Author: Leslie Umstattd

Neighbor Day 9 Reaching Beyond Isolation: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

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

The Questions

1) Why is this lawyer asking questions of Jesus?

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

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

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

Luke 10: 25-37

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

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

Original Intent

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

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

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

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

Everyday Application

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

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

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

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

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Neighbor 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.

Here Day 4 Mary: 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 Mary!

The Questions

1) What does “in the sixth month” refer to in this passage?

2) Why does Luke tell us Mary was a virgin and betrothed to man in the house of David? Why does it matter?

3) Why is Mary troubled at what the angel said to her?

Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Original Intent

1) What does “in the sixth month” refer to in this passage?
When we ask a question of a passage, our first response should always be to examine the broader context first. Verses were not meant to tell a story all on their own. The first part of chapter 1 details the account of the angel Gabriel’s visit to Zechariah as he foretells the birth of John the Baptist. In verse 24, we see Elizabeth has conceived with John and has been carrying him for five months, but has told no one. Then, in verse 26, Luke uses the phrase “in the sixth month” as he transitions to Gabriel visiting Mary. This phrase “in the sixth month” is a reference to how far a long Elizabeth is in her pregnancy. John, Jesus’ cousin, and Jesus were six months apart in age.

2) Why does Luke tell us Mary was a virgin and betrothed to a man in the house of David? Why does it matter?
There are over 300 prophecies found within the Old Testament that point to the birth of Christ, the coming Savior. When God established Jesus, His Son as the answer to the world’s problem of sin, He already knew exactly how His birth would happen. Thousands of years before Jesus was ever born, prophets were telling the world about a coming Messiah as the Holy Spirit led them to speak His truth. One such passage is Isaiah 7:14, which specifically states Immanuel “God with us” would be born of a virgin. In Isaiah 9:6-7, we are told a child will be born from the ancestry of David. It is important Joseph was of the lineage of King David in order to fulfill this prophecy. Luke is informing the reader Jesus’ birth is happening just as He said it would. Only God could know those details, orchestrate them all, and speak through prophets about these specifics for centuries before they occurred. Luke does not offer these details for the sake of details, although he was a meticulous writer when it came to details. He tells the reader these things because it is the fulfillment of prophecy, pointing his audience towards the unfailing, unchanging faithful character of God.  The chances of one person perfectly fulfilling only eight prophecies are 10 to the 17th power. Imagine the odds of stacking silver dollar coins 2 feet deep across the entire state of Texas, then asking one person to find the one coin with a black mark on it by choosing only one, single coin. Those are the odds of 1 person fulfilling just 8 prophecies! Yet, Christ perfectly fulfilled all 300 prophecies made about Him! Truly, none is like the Almighty God!

3) Why is Mary troubled at what the angel said to her?
We are not given clear indication about why Mary is troubled. Given the situation, an angel of the Lord is speaking with her and has just called her, “favored one”. I am sure there is uncertainty about what is happening. We need to remember Mary is a young teenager. Scripture does tell us she is pondering, wondering, discerning why the angel has come to visit and why he greeted her in this way.

Everyday Application

1) What does “in the sixth month” refer to in this passage?
I think when we read this verse in isolation, we may want to attribute a date from the calendar to this timeframe, but as we read it in context, we can see Luke continuing his thought as he transitions from Elizabeth to Mary. These two were six months a part in their pregnancies, and as we continue to read Luke, we find Mary visiting Elizabeth. We are told of the sweet encounter when Elizabeth sees Mary for the first time in verses 39-44. There is a special bond between Mary and Elizabeth that goes beyond family relation. Although simply a marker of time, it leads to a connection within the book of Luke between Mary and Elizabeth that is created only by a coming Messiah who would save His people. As you live in your everyday moments, let this small detail remind you of a God who works mighty things in the midst of small things, even things like due dates!

2) Why does Luke tell us Mary was a virgin and betrothed to man in the house of David? Why does it matter?
Mary was part of God’s plan all along. Thousands of years before Gabriel spoke to Mary, God set in motion a plan to save the world by sending His Son. Only and infinite, perfect God could possibly pay for the sin of finite mankind once and for all with a single sacrifice. This God would need to live the human life flawlessly on behalf of man, and then take on our punishment in our stead. This is precisely how God determined to rescue us! Throughout history we see God use the unlikely, the undesirable, and the lowly to bring about His glory. God chose a teenage girl in a society that values age and wisdom, God chose a girl to carry out His most intimate of plans in a society that gave no value to women, and God chose a peasant to bear His Son which made no worldly sense. God’s plan does not always make sense, but it is always perfect! Take heart there exists no chaos where God cannot bring perfect order and work for our good and His glory!

