Joy

If Day 11 Free Ride

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 13:44-46
Romans 5:1-5
Matthew 6:25-34
James 1:2-4

If, Day 11

“Yes, but it’s going to cost you.”
Have you heard a version of this phrase, if not those exact words?

I have. Sometimes it’s said with the humor of a friend; other times, it has been spoken with all seriousness.

Cost.
We understand it from a monetary sense pretty easily. Do I have the money needed to buy this? How much do I need or want said item, and what am I willing to do to ensure I can make the payment?

But do we grasp the concept of cost beyond dollar signs?
Do we recognize cost is involved in every decision we make?
Beyond that, do we recognize we are changed by every decision we make?

In the business world, return on investment, otherwise known as ROI, is a recurrent phrase. Will an investment provide a return that is worth the cost of the investment?
Will our investment of following Jesus provide a valuable return?

Suppose following Jesus cost us nothing?

Cost is significant.
Upon reflection, I honestly cannot think of a time when cost was not connected to change in my character or life.

Even when I’ve received a free gift, I am aware of the significant cost to the giver.
Cost is always involved. 

With these thoughts swirling through my mind, I sat down to write this study.
What if following Jesus cost us nothing?

If my brain were a literal computer, I would be receiving an error message. In fact, my mind is unable to compute that sentence, and I think of the movie Mean Girls, in which a character says, “The limit does not exist” during math class.

We’re either following Jesus, or we’re leading ourselves.
We’re seeking His kingdom, or we’re building our own.
We’re either counting the cost to follow Him, or we’re not investing.

Adam and Eve chose to invest in the words of the serpent and we are still reaping the returns on their investment. From the very beginning of time, cost has been at play.
Our relationships with Jesus are no different. 

The Bible says a difficult road and narrow gate are the way to heaven. Narrow means lots of decisions are involved in staying the course. Narrow means potentially being misunderstood by those walking the broad paths. Narrow means uncomfortable seasons and various invitations for growth.

Narrow means there will be a cost,
and the final return on investment is Heaven.

But what if…
following Jesus cost us nothing?

We willingly pay out for what we view as valuable.
If we aren’t willing to pay, we deem the value as worthless.

Eternity with Jesus is a pretty significant return on investment, and motivates many people to choose to trust Him. However, Heaven is not the only return we receive when we truly follow the Lord.

Galatians 5:22-24 highlights the fruit of the Spirit, and outlines the cost of their cultivation. When we “crucify the flesh with its passions and desires,” we allow the Spirit to move within us and He pours out love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The brutal language describing the cost of following Jesus boldly declares to us that holiness, not happiness, is the aim of the Christian life. The way of change, the way of transformation, the narrow way of daily putting to death the sin nature wrapped around our spirits since Adam and Eve’s initial investment . . . this is the way of great cost.

We gladly pay the cost because the benefit far outweighs the price tag of surrendering self to the Savior who gave Himself wholly for us, choosing to hold nothing back. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Whole surrender is the way of Jesus, who sacrificed everything from His human body to His very existence in community with the Father.
This is the way of Jesus-followers, who are called to walk in His footsteps by picking up our own crosses.

Oh yes, the cost is great.
But the reward, “the joy set before [us],” Jesus assures us, is far greater.

For in return for Jesus’ sacrifice, we receive redemption, the knitting back together of our spirits once torn apart by the claws of our sinful choices.
In return for our costly sacrifice, we become more like Him, the One who sacrificed all for our redemption.

Thus, not only do we know Him more deeply, but we reflect Him more clearly to the searching world around us.
“Come,” our lives say, “Here is the One who can breathe healing and life into your shattered soul.”

Finally, in Ephesians 6:10-18, we learn how God equips and sustains us through the attacks we will experience during our days on earth. The Lord does not leave us alone until we get to heaven. He is faithfully with us, teaching us how to navigate this lifetime. Again, the benefit of never being alone or ill-equipped adds to the value of following Jesus with our whole lives.

We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we have the Word of God to read and learn, and we have the Heavenly Father loving us deeply. The Lord’s love is infinite and His mercies are new every morning.

While the sacrifices and challenges involved in following Jesus are quite costly, the ROIs of following Christ are infinite. I will gladly invest to gain Christ and heaven for eternity, and to point others to His open arms during my time on earth.

I am so very grateful that following Christ costs me something.
This is a gift I can never repay.

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Sketched IX Day 7 Heart Healer: 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 Heart Healer!

The Questions

1) According to this passage, what was Jesus like?

2) From this prophecy, what would Jesus eventually come to do and why?

3) What is our response to who Jesus is and what He did?

Isaiah 53:3-6

3 He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.

He was like someone people turned away from;

he was despised, and we didn’t value him.

4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,

and he carried our pains;

but we in turn regarded him stricken,

struck down by God, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion,

crushed because of our iniquities;

punishment for our peace was on him,

and we are healed by his wounds.

6 We all went astray like sheep;

we all have turned to our own way;

and the Lord has punished him

for the iniquity of us all.

Original Intent

1) According to this passage, what was Jesus like?
If we strictly consider what God is revealing to us through this prophetic passage in Isaiah 53, Jesus was despised. This Hebrew word used, “בָּזָה”, means utterly worthless and worthy of scorn, vile, and contempt. He was rejected by men continuously throughout His public ministry on earth. Throughout the gospel accounts, Jesus was reviled when He engaged with the religious elite group, the Pharisees, but He was also held in contempt among even His own people as John testifies to in his gospel, “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.” (John 1:11) The words in verse 3 of Isaiah 53 describe Jesus as a man acquainted with physical and mental pain. He knew sorrow and suffering. His life on earth was not immune to loss, rejection, or misunderstanding.

2) From this prophecy, what would Jesus eventually come to do and why?
The promised Messiah would one day come as God in human flesh to carry the sickness of our soul and our bodies, which results from our sin. All the sins which chronically eat away at our hearts and bring destruction around us, He came to take these sins and their consequences on Himself. He carries them, in the way one carries a burden or a heavy load. Christ hoists the impossibly heavy load of sin’s consequences completely off us and fully onto Himself. He restores us back to Himself now, and one day, when we are with Him forever, our bodies will also be fully restored and whole. Isaiah says He was pierced for our rebellion. He voluntarily allowed Himself to be slain to take on the sin of our rejection of God and His ways. Christ bears not only the impact of sin (illness), but also the root of sin (rebellion). He was crushed (shattered, broken into pieces) for our iniquities (perversity, depravity, evil acts). All this He did for the ultimate healing of our relationship with Him, “…we are healed by His wounds.” (Isaiah 53:5, Romans 5:6-11) The hope of restoring us back to Himself in wholeness spiritually, and one day, fully physically, were Jesus’ motivations for His grand rescue mission which brought His death. We, those who would believe in Him, were the joy set before Him for which He endured the cross! (Hebrews 12:2)

3) What is our response to who Jesus is and what He did?
Isaiah paints a picture with his Holy Spirit led words, foretelling how people will respond to Jesus and His lavish sacrifice, “despised and rejected (…) He was like someone people turned away from; He was despised, and we didn’t value Him.” (verse 3) We can look at Jesus as being rejected by God, as some did at the cross. When Jesus claimed to be God, mockers wrongly concluded that if God would not save him, Jesus couldn’t be the Messiah. (Matthew 27:43) Isaiah writes of the common condition shared by every human being, “We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way…” (verse 6) We all stray (wandering about because we were seduced or deceived to leave the way) from God, rejecting His ways to go our own ways. To know the freedom Jesus offers, but to continue in this straying is another response we can have to Jesus. This arrogance and pride will lead us far from God’s loving rescue. The third response Isaiah highlights is to be healed by Jesus’ wounds, “punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.” (verse 5) This Hebrew word for healed, ”רָפָה” means to be mended, cured, and made whole. Jesus takes the soul-brokenness we bring to Him and makes us whole.

