Author: Brie Brown

Screenshot Day 7 It’s Not Fair: 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 It’s Not Fair!

The Questions

1) What is the context of this passage?

2) What are the sins of the younger son?  What is his attitude toward his father?

3) What are the sins of the older son?  What is his attitude toward his father?

4) What is the attitude of the father toward each of his sons?

Luke 15:20-32

So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he summoned one of the servants, questioning what these things meant. 27 ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’31 “‘Son,’ he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Original Intent

1) What is the context of this passage?
These verses are the conclusion to the parable of the Prodigal Son.  Jesus tells a story about a man with two sons, the younger of whom asks for his inheritance, then goes away and squanders all of it.  Once the son realizes he has made a huge mistake, he decides to return to his father to apologize and ask to be treated as one of his father’s servants.
There is also a broader context to this verse.  At the beginning of Luke 15, the Pharisees were grumbling against Jesus because they thought it was improper for him to “welcome sinners and eat with them” (verse 2).  In response, Jesus tells three parables about finding something that was lost: the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the lost son.

2) What are the sins of the younger son?  What is his attitude toward his father?
The younger son was overt in his disobedience and selfishness.  He sinned by asking for his inheritance early, which is basically telling the father he valued his father’s stuff more than he valued his father.  He sinned by being foolish with his money and wasting all of it, which involved some sinful practices (v. 30).  In the beginning, his attitude toward the father was sinful and selfish.  But in the end, his attitude toward his father was humble and repentant.  He had decided he would rather work as a servant in the presence of his father than struggle to make his own life apart from him.

3) What are the sins of the older son?  What is his attitude toward his father?
At first, the younger son appears to be the “good” son, since he stayed and served his father when his brother went away.  But these verses give clues to the attitude of his heart.  In verses 29-30, we see that he, too, was more interested in his father’s stuff than his father’s heart.  He didn’t want the fattened calf to be given for his brother, because that calf was part of his inheritance.  He felt more deserving, since he obeyed his father and his brother didn’t.  If he really valued his father, he would have rejoiced with his father.  But since selfishness was in his heart, he could not rejoice at his brother’s return.

4) What is the attitude of the father toward each of his sons?
The father in this story shows great compassion to each of his sons, in different ways.  The younger son had overtly sinned, yet the father forgave him and celebrated his return.  He rejoiced that his son, who had not been a part of his life, had returned to him.  He also showed compassion to his older son.  The older son was also sinful, although less overtly, because of his attitude toward his brother and his father.  Yet the father did not withdraw from him, but gently reminded him of his value and inheritance, and ultimately, of the value of his brother.

Everyday Application

1) What is the context of this passage?
Jesus used this parable to show the Pharisees that we should rejoice when a sinner repents, when a lost person is found!  We can often have the attitude of the older brother, thinking it is unfair that the father’s riches are shared with the overtly sinful. In reality, it’s unfair of God to share His riches with any of us!  It’s good for us to remember that we don’t really want what we deserve, which is death.  We want, and need, God’s mercy and grace.

2) What are the sins of the younger son?  What is his attitude toward his father?
In the context of Chapter 15, the younger son represents the sinners that the Pharisees didn’t think Jesus should eat with.  They were guilty of the sin of licentiousness; that is, doing whatever they want without regard for God.  Do you tend toward the sin of licentiousness?  By your actions, do you tend to tell God you don’t believe His word?  Do you tend to believe you will find more satisfaction in going your own way, rather than loving God, listening to Him, and obeying Him?  Repent, sister, and be free!

3) What are the sins of the older son?  What is his attitude toward his father?
The older son in this parable represents the Pharisees, people who trusted in their rule-following to make them right with God.  This is the sin of legalism.  Do you tend toward the sin of legalism?  In what ways are you tempted to trust in your good-girl status to make you right with God?  Perhaps you add rules and standards, beyond what the Bible says, and look down on those who don’t follow them?  Repent, sister, and be free!

4) What is the attitude of the father toward each of his sons?
The father in this parable represents our Heavenly Father.  Oh praise You, God, for doing all the work of salvation for us, so that we can’t boast about our works!  Praise You for offering the same salvation and inheritance to all of us, whether we tend towards legalism or license.  Praise You for gently rebuking us and reminding us of our value and shared inheritance! Praise You for emphasizing relationship over performance!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with It’s Not Fair!