3) Why is Mary troubled at what the angel said to her?
I think about what my response would have been if an angel had stood before me as a young, teenage girl. Sometimes when we read the Bible, we have read or heard the story so many times we forget it is a real historical account that includes real people. We aren’t reading an elaborate, fictitious story about a young woman whose life is changed forever in a moment of time, but rather a real story about God, the Creator of the Universe encountering His people in a very real way. Mary is troubled I’m sure because maybe she does not understand, maybe she questions if this is really happening, or maybe she wonders “why me?”. In her wondering and troubled heart, she does not demand an answer, or throw a fit, but rather submits with joy as she trusts God with her fears. Although we question God at times over what He is doing or how things will ever work out, there is joy found in simple, trusting submission! Mary did not have all the answers, but she knew the truth of the situation and what God had called her to in that moment. She would be the mother of the Jesus: the Savior of the World, the Son of the God Most High, Emmanuel, God with Us!

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 Here 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.

Focus Day 14 Me Or You?: 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 Me Or You?!

The Questions

1) Who is speaking in this passage and to whom are they speaking?

2) What is the purpose of this message?

3) What is the main theme of this passage?

John 15:9-17

 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Original Intent

1) Who is speaking in this passage and to whom are they speaking?
Jesus is speaking to the disciples in this passage. They have eaten the Passover meal and Jesus is preparing them for what is about to happen, His crucifixion on the cross. He has broken bread with them, washed their feet, and He is giving them His last words of encouragement and instruction before delivering Himself over to the Romans guards.

2) What is the purpose of this message?
Jesus is preparing the disciples to be in this world without Him. For three years, they have traveled with Him and listened to His teachings, but now it is time for them to become the ambassadors and spread His message without Him physically by their side. He does tell them He is not leaving them alone, but rather is providing them “a Helper”, the Holy Spirit. (John 14:15-20)

3) What is the main theme of this passage?
There are two words that stand out in this passage “abide” and “love”. Jesus is taking time in His last moments with His disciples to remind them of what they already know and have been taught over the last three years, but He is preparing them for what is to come. They must both abide in Him and love one another.

Everyday Application

1) Who is speaking in this passage and to whom are they speaking?
The disciples were Jesus’ closest followers. They left their homes, their families, and their lives to follow Him in His teaching. In these last moments, He is giving them one final message of hope with His last instructions being abide in me and love one another. As believers today, we are called to be Christ followers; we are His disciples in our time in history. We are to take His instruction to abide in Him and love others as the standard for the how to live out everyday lives. The Son of God knew His time on Earth had come to an end, and He left behind Holy Spirit empowered disciples to proclaim His truths until His return. We are these empowered and equipped disciples! Are we abiding? Are we loving well? Not sure what abiding looks like in real life? Check out our 3-week Journey Theme: Dwell!

2) What is the purpose of this message?
Have you ever been so wrapped up in a book or movie, you didn’t want it to end? Maybe the story was just that good or the characters were relatable, and you found yourself entrenched in their lives. Purely conjecture on my part, but I wonder if the disciples felt that way. They didn’t want their time with Jesus to end. They were scared (terrified really) and could see that things with Jesus were different; things were coming to an end. The things He spoke about seemed final and His once-coded messages about leaving began to unfold right before them. In all of that, Jesus wanted to offer hope, direction, and assurance. He wanted to put their mind at ease about coming events and, most importantly, wanted to give them instructions about things to come. He wanted to assure them this was God’s plan all along and in Him they were capable of carrying on. So Are We! You and I didn’t walk with Jesus while He was in the flesh, but when the ends of our lives are unraveling, the same assurance is for us. He sees, He knows, He is still the “with us” God!

3) What is the main theme of this passage?
Jesus’ instructions to the disciples were clear: abide in me and love one another. As followers of Him, that is our evaluation standard before I post on social media, before I speak to a friend who has hurt me, before I speak to my disobedient child, before I confront a co-worker about their choices, before—- you can fill in the blank. My focused questions should be am I abiding in Him? And am I loving that other person? John, the writer of this book, says “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) The love we have for our neighbor that comes from our knowing Christ deeply through studying His word and growing in biblical community is the most powerful testimony to a world who does not know Him.

