him a mighty nation. (Genesis 32:28)
He brought that nation out of captivity and fed them in the wilderness. (Exodus 16:1-16)

How could the God who demonstrated such compassion to an obstinate group of people allow His own son to be killed? 

Their questions unanswered, the disciples gained access to the upper room and prepared the Passover meal. Jesus soon reclined among them and confirmed their fears when He announced one of them would betray Him.
Death now rose to the forefront of their minds.
Jesus continued, saying what was written about Him would soon come to pass.

Tonight was Passover, every detail rooted in reminding its participants of the faithfulness of God. Every traditional food item had carefully been chosen, filled with symbolism of slavery and freedom found only because of Yahweh, the faithful God who had rescued them long ago.

The bread, the cup, the lamb, the hymns.
Every part was sacred.

“The ropes of death were wrapped around me,
and the torments of Sheol overcame me;
I encountered trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
‘Lord, save me!’”
(Hallel Psalm 116:3-4)

How could the Israelites cry out to God to be rescued from the cords of Sheol while Jesus would face those very bindings Himself?

The Son of God, destined to be bound by the cords of death? Unto what purpose?
Could the words of Isaiah 53 be true? By His bloody stripes, would His people be set free?

Could death truly be defeated?

As Jesus broke the bread and gave His disciples the wine, He said,
“For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-27)

A new covenant?
“Behold, I am making all things new”…
Isaiah 43:19

Each disciple held the cup in his hands for a moment and stared into the red depths.
“Poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins,” Jesus said (Matthew 26:28).
For their sins.
Each and every one of their sins,
for the Lord knows the thoughts and intentions of each heart.
A few hands became unsteady as they passed the cup to the next man.

“The Lord is gracious and righteous;
our God is compassionate.”
Hallel Psalm 116:5

Blood poured out for them.
The Lord’s rescue from death for them.
Their humanity and helplessness washed over them.
Struck with the sudden awareness Jesus knew all of their sins, they grappled with the perfect Son of God’s promise to pour out His blood to cover those sins.

“I was helpless, and he saved me.
Return to your rest, my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.
For you, Lord, rescued me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling.”
Hallel Psalm 116:6-8

Men may say truly living is to experience everything they possibly can under the sun, but in the solemnness of that moment with Christ, the disciples understood so much more existed. No physical entertainment could make them feel as known or valued.

They were staring into the eyes of the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
Because of this man, human flesh enveloping the full deity of God, the faithfulness of the divine Yahweh would be seen
and known
and experienced
by everyone willing to welcome Him.

“I will walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.”
Hallel Psalm 116:9

A low hum began as one of the disciples began singing the traditional Hallel hymns. Eventually all the men were singing, and a sweet, yet heavy presence, filled the space. They were encountering the Faithful One in a way they never had before as He prepared to give them the fullness of life through His own death.

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Questions Day 15 Does God Care?

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Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Peter 5:6-11
Psalm 56:8-11
Romans 8:31-38

Questions, Day 15

“There is a place where there is an aggregate of human suffering and questioning.
That place is the heart of God.” –Ravi Zacharias, Cries of the Heart

Life holds both purest joy and deepest pain.

Have you experienced a heavy heart, unanswered questions, bitterness that threatened to eat you from the inside out, or anger rooted in grief over unfulfilled longing or loss?

To you, aching sister, I say,
I stand with you in your grief; I hold my own.
I stand with you in your questions; I ask my own.
I stand with you in the bitterness seeking to destroy you; I battle it, too.

I am not writing because I have all the answers. Even after decades of following Jesus, of wrestling long hours, sometimes whole seasons (with the God of the universe to whom I’ve given my whole-hearted devotion), I still ask this simple yet excruciatingly painful question,

“God, do You see me? Do You hear me? Do You care?”

I share your struggle, and I offer what I have learned in hopes it will help you, too.
There is peace available, peace born of resting in the assurance that
God cares deeply for you.

He is our Immanuel, God with us, ever abiding in the darkest recesses of our lives and hearts.

Let’s start with the Bible, a living, active, and power-filled book. (Hebrews 4:12) God inspired many men to write the Bible, preserved its contents over thousands of years, and its power continues to be demonstrated as by it, the Spirit of God transforms believers.
The very gift of His Word is evidence of God’s care for us.

Let’s embrace this precious gift! Read His Word, commit precious passages to memory, and repeat them aloud in your dark moments, and experience His nearness as a result.

