Open

Mission Day 7 Mission Invitation: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Mission Day 7 Mission Invitation: Digging Deeper

Stacy Winkler

May 16, 2023

Bold,Called,Gospel,Grace,Open

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

This DD Connects With "Mission Invitation"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Timothy 2:1-2

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

The Original Intent

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

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

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

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

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

The Everyday Application

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

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

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

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

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

The Original Intent

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

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

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

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

The Everyday Application

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

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

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

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

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

The Original Intent

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

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

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

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

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

The Everyday Application

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

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

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

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

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

Tags :
church,follow,gospel,grace,love,One Another,Strong
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Mission Day 6
Journey Study

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

Sisters, this means you and I are invited into the same mission!

If we repent of our sins and accept the forgiveness and redemption Jesus offers through His atoning death and resurrection, we are commissioned just as the small band of believers on a Galilean mountain centuries ago.
Join The Journey!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
May 8 - May 26, 2023 - Journey Theme #118

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!

The GT Weekend! ~ Open Week 3

Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1)  We all have ugly, difficult, frustrating places and scenarios playing out in our everyday lives, no matter how much we wish otherwise. What are yours? The annoying person you can’t seem to avoid, the coworker driving you insane, the family member who just does not get it, or even more deeply, the people who have hurt you, who continue throwing jabs, who choose to keep dragging you through the mud. Who are these for you? These are your messy places. And Jesus wants to bring hope to every person involved, infusing love and grace like we’ve never known to each circumstance. What if we were conduits for such love? Suppose we were exactly who Jesus wanted to use to expand His kingdom in these messy places. Are we willing to allow that?

2)  “There isn’t a person on earth who is unworthy of hearing the message of Jesus.” Yes? Maybe? It’s easy to read aloud or mentally agree with, isn’t it? Of course that statement is true! But, is that how we live? If it’s actually true, how far are we willing to go to share that message? Will we give generously? Will we keep on giving, even when we receive nothing, not even an honorable mention? As you survey the treasures you have around you in your home, your car, your bank account, or even your afternoon, begin seeing these as opportunities to build God’s Kingdom through generosity. Pray over these, asking the Lord to show you how to steward what you’ve been blessed with!

3)  The Land of Offense…we’ve all taken up residency here at various points in our lives. Betrayal. Hurtful words. Neglect. Manipulation. Abandonment. What drives you away to this place of offended and hurt? Go ahead and name the ones that are your most recent experiences with offense. Give yourself permission to feel that hurt and to know that the Lord God sees you and understands your feelings, the wound, the hurt, and wants to free you from it. We can exact no retribution on another that would slay them more deeply than an offering of love and forgiveness (with appropriate boundaries where necessary). This is not a love we can manufacture, but flows from the Spirit’s love inside of us. What would it look like to surrender your right to live in the Land of Offense and choose love instead?

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from 1 Corinthians 10:32-11:1 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Give no offense to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved. Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.

Prayer Journal
Never do we see our own sin more clearly when we cast but a glance at Your glory and flawless love. Our offenses against You, a Holy and Righteous God, are as innumerable as the sand on the shores. Yet, You choose love over offense. You choose to generously give us Your righteousness when we have nothing to offer but our sin-wrecked selves. You give of Yourself freely to all regardless of any pre-requisite if we just trust You to be who You say You are. Lord, as You continuously treat us with such open generous love in every moment of waking or sleeping, urge us forward to treat others like this as well. Love the world through us, Abba!

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Open Day 15 The Land Of Offense

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Open, Day 15

Genesis 45:4-16
Psalm 112:5-9
Luke 12:31-34
2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Are you familiar with the Land of Offense, friend?
Allow me to paint a picture….

The trees in the woods are dark; the forest shrouded in hurt. Every branch juts furiously into the air, each one a reminder of the unforgivable thing done to us. The sky is aflame with ugly orange and red streaks of anger, while the clouds are vicious and circular…not unlike the thought patterns which turn the offense over and over in our minds.

Flowers are unable to bloom for the infestation of irritation, and the borders of the Land of Offense are closed to visitors, because we refuse to allow anyone close enough to see our brokenness. The most interesting feature?
In many cases, the Land is virtually invisible to whomever we might consider “the offender.”

That’s right. This thing we’ve chosen to pick up and carry affects us and everyone around us…..while the person(s) we blame for our misery remain blissfully unaware.

It’s no mistake that when Jesus taught on anger, He instructed that if we are presenting our offering to Him and remember our brother is carrying an offense against us, we are to stop and leave at once to make amends with that person.

