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Gospel

Known Day 14 El Elyon: Digging Deeper

July 27, 2023 by Merry Ohler Leave a Comment

Known Day 14 El Elyon: Digging Deeper

Merry Ohler

July 27, 2023

Adoration,Captivating,Glory,God,Gospel,Grace,Jesus,Spirit,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 "El Elyon"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Samuel 22:8-15

8 Then the earth shook and quaked;
the foundations of the heavens trembled;
they shook because he burned with anger.
9 Smoke rose from his nostrils,
and consuming fire came from his mouth;
coals were set ablaze by it.
10 He bent the heavens and came down,
total darkness beneath his feet.
11 He rode on a cherub and flew,
soaring on the wings of the wind.
12 He made darkness a canopy around him,
a gathering of water and thick clouds.
13 From the radiance of his presence, blazing coals were ignited.
14 The Lord thundered from heaven;
the Most High made his voice heard.
15 He shot arrows and scattered them;
he hurled lightning bolts and routed them.
16 The depths of the sea became visible,
the foundations of the world were exposed at the rebuke of the Lord,
at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How does David’s description of God in verses 8-15 portray Him as El Elyon?

Just before David’s praise of God in this passage, David and his troops had defeated the Philistines. (2 Samuel 21:15-22:1) The preceding chapter outlines their battle, complete with vignettes of four of David’s mighty men defeating four Philistine heroes. (2 Samuel 21)

This battle against the Philistines came much later in David’s life, but undoubtedly brought memories and echoes of the time when he fought Goliath as a young man during Saul’s reign. (Chapter 21:19 contains a scribal error; Elhanan actually killed Goliath’s brother Lahmi, as verified in 1 Chronicles 20:5.) 

David’s praise of God in 2 Samuel 22:8-15 is echoed almost word for word in Psalm 18. The phrases in both chapters depict God’s fearsome power and juxtapose Creation’s response to His power and intensity. David described the earth shaking before the Most High; the foundations of the very heavens trembled and shook.

Over and over, David held up parts of Creation to Creator, and showed that each created thing was powerless before the One Who created it: the entire earth, the foundations of the heavens, the very darkness, the wind, clouds, water, lightning and thunder, the depths of the sea, and the foundations of the world. Every item is something far larger than man; every created thing set ablaze, bent, wrapped around Creator, listening to Him, commanded and used by Him.

The name “El Elyon” means “Most High,” with great emphasis placed on His strength, sovereignty, and supremacy. (Psalm 9:1-10, Genesis 14:17-24)

The Everyday Application

1) How does David’s description of God in verses 8-15 portray Him as El Elyon?

David’s description of God’s power and majesty against the backdrop of His Creation brings to mind how little I have truly meditated on the reality that God is El Elyon.

How many things do I allow to crowd my mind and heart, and day to day life, to the point that I fail to study my Bible, or spend time in prayer, or give Him even an ounce of glory due His Name? Our God truly is the Most High. There is nothing and no one who deserves our praise and honor more than Him. I am convicted that I have not allowed the reality of God as reigning El Elyon to affect my life fully.

When I allow the trappings of daily life to lull me into a complacent mindset with little to no thought for my Creator, I am in need of a contrite spirit. God Most High deserves more than lip service or a passing prayer or thought. He deserves a life lived fully in surrendered service to Him.

Lord, convict my heart when I stray from this truth, and bring me back to Your humble, righteous way. Enable me to fix my eyes, heart, and mind on You alone, even as I fulfill the tasks You have given me to accomplish in everyday life.

Give me glimpses of Your power and might; help me to meditate on what it means that you are the Most High God.

The Original Intent

2) What is the significance of “Most High?” (verse 14)

“El Elyon
” translates to “God Most High.” The significance of the name El Elyon conveys what is true about God positionally, in contrast with all He has created. El Elyon highlights the truth that there are two categories: Creator God and His Creation. His Name rightly declares Creator as high above all else in creation.

Of all the incredible, powerful things He created, God is The Most High. The earth is great, far beyond any human’s ability to control, rule, or duplicate. El Elyon declares God is greater. He rules it completely, and He alone created it by the power of His word. (Psalm 103:19, Psalm 135:6, Isaiah 14:24)

The heavens are high and beyond our human scope. El Elyon declares God is higher and greater. He rules it completely. He spoke the heavens into being, causes the rain to fall, and the sun to rise and set. (Malachi 1:11, Psalm 113:3-6)

Darkness is broad, and without light it would cover the earth entirely. El Elyon declares God is more powerful.

The clouds exist high above the earth, and no man can rule or sway them. El Elyon declares God is the most powerful. He is powerful enough to use clouds as a drape around Himself. (2 Chronicles 20:6, Psalm 62:10-12)

Fire is powerful, and burns all it touches. El Elyon declares God’s radiance is powerful enough to start fire and bring coals to a blaze by His mere presence. (Deuteronomy 4:22, Exodus 19:18)

Lightning and thunder are powerful. They cause the earth to shake and split the sky with vibrant light. El Elyon declares God is more powerful than thunder; thunder and lightning do His bidding. (Exodus 19:19, Isaiah 33:14)

The sea and very foundations of the world are beyond our understanding. El Elyon declares even those things we cannot comprehend bow before the strength, sovereignty, and supremacy of the LORD God, the Most High.      

The Everyday Application

2) What is the significance of “Most High?” (verse 14)

Children enjoy building towers with brick blocks. Every so often, my children (or others visiting our home) will decide to have a “challenge” to see who can build the tallest tower. The play room will fall silent as they intently build, brick by brick, towers of varying intricacy, width, and height.

Quietly, they will work at their challenge until someone declares, “Finished!” Then, and only then, will they peer around to see what their competitors built, and to survey if their tower is tallest or not.

That’s the thing with building things up; when we are in the middle of it, we are often so focused on what we are doing we lose sight of everything else. In what areas have you been building your own “tower?”

What have you been worshiping as your “Most High God?” Sure, it may not feel like worship. Let’s consider it a different way. Where are you investing the majority of your time, energy, and thoughts?

Are you submitting those things to the Lord, or are you filling your hours with your own agenda and tithing a little time to Him as you find it around the fringes of your schedule? This isn’t about performance or legalism; it’s about heart posture.

Is the LORD God Your Most High? Or is it some other created tangible or intangible thing?

El Elyon, God Most High, help me examine this life You’ve given me with clear vision, and show me where I have allowed other things to take Your rightful place in my heart, mind, and life. 

The Original Intent

3) If all Scripture points us toward God’s ultimate plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, how does this passage accomplish the goal?

El Elyon is God Most High. There is no one higher or greater. No other created thing can claim to be higher, greater, or more powerful than He Who created. To have the most strength, sovereignty, or supremacy, and yet, El Elyon chose to humble Himself beyond measure when Jesus Christ came to earth.

The Most High God chose to enter humanity as the most humble of humble created things: a tiny, defenseless infant. He didn’t come hurling lightning bolts, breathing smoke, or setting things ablaze with His very presence. He didn’t split the heavens with thunder or rebuke the seas with His very breath. Instead, He came quietly, simply.

But why? Why would this all powerful, all sovereign, all supreme, Creator God choose to lay aside His rightful claim as Most High in favor of being the most humble?

Relationship.
The Most High God has all authority over everything and everyone. He can command all to bow, and all will bow. He rules over all, whether we acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives or not. But El Elyon, the Most High God, desires personal relationship with us.

He chose to humble Himself to the point of death on the cross, that we might be given the opportunity to repent from our sins and accept the free gift of salvation made possible by His sacrifice. (Philippians 2:5-11)

Though He holds the power, authority and every right to command all of mankind to turn from sin and obey Him, He will never force us. Instead, He invites us to respond to His loving sacrifice. 

The Everyday Application

3) If all Scripture points us toward God’s ultimate plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, how does this passage accomplish the goal?

When I think about El Elyon desiring a personal relationship with us, and that the fulfillment of that desire is found in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, I am both humbled and elated. The concept of our triune God is a reality that reminds me of how far beneath His incredible glory I am, while showing me how much He loves each of us.

He doesn’t withhold part of Him from us.

God Most High grants us relationship with Him as Father, as Saviour Jesus Christ, and as Comforter Holy Spirit. Though He is all powerful, all sovereign, first and foremost above all things, He chooses us.

He calls us, He invites us to turn from sin and accept salvation through Jesus Christ, and He enables us to respond to Him. The Most High God made a way for us to be in His presence and have an intimate, flourishing relationship with Him. He knew we would not be able to fulfill all that was needed to be in right standing with Him, due to our sin, so He made a way to return to fellowship with Him.

Before the foundations of the earth, before Creation, He knew what we are like, and what we would do. And He made a way!

Thank You, El Elyon, for loving and serving us in this incredible, life-changing way! Thank You, Jesus, for humbling Yourself to the point of death on a cross to pay the penalty brought on by our sin, allowing us to come to you through truly repentant hearts! Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your constant presence and guidance in our lives!

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Elyon,known,Names of God,powerful
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The earth shook, thick smoke filled his nostrils, thunderous roars overtook him. Fear shook his insides, yet something deeply glorious, dare he use the word “intimate”, pulled him in closer.

