Author: Katelyn Bartlett

Worship V Day 7 I Love To Tell The Story: Digging Deeper

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Worship V Day 7 I Love To Tell The Story: Digging Deeper

Katelyn Bartlett

April 30, 2019

church,Community,Digging Deeper,Gospel,Song,Strength,Victorious,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 "I Love To Tell The Story"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 96

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) Verse 3 says, “Declare His glory among the nations, His wondrous works among the nations.” What did this mean for the psalmist? Who were the nations?

An adaptation of Psalm 96 is quoted in 1 Chronicles 16:23-33. In this scene, David and the Israelite army had just defeated the Philistines and returned the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem.

There was a big celebration with offerings to God and feasting among the people. Then they broke out into song, which was a combination of Psalm 105, Psalm 96, and Psalm 106.

The Israelites were often at war with the nations around them, nations that worshipped worthless idols. The Israelites wanted to glorify their God, the one true God, among the nations. His wondrous works includes the victory they just experienced!

This was a song the Israelites could look back to over and over to remind themselves God is worthy of the glory and they should declare it to everyone around them!

The Everyday Application

1) Verse 3 says, “Declare His glory among the nations, His wondrous works among the nations.” What did this mean for the psalmist? Who were the nations?

Think of a time you experienced a victory in your life. Maybe it was acing a test, reaching a big milestone at work, or meeting a personal goal.

Did you want to give glory to God in that situation? Did you see it as a wondrous work by Him?

It’s easy to see our accomplishments as something we’ve done by our own skills or will power. Consider David and the Israelites. They were on the ground fighting the Israelites. They put in blood, sweat, and tears to defeat the Israelites, but when it was all over and they’d won, they still gave praise to God.

Shouldn’t we do the same when we experience significant accomplishments? Try praying this song to God the next time you accomplish something great!

The Original Intent

2) There are several places in this psalm describing how God will judge the earth and its people. What is this referring to?

The psalmist says God will judge the peoples (verse 10), the earth, and the world (verse 13). The use of the word judge isn’t limited to how we think of a judge today, someone that decides right and wrong in court.

God as Judge is much greater than that simple definition. This reference to “judge” means to bring justice. Verse 10 says He will judge the peoples with equity, meaning He will judge everyone with equality so that all receive judgement fairly and rightly.

Part of God’s character is His need for justice. He is the perfect judge. The people of the Old Testament lived among wicked and godless people. Sometimes the world felt unfair to them when they saw the wicked prospering (Psalm 73). But they knew they would ultimately be judged by God and He would ensure true and righteous justice.

The word “judge” can have a negative connotation for us, but for the Israelites, it was good news that God was the ultimate, perfect, and final judge.

The Everyday Application

2) There are several places in this psalm describing how God will judge the earth and its people. What is this referring to?

It’s easy to for us to feel frustrated when we look at the world and there is so much injustice. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he reminds them they don’t need to judge others, because God is the ultimate righteous judge (Romans 2:1-11).

In the last section of Psalm 96, the psalmist looks forward to when God will judge the earth. He says creation will rejoice! It will be a celebration when God sets all things right through His faithfulness. And the best news of all? We know something the psalmist didn’t know when this song was penned.

We know the Gospel. We know Jesus came to pay the price for our sins so we can inherit His righteousness. We stand blameless before God because Christ was the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25).

We rejoice with creation and tell this good news – this wondrous work – God has accomplished for us.

The Original Intent

3) “Ascribe to the Lord” is said three times in this passage. What does “Ascribe” mean? 

To ascribe is to assign credit to something or someone as the source or cause. Here the psalmist is giving credit to God and encouraging the readers and hearers of the psalm to also give Him credit.

He says, “Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength”. In essence, the psalmist declares, “The Lord is the source of all glory and strength! Give Him the credit!” 

This praise song is about making much of Yahweh: His glory, strength, and wondrous works.

The Everyday Application

3) “Ascribe to the Lord” is said three times in this passage. What does “Ascribe” mean?

The psalmist is speaking to you as well! What do you ascribe to in your life? Where are you giving the credit? Evaluate your words, attitude and actions.

Do they ascribe to the Lord?

Take some time to reflect on what things you are ascribing to in your life. Perhaps it’s a significant other, the culture you live in, your job or place of work, or (most likely) yourself.

Ask God to change your heart so that you are quick to ascribe to Him.

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Gospel Day 12 Believes In Him: 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 Believes In Him!

The Questions

1) What are some examples of how Jesus was like his brothers and sisters “in every way”?

2) What was the role of the high priest in Jewish culture?

3) How does this verse help the readers of Hebrews “believe in Him”?

Hebrews 2:17

17 Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Original Intent

1) What are some examples of how Jesus was like his brothers and sisters “in every way”?
In his gospel, John wrote, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) Here, the author of Hebrews emphasizes Jesus’ humanness; He was both equally fully man and fully God. When Jesus took on flesh, He didn’t “consider equality with God as something to be exploited.  Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity.” (Philippians 2:6-7) The gospels describe a range of human emotions and experiences Jesus endured. He grew tired, grieved for friends, fellowshipped with others, felt anger, and was tempted in every way. The most significant of which is that Jesus experienced temptation, but did not sin, which made Him the perfect sacrifice to atone for the sins of the people.