Isn’t His wording interesting there?
Rather than instructing us to go and make amends with the person we have offended, He specifically instructs us to first recognize if our brother has picked up an offense against us, and to make that right before we continue with our own offering.

Do you catch the nuances there?
It has little to do with whether or not we feel like we have done something wrong, and everything to do with accepting our responsibility to go to the person who is offended and restore that relationship.

Talk about high challenge.

The truth here, Love?
We have all undoubtedly been hurt.
We live in a world full of broken people. In fact, I can guarantee that 100% of the people in your circle are broken. In the same way, I can guarantee that 100% of us have hurt someone else, intentionally or not.

Do you know who had every right to be offended?
Joseph.
He was betrayed by those who should have loved him best: his older brothers. Worse, they planned to kill him! At the last minute, they sold him into slavery, then convinced his father he’d been killed by a wild animal.

I wonder what we would have done in that situation. 

If you or I had been on the receiving end of murderous intent, then trafficked by our own brothers, would we have resisted the temptation to harbor un-forgiveness and anger toward those who hurt us?
Would we have extended forgiveness?
Would we have offered praise to the Lord, even then?

I don’t know, Sister. I’d like to think so, but if I’m being honest, the truth is that I’ve picked up an offense over far (and I do mean far) less than Joseph’s offenses.

Yet, that’s exactly what Joseph did.
Rather than wallowing in self-pity, or fueling himself with anger and hatred for the rest of his days, he chose to view everything through Kingdom vision and rest in the knowledge that his God was in control.

Even when he was betrayed by those closest to him.
Even when he was stripped of honor and dignity and thrown into a pit like an animal.
Even when he was sold into slavery for a few coins.
Even when he was falsely accused and his reputation destroyed.
Even when he was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit.

The Lord blessed Joseph, not because of who Joseph was or what he did, but because the Lord is God, and He chose to be with Joseph. He made Joseph successful in every endeavor.

When the time came, and Joseph was given the opportunity to exact vengeance on his guilty brothers, the Lord moved his heart to act in forgiveness instead.
Because Joseph had chosen to trust God even when he had a right to be offended, he wasn’t hung up on what had happened all those years ago.
Because Joseph chose forgiveness rather than offense, the Lord was able to move through Joseph and extend hospitality to the very brothers who once longed to murder him. Through Joseph’s obedience and faith, his entire family was spared from the famine which ravaged the land. They, and everyone in their households, including their livestock, were well cared for and had all they needed.

Sister, what would this place look like if each one of us committed to forgiveness and obedience, in our even when?

Would we begin to see the Lord move powerfully in our families and schools and churches and cities because we would be unwilling to choose citizenship in the Land of Offense?

Would He begin to fill us with a fresh spirit of hospitality,
because there would be so much room to fill in a life lived free from offense?

Would we begin to see a move of God that doesn’t make sense to the world, because rather than handing out condemnation, we would allow Holy Spirit to do His work while we do ours by inviting the broken into our homes, our lives, and our church pews?

Father, You are just and holy.
Forgive me for the times I have been quick to pick up an offense against others.
Show me what a life lived free from offense looks like, so I can be Your vessel, capable of extending hospitality from a heart that is open and ready to give.
I want to be a good ambassador of your Name.
Shape me to look like You!
Amen.

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
Join us for every Journey Study by signing up!
Looking for yesterday’s Journey Study?
Share your thoughts from today’s Study!

Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Open Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

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

Open Day 14 Radical Offering: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

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 Radical Offering!

The Questions

1) Who is speaking and who is the audience in this passage?

2) Who are “they” in verse 44?

3) Based on verse 46, in its context of the entire passage, how is true, genuine righteousness demonstrated?

Matthew 25:42-46

42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger and you didn’t take me in; I was naked and you didn’t clothe me, sick and in prison and you didn’t take care of me. 44 “Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help you?’
45 “Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

Original Intent

1) Who is speaking and who is the audience in this passage?
The One speaking in these verses is Jesus. This passage is part of His teaching that began in the previous chapter of Matthew. “As Jesus left and was going out of the temple…” (Matthew 24:1) As He proceeded from the temple and made His way to the Mount of Olives, Jesus made a startling statement, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” Obviously curious, the disciples privately approached Him (Matthew 24:3) with questions. Commentator Ray Stedman explains: “It was well known that the Romans were lovers of temples. It was their boast that they preserved, if at all possible, the temples and monuments of any country they conquered. They had been in power in Palestine for many years and they had not destroyed the Temple. There seemed no good reason, therefore, why this Temple should ever be destroyed. But Jesus solemnly assures them that there would not be one stone left standing upon the other.”
Matthew 24-25, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, contain the long answer to the disciples’ questions. Matthew 26:1 indicates it was only the disciples with Jesus as He spoke. (Matthew 26:1)