God’s Word is both the evidence and activity of His care.
“Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.”
(1 Peter 5:7; emphasis mine)

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
(Matthew 10:29-31; emphasis mine)

“You yourself have recorded my wanderings.
Put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your book?”
(Psalm 56:8)

Read 2 Kings 20:5, Psalm 139:3, and Malachi 3:16 to see for yourself:
God is aware of all our ways.
He takes notice and listens.
He hears our prayers, sees our tears, rescues, defends, and heals.
In countless ways, He demonstrates His care.

I tend to question God’s care only in the midst of hurt (can you relate?).
My cry crescendos as pain persists without relief or resolution.
At these times, we must ask ourselves, with brutal honesty,
“Do we want God to manifest His care, or do we just want Him to make everything better?”

When experiencing pain, it’s natural to want it to end,
pleading with the Lord to make our aching stop.

It’s also natural to question God’s goodness in these times
as we look around and wonder if God is really for us, or if He has forgotten us.

The antidote to both of these is to anchor our hearts, over and over, in the rich depth of God’s unchanging character. God’s comfort and care for us does not change based on our circumstance, or how we feel about Him as we interpret our shifting surroundings.

The book of Mark records a life-threatening scenario for the disciples. Waves crashed over their small fishing boat; drowning was imminent, even for seasoned fishermen, and they cried out to the Lord,
“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?!” (Mark 4:35)

They wanted the intensity of their circumstances to cease,
while also questioning whether the Lord cared about them anymore.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Jesus’ response?

“Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

Christ’s antidote to our natural tendencies when we encounter pain is faith; trusting God for Who God is.

Rather than looking at the waves washing over our “boat”, we can focus our attention on recalling all the ways we already know God cares, and is caring, for us in the middle of the storm.

We experience God’s care when we study the truth of His character in Scripture.
We experience God’s care through songs resounding with reminders of His nature and promises from Scripture.
We experience God’s care through stories of others who have found His grace sufficient to endure suffering, and persevere with the understanding pain is always part of a bigger picture framed by God’s redemption.
Lastly, we experience the most convincing assurance of God’s care when we remember Jesus.

God knows how driven we are to believe only what we perceive with our five senses.
Out of His deep love for us,
He sent Jesus, in our human flesh,
so we could see and hear and touch and smell and know
God. Does. Care.

Romans 8:32 says, “He did not even spare his own Son but offered him up for us all”;
nor will we be spared from suffering. (John 16:33)

However, God abandoned His Son so we will not be abandoned in our suffering.
We may share in Christ’s sufferings, but we will NEVER share in abandonment by the Father.

May our prayer echo the prophet Habakkuk, asking God to lift us to the heights to see with eyes of faith the everlasting love and specific care of God in our lives.

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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Questions Day 14 Is God Loving Or Angry?: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Is God Loving Or Angry?!

The Questions

1) Who wrote this epistle, to whom, and why?

2) What is the difference between the wrath of God and the anger of man?

3) How can “invisible attributes” be seen? How does this make us without excuse? (verse 20)

Romans 1:18-32

For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse. For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles.

Therefore, God delivered them over in the desires of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen.

For this reason, God delivered them over to disgraceful passions. Their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. The men in the same way also left natural relations with women and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Men committed shameless acts with men and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty of their error.

And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a corrupt mind so that they do what is not right. They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, senseless, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful. Although they know God’s just sentence—that those who practice such things deserve to die—they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them.

Original Intent

1) Who wrote this epistle, to whom and why?
It is universally accepted that the Apostle Paul wrote this epistle to the Romans on his third missionary journey as described in Acts 20:2-3. It was likely written somewhere between 53 to 58 A.D. This was during the reign of the infamous Nero who ruthlessly persecuted Christians and eventually had Paul put to death.  Paul was journeying to Jerusalem, but the Holy Spirit warned him of the awaiting peril on his life in Jerusalem. Possibly, he wondered if he would ever get to Rome and thought it necessary to write this letter. Different from other letters to the churches, which focused on church problems, this epistle seems to focus more on the attributes of God and His plan of redemption. Perhaps, in his realization that he may not ever be with them, Paul desired to write them about their need for salvation and that God had provided a Savior. It was a treasured letter and probably distributed to many of the early churches. [Guzik, Enduring Word]