2) What was the role of the high priest in Jewish culture?
The thought of a high priest can be hard for us to identify with because it’s not something we encounter in our world today. When Adam and Eve sinned, the relationship between man and God was broken. God required a sacrifice to atone for the sins of man and God gave His people a system to fulfill that need (outlined in Leviticus and Numbers). Animal sacrifices were made by the priests, but once a year a special sacrifice was made by the high priest. This day was the Day of Atonement, when the high priest entered into the holy of holies to offer sacrifices and intercede to God for the people. The author of Hebrews wrote Jesus served as a high priest between humanity and God, making atonement for our sins. This would have been like a lightbulb for the readers of Hebrews; Jesus was not only the sacrifice, but He also served as the perfect High Priest, standing before God in their place.

3) How does this verse help the readers of Hebrews “believe in Him”?
The author of Hebrews is reminding and urging Christians to not simply believe Jesus, but to believe in Jesus; to believe in Him like they had believed in their high priest to serve faithfully on the Day of Atonement each year. This verse assures believers that Jesus was indeed the Messiah they were looking for: He was like them in every way so they could relate to Him in His humanity, He provided mercy they needed, He was more faithful than any human high priest could ever be, and He was the propitiation (appeasing God’s righteous need for justice) for their sins by sacrificing Himself.

Everyday Application

1) What are some examples of how Jesus was like his brothers and sisters “in every way”?
One of my favorite attributes of God is that He is immutable, meaning He is forever unchanging. The original readers of Hebrews could be comforted that Jesus was like them in every way, that He was tempted, but did not sin. This same truth applies to us! Even 2,000 years later, Jesus came to the earth we live on, He was fully human like us, and He was the atoning sacrifice for our sins. We can believe in Him and praise God for His sovereign plan to redeem the world through Jesus.

2) What was the role of the high priest in Jewish culture?
The original audience of John 3:16 and Hebrews 2:17 had a framework for the role of the high priest and the parallel to Jesus. A high priest is not a role necessary in Christianity today. We don’t offer sacrifices because we know Jesus made atonement for our sins once and for all. More so, Jesus acts as a perfect high priest who stands before God blameless for eternity. The writer of Hebrews goes on to say, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

3) How does this verse help the readers of Hebrews “believe in Him”?
We can read this verse and be encouraged to believe in Jesus as well. We don’t need a high priest, a pastor, or our good deeds to save us. God loved the world so much–including YOU! He sent Jesus to Earth to live as a man, live a perfect life, and make atonement for our sins. That is something we can still believe in and find our hope in, not only for our everyday life, but also for all eternity!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Believes In Him!

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 Gospel 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 :-))

Memorize It!

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

Anchored Day 7 Beautifully Pruned: 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 Beautifully Pruned!

The Questions

1) Paul uses the word “mystery” several times in this passage. What do you think he means by this? What’s so mysterious?

2) Are there other Pauline Epistles that have similar language to Paul’s struggling in 2:1? What can be learned from Paul’s struggle?

3) In verse 28 Paul desires to present everyone mature in Christ. “Mature” can also be translated “perfect”. What do you think Paul means by this?

Colossians 1:24-2:3

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church. 25 I have become its servant, according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.

1 For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. 2 I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. 3 In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Original Intent

1) Paul uses the word “mystery” several times in this passage. What do you think he means by this?
We see Paul write about the mystery of Christ in several of his letters. He writes to the Ephesians: “By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:4-6)
What’s so mysterious? Was God keeping a secret from them?
In the Old Testament and at the time of Jesus, the Jews were understood as God’s chosen people. The Gentiles (non-Jewish people) were seen as pagans and did not associate with Jews. God’s blessing was for Jews only, no Gentiles allowed! Jesus the Messiah changed all of that. In Acts 10, God reveals to Peter in a vision that the Gospel of Christ isn’t just for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles.  This was a big deal! Peter was immediately questioned and he explained the whole story to the Jewish Christians. After hearing him out, this was their response: “When they heard this they became silent. And they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has given repentance resulting in life even to the Gentiles.” (Acts 10:18). Welcoming Gentiles into the body of Christ was a total mystery to the Jews. But this is no mystery to God; this was His grand plan all along to redeem the world.

2) Are there other Pauline Epistles that have similar language to Paul’s struggling in 2:1? What can be learned from Paul’s struggle?
Paul was a passionate guy. Here we see him rejoicing in his suffering and struggling with all of his energy. In all of his letters we can read about his sufferings, his striving, and his affliction, but he is not dismayed. Instead, he tells the Philippians, “I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith.” (Philippians 3:8-9) All of his struggling is nothing in comparison to the joy that is found in Christ! In Romans, he encourages the believers (and us!) that suffering produces endurance, which leads to character, which leads to hope (Romans 5:3-4). Suffering for Christ is always worth it!

3) In verse 28 Paul desires to present everyone mature in Christ. “Mature” can also be translated “perfect”. What do you think Paul means by this?
Full perfection will only be accomplished when Christ returns and believers are fully made new. (Revelation 21:5) Until that time, Paul is not content with just a profession of faith. He wants believers growing in the faith and Christ-likeness. To the Corinthians he writes, “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, since you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready, because you are still worldly.” (1 Corinthians 3:2) Likewise, the author of Hebrews says, “Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14) The Church wouldn’t have grown from a few hundred believers to what it is today with Christians who were content to stay on “milk”. Instead, they grew up to take in solid food – the growing of their faith, discipleship, and evangelism.