2) Who are “they” in verse 44?
Contained in Jesus’ long answer to the disciples was a warning communicated through a parable. In His explanation of future events, Jesus designated every person a sheep or a goat. He also assigned them a position on the right and the left. Although we have no scriptural evidence for why He chose to make the goats the evil ones and the sheep the virtuous ones, Bible commentator Adam Clarke compares them in a helpful way:
“Sheep, which have ever been considered as the emblems of mildness, simplicity, patience and usefulness, represent here the genuine disciples of Christ. Goats, which are naturally quarrelsome, lascivious, and excessively ill-scented, were considered the symbols of riotous, profane, and impure men.” In this chapter, it’s evident that the message of the parable is much less about the characteristics of sheep and goats, and much more about how behavior indicates what is truly in a person’s heart. Jesus began by describing the deeds of the righteous sheep (Matthew 25:35-40) positioned on the right. In verse 44, He’s referring to the unrighteous goats on the left, previously mentioned in Matthew 25:41. These are “they”. When Christ returns, “they” will join all the others mentioned in chapters 24-25 who will spend eternity separated from God.

3) Based on verse 46, in its context of the entire passage, how is true, genuine righteousness demonstrated?
Chapter 25 ends with a serious statement from Jesus, just as chapter 24 does. (Matthew 24:51) The disciples’ questions regarding Jesus’ coming again and the “end of the age” gave Him an opportunity to again teach them about true righteousness as opposed to the false righteousness of the religious leaders of the day. (Matthew 5:20)
The Scriptures, Old Testament and New Testament both, clearly state what God means when He calls His people to righteousness. It’s not a call to work for our salvation, but it is a call to work out our salvation through obedience. James explains that true religion is demonstrated by our deeds. (James 1:26-27) This is especially true of how we respond to those in need within the church. The good works mentioned in Jesus’ parable are not meant to communicate that salvation is achieved by our efforts. He is stressing that our salvation will produce effects, including a compassion for others that motivates us to love through serving. The disciples very likely did not understand all that Jesus was saying about His returning (Matthew 24:27, 36, 44 and Matthew 25:13). He hadn’t even left yet! But one thing is certain, as commentator Adam Clarke reminds us:
“… the punishment inflicted on [these] was not because of their personal crimes; but because they were not good and were not useful … Their lives do not appear to have been stained with crimes, but they were not adorned with virtues. They are sent to hell because they did no good. They were not renewed in the image of God; and hence did not bring forth fruit to His glory.”

Everyday Application

1) Who is speaking and who is the audience in this passage?
Jesus taught and lived out compassion in front of His disciples in everyday life. His very purpose for coming to earth was to love other through serving them. (Mark 10:45) The disciples may have been slow learners, but that didn’t stop Jesus from teaching deep truths and demonstrating his compassionate love over and over. More than once, the disciples asked Jesus a question and they received an answer that was deeper and broader than they probably expected. Had we been in earshot of the conversation on the Mount of Olives, would we have chosen to keep following Him? The calling on the life of every disciple is exactly the same. What Jesus spoke on this day has just as much relevance today as it did then. As His followers, may we remain close to Him through His word. May we read and study this parable and pray for wisdom to practice the hospitality Jesus was teaching His disciples to live out with bold love.

2) Who are “they” in verse 44?
It’s doubtful that anyone participating in this Bible study desires to be counted with the goats in the parable Jesus told. Yet, we may find ourselves feeling guilty we aren’t serving our brothers and sisters in Christ the way we should. Though we should not compare our service to others, we would be wise to study the Scriptures that teach us to serve others, to pray for God’s leading and strength to do exactly this, and to seek how we can reach out to those God wants us to love through service. For those who have no desire to serve others, this is a serious message from Jesus: examine your heart. It may take time to discover the practical ways to meet the needs of others, but His sheep recognize His voice and are willing to obey His command to love and serve those “least” among us. (John 10:27-28)

3) Based on verse 46, in its context of the entire passage, how is true, genuine righteousness demonstrated?
The righteous have eternal life, not because we do great works, but because Christ did the great work on the cross. (Galatians 1:3-4)The eternal life we have in Him has already begun for those who are in Christ. While on earth, we are to live like He did while He was here. It’s a life that is outward focused, because we know our future with Christ. Truly righteous people who have been made new in Christ see others’ needs and serve them as Jesus would. The true believer does this not out of duty, but from a heart of gratitude for salvation and the rich, fullness of knowing Christ. Rosaria Butterfield was the recipient of genuine hospitality and it changed her life:
“Counterfeit hospitality seeks to impress and entertain. Counterfeit hospitality separates host and guest in ways that allow no blending of the two roles. It separates people into noble givers and needy receivers, or hired givers and privileged receivers. Counterfeit hospitality comes with strings; Christian hospitality comes with strangers becoming neighbors as they become the family of God. Radically ordinary hospitality is never convenient. A good question to ask yourself: What is the difference between inconvenient and impossible?”
What we do for the stranger, the disadvantaged, and the disabled we do for the Lord Jesus.
It’s real love in action. And it’s a crucial element in the believer’s life.