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 Screenshot 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 :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
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Character Day 4 Jealous God: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out Jealous God!

Exodus 20:1-11 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Then God spoke all these words:
2 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.
3 Do not have other gods besides me.
4 Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. 5 Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the fathers’ iniquity, to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, 6 but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commands.
7 Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.
8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: 9 You are to labor six days and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the resident alien who is within your city gates. 11 For the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them in six days; then he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and declared it holy.

The Questions

1) Why is verse 2 included before listing the Ten Commandments?

2) What does it mean that God punishes the children for the fathers’ iniquity?

3) What does it mean that the seventh day is a Sabbath “to the Lord”?

The Findings for Intention

1) Why is verse 2 included before listing the Ten Commandments?
Verse 2 is a preface of sorts.  It reminds the Israelites Who it is that is giving them these commandments.  By reminding them that He alone is Jehovah, God is calling them to remember that He is their creator, their very source of existence.  By reminding them that He brought them out of slavery, He is reminding them that He has been faithful to them and powerful to cause the plagues and the miracles that allowed their exodus.  By making this statement, God reminds the Israelites that He is worthy to command the way they should live.

2) What does it mean that God punishes the children for the fathers’ iniquity?
Many commentators believe that this speaks of the natural consequences of our sin.  As parents, many times our sins have direct effects on our children, and even on their children.  This verse does not mean that the children of sinners are damned because of their parents—Ezekiel 18 points out that every person is responsible for their own sin (as do many other passages).  This serves as a warning to us.  Our idolatry can cause punishment, not only for us, but for our children and grandchildren.  But our faithfulness also has long-lasting good consequences.

3) What does it mean that the seventh day is a Sabbath “to the Lord”?
God gives us the Sabbath, not just for our benefit, to allow our bodies and minds to rest, but for His sake.  We are to dedicate one day in seven to the Lord. This is His day, when we are prescribed a time to remember and worship Him.  We are creatures who too easily forget the One who made us and holds us together, so He gives us the Sabbath to keep us focused on Him.

The Everyday Application

1) Why is verse 2 included before listing the Ten Commandments?
When I think about myself, my desires, my perceived injustices, I find obedience to God to be cumbersome.  But when I think about the Lord, how He made me, saved me, sustains me, and is so awesome, powerful, just, sovereign, and inconceivably wiser than me, I find obedience to be the clear, easy choice.  Women, remember the God you serve, when you are tempted to think of yourself first!

2) What does it mean that God punishes the children for the fathers’ iniquity?
It is sobering to see my children speak in a way that reveals the sinful way that I’ve spoken to them.  It’s true that God can and does redeem our mistakes in parenting, but it is also true that our sins affect our children negatively.  Let this be a motivating factor as we make decisions; our sinful choices affect more people than only ourselves.

3) What does it mean that the seventh day is a Sabbath “to the Lord”?
Although the Sabbath is practiced differently in the New Covenant (meaning right now) than it was in the Old Covenant (meaning before Jesus’ sacrificial death), it is still a part of the Law that God gave us as a gift.  Often, we feel like we don’t need to take time to rest and worship, but the Sabbath is not about us—it’s about God.  How can you set aside intentional time to cease from your work and remember your Creator? What would it look like to set aside one 24-hour period each week to cease from everything that is work, both paid and un-paid, and simply delight in the life that the Father has given you? Consider trying out God’s rhythm and see if you sense a more gently pace for living!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join the friends at the GT Facebook Community!

I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into
Character Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion. 
We’d love to hear your thoughts!

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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.
Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Character!

Character Day 2 Faithful One: Digging Deeper

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Character Day 2 Faithful One: Digging Deeper

Brie Brown

March 6, 2018

Adoring,Beauty,Digging Deeper,Faith,Hope,Peace,Power,Praise,Prayer,Scripture,Truth,Worship

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Faithful One"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 96

1 Sing a new song to the Lord;
let the whole earth sing to the Lord.
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
proclaim his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his wondrous works among all peoples.