Everyday Application

1) According to this passage, what was Jesus like?
When we think of Jesus, many images may come to mind. Usually of Him teaching or healing, spending time with His disciples, or even hanging on the cross. Rarely do our thoughts veer toward the imagery of Isaiah’s prophetic portrayal of the Messiah in Isaiah 53. Isaiah tells us he was despised (worthless and worthy of scorn, vile, and contempt). His very essence was viewed with such great repulsion, it caused many to turn away from Him. Usually we don’t think of Jesus in this way. We consider Him as the One Whom crowds followed. In fact, so many followed Him that He often slipped away (Luke 5:16), left quickly for another town (Matthew 5:1 and Matthew 8:18), or got into a boat to teach. (Luke 5:3, Mark 4:1) But here, in this ancient prophecy, we see another side of Jesus as the One rejected, scorned, and not given worth. We may want to think of Jesus’ rejection in terms of the days leading up to the cross, or the crowd crying out for a thief to be released in place of Jesus. (Luke 23:18) But Jesus is despised and rejected even today when people choose to keep chasing themselves instead of surrendering to His gracious goodness held out to them. Even those of us who believe Him, can still hold parts of ourselves back, choosing to reject His offer of redemption and grace. Scripture teaches that Jesus is familiar with suffering and rejection. He knows it deeply, yet He still gives Himself fully to all. Then, in remarkable love, when we suffer in this life, we can know with confidence that He sympathizes with us. (Hebrews 4:15) Let’s both give ourselves in full surrender to, and be richly comforted by, the Savior familiar with rejection and scorn.

2) From this prophecy, what would Jesus eventually come to do and why?
Jesus withstood the rejection of men and the abusive injustice of the cross because of the deep love He has for us. His love is not based on our works (Ephesians 2:9); nor is it given sparingly or with demand for repayment. (Ephesians 2:8) His love flows toward sinners, undeserving enemies, who have chosen to rebel against Him. (Romans 5:10) Yet, He takes on the sin of the world in order to win us back to Himself because He loves the world. (John 3:16) Every soul is precious to Him and He died for the opportunity for all to be reconciled to Him if they choose to respond in total surrender to Him. (2 Peter 3:9) This is His joy! A joy that willingly scorned the shame and pain of the cross, looking beyond it toward the redemption of His people. (Hebrews 12:2) We serve a sacrificing God who reaches into our lives to invite us into relationship with Him, even though we do not deserve Him or His love. We are His beloved, and He gives His all for us. He gave His all at the cross and He gives it still. Will we receive His redemption?

3) What is our response to who Jesus is and what He did?
Isaiah’s prophecy is ancient, but every person alive today still has the same responses available to them as those living in Isaiah’s day. We can outright reject Jesus, refusing His gift of salvation. This will result in our eternal death and separation from Him for eternity, forever distanced from His love and grace. Many do this because they view Jesus as weak or insufficient as the Isaiah passage illuminates. Others choose to reject Christ because they love the darkness instead of the light because their deeds are evil. (John 3:19) Even those who receive Jesus and His gift of salvation will reject Him and His ways at times, as we still desire to serve ourselves instead of God. Those times are when we go astray, giving into temptation and leaving God’s way for our way. When we do this, we are urged to confess our sin so He can cleanse and forgive us. When we repent from that sin (change our mind and actions away from the sin), and again choose to follow Him, we are confident that He has forgiven us and empowered us to keep on following Him. (1 John 1:9) The third response is to humbly receive Him (John 13:20), His love (Romans 5:5), and His leadership (John 14:15). When we trust Jesus, we open ourselves to Him and His healing touch in our hearts and lives. We abide with Him (John 15:4) and we become like Him. (Ephesians 4:13-15)

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

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 IX 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.

Ready Day 7 Laboring Love: 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 Laboring Love!

The Questions

1) What is being connected and contrasted by the two words “but you” in verse 20?

2) How is Jude encouraging his readers to respond to “those” and “others” in verses 22-23?

3) Who is the one in verse 24 who is able to protect them from stumbling in the ways Jude previously mentioned in verses 4 and 10?

Jude 1:20-25

20 But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. 22 Have mercy on those who waver; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. 24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory without blemish and with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now, and forever. Amen.

Original Intent

1) What is being connected and contrasted by the two words “but you” in verse 20?
The Bible book of Jude is considered to be a “general epistle” written to a broad audience. Epistles (a letter or message) were the primary form of communication in New Testament times. Though difficult to determine, it is thought to be written somewhere between A.D. 60 and 140. (netbible.org) The name of the author was “Judas,” but most English translators have used the name “Jude” to avoid connection with the one who betrayed Jesus. Most Bible teachers believe he was the half-brother of Jesus, though he did not see Him as the Christ until after the resurrection. (enduringword.com) Jude’s letter is filled with references to Old Testament stories. By recalling history that was familiar to the readers Jude reminded them of the urgency of sincere faith, Spirit-led prayers, and obedience to God. Just as the apostle Paul was concerned for his fellow believers in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3), Jude also desired believers to know his love for them, even though he knew he was writing to many he would never meet. (verse 2) He had hoped to write about their shared salvation (verse 3), but he “found it necessary” to address a serious issue that had arisen among them. Contrasting the people who were “discontented grumblers, living according to their desires” and “flattering people for their own advantage”, Jude wanted his readers to remember what they had been taught and to remain in the faith and love of God. (Jude 1:17-20) He bluntly described in verses 10-13 the people who were causing division, and compared them against those who had received the Spirit of God through Christ. Jude begins verse 17 and verse 20 with “but you, friends…”, effectively juxtaposing the way godly believers should be living and the way some of the ungodly in their midst were conducting themselves and misrepresenting who Jesus Christ really was.

2) How is Jude encouraging his readers to respond to “those” and “others” in verses 22-23?
Jude’s tone may seem harsh at times, due to his obvious agony over those who sought to deceive these dear friends of his. But this “servant of Jesus Christ” reveals his deep care for them as he closes his letter with reassurances of God’s love and confidence in their perseverance. (verse 21) Just as they were to personally obey God and spiritually fight for the faith they proclaimed and possessed (verse 3), Jude wanted them to have wisdom and humility as they interacted with others in their circle. Jude used the word “mercy” twice in verses 22-23. Though he had strong words for those who had wormed their way into the church, his desire was to present these people to God as pure and holy by calling out correction to their trajectory. As a servant of Jesus Christ, he possessed a divine love for them which connected his heart to theirs through their common salvation and shared indwelling of the Holy Spirit. His firm warning of truth was tempered with words of grace. The Bible says in John 1:14 that Jesus Christ is characterized by total truth and total grace. Jude’s words of concern were combined with words of compassion. He recognized the challenge in determining those who were merely struggling in their faith from those defiantly opposing it, and he offered practical encouragement. Being led in prayer by the Holy Spirit (verse 20), the saints of God were to be patient with the doubters, but also boldly confront sin that was evident in some. Unlike those who had no reverence for God (verse 12), connecting the fear and mercy of God is essential when disciplinary action is necessary. “Being merciful without fear can turn to unwarranted sympathy for the individual, absolving him of personal responsibility, but fearing God without showing mercy can turn into personal judgment and condemnation.” (NetBible.org)

