Humility

Worship VII Day 14 One Day: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out One Day!

The Questions

1) What is worship and how does Paul encourage believers to worship?

2) What are the causes of our worship?

3) How does worshipping God change us and impact our daily life?

Romans 5:6-11

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Original Intent

1) What is worship and how does Paul encourage believers to worship?
The original word for worship in Greek is proskyneō. It means submission to a higher authority, often accompanied with a bowing to the ground. The image given to demonstrate this kind of submission is a dog licking his master’s hand in a token of reverence and adoration. This is a picture of whole-hearted devotion and loyalty. Worship, at its heart, is humble submission, which is why Paul writes in Romans 12:1 that we, as Christ’s Body, are to offer ourselves together as a living sacrifice. Paul says, “This is our true worship”. Worship is a lifestyle characterized by a giving of self in whole-hearted surrender and whole-minded submission to the goodness and greatness of God. It isn’t only something felt or acknowledged, but something lived through attitudes of our heart and sacrifices of ourselves and our resources in everyday life. Paul’s words in Romans 5 speak specifically of God’s magnificent grace towards us in offering Himself as the ransom for our sin-wrecked souls. He concludes in verse 11 by stating, “we boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ…”. Paul exhorts his audience, and clearly models for them, that true worship is anchored in reverent humility to God for the vast love He has lavished upon us, sinners that we are!

2) What are the causes of our worship?
In the Romans 5 passage we discover how worship is rooted in awareness of what we have been given and how we have been loved. 1 John 4:19 says we love because He first loved us. In like fashion, we worship because we have experienced God’s goodness. In Psalm 150 we are reminded to praise Him for His deeds (what He has done), the greatest of these being our salvation and restoration to relationship with Him (Romans 5:10). The “hymn book of the Jews” (Psalms) is replete with specific reasons to worship the God in whom alone is found salvation. (Romans 5:11) Psalm 115:1 instructs our hearts to praise God for His steadfast love and faithfulness while Psalm 103 recounts “His benefits” including forgiveness, rescue, and redemption. Psalm 100:1-5 says we praise Him for making us and Ephesians 1:3 says we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing because of Christ, and therefore we bless God. Worship wasn’t something that began after Jesus died to rescue our souls, neither is it something Jewish people did in the Old Testament when circumstances were wonderful. Regardless of feelings or situation, there are always reasons to worship because we need not look any farther than God and His character to discover a reason to worship Him!

3) How does worshipping God change us and impact our daily life?
We are talking about worship being a lifestyle of humility and honor toward God. In 1 Samuel 15:22, God says (through Samuel) “to obey is better than sacrifice.” To worship God is a sacrifice, but it is best carried out through obedience. God’s Word is filled with examples of His people choosing to worship in faith and obedience, which then resulted in God showing favor and victory. (2 Chronicles 20:22) Worship brought physical victory in battle to Israel. Their decision to worship out of obedience removed themselves as an idol in their hearts and gave room for God to move in the way He had willed. Scripture teaches us to give thanks to the LORD with all our heart. (Psalm 9:1) When we are truly thankful, our hearts are engaged. Worshipping God brings us to a place of full engagement with Him. God invites us to lift our eyes over the things of this earth and focus on the place where He sits at the right hand of God; here, our real life is hidden. (Colossians 3:2) Because Paul’s life modeled consistent, humble worship, the Lord worked through His life in incredible ways. Paul recognized his life was nothing compared to knowing and experiencing God. (Philippians 3:8-9)

Everyday Application

1) What is worship and how does Paul encourage believers to worship?
God created us to live out worship in everyday lives, but we often are tempted to worship anything but the Only One Worthy of worship. As we come to understand worship as humble surrender and loyal submission to the Lord, amazingly, we see a connection of humility to God Himself, the sole worthy object of our worship. Though God had every right to never lower Himself, He did exactly this by coming to earth in human form to become our Reconciler and Salvation. (Romans 5:8-11, Philippians 2:6-8) Our great God is a humble God! When He calls Himself the Helper of Israel (the word “ezer” in Hebrew refers to Helper and the name of God JEHOVAH ‘EZER emphasizes it). These terms reflect the heart of God as He calls Himself one who concerns Himself to stoop down. (Psalm 113:4-6) As we worship, we stoop in response to how the Savior God has already bent for us. Worship, at its heart, is grateful submission. It’s a bowing and acknowledgement that someone is greater and worthier than ourselves. Yet, we serve and love a God who stoops to bless us; Who came to a cruel cross to die for us; Who takes on a lowly life for us. God is lofty, yet He tells us His way of greatness is not one that holds Lordship high over others’ heads (Matthew 20:25-28), but instead stoops to bless us. (John 13:3-5) Worship is both a response and a fully engaged bending as we answer the One who bent for us and continues to bend humbly for us out of love.

2) What are the causes of our worship?
Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians, “I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19) As we practice living our everyday lives rooted and grounded in love, we become motivated to love God responsively. This creates a heart of true worship. As we fix our minds on what is good, true, noble, and praiseworthy, our minds are lifted to remember the goodness of God and genuine worship overflows. (Philippians 4:8) As we consider His character and His names (which reflect His character) we are drawn to recall the truth of who He is. This creates a mind of worship. As we humble ourselves in the sight of God, surrendering self to the Savior, we receive the will to worship. Here in this sacred space, we truly begin loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Matthew 22:37) This is the picture of lifestyle worship, wholly engaged with our Creator, Redeemer, and Lover of Our Soul.

3) How does worshipping God change us and impact our daily life?
We know God wants us to take on a heart of obedient worship that consistently permeates our everyday lives. What does this look like? In Micah 6:8 He says, “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” This is a picture of lived-out worship. Even though we will have trials in life, He will use them to shape us. Along the way, He calls us to worship Him through the storms, as this anchors our hearts in truth despite changing circumstance and feelings. This is how He develops our dependence and strengthens our endurance in faith as He reinforces our hope. In Romans 5:3-4 Paul writes, “…we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Worship gives us perspective in every circumstance, the capacity to be joyful in the face of affliction, and the means to be filled with strength when we are at our weakest. Like a faithful dog leans on his master, giving his life in devotion, we can give our lives to God. He takes that sacrifice and multiplies it for our good. We cannot out-give God. Our life of sacrificial worship always fills us more than any other thing we seek on earth. When we offer true worship, we lift our eyes and gain perspective.

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Worship VII Week Three!
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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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Pause IV Day 3 Coming Justice

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Pause IV, Day 3

Contrary to what Habakkuk felt, the Lord God did indeed see every single violent act, every rebellious exploitation, and every painful fallout from yet another sinful decision. He saw, and He cared. He cared enough to cut to the heart of the issue, Israel’s idolatry.