4 For the Lord is great and is highly praised;
he is feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
bring an offering and enter his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before him.

10 Say among the nations: “The Lord reigns.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
He judges the peoples fairly.”
11 Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and all that fills it resound.
12 Let the fields and everything in them celebrate.
Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy
13 before the Lord, for he is coming—
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and the peoples with his faithfulness.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What commands are given in this Psalm?

There are all kinds of verbs in this Psalm that command how we are to respond to God:  Sing, bless, proclaim, declare, ascribe, bring an offering, worship, tremble before Him, and say to name a few. 

We are to tell of God’s greatness and respond in worship, reverence, and offering.

The Everyday Application

1) What commands are given in this Psalm?

This Psalm is all about praising God.  What a great example to us!  We can praise God, no matter what our circumstances, because He is great, powerful, and unchanging. 

Which of the verbs in this Psalm do you need to emphasize in your own life this week?  Do you need to proclaim his salvation to people?  Do you need to ascribe to Him the credit He is due?  Do you need to worship Him?

Take the psalmist’s challenge and Speak His Praise out loud! Amazing things happen in our hearts when we verbally proclaim the goodness of the Lord!

The Original Intent

2) What attributes of God does the Psalmist emphasize?

God’s glory is mentioned in verses 3, 7, and 8; His works are mentioned, from salvation (v. 2) to creation (v. 5); His strength (vv. 6, 7), His holiness, splendor, majesty, and beauty are mentioned in the middle of the Psalm, and His faithful and righteous judgments (vv. 10, 13) conclude the Psalm.

The Everyday Application

2) What attributes of God does the Psalmist emphasize?

This Psalm briefly touches on a number of God’s attributes, without really digging deeply into any of them.  While it’s good to really study different aspects of God’s character, sometimes just listing as many descriptors of God as you can will help you to see just how great He really is. 

Follow this Psalmist’s example and list all the praiseworthy attributes of God that you can. Create your own psalm of praise, focusing on WHO God is, your love for Him will grow just by this simple act of truly adoring Him!

The Original Intent

3) How does creation respond to God?

Verses 11-12 personify the world that God created, saying that the sea, the fields, the trees, etc. will shout for joy and resound. 

Even the earth itself was created to bring praise to its Maker.

The Everyday Application

3) How does creation respond to God?

Romans 8 tells us that creation itself is longing for the day when God will put all things right again.  This psalm points to the manner in which creation praises God. 

Everything God made reflects His lordship, declaring simply by their intricate design He is in control. He will one day bring all of creation back into submission to Him, and creation points to His authoritative design. it is only human beings that dare to speak out against His authority!

Learn from the creation that God created us for worship Him; join with creation and gladly worship Him too!

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adore,character,faithful,glory,obey,praise,prayer,worship
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Sketched III Day 2, Leah The Unlovely: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out Leah The Unlovely

Psalm 103:8-14 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in faithful love.
9 He will not always accuse us
or be angry forever.
10 He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his faithful love
toward those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed
our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
14 For he knows what we are made of,
remembering that we are dust.

The Questions

1) What does this passage tell us about God?

2) What does this passage tell us about ourselves?

3) What do verses 11 and 13 tell us is the qualification of those who receive God’s love and compassion?

The Findings for Intention

1) What does this passage tell us about God?
This passage lists several of God’s attributes: He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, loving, and forgiving.  It also tells us in verse 9 that He will not be angry forever—which implies that He does have anger toward our sin.  We also see in verses 8 and 11 that His love is faithful. The three similes in verses 11-13 show us that His love, forgiveness, and compassion are vast beyond comprehension.

2) What does this passage tell us about ourselves?
It’s a little trickier to see what this passage tells us about ourselves, but if you look closely, you can see it.  Verse 9 says that we have been accused by God, which points to our sinfulness.  Verse 10 says that we have sins and iniquities, but that we have not received the full punishment they deserve.  And verse 14 tells us that we are dust, which implies that we are finite and insignificant compared to God.

3) What do verses 11 and 13 tell us is the qualification of those who receive God’s love and compassion?
These verses tell of God’s faithful love and compassion toward those who fear Him.  Although we know from the rest of Scripture that God loves everyone He created, it seems that not everyone receives the same kind of love and compassion that God has specifically for those who fear Him.