3) Who is the one in verse 24 who is able to protect them from stumbling in the ways Jude previously mentioned in verses 4 and 10?
Jude ends his epistle with a beautiful doxology, a declaration of praise to God.  He has told his readers to “keep yourselves in the love of God” (verse 21), and now tells them how this happens! The Bible explains that righteousness does not come from ourselves, but from God alone. (Philippians 3:6) It also asserts that we are to work out our salvation in the way we submit to God. We keep from stumbling by active obedience that comes out of our salvation, not working for our salvation. (Philippians 2:12-13) Thankfully, the good news for the recipients of Jude’s message was that those who were firmly in Christ didn’t need to be anxious about keeping themselves “in the most holy faith” (verse 20) by their own effort or strength alone. It was God’s power in them that would keep them from denying Jesus (verse 4) and being destroyed (verse 10). It is God, the “only God,” who makes us able to stand in His presence “without blemish and with great joy!” (verse 25) Jude encouragers his believing friends to be faithful and patient and reassures them they can trust God to be faithful to present them unblemished before Himself. (Romans 7–8) It is this truth that causes Jude to break out in praise and recognition of the One who possesses all “glory, majesty, power and authority” forever. (verse 25)

Everyday Application

1) What is being connected and contrasted by the two words “but you” in verse 20?
The “evil works” Jude mentioned in his letter were evidence that some in their midst had abandoned The Faith. As I read his admonition, I feel his agony for them to continue striving for holiness. His love for them, even though he wasn’t with them, jumps up from the pages of Scripture. Jude wanted to write about all the good things they experienced as companions and recipients of God’s grace, but he knew it was more pressing to begin with a warning. He realized the warning was just as necessary as the encouragement he eventually shared. Scripture tells us God’s mercy and kindness leads people to see their need for Him and to repent. (Romans 2:4) But there are times we must state the stark contrast between those who live for God and those who do not. I like sharing good news! When I write, I try to offer the most positive way of seeing things. Every now and then, though, the bad news must be presented to know just how good the good news really is! If I saw, from a distance, a friend walking in a beautiful field of flowers, my initial thought would be to wave and smile and shout out how glorious it looked there. But if I looked ahead and saw a snake hanging from a tree she was nearing, I would interrupt myself with shouts of warning and dread. Jude deeply loved the church, calling them his friends. Because they were so dear to him, in love, he warned them of how important it is to stand firm in Christ’s love and to remain hopeful and ready for His coming return.

2) How is Jude encouraging his readers to respond to “those” and “others” in verses 22-23?
Author and pastor, Tim Keller, says, “Truth without grace is not really truth, and grace without truth is not really grace.” I am so thankful Jude includes instruction about “those” who hadn’t completely abandoned The Faith. Sometimes we are in circles with people who have not fully rejected God, but who are on the verge of walking away or who doubt His goodness. Sister, I have been there. I have wondered how I am supposed to respond. Demonstrating the love of God sometimes means waiting on someone (and with someone) to find answers to strengthen their weak faith. We can assist them by offering accountability through Bible study and by fervently praying for them and with them. We hate the sin sitting at the root of their pride and doubt, but we mercifully wait on God to show them their sin. In verse 23, Jude reminded them to confront “with fear”, which indicates how our truthful warning to our brothers and sisters of encroaching sin should be done in humility and love. (Matthew 7:4-5) We are never to conduct ourselves with an attitude of sanctimonious superiority. “He has graciously accommodated Himself to my weakness, borne with my mistakes, and helped me through innumerable prejudices, which, but for His mercy, would have been insuperable hindrances: I have therefore no right to be angry, impatient, or censorious, especially as I have still much to learn, and am so poorly influenced by what I seem to know.” (John Newton)

3) Who is the one in verse 24 who is able to protect them from stumbling in the ways Jude previously mentioned in verses 4 and 10?
When Jude says God is able to protect us “from stumbling”, it literally means that He keeps us unfallen! (studylight.org) We see this even more clearly as he goes on to write that we stand in the presence of God’s glory “without blemish.” One of the things I love about Scripture is the paradox. Do we stand firm or is it God holding us up? YES! Some Christians adhere to a belief system that declares we are “once saved, always saved.” If I was hard-pressed to concisely explain the gospel’s power to keep us, I would not be hesitant to use this four-word phrase. I believe it is Scripturally accurate. But, dear Sister, there is much more to our salvation than a mere nod to certain truths, an appropriately worded prayer, or even a baptism. There must be a sincere desire to surrender to Christ. Jude had found the ultimate source of mercy, peace, and love. He knew that he served Jesus because Jesus was keeping him. (verses 1-2) Jude’s passionate plea was a matter of life and death to those he dearly loved. Even in his closing remarks of blessing, he preaches a mini sermon to his friends, Jesus is the only God. Jesus is the only Savior. Jesus is Lord of all, and He is Lord forever. AND it is this Jesus who holds us fast and keeps us ready for His return. He receives us with endless mercy, and faithfully safeguards our souls, when we come to Him in humble faith and truly repentant hearts, ready to surrender to Him!

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

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 Ready 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.

Ready Day 6 Laboring Love

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

1Thessalonians 3:1-13
Colossians 1:24-29
Jude 20-25

Ready, Day 6

During my daughter’s first years of university studies, my mind was always with her.  I knew that university lifestyle was quite different from secondary school. I was praying for her almost every day, calling to know how she was doing, and sending her text messages to encourage her.

Two things prompted my actions.

  1. I love her, and wanted her future to be good.
  2. I was afraid lest she fell into a bad company and ruin her life; I didn’t want my labor to be in vain.

I see a similar relationship between the Thessalonian Christians and the apostle Paul, Silas, and Timothy, who traveled together to encourage churches. (1 Thessalonians 1:1) Having suffered great opposition, they persevered to preach the gospel to the believers in Thessalonica together. After being forced to leave the city, they were keen to know how the new believers were growing in their faith. Paul’s team made several attempts to visit, but were hindered by Satan (through aggressive persecution). At last, they resorted to sending Timothy to go and encourage the churches on their behalf.

Recalling his labor among them, Paul said,

“We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” (1Thessalonians 2:8)

As a result, Paul’s team was afraid, lest the new believers become weary and give up their faith because of affliction. Therefore, they sent Timothy to “strengthen and encourage” them, so no one would be shaken by afflictions. (1 Thessalonians 3:2)

Wow! That pricks my heart; I ask myself again and again whether I am committed to loving the Church this way. How often do we pray for the Church, especially new believers? What about those who have backslidden? Are we making efforts to restore them back into Christ’s fold? I am afraid that instead of reaching out in empathy and support, sometimes others’ failures become a topic of discussion to us. In our hypocrisy, we talk of it with pleasure, as if to say, “it serves them right.”

There’s a hymn that usually keeps me in check; as I sing, I am reminded of all I owe Jesus:

“Must I go and empty-handed?
Must I meet my Savior so?
Not one soul with which to greet Him?
Must I empty-handed go?”