They had long since traded walking in sweet communion with the Lord for continuing down a pathway of setting up themselves as their own god. They lusted in their hearts for everything under the sun. They traded worshipping the Creator God for mere things He had lovingly created. Worshipping things instead of God feels nicer for a while. It gives us a sense of control, and oh how we love that!

But the Lord knew Israel would ruin themselves as long as they worshipped themselves.
So, after decade upon decade of their hardened rebellion, and watching the heartbreak of people like Habakkuk, He chose, at just the right time in history, to send His justice. He wanted to break Israel’s prideful trust in themselves, so they could properly worship the only One deserving worship, Yahweh.

Make no mistake, God sent a just punishment to Israel, because He loved her.

The army who would carry out His justice was another nation hell-bent on rebelling against God. Their atrocities against the Lord’s holiness, made even Israel look good in comparison. But, to God, there is no sliding scale for sin. The gossiping tongue, the hateful thought, and the vile murderer are all equally guilty of marring the standard of holiness. God would use an evil nation to bring just punishment upon His chosen nation because He loved her and wanted her heart to return to Him.

Grab your Bible, a journal and pen,
and open your heart to bask in the presence of the Almighty!

Today's Challenge

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down every word of Habakkuk 1:9-11 today. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com). As you write, consider the heart position of both the Chaldeans and Israelis. Both had hearts that snubbed the Lord of All, trusting themselves and their ways over Yahweh. Ask the Holy Spirit to humble your heart as you pour over His Words.

2) Choose one of these options to live boldly with authentic honesty in biblical community. As we grow deeper in God’s Word, the Lord designed us to share and grow with others walking alongside us.
            a) Take a photo of your journal time this week and share it, or share a quote from it.
            b) Do a Facebook Live on the GT Community group and share how God has been working in you.
            c) Leave a comment here about it.
            d) Share something God has been showing you in a comment at the GT Community Group 
            e) Plan a coffee or lunch date with a friend and share what you’ve been learning and soaking in as you have hit Pause.
            f) Write a note of encouragement to a sister who has been through the nitty-gritty of real life with you. Let her know how deeply she has impacted your walk with Christ.
            g) For some of us, having a “2am friend” to build biblical community with is a new concept. If that’s you, this is an exciting, fresh place to be! Connect with our Facebook Community, send us an email, reach out to your local church body, seek out a small group and plug in! 

Join the GT Community on Facebook!

Habakkuk 1:5-11

5 Look at the nations and observe—
be utterly astounded!
For I am doing something in your days
that you will not believe
when you hear about it.
6 Look! I am raising up the Chaldeans,
that bitter, impetuous nation
that marches across the earth’s open spaces
to seize territories not its own.
7 They are fierce and terrifying;
their views of justice and sovereignty
stem from themselves.
8 Their horses are swifter than leopards
and more fierce than wolves of the night.
Their horsemen charge ahead;
their horsemen come from distant lands.
They fly like eagles, swooping to devour.
9 All of them come to do violence;
their faces are set in determination.
They gather prisoners like sand.
10 They mock kings,
and rulers are a joke to them.
They laugh at every fortress
and build siege ramps to capture it.
11 Then they sweep by like the wind
and pass through.
They are guilty; their strength is their god.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with a simple challenge. Each challenge is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

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

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

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

Sketched VIII Day 9 Naaman: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Naaman!

The Questions

1) Why was Naaman so angry when Elisha sent a messenger telling him to wash himself in the Jordan River? (verse 11)

2) Was Elisha afraid to see or touch Naaman before he was cured? If not, why did he send a messenger instead of going himself? (verse 10)

3) Was Naaman surprised that washing in the Jordan River actually worked?

4) In verse 18 it appears Naaman is asking for forgiveness in advance to the sin of bowing to another god. What does Elisha’s response “go in peace” mean?

2 Kings 5:1-27

Naaman, commander of the army for the king of Aram, was a man important to his master and highly regarded because through him, the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man was a valiant warrior, but he had a skin disease. 2 Aram had gone on raids and brought back from the land of Israel a young girl who served Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his skin disease.” 4 So Naaman went and told his master what the girl from the land of Israel had said. 5 Therefore, the king of Aram said, “Go, and I will send a letter with you to the king of Israel.” So he went and took with him 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 6 He brought the letter to the king of Israel, and it read:

When this letter comes to you, note that I have sent you my servant Naaman for you to cure him of his skin disease.

7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life that this man expects me to cure a man of his skin disease? Recognize that he is only picking a fight with me.” 8 When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king, “Why have you torn your clothes? Have him come to me, and he will know there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go wash seven times in the Jordan and your skin will be restored and you will be clean.” 11 But Naaman got angry and left, saying, “I was telling myself: He will surely come out, stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the skin disease. 12 Aren’t Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and left in a rage. 13 But his servants approached and said to him, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more should you do it when he only tells you, ‘Wash and be clean’?” 14 So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the command of the man of God. Then his skin was restored and became like the skin of a small boy, and he was clean. 15 Then Naaman and his whole company went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “I know there’s no God in the whole world except in Israel. Therefore, please accept a gift from your servant.” 16 But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, in whose presence I stand, I will not accept it.” Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused. 17 Naaman responded, “If not, please let your servant be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will no longer offer a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the Lord. 18 However, in a particular matter may the Lord pardon your servant: When my master, the king of Aram, goes into the temple of Rimmon to bow in worship while he is leaning on my arm, and I have to bow in the temple of Rimmon—when I bow in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord pardon your servant in this matter.” 19 So he said to him, “Go in peace.” After Naaman had traveled a short distance from Elisha, 20 Gehazi, the attendant of Elisha the man of God, thought, “My master has let this Aramean Naaman off lightly by not accepting from him what he brought. As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” 21 So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” 22 Gehazi said, “It’s all right. My master has sent me to say, ‘I have just now discovered that two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them seventy-five pounds of silver and two sets of clothing.’ ” 23 But Naaman insisted, “Please, accept one hundred fifty pounds.” He urged Gehazi and then packed one hundred fifty pounds of silver in two bags with two sets of clothing. Naaman gave them to two of his attendants who carried them ahead of Gehazi. 24 When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the gifts from them and deposited them in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they left. 25 Gehazi came and stood by his master. “Where did you go, Gehazi?” Elisha asked him. He replied, “Your servant didn’t go anywhere.” 26 “And my heart didn’t go when the man got down from his chariot to meet you,” Elisha said. “Is this a time to accept silver and clothing, olive orchards and vineyards, flocks and herds, and male and female slaves? 27 Therefore, Naaman’s skin disease will cling to you and your descendants forever.” So Gehazi went out from his presence diseased, resembling snow.