2) What is the difference between God’s wrath and man’s anger?
Man’s wrath most often comes from being wronged or misunderstood. It is usually motivated by selfishness and focuses on punishing, hurting, or destroying people while perpetuating, or justifying, their own sin and selfishness. God’s Word says, “…the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God”. (James 1:19-20) Notice the connection between understanding and anger found in Proverbs 17:27, “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” The wrath of God is a righteous anger. It is “revealed from heaven” (verse 18). God is holy, righteous, and He cannot be in the presence of sin and evil. He is angered at the evil ways man has chosen to follow while He upholds all that is right and just. He is angered because He loves His people deeply, but sin has separated Him from mankind. (Isaiah 59:2) Under the law of the Old Testament, man could not live a righteous life because they would always fail to perfectly keep the whole law. The law reminded them daily of their sin. They felt the guilt and the wrath of God every time they broke the law. Every year they would return to the temple with sacrifices to atone for their sin as they asked God to forgive them. But it didn’t stick because the blood of animals can never atone for sin completely, only a perfect sacrifice could do that. (Hebrews 10:4) Sin and its guilt always returned. (Hebrews 10:2-4) But under grace in the New Testament, there is forgiveness once and for all because Christ, as the perfect sacrifice, gave Himself for us. (Hebrews 9:26) There is no condemnation for our sins when we are in Christ! (Romans 8:1-4) Christ, the High Priest, has opened the way for us to be completely forgiven, once and for all. (Hebrews 10:10-14) Because of this covenant of Grace, God’s love seems more prominent than His Righteous anger.

3) How can “invisible attributes be seen”? How does this make all of us “without excuse”? (verse 20)
Mankind would suppress all truth about God and ignore the consequences of sin because our very nature is a slave to sin. Rather than focus on all His wonderful attributes, man wants to focus on God’s wrath and point to a terrible God. The God of the Bible, however, is not some angry character sitting on a mountain waiting to throw darts at sinners. God’s creation displays His attributes. (Psalm 8) While they were given instructions on how to live, no one had to tell Adam and Eve they were guilty. God asked them, “Who told you that you were naked?” (Genesis 3:11) When they came into the presence of the Most Holy God, they were keenly aware of their sin and its immediate affect to separate them in relationship to Him. What, then was God’s response? He lovingly made clothing for them and removed them from the Garden of Eden so they would not have to live in their sin forever. (Genesis 3:20-24) The psalmist, David, often used the attributes of God as a means of praise to Him (Psalm 103, Psalm 136) and as he repented from sin. (Psalm 51) God displays many of His attributes in His work of creation. As we observe His character by looking at creation we stand in awe of His glory and holiness while gaining an acute awareness of our own fallen sinfulness.

Everyday Application

1) Who wrote this epistle, to whom, and why?
Paul, through the Holy Spirit, was inspired to write to the Romans about the path to salvation. We must first become aware of our sin, which leads us to our need for a Savior who saves us from the wrath of God that we so rightly deserve. The letter of Romans has become for many, a turning point in their spiritual life. Many of the great preachers throughout history stated that Romans, through the power of the Holy Spirit, changed their life completely. When you read the writings of these great men of faith [Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley and many more] they state they found a deeper faith right here in Romans. Martin Luther praised Romans with these words, “It is the chief part of the New Testament and the perfect gospel… the absolute epitome of the gospel.” [David Guzik, Enduring Word] And truly it is! To this day, we use Romans most often to share the gospel. It would be wise to memorize these verses so you are ready and able to present salvation clearly as Paul outlined in his letter. (Romans 3:10-12; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:9-13)

2) What is the difference between God’s wrath and man’s anger?
Theologian, Andrew Murray says, “God’s wrath is the holy revulsion of God’s Being against that which is the contradiction of His Holiness”. We see the anger of mankind every day in the headlines and in our homes. Our society itself is negative and angry. We, ourselves, might say our anger is a righteous anger as we attempt to justify it, but is it really? Have we looked deeply into our motives and the reasons we are angry? Are we angry because of sin, or are we angry because we aren’t getting our own way? God made us in His image. He gave us all of His attributes, including anger, but sin distorts God’s image. Our sin becomes a selfish emotion leading us into more sin as we try to justify our own actions. However, when we allow Him to control every aspect of our lives. He can indeed teach us to control our emotions through His Spirit and make them righteous as He is, even in our anger. We know this is possible because He instructs us about anger in His Word. (Ephesians 4:26-27) (James 1:19-20) Let’s all search our hearts and be sure that we have given even our anger over to the Holy Spirit’s control.

3) How can “invisible attributes be seen” How does this make all of us “without excuse”? (verse 20)
All of God’s creation speaks of His love and mercy for us. Just in experiencing His creation we can know God exists. All His attributes become visible. The great theologian, Jonathan Edwards, made a practice of looking at everything in creation with wonder. He began to see God in the birth of a baby, the marriage of a couple, or the growth of a tree. It all pointed to God and caused Edwards’ love of God to grow greater and stronger. [Desiring God] If we look at God, and all His attributes together as one, we will find everything works together and is held together by Him. (Colossians 1:16-17) We see and understand how His love and mercy mesh together with His righteousness and holiness making His anger soften in our eyes. Ah, yes, note I said “understand” which was mentioned earlier in defining righteous anger. Ann Voskamp encourages us to keep a running gratitude list. She found that joy comes from gratitude, not the other way around. It really is true when we look at all the good blessings of God, we find Him to be an amazing and wonderful Creator. If you haven’t started a gratitude list, maybe it’s time to start!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Is God Loving Or Angry?!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Questions Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

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Questions Day 13 Is God Loving Or Angry?