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

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 Focus 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.

Open Day 9 Casting Out Fear: 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 Casting Out Fear!

The Questions

1) Who is the speaker and audience in this passage of Scripture?

2) What is the context of this one verse within the chapter?

3) What kind of freedom is being described in this verse and how is it obtained?

John 8:36

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Original Intent

1) Who is the speaker and audience in this passage of Scripture?
In reading the previous verses, we know the disciple John is the author of the book and he is recounting a conversation between Jesus and “Jews who believed Him.” (verse 31) Although Jesus’ audience, made up largely of Jews, were listening and believing, they were still questioning Him. They did not fully understand who He was as the long-awaited Messiah, nor did they grasp His purposes beyond being a knowledgeable Jewish teacher.

2) What is the context of this one verse within the chapter?
Jesus is teaching in the temple and many are putting their full trust in Him by believing Him at His word that He is indeed exactly Who He claims to be, God Almighty in the flesh. (verse 30) Jesus is explaining who He is and what authority He has to teach, while, at the same time, He is teaching the truth of freedom as well as the truth of sin. Every time Jesus speaks, it is with truth and grace. He boldly preached on the reality of sin, which separates every person from the righteousness of God. Because of our sin, we are utterly and eternally incapable of being made whole in the presence of God. However, just as true is the reality of freedom found in placing our full belief and trust in Jesus Christ as the Only One who took the punishment we rightly deserved because of our sin, and magnificently, gave us righteousness in place of our sin. That is freedom!

3) What kind of freedom is being described in this verse and how is it obtained?
Jesus is specifically talking about freedom from sin. He clearly states that everyone who “practices sin is a slave to sin” (verse 34). Meaning that whoever continues in their state of sinfulness, relying only on themselves to somehow “become good” will always and forever be a slave to sin. There is no escape from the deadly grip of sin simply by trying to “become good” on our own will power. But, through the Son, there is freedom from that slavery! Jesus’ listeners would have understood His terminology, and followed His logic, but they did not see Him as God’s Son sent to take away the sins of the world and provide that freedom. Jesus was claiming to actually be God, for only God could possibly take away sin and its punishment of death. They did not understand the true freedom Jesus was offering because they could not fathom a God who became flesh, rather it was far more comfortable to keep God in a box they could manage. A box where they could be secure in their standing with a righteous God because of their Jewish lineage as Abraham’s descendants.

Everyday Application

1) Who is the speaker and audience in this passage of Scripture?
Scripture is the inspired word of God and although there is a specific context within which it was written, the message of the Bible is still active and living for us today (Hebrews 4:12). We are the audience just as much as the Jewish audience John was writing to over 2000 years ago. Jesus speaks to us today through His Word. How do you view Scripture? Is it strange and archaic to you? Do you find it boring or is it precious? Do your daily actions genuinely reflect your belief? Which claims of Christ do you struggle to fully embrace? Is He just a good teacher or is He the Lord of all? We must all wrestle with these questions, just as Jesus’ listeners did in the first century. Our answers reveal much about our hearts!

2) What is the context of this one verse within the chapter?
Freedom in Christ comes through knowing Him intimately, trusting Him as Lord of your life, and recognizing His authority. In other words, doing exactly what those in verse 30 were doing, “believing Him” and fully taking Him at His word. Jesus is exactly Who He says He is! Jesus is speaking powerful truth to His audience and there is a moment farther in the passage where His audience simply can no longer handle the truth. Angry, because Jesus’ truth makes them extremely uncomfortable as they come face to face with their own sin, His hearers actually pick up stones to throw at Him. (verse 59) What He was saying was so foreign to them, so outrageously unthinkable, it was considered blasphemous. How could Jesus possibly be the Almighty God, having authority to both call out sin and claim to offer freedom from it through Himself?!
Freedom isn’t free; it cost Jesus His life, but our freedom comes through submission, total surrender, to Him. We can’t earn this freedom and neither do we deserve freedom from our sin, but God, being rich in His mercy, provided it to us at the cost of His Son’s life. That is love!