Original Intent

1) Why was Naaman so angry when Elisha sent a messenger telling him to wash himself in the Jordan River? (verse 11)
Naaman’s anger is fueled by his pride. He expected, and wanted, more than to be told to go and wash himself in the Jordan River. The fact that Elisha wasn’t even the one delivering the message made the insult to his price much worse. Naaman was humiliated not only because he needed to ask for help, but also because he had traveled quite a distance and brought many expensive gifts as payment. Naaman was a great man in his country. Verse 1 notes how he was the commander of the Arminian army and was “highly regarded” by the King of Aram. Quite frankly, he was familiar with receiving the best and, therefore, expected to be treated in a similar fashion by everyone he met. Naaman was looking for a great story to tell upon his return to Aram, not simply that he bathed himself in the filthy Jordan River. He felt foolish, mocked, and demeaned by the order to wash in the river. He was a great man, after all. Surely, if it were that simple to be cured of this disease, he could have washed in one of his country’s rivers, which clearly were superior to the Jordan, which was known for being dirty.

2) Was Elisha afraid to see or touch Naaman before he was cured? If not, why did he send a messenger instead of going himself? (verse 10)
No. It’s a simple answer, but it is the truth. Elisha knew it was not him providing this cure, but God. The cure was God’s and the means by which God chose to heal was His alone. By choosing to send a messenger, there would be no mistake the healing was in fact God and not a man who had cured Naaman.

3) Was Naaman surprised that washing in the Jordan River actually worked?
We know from Scripture it was Naaman’s servants who confronted him about not even attempting to wash in the Jordan, and we already know he was expecting better treatment. I would even venture to guess he went back to the Jordan begrudgingly, expecting nothing.  So, yes he was undoubtedly surprised when he came up clean and healed. This is where we can see Naaman’s eyes truly being opened; his heart is humbled before the all-powerful God as his skin was made whole. Naaman was not only cured from leprosy, but also from his pride, which is worse by far.

4) In verse 18 it appears Naaman is asking for forgiveness in advance to the sin of bowing to another god. What does Elisha’s response “go in peace” mean?
This is a tough question to answer. Honestly, I almost changed the question because I’m not at all sure I can accurately and fairly answer. But that would have been taking the easy way out. If we want to really learn, sometimes we have to dig deep and try hard. So, I will share what I learned from my research and you can draw your own conclusions. It appears that Naaman is convicted in his own heart and mind that it would be wrong to bow to Rimmon now, something he knows he will be asked to do in his occupation with his king. The Pulpit Commentary says it best, “Naaman knows refusing to bow may cost him his life; it will certainly cost him his court favor. For such a sacrifice he is not prepared. Yet his conscience tells him that he will be acting wrongly. He therefore expresses a hope, or a prayer, that his fault, for a fault he feels that it will be, may be forgiven him.” It is safe to say God is the One doing that convicting in Naaman! Secondly, Elisha doesn’t really answer the question, instead he simply says by God’s Spirit, “go in peace”. Elisha is a prophet, he knows and understands how God works, and is trusting Him to continue the work he has started in Naaman. We don’t know from this specific Scripture what becomes of Naaman when he returns to Aram. We, like Elisha, have only to trust that God did the work He began.

Everyday Application

1) Why was Naaman so angry when Elisha sent a messenger telling him to wash himself in the Jordan River? (verse 11)
So many people avoid reading and studying the Old Testament because it can be difficult to understand at times. While that is true, it is also rich and full in lessons and modern day applications. In this case, it all comes down to pride. We, much like our friend Naaman, often expect God, and others, to do certain things for us simply because of who we are, the position we hold, or the things we have done. It is so easy for us to become angry when things don’t go exactly as we expect. Five years ago, my husband was laid off from his employer of 28 years. This was a devastating blow that drastically changed our lives, much like the disease of leprosy had affected Naaman. We prayed and assumed God would provide another job quickly and easily. A job much like the one he had, comfortable pay, good benefits, etc.. Boy howdy were we wrong! What happened instead? Little by little, God broke down, and destroyed, our pride. He showed us time after time that we were to depend on Him and Him alone. While we continue to pray and wait for restoration, God continues to show us He is working, and He is always faithful. God has not, nor will He ever, work in the way we expect. He is God and we are not. We deserve nothing, yet He has given us everything! Like Naaman, there will be times when life deals us a devastating blow and we will be faced with a choice. Do we lay down our pride and ask for help, taking a risk to follow God’s instructions, which may seem foolish? Or, do we remain stuck in our pride, acting as our own god?

2) Was Elisha afraid to see or touch Naaman before he was cured? If not, why did he send a messenger instead of going himself? (verse 10)
The everyday application answer to this question depends on which person you identify with most in this story. Are you “Naaman”, in need of help and healing or “Elisha”, a man or woman of God, trying their best to live a life for God, or are you simply the “messenger” tasked with delivering instruction. I want to start with those of us who might identify most with Elisha. We are women trying our best to follow God and live our lives in a way that points to Him. We must not be afraid to help those who come to us for help. While we may not fear physically touching another person, we may fear getting involved, or not having the right answers, or not being smart enough, strong enough, whatever enough. We cannot let fear stop us from doing what God directs! The reality is, our world and community are full of “Naamans” trying to get up enough courage to ask for help. We must be ready when they come. To my “Naaman” friends, please come and ask an “Elisha” for help. Believers are ready and willing to take you to our Savior who is more than enough for whatever you bring. Lastly, to those of us who may feel like we are simply “messengers” in a story, don’t undersell your worth or your role. Just like the story in 2 Kings, there would be no healing without the message of instruction being delivered. So, go ahead and deliver the message, follow the Lord’s leading through His Spirit, trust your relationship with Him, and point the way to someone who can help. Who knows, it might be as simple as introducing someone new to this website or inviting them to church. You may very well be the messenger who brings someone to the feet of Jesus!

3) Was Naaman surprised that washing in the Jordan River actually worked?
Sometimes we ignore or rush past simple solutions because, like Naaman, we are looking for the “great God story” to share with our friends and family. What we truly need is to have the childlike faith Jesus speaks of in Matthew 18:3. ““Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.””
We need to look past what we want or expect, and simply do what God is asking. Let me take you back to the story I shared about my husband’s job. Five year later, we are still surviving on less income than we ever thought imaginable. God continues to provide for every single one of our needs and we continue to pray and wait on His timing and His restoration. So, yes, I can honestly say from very personal experience I am surprised how God really works in the ways He does.