As his knees buckled and his face went flat on the rocky terrain of the mountainside, his heart beat to know this God, to see Him, how his insides begged for more.
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Posted in: Adoration, Captivating, Glory, God, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Spirit, Worship Tagged: Elyon, known, Names of God, powerful

Known Day 8 Jehovah Tsidkenu

July 19, 2023 by Rebekah Hargraves Leave a Comment

Known Day 8 Jehovah Tsidkenu

Rebekah Hargraves

July 19, 2023

Covenant,Cross,Fellowship,Forgiven,Gospel

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 3
Romans 3:10-18
Jeremiah 33:14-16
2 Corinthians 5:16-21

I often say knowing the character of God is of paramount importance to trusting God – after all, we can’t trust someone we don’t know! One of my favorite ways of getting to know God is by studying His names. Through learning about the various names of God, we are able to receive a rich glimpse into Who God is by seeing His character in action.

The name we are looking at today is particularly near and dear to my own heart. 
Jehovah Tsidkenu means “The Lord Our Righteousness.”

This name is a balm to my soul when I hear it. In my teens and early 20s, I went through a multi-year-long season of legalism. If you know anything about legalism, you know it weighs us down with the burdensome belief we need to work and perform and “do” enough good, holy, and right things to earn righteousness for ourselves.

This is an exhausting, debilitating, overwhelming way to live, and it
actually does not result in righteousness.
Those trapped by legalism end up on a hamster wheel, a vicious cycle, weighing us down while never producing any good fruit. 

Thanks to the good news of the gospel, we don’t need to live this way!
The Lord Himself is our Righteousness, and there is nothing at all we need to (or even can!) work towards or earn apart from Him.

When humanity’s initial righteousness was lost in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), Jehovah Tsidkenu already had a plan to restore righteousness to His children. (Genesis 3:14-16)
Our God is just that gracious! 

He looked down from heaven and saw plainly there was “no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10) Yet, out of His unending love for us, God planned to send Jesus to save His people from their sins and to impute to them His own righteousness. (Jeremiah 33:14-16) In fact, early church preacher and teacher, Paul, writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” He is a gift to us, our cover and our Savior. Is that not incredible? 

The Lord truly is our righteousness;
when we place saving faith in Christ and God the Father then looks at us,
He sees only the righteousness of His Son!
Talk about amazing grace!

Jesus, the prophesied-about King, the Son of God with no wrong, dishonesty, or unfairness in Him, chose to be treated unfairly for our sakes, so we might have His righteousness as our own, imputed to us through no work of ours, but rather through faith.
That’s a load off right there! 

Having God as our Provider and Source of righteousness changes everything.
For me, I went from being a stressed-out, shame-filled, guilt-ridden shell of myself to a person experiencing freedom for the first time, at rest and with peace in my heart. I finally understood I was accepted by God, seen as righteous, and was separated from my sin as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12-13) I didn’t need to strive anymore, pull myself up by my bootstraps, be enough on my own, or try my best. I could cease my striving, let my burden of condemnation go (Romans 8:1-2), and relish the grace of my Savior. 

You might be wondering now, though, about the issue of obedience.
Where does obedience fit in? 

We know we don’t need to be perfect or strive or be enough on our own because of Jehovah Tsidkenu, we know salvation is by grace through faith and righteousness is a gift. 

What of Scripture’s talk of obedience?

Fundamentally, this asks how we should respond
to a God who provides our righteousness.

This, my friends, is specifically where obedience comes in.
This is a radically different question than,
“How much good must I do to be ‘good enough’ for a holy God?”

As Christ-followers of a good God who knows what is best for us,
we want to obey Him and follow His Word.
We want to live lives characterized by adherence to His ways.
The key is that our obedience now comes from a place of gratitude for what God has already done on our behalf, not an fool-hardy attempt to earn His favor or our salvation.
Our response to this good God who gave us the gift of His righteousness should be obedience to His commands from a grateful heart of delightful love.

Should we obey God? Absolutely!
But not because we are trying to earn anything.
My friends, the Lord, Jehovah Tsidkenu, is our righteousness. Period.
And praise God for this good news! 

 

Tags :
Christ,gospel,peace,righteousness,Trinity
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By His resurrection, Jesus restored the Kingdom of God to the whole world. (2 Timothy 2:8-11)

God’s promise includes all who put their hope in Him. In Christ, we become a branch of the Branch! (John 15:4-5)

He brings about a kingdom for us filled with righteousness and justice. Friend, this promise of the LORD is for you and for me! Sing with me: Hallelujah to the Righteous Branch!!
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Posted in: Covenant, Cross, Fellowship, Forgiven, Gospel Tagged: Christ, gospel, peace, righteousness, Trinity

Known Day 4 Christos: Digging Deeper

July 13, 2023 by Mandy Farmer Leave a Comment

Known Day 4 Christos: Digging Deeper

Mandy Farmer

July 13, 2023

Blessed,Faith,Gospel,Jesus,Lord,Love

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 "Christos"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 10:11-18

“I am The Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How does this passage connect with Christos and Scriptures of the Old Testament? 

Christos comes from the Greek meaning “Anointed One” or “Chosen One” and is related to the Hebrew word “Mashiach”, or Messiah. We understand from Scripture study that when these words are used in the Bible, we are speaking of Jesus.

The Gospel of John is filled with analogies from Jesus using “I Am” statements to describe Himself as Christ, the Son of God. Jesus used these statements as a means of declaring He was indeed the Messiah, the coming King and promised Savior of the world.

In Exodus 3 God instructed Moses to tell the people He was to be Known as “I Am Who I Am”. The Lord is the “I Am” God; He is above all things and incomparable to any other. “I Am” is a declaration of deity strung as a scarlet cord that runs through the Old Testament from Moses to Joshua to David and onward, leading us straight to Jesus.

The promises of a Messiah were now fulfilled as Jesus stood to announce He was the Chosen One (Luke 4:21), claiming the title of “I Am” for Himself, the very One who pre-existed creation (John 1:1) and through Whom all things hold together (Colossians 1:17).

Though all powerful, the I Am Christos describes Himself as a humble, good Shepherd. This analogy, which we easily connect with Psalm 23, identifies Jesus as The One, True Messiah. 

The Everyday Application

1) How does this passage connect with Christos and Scriptures of the Old Testament? 

I love to study the Old Testament looking for Jesus; it confirms my faith and strengthens my belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Coming King. You may have never been taught the connection between the Old and New Testaments. Or, perhaps, because of familiarity, the Old Testament has lost its luster for you. I urge you to turn its pages looking for Christos with renewed eagerness! (52 Weeks In The Word by Trillia Newbell is a great resource!)

It wasn’t until recently that “the obvious” was pointed out to me again from Old Testament truths. God told Moses, “I Am Who I Am”. John bridges this title and ties it strongly to Christ in his gospel narrative by highlighting how Jesus used the same authoritative title when saying of Himself “I Am…”  

  • the Bread of Life (John 6:35),
  • the Light of the World (John 8:12), 
  • the Door (John 10:7), 
  • the Good Shepherd (John 10:11 and 14), 
  • the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25), 
  • the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) 
  • the True Vine  (John 15:1) 

Each of these statements fit into the whole theme of the Bible and confirms the deity of Jesus. Looking at the whole of Scripture sheds light on the Truth. Dee Brestin shared, “Failing to see that the Bible as one great story is like failing to look at the cover of a puzzle box before you dive into its one thousand pieces. You may be able to put the puzzle together, but it will be frustrating.” (The Jesus Who Surprises)

Looking at the complete picture brings such light to the story. Do you agree? 

The Original Intent

2) How are the Shepherd and hired hand similar and different? (verses 11-13) 

For the original audience, Jesus’ self-identifying statement as the “Good Shepherd” would have landed as an oxymoron. Shepherds were not looked upon as “good.” They were the lowest of the low. As the rejects of society, they were thieves and robbers. How could the Messiah be a shepherd?

On the other hand, consider what they knew from their Jewish history. The greatest king of Israel, David, had been a shepherd-king. Though he came from the lowest places, even the smallest tribe and the youngest in his family, yet he was exalted to the highest position in Israel as her King.

David received the promise of God that his line would lead to the Messiah. David wrote, “The Lord is my Shepherd”, the One who cares for me, leads and guides me, heals, and saves me. 

Jesus was not like other shepherds. He did not run from danger, but radically gave His life to save His sheep. Hirelings, other shepherds Jesus referenced, were Sadducees and Pharisees.

These leaders had been given power and position in order to rightly shepherd the sheep of Israel, but they became infatuated with their rule, gloating in pride of all kinds. They proved they would in no way lay themselves down for Israel. They weren’t Good Shepherds, and neither were they good sheep.