3) What kind of freedom is being described in this verse and how is it obtained?
Throughout history, there have been wars in the name of freedom. A desire to break free from the tyranny of a government or a break from an ideology has caused uprising for the sake of freedom. The freedom Jesus speaks of is infinitely more than an ideal or moralistic teaching because this freedom is eternal, not earthly. My favorite passage in all of Scripture is Romans 8. It starts with the verse, “there is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ…” (Romans 8:1). Freedom from sin is freedom from the wrath of God that we rightly deserve because of our sinfulness before Him. All it takes is one small sin to render us separated and fallen below the standard of flawless, perfect righteousness that He as God exists eternally as. The freedom Jesus offers results in a breaking of all bondage from Sin and Death; no longer are we under that slavery, we are not bound to obey Sin. Rather, we are free to live in the light of Him who created us, free to dance in the love Christ lavishes upon us. That freedom is only accessed in Him through knowing, believing, trusting, submitting, and surrendering to who Jesus is as fully divine and fully human, able to take our punishment in our place. “My chains are gone I’ve been set free.”

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

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 Open 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.

Captivating Day 2 The Middle Of The Story: 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 Middle Of The Story!

The Questions

1) Who is the “I” in verse 4 and why is he troubled?

2) What is the “aroma of knowledge”?

3) What contrast is Paul making in verses 16 and 17?

4) What is to be our motivation as believers?

2 Corinthians 2:4-17

For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart—not to cause you pain, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you. 5 If anyone has caused pain, he has caused pain not so much to me but to some degree—not to exaggerate—to all of you. 6 This punishment by the majority is sufficient for that person. 7 As a result, you should instead forgive and comfort him. Otherwise, he may be overwhelmed by excessive grief. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 9 I wrote for this purpose: to test your character to see if you are obedient in everything. 10 Anyone you forgive, I do too. For what I have forgiven—if I have forgiven anything—it is for your benefit in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes. 12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though the Lord opened a door for me, 13 I had no rest in my spirit because I did not find my brother Titus. Instead, I said good-bye to them and left for Macedonia.

14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place.l15 For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. Who is adequate for these things? 17 For we do not market the word of God for profit like so many. On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.

Original Intent

1) Who is the “I” in verse 4 and why is he troubled?
In the previous chapter, we learn Paul is the letter’s author and he is speaking to his audience from a heart of “anguish”. We also learn from chapter 1:15 how Paul was unable to come Corinth and explains the reasons why he did not come. He longs to come to the Corinthians and he loves them deeply (2:4). Paul explains how his anguished, troubled heart is precisely because of his love for them. The Corinthian church struggled with conflict within and disunity ran rampant among them. This grieved Paul’s heart because he knew how much God desires unity, love, and forgiveness to be the most prominent characteristics of His Bride, the Church. Paul had already written to the Corinthians with strong words intended for their correction and discipline to live like Christ had called them. This second letter reflects the intensity that Paul loves them enough to call them out towards repentance.

2) What is the “aroma of knowledge”?
In this passage the words you see are exactly what they mean, the smell or odor of the knowledge of God, the of knowing Christ and having Him as Lord of your life. The more we know of the Lord, the more we have experienced Him personally in everyday life, the greater the intensity of His lingering fragrance over our daily actions and words.

3) What contrast is Paul making in verses 16 and 17?
Paul is using the analogy of life and death and comparing it to either an enticing fragrance or a repugnant one. To other believers and those seeking and exploring the claims of Christ, the devoted Christ-follower smells of life and hope, drawing others deeper with intrigue for how to know this Jesus for themselves. However, in contrast, there are others, those who have denied or turned their back on the Cross, those who are entirely un-interested and repelled by the freeing story of the Gospel. To these, the Christian smells of death, the stark reality of their separation from God and “the misery arising from sin”. These people press hard and fast away from hope, tragically clinging tightly to their sin. (Strong’s Interlinear Bible Search, www.studylight.org)

4) What is to be our motivation as believers?
Paul finishes the chapter with a description of the motivation of the believer, sincerity in Christ. He makes the contrast with those who “market” the word of God for profit. Other translations use the word “peddling” the word of God. (NASB) The Corinthian church would have known what Paul was referencing because there were those in Corinth that were doing just that. Similar to what Paul speaks of in Philippians how some preached Christ out of envy and vain conceit, some in Corinth were using the preaching of the gospel to bring about their own fame and prideful superiority to gain popularity and even funding. Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to loving act and share hope from a heart that loves and honors God, not because we are using the gospel to further our own position.