Everyday Application

1) Paul uses the word “mystery” several times in this passage. What do you think he means by this?
Our salvation doesn’t feel like much of a “mystery”. We are accustomed to a widely-diverse Church around the world, so it can be hard to understand the shock Jews felt when the Gentiles were welcomed so widely into the body of Christ. Let us not lose the mystery, wonder, and awe of God’s grand plan. We cannot fully understand God’s ways, but we can trust Him, even in the mystery. We can trust that what may seem unknown or mysterious to us is completely known by God. What a great God we have that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. The psalmist writes, “This wondrous knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.” (Psalm 139:6) What came naturally to the Jews was to only evangelize other Jews. Centuries later, we understand the “mystery” of the gospel being for all peoples, but how often do we only share His truth with those who are “just like us”? Remember, the gospel is for everyone!

2) Are there other Pauline Epistles that have similar language to Paul’s struggling in 2:1? What can be learned from Paul’s struggle?
Reading of Paul’s passion for the Gospel in the face of suffering is so convicting to me. I’m challenged to ask myself the hard questions: Do I consider everything to be a loss in view of knowing Christ? Have I learned to be content in all circumstances? (Philippians 4:11) Am I laying aside every sin to run the race set before me? (Hebrews 12:1) The good news is that even if I answer “no” to all of those questions, that doesn’t change my security in Christ. Like the father crying out to Jesus, I can pray “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) and He will be faithful to grow me in sanctification and faith. This is the gospel at work in me!

3) In verse 28 Paul desires to present everyone mature in Christ. “Mature” can also be translated “perfect”. What do you think Paul means by this?
A few years ago, I faced the tough realization that I had been a Christian for 20 years and yet I still struggled to read my Bible on a consistent basis. I was still on spiritual milk. I was convicted by my lack of discipline, not because I needed to “work harder”, but because I knew this was a step I needed to take to grow in righteousness and sanctification. Where in your life are you still on spiritual milk? When you picture yourself “mature in Christ” as Paul describes, what do you see? Take some time to reflect on how God is calling you to step deeper into righteousness.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with The Groom &His Bride!

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 Anchored Week Two!
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 :-))

Memorize It!

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

Sketched V Day 9 Paul, The Freedom Fighter: 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 Paul, The Freedom Fighter!

The Questions

1) What is the significance of Saul’s blindness lasting for 3 days (verse 9)?

2) As we read in yesterday’s journey study, Saul was a Pharisee well-trained in praying.  How might his prayers have been different during his time of blindness and waiting?

3) What might have Ananias been feeling when Jesus called him to go to Saul?

4) What does Jesus mean in verses 15 and 16? What is His mission for Saul?

Acts 9:9-19

10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.”
“Here I am, Lord,” he replied.
11 “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may regain his sight.”

13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Ananias went and entered the house. He placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

18 At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Original Intent

1) What is the significance of Saul’s blindness lasting for 3 days (verse 9)?
We may read this as a small detail, but this would have been significant for Ananias and the original readers of Acts. In Matthew 12, the Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign. He answers that the only sign to be given is the sign of Jonah: “For as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.” (Matthew 12:40) The people didn’t understand what Jesus meant at the time, but after His resurrection and ascension it all became clear to the believers. Ananias would have recognized the parallel between the 3 days that Jonah spent in the belly of the whale, the 3 days that Jesus spent in the grave and the 3 days that Saul spent in darkness. Scripture doesn’t say exactly why Saul was blinded, but it likely wasn’t meant as a punishment, but was a result of his intense encounter with Jesus. Those 3 days were spent in reflection and prayer before he began his new life in Christ.

2) As we read in yesterday’s journey study, Saul was a Pharisee well-trained in praying.  How might his prayers have been different during his time of blindness and waiting?
The Pharisees followed the law to the letter, including in their prayer life. Pride was at the heart of their prayers. In Luke 18 Jesus tells a parable of a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee prays aloud: “‘God, I thank you that I’m not like other people—greedy, unrighteous, adulterer, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.” (Luke 18:11-12) In Matthew 6, Jesus instructs His listeners not to pray like the Pharisees. Instead, He says, “But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5-6) Isn’t this a picture of Saul during the 3 days he spent blind? God saw him in the secret of Saul’s blindness and sent his reward in the form of Ananias and the Holy Spirit.

3) What might have Ananias been feeling when Jesus called him to go to Saul?
We get a peek into what Ananias might have been feeling in verses 13 and 14. He was afraid! Ananias is not being unreasonable. He had heard of this man Saul and he was the last person Ananias wanted to visit! Why would he put himself (and possibly his friends and family) at risk to go to this man? Just two chapters before, we read about the first martyr – the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60). The very next verse said Saul approved of putting him to death! Sometimes being obedient to God’s call is risky. Ananias knew the danger, but he was obedient to what was commanded of him. He was so confident in God’s plan that he called Saul “brother”!