Are we prepared to meet our Savior?
Will our life’s work reflect His heart of passion for each person?
We must return to this first-love question throughout our lives.

Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19-20) We must not take His command for granted; it calls us to action! The immediate receivers of His command (His disciples) obeyed it.

Now it is our turn.

How committed are we to making disciples?
Do our hearts yearn with love, the way Paul and his team did for the Thessalonian Christians?

His deep care for them compelled Paul to say,

“When I could no longer stand it, I also sent him [Timothy] to find out about your faith.” (1Thessalonians 3:5)

Paul was afraid Satan might have tempted them to abandon their faith, and thus Paul’s labor would have been in vain. I am deeply challenged by the attitude of Paul and his team; overwhelmingly, it is dominated by caring for and nurturing the Thessalonians’ faith. Similarly, our concern must be to prepare the world for the coming of Christ.

When Timothy returned with a positive report about the Thessalonian Christians, Paul describes how the team celebrated with joy:

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction we were encouraged about you through your faith. For now, we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience?” (1Thessalonians 3:7-9)

To Paul and his team, the steadfastness of the faith of the Thessalonian Christians was life; he explained, “Now, we live.” What a passion!

Such celebration is for us, as well!

Jesus describes the incomparable joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7); should there be anything for us to celebrate more than the increase of God’s kingdom?

The report of the Thessalonian Christians further spurs Paul and his team to deep and fervent prayers.

“[A]s we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and complete what is lacking in your faith.” (1Thessalonians 3:10) What a commitment!

Doesn’t this kind of zeal challenge us?
Sisters, it’s time for us, like Paul, to step into Jesus’ commission and commit ourselves to disciple-making. Like Paul and his team, may our hearts burn in prayer “day and night” for those we know are perishing without Jesus.

What joy shall it be, when we see such people repenting and growing strong in their faith! Such great rejoicing will be ours when, at last, Jesus says to us,
“Well done, my faithful servant!”
(Matthew 25:21)

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Ready Day 4 Are You In?: 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 Are You In?!

The Questions

1) Why are Paul, Silas, and Timothy thankful for the Thessalonians? (verses 2-3)

2) How did Paul, Silas, and Timothy know God had chosen the Thessalonians? (verses 4-5)

3) How should we respond to persecution? (verses 6-8)

1 Thessalonians 1

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy:
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace to you and peace.

2 We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers. 3 We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit, 6 and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. 7 As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out. Therefore, we don’t need to say anything, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Original Intent

1) Why are Paul, Silas, and Timothy thankful for the Thessalonians? (verses 2-3)
First Thessalonians begins with Paul’s expression of gratitude for the Thessalonians. Author Chuck Swindoll explains that Paul’s stay in Thessalonica was brief, so he sent Timothy back to discover how they were doing. Although Timothy’s report raised some concerns, Paul was grateful to find them thriving. He declares in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, we “…always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers. We recall (…) your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul is thankful that their faith in, and love for, God motivated them to work hard and do great things to build His kingdom. They labored to spread the Gospel because they believed Paul’s message. Paul is also grateful for their endurance inspired by hope in Christ. God’s love and His promise of heaven empowered the Thessalonians to endure hardships in order to share the Good News of Christ with others. Author David Guzik observes, “there was an undeniable work of the Holy Spirit and a marvelous change in their lives. The three great Christian virtues were evident among them: faith, love, and hope. . . Therefore, their faith produced work – as is the nature of true faith. Their love produced labor. . . Their hope produced patience, which is the long-suffering endurance needed to not only survive hard times, but to triumph through them.” The Thessalonians loved others because God loved them; it was His great love which spurred them on. Their hope in Jesus enabled them to endure persecution. They knew He died, paying the penalty for their sins, in order to give them eternal life with God. This secure hope of a forever home in the glorious presence of God urged them onward to persevere in their faith. Paul thanked God for how the Thessalonians were growing in their faith and expanding God’s kingdom.

2) How did Paul, Silas, and Timothy know God had chosen the Thessalonians? (verses 4-5)
Paul, Silas and Timothy established the church in Thessalonica. Paul’s first letter to them after their departure celebrates their spiritual growth during their short existence. In 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, Paul tells the church he knows God chose them “because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance.” Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament explains how this verse describes an “election of you by God. It is an old word from εκλεγομαι — eklegomai used by Jesus of His choice of the twelve disciples (John 15:16) and by Paul of God‘s eternal selection.” (Ephesians 1:4) Paul encourages the saints that they were chosen by God, which he confidently knows because the Holy Spirit visited them with great power. The Spirit’s presence, and His work through them, evidenced God choosing them. They did not just hear the Word, but they actively responded to God’s call. As a result, the Holy Spirit did mighty work in their lives. John Gill notes that the power of the Holy Spirit was “working and implanting His graces in them, as faith, hope, and love, and every other; and He Himself was received along with it, as the Spirit of illumination and conviction, of regeneration, conversion, and sanctification, and of faith and adoption; all which gave full evidence of their election.” The indication that God had chosen the Thessalonians was the way they allowed God to work in them and through them. When they heard the Good News of the Gospel preached to them by Paul, Silas, and Timothy, they did not receive it as just a nice message. They submitted to the Truth of God’s Word which penetrated their hearts and minds, changing them forever. The power of God was evident in their lives in the way they shared His love with others, even amidst opposition and persecution. Only God could do such things!

3) How should we respond to persecution? (verses 6-8)
In 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8, Paul applauds the Thessalonians because, while they were being persecuted, they imitated Timothy, Silas, and the Lord by welcoming the Good News with joy from the Holy Spirit. Author D. Edmond Hiebert notes, “They actively began to express in their own lives the characteristics of this new life as they observed it in the lives of the missionaries.” Rather than abandoning their new faith, or hiding it to avoid persecution, they surrendered to the Holy Spirit who filled them with joy as they welcomed the life-changing message brought by Paul and his team. By following the example set before them in Paul, the Thessalonians “became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out.” (1 Thessalonians 1: 7-8) Despite persecution, the Thessalonians lived out their faith by declaring the Word of the Lord to others. Paul was also no stranger to persecution. He endured beatings, stoning, imprisonment, and more for the Gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) Paul encouraged their positive reaction to persecution, which was to persevere because of the joy set before them. Author Ray Stedman points out, “These young believers were ostracized at their work, hounded out of their homes, arrested, and put into prison because of their newfound faith. But, says Paul, they had learned to see these afflictions in a new way. They saw them as privileges, given to them for Jesus’ sake. The result was joy!” May we also endure because of the joy set before us and count it a privilege to serve Jesus even in hardships.

Everyday Application

1) Why are Paul, Silas, and Timothy thankful for the Thessalonians? (verses 2-3)
My husband taught Spanish years ago in a small country school. He also coached the boys, including Joe, in football and basketball. Joe was a strong athlete, but a mediocre Spanish student. Years later, my husband ran into Joe and was delighted to learn he had become a Spanish teacher himself! It encouraged my husband to see Joe had mastered the skills he struggled with and was now teaching others. Paul, Timothy and Silas also experienced this same joy and pride when they learned how the new church in Thessalonica was growing and maturing despite the struggles they faced. It would have been easy to give up in the face of hardship, but Paul tells us the Thessalonians worked, labored and endured because of their faith, hope, and love inspired by God. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3) We are shown how “The work of the Thessalonians was the result of their faith, and just as important was also the evidence that their faith was genuine and not simply an intellectual assent to an emotional, persuasive message to believe. (Preceptaustin.org) The church in Thessalonica continued to love God and do His will, even when obeying Him came at a high personal cost and their inspiring preachers had left town. They were willing to persevere despite struggle because they had experienced God’s love for themselves. They knew His message was true and obeying Him was worth everything. The coming promise of living forever with God in Heaven made it easier to endure hardship on earth. My prayer is that our faith in God will spur us to do good works, just as it did the Thessalonians. God’s love should pour out of us and onto others, motivating us to share the eternal hope we have in Jesus!