Everyday Application

1) Who is the “I” in verse 4 and why is he troubled?
Paul traveled far and wide. He led the New Testament church by establishing small local churches and training local pastors. He would then go check on those churches throughout his missionary journeys, continuing to build them up or, at times, remind them of the anchoring truth of the gospel and bring about correction and rebuke. He captivated those around the Mediterranean with his devotion to Christ, especially those who had met him and knew him personally. He gained a reputation that reeked beautifully of a transformed life wholly devoted to Christ.  I often wonder, do people know who I serve? Are they so captivated by my actions and my life that they ask why? Paul sets an example for us today of utter devotion for the lost and the truth of the Gospel, even when it means asking hard questions and pointing people back to truth. Everything Paul did was from a heart of deep love, may we be encouraged to do the same!

2) What is the “aroma of knowledge”?
What knowledge do you smell like? It is an odd question, but one Paul raises in this passage. There was a senior lady at a church I attended in my twenties. We used to joke that she “oozed” Jesus. Her demeanor, her attitude, her words, and her life exemplified her dedicated devotion to Christ. Paul gives thanks to God who “always leads” us in spreading the truth about Christ in every place. We should be both encouraged that we are not alone for He is with us, but we should also be convicted to follow where He leads. Our aroma should captivate a dying world, drawing them in by the fragrance of the One who rescues and saves!

3) What contrast is Paul making in verses 16 and 17?
The aroma of a devoted Christ follow is sweet to those who know Him and to those who are being drawn in by the Holy Spirit. There is a familiarity and comfort when you find a brother or sister in Christ. There is a nearly tangible bond and a shared hope that comes from being part of the family of God, regardless of location. On the other hand, the aroma of Christ is repulsive to a dying world. The knowledge of God brings about the knowledge of sin and brokenness with no hope. When He pursues those who are running, His aroma is one of wrath and separation. Even in the stench of sin, God’s grace is still available and abundant. The question for us is two-fold. One, are we bringing a fragrant aroma of hope? Two, are we drawn in or repelled by the fragrance of other Christ followers? How well we love others and love Christ’s Bride, the Church, are two telling traits of how well we actually love Jesus.

4) What is to be our motivation as believers?
Paul brings this up because of the peddlers within Corinth that were disgracing the true gospel; they preached Christ for their own benefit to make themselves look better. Our goal as believers is sincerity and Christlikeness. We love because Christ loved us. Period. There is no market value that you can put on Jesus’ deep love. I am reminded of the credit card commercial that shows a series of events with price tags and then ends with sincere sweet moments between families and friends. The commercial ends with a black screen and the word priceless. Paul is making the point here that the Gospel has no price tag. It is available for all and there is no monetary price that can be put on the gospel. We must be sincere in our lives, in our pursuits, and all things that Christ calls us to in this life. Oswald Chambers pens it beautifully in the title of his book, “My Utmost for His Highest”. We give our utmost best because we love the One who is the Highest and worthy of the most supreme love.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with The Middle Of The Story!

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 Captivating 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.

Cross Day 4 John The Baptist: 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 John The Baptist!

The Questions

1) Who is John?

2) Why does it matter what he was wearing and eating?

3) Who are the Pharisees and Sadducees and why is John mad at them?

4) What imagery is John describing at the end of the passage?

Matthew 3:4-12

Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees.  Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Original Intent

1) Who is John?
John is the cousin of Jesus. He was a prophet and was nicknamed, “John the Baptist” because he baptized people in the Jordan River, including Jesus. He is often considered the front runner to Jesus and John the Apostle says, “He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light”. (John 1:14-23)

2) Why does it matter what he was wearing?
The belief held among theologians is Matthew describes John this way for one very specific purpose. The reason is thought to be, he was emulating the appearance of Elijah the prophet (2 Kings 1:8) because he was the first prophet on the scene since Malachi 400 years earlier. People would have seen John and immediately recognized him as a prophet simply by his appearance. They would have remembered the oral traditions of the stories of God’s prophets heralding repentance.