They didn’t “come in” to God through the door by which God had ordained His flock to come into His fold. “The entrance to the Fold had been His free love, His gracious provision, His thoughts of pardoning, His purpose of saving mercy. That was God’s Old Testament-door into His Sheepfold.” (Alfred Edersheim, Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 1883, page 802-803) 

The Everyday Application

2) How are the Shepherd and hired hand similar and different? (verses 11-13) 

Albert Barnes describes a hireling as one employed to take care of the sheep, and one to whom wages are paid. The word translated ‘hireling’ is often employed in a good sense; but in this context it denotes one who is unfaithful to his trust. This includes preachers who speak only for pay. Ones who are unwilling to stand for the welfare of the Church of God. They do not take courage for the cause of Christ. It doesn’t bother them if the church is corrupted and wasted by its spiritual foes. (StudyLight.org) 

Shepherds in Jesus’ time cared for their sheep during the day while out grazing. They hired others to stay with the sheep in the fold overnight to keep wolves and other dangers away.  

I grew up on a dairy farm, no sheep, but the analogy applies. We seldom took a vacation as a family because of the expense. There was more to consider financially than the vacation itself, however, for if we were to leave the farm, we needed to hire someone to feed and milk the cows. Invariably, milk production went down and many times we returned to a sick and dying animal. A hired person comes in and does the work, not taking an interest in each animal. He doesn’t call them each by name, treat them with gentleness, or talk kindly to them. No attention is given to detail or signs that a cow is ill. 

Jesus knows each one of us by name. He calls us and gently leads us individually the way we need to go. He takes time with each of us and knows everything about us. I am so grateful Jesus knows my name. He knows my actions and detects when something isn’t right, because He is faithfully watching over my every step. (Psalm 139:1-6)

The Original Intent

3) How are we known by God and how can we know Him? (verse 14) 

We cannot even begin to wrap our minds around the concept that God knows us perfectly, intimately, and deeply, and chooses to embrace us with His Love! (Psalm 103:11-14)

The Almighty, God of the Universe, looks down and sees us and He loves us! It’s a point that must be taken by faith because the Bible tells me so. “To know” is more than being familiar with a person but to know him intimately.

Psalm 139 tells us God knows every action we take and every thought we think. He knows what we will say before we say it. He is present with us every moment. Because we were created by Him, He knows every tiny part of our being, even the number of hairs on our head! (Luke 12:7) Not only this, He also loves us and has chosen us to be a part of His family. How wonderful that He chose us to be His! (1 Peter 2:9)

How we can grasp this great love, even in the slightest measure, is only through faith in Him. (Ephesians 3:17-19) In and of ourselves, we cannot even acknowledge Him for our sin and love affair with ourselves perpetually blinds us to His kind, gracious love.

But He knows and loves us, so He pursues us (Psalm 139:7-8, John 3:16) just as He searched for Adam and Eve in the garden despite their sinful rebellion. (Genesis 3:9) 

The Everyday Application

3) How are we known by God and how can we know Him? (verse 14) 

God longs to be in fellowship with us. (Acts 17:27) The problem is our sinfulness, which separates us from Him. (Romans 3)

If we want to know God, we must first acknowledge our sin. (Acts 3:19) Only through Jesus, the “I Am” Door can we find salvation. (John 10:7, Acts 4:12) Once we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:10), our desire to deeply know and love Him will increase exponentially.

The key to growing a relationship with God and His Son is by reading Scripture and listening to His voice. Through the Scriptures, we learn His character, His promises, and His will for our lives. As we seek Him through His Word, His indwelling Holy Spirit testifies that we are God’s children. (Romans 5:15-16) We will be filled with God, and we can experience the joy of knowing Him! (Knowing God by J.I. Packer)

We readily recognize the voices of family and close friends because we have spent much time together. We can finish their sentences and anticipate their responses. It is the same with God! The more time we spend with Him, the easier it becomes for us to recognize His voice.

The believer’s knowledge of God in Jesus Christ is only provisional in the present. It suffices for recognizing and trusting Him as we learn His ways and know His heart more deeply while we journey on earth. (John 17:3; Romans 10:9 ) Jesus says of Himself, “I know My sheep and My sheep know Me […] My sheep listen to My voice.” (John 10:14)

Without answering all our questions, our understanding of the Lord through His Word and by His Spirit provide an adequate light for the journeyer in this darkened world. But this knowledge is only a foretaste of knowing God ‘face to face’. (Bible Study Tools, 1 Corinthians 13:12) 

Tags :
Christ,father,Holy Spirit,King,Savior,shepherd
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Titles are telling.
Sr. Jr. Sir. Madam. PHD. Mrs. Master. Dr. CEO. A few simple letters before a name can tell us who is in charge, a person’s qualifications, their relationship status, or their generational rank.

Your name and title matter. When someone misspells or mispronounces your name, a little flag goes up inside, waving around saying, “Hey! You don’t know me.”

More than a few letters, God’s titles and names preserved in Scripture reveal much about His character, His heart, His purposes, and His person.

To skip His name, is to miss out on truly knowing Him.
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Posted in: Blessed, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, Lord, Love Tagged: Christ, father, Holy Spirit, King, Savior, shepherd

Sketched XI Day 12 Wearied, Worn; Rested, Revived: Digging Deeper

July 4, 2023 by Rebecca Adams Leave a Comment

Sketched XI Day 12 Wearied, Worn; Rested, Revived: Digging Deeper

Rebecca Adams

July 4, 2023

Christ,Faith,Gospel,Grace,Holy Spirit,Prophecy,Reveal,Righteousness,Safe

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 "Wearied, Worn; Rested, Revived"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 45:1-13

The Lord says this to Cyrus, his anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him and disarm kings, to open doors before him, and even city gates will not be shut:

2 “I will go before you and level the uneven places; I will shatter the bronze doors and cut the iron bars in two. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches from secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord. I am the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. 4 I call you by your name, for the sake of my servant Jacob and Israel my chosen one. I give a name to you, though you do not know me. 5 I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God but me. I will strengthen you, though you do not know me, 6 so that all may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is no one but me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. 7 I form light and create darkness, I make success and create disaster; I am the Lord, who does all these things.

8 “Heavens, sprinkle from above, and let the skies shower righteousness. Let the earth open up so that salvation will sprout and righteousness will spring up with it. I, the Lord, have created it. 9 “Woe to the one who argues with his Maker— one clay pot among many. Does clay say to the one forming it, ‘What are you making?’ Or does your work say, ‘He has no hands’? 10 Woe to the one who says to his father, ‘What are you fathering?’ or to his mother, ‘What are you giving birth to?’”

11 This is what the Lord, the Holy One of Israel and its Maker, says: “Ask me what is to happen to my sons, and instruct me about the work of my hands. 12 I made the earth, and created humans on it. It was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded everything in them. 13 I have stirred him up in righteousness, and will level all roads for him. He will rebuild my city, and set my exiles free, not for a price or a bribe,” says the Lord of Armies.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Who was Cyrus and why is he called God’s anointed one? (verse 1)

We can read of the same Cyrus mentioned here in Isaiah’s prophecy in our history books. Perhaps you recall learning of Cyrus the Great, a Persian ruler dating from 539-530 BC, in your world history class. If recalling his exploits is a bit challenging, the important aspect for this passage centers around his decision to free the Jewish exiles from Babylon.

Just as prophesied, Israel would remain in exile seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11) as punishment for their continued rebellion against the Lord their God who had freed them from slavery in Egypt and birthed them into a nation to fulfill a covenant He had cut with Abraham. (Genesis 15)

Contrary to how it may have seemed during exile, God had not abandoned them. His love for them, and His righteous jealousy that called them to worship only Him, was still actively present, guarding and protecting them while He arranged history to set His people free to return Home to Jerusalem at exactly the right time.

Who would free them? Ironically, a foreign Gentile king who didn’t know or worship the Lord God (verse 5), namely Cyrus the Great. God’s sovereignty and complete authoritative rule and reign over all things, peoples, and time as poetically described in verses 6-7, would anoint Cyrus to free His people from captivity.

The scene is one more “impossible” in a long string of “impossible-for-man” scenarios where the Lord’s arm of strength would be made known despite all apparent odds for He alone is the God of all possibility (Luke 1:37); nothing escapes His dominion.

The Everyday Application

1) Who was Cyrus and why is he called God’s anointed one? (verse 1)

It’s easy to wake up each day with narrowed tunnel vision of our existence, forgetting we are only one strand of the magnificent tapestry the Sovereign One is weaving. Lovingly, He who cares about every sparrow that falls and every strand of hair we’ve ever worn on our heads, deeply and intricately knows every aspect of our lives. He provides both free will and exercises sovereign control over all things; nothing escapes His dominion.

Like He used an unsuspecting foreign ruler to bring freedom to His people, speaking these prophetic words through His appointed mouthpiece of Isaiah 150 years before it would come to pass, the Lord uses us, our circumstances, and people and events and even creation and inanimate objects to point to His authoritative rule and reign. (Psalm 19:1-4, Luke 19:37-40) Bible teacher, R. C. Sproul, taught that there are no maverick molecules in the universe because the Lord is supremely sovereign.

This reality insists we re-examine the lens through which we view our everyday lives, our struggles, and our joys. Truth about God presses us to hold every aspect of our lives up to the Light of the God who is supremely powerful and all-loving as He guides both our individual daily stories as well as those of the ones around us.