2) How did Paul, Silas, and Timothy know God had chosen the Thessalonians? (verses 4-5)
I remember the first time I put pen to paper. I was 6 years old and in possession of a new Hollie Hobby diary. I wrote a few words and then enlisted the help of a scribe (my dad) since my spelling skills were limited. It wasn’t long until I was writing stories, poems, essays and journal entries all on my own as I evidence my love for putting thoughts on paper and creating new worlds of fiction. When you love something so much, there is always evidence to prove it. The church in Thessalonica had much proof of their love for God and His choice of them. Paul points to this evidence in saying, “our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance”. (1 Thessalonians 1:5) The fact that the Holy Spirit was moving in their lives, empowering them to share the Gospel in many places under severe persecution, was proof that God had chosen the Thessalonian church as His own. Author Charles Simeon notes, “If we find the fruits of the Spirit within us, we know infallibly who the agent is that has produced them; and from such an undeniable evidence of God’s love we may safely conclude that we are elected of Him.” The Thessalonians were obviously chosen by God because they were bearing the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. I want to have even more evidence of God’s work in my life than I have boxes and files that evidence my love of writing. The more we let the Holy Spirit empower our daily interactions with others, the more evidence we will have of His love working through us. 

3) How should we respond to persecution? (verses 6-8)
We all love the storyline where a hero risks his or her life to save another. It is inspiring to see love working as self-sacrifice, putting the needs of others above one’s own. Think of an example you’ve either read about, personally witnessed, or watched on film where the hero sacrifices for someone else. These depictions help us understand how the church in Thessalonica was doing much the same thing. Paul’s letter was meant to encourage the fledgling church to persevere in the face of “severe persecution” for the faith. (1 Thessalonians 1:7) As they were giving themselves up in surrender to Jesus, they held out the hope of eternal life to all those around them. Even though they were being oppressed, their love for God motivated the Thessalonians to keep sharing God’s love and the hope of His salvation, preaching the Word of the Lord “not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out.” (1 Thessalonians 1:8) The Thessalonians were living like their teachers, Paul, Timothy, and Silas, loving Jesus and His Gospel above all else, and letting it permeate all areas of their lives. They were not just preaching the Gospel, they were living it! And the fact that they were doing so even under great duress made others want this same life-giving source. Preceptaustion.org notes how “The spread of the gospel from Thessalonica was the result of vital Christian living rather than aggressive missionary propaganda. (…) The amazing joy of the Thessalonian believers under affliction has amplified the message of the gospel, causing the reports to spread in all directions.” Our lives should speak of Jesus’ incredible love in all situations, through good times and hard times, drawing those around us to Him, like the Thessalonians exemplified.

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

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 Ready 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.

Ready Day 2 Trade Routes: 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 Trade Routes!

The Questions

1) Why had Timothy traveled to visit the Thessalonians? (verse 6)

2) Why was Paul in distress and affliction? (verse 7)

3) Why was Paul experiencing joy? (verse 9)

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love. He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us, as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction, we were encouraged about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, 10 as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith?

Original Intent

1) Why had Timothy traveled to visit the Thessalonians? (verse 6)
Paul’s original visit to Thessalonica was cut short and he was sent away due to a riot initiated by the Jews. Check out the story in Acts 17:1-10! However, Paul did not forget about the believers in Thessalonica and, while he himself was delayed in revisiting them because of Satan’s hindrances (1 Thessalonians 2:18), he sent Timothy to “strengthen and encourage” the believers. (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2) Paul was concerned that the persecution would ruin the faith of the Thessalonians and they would feel overwhelmed, buying the lie that Jesus wasn’t worth the struggle. As with everywhere he went, Paul had fully invested himself while with the new believers in Thessalonica. (1 Thessalonians 2:8) He sent Timothy to ensure his (and Silas’) labors in sharing the gospel hadn’t been for naught. (1 Thessalonians 3:5)

2) Why was Paul in distress and affliction? (verse 7)
Paul had been driven out of Thessalonica during the riot of the Jews. Yet again, Paul was met with persecution for his faith, which he lived out in daily, obedient surrender to Christ. While no stranger to persecution, it still caused distress and affliction in his life. He suffered emotionally and physically in ways we may never experience, but he counted it all as significant gain because he suffered for Jesus, who is of immeasurable worth! (James 1:2-4, Philippians 3:8) Paul was no stranger to the feelings of physical and emotional distress as he was continuously confronted with persecution after his conversion to Christ. However, Paul knew every affliction that came as a result of his obedience to God was absolutely worth it if the gospel was being spread! (1 Peter 3:17-18) He wrote to the church in Philippi regarding his suffering for Jesus, “My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death…” (Philippians 3:10)

3) Why was Paul experiencing joy? (verse 9)
Timothy brought back an encouraging report to Paul that far exceeded his expectations. The believers in Thessalonica were persevering and flourishing both in their faith and love for one another. This caused great joy in Paul and he publicly thanked God for His work in the lives of the Thessalonians. Paul knew this good work was not to be attributed to him and quickly placed credit where credit was due. Paul was witnessing in the testimony of the Thessalonians what he himself had experienced to be true in his own life of persecution. The more believers surrender to the work of God in their lives, the more God advances the gospel and finishes His work in and through their outpouring of faith and gratitude. Even in the midst of significant hardship, there was still reason to offer thanksgiving, and Paul did exactly this. Paul was also joyful that the Thessalonians had not forgotten him (verse 6), which emphasizes the love all believers share because of the love of God at work within them!

Everyday Application

1) Why had Timothy traveled to visit the Thessalonians? (verse 6)
Paul had been forced away from Thessalonica before he had finished the work he planned to do there. He was concerned the work of discipling new believers, and helping them grow into mature Christ-followers, would fall apart. He was concerned the Gospel would not flourish or take root in his absence. There are times in our own lives where we share the Gospel with people and don’t have the opportunity to stay and watch it grow. If we travel to a mission field away from home, we will likely need to return home before we can witness the growth and change happening in the hearts of those with whom we shared Jesus. People may briefly be placed in our lives for a short season and then they are no longer part of our everyday life for us to see the Good News take root in their lives. Whatever the case, there will be times where we will obediently plant seeds we may never have the opportunity to see grow. While Paul had the ability to send Timothy to follow up on the Thessalonians, we may not have that same privilege. However, we can take comfort that it is God’s job is to grow the seeds we plant; He will send the right people into the lives of those we share with at just the right time in order to encourage and strengthen them. Conversely, we may be the people fulfilling this specific role after someone else has planted seeds in obedience. Whatever the task, and whoever is around us, our command to share Jesus and invest well never changes! We never know where someone is in their faith journey, but it is always our job to work as God is calling us in the lives of those He places around us. While we are obedient to His call, He will be faithful to accomplish His mission!