4) In verse 18 it appears Naaman is asking for forgiveness in advance to the sin of bowing to another god. What does Elisha’s response “go in peace” mean?
Let’s be honest here, don’t we all do this?! It’s a bit different for us today, since Jesus did come and die to pay for our sins. But the truth is, we are no better when we make the choice to knowingly sin, because we know we are already forgiven. Some of you may be thinking, “Ok, but I’m not bowing down to another god, so is it really that bad?” Yes!  All sin is equally sinful to God as it goes against His holiness. I would contend that we all bow down to “other gods” more often than we’d like to admit. The gods we bow down today may look different, the god of money, sports, success, appearance, etc., but they are gods nonetheless. Just as in Naaman’s case, the conviction that comes from the Lord is the first step towards real and lasting change. Every single one of us is on a journey. God will lead us and convict us in different ways and different times. We may even ask a fellow believer if they think it’s ok, or if we will be forgiven. When it comes down to it, no one but God can convict or forgive. I’m not saying we shouldn’t ask our brothers and sisters for help or guidance. They can be a huge help by praying for us, and with us, leading us to God, the only One who can truly forgive our sins. Our responsibility is to trust and follow as God leads, stepping out in faith and obedience.

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

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Ten Day 11 The Deceit Of Not Enough

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 6:25-34
Psalm 27:1-5
1 Peter 5:5-7
Genesis 3:1-6
Exodus 20:15

Ten, Day 11

“What’s in your hand?”, my mom asked as we walked out of the convenience store. I slowly unwrapped my seven-year-old fingers from the small pack of Now and Later candy I had stolen. The pit in my stomach told me I was in trouble and it was only going to get worse.

“You have to take it back and apologize.” My mom held my hand and led me back into the store. We walked up to the counter and I stared at the pickled pig’s feet in the jar on the counter.

“My daughter has something she would like to tell you,” Mom explained to the clerk. I stretched my hand out and dropped the candy on the counter.

“I’m sorry I took these without paying for them.”
I couldn’t make eye contact, I was so embarrassed. Immediately, I headed for the door.

Once we left, my mom explained I had broken one of the Ten Commandments. Stealing was on the same list as murder. I learned a valuable lesson and cemented an aversion both to pickled pig’s feet and stealing that has stuck with me to this day.

I have since realized my desire to take what isn’t mine goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. When the serpent convinced Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they were stealing from God.

One of Satan’s most deceptive strategies involves providing a short-term solution giving us something we want or need, but ultimately keeping us from God’s best. 

Though Eve lacked for nothing, Satan enticed her with the forbidden fruit. Just like Adam and Eve, we can be easily convinced God is holding out and we need to meet our own wants or needs.

For many people, our choice to cut corners and take what isn’t ours comes from
a fear God won’t give us what we want,
a sense of entitlement (we deserve what we are taking),
or just plain impatience.

Each of these motivations are based on pride.

Pride means elevating our needs and desires over God and other people.

When we act out of fear, we are choosing to listen to pride’s whispered lie we know more than God and can do a better job providing than He can.

A sense of entitlement elevates our needs and desires over the owner’s rights. Pride tells us our desires are THE MOST important. As Proverbs 16:19 reminds us, “Better to be of lowly spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud.”

Impatience is often rooted in pride and fear, as well. Our pride falsely elevates our ability to know the future, and imposes a man-made deadline on the Creator of the Universe’s capacity to meet our needs. Rather than focusing on God’s unlimited resources and ability, we become focused on our scarce resources and opportunities.

Fear is a weapon Satan often uses to lead us away from God’s best. The best way to fight back is by studying and memorizing Bible verses. God’s Word is a double-edged sword we can use to defeat Satan’s attacks. Dwelling on Scripture builds our faith; faith provides a shield against the fiery arrows Satan uses against us.

At an early age, my mom helped me learn to use this verse to combat fear.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”
(2 Timothy 1:7)

This promise breaks through the fear of unmet needs.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

When the future looms ahead, murky in uncertainty, let’s remember:

“Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation
whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
whom should I dread?” (Psalm 27:1)

When pride begins to puff our chests and cloud our vision,
let’s pursue humility with His Word:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

“When arrogance comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

Whether we’re tempted to pocket a stolen piece of candy, or steal our future from the hands of our loving Father, we’ve seen how God’s command to refrain from stealing addresses the true condition of our hearts.

And when we struggle with fear of scarcity, impatience, or pride, we can counteract Satan’s assaults with Scripture. When fear strikes, we can ask God to lead us to His truth from Scripture to counteract the lies. Let’s turn our focus to our Heavenly Father as we trust in His deep love, His unbounded resources, and His faithful provision.

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

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Blessed Day 11 Blessed Are The Peacemakers

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 5:3-10
Galatians 5:22-23
Romans 5:1-21
Philippians 4:4-9

Blessed, Day 11

Have you noticed an entrustment from the Lord typically comes with a weight, making it a gift challenging us to grow and change? Almost like the process through which a diamond is made, through heat and pressure.

Diamonds sparkle with a beauty captivating to the eye and paint rainbows on walls when captured by the light. The outcome of intense heat and pressure is admired and valued, but rarely is the formation process considered. Rather, our attention focuses on the finished product before us.

So what weighty entrustment am I referring to with such a comparison?

Peace.

Yup, peace. And before we get too far away from the diamond analogy, think back to the last time you were in the midst of a chaotic scenario and a peaceful person was present. Did she “sparkle”? Could you sense her peace and see its effect on those around her?

I’ve watched a person of peace step into a room and bring harmony into discord.

The peace came with an authority,
a confidence in Christ Who is our Peace,
a patience,
and an ultimately effective perseverance.

In Matthew 5, we are challenged to be peacemakers. The Greek word used is Eirēnopoiós, which carries the idea of “one who restores peace, favors good understanding, settles quarrels and stops conflicts.” Have you ever found yourself being a peacemaker?

At times, I’ve prayed for the Lord to exude His peace through me. I can guarantee those prayers and heart posture are the exact reason peace rolled off me onto the surrounding situations. I recall a time when a woman thanked me for being in a scenario, because I brought calm with me. To God be the glory!

God alone is the source of our peace. Though I became a Christian when I was a young child, I was already aware of my sin, standing insurmountable, between me and my Heavenly Father. When I entered into a relationship with Him, I also experienced my first encounter with His peace.

In my moment of humble belief, Christ removed my sin and brought peace to our friendship. His profound sacrifice in taking on my sin at the cross met my deep repentance and humility, and He became my peacemaker.

Since then, our walk together has been much like that diamond forming, a repetition of the above process so many times I have gratefully lost count and He has graciously not kept one. As I have grown in my journey with the Lord, He has grown my ability to be a peacemaker to better reflect His other-worldly peace.

Eirēnopoiós
A peace that restores what once was lost. 

So how can each one of us become peacemakers in a world crying out for true peace? I believe we must look to the Holy Spirit for direction and as our sole source of ever greater peace.

In fact, in Galatians, we learn peace is a fruit of the Spirit; peace is not a quality we naturally find within ourselves. It is, however, a foundational characteristic of our God, one He shares with us through an outpouring of His Spirit.