4) What does Jesus mean in verses 15 and 16? What is His mission for Saul?
In God’s perfect wisdom, He does the unexpected. He chose Saul to be the instrument He would use to carry the Gospel into the world. Not one of the apostles or original disciples, but Saul, an enemy of The Way. Jesus tells Ananias that Saul would bring the Gospel to not only the Israelites, but to Gentiles and kings. God knew how Saul was uniquely equipped to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, rather than one of His apostles, like Peter or John, but God’s plan wouldn’t be without hardship. Jesus tells Ananias that Saul will suffer for the Gospel. Indeed, we see throughout Acts and Paul’s letters that he endures much suffering for the sake of Christ. “Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ,” (Philippians 3:8). Following God’s call doesn’t mean an easy path for Saul, but the suffering he endures pales in comparison to the joy he has in Christ.

Everyday Application

1) What is the significance of Saul’s blindness lasting for 3 days (verse 9)?
Have you spent time reflecting on the 3 days Jesus spent in the grave? It’s easy for us to speed-read through the end of the gospels and forget to pause and remember. We read about Jesus’ brutal death and jump right to His resurrection. Don’t we all love to read about his encounter with Mary in the garden? (John 20:11-18) Saul knew all about Jesus and what His disciples had claimed. I suspect much of his 3 days of blindness were spent reflecting on the 3 days Jesus spent in darkness. Let us not fail to remember the weight of Jesus’ death and the miracle of His resurrection on which our faith hinges!

2) As we read in yesterday’s journey study, Saul was a Pharisee well-trained in praying.  How might his prayers have been different during his time of blindness and waiting?
Have you prayed “Pharisee” prayers? Were you a “church kid”, so you know the right words to say, but you don’t mean it in your heart. When was the last time you talked to God in secret? Maybe you don’t even know where to start when it comes to talking to God. Take heart, you are not alone! Jesus assured His followers, “your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8) Instead, Jesus gives us guidance for how to pray in the form of the Lord’s Prayer just a few verses later (verses 9-13). When you don’t know what to pray, start here.

3) What might have Ananias been feeling when Jesus called him to go to Saul?What might God be calling you to do that doesn’t make sense? Maybe there’s even risk involved. Are you afraid of what being obedient might mean for your life? Remember that God’s ways are always greater than ours and we can trust Him to be faithful to His perfect plan.
Similarly, is there anyone you feel like is unredeemable? Can you think of someone so far from Christ it seems they will never come to Him? Take encouragement from Saul’s conversion! Saul was the last person the early church expected to become a Christian, let alone become one of the most influential people in history for the sake of Christ! No one is too far from Christ to come to salvation.

4) What does Jesus mean in verses 15 and 16? What is His mission for Saul?
Just as God had a plan for Saul, He has a specific plan and purpose for us. It might be difficult and it will involve suffering (John 16:33). But we read in James that our trials for the sake of Christ will not return void. “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4) Mature and complete. Lacking nothing. Isn’t that what we desire as Christians? Be encouraged by Paul, James, Peter, and other leaders of the early Church. God’s plan is perfect, and it includes you!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Paul, The Freedom Fighter!

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 Sketched V Week Two!
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 :-))

Memorize It!

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

Screenshot Day 12 Hidden Talent: 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 Hidden Talent!

The Questions

1) Quoting the Old Testament, Jesus instructed His followers, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). In line with this command, why does Paul instruct his readers not to think of oneself more highly than he should think?

2) Paul writes about spiritual gifts in other letters, too. Look up 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. How are these passages alike? Why are these lists so different?

3) Why do you think Paul uses the image of the body to illustrate how the various spiritual gifts work together? 

Romans 12:3-8

3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; 7 if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; 8 if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

Original Intent

1) Quoting the Old Testament, Jesus instructed His followers, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). In line with this command, why does Paul instruct his readers not to think of oneself more highly than he should think? 
Rome was an individualistic, accomplishment-driven, status-seeking, image-conscious metropolis. Putting others before oneself seemed ludicrous in their society. Paul was telling them they had gifts; there was something special about them. It would be easy to let pride sneak in and be tempted to think of these gifts as something they earned, something they could use to get ahead. Instead, Paul reminds them to be sensible – they were saved by grace, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). What does it look like not to think of oneself more highly than one should? It looks like serving others, having open hands of generosity, leading with integrity, and being merry in your mercy.  

2) Paul writes about spiritual gifts in other letters, too. Look up 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. How are these passages alike? Why are these lists so different? 
There are only two spiritual gifts that appear in both lists: prophecy and teaching (“message of knowledge” in 1 Corinthians 12:8). So why are they so different? When reading Paul’s letters, we must remember that he was writing to different audiences, with different purposes. Each of Paul’s letters are deeply personal and he wrote them with specific people in mind. The list to the Corinthians was more thorough and descriptive, while the list to the Romans was more brief and used general language. In both passages, Paul’s point is that the various giftings were assigned by God and given by the Holy Spirit. Through the diverse giftings of the early church, the Gospel was spread throughout the world.  