2) Why was Paul in distress and affliction? (verse 7)
Paul was no stranger to significant struggle. We see him confronted with it time and again throughout his ministry. However, Paul was willing to accept distress and affliction if it meant the Gospel was advanced. (Philippians 1:12-13) He lived a life exemplifying what it looked like to continuously surrender to Christ no matter the earthly consequences. Paul never allowed affliction to prevent him from sharing the reason for his faith, which is a lesson we all need to learn and put into practice! Persecution, distress, and affliction will come our way if we are committed to following obediently after Jesus. However, it is our choice whether we will be silenced by these struggles or, whether we, like Paul, will choose to share the Gospel regardless of our circumstances. Paul always had a response to the hope he had in the midst of all kinds of persecution. (1 Peter 3:15) The question we must ask ourselves is, do we?

3) Why was Paul experiencing joy? (verse 9)
The genuine joy Paul abundantly experienced resulted from the fruit of the Thessalonians’ actively growing faith in God. While not all was perfect in Thessalonica, the believers there had not abandoned their faith and instead they were maturing in it, despite living in the midst of conflict and persecution. In the same way, our authentic joy comes from knowing God and seeing Him move regardless of the circumstances around us. Joy also flows out of actively engaging in shared biblical community. The Thessalonian believers had not forgotten Paul, just as he had not forgotten them; this shared unity and delight in being mutually invested in one another brought deep, satisfying joy. We cannot live this life alone and the joy Paul and the Thessalonian believers felt speaks to the sense of community we all long for, to be known and loved, both by fellow believers in Jesus and by God Himself. What a delight to know God gives these as gifts to share between all believers and Himself!

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

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 Ready 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.

Nations Day 14 Created To Participate: 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 Created To Participate!

The Questions

1) How does giving greater honor to the less honorable prevent division in the body of Christ? (verse 24b)

2) What does it mean to desire the greater gifts? (verse 31)

3) Why is having love more important than having any of the other gifts mentioned in this passage? (verses 1-3)

1 Corinthians 12:24b-13:7

24 (…) Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, 25 so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. 26 So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, leading, various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.

13:1 If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, 5 is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 6 Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Original Intent

1) How does giving greater honor to the less honorable prevent division in the body of Christ? (verse 24b)
Paul writes, “God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable.” (1 Corinthians 12:24b) Paul has been comparing the members of Christ’s church to the parts of a physical body. He says in 1 Corinthians 12:23, “those parts of the body that we consider less honorable, we clothe these with greater honor, and our unrespectable parts are treated with greater respect,  which our respectable parts do not need.” Author, Thomas Constable, explains, “When dealing with our human bodies we bestow more honor on our less honorable parts by covering them up. This makes our unseemly members more seemly. . . On the other hand, the more honorable parts, such as our faces, do not require special covering.” Paul suggests we do the same kind of thing with all members of the body of Christ, whether they are considered important or unremarkable. If the less honorable, or the less visible, members of the body of Christ are given honor, then those on the platform in high-profile positions won’t seem like their work is more important or that they are more valuable than the guy who does the necessary but more mundane tasks. As David Guzik describes, “The pride of the honorable member is checked, as is the shame of the less honorable member.” When the behind-the-scenes person is viewed as just as essential to the Church as the folks in the spotlight, then the church is working together in unison, able to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the world.

2) What does it mean to desire the greater gifts? (verse 31)
In 1 Corinthians 12:31, Paul exhorted the church to “desire the greater gifts.” He admonished them to work together, using their gifts to build Christ’s church. In 1 Corinthians 12:28 he described God’s gifts to the church, “first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, leading, various kinds of tongues.” This seems to set up a hierarchy of gifts, with those listed first as having greater importance, but in the preceding verses, Paul emphasized that all the members of the body are equally important to the functioning of the church. “But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted.  And if they were all the same part, where would the body be?” (1 Corinthians 12:18-19) Instead, Paul told the Corinthians there was an even better way. (1 Corinthians 12:31) He then explained that love is greater than all the gifts. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) The ICC New Testament Commentary explains, “The Corinthians coveted the greater gifts, but they had formed a wrong estimate as to which were the greater. The Hymn of Love, which follows, is to guide them to a better decision: not those which make most show, but those which do most good, are the better.” Paul wanted the church to know that God’s gifts, no matter how dazzling or powerful, were of no value if they were not exercised in love. Even sacrificing your body would gain you nothing if it were done for show and not love. (1 Corinthians 13:3) Because love is so important to God and the functioning of His church, He pours it out freely on His children through His Holy Spirit. (1 John 3:1) Let’s use the greatest gift, God’s love, to reach out to others on His behalf today!

3) Why is having love more important than having any of the other gifts mentioned in this passage? (verses 1-3)
Paul professes to the Corinthians that the greatest thing, beyond the gifts of prophecy or healing, even beyond faith and hope, is the gift of love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) He describes love as “patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) The Bible tells us God Himself is love (1 John 4:16) Because God is love, showing other people His love is the most important thing we can do on His behalf. If we prophesy or speak in tongues or even give all our stuff away, but don’t have God’s love in our hearts, we gain nothing. When we use God’s gifts without being empowered by His love, we may make a lot of noise, but we don’t do any eternal good. To be God’s Church, we are required to love people with the love of God while moving in the gifts He has given us. David Guzik suggests, “The gifts are merely ways we can express and receive love from God and love to one another. They are the ‘containers,’ and what is in the container – love – is far more important.” The gifts we have from God are important only because they help us give away the love of God. When we are all serving God using the gifts He has bestowed on us, we radiate God’s love to those around us.

Everyday Application

1) How does giving greater honor to the less honorable prevent division in the body of Christ? (verse 24b)
A “mega-church” came to town and needed a temporary worship venue, so our church offered our building. One Sunday, their pastor spoke at a joint service. Their ushers limited movement as a safety measure for the platform team, and the pastor was escorted in and out by a small entourage. They obviously faced many more security issues than our smaller church, yet the “super star” treatment of the pastor and worship team bothered me. Growing up a preacher’s kid, I knew several pastors who sometimes also served as janitor, secretary, and worship leader. Those pastors recognized how all members of the church play an important role in sharing the Gospel. The church is a team, working together to ensure people are reached with the Good News. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:23-25, “And those parts of the body that we consider less honorable, we clothe these with greater honor, and our unrespectable parts are treated with greater respect, which our respectable parts do not need. Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other.” God’s plan is for all members of the church to work together as one, recognizing that a victory for one is a victory for all, and that pain for one means that all hurt. The Bible Study New Testament suggests, “the strong members of the church ought to work for the good of the weak, and the weak should get rid of all jealousy and envy, to work for the good of the strong. When you help the other person, you are helping yourself, since you are part of the body.”  May we each recognize how important our part is in the body of Christ, and not think too highly or too lowly of ourselves as we use our gifts to share God’s love.

2) What does it mean to desire the greater gifts? (verse 31)
One of my favorite news stories last year was about a company that had their best year ever and decided to share the profits with their employees in the form of a whopping $25,000,000 in bonuses for all the team members. This included a weekend beach resort trip for the whole organization, stock in the company, prizes for those who went above and beyond, and cash for everyone. The CEO could have kept the profits for the business or himself, but he wanted to show his appreciation for his loyal, hard-working team who put the business over the top. More than profits or investments, he valued the service and devotion of his team. This reminds me of Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:31 to “desire the greater gifts”, which Christ says is love. (1 Corinthians 13) The greater gifts turn out not to be the ones gaining the most attention or notoriety. God wants us to love each other and those around us because this is how we express that God is love. Author, John Piper, asserts, “The Spirit doesn’t give us gifts in order that each of us gets our self-important moment in the spotlight. He gives us gifts so that for the greater glory of Christ we are able to pursue love through serving one another.” When we use our diverse gifts to love God and love others, we are working together in unity, the way God intended the church to function. God is not a CEO handing out cash and tropical vacations, but He is well-pleased when His church comes together in love to serve one another and share Him with a hurting world.