Remember the second half of this Beatitude?
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
(Matthew 5:9, emphasis mine)

When we radiate and restore peace,
when we seek good and deep understanding of those who are different from us,
when we stop conflicts and settle quarrels,
we are Christ’s peacemakers.

And when we are peacemakers in a time and space when politics have deteriorated to a bitter, blame-shifting disaster, when the economy is in shattered fragments, when people are suffering and dying by the hundreds of thousands, and when fierce battles of social injustice continue to rage in our communities and MURDER HORNETS ARE A THING . . .

 . . . then we will be called the daughters of God, for who but God could bring peace in such pain-filled, dark chaos? The Holy Spirit working peacemaking through us becomes a testimony of our Father’s heart and a beacon of hope to the lost and hurting.

In order to have peace to pour out, we must be cultivating our relationships with the Triune Lord. We must also surrender our understanding of life to Him and seek His face. Philippians 4:6-7 explains how:

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Yes, this is much easier said than done! But be assured, the Lord is faithful to answer our prayers, and our worship, with His all-surpassing peace!

Sometimes, His peace points us towards engaging in tough conversations to bring resolution to a conflict.
Sometimes, His peace cautions us to quietly wait for the Lord to work behind the scenes.
Always, we need the discernment of the Spirit to guide us.
Always, the Lord and His peace are at the center of our peacemaking efforts.

And as we grow in our walks with Him and peace increases within us (praise God for the fruit He bears), we may just begin to sparkle in new ways.

Shine on, sister, shine on.

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

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

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

Blessed Day 8 Blessed Are The Merciful

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 30:18-19
Matthew 9:18-22
Matthew 5:3-10
1 John 1:5-10

Blessed, Day 8

She could feel the atmosphere of the group change. The crowd drew closer to the street and the volume began to swell. He was coming closer.

Jesus, the one who had brought healing to so many, was coming. She joined the crush of people as they drew closer to where He would be crossing in front of them. Maybe, just maybe, I can reach out as He passes by. Maybe just touching the hem of His garment will bring healing.             

Desperation spurred her on. Twelve years of questions as the blood refused to stop. Years of being called unclean and hope dwindling with each attempt to find healing. She surged forward, ducking under arms and dodging feet, defying all social norms. She reached the edge of the crowd just as Jesus crossed before her.

The force of the crowd pushed her closer and enabled her fingers to graze His garment. He immediately stopped and turned to look behind Him. His eyes caught hers and held her attention. She sensed He knew her thoughts, yet no fear washed over her.

“Have courage, daughter. Your faith has saved you.” (Matthew 9:22)

The compassion in His eyes, and the loving tone of His words, felt like a compilation of all the love and inclusion she had missed out on for the last twelve years. She felt her chin rising as her confidence grew. Everything had changed. Time would prove all the changes, but she knew this encounter with Christ would forever be with her.

This is all Scripture shares of her story. Back then, there were no reality shows to visit the woman a year later to learn all about her new life. However, the lack of information challenges and encourages me more than knowing every detail of her transformation. Instead of focusing on the outcome, we set our eyes and hearts on her encounter with Christ.

In Matthew 5, Jesus declared the merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy. In verse 7, the Greek word for “mercy” is eleos, which emphasizes a deep, gut-level response to someone’s suffering, even beyond compassion. On the flip side, a person with a cry for this level of mercy is one who recognizes her complete incapability to help herself.

The story in the Word of the woman with the blood issue is a perfect example of giving and receiving eleos, mercy.

The suffering woman’s desperation for healing must have been incredible. The combination of hope for healing through Jesus mixed with the panic of what might happen if the opportunity was lost created a desperation cocktail that would have left others frozen in fear.

Yet, she moved forward with courageous faith and complete awareness of her need. Jesus was her last and only hope. In the end, she received mercy and healing.

In healing this woman, Jesus demonstrated how to pour out mercy. True eleos mercy is sourced from heart depths, not just head strength. It is empathy, not sympathy.

When Jesus healed the woman, it was not because she had anything to offer Him in return. Therefore, this was not a business transaction.

The woman did not formally ask for healing or present any logical arguments as to why she should receive healing and mercy, so this was not an intellectual interaction.

No, this was the Lord responding with intense compassion for this woman. This short encounter carried with it a depth of heart, which is the foundation of the mercy referenced in the Beatitudes. The original Greek word for “mercy” describes this deep level of heart response.

Does anyone else yearn for this level of mercy from the Lord, while also feeling overwhelmed by our complete incapability to pour out this mercy on others without His help? The source of this spirit-deep, gut-wrenching mercy, whether for ourselves or extended to others, is God alone.

Lord, today I humble myself before You. I cannot earn Your mercy. I cannot manipulate a response from You. Forgive me for the times I have approached You with wrong mindsets, Lord. 

Only You can bring my healing. Regardless of my current need, only You can make me whole. Abba, I cry out to You today with surrender, leaving the outcome of this prayer and Your method and timing of response in Your hands. You know what saving me looks like in this moment, and a year from now. 

Lord, teach me how to receive Your mercy in my desperation and create in me a heart longing to share the same mercy I have received. May I become a vessel through which You answer others’ cries for mercy. Attune my heart to sense Your compassion for those around me. 

Thank You for knowing the beginning from the end and for loving me from the depths of Your heart. May You be glorified, Lord.
Amen.

So let it be.

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

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

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Blessed Day 3 Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalms 51:6-13
Psalms 139:23-24
Matthew 5:4
2 Corinthians 7:9-11 
Revelation 21:3-5

Blessed, Day 3

All of us have experienced mourning.
We know grief and sorrow as we suffer loss of family members, friends, jobs, hopes, or dreams.

There have been times in my life when the mourning was so deep all I could do was cry until there were no more tears. Weeping, by no means removes our grief, but at least for me, it allows a necessary purging of bottled up emotion so I can move on and function. While I HATE to cry, I have learned to allow the tears instead of holding back.

As Christ followers, there is another type of grief with which we must grapple. This grief is born of the realization and understanding of the depth of our sin and depravity.

In Matthew 5:4, Jesus declares, “Blessed are those who mourn.”

The Greek word used for mourn is “pentheo,” which means to “wail or passionately lament, a grief so all-encompassing it cannot be hidden.” The same word is used in Mark 16:10 to describe the emotions of Jesus’ followers after His crucifixion, a soul-deep sorrow.

2 Corinthians 7:10 tells us “godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation.” Thus, it is a necessary mourning, required for us to reach a place of complete repentance before God. 

Have you invited God to search your heart for hidden sin, and then experienced “godly grief” over what He’s brought to light?

A few days prior to receiving this assignment, God grabbed hold of my heart and took me through a time of deep mourning over my sin. Little did I know He would use that experience so quickly! Isn’t it amazing how God works?!