3) Why do you think Paul uses the image of the body to illustrate how the various spiritual gifts work together?
The word “body” has a dual meaning in scripture. It can be defined as a “collective group”; aka the collection of Christians throughout time and space. And it can be defined more literally as a body with arms and legs and ears and pinky toes – illustrating the diverse parts that make up the body of Christ. Paul is reminding the Romans of the unity they have in Christ. They belong to the collective body of Christ: the Christians in their city that they see and worship with everyday and the Christians across the known world. Even in this illustration of unity, he is also teaching them about uniqueness. No gift is better than another, because God uses each gift to build up the body. How united would the church be if everyone was an arm? All parts are needed to make up the unified and whole body.  

Everyday Application

1) Quoting the Old Testament, Jesus instructed His followers, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). In line with this command, why does Paul instruct his readers not to think of oneself more highly than he should think? 
“Rome was an individualistic, accomplishment-driven, status-seeking, image-conscious metropolis.” Sound familiar? We can learn much from Paul’s letter to the Romans because we experience many of the same struggles on our modern societies! Instead of shouting one’s accomplishments in the city square, people create the image they want other people to see online. In the world of the “humble-brag”, humility isn’t something we see often. Putting others before ourselves is what sets us apart as Christ-followers. We use our gifts to point to Jesus, not to our own accomplishments or qualities. Instead of shouting “Look at me!” we shout, “Look what God has done for me! All I do and accomplish is because of Him.”  

2) Paul writes about spiritual gifts in other letters, too. Look up 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. How are these passages alike? Why are these lists so different? 
Still today, the Holy Spirit instills spiritual gifts in us after coming to salvation through Jesus Christ. And still today, God uses individuals and their specific giftings, to bring about His will. The next time you are worshipping with your church community, take time to reflect on how God has given the people around you specific spiritual gifts to make up the body of your local church in order to accomplish His will for your community. More than that, He has uniquely equipped all Christians across the world to serve as The Church to advance the Gospel and bring Him glory!  

3) Why do you think Paul uses the image of the body to illustrate how the various spiritual gifts work together?
Do you ever wish you were a different part of the body? Maybe your spiritual gift is mercy, but you feel like it isn’t very glamorous or impactful. Have you ever thought, “If only I was gifted in teaching, then I could really make a difference.” Look up 1 Corinthians 12:14-24. It can be tempting to covet other’s gifts and underappreciate the gifts we have. We must remember, however, that it is all grace. Verse 6 of Romans 12 tells us that it is all by grace that we have any gifts! In God’s immeasurable grace, He not only gave us the Holy Spirit, but He gave us spiritual gifts. Not only that, He gave us just the right gifts for us to fulfill God’s individual purposes through us to build up the body of Christ. Paul exhorts the Corinthians, “God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as He wanted.” (1 Corinthians 12:18). Let us be encouraged by his words.  

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Hidden Talent!

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 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 :-))

Memorize It!

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

Sketched IV Day 9 Peter: 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 Peter!

The Questions

1) Jesus asked those following Him, “What are you looking for?” and they replied with another question, not really answering His question. What do you think Jesus was really asking and what did His followers really mean?

2) What was significant about Jesus telling Simon Peter that he would be called Cephas?

3) Peter’s call to follow Jesus is further described in Luke 5:1-11. How has Peter’s journey with Christ changed between these two scenes? 

John 1:35-42

35 The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So, they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”).  

Original Intent

1) Jesus asked those following Him, “What are you looking for?” and they replied with another question, not really answering His question. What do you think Jesus was really asking and what did His followers really mean? 
Jesus had a habit of asking people questions with a deeper meaning than what appeared on the surface. He asked the disabled man, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6) He asked blind men, “Do you believe I can do this?” (Matthew 9:28) and later “What do you want me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32) As we read yesterday, He asked Simon Peter, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-19)  

Instead of answering Jesus’ heart-question, they responded with an easy-answer: “Where are you staying?” Enough to indicate they were interested in Jesus, but nothing revealing their hearts’ desire. In verse 40, Andrew answers Jesus’ question, “What are you looking for?” with “We have found the Messiah.” They were looking for the Savior, the Promised One, the Messiah that was to make all things right. Jesus knew all of this. When He asked what, the heart of His question asked who.

2) What was significant about Jesus telling Simon Peter that he would be called Cephas? 
In the Old Testament, God would give an individual a new name when He commissioned them for His purposes. He changed Abram’s name to Abraham when He called him to be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:5). He changed Jacob’s name to Israel signifying he would father the 12 tribes of Israel (Genesis 32:24-32). Here, Jesus tells Simon He will be known as Cephas, which translated to Peter. Like Abraham and Jacob, Peter had an encounter with God that changed the trajectory of his life.  

His relationship with Jesus gave him an all-encompassing new identity, from how he spent his time and money to his very name. Not only did his name change represent life change, it represented how his life would change. Matthew 16:18 says, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Jesus chose the name Peter, which means Rock, to directly call out how God would use Peter for His greater purpose and plan. Peter went on to write two books of the New Testament, first and second Peter. Not only was Peter a rock of the early church, but his letters still serve us today with foundational teaching about Jesus and the Christian life.