Your “impossible” situation is just one more opportunity to evidence the power of the Lord God who used an unbeliever to make His name known to the ancient world and our own. (verse 6) How might He use your “impossible” to point others to Him, or maybe, even just you? Keep waiting on the Lord, Sister; He will never cease to be both sovereign and loving! (Psalm 27:13-14)

The Original Intent

2) What key message is revealed in verse 8 about God’s purposes?

Verse 8 acts as an anchor for the passage, providing an open window to peer into the mission of God’s heart. Yes, He holds all sovereign rule and reign over all things, but He never acts from a place of cruelty or self-seeking lusts for He alone is the God of all Righteousness.

Like the cloud of God’s presence descended to Mt. Sinai in order to commune with His people (Exodus 19:9-11), like the fire that fell from Heaven at Elijah’s faith-filled prayer (1 Kings 18:20-45), so God provides another reminder of the only Source of pure righteousness: Himself. He comes from above and descends like gentle, life-giving rain upon the world.

The result of soaking in the “rain” of His righteousness is salvation and, because of it, our sprouts of righteousness reflect God’s original righteousness back to Him. This is the “rain cycle” God intended!

He knew we would never be able to “climb the mountain of God”, for only those who are blameless and perfectly pure, being without sin, are able to accomplish this, which eliminates all of us. (Psalm 24:3-4)

Humanity will always chase itself and its own lusts and fleshly desires, eagerly sacrificing to “gods” we believe we can control, just as the 400 prophets of Baal did on Mt. Carmel where Elijah led a standoff between the One True God and the false “deity”. But this “competition” is no competition at all, for who can stand against the Lord God, the Holy and Righteous One? (Nahum 1:1-8) He will put all other false idols, and their worshippers, to shame! (verse 16)

The Everyday Application

2) What key message is revealed in verse 8 about God’s purposes?

The physical soil of the earth doesn’t have the freedom to choose whether it receives or rejects nurturing rain. It is a grace gift from the Lord for this rain to fall, a grace that was withheld for three years because King Ahab had led Israel into idol worship.

Christ was the fullness of God’s righteousness coming down from above, descending to offer us salvation. He offers eternal rescue from the just penalty of eternal death we deserve because we are a people of unclean lips and hearts; we are filthy with our sin. (Isaiah 64:6) Whether we’ve told a single white lie or committed murder, every sin qualifies us for eternal death because we are not perfectly righteous. (Romans 3:23)

While we earn death, Christ paid our death penalty by surrendering His life that we might be “bought back” from death to life! (Romans 6:23) Unlike the dry dust of the earth that simply must receive the gift of falling waters, we are given the freedom to choose grace. We may either accept or reject Christ’s righteousness for ourselves. If we agree with the Lord that we are sinners worthy of death and come to Him ready to turn away from a life of sin, His Spirit is deposited in us as a promised seal that we are His forever; none will be able to snatch us away. (John 10:27-30)

This Spirit of God cultivates our hearts, shaping us to be like Christ as He prunes away sin and whets our appetite for the things of God. (Romans 8:29, John 15:2) As we respond to the love God has poured out into our hearts by His Spirit (Romans 5:5), we sprout righteousness that reflects God’s righteousness back to Him. Like fresh blades of spring grass signal newness of life, so do our acts of righteousness signal to the world of a God who graciously gives new life. (verse 23)

The Original Intent

3) What prophecies are revealed in verse 13?

Verse 13 is pregnant with prophecies of the coming Cyrus, but beyond Him, to the coming Christ, carrying even jewels of our purpose as a Church as we follow Christ. Though Cyrus the Great had no intention of honoring and worshiping Israel’s God or walking justly in His ways, the Lord “stirred him up in righteousness” . (verse 13)

The Lord’s heart motives were righteous as He sought to free His people from exile and bring them Home to Jerusalem. The Lord used His righteousness to stir up Cyrus to act righteously. (Proverbs 21:1) In the same way, His Righteous Holy Spirit stirs us up to follow Him and walk in His ways together with all believers in Jesus in whom the Spirit dwells. This same Spirit was the Righteous motivation that fueled the Father to send the Son as a perfect sacrifice to offer for the sins of the world. (1 John 2:2)

Keep in mind, this prophecy from Isaiah was spoken 150 years before Cyrus decreed Israel could return to Jerusalem and nearly 700 years before Christ would come to earth. Israel hadn’t even been captured yet, and her temple was still intact, but her heart was desperately far from the Lord. Isaiah’s prophetic words pleaded with the people to return to the Lord that His judgement wouldn’t fall on them.

Verse 13 says the Lord would level the path before Cyrus so he would accomplish the Lord’s will. Hundreds of years later, another prophet, John the Baptist, was sent to fulfill more of Isaiah’s words that spoke of one (John the Baptist) who would come to prepare the way of the Lord by making a “straight highway for our God in the desert.” (Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:3)

The Everyday Application

3) What prophecies are revealed in verse 13?

Before John the Baptist came on the scene, the Lord used Cyrus the Great to foreshadow what would come right before “the glory of the Lord [would] appear (That’s Jesus!), and all humanity together will see it, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:5) Through Isaiah, the Lord said of Cyrus, “He will rebuild my city and set My exiles free, not for a price or a bribe[…]”. (verse 13)

Cyrus would send supplies and treasures to rebuild the temple, even returning items that had been taken during Israel’s capture. (Ezra 1:2-7) Cyrus would send Israel Home and would freely do it without being bribed or forced; he would respond to the stirring up of the Lord’s righteousness and would choose to act righteously.

In the same stunningly beautiful way, Christ, the jewel of Heaven, would give Himself by freely laying down His life to build the True Jerusalem, the Church, made up of believers from every generation and every nation in the world. Christ would come to set His people free from sin and death, freeing them to go Home and dwell with Him forever! (John 10:17-18)

When the Church lives out God’s heart on earth to point people to Him by using our lives to reflect His righteousness, we have joined with God Himself as co-laborers in His kingdom to bring the Lost without Jesus Home to be with Him in His family! (1 Corinthians 3:9)

Respond to God’s call of righteousness on your life, embrace His grace gift and reflect His righteousness to the people around you that they might see Christ in you!

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My hope has been crushed; I can no longer walk among the land of the living.

“I have had enough!” I wail to the cloud-laden heavens. Collapsing into the dust, I murmur a final prayer of despair.

“LORD, take my life, for I’m no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:4-5) I am wearied and worn. Let me sleep and not wake up.
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Posted in: Christ, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Holy Spirit, Prophecy, Reveal, Righteousness, Safe Tagged: forgiveness, freedom, holy, life, perfect, righteousness, salvation

Worship XI Day 5 He, Vav, Zayin: Digging Deeper

June 2, 2023 by Stacy Winkler Leave a Comment

Worship XI Day 5 He, Vav, Zayin: Digging Deeper

Stacy Winkler

June 2, 2023

Adoring,Confession,gentle,Gospel,Grace,Scripture

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 "He, Vav, Zayin"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 119:33-56

ה He
33 Teach me, LORD, the meaning of your statutes, and I will always keep them. 34 Help me understand your instruction, and I will obey it and follow it with all my heart, 35 Help me stay on the path of your commands, for I take pleasure in it. 36 Turn my heart to your decrees and not to dishonest profit.e 37 Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; give me life in your ways. 38 Confirm what you said to your servant, for it produces reverence for you. 39 Turn away the disgrace I dread; indeed, your judgments are good. 40 How I long for your precepts! Give me life through your righteousness.

ו Vav
41 Let your faithful love come to me, LORD, your salvation, as you promised. 42 Then I can answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. 43 Never take the word of truth from my mouth, for I hope in your judgments. 44 I will always obey your instruction, forever and ever. 45 I will walk freely in an open place because I study your precepts. 46 I will speak of your decrees before kings and not be ashamed. 47 I delight in your commands, which I love. 48 I will lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and will meditate on your statutes.

ז Zayin
49 Remember your word to your servant; you have given me hope through it. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction; Your promise has given me life. 51 The arrogant constantly ridicule me, but I do not turn away from your instruction. 52 LORD, I remember your judgments from long ago and find comfort. 53 Fury seizes me because of the wicked who reject your instruction. 54 Your statutes are the theme of my song during my earthly life. 55 LORD, I remember your name in the night, and I obey your instruction. 56 This is my practice: I obey your precepts.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How does the psalmist develop the structure of the “He” section? (verses 33-40)

Psalm 119 is a beautifully structured poem focused on God’s law and His Word. It is poetically architected into 22 eight-verse sections, each section titled with a letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The verses in every eight-verse section begin with the Hebrew letter that the section is titled.

Thus, in the section He, each verse begins with the Hebraic letter He. It is also categorized as a Law Psalm. According to the in-house study at The Village Church in Texas led by Jen Wilkin*, the Law Psalms “teach us to celebrate the gift of the Word of God…. They also call for obedience. God’s law is beautiful to the believer because it is a reflection of God’s character…. The Law psalms give us language for delighting in the Word of God, the Bible.”