3) Who are the Pharisees and Sadducees and why is John mad at them?
The Pharisees and the Sadducees were the religious leaders of the 1st century. They were lording the rules and regulations of the Old Testament over the people of Israel as a hard and fast rule of law. They had added “extra rules” to the original law of Moses, enforcing heavy burdens on the Jews. Jesus described them as “white washed tombs” (Matthew 23:27-28) because they followed the rules on the outside, but there was no heart transformation. John knew their hearts and why they had come to see him. It had nothing to do with a desire to repent and be saved, rather they wanted to rely on their ancestral heritage of being a child of Abraham through bloodlines. They saw this as a “free pass” to continue in their prideful sins of the heart as long as they had lineage and “rule-following” appearance in their favor.

4) What imagery is John describing at the end of the passage?
John’s message was one of repentance. He proclaimed when Jesus came, He would judge the earth. The imagery used by John shows the judgement Christ will render. There will be a time when the followers of Christ will reign with Him and those who choose not to follow will be like chaff burned up in the fire of judgement.

Everyday Application

1) Who is John?
The importance of John the Baptist to the Gospel is imperative to understand. He was prophesied about in the Old Testament (Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1) as the one who would come before Christ to tell the world of the coming Messiah. The message of repentance would be on his lips. We can look at John and see a standard of true gospel living. He pointed to Christ and walked humbly waiting for Him to come. From the womb where he leaped with excitement (Luke 1:41), to the tomb where he lost his head because he faithfully followed Christ. John the Baptist is a follower whose entire life points to the redemption found at the cross.

2) Why does it matter what he was wearing and eating?
In a day and age of wealth and prosperity, it is important for believers to be mindful of the lifestyle they live and where their priorities are centered. John the Baptist went out of his way to run counter-cultural. He used the clothes he wore and the food he ate as a visual representation of his commitment to the Lord. This does not mean you have to eat honey and locust and wear camel hair, but we should be challenged to evaluate where we spend our money and how we spend our time. We should ask ourselves, do we point to the cross of Christ? When people saw John the Baptist, he stood out as a prophet and he not only represented himself in physical appearance as a prophet, but his message of repentance matched his actions. The words he spoke pointed directly to Christ as the coming Messiah. Could we say the same? Do we stand out in our representation of Christ or do we “fit in” with the culture? Do we proclaim a coming Messiah with every part of our being? Are we leveraging our material possessions, how we carry ourselves, and the words we speak to point people to the hope of Christ?

3) Who are the Pharisees and Sadducees and why is John mad at them?
I, for one, find it difficult at times to watch believers misrepresent the Gospel. This was the issue John the Baptist had with the Pharisees and Sadducees. We will all mess up because we are sinful people living in a sinful world, but this perpetual choosing goes beyond that. The religious leaders of the 1st century prided themselves on their “perfect” behavior when in reality they were missing the cross, Christ, and the Gospel altogether. The habitual prideful heart of other believers should upset us. If we see it in ourselves, we should repent, and we should ask other believers to confront us when they see it. If we see it in our brothers and sisters in Christ, we should keep each other accountable to representing the Cross well with God-honoring actions, beliefs, and attitudes.

4) What imagery is John describing at the end of the passage?
There are times in Scripture where the consequence of sin is given in perfect imagery. The brokenness of humanity and the separation from God a world full of people experience, is spelled out so clearly in this passage. This should be a wake-up call as believers that we could once be described as such, chaff burning in the fire. This should prompt us to speak His name, His truth, and tell of His amazing grace to a world dying without Christ. Everyone has a place in His presence, and we are His representatives, His ambassadors just as John was. Our job is the same as his, to point to the Cross with the entirety of our lives!

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

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 Cross 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.

Gospel Day 14 Will Not Perish: 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 Will Not Perish!

The Questions

1) Who is “all” in verse 23?

2) How are we justified?

3) What did Jesus’ death on the cross show?

Romans 3:23-26

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Original Intent

1) Who is “all” in verse 23?
In the original language, the word all is defined as “each, every, all, the whole, all things, some of all types.” (www.studylight.org- Thayers Dictionary) When Paul used this word, he was intending for no exceptions. No human being is exempt regardless of social status, age, background, race, merit, or nationality.

2) How are we justified?
As verse 24 states, we are justified, or made right, by His grace through the redemption found in Christ Jesus. That grace only comes because Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross taking the penalty for all sin when He shed his blood, surrendered His life, and resurrected on the third day. This action made all humanity right before God, but in faith we must accept that justification and grace.