3) Peter’s call to follow Jesus is further described in Luke 5:1-11. How has Peter’s journey with Christ changed between these two scenes?
When we meet Peter in John 1, Peter and Jesus had just recently met. Peter was just getting to know Jesus, although Jesus already knew Peter. In Luke 4:38-39, Jesus healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. After that, Jesus spent time preaching in the synagogues (Luke 4:43-44), where Peter was likely present. When we get to chapter 5 of Luke, Simon Peter has met Jesus, had his name changed by Jesus, witnessed Jesus perform a miracle by healing his mother-in-law, and heard Jesus preach the good news about the kingdom of God. Whew! It’s no wonder that when Jesus told Peter, (the professional fisherman), to put out his nets, he obeyed. After seeing yet another miracle, Peter falls humbly before Jesus, calling Him Lord. In verse 11 we read how they left everything and followed Jesus. Peter fully left his fisherman profession behind to become a “fisher of men” (Matthew 4:19).  

Everyday Application

1) Jesus asked those following Him, “What are you looking for?” and they replied with another question, not really answering His question. What do you think Jesus was really asking and what did His followers really mean? 
How many times have you replied a quick, “Fine!” or “Good!” when someone asked how you were doing, when you were really drowning? How often do you give a surface-level answer when a friend checks in on you, when you are actually struggling? No matter how well we put on a cheery smile and no matter how #blessed Facebook posts you make, Jesus sees your heart. He knows what you are looking for. He knows who you are looking for. Instead of giving those around us (and Jesus for that matter), a surface-level reply, let’s be real. We are looking for the Messiah! We are looking to Jesus to make us new everyday!

2) What was significant about Jesus telling Simon Peter that he would be called Cephas? 
Peter had highs, and a lot of lows, in his journey with Jesus, as we read yesterday. Yet, Jesus calls him a Rock. Jesus knew Simon Peter would deny Him, even when He named him Cephas. But He also knew Peter would boldly proclaim the Gospel and grow the early church in extraordinary ways (Acts 2). Jesus knew everything about Peter, his sin and doubts as well as his unique giftings. Jesus continually invested in Peter, teaching him, encouraging him, and ultimately dying for him. Like Peter, we have highs and lows in our walk with Jesus. One moment we are singing along to worship music in the car on the way to work, then the next moment, we’re gossiping to our coworker. Despite knowing all of our sin and failures, He has a plan to use us, as imperfect people, to carry out His perfect plan. Be encouraged by reading Peter’s life and his letters; his story is so much like ours! We sin and we fall, but Jesus loves us and died for us anyway.

3) Peter’s call to follow Jesus is further described in Luke 5:1-11. How has Peter’s journey with Christ changed between these two scenes?
Think back to your first encounter with Jesus. Was it like Peter’s? Did a friend or family member, like Peter’s brother Andrew, introduce you to Jesus? How has your life changed since then? Reflect on significant moments and events in your journey with Jesus. Have you had a moment like Peter’s in Luke 5? A moment when you understood the gravity of your sin and the power of Jesus? Have you left everything in pursuit of God’s will for your life? Spend some time thanking God for the ways He has moved in your life and ask Him what you need to leave behind to live more fully for Him.  

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Peter!

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 Sketched IV Week Two!
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 :-))

Memorize It!

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

Misunderstood Day 4 God Wants Me to be Happy: 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 God Wants Me to be Happy!

The Questions

1) Solomon says that his mind was guiding him with wisdom (v. 3) and that his wisdom remained with him (v. 9). What kind of wisdom did Solomon have?

2) What does Solomon mean in verse 10 when he says that he took pleasure in all of his struggles?

3) In all of his wisdom, why was Solomon not able to find meaning in the pleasures and accomplishments of this world?  

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

I said to myself, “Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good.” But it turned out to be futile. 2 I said about laughter, “It is madness,” and about pleasure, “What does this accomplish?” 3 I explored with my mind the pull of wine on my body—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—and how to grasp folly, until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. 

4 I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. 6 I constructed reservoirs for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. 7 I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned livestock—large herds and flocks—more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men. 9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me. 10 All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles. 11 When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun. 

Original Intent

1) Solomon says that his mind was guiding him with wisdom (v. 3) and that his wisdom remained with him (v. 9). What kind of wisdom did Solomon have?
Not long after Solomon became king, God came to Solomon and said, “Ask. What should I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5) Solomon could have asked for anything: riches, health, fame, love. Instead, he asked for wisdom (v. 9), which ironically was very wise! Solomon’s wisdom wasn’t worldly wisdom, it was godly wisdom. He had wisdom that was greater than his own knowledge, worldly strategies, and philosophy of the day.

2) What does Solomon mean in verse 10 when he says that he took pleasure in all of his struggles? What does Solomon mean in verse 10 when he says that he took pleasure in all of his struggles? 
As king, Solomon had many struggles and problems despite his wisdom. Even in hard times, Solomon found ways to have joy. Solomon’s great wisdom allowed him to see past the temporary pain. Proverbs 1:33 says that whoever listens to wisdom will not be disturbed by the dread of danger. Godly wisdom allows us to find pleasure when we are faced with difficulty.  