I wasn’t expecting this deep mourning when I sat down with my Bible and journal that day. However, given the extra time we all had in April due to Covid-19, I was making unhurried quiet times a priority. So on this day, I had finally come to a place of quietness and stillness that enabled a humbling before our Father. I asked Him openly and honestly to expose my sin to His light.

It began with this quote from Paul David Tripp: “Whatever commands the love of your heart also shapes the direction of your life.” These words triggered something deep within, and God faithfully answered my prayer to expose my sin

He clearly revealed how many other things and people were commanding the “love of my heart” in His place. My priorities and focus were all wrong. Jesus wants and needs to be first in our hearts, our first love. 

The more I journaled and confessed, the more He exposed, until I sat there, completely open, all those hidden sins and desires laid bare before my King. And I cried . . . A LOT!

But as I sat there completely broken, something amazing happened.
I began to hear and see God much more clearly.
I began, once again, to feel the closeness we’d been missing.
I began to experience His forgiveness and love washing my entire soul.
God hates sin, and once it is removed, He can and will fully invade our entire being.

We desperately want to avoid pain. It’s natural. However, as Jesus-followers, we are called to live differently and do things the world doesn’t understand, like asking God to expose ALL our sin. When we begin to see our sin as Jesus does and realize the pain we have caused Him, it does hurt.

But the pain is followed by the blessing of His comfort, one so deep and unexplainable we know it comes from God alone.

The Greek word for blessed in Matthew 5:4 is “makarios,” which means: “supremely blest, fortunate, well off. The highest good.”  The same word is used in Revelation 19:9, which proclaims, “Blessed are those invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb.”

Do you see the connection? The blessing accompanying mourning is the same type of blessing we will experience in eternity with Jesus!

Next, He promises comfort in our mourning. The Greek word for comfort is “parakaleo,” meaning “call to one’s side.” Consider how special the comfort of a true friend is in times of sorrow. They know us well, and therefore discern exactly what to say and do. The comfort in this passage is better, deeper, and sweeter, because Jesus is the One calling us to His side!

And finally, on the other side of mourning are abundant blessings. Revelation 21:4 reminds us, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more.”

Our vision is clouded by the sin we allow to persist by not fully addressing it, or trying to excuse it. But if we are faithful to humble ourselves (I mean true, honest to goodness, on-our-knees-humbling ourselves) before God, then He is faithful to wipe away our tears and forgive our sin (1 John 1:9).

He will bless and comfort us
by filling us with more of Himself.

He will set our feet back on the path of righteousness,
giving us open eyes and hearts
to pursue new and fresh insight, understanding, and growth.

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

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

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

Blessed Day 2 Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit!

The Questions

1) What was the situation/context when Jesus began to teach this parable? (verse 9)

2) What was the significance of the two characters in the parable, one a tax collector and the other a Pharisee?

3) What did the Pharisee in the story think of himself?

4) What did the tax collector in the story realize and admit about himself?

Luke 18:9-14

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee was standing and praying like this about himself:  ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like other people—greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Original Intent

1) What was the situation/context when Jesus began to teach this parable? (verse 9)
The audience for this parable was mainly the disciples of Jesus, though others were likely in hearing proximity. (Luke 17:20-22) Chapters 16-18 of Luke highlight Jesus’ teaching about the difference between a works-focused obedience, which the Pharisees emphasized, and the sincere heart of a God-focused life. The parable in verses 10-14 is preceded by Jesus’ teaching about sincere and persistent prayer. The subtle connection between this parable and the preceding one is that they both include someone who is praying. The link between these two stories of Jesus is the character of the people He mentions and their genuine faith. (Luke 18:8) This parable contrasts those who rejected Jesus’ message regarding real righteousness with those who have understood and received God’s mercy. Jesus is painting a verbal picture to identify the characteristics of these two specific groups of people. In verse 9, the stage is set for the parable which follows. It gives us a description of the heart of many of the religious leaders of the day. Most of the Pharisees who criticized Jesus “were confident that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else.” Their prayers were often presented in pious ways. On other occasions, Jesus’ teaching confronted this kind of self-righteous praying. (Matthew 6:5-8)

2) What was the significance of the two characters in the parable, one a tax collector and the other a Pharisee?
The Pharisees were the Jewish religious leaders of the day who opposed Jesus’ message of mercy. They are seen throughout the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) separating themselves from those they regarded as unrighteous and unacceptable. Whether it was Gentiles or Jews, those who embraced a different view than they held about the Old Testament Law were to be avoided, excluded, and condemned. Their extreme interpretation of the Levitical law caused them to create standards for others that were not intended by God. Jesus consistently rebuked their hypocrisy, exposing their sinful hearts. (Mark 7:6-9) It’s ironic that the occupation of “tax collector” was looked down upon by these Jewish leaders as well as the general public. They were known for their dishonest schemes. Their fraudulently obtained wealth linked them to other tax collectors with whom they formed their own elite clan and separated themselves from the rest of society. (biblehub.com) A significant difference between these two groups – Pharisees and tax collectors – was Jesus’ interaction with them. Scripture indicates that Jesus spent a great deal of His time engaging these obviously unrighteous people. It also reveals that some of them humbly responded to Him, showing us that unrighteous people were more likely to see their need than self-righteous were.

3) What did the Pharisee in the story think of himself?
In the gospels we read that most of the religious leaders thought their own righteousness was so extraordinary it couldn’t possibly fail to bring about God’s acceptance. They held meticulously to the traditions of the Law, even producing their own standards for the people which were not what God had purposed. The specific Pharisee mentioned in the parable is the representation of all self-justifying religious leaders. In this one scene, Jesus gives His listeners a clear and contrasting image of a person who comes before God in arrogance and a person who approaches Him in humility. The Pharisee’s prayer offers no self-awareness of his sinfulness. What he does offer is a self-generated righteousness that confirms his justification before God. There is no hint of praise or thanksgiving to God for this good condition. Even his expression of thanks promotes only himself and elevates his life above the “other people” who live unrighteous lives. (verse 11) Once, there was a man who approached Jesus and rehearsed his good deeds, thinking they qualified him for eternal life. When Jesus stated that sincere desire is exhibited by a generous heart, the man walked away. His achieved goodness was merely a means in which to be self-justified. (Mark 10:17-22)

4) What did the tax collector in the story realize and admit about himself?
Jesus had asked His disciples a question in verse 8, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” Jesus’ question implies there will be relatively few on earth who believe in Him at His return. (Luke 17:22-30) Although Bible scholars disagree about the specifics of Jesus’ return, His obvious assertion is that those whom God declares righteous “in that day” will not be the ones the Pharisees have thought to be so. (Matthew 7:21-23) In fact, it will be those who recognize their unworthiness who will be received by God. It will be those, like the widow in verses 1-8, who will have their prayers answered. The posture of the tax collector demonstrates his meekness and his sense of unfitness before God. There he is, with his head and heart bowed toward the ground. He is keenly aware of the distance created between himself and God by his own sinfulness. He knows he can only cry out to God for mercy. It is this kind of humility, not self-righteousness, that will be rewarded with eternal life. (Titus 3:5-7)