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 103
Isaiah 57:14-19
John 2:13-17
Romans 1:18-32

Questions, Day 13

Why is God angry in the Old Testament,
but loving in the New Testament?

It’s a question people often have as they study the Bible, and an understandable one. When we read of God flooding the whole earth or destroying entire cities in the Old Testament, His wrath can be hard to equate with Jesus’ compassion toward prostitutes and sinners as He ate with them, spent time with them, and told them of God’s grace in the New Testament. While the Old Testament has much to say about judgement, the New Testament appears to focus more on forgiveness, and it can be a challenge to reconcile the two.

How can we make sense of it all?
First, the Bible clearly states God is always the same;
He “does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Furthermore, Jesus, who is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), is also “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15).

The God of the Old Testament is the same God in the New Testament.
To understand God’s character, it’s vital we consider the Bible as a whole,
rather than focusing on isolated incidents.

While God does show anger in the Old Testament, He is also described eleven times as slow to anger, and on many occasions, we see Him showing mercy while continuing to love and care for His people, despite their continued unfaithfulness.

For example, Psalm 103 is an eloquent expression of David’s gratitude for God’s gracious forgiveness and compassion.

God does express anger at times, but this serves to highlight the severity of sin and the destruction it brings, while pointing to our need for a Saviour. The consequences of sin can be harsh, but God’s ultimate desire is not to punish, but to save. 

The Old Testament is filled with promises and prophecies pointing ahead to a solution to the problem of sin, a solution God Himself would provide because of His love.
Again and again, He reminds His people the Saviour will come.

As we move into the New Testament, and Jesus is born as the fulfilment of God’s promises, the focus shifts more toward God’s compassion because the fulfillment has come! Scripture emphasizes the reason for Jesus’ coming and His death, was to deal with sin.
If we trust in Him, we no longer need to fear God’s anger against us:
“God proves His own love for us
in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.
How much more then,
since we have now been declared righteous by His blood,
will we be saved through Him from wrath?” (Romans 5:8-9)

However, God’s holy anger is present in the New Testament as well. Paul describes at length God’s wrath against those who continue in sin and suppress the truth about God. (Romans 1:18-32)

We read of Jesus turning over tables in the Temple, driving out merchants and money changers in rage because His Father’s house, a place of prayer, was being treated as a marketplace.

Anger and love are both present in God’s character throughout both Old and New Testaments.

This tension can be uncomfortable. Anger is often seen as unacceptable because of the destructive effects of anger when it’s out of control, but God’s anger is different from our (often sinful) human anger, and is actually an important, and good, part of who He is.

While our anger does not accomplish God’s purposes, His righteous anger is intentionally focused against destructive sin. (James 1:20) This was brought home to me as I worked with a group of children, sharing the story of Jesus in the Temple. After hearing the story, they were instructed to transform it into a drama. At first, their presentation brought the story to life very well, but then one child decided to alter the ending.

As “Jesus” shouted and expressed His righteous anger, another boy went over and put an arm round “Jesus.” “It’s okay,” he said. “Calm down. Come outside and sit down, and we’ll talk about it.” 

In one way, it was a lovely, compassionate response, but it was also missing the point.
In some situations, the holy response is anger.
We, too, can be tempted to edit out God’s anger and focus on His love, but the truth is, since “God is love” (1 John 4:16), His anger is actually an expression of His love.

Jesus’ passion for His Father’s house was the driving force behind His rage at its misuse. God’s love for people is manifested in His anger when He sees them being mistreated or abused. If He failed to be angry over these things, then He would fail to be wholly loving. 

Surely, it’s a comfort to us, in the face of injustice or ill treatment, to know God
cares.
To know His anger on behalf of the innocent surpasses our own.
To know there are consequences for those who refuse to repent of their sin.

In Graham Kendrick’s song, “Come and see,“ he describes the cross as the place “where wrath and mercy meet.” Maybe the cross is where we most clearly see God’s anger and His love intertwined. Even as His anger against sin is poured out, His grace in sending Jesus to bear it in our place assures us of His perfect love.

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Questions Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Questions!