In the He section, seven of the eight verses are prayers asking God to act, followed by how the psalmist will respond. When the psalmist makes a request of God, God’s response will help him in doing what he has said is his responsibility. He asks God to teach him the meaning of His statutes and help him understand the Lord’s instruction. Why? So that he will be obedient to God’s word both in his heart and actions. (verses 33-34)

He asks for help to “stay on the path of His commands.” Why? Because “He takes pleasure in it.” (verse 35) Can you imagine praying such prayers? These are bold requests for a deep understanding of God’s words.

The psalmist knows the blessing that flows from God’s answers will help him obey and delight in God’s word and will give him life. (verse 40)

*“Psalms: The Prayers of God’s People” written by Jen Wilkin, Elizabeth Woodson, Jenni Hamm, Nathan Campbell, and Krystall Brummitt (not currently available)

The Everyday Application

1) How does the psalmist develop the structure of the “He” section? (verses 33-40)

Psalm 119 gives us language to pray using God’s own words. There are eight basic words used in the full psalm to reference Scripture: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, word, God’s ways/path, and rules/judgements/ordinance. Thus, when the psalmist declares that God’s judgments are good, he is proclaiming the goodness of God’s word. (verse 39)

When he says he longs for God’s precepts, he is saying that he desires and clings to God’s word. (verse 40) These are statements of worship and faithfulness to God. Why not try using God’s words as your prayer to Him? “Teach me, Lord, the meaning of Your Scriptures. As I learn about Your words and more fully understand them, I will keep them because I know You more.” (based on verse 33)

“Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; give me life in Your ways and, ultimately, in You.” (based on verse 37)

Take a closer look at verse 40. Could this be a small peek into the gospel? As Christians we know that life only comes through our acceptance of God’s Son, Jesus, as our Lord and Savior. Jesus’ righteousness is given to us and, thus, Life is given to us. (verse 40)

Praise God for the life we receive through Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and righteousness!

The Original Intent

2) How does the “Vav” section reveal the psalmist’s heart? (verses 41-48)

Dr. Jim Hamilton, Elder and Senior Pastor of Kenwood Baptist Church preached through Psalm 119 in 2017. During his sermon entitled, “You Afflicted Me in Faithfulness”, he summarized sections Gimel, Dalet, He, and Vav as the psalmist’s three-fold cry.

He pleads for 1) God to keep His promise that one day a King from David’s line would reign forever, 2) God’s enemies to be defeated, 3) God’s people to freely live in righteousness without taunts, jeers, or persecution. Has your heart felt like that?

Of course, the psalmist could only look to the future knowing the Messianic King would come according to God’s faithfulness. (verse 38) We have the beautiful advantage of knowing the Messiah King is Jesus, but just like the psalmist, we also look forward with confident assurance to His return and reign as King. In many ways, the prayers in the Vav section reveal our hearts, too, as we await His coming again.

The psalmist prayed for God’s faithful love to be revealed in this future salvation He had already promised. (verse 41) The psalmist longs for the future King, but while he waits for and puts his hope in the future King, he tells God that He will study, delight in, love, and meditate on God’s words because those words reveal God Himself to the psalmist. (verses 45, 47, 48)

The Everyday Application

2) How does the “Vav” section reveal the psalmist’s heart? (verses 41-48)

In the Vav section we see the psalmist’s hope in, delight in, and love for God’s word. (verses 43, 47, 48) He recognized that flowing from his hope, delight, and love will be obedience. (verse 44)

As God reveals Himself to us through the Bible, we grow in our love for Him. Sustaining obedience as a habit of life is a response to what God reveals to us in His word. This response is both supernatural from God and a choice made by us. The psalmist said he studied God’s precepts and meditated on his statutes. (verses 45 and 48)

The more we know God, the more we love Him. We get to know Him more through the study and meditation of His word.

Pray this portion of the psalm to our faithful God. Dig deeply into His word. If you are not actively studying the Bible, do so on your own or with a group of believers. Pray. Study. His word is life-giving, life-changing, and God-breathed. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Allow God to work in your heart and mind as He changes you from the inside out.

The Original Intent

3) How are we to handle affliction according to the “Zayin” section? (verses 49-56)

In the He and Vav sections of Psalm 119, we see hope and trust in God and His promise in the future He holds for His people. However, the psalmist was realistic about the times in which he lived. He believed in the future coming King, but he lived in a world of pain and affliction where arrogant people ridiculed him and wicked people rejected the one true God. (verses 50, 51, 53)

Yet, in reading the Zayin section, we see hope, comfort, life, and remembrance. Note the first two verses and the continuation of the promise of the reign of the coming King from the previous verses. (verses 49-50)

Indeed, the promise of the King, whom we now know to be Jesus Himself, gave the psalmist hope and life in the midst of earthly affliction. (verses 51, 53) The psalmist was resolved, he would not turn away from God’s word but found life in it. (verse 50) He also declared God’s word as the theme of the song of his earthly life, because he knew God’s word intimately, therefore knowing God Himself. (verse 54)

The New Testament expresses this idea using the terminology of walking in a manner worthy of God. (Colossians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, Philippians 1:27, Ephesians 4:1) Thus, in spite of the afflictions around him, he hopes in and obeys God’s word as the habit of his life. (verse 56) 

The Everyday Application

3) How are we to handle affliction according to the “Zayin” section? (verses 49-56)

As I shared earlier we know the psalmist’s hope in a Messianic King is Jesus Christ, God’s only Son. Although He is King, the earthly reign we look forward to is the hope we have of things to come. (Titus 2:13) We live in the “now but not yet”, where people reject God and the Bible as well as reject us for believing in the one true God and His Son, Jesus.

Praying the Zayin section would be a way of bringing our afflictions to God while recognizing His sovereignty in both our present and our future. Remember, take hope, and be comforted in the promise of the coming King! A time will come when evil and affliction will no longer exist, and we will live free from the presence of sin, even though we currently experience afflictions and trials. (verses 49-50, 1 Peter 1:3-7)

Pray you will not turn away from God’s instructions. (verse 51) Make God the theme of your life through His Word. (verse 54) When you are frightened and anxious, as we often are during sleepless nights, remember the name of the Lord and all of His promises, they are assuredly yea and amen. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Pray that obedience becomes the practiced pattern of your life. Worship God through His Word in the here and now. “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

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Journey Study

I was told God loved me, but only when I perfectly obeyed Him.

I was told God’s Word contained guidance and instruction for my life, but one mistake could ruin my life and relationship with God.

I was told God longed for relationship with me, but only as long as I dressed the “right” way, acted the “right” way, spoke the “right” way . . . and I quickly learned shame and condemnation were the punishment for stumbling into the “wrong” way.
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Posted in: Adoring, Confession, gentle, Gospel, Grace, Scripture Tagged: Community, hope, scripture, study, Truth

Worship XI Day 2 Alef & Bet: Digging Deeper

May 30, 2023 by Merry Ohler Leave a Comment

Worship XI Day 2 Alef & Bet: Digging Deeper

Merry Ohler

May 30, 2023

Gospel,Know,Lord,Relationship,Repent

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 "Alef & Bet"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 119:1-16

א Alef 1 How happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk according to the Lord’s instruction! 2 Happy are those who keep his decrees and seek him with all their heart. 3 They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. 4 You have commanded that your precepts be diligently kept. 5 If only my ways were committed to keeping your statutes! 6 Then I would not be ashamed when I think about all your commands. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart when I learn your righteous judgments. 8 I will keep your statutes; never abandon me.

ב Bet 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping your word. 10 I have sought you with all my heart; don’t let me wander from your commands. 11 I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you. 12 Lord, may you be blessed; teach me your statutes. 13 With my lips I proclaim all the judgments from your mouth. 14 I rejoice in the way revealed by your decrees as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways. 16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What is the significance of the Hebrew words interjected between stanzas in Psalm 119?

The Bible is a bound collection of Holy Spirit inspired writings about the Hebrew God and His ways, all pointing directly to God’s ultimate plan for humanity: salvation from sin through his Son, Jesus Christ.

The entirety of Psalm 119 is a masterful work of poetry; it is specifically focused on the value, importance, and usefulness of God’s law. The flowing poem consists of 22 stanzas, composed of eight verses each. Every stanza is preceded by a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet; every line or verse therein begins with the same preceding letter, encompassing the psalmist’s love for God’s Word from beginning to end.

Alef is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which can also mean “oneness with God.” Every verse within the Alef stanza of Psalm 119 declares obedience to God as the pathway to oneness with God, and also speaks of the psalmist’s personal relationship with God.

Bet, the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, is the beginning letter of every verse within the Bet stanza. Bet can also mean “house.” The Bet stanza begins with the psalmist’s question about how a young man can make his way pure. (Psalm 119:9)

The rest of the stanza provides the answer to his question in first person form, indicating the psalmist is the young man in question who desires to keep his way pure. He goes on to espouse the wonderful glory of God’s Word and proclaim his love for it. This first person account of worshipful devotion to God and his ways provides a clear picture of one who chose to make their “home” with the God of Israel, by obeying, keeping His laws, and treasuring His ways and Word. (Psalm 119:11)

The Everyday Application

1) What is the significance of the Hebrew words interjected between stanzas in Psalm 119?