3) Why is having love more important than having any of the other gifts mentioned in this passage? (verses 1-3)
In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul describes possessing Christ’s love as greater than any other gift from God. He even says all other gifts don’t matter if we don’t first have His love. (1 Corinthians 13) Author, Jon Bloom, explains, “Love is the aim of the spiritual gifts. It is possible to possess and exercise impressive spiritual gifts without love. If we do, we are ‘nothing.’” You have probably experienced someone moving in a spiritual gift without the love of God. Maybe you encountered a preacher who was more impressed with his insights and eloquence than sharing God’s love in his message. Or maybe you have seen someone with so much faith that God will act through their prayer that she blames others when things don’t happen as she believed they would. Perhaps you had a teacher so intent on getting through all the points of her excellent lesson that she overlooked the teachable moments right in front of her. People often get caught up in the gifts God has given them and forget the purpose of the gifts, which is to extend God’s love to others. Quite likely, you have been blessed by a Christ-follower gifted by God who also moves in the love of Christ to minister to your heart. When Christians reach out in love, they are actively being the hands and feet of Jesus, sharing His love and grace with those who need to know Him or be reminded that God is for them. Let’s reach out in love today to those who need Him.

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

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 Nations Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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Nations Day 3 Black Sister In The South

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 3:14-22
Psalm 13
Ephesians 4:1-16
1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Revelation 21

Nations, Day 3

I was born in  Mississippi and currently live in North Carolina. Both states are part of the Bible Belt, “an area chiefly in the southern part of the U.S. where there are many people who have very strong and strict Christian beliefs.” (Merriam Webster)

The Bible Belt is well-known for church attendance, and I remember attending my grandma’s Baptist church in Mississippi during summer visits. Mind you, I was raised in Chicago, as a member of a Catholic Church.

“North” church equaled a scripted, subdued, short service in comfy clothes.
“South” church equaled a long, exuberant service in my “Sunday best,” whether comfortable or not.

At my grandma’s church, there was much shouting, clapping, and spreading contagious joy in knowing the Lord and His faithful goodness. But sometimes, they’d peel back a layer to reveal this praise was how they survived the hardships accompanying being Black in America. This is especially true in a South where Christians historically not only upheld slavery, but where racism continues to thrive in the present day.

Psalm 13 begins, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

I heard this lament during hot summers at my granny’s church when the pastor preached on persevering in the face of trials, difficulty, and unfair treatment. I didn’t realize then how personally this passage would address my experiences in life and church. It wasn’t until I was older I understood how much African Americans still dealt with the roots of racism.

It was a turning point for me to realize that as African Americans, our faith was born out of a need to find unconditional love and hope. We weren’t going to get it from the world. So we gathered in churches and we leaned into Jesus, Who didn’t rebuff us because of our melanin. The first verse of Psalm 13 has been read and prayed for hundreds of years in the Black church.

But let’s not forget the end of the chapter:
“But I have trusted in your faithful love;
my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.
I will sing to the Lord
because He has treated me generously.” (Psalm 13:5-6)

I realized no matter what the world thinks of me or does to me, God loves me and I can trust Him. He sent Jesus to die for me. And not just me, for everyone.
John 3:15 says, “so that everyone who believes in Him”. (emphasis mine)
John 3:16 goes on to explain, “For God loved the world.” (emphasis mine)
Finally, John 3:17 tells us, “Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned.” (emphasis mine)

The message of Jesus’ sacrificial love and redemption is for every. single. person.
When we embrace Him as our Savior, we enter into His eternal victory, regardless of our present struggles.

Ephesians 4:11-13 reveals God has equipped us to do ministry for the growth of the church and unity in Christ. I remember the first time I volunteered with my church serving “under-privileged communities,” which translated to African American and Latin communities in Raleigh. I volunteered to teach kids’ Bible lessons.

Reading through the material, I realized the “canned” examples wouldn’t work, because the kids couldn’t relate; their experiences were nothing like those the lessons referenced. Some examples would even be offensive. Therefore, when I served, I would change the “life situation” examples and the kids would light up with recognition of their own lives in the lesson.

I have frequently encountered this problem with cross racial ministry. If you haven’t walked in another’s shoes, or taken time to learn about their experiences, you’re ministering from a blind spot. I think of Saul, who believed in Yahweh, but not “The Way.” Once he met Jesus and became Paul, he made it his business to walk in other’s shoes when ministering. To the Jews, he became like a Jew; to those under the law, like one under the law; to the weak, he became weak. (1 Corinthians 9:20-22)

Why? Paul says, “I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22) This, sisters, is where the Church often goes wrong. The Church often ministers to communities based on what we think they need. Instead, we should intentionally devote time to understand what the need truly is.

Want to minister to a “not like you” community? Partner with and support a church already on the ground. Paul demonstrated this idea by working alongside Priscilla and Aquila, who had already been in Corinth. (Acts 18:1-4) I would venture to say that sometimes when we don’t lead with empathy and authentic relationships, ministry comes off like we’re trying to be a savior. But Church, there is only one Savior, and His name is Jesus.

Please don’t misunderstand. I love the Church.
But sometimes, she doesn’t act like she loves me.

For instance, during an online racial unity discussion, a woman I considered a friend asked, “Why can’t Black people just get over it, like the Jews did with the Holocaust?”

Unfortunately, in the American Church, this is not an uncommon sentiment. Therefore, it can be hard to attend church, knowing the people there might be against us just because of our race.

Despite the hardships, I fix my mind on this: in the new heaven and new earth, Jesus will wipe away every tear and death, grief, crying and pain will no longer exist. (Revelation 21:1-4) The city’s gates will never close and “Nothing unclean will ever enter it [. . .] but only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27)

On that day, all nations will come and worship Jesus. (Revelation 15:4)
So I live for the day when we’ll be one before our King.
Amen and Amen.

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Nations Day 2 Out Of Darkness: 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 Out Of Darkness!

The Questions

1) Follow, deny, and take up sound rigorous. What do they mean in real life? (verse 23)

2) What does it mean to lose one’s life? What is the cost involved? (verse 24)

3) Is being ashamed of Jesus really possible? (verse 26)

Luke 9:23-26

23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it. 25 For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and that of the Father and the holy angels.