3) In all of his wisdom, why was Solomon not able to find meaning in the pleasures and accomplishments of this world? 
Solomon was able to indulge in all that the world had to offer. His palace and his riches are famous, but none of this fulfilled him. In the end, he found that everything was futile. There was nothing to be gained under the sun. Solomon was looking in the wrong place. True fulfillment is not found under the sun – it is found in the Creator of the sun and everything under it. Solomon did not find joy because he was delighting in the created instead of the Creator. (Romans 1:24-25) In the end Solomon concludes: “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all humanity.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) 

Everyday Application

1) Solomon says that his mind was guiding him with wisdom (v. 3) and that his wisdom remained with him (v. 9). What kind of wisdom did Solomon have?
We live in a world where information and knowledge are almost always at our fingertips. An answer to any question is just a quick Google search away. College is more accessible than ever. There are endless ways to learn new things and ideas. Is all of this knowledge the same kind of wisdom that Solomon had? Knowledge and information do not equal wisdom from God. Do you trust in the wisdom of the world? Or do you seek wisdom that comes from above? Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Wisdom from God will always endure where wisdom from the world fails.  

2) What does Solomon mean in verse 10 when he says that he took pleasure in all of his struggles?
James 1:2-4 says that we should consider it joy when we face trials because it grows us in our faith. The very next verse says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” (v. 5) James knew that when we face trials, we need wisdom from God in order to persevere. Praise be to God, that even in our trials we can find joy through the wisdom that He provides!  

3) In all of his wisdom, why was Solomon not able to find meaning in the pleasures and accomplishments of this world? 
Like Solomon, worldly pleasures are all around us. Have you ever thought, “If I only had _____, then I would be happy.”? Insert anything you like: that job, a husband, the perfect house, more money, a better body, etc. God cares about the desires of our heart. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus instructs, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” God wants to provide for us, and when we are seeking His kingdom and His righteousness, our desires will align with His. Later in the same sermon, Jesus says, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.” (Matthew 7:11). James says that every good and perfect gift is from God (James 1:17). God gives good gifts for us to enjoy, but we must remember that our joy comes from the Creator, not the created.  

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with God Wants Me to be Happy!

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 Misunderstood Week One!
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 :-))

Memorize It!

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

Misunderstood Day 2 The Root Of All Evil: 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 The Root Of All Evil?

The Questions

1) What does it mean to write this teaching on the “tablet of your heart”? (v. 3)

2) Why was it important that the people bring their first produce of the harvest? (v. 9)

3) Verses 5 and 6 are often quoted and memorized. What does trusting the Lord with all your heart have to do with money?

Proverbs 3:1-10

1 My son, don’t forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commands;
2 for they will bring you
many days, a full life, and well-being.
3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and high regard
with God and people.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways know him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Don’t be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 This will be healing for your body
and strengthening for your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your possessions
and with the first produce of your entire harvest;
10 then your barns will be completely filled,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.

Original Intent

1) What does it mean to write this teaching on the “tablet of your heart”? (v. 3)
The phrase “tablet of your heart” resonated with, and held an important meaning to, the people during the time that this proverb was penned. The foundation of the law, the Ten Commandments, were written on tablets. Moses brought two stone tablets to the people after meeting with God on Mount Sinai. Like God wrote the commandments on the tablets, He calls the people to write loyalty and faithfulness on their hearts. He desired more from His people than good actions – He was jealous for their hearts.

2) Why was it important that the people bring their first produce of the harvest? (v. 9)
God required the people of the Old Testament to bring Him sacrifices to atone for their sins. He didn’t demand just any sacrifice – He wanted their best. In Genesis, Cain and Abel brought sacrifices to God. Cain brought some of the land’s produce and Abel brought the firstborn of his flock. Genesis 4:4b-5a says that “The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering.” Cain’s unwillingness to let go of his most valued possessions revealed the sin in his heart. God desired His people to value Him above anything else. Bringing God their best was a way that made them stand out from the rest of the world. It showed they trusted God to provide for them, even if they gave their very best to Him.

3) Verses 5 and 6 are often quoted and memorized. What does trusting the Lord with all your heart have to do with money?
In the story of Cain and Abel, Cain did not trust God with all of his heart. He refused to listen to God and flee from sin. Verse 6 says, “In all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.” God pursued Cain and tried to set him on the right path: “ If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7) The passage does not record any response to God’s warning, but Cain murders his brother in the next verse. Cain’s first sin, loving possessions and money more than God, opened the door to more sin in his life. Instead of trusting God’s provision and wisdom, he gave into the desires of his flesh: greed, pride, and hate.

Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to write this teaching on the “tablet of your heart”? (v. 3)
On this side of the Cross and Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer slaves to the law and we have freedom from condemnation through Jesus’ forgiveness, even when we break the Ten Commandments and other commandments throughout the Bible. However, like the people of the Old Testament, God still desires for us to write loyalty and faithfulness on our hearts. When we trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are given a new heart. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” Is the truth of the Gospel written on your heart? Do you treasure and hide the word of God in your heart (Psalm 119:11)?

2) Why was it important that the people bring their first produce of the harvest? (v. 9)
Do we trust God with our very best? Or does God get the leftovers of our life? Look at Genesis 4:3 again. It doesn’t say that Abel brought an offering and Cain did not. Cain still presented an offering to God, but he went halfway when it came to being completely obedient to God. He brought an offering, but he held the best back for himself. Have you ever checked a box without your heart truly being in it? Have you begrudgingly donated money when you could have offered more? Have you served at church, but only to fulfill an obligation? God desires for us to bring our best to Him with a cheerful heart. When we give ourselves fully to God, we are recognizing that God did the same for us. When we were still sinners, God sent His very best for us – Jesus (Romans 5:8)! How much more should we offer our best to God, who wholly deserves our devotion and offerings?