When I pause to meditate on and consider the intentionality of the psalmist’s poem, I am convicted that I have not loved God’s word as I should. The mosaic law in Scripture, as delivered to Moses, seems so far removed from our modern daily lives. However, we must continually remind ourselves that the Bible is not a book about us.

It’s a book about the only holy God, history and His plan of salvation for humanity. The law is not irrelevant; it is essential! It had and has great purpose! Jesus highlighted its importance in saying, “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17-18) 

The deliberate inclusion of each Hebrew letter in the psalmist’s praise demonstrates an immersive, intentional love for God’s law and ways. Every part of the law shows us more about who God is, and what he is like.

As we begin to understand more about him, we are confronted with how very un-like Him we are in our flesh.

The psalmist’s expansive praise to God through every letter of the Hebrew alphabet reminds us this walk with Christ was never designed to be a thing with boundaries or dedicated “hours” of performance.

The call has always been a whole-life, fully surrendered, offering-every-resource, constant-and-forever kind of thing. 

The Original Intent

2) What does the psalmist mean by “precepts” in verses 4 and 15?

The whole of Psalm 119 is written as an all-encompassing tribute showcasing the psalmist’s love, appreciation and dedication to God’s law. When Psalm 119 was written, the specific portions of Scripture it referenced were called the Torah. The Torah consists of the five books Moses wrote, which are included in our modern Bible today: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Among other things, these books include the historical accounts of Creation, mankind’s original fall and sin, the history of the family God chose to use in the earthly lineage of His son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the law God gave to Moses to show people how utterly unlike God they are, and to demonstrate humanity’s need for atonement and salvation.

The word “precepts” refers to the guidance, instructions, and specific direction God provided to His people through the Torah. The nature of the word is not a fluid term, but instead lends itself to the overarching, specific guidelines God gave to Moses and called good for His people.

The Everyday Application

2) What does the psalmist mean by “precepts” in verses 4 and 15?

The law was given to the Jewish people to display God’s character, holiness and righteousness, and to show them their urgent need for a Savior. The same is true for us. When we read the Mosaic law (delivered by Moses) and learn about God’s ways and commandments, we draw the only logical conclusion and conviction: we need a Savior.

The law points us straight to Jesus Christ. Because of this truth, we too, should love the law! Any gift the Lord has given to teach us about Him and His ways is worth our time, study, and faithful attention.

Days are busy; life can be chaotic. Little voices will clamor; little mouths will be hungry. Projects have deadlines, and emails must be answered. On days when there is little time for a bathroom break, let alone time to read or study God’s word, are we investing our mental and emotional capacity on holy things?

Do we grumble and “roll with the punches,” or do we grab hold of what is true and good, and meditate on God’s word even as we wipe noses, walk the dog, and file paperwork?

If love isn’t about how we feel in a given moment, and is instead a humble demonstration of willing obedience in all things, do we create space in our days to meditate on the perfect, holy law of God? 

The Original Intent

3) What is the difference between “precepts” mentioned in verses 4 and 15, and “statutes” mentioned in verses 5, 8, 12 and 16?

While “precepts” may describe the broad direction of the Law God gave to Moses, the word “statutes” points to the specifics given within the Law, from commands not to do certain things, to seemingly smaller picture guidelines God provided for particular “if-then” situations.

Throughout Psalm 119, and specifically in Alef and Bet, there are various words used to describe God’s law and each is used to imply various nuances and communicate a more complete picture: instruction, decrees, ways, precepts, statutes, commands, judgements, word.

Each of these words are used to give glimpses of a different part of the whole, all working together to point out the value, significance, necessity, and relevance of God and His word to the psalmist and all people. 

The Everyday Application

3) What is the difference between “precepts” mentioned in verses 4 and 15, and “statutes” mentioned in verses 5, 8, 12 and 16?

The law God gave to Moses provided both broad and specific directions for His people that outlined a standard of holiness and righteousness while giving intentional guidance regarding specific situations. The purposeful way God provided a path for His people to have a right relationship with him before Jesus Christ came exemplifies how much He loves us and all people.

Just as the psalmist covered everything from “a to z” in his expression of love and gratitude for God’s law, God’s law provided for all. In God’s perfect timing, Jesus, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13) and the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17-20), would come to earth to live a perfect, sinless life, then lay down His life as the sacrifice and atonement for all sin, for all time.

Jesus was fully God and fully man; He alone could perfectly fulfill and satisfy every stroke of the law, paying the price for sin and providing salvation for all who would repent from sin and put their trust in Him.

Thank God for His law, and the fulfillment of the law we could never achieve on our own! 

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Approaching my Bible in the morning, I feel the presence of my Abba. (Galatians 4:6) He fills my parched soul with His living water. (John 4:13-14)

Jesus draws me into a delightful space where I encounter the grace of Father, Teacher, and Comforter as He shares love, wisdom, joy, and laughter.

Only God gives true, happy delight.
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Posted in: Gospel, Know, Lord, Relationship, Repent Tagged: grace, law, love, relationship, worship

Mission Day 10 The Light Of Mission: Digging Deeper

May 19, 2023 by Debbie Collin Leave a Comment

Mission Day 10 The Light Of Mission: Digging Deeper

Debbie Collin

May 19, 2023

Family,Forgiven,Fruitfulness,Gospel,Heaven

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

This DD Connects With "The Light Of Mission"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

14 For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Paul writes, “the love of Christ compels us”. How does this kind of motivation differ from others? (verse 14)

One way to dig deeper into an author’s meaning is to study what their writings in other biblical books. Let’s look at other letters from Paul!

In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, “I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” (Romans 10:2) Paul was referring to the Jews who passionately, but tragically, followed their traditions without a true understanding of God. Their “devotion” for God led them to violence and hate even to the point of persecuting Christians in the early church.

How can Paul testify about this? He had first-hand experience as a persecutor! “For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.” (Galatians 1:13-14)

But, in this passage, Paul says “the love of Christ compels us”. The Greek here could mean two different things (and perhaps both!). It could mean Christ’s love shown on the cross for us (Romans 5:8) and/or it could mean our love for Christ. Either way, Paul uses this to describe how our motivation changes when we become a “new creation” in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The Everyday Application

1) Paul writes, “the love of Christ compels us”. How does this kind of motivation differ from others? (verse 14)

Think about the last time you bought someone a gift. If it was for a coworker, you might have felt an obligation to contribute to a group gift. If it was for a loved one in your life, you may have spent weeks determining the perfect gift.

Which scenario do you enjoy more? Obligation or love?

Most of us would probably say we want to love Christ (Matthew 22:36-40), but how many of us would say we are compelled by love like Paul’s passion represents? If we are really honest with ourselves, our answer might be that we want to love Christ like Paul’s example, but, there’s a going on for us.

Maybe you feel as if you don’t have enough time or energy to get involved with one more thing. Extravagant love feels too heavy. Let’s keep digging!

The Original Intent

2) What does it mean to no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ? (verse 15)

Paul wrote in the letter to the Galatians describing how his old self had died and a new creation was birthed by the Spirit of God, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Again, he reiterates this same reality he had experienced when teaching and encouraging the Colossian believers, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:3-4)

Paul’s words describe the transformation made evident in genuine Christ-follower’s lives as they are marked by the very presence of Christ.

How is this radical transformation made known to others? Love.

Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

The Everyday Application

2) What does it mean to no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ? (verse 15)

Let’s take a moment to adjust our mindset. Often, when we approach anything connected to the Christian life or ministry, we view it as an item on a “to do” list. The “list” of performances seem to get longer when adding in prayer time, worship, Bible study, or fasting!

Living for Christ, according to the Bible, is not behavioral modification, rather, it is an identity. As we live a life that honors Christ, His love will be reflected to the world around us because of His own Spirit at work in us! (Matthew 5:16) Developing our identity in Christ takes time, but it’s worth it! The first step is to pray and ask God’s help and wisdom! (James 1:5) Bring to the Lord an honest, humble heart that asks how we can best reflect Christ as we live out our roles as women.

Whether you are mom, sister, daughter, wife, friend, co-worker or something else, you were made to reflect the kind of love Jesus evidenced when He sacrificed Himself on the cross for us to pay the penalty for sin we never could. As we seek to love like Jesus with humble hearts, the Holy Spirit will guide us to see Jesus more clearly through Scripture and experience Him more deeply as we study His Word with other believers and worship Him together.

The Original Intent

3) How does this passage deepen our understanding of a right motivation to share the gospel? (verses 14-15)

Paul reminds us in this passage that the love of Christ, shown through His death and resurrection as He paid the death penalty for us, is the key to His mission. “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

It is Christ’s sacrificial example that motivated Paul to offer his own life as a sacrifice for the gospel. Paul wrote, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses.” (Ephesians 2:4-5) God’s great love brought Paul from death to life, and His love is still holding out that same offer to each of us.

Paul suffered beatings, imprisonment, hunger, and danger for the gospel; for the love of Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 11:16-27) He did this so others would “comprehend… what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love” and find salvation in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 3:18)

Jesus’ love on display fueled Paul; what fuels you?