3) What did Jesus’ death on the Cross show?
In verse 25, Paul explains how Jesus’ death displayed God’s righteousness because He had to make right the sin of the world. God is a perfect and holy God and His Son, Jesus, was a perfect and holy sacrifice. God was the justifier.

Everyday Application

1) Who is “all” in verse 23?
The gospel is for everyone because everyone bears the weight of sin in their life. When Eve took a bite of the fruit and sin entered the world, the entirety of creation was subjected to death and humanity was covered in sin. All have sinned and fallen short of what God desires, but the good news is God provided for ALL to come back to Him. He is a righteous God who because of His great love for His creation, provided the way back. Not all believe in Him, but the gift of eternal life is offered to all. If Jesus offers His gift to all, how can we hold back?

2) How are we justified?
God provided a way for all to come to Him, but we must choose to walk that path. When we make the decision to follow Him and commit our way to Him, we are covered “just as if” our sin did not stand between us as sinners and the holy God. We are justified before Him, our debt is paid in full, and there is nothing that can separate us from His love. (Romans 8:38-39) The judge, God, dismisses the case because the evidence against us was vanquished when Christ, the perfect sacrifice, was crucified 2000 years ago in our place and resurrected three days later, forever conquering Death for all who believe. He conquered sin once and for all.  Living in this reality daily transforms our lives as we seek to live in the truth of our new identity in Christ—no longer a slave to sin, but set free in His grace and love!

3) What did Jesus’ death on the Cross show?
The beauty of the gospel is it reveals so many aspects of God’s character. One characteristic being God’s righteousness. There is a need for a debt to be paid and He is the collector of that debt, but the beauty part is how He provided the payment. It is our debt, yet God, in giving His Son, provided the payment in full. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ showed God’s willingness, another characteristic, to sacrifice His own son so His creation could be reconciled to Him. In viewing the cross and Christ’s sacrifice, we see God’s pursuit and love for reconciliation between Himself and His creation: and it is beautiful!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Will Not Perish!

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 12 The Lord’s Gym: 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 Lord’s Gym!

The Questions

1) Who is the “you” in this passage?

2) What is the overall theme of this chapter in Titus?

3) The word, “train” or “training” is used several times in this passage. What does it mean to train biblically?

Titus 2

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Original Intent

1) Who is the “you” in this passage?
Paul is speaking directly to Titus as he begins chapter two. He is instructing Titus, as the pastor, to teach sound doctrine. That is of utmost importance for a church to function properly and honor God as his body representing Him on this earth. Paul then proceeds to discuss various roles within the local church body.

2) What is the overall theme of this chapter in Titus?
This passage clearly lays out the importance of teaching and learning from one another as well as holding one another accountable in the way we each represent Christ. This is a biblical mandate for the Church, that men and women alike teach and model Christ-like behavior. This passage goes a step further by giving clear boundaries on what specific behaviors honor God.

3) The word, “train” or “training” is used several times in this passage. What does it mean to train biblically?
Thayer’s Dictionary defines the uses of “train” and “training” as to instruct or teach as well as encourage. Paul is describing a type of relationship that exists between brothers and sisters in Christ where discipleship and growth happen because there is an intentionality in the DNA of the relationship to train and disciple one another.

Everyday Application

1) Who is the “you” in this passage?
Although the original intent was directed at Titus, the broader application for readers today is for leadership, specifically pastors and teachers within the church, to teach sound doctrine. One of the most important parts, if not the most important part, of a church is the accuracy and soundness of what is being taught from the pulpit, in the Sunday School class or Lifegroup, from the Bible Study, and on the mission field. The situation doesn’t matter, but the content that feeds the hearts and minds of believers must align with the absolute truths of Scripture. “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3:1). As believers, we are given the Holy Spirit to help us discern God’s truths and live a life anchored in Him.

2)  What is the overall theme of this chapter in Titus?
This Biblical framework Paul gave Titus, and subsequently all of us, reveals the beauty of the body of Christ. The Christian life is not meant to be lived as an island, rather we are to sharpen and encourage one another to deepen our relationship with the Lord as a community of believers. We are to awaken ourselves and be intentional at working out our salvation by joining other believers and allowing other believers to join us in this thing we call life.