Everyday Application

1) What was the situation/context when Jesus began to teach this parable? (verse 9)
As I write this Digging Deeper Study, we are in the midst of a world-wide pandemic. It is possible that some of us are in contact with people who have adopted a mindset revealing a self-righteous attitude toward others. Maybe we have allowed prideful thoughts to enter our own minds or conversations as we look down on others based on their opinion. The enemy of our souls (Ephesians 6:11-12) allures us with the same temptations he used against Adam and Eve and Jesus. He strikes at our minds, convincing us that because of our hard work, our education and right living, we are deserving of a life of comfort and ease. We begin looking down on other people and countries and start believing our nation’s power and wealth are signs of being a “blessed” people. We proudly declare our thanks that we are not like “those people.” If that has become a subtle way of thinking for us, this pandemic has possibly humbled us. Jesus’ parable is relevant to us this very moment in time in a brilliant new light.

2) What was the significance of the two characters in the parable, one a tax collector and the other a Pharisee?
It is right for us to have a humble appreciation for how God has richly blessed us as a nation, as well as ways He has personally blessed our lives. But we must never associate the blessings of God as His way of demonstrating favoritism or partiality. If we entertain a mindset that promotes ourselves above others, this is not the posture God intends. Humans have never been very accurate at judging the value of one another. We have a difficult time looking beyond outward appearances. It has been this way since the beginning of time. With a heart of mercy, Jesus has a message for all of us when we exhibit these Pharisaical attitudes. Contained in His message is usually a tale of two hearts, one inclined to self-glory, and one inclined to God’s glory. Often, the unlikely hero of Jesus’ stories is typically the one least expected by the crowd.

3) What did the Pharisee in the story think of himself?
Many modern-day Christ followers have heard this parable so often we immediately recognize what Jesus was teaching. We have possibly studied Jesus’ life and interaction with the Pharisees, and we know to associate the religious leaders with self-righteous hypocrisy. What we may miss is the real point Jesus was making. In Jesus’ day, the Jewish people held these leaders in high regard. The Pharisees were the models of righteous conduct. Maybe the crowd was hardly listening before that gutsy punchline. These leaders were the respected Bible teachers of the day. When Jesus said about the tax collector that “this man went down to his home justified” it was shocking! I can hear the gasps of the listeners even now. But before we rush to criticize this Pharisee in the story, we may need to ask ourselves if we pray similar prayers. And I must examine my own heart toward others. Because in a twist of irony, I can easily find myself rushing to judgment and praying a prayer of thanks that “I’m not like those Pharisees around me.” Ask the Lord to reveal your own heart motives in how you see others!

4) What did the tax collector in the story realize and admit about himself?
This parable offers us a picture of a tax collector who exhibits what Jesus spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:3) When Jesus taught the large crowd on the mountainside, I doubt many of them had considered the blessings of God as Jesus described them. Jesus told them that true blessing came in poverty of spirit, in mourning, in humility, in a hunger and thirst for righteousness. This is of great importance to us. Every single person comes to God as an empty, destitute, reviled, penniless, pitiful, desperate spiritual beggar. Just as that tax collector recognized his sinful condition and cried out for mercy, we must confess our need of Christ in every facet of our lives. The evidence of grace in our lives is the recognition that we desperately rely on that grace for everything. We are indeed a people #blessed!
“Just as I am, I would be lost, but mercy and grace my freedom bought.
And now to glory in Your cross, oh Lamb of God I come, I come.
I come broken to be mended.
I come wounded to be healed.
I come desperate to be rescued.
I come empty to be filled.
I come guilty to be pardoned by the blood of Christ the Lamb.
And I’m welcomed with open arms, praise God, just as I am.”
(Just As I Am by Travis Cottrell)

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Redeemed Day 7 Favored Not Forsaken: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Favored Not Forsaken!

The Questions

1) What does the exchange between Boaz and his workers reveal in verse 4?

2) In this passage, why was Boaz able to demonstrate God’s characteristics?

3) How does hospitality connect with the gospel?

Ruth 2:1-17

Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side. He was a prominent man of noble character from Elimelech’s family. His name was Boaz.
2 Ruth the Moabitess asked Naomi, “Will you let me go into the fields and gather fallen grain behind someone with whom I find favor?”
Naomi answered her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So Ruth left and entered the field to gather grain behind the harvesters. She happened to be in the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from Elimelech’s family.

4 Later, when Boaz arrived from Bethlehem, he said to the harvesters, “The Lord be with you.”
“The Lord bless you,” they replied.
5 Boaz asked his servant who was in charge of the harvesters, “Whose young woman is this?”

6 The servant answered, “She is the young Moabite woman who returned with Naomi from the territory of Moab. 7 She asked, ‘Will you let me gather fallen grain among the bundles behind the harvesters?’ She came and has been on her feet since early morning, except that she rested a little in the shelter.”

8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Don’t go and gather grain in another field, and don’t leave this one, but stay here close to my female servants. 9 See which field they are harvesting, and follow them. Haven’t I ordered the young men not to touch you? When you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.”
10 She fell facedown, bowed to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor with you, so that you notice me, although I am a foreigner?”

11 Boaz answered her, “Everything you have done for your mother-in-law since your husband’s death has been fully reported to me: how you left your father and mother and your native land, and how you came to a people you didn’t previously know. 12 May the Lord reward you for what you have done, and may you receive a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

13 “My lord,” she said, “I have found favor with you, for you have comforted and encouraged your servant, although I am not like one of your female servants.”

14 At mealtime Boaz told her, “Come over here and have some bread and dip it in the vinegar sauce.” So she sat beside the harvesters, and he offered her roasted grain. She ate and was satisfied and had some left over.

15 When she got up to gather grain, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her even gather grain among the bundles, and don’t humiliate her. 16 Pull out some stalks from the bundles for her and leave them for her to gather. Don’t rebuke her.” 17 So Ruth gathered grain in the field until evening. She beat out what she had gathered, and it was about twenty-six quarts of barley.