The Everyday Application

3) How does this passage deepen our understanding of a right motivation to share the gospel? (verses 14-15)

In verse 14, Paul writes, “the love of Christ compels us”. Let’s pause for a moment and consider the depth of this kind of love. “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) That’s amazing love! We live in a world that is starving and desperate for love and forgiveness like only Jesus offers. When we surrender to His Spirit, His own love is made manifest in us!

How has the love of Christ made a difference in your life? Pray and give thanks! Ask Him how you can use your story to encourage someone in your life.

“Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.” (Ephesians 6:19)

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When we consider His example of mission, it is striking that He genuinely cared about others. He was never motivated by a desire to prove Himself. He had real compassion for those who were struggling and lost. (Matthew 9:36)

As we look to Him, we can embrace His compassion for us, which allows His compassion for others to flow through us, reaching the point where, as early preacher and teacher Paul puts it, “the love of Christ compels us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
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Posted in: Family, Forgiven, Fruitfulness, Gospel, Heaven Tagged: eternal life, gospel, hope, teach

Mission Day 9 One Mind, One Mission: Digging Deeper

May 18, 2023 by Stacy Winkler Leave a Comment

Mission Day 9 One Mind, One Mission: Digging Deeper

Stacy Winkler

May 18, 2023

Called,Character,church,Gospel,Grace

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 "One Mind, One Mission"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 1:27-30

27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God.

29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did Paul choose to use the phrase “citizens of heaven?” (verse 27)

The church in Philippi was started by Paul. (Acts 16:11-40) For additional context surrounding the writing of the letter, Trevin Wax’s commentary provides studied insights. When studying Scripture, don’t hesitate to use the assistance of trusted biblical sources to  help you! (The Gospel Coalition)

Although a small town, Philippi was proud of its recent Roman history and was “very Roman in its self-perception.” Nearly twenty five percent of the town consisted of Roman war veterans and the town held a strong pride in its Roman connections. Near the end of his first chapter, we come to the first instruction (imperative) Paul provides in his letter, “As citizens of heaven, live your  life worthy of the gospel.” (verse 27)

Paul used the pride Philippians had in their Roman citizenship and turned it around, reminding Christ-followers in Philippi that they were first and foremost citizens of heaven. (verse 27,Philippians 3:20) As Roman citizens took pleasure in living a life worthy of Rome, so the church should take pleasure in living daily lives worthy of the gospel.

We know the Philippian church took the gospel seriously because earlier in the letter, Paul recognized both the prominence of the gospel in their lives, and the advancement of it through his sufferings. (Philippians 1:4-5, 7) “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” Paul declared as he made it clear that everything about his life, ministry, and even his persecution and death hinged entirely upon Christ alone. (Philippians 1:21)

The Philippian church knew they represented their true Leader, God Almighty, while living on earth. It was imperative they lived in a manner that reflected their belief in the gospel message, the grace Christ continually provided, and the truth that one day they would live eternally with God in their true homeland.

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Paul choose to use the phrase “citizens of heaven?” (verse 27)

What does it mean to be a citizen of a country? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “citizenship refers to a person’s allegiance to a government in exchange for its protection at home and abroad.”

I am an American citizen and as such I have certain benefits (a term Americans refer to as rights) and responsibilities under our constitution. The Philippians embraced their Roman citizenship recognizing both its benefits and responsibilities.

Likewise, God calls all believers past, present, and future to a different and higher citizenship than our earthly one. We are citizens of the kingdom of God and this citizenship calls us to live lives that are foreign to those around us. The kingdom of God is an upside down kingdom where we consider others as more important than ourselves, (Philippians 2:3) and believe we are blessed when we have been humble, merciful, and even persecuted for righteousness sake. (Matthew 5:3-12)

The gospel provides us with grace, and flowing out of that grace is a supernatural desire from the Holy Spirit to please our true Leader, living out His calling in our lives. When we don’t live in a manner worthy of our heavenly citizenship, we willingly repent of those actions through the blood of Jesus and begin again to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. (1 John 1:9)

We also wish to invite others to join us in our heavenly citizenship. In his song, “Land of My Sojourn,” Rich Mullins captured the tension between our earthly life and heavenly citizenship:

Nobody tells you when you get born here
How much you’ll come to love it
And how you’ll never belong here
So I call you my country
And I’ll be lonely for my home
And I wish that I could take you there with me.

The Original Intent

2) What does it mean to stand “firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel”? (verse 27)

Paul wrote Philippians from prison and acknowledged the shared experience of persecution and imprisonment for the gospel with Philippian believers. (verses 28-29) In the midst of this hostility, he urged them to “stand firm”. This phrasing alludes to a military call, urging a stalwart decision for a battalion to collectively stand their ground in the face of opposition and persecution. “One spirit” is an interesting phrase and deserves more attention than can be given here.

Although this phrase might mean unity, Trevin Wax’s Philippians commentary argues that “spirit” references the Holy Spirit and “is parallel to ‘stand firm in the Lord’”, which is mentioned later in Philippians 4:1. Theologian, Gordon Fee, also favors this interpretation. The same phrase is used elsewhere by Paul referring to the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18, 1 Corinthians 12:13) Thus, Paul is instructing believers to stand firm in the Holy Spirit.

Next, he instructs them to be unified by telling them to be “in one accord.” The picture developed here is once again of Roman soldiers, but this time marching together in lock step toward one goal. They were to put aside their non-essential differences and work together in unity.

Finally, he writes “contending together.” The Greek word used here is made up of “syn,” and “athleo” from which we get the word “athlete.” Paul appealed to the Roman love of sports and, according to Kenneth Wuest (Precept Austin), uses “synathleo” to refer “to an athletic contest in which a group of athletes cooperates as a team against another team, working in perfect coordination against a common opposition.”

Therefore, Paul is instructing the Philippian church that in the midst of opposition they are to stand firm in the Holy Spirit, marching toward the same goal while competing together against their common opposition. 

The Everyday Application

2) What does it mean to stand “firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel”? (verse 27)

As we have seen, the Greek word for “contend together” is an athletic term referring to a team competing in unity. We can conclude that we also are to be both on offense and defense as we contend collectively together for the gospel. Peter reminds us to be ready to give a defense for the hope within us in gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Paul charged Timothy (and us) to “preach the word” being ready whenever the opportunity arises. (2 Timothy 4:2) Earlier in 2 Timothy, Paul urged Timothy to commit to faithful men the words Timothy heard from Paul. (2 Timothy 2:2) This can be frightening, but we must remember that we are not to be “ashamed of the gospel.” Why? It “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)

The gospel is the power of God for salvation! Our work in God’s Mission is not to save people, but to share the good news of salvation and redemption found in Jesus Christ; it is God’s power alone which saves. We share Christ crucified, buried, and raised and leave the saving work to the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Paul reminded the Corinthian church that believers are servants who share the gospel and each has a role given by the Lord. One plants the seed, another waters, but it is God alone who gives growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

We also must continually be growing in our knowledge and understanding of God’s word because He tells us His word equips us for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We do all of this in community together as united believers in Jesus, standing firm in the Holy Spirit, in one accord, laying aside non-essential differences for the sake of advancing the gospel, knowing the results are in God’s hands. 

The Original Intent

3) What is Paul intending to convey in saying, “It has been granted” to the church to “suffer for” Christ? (verse 29) 

The kind of suffering Paul refers to here is not general suffering faced by humanity because of sin’s effects, but suffering specifically for sharing the gospel and living according to God’s call of holiness.

Paul stated that his imprisonment was because he was “in Christ.” (Philippians 1:13) Rather than complain about his situation, however, he was joyful that his imprisonment was advancing the gospel. Paul’s joy came from two outcomes of his imprisonment. The first was that the whole imperial guard and others knew that his imprisonment was because he was in Christ.

The second was that faithful brothers in Rome became more confident “to speak the word fearlessly” because of his imprisonment. (Philippians 1:12-14, Philippians 1:18-20) This is the opposite of what we think would naturally happen. We would think other believers would be more frightened, similar to the apostles’ fear after Jesus’ death.

Those men hid in the upper room, frightened the Romans would come for them next. However, once Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they were changed men, fearlessly preaching the gospel in one accord. (Acts 2:14-40, Acts 3:11-4:4, Acts 4:15-20)

This same Holy Spirit worked in the hearts and minds of the believers Paul speaks of and they became more confident to preach Christ “fearlessly” because of Paul’s imprisonment. (Philippians 1:14)

Paul reminded the Philippians their opponents were not just opposed to them, but to God Himself, which is much more frightening. Yes, God granted them salvation and suffering, but both were given in grace and victory only through the strength of the Holy Spirit. 

The Everyday Application

3) What is Paul intending to convey in saying, “It has been granted” to the church to “suffer for” Christ? (verse 29)

Have you ever wondered if you would be able to endure suffering for the sake of Christ? Do you hear stories of sisters and brothers in other countries who are persecuted for the gospel and wonder, “Would I stay faithful to God under those circumstances?”