The Everyday Application

1) What does this passage tell us about God?
I don’t know about you, but when I read this passage, I am so thankful!  I am thankful for a God who loves me faithfully, who forgives completely, and whose compassion is never-ending.  I am eternally thankful that God does not deal with me according to what I deserve because of my sinfulness!  Praise God, for making a way to salvation and for always being faithful!

2) What does this passage tell us about ourselves?
It’s hard to fully appreciate the scope of God’s love if you don’t understand the scope of your own sinfulness.  We have done nothing to deserve the extravagant love that God lavishes on us!  If we see ourselves as deserving, it can tempt us toward pride instead of praise.  Don’t miss the humbling truths about humanity that are in this passage!

3) What do verses 11 and 13 tell us is the qualification of those who receive God’s love and compassion?
The truth taught in Scripture is that some people receive Christ and gain eternal life, both here on earth and after death, and that some people reject Christ and receive the punishment for their sinful rebellion against Him.  His enduring, eternal, faithful love and compassion is not promised to everyone, but only to those who fear Him.  Do you fear God?  Have you realized your unworthiness to be in His presence, and have you accepted the free gift of salvation He offers you through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for your sins?  If not, receive Him today!  And if you are already a recipient of this grace, with whom can you share this truth?  Who can you reach with the message that has the power to bring someone into God’s promised, faithful love?

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join the friends at the GT Facebook Community!

I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into
Sketched III Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion. 
We’d love to hear your thoughts!

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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.
Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Sketched III

Chase Day 4 Say Yes: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out Say Yes!

Matthew 28:16-20 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Questions

1) What is the context of these verses, and what is its significance?

2) What does the “therefore” in verse 19 point to?

3) What does “behold” mean?  How does that word add to our understanding of verse 20?

The Findings for Intention

1) What is the context of these verses, and what is its significance?
These verses are recorded at the very end of the book of Matthew.  Jesus has completed His earthly ministry, fulfilled His mission to die for our sins and rise from the grave, and has spent 40 days appearing to many witnesses.  He then gathered His disciples in one place and gave them this charge, right before ascending into heaven.  It is significant that these are the final words Jesus spoke while on earth—these are the last things He wanted His disciples to know and remember.

2) What does the “therefore” in verse 19 point to?
“Therefore” indicates that the previous statement gives a reason for the following statement.  So, because Jesus says, “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me“ we are commanded to “go and make disciples.”  Jesus’s authority enables our disciple-making.

3) What does “behold” mean?  How does that word add to our understanding of verse 20?
“Behold” means “look, see.”  It emphasizes the point being made.  Jesus has just given us the Great Commission, and he wants us to pause and take note of the fact that He is with us always!  It makes obeying the Great Commission possible.

The Everyday Application

1) What is the context of these verses, and what is its significance?
Knowing that these are the last words Jesus spoke to His followers underscores their importance—and it should motivate our obedience.  Sister, are you concerned about making disciples?  Do you believe that all authority belongs to Christ, and that He is with you? How are you currently involved in making disciples? In what specific ways can you grow in this?

2) What does the “therefore” in verse 19 point to?
If Jesus has all authority on heaven and on earth, then He has authority even over peoples’ hearts!  It is not ultimately our presentation of the Gospel, or the persuasiveness of our apologetics, or the fervency of our prayers that win people to Christ (although those things are important to consider).  It is Christ Himself who works through us to reveal Himself to people.  That fact can take away our fear of sharing the gospel—someone’s heart response to the gospel ultimately doesn’t depend on me!

3) What does “behold” mean?  How does that word add to our understanding of verse 20?
When you feel fear creeping in, when you feel inadequate to share Christ, when you’re overwhelmed by the mountain of obstacles that seem to stand between people and Christ, behold.  Behold that Christ is with you always!  Pause and remind yourself, dear sister, that the One who created the world, who loved you enough to bear your sins on the cross, is with you, and let that truth chase your fears away.

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
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Join the friends at the GT Facebook Community!

I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into
Chase Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion. 
We’d love to hear your thoughts!