Original Intent

1) What does the exchange between Boaz and his workers reveal in verse 4?
Boaz was quite a wealthy man with many fields, many workers, and many overseers over those fields and workers. He certainly didn’t “need” to visit his fields as he had trusted overseers to keep a keen business eye on all things related to his harvest. The simple fact that Boaz even came to the field in person speaks highly of his character. As further evidence of his kind character, he did not come only to privately engage his overseers to ensure everything was going as planned. He was not visiting to be controlling. The first exchange recorded as Boaz approaches the worksite is a kind greeting that honors both the Lord and the people working for him. Neither did Boaz view his workers as objects to do his bidding, nor did he view himself as above the authority of God. Ancient preserved documents, called Targums, were written in Aramaic as a sort of explanatory commentary of Scripture for Jews who had, over time, forgotten how to speak or understand the Hebrew language. Today, the Targum can provide insight for us into cultural understanding when it comes to studying Scripture. For this specific exchange between Boaz and his workers, the Targum expands our understanding to include the idea that Boaz was pronouncing a genuine blessing from the Lord to the people, which included a prayer for their health, well-being, and safety as they labored. In reciprocity, the harvesters responded in like blessing by also praying prosperity over Boaz.

2) In this passage, why was Boaz able to demonstrate God’s characteristics?
Boaz’ life mirrored the character of God because He had grown up knowing and loving the God of the Bible, Yahweh. Boaz himself was a foreigner being the son of the Gentile prostitute, Rahab, and her Jewish husband, Salmon. (Matthew 1:5) While he could have been excluded because he wasn’t a full-blooded Jew, he experienced the inclusion of a God who lovingly draws in all people. This God so kindly grafted Boaz in that he became a key player in the family lineage of Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph! Because Boaz was so radically loved, his life naturally reflected the attributes of love as first portrayed by God. The Lord God was a refuge and protector to His people Israel (Psalm 3:3-4), and we find Boaz specifically speaking to his workers to not bother Ruth. (Ruth 2:9) The Lord God provided food and drink, exactly the amount needed for Israel as they wandered in the desert. (Exodus 16:11-12) Likewise, Boaz went out of his way to provide food and drink to completely satisfy Ruth and Naomi. (Ruth 2:14-17) Pointing forward to Jesus, only in Him can a soul find protection from the consequence of sin, which is death. (Romans 10:13) Only in Jesus, can we be sheltered from the chaos of everyday life by finding peace with God. (Romans 5:1) Jesus calls Himself the “bread of life” (John 6:35) and the source of “living water” (John 7:38-39) because only in Christ can anyone find true satisfaction that will never leave us empty or dissatisfied. (John 10:10)

3) How does hospitality connect with the gospel?
It’s simply not possible to read this account of Boaz and not be impressed by his humility, generosity, and hospitality, especially when we keep in mind that Ruth was a non-Jew Gentile living, and working, in a very Jewish town. She should have most-definitely been the city’s outcast. She was the proverbial black sheep. Her clothes were different. Her speech and tonal inflections were different. Her growing up experiences were different. Her religious background was different. Surely, these factors created too great of a divide to bridge for one community! Boaz proved otherwise with his lavish hospitality. He noticed her, as she obviously stuck out to everyone, but he responded to her apparent differences with humility and kind graciousness. In the face of her extreme minority, Boaz did not use his majority power and influence either to ignore or mock her, instead he elevated her. He sat with her during meal time, giving her the best of the noon meal. (verse 14) He spoke with her face to face when he could have easily sent a male overseer with a message, (verses 8-9) and he went above and beyond by encouraging her heart with a good report he’d heard of her and prayed a blessing over her. (verses 11-12) Then, Boaz blessed her house with more meals to share between her and Naomi. (verse 17) Boaz demonstrated true hospitality, not because he was wealthy, but because he was humble and loved the outcast.

Everyday Application

1) What does the exchange between Boaz and his workers reveal in verse 4?
Not only do we see God’s character so sweetly reflected in Boaz in this exchange, but we also have a wonderful model for engaging others around us! Just as Boaz didn’t see himself as too lofty to associate with the common workers in his hot, dusty fields, so the Lord Jesus humbled Himself to come and dwell with us in order to sacrifice Himself for us. Boaz specifically spoke to his workers and offered prayers over them with genuine sincerity, how much more does Jesus do for us! Constantly He is interceding for us in prayer to the Father through the Spirit, and never once are we abandoned and removed from His presence, though we are so unworthy of such a lavish gift! What a refreshing gift to see such a good example of Jesus in someone else! Doesn’t it encourage you to live more boldly and loving as an example to others as well?! In our culture, the common exchange is, “How are you?” to be responded with a hearty, “Good! And you?”. Even among believers, sometimes we throw around words like “blessings” or “Lord bless you”, but how much more meaningful would these exchanges become if we accompanied a genuine prayer for the other person along with our words? Take the challenge and pray specifically for the next person you share a common greeting! For a little deeper dive, take a look at the short letters towards the end of the New Testament to catch a glimpse of Paul’s prayers of blessings over those who read his letters!

2) In this passage, why was Boaz able to demonstrate God’s characteristics?
Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Corinth, “Imitate me as I also imitate Christ”. (1 Corinthians 11:1) He had just finished explaining to the Corinthians how he quite intentionally lived his life for the purpose of sharing the hope and love of Jesus to all people, regardless of what he was doing. Even down to what he ate and drank, Paul wanted those around him to know he loved them and was putting them above himself because that is exactly how Jesus loves us. (1 Corinthians 10:23-33) Boaz clearly demonstrates this same principle. Loving others with generosity and genuine kindness wasn’t something he did for show or in attempt to somehow “win favor” either from God (pride because it’s impossible) or people (pride because it’s self-focused). Boaz loved others like God had loved him. Jesus said of the woman who sacrificially anointed Him in Bethany, “her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much.” (Luke 7:47) When we realize how far away our sin removes us from the loving presence of God, we understand how deeply we need to be forgiven. The chasm between us as sinful human beings and the perfectly holy God is impossibly wide. Only through Jesus can it be crossed. Then, when we are awash with the realization that God, in Christ Jesus, removes our sin as far as the east is from the west, we are radically made new and repurposed to love others as deeply as we have been loved. Be encouraged by Boaz’ example of redemption and live lives that love others and imitate Christ in everything we do!

3) How does hospitality connect with the gospel?
A shared meal between close friends or relatives is one thing, but it’s quite another to extend lavish hospitality to those outside your circle of comfort and familiarity. Whether it’s another race, another culture, income level, or lifestyle choice, actually living out humble, loving generosity in the form of hospitality puts the gospel on brilliant display like little else! It’s easy to love those who love us and make us feel comfortable, but that is not the gospel. (Luke 6:32-36) Christ did not come to save those who claimed self-righteousness, but to rescue those who realized they were destitute and entirely excluded from right standing with God on their own merit. (Luke 5:32) When we live our everyday lives intentionally on the lookout for those who are different from us, for the purpose of loving them like Jesus, we will find ourselves reaching for the house key of hospitality by which we open the door to share the gospel with our new friends. Reach across the line, love someone different than you, and enjoy the sweet reward of fellowship brought about by the love of Christ!

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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