I firmly believe that if you have acknowledged to God that you are a sinner and have accepted His gift of grace and salvation through the shed blood and resurrection of Jesus Christ then yes, you would endure. If we are called to endure and persevere until the end (Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13), doesn’t it make sense that the Holy Spirit who lives in us (1 John 4:13) would also provide us with all the grace we need to endure suffering? (1 Peter 4:14, 2 Peter 1:3)

Jesus said, “So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say, but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11) We have the Holy Spirit abiding in us and we know God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness at all times. (2 Peter 1:3)

Not only does God work in and through us, but His grace towards us is extended through our brothers and sisters. Paul wrote that we are to intercede for one another as well as encourage and build each other up. (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

We need fellow believers in our lives. We need the church around us and regular gathering around His Word and for worship to nourish and strengthen us. (Hebrews 10:25) We need each other to accomplish the mission to which God has called us. 

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What makes a group project so hard? Why is planning a family trip everyone will enjoy so complicated? How is it that even when we’re all together, we can still feel alone?

People.

We’re all so different! Having one mind among many people isn’t an easy task. In fact, it’s impossible in and of ourselves.

Often, our best solution to complex relational dynamics, and all the challenges they involve, is to split. It’s to draw lines. It’s to avoid. It’s to make camps and pick sides.
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Posted in: Called, Character, church, Gospel, Grace Tagged: church, One Another, suffering, unity

Mission Day 7 Mission Invitation: Digging Deeper

May 16, 2023 by Stacy Winkler Leave a Comment

Mission Day 7 Mission Invitation: Digging Deeper

Stacy Winkler

May 16, 2023

Bold,Called,Gospel,Grace,Open

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 "Mission Invitation"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Timothy 2:1-2

1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What was the relationship between Timothy and Paul, and why is it important? (verse 1)

Paul refers to Timothy as “my son” and “my dearly loved son.” (verse 1, 2 Timothy 1:2) Is Paul referring to Timothy as his biological son? For this answer we turn to Acts 16 where we read that Timothy is the son of a Jewish woman, Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5), and an unnamed Greek father. (Acts 16:1)

It stands to reason that if Paul were Timothy’s biological father, the writer of Acts (Luke) would have addressed him as such. We can also deduce from the text that this is the first meeting between Paul and Timothy. Therefore, we conclude that Timothy is not Paul’s biological son, but a spiritual son.

Paul was impressed enough with Timothy’s character and faith in God that he wanted Timothy to travel with him to share the gospel. (Acts 16:2-10) The language in 2 Timothy provides evidence of a deep fatherly and spiritual love Paul has for his “son in the faith”. He speaks of remembering Timothy continually in prayer, longing to see him so Paul would be joyful, and recalling Timothy’s sincere faith. (2 Timothy 1:3-5)

We also learn in 2 Timothy that not only is Paul in prison, but he knows his execution at the hands of the Romans is near. Thus, there is an urgency in his letter as Paul shares what could be his final words to Timothy. These words are rich with exhortations to share the gospel without shame and relying on God’s grace to do so. He instructs Timothy on how to share the gospel and how to handle false teachers while reminding Timothy that God’s word is sufficient. To the very end, Paul tenderly loves, teaches, and leads his spiritual son.

The Everyday Application

1) What was the relationship between Timothy and Paul, and why is it important? (verse 1)

As we have seen, Paul was a mentor and spiritual father to Timothy. Together with other believers, they shared the gospel and made disciples of Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:5) Although both undoubtedly had traditional family relationships, it is their spiritual relationship that gives us a peek into what it means to be part of God’s family.

Mentoring. Receiving. Leading. Following. Teaching. Growing. Encouraging. Exhorting. Even rebuking. All of these are bound together in a genuine love for one another that only comes through mutual faith in and love for God. (1 Peter 4:8-11)

In another letter, Paul instructs believers to “love one another deeply as brothers and sisters” and to “rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:10-17) Time spent together as fellow believers in worship, prayer, and teaching is beautiful and holy, knowing God is present. Time spent mentoring and in accountability can be hard, but it is worth the investment when we see marked growth in faith, understanding, and love. Some days it is challenging and messy, but on those days, it is even more important we turn to God to help us love one another, pray for each other, and meet the needs of our brothers and sisters as we have ability. (1 John 3:17-18) After all, we are family.

It’s God’s will for us to join together to share the love of Jesus with those outside of God’s family, inviting them to faith in Jesus Christ that they might become part of our spiritual family as well. This is what we do as family in the strength of the grace that is in Jesus Christ. 

The Original Intent

2) Why was Timothy instructed to be “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus?” (verse 1)

In chapter 1 Paul gave Timothy a mix of instructions, exhortations, encouragements, and reminders. As you read through it you might begin to wonder if Timothy had begun to become fearful or complacent in his calling to share the gospel and live in the power of God. Or, perhaps, he was doing well, but needed more focus or encouragement for the sake of the gospel.

Whatever the reason, Paul was specific: Was he using his spiritual gifting? Did he remember that God had called him with a holy calling and it was according to God’s purpose and grace? Was he fearful of suffering for the gospel? Was Timothy holding on to the pattern of sound teaching that he had heard from Paul and was he teaching it to others? Was he guarding the good deposit– the gospel– through the Holy Spirit? Was he doing all of this by relying on God’s power? (2 Timothy 1:6-14)

It is no small wonder Paul is reminding Timothy he must be strong in the grace given to him in Christ Jesus before time began, knowing there was simply no other way to accomplish what God called Timothy to do outside of the strength of God’s grace. (2 Timothy 1:9, Romans 12:6; Ephesians 2:8-10) 

The Everyday Application

2) Why was Timothy instructed to be “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus?” (verse 1)

Paul urged Timothy there was no way to accomplish ministry without God’s grace, and he reminds us of this as well. Our obedience to God’s call will be a failure without relying on His grace because only by His grace can we begin to share the gospel, make disciples, and love one another.

As Paul and Silas began their missionary journey that would eventually bring them to Timothy, their brothers and sisters commended them “to the grace of the Lord” in the journey. (Acts 15:40-16:1) Earlier in Acts, Paul and Barnabas arrived back to the church at Antioch “where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they now completed.” (Acts 14:26) Paul reminded the Corinthian church they had behaved with godly sincerity and purity toward both the world and the church by God’s grace. (2 Corinthians 1:12) Later, Paul tells his readers he had a thorn in the flesh which tormented him. He pleaded with God three times to remove it, but God said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Why is God’s power perfected in weakness? Because when we are weak, and His work is still accomplished, we know it is God who did it and should receive the glory, not us. It is by His lavish grace we are saved through Jesus (Ephesians 2:1-10), helped in time of need (Hebrews 4:16), and given all we need to proclaim to unbelievers the incalculable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8).

Sweet sister, pray! Ask God to join you together with Him in His work in your circle of influence. Ask Him to make you bold and kind to share Christ and make disciples around you. His grace is sufficient to do whatever He asks! 

The Original Intent

3) What was Paul’s urgent instruction to Timothy and what does it mean for us today? (verses 1-2) 

For what purpose was Timothy to be strong in God’s grace? (verse 1) Why rekindle God’s gift within him? (2 Timothy 1:6) Why guard the gospel? (2 Timothy 1:14) Why hold to the pattern of sound teaching Timothy heard from Paul? (2 Timothy 1:13)

The overarching answer was for Timothy to commit the gospel to faithful people who in turn would be able to teach others also. (verse 2) In other words, to share Christ with a lost and dying world with the hope and prayer they would repent of their sins, accept Jesus as their Savior, and grow in their knowledge, faith, and love of Him. Then they would share Christ with others hoping that they would repent, accept Jesus, grow, and share. A few verses later, Paul told Timothy to diligently present himself “to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of God.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Paul also reminded Timothy he would encounter evil people and imposters lurking in the church who deceived others and were deceived themselves; Timothy was instructed to use the gospel to combat that deception. He urged Timothy to continue in what he had learned and firmly believed in spite of the deceivers. Then he reminded Timothy that all Scripture is inspired by God (literally God-breathed) and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so the believer is equipped for whatever God asks to be done. (2 Timothy 3:13-17)

Later in the letter, Paul told Timothy to “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2) God strengthened Timothy in grace and equipped him with His Word. Timothy was called to make disciples who would make disciples in the same strength of God’s grace.

The Everyday Application

3) What was Paul’s urgent instruction to Timothy and what does it mean for us today? (verses 1-2) 

God’s message to Timothy is God’s message to believers today. It can be summed up by Jesus’ final words to His disciples before He was taken up to heaven, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

This is referred to as the Great Commission. We are to make disciples who make disciples, not on our own strength but by relying on the strong available through an abiding relationship in Christ Jesus. We are to teach others what we have been taught, and love others as Jesus loved. In the book of Ephesians Paul wrote, “This grace was given to me– the least of all saints– to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:8)

Our purpose in life is to glorify God. The primary way we do this is to share Jesus with those who do not know of the riches in Christ we have both now and into eternity.

Share Christ. Make disciples. Be a part of how God is growing His family; this is your invitation to Mission!

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As more people heard and understood the truth of their sin and of the mercy, grace, and salvation found in Jesus, they had the choice to repent, or turn, from following themselves to surrendering to Jesus. Those who accepted the invitation became new disciples, and new partners in Jesus’ mission.

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