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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.
Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Chase!

Battle Day 2 Beyond Comfort: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out Beyond Comfort!

2 Corinthians 1:3-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

The Questions

1) According to these verses, when do Christians find comfort?

2) What purposes do our suffering and afflictions bring according to these verses?

3) Why would Paul want to be sure that the Corinthians were aware of the suffering he endured in Asia (v. 8)?

4) What does verse 11 tell us about how we can help those who are suffering?

The Findings for Intention

1) According to these verses, when do Christians find comfort?
It’s important to note in this passage that comfort is given as a result of experiencing affliction.  The comfort that Paul is talking about is not “being comfortable,” or the absence of trouble.  Rather, this comfort is given by God when we face suffering.

2) What purposes do our suffering and afflictions bring according to these verses?
Verse 6 clearly says that one reason we are afflicted is so we can comfort others in their affliction.  Verse 9 states that Paul and others were afflicted so that they would rely on God.  And verse 5 says that when we suffer, we share in Christ’s sufferings.

3) Why would Paul want to be sure that the Corinthians were aware of the suffering he endured in Asia (v. 8)?
Paul is trying to communicate the faithfulness of God to comfort us in our afflictions.  Paul himself had endured many great sufferings, yet he had experienced deliverance.  This experience was a testimony worth proclaiming to the Corinthian church, and emphasized his point that God gives us what we need to endure the afflictions that come our way. Paul was sharing his story to point others to God’s faithfulness!

4) What does verse 11 tell us about how we can help those who are suffering?
Paul commands the Corinthian believers to help them by prayer, and states that blessings are granted to them through people’s prayers.  Praying for those who are suffering and afflicted helps them to patiently endure, and this endurance causes others to thank God.

The Everyday Application

1) According to these verses, when do Christians find comfort?
The Christian life is full of comfort—but it is not comfortable.  God promises us trouble in this world, but He also promises to be our Comforter.  Am I seeking a comfortable life?  Or am I selflessly following Christ, accepting the trials that come with it, knowing that God and His church will comfort me?

2) What purposes for our suffering and afflictions are given in these verses?
Although we may not see purpose in our suffering, it is not wasted.  God is working in us to achieve His purposes for His glory, and not a drop of our tears are in vain.  Cling to this truth, sisters, when you are tempted to despair!

3) Why would Paul want to be sure that the Corinthians were aware of the suffering he endured in Asia (v. 8)?
There is a time to speak of your suffering, that by proclaiming God’s faithfulness you can encourage a believer who is struggling.  Is there someone you know who is fighting a battle?  Can your testimony encourage her?  Make plans to write a letter or make a coffee date to share how God has comforted you. Or consider, sharing your story through Faces of Grace!

4) What does verse 11 tell us about how we can help those who are suffering?
Prayer is our weapon in spiritual battle.  Even a spiritual giant like Paul recognized that the blessings his ministry experienced were due in part to the faithful prayers of the saints.  Commit to spending time each day praying for those who are afflicted, that they might be strengthened, and might experience God’s comfort.

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!

I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

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

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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.
Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Battle!

Freedom Day 9 Freedom Finisher: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out Freedom Finisher!

Galatians 3:10-14 English Standard Version (ESV)

10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

The Questions

1) What does it mean to be under a curse?

2) Why is Paul quoting the Old Testament so much in these verses?

3) What is the difference between law and faith?

The Findings for Intention

1) What does it mean to be under a curse?
The Greek word translated “curse” means “accursed, execrable, exposed to divine vengeance, lying under God’s curse.”  (I had to look up the word “execrable”, which means “utterly detestable; abominable; abhorrent.”)  While we tend to think of a curse as some meaningless language meant to scare someone, the Biblical understanding is that someone who is cursed is deserving of God’s wrath.  It is very serious to be cursed.

2) Why is Paul quoting the Old Testament so much in these verses?
Paul is making an argument that our salvation is by faith alone, apart from the law.  He does this by quoting parts of the law itself.  It is clear, even from the Old Testament, that no one can be justified, or made right with God, by following the law.  It is impossible to uphold completely.