3)  The word, “train” or “training” is used several times in this passage. What does it mean to train biblically?
Training is not easy. I ran a half-marathon several years ago and it required “training” before hand for upwards of 6-9 months so I could complete the race. The Christian life is very much like that half-marathon except our finish line comes in eternity. I didn’t do it by myself, but I convinced a friend to join me because I knew it would be easier to train if someone was training with me to keep me accountable and run along side me during training and the race. We did it together. That is the picture of the Christian life, doing it together! We are never alone! We have the Holy Spirit as a “helper” in this life, but God also gives us the community of believers all across the world. We get to encourage those who maybe aren’t as far in their walk, we get to walk alongside those who are in the same spot we are in our journey, and we have opportunities to be pushed and pulled by more mature believers we intentionally seek out. Training is a biblical mandate for the Christian life and there is delightful, necessary community surrounding us when we are teachable and vulnerable to allow others into our lives.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with The Lord’s Gym

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 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 V Day 12 Paul, The Prisoner: 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 Prisoner!

The Questions

1) What is the context of this passage?

2) What is Paul’s definition of weakness in this passage?

3) What is Paul’s mindset in this passage?

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Original Intent

1) What is the context of this passage?
In this passage Paul has been boasting, but not in the way that one would think. Rather, Paul boasts of all the ways God has moved and worked in his life and the world around him. Paul is pointing out that in his humanity he is weak. He even asked God to remove a specific affliction. The response he received from God was that the mighty strength of the Lord is made (or displayed) perfectly in the weaknesses of humanity, even in physical affliction. God assures Paul His grace is sufficient and He is more than able to use suffering for the gospel’s sake. Humility, and a trusting reliance on God, are gained when we face affliction and hardship with the firm understanding that we are neither alone nor is our suffering wasted.

2) What is the weakness that Paul is talking about in this passage?
The weakness Paul describes is two-fold. The first description is found in verse 7, just prior to this passage where Paul has eluded to a “thorn in the flesh”. There is a very real physical alignment that he is suffering from, but there is no description given about what that “thorn” is for him. The second part of weakness for Paul is life circumstances and he lists them out in verse 10 as well as previously in chapter 11 and in other places in his writings.

3) What is Paul’s mindset in this passage?
Paul here describes his mindset as contentment and the source of that peace. He is content in knowing that God is using his hardship, persecution, and weakness. God’s love, authority, and ability to use all things for His glory gives Paul hope because there is reason and purpose even in suffering. He will “boast” about his weakness so that in his human weakness he will find eternal strength, which is put on display for all to see.

Everyday Application

1) What is the context of this passage?
God is always moving and working, but sometimes in the prisons of our life, it is hard to see that God is doing anything. It is difficult to see past the circumstance and feelings of weakness to comprehend how God could possibly use it, or us, for good. Rest assured, we can have hope that His grace is indeed sufficient and He has not left us alone. We are given promises all throughout Scripture and we can solidly know God “will never leave or forsake us. So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5b-6) We can take joy in knowing that God uses us despite our weaknesses; even in our calamities, the Lord assures He will work for His purposes.

2) What is the weakness that Paul is talking about in this passage?
On any given day, it is easy to recount the weakness of humanity. We simply watch the news to see the suffering in the world. Suffering and sadness are not new to this age, they are a product of the fall that began in Genesis when sin entered the world. Since that time, God has been working to redeem and restore the brokenness of this world through His Son and through the work of His Spirit. His desire and promise is that one day He will wipe away the insults, persecutions, and hardships, but in the meantime, He wants to work within His children to show a lost world that He has love, grace and mercy to offer in suffering.

3) What is Paul’s mindset in this passage?
The challenge for us, as it was for Paul, is to find contentment in God’s promises rather than losing sight of them by focusing on the circumstances surrounding us. Paul trusted God so intimately with his life that God’s desire became Paul’s desires, even if it meant shipwrecks, imprisonment, and beatings. I’m reminded of the old hymn, “Standing on the Promises of God” when I read these verses because in our times of suffering and weakness, standing on His promises is the only way to find contentment and hope. Contentment does not mean I’m happy or I don’t question events in my life, rather I know I can find eternal joy in recognizing how earthly circumstances do not define me or control me. They should push me and cause me to draw closer to the One who loves me and saves me. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

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

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 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.