3) Verses 5 and 6 are often quoted and memorized. What does trusting the Lord with all your heart have to do with money?
How and where we spend our money is a reflection of our heart. Jesus warned us not to store up treasures on earth during the Sermon on the Mount. He said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) If we trust God with all our heart, then He will be our treasure, not money and possessions. When we give our money, time, possessions and talents in obedience to God, we show the world that we trust God to be faithful in every area of our lives. What are you putting your trust in? Do you trust that your worldly wisdom and treasures will provide you security? Or do you trust God’s sovereignty and control above your own?

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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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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!

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Bride Day 2 Picture Perfect Redemption: 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

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Journey Study?
Check out Picture Perfect Redemption!

Hosea 2:14-20 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

14 Therefore, I am going to persuade her,
lead her to the wilderness,
and speak tenderly to her.
15 There I will give her vineyards back to her
and make the Valley of Achor
into a gateway of hope.
There she will respond as she did
in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came out of the land of Egypt.
16 In that day—
this is the Lord’s declaration—
you will call me, “My husband,”
and no longer call me, “My Baal.”
17 For I will remove the names of the Baals
from her mouth;
they will no longer be remembered by their names.
18 On that day I will make a covenant for them
with the wild animals, the birds of the sky,
and the creatures that crawl on the ground.
I will shatter bow, sword,
and weapons of war in the land
and will enable the people to rest securely.
19 I will take you to be my wife forever.
I will take you to be my wife in righteousness,
justice, love, and compassion.
20 I will take you to be my wife in faithfulness,
and you will know the Lord. 

The Questions

1) What does it mean in verse 15 that “she will respond as she did in the days of her youth, as in the day she came out of the land of Egypt”?  

2) Marital words like bride, groom, wife and husband are used throughout the book of Hosea. Who do these titles refer to?  

3) Why does the author refer to Baal in this passage? Why is it significant for her to say “My husband” rather than “My Baal”? 

The Findings for Intention

1) What does it mean in verse 15 that “she will respond as she did in the days of her youth, as in the day she came out of the land of Egypt”? 
After years of slavery, God delivered the Hebrews out of Egypt, across the Red Sea and out of bondage. Exodus 14:31 says, “When Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and believed in him and in his servant Moses.” In response to their deliverance, Israel sang a song to the Lord (Exodus 15:1-18). Exodus 15:2 says, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” The people responded with praise, adoration, and thankfulness. God says in verse 15 that Israel will respond to Him in this way when He delivers her.  

2) Marital words like bride, groom, wife and husband are used throughout the book of Hosea. Who do these titles refer to? 
The groom/husband is God (Yahweh) and the bride/wife is Israel. Like a faithful husband, God relentlessly loves and pursues His people even when they are unfaithful to him. God promises to love His bride in righteousness, justice, love, and compassion (v. 19). Like a husband and wife know each other better, deeper, and more intimate than anyone else, God declares that Israel will know Him (v.20).  

3) Why does the author refer to Baal in this passage? Why is it significant for her to say “My husband” rather than “My Baal”?
Baal was a false god worshipped in that time and culture. Pagan worship (worshipping anything other than God) was an ongoing problem for the Israelites throughout their history. Even though God clearly demanded they follow and worship Him alone, they kept adding cultural pagan gods to their worship. This passage refers to God’s final decree that Israel will no longer worship anyone but Him.  

The Everyday Application

1) What does it mean in verse 15 that “she will respond as she did in the days of her youth, as in the day she came out of the land of Egypt”? 
If you have been saved by faith in Jesus Christ, do you remember that day? Do you recall the feelings of praise, adoration, and thankfulness for how God had redeemed you? As time passes, it can be easy to forget the weightiness of our salvation and the gladness that filled out hearts. “Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:12) Let us be reminded of our response when Christ first saved us!

2) Marital words like bride, groom, wife and husband are used throughout the book of Hosea. Who do these titles refer to?
On this side of the cross, Jesus Christ is the groom/husband and the bride/wife is the Church. After Paul describes a godly marriage and how husbands and wives should treat each other in his letter to the Ephesians, he compares Christian marriage to Christ and the Church. “For no one ever hates his flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church… This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5:29 and Ephesians 5:32). Jesus described himself as the bridegroom in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and when the Pharisees questioned him about fasting (Matthew 9:14-17). So what does this mean for us? Like God declared that Israel would know Him, do you know Jesus like a wife knows her husband?

3) Why does the author refer to Baal in this passage? Why is it significant for her to say “My husband” rather than “My Baal”?
We may not have pagan idols like what the Israelites encountered, but we all have things we worship – even good things! But God wants us to throw away those idols and worship Him truly. In verse 16, God declares that Israel will call Him “my husband”. Do we desire and pursue God above all other things like we would a husband? This can even mean good things like family, church, and community. Jesus says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, and even his own life – he cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26). This statement can be hard to hear and process. If our love for something exceeds our love for God, then it is an idol. We should be so in love with Jesus that our feelings for others can look like hate in comparison! Even still, our love for God will never compare to the love He has for us!  

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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
Bride 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 Bride!