3) What is the difference between law and faith?
Sometimes, it is difficult to see the difference between those who live by the law and those who live by faith.  Outwardly, they may both be moral and obedient.  However, those who live by the law are counting on their works to save them—they are self-righteous.  Those who live by faith see themselves as deserving of God’s wrath, and they are counting on Jesus’s sacrificial death to pay for their sins.  Therefore, they are actually viewed by God as righteous, and they obey God out of gratitude, not as a way to earn His favor.

The Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to be under a curse?
One of the reasons that we try to earn God’s love is because we don’t truly see ourselves as deserving of God’s wrath.  We tend to minimize our sin and focus on the good things we do, ignoring the bad things.  Sadly, this can keep many people from calling out to God for salvation, because they feel like they don’t need to be saved.  But praise God, although we were execrable, we are now washed, clean, accepted, and loved, thanks to Jesus Christ being cursed in our place.

2) Why is Paul quoting the Old Testament so much in these verses?
The Bible tells one big story, about how God is redeeming His people through Jesus Christ.  If you look for Christ in the Old Testament, you will see that everything points to Him.  Look for Him, sister, and marvel at how God has orchestrated everything perfectly to bring us salvation and to help us know Him!

3) What is the difference between law and faith?
Many times, we fall back into the trap of legalism—believing that our status before God is determined by our behavior.  We were not saved because of anything we did!  And God’s love for us is steady, even when we don’t feel like we are doing enough to please Him.  Keep preaching the gospel to yourself, daily, and live by faith.

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!

I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

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

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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.
Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Freedom!

Freedom Day 4 The Compelling Gospel: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out The Compelling Gospel!

Galatians 1:11-24 English Standard Version (ESV)

11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.

The Questions

1) Why is it significant that Paul received the gospel directly from Jesus, and not from any man?

2) What does Paul’s radical transformation say about the gospel?

3) Where are Arabia, Damascus, Syria, and Cilicia?  Why was it important where Paul was after his conversion?

4) What reaction did Paul’s conversion cause in the Judean believers?

The Findings for Intention

1) Why is it significant that Paul received the gospel directly from Jesus, and not from any man?
Paul wrote Galatians to combat heresies that were sneaking into the church.  He was making a case that the gospel he preached was the only true gospel, and that any other gospel was false.  In this time, before the Word of God was written down and available to all believers, it was important for a teacher to prove his credibility, so that his testimony about the gospel could be seen as coming from Jesus himself.

2) What does Paul’s radical transformation say about the gospel?
There is no doubt that Paul’s former life was completely hostile to Christ, and that his life after his conversion was spent working and suffering for Christ’s sake.  It is just as stark a transformation as if an ISIS soldier were to convert to Christianity and begin winning people to Christ.  This transformation is one of the proofs that the gospel is true.  Paul turned his back on his former way of life and stepped into a life of hardship and suffering that eventually cost him his life, all for the sake of Jesus Christ.

3) Where are Arabia, Damascus, Syria, and Cilicia?  Why was it important where Paul was after his conversion?
Arabia refers to the Arabian Peninsula, east of Israel.  Damascus is a city in Syria, north of Israel, and Cilicia is the southern part of what is now Turkey.  The point of Paul mentioning that he spent time in these places is that he was not in Jerusalem, being taught by the apostles.  Rather, he was receiving his calling directly from Christ.

4) What reaction did Paul’s conversion cause in the Judean believers?
Verses 23 and 24 show that the believers in Judea glorified God because of what they heard about Paul. This shows that they knew Paul’s change was due to the work of Christ in his life.

The Everyday Application

1) Why is it significant that Paul received the gospel directly from Jesus, and not from any man?
The early church did not have the New Testament, so they had to rely on the authority of the apostles to prove what was true and what was false doctrine.  We, on the other hand, are blessed with the written Word of God.  False teachers abound today, just as they did in Paul’s time.  Do you know the Bible well enough to recognize false teaching when you hear it?

2) What does Paul’s radical transformation say about the gospel?
The gospel is powerful, and no one is beyond Christ’s reach!  Is there a Saul-like person you know, someone who is hostile to the gospel and seems like the least likely person to give their life to Christ?  Don’t give up, but pray for them!  God can save anyone.