Original Intent

1) Follow, deny, and take up sound rigorous. What do they mean in real life? (verse 23)
Jesus intended to be very clear in His statements by using the imagery of a cross as He spoke to those gathered around Him. All who wanted to follow Him must understand it involved denying one’s self and daily taking up their cross. To Jesus’ first audience, “cross” wasn’t a lovely symbol to hang around your neck or a decoration for your wall space. Rather, “cross” instantly brought to mind the cruelest form of death and torture known at the time. To “take up a cross” meant death. To take it up “daily” was altogether confusing to Jesus’ listeners as Christ Himself had not yet been crucified on a cross. However, one day, these listeners would look back after Jesus had died and been resurrected. Then they would understand a fuller picture of His words. Jesus meant for us to die to our sinful, natural selves and daily surrender to the new work of His Holy Spirit within us. “If you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13) Christ wanted His listeners to understand that true disciples were committing to making a radical decision to deny themselves and then live this out daily. Jesus demonstrated this when He literally took up a physical cross in complete surrendered obedience to the Father’s will. “Yet the Lord was pleased to crush Him severely.” (Isaiah 53:10) There was no self-focus in Jesus’ willful act of surrender, and His disciples were instructed to live out their daily surrender to Him in the same way. Bible scholar, W. Hendricksen, notes that Jesus made His clear statements to an audience of believers and non-believers. Whether His listeners chose to follow Him as disciples or not, their eternity was still at stake.

2) What does it mean to lose one’s life? What is the cost involved? (verse 24)
No one listening to Jesus that day was interested in “losing their life”, just as much as none of us reading this today would like to sign up to “lose”. This is exactly why Jesus chose such extreme language to communicate the all-important decision of following Him. He insisted that if anyone truly wants to save their life and win, they must surrender it to Him. Only by trying to hold onto their lives and their way would they actually end up losing everything. In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus told a story of a man who felt he was truly “winning at life” by piling up his material goods and pleasurable experiences. This man felt he had a long life ahead to enjoy everything, but God came to him and said, “You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20) The man’s selfish way of living life cost him everything in the end, even his eternity with God. Jesus pointed His listening audience toward real, lasting hope when He said, “but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it.” (verse 24, emphasis mine) The process of losing our life to Christ is costly and painful as our fleshly, sinful desires are crucified. But as the Lord refines us, and teaches us to love Him first and most, we find ourselves whole, healed, and truly free! In surrender, we will ultimately experience great joy for His peace is greater than any sinful thing we give up. The sweetness of living life with the Holy Spirit working within us far outweighs any sin we think is better than Him.

3) Is being ashamed of Jesus really possible? (verse 26)
For a time during Jesus’ earthly ministry, it was popular to follow Him. He drew large crowds, everyone knew Him, and His miracles were known far and wide across the region. Everyone was talking about this miracle working prophet. But, Jesus’ mission wasn’t focused on fame and popularity. He regularly preached difficult messages and confronted people in their sin, offering them a chance to come into the Light, to be known and loved, and walk in newness of a surrendered life. Following Jesus when it was popular was easy. Following Him when He claimed to be God Himself and was facing death was quite another. Even Jesus’ disciples all fled from Him, and Peter denied Him, when crucifixion became imminent. (Matthew 26:56, Luke 22:54-62) When Jesus spoke of being “ashamed” of Him, He intended His audience to understand that if they were to continue in their choice not to follow Him, this equaled being ashamed of Him and His teachings of truth. To not follow Him means to be ashamed of Him. It is to be so proud of one’s ownership of their life that they refuse to live in surrender to Him or His words. At His return, Christ will justly condemn and reject those who rejected Him. The importance of how we respond to Jesus’ call to follow Him cannot be underestimated! Will we choose to live for ourselves on our own strength, or will we daily choose His ways and His path? Our world is very topsy-turvy, and many consider it easier to rebuff Jesus and His message so as to continue living for self. In denying ourselves and following Jesus, we will be rejecting the pattern of this world, which means we can expect ostracism, conflict and social dishonor. Yet, we remain confident that Christ will not be ashamed, or reject, us in the end because we have chosen to surrender to Him.

Everyday Application

1) Follow, deny, and take up sound rigorous. What do they mean in real life? (verse 23)
To follow means to attach ourselves to Jesus as His disciple, it requires denying our sin nature and remembering it has been crucified with Christ. “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) We are to live continually crucified of all sinful patterns of life that do not harmonize with God and His ways of love. (2 Corinthians 10:5-6) Living lives of surrendered following and self-denial as we take up the cross of Jesus, means that, regardless of what we encounter, we are to trust Christ and His ways over our own. We are to choose His commands for life as we worship Him for His great gift of salvation to us. (Ephesians 4:32-5:2) Crucifying our old nature with Christ means surrendering our bent to rely on ourselves, our abilities, and our logic. It’s the attitude of “I can do this, and I don’t need anyone”. Boy, oh boy, does this ever hit home in my own life! God is gracious by letting me fail on my own, then bringing me back to the reality that I can only follow Him when I surrender my ways to His. It’s impossible to follow Jesus without the power of Christ at work in me! We are to give ourselves away for the gospel! I pray my legacy for my children, grandchildren, and others would be my surrender to Christ so He could amplify His strength in my life. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Jesus is worth surrendering everything for! In surrender to a loving God, we don’t need to fear for His perfect love will never leave us! (1 John 4:18, Matthew 28:20)

2) What does it mean to lose one’s life? What is the cost involved? (verse 24)
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He had a slogan, if you will, “whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it.” This was the theme of the messages He preached as He ventured from city to city. The crux of His message then is just as important for us now. Jesus is not interested in “casual Christians”. Only those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus in full are genuine. Of course, because we still love our old sin nature, and we forget that Jesus died for us, even true Christians still sin. But Christ stands ready to forgive! “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Even this returning to Jesus in humble repentance isn’t possible without His Spirit at work within those who have given themselves to Christ. True followers are marked by God’s Spirit at work in them as they surrender daily to His will. Living for ourselves, following our agendas and desires, refusing to deny our sin nature, and choosing not to lovingly serve others through Christ’s power is to live in opposition to God. None who follow this pattern of life can claim to also follow Jesus. “If we say, “We have fellowship with Him (God),” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.” (1 John 1:6) We must not miss the seriousness of this distinction! Living separate from God is dangerous! If we die in our sinful state, we will earn eternity apart from God; this equals pain, brokenness, and shattering loss for ALL eternity! The cost of surrender may feel high and painful, but the price tag that comes with an eternity separated from Him isn’t even worth comparing!

3) Is being ashamed of Jesus really possible? (verse 26)
When we choose not to be ashamed of Jesus by surrendering our lives to Him, we are free to anchor our lives in steadfast truth. We no longer need to be carried away by every wind of doctrine or whim of peer pressure around us. As we continue living daily in surrender to God’s Spirit within us, the Lord leads us to give our lives away for Him. One mark of knowing we do indeed belong to Jesus and haven’t rejected Him is the desire to boldly tell others of the forgiveness found in Christ. Sharing about God’s redemption in our lives can be scary, but when we consider that someone’s life for eternity hangs in the balance, we can choose to courageously explain how Jesus gave Himself for all people. Remember, Jesus taught this passage to an audience of both followers and those who didn’t believe. The consequence for choosing to be “ashamed” of God’s gracious gift of salvation is an eternity separated from Him! Jesus wanted all people to know this truth, which is why He has commissioned His followers to go and tell His good news! How often in our daily lives do we shrug off Jesus by avoiding telling someone about Him because we are afraid or unsure? His forgiveness and grace are available to us when we don’t take every opportunity given to us to share the hope of Jesus, but these missed chances should strongly encourage us to share Hope all the more often with others! The Lord is intentional in giving us opportunities to share about Him with others. Pray fervently for who the Lord wants you to share the Gospel with! Be of good courage, God is building His kingdom through His followers! Praise God for His desire that all people come to Him! (2 Peter 3:9)

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

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 Nations 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.