3) Where are Arabia, Damascus, Syria, and Cilicia?  Why was it important where Paul was after his conversion?
God orchestrated the events of Paul’s life so that, when he needed to prove his authority, even the places he had lived were a testimony.  God is always working in our lives, and we may not immediately know why He has us in a certain place, doing a certain thing.  But we can rest in His sovereignty and believe that He is doing a work in us.

4) What reaction did Paul’s conversion cause in the Judean believers?
When you see a life transformed by the gospel, do you give credit where credit is due?  Do you compliment the person on their changed life, as if it was their power that accomplished it, or do you give glory to God?  Likewise, when God transforms a part of your life and people take notice, are you careful to give glory to God, and not take credit that belongs to Him?

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!

I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

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

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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.
Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Freedom!

Creed Day 9 The Sinless Carpenter: Digging Deeper

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Creed Day 9 The Sinless Carpenter: Digging Deeper

Brie Brown

July 20, 2017

Beauty,Believe,Digging Deeper,Excuses,Faith,Fullness,God,Gospel,Grace,Hope,Jesus,Life,Love,Meaning,Power,Praise,Sacrifice,Safe,Security,Time

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "The Sinless Carpenter"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Colossians 1:15-20

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What does it mean that Christ was firstborn?  Does it mean He was created?

The idea that Christ was created, and that this verse, and others like it, speak of Christ in physical terms, is a heresy that has deceived many for thousands of years.

What Paul is getting at with the term “firstborn” is the rights and privileges of a firstborn son.  Christ has the right to rule, and He is set to inherit the whole earth. He is the firstborn of all creation, meaning He has all authority over it.

The Everyday Application

1) What does it mean that Christ was firstborn?  Does it mean He was created?

Praise God that He is firstborn from the dead! He was resurrected, which is a promise to believers that one day we will also be resurrected when Christ returns.

Praise Him that He holds all authority over creation, including the minute details of your everyday. 

That’s a God you can safely trust!

The Original Intent

2) What in this passage points to Christ’s deity?

Verse 16 says, “by Christ all things were created” while verse 17 says Christ “holds all things together”. Verse 19 says that all the fullness of God dwelled in Him. 

All of these point to the fact that Christ was indeed fully God.

The Everyday Application

2) What in this passage points to Christ’s deity?

Verse 16 tells us Christ is the image of the invisible God. He is the flesh-and-blood picture of what God the Father is like.

I’m so thankful God put His Son on earth to show us who He is.  

Lord, when I read about Jesus, let me see You in Him! Remind me again of the truth that You are not a “hands-off God”, but you’re intimately involved in my everyday moments!

The Original Intent

3) What in this passage points to Christ’s humanity?

Verse 22 speaks of Christ’s body of flesh, which He chose to “put on” when He came to earth.  Verse 20 speaks of His blood, and verses 18, 20, and 22 speak of his death.

Only a human could have flesh, shed blood, and die a physical death.

The Everyday Application

3) What in this passage points to Christ’s humanity?

The beauty of God’s plan is amazing. He knew only a human could die for humanity’s sins, but only God could live a perfect life and be the perfect sacrifice. 

Therefore, He planned to send His Son, as God, to be the God-man, fully God and fully human, to accomplish His purpose of paying for our sins and reconciling us to Himself.

The Original Intent

4) What is the point of this passage?  What does Paul want us to see about Christ?

Verse 18 gives us a clue to the point of this passage, “that in everything He might be preeminent.” 

Paul describes the deity of Christ, how He created and sustains the world, how everything was created for Him. (verse 16) He points out how Christ’s death has accomplished reconciliation with God and made peace. He also states that Christ is the head of the church. 

All of these amazing things about Christ show us how worthy He is of our praise, devotion, and focus.

The Everyday Application

4) What is the point of this passage?  What does Paul want us to see about Christ?

Paul was making his case to the Colossians that Christ was, and is, preeminent in all things. 

Do you recognize His preeminence in your life? 

Do your priorities display Christ is first, above all things for you? 

Do you recognize He holds all things together, not you? 

What do you need to rearrange to put Christ’s preeminence on display in your life?

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Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
July 10th - July 28th, 2017 -- Journey Theme #19

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