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Open Day 13 Radical Offering

2 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Kings 4:8-17
Matthew 6:1-4
Matthew 25:42-46

Open, Day 13

Twelve years ago, I met a woman we’ll call “Marcy”.
Marcy’s children and I went to the same school and attended the same church. I knew Marcy’s children better than I knew Marcy, but over the years, we served together in different ministries at church and grew closer.

Marcy and her family live in a beautiful home, her husband has a solid job, and from the outside looking in, it appears that Marcy has everything she needs and even wants. That’s all pretty surface-y, but I’m guessing we can all imagine someone with Marcy’s lifestyle.

However, I know something else about Marcy….
I know she and her husband live out selfless generosity.
All without saying anything to anyone.

The only way I could possibly know this is if I were a benefactor of their open-handed generosity… which I am.
Marcy has opened her home over and over as a welcome place for discipleship, worship, blessing, celebrating, and feeding others. Including me.
I’ve watched Marcy open her arms to people of all walks of life… sometimes she doesn’t remember their names, but she never forgets a face! That Marcy would literally give the shoes off of her feet to someone… and she has.

My mom once told Marcy the shoes she was wearing were adorable and that I would love them. Finding out we wore the same size, she literally took her shoes off of her feet, handed them to my mom, and told her to give them to me.

Marcy’s husband has used his profession to assist my parents on the mission field at no cost to them. Together they bought my entire cart full of Christmas gifts when we ran into one another at Target, where they were purchasing food to serve to parents with sick kiddos.  This couple have poured themselves out to love others in countless ways as they have discipled, mentored, and given away what they had for others. Marcy told me once that nothing they own is actually theirs, it all belongs to God. 

The reason we’re even calling her “Marcy”, is because many of the times she has given to me, she has sworn me to secrecy. She and her husband live out Matthew 6:1-4 with extravagance! While I could go on about this couple and their generosity, they would humbly remind me that living with open hands and hearts is simply the means by which they are called to further the Kingdom.

Marcy reminds me of a woman in the Bible whose name also isn’t mentioned… perhaps because her heart was so similar to Marcy’s. She wasn’t concerned about being remembered only about living generously.

This nameless woman is known as the “Shunammite Woman”.
Like our friend, Gaius, she isn’t well known, but from Scripture, we do know she was wealthy, married, and perhaps most importantly:
she used hospitality to love others well.

The benefactor of her gifts was a prophet named Elisha.
Elisha and this woman somehow met when he visited her town. She insisted on feeding him. (Which I can only laugh at because I literally try to force-feed my brother every time he visits. “Are you hungry? No? Are you sure? Here, I made spaghetti last night, let me just reheat some for you. I also have salad and brownies and coffee and the lesser-known sparkling water, Bubly!”)

The Shunammite Woman must’ve been a pretty decent cook, because after their first encounter, Elisha stopped by her house to eat every single time he visited. I can’t imagine the conversations that occurred, but there is no doubt that Elisha shared about the One True God, Yahweh, with this woman and her husband. Before long, the Shunammite Woman referred to Elisha as a ‘holy man of God’ and had a room built just for him on the roof of their house. They fully furnished the room and welcomed Elisha and his servant readily.

Many of us have guest rooms and happily welcome visitors throughout the year, but to actually construct an entire room specifically for a guest-turned friend is radical.
Elisha wasn’t family.
This wasn’t a neat Airbnb designed for income off of Elisha.
This was love and hospitality and generosity.

After becoming aware of the work the One True God was doing through Elisha, they used what they had – a rooftop – to support God’s Kingdom work in their community.
Expecting nothing in return.

I’ve been writing this Journey study while sitting in my church’s building watching the hustle and bustle of daily church activities occur. Just a moment ago, friends of mine who are empty-nesters, came over to chat and I asked why they were here on a Thursday morning. “Oh, we have four camp counselors staying at our house and we told them we’d come see them at camp today!”
Open handed generosity.

This same couple has opened up their home again and again for Kingdom work.
After becoming aware of the work the One True God is doing, this couple used what they had – a home with empty rooms – to support God’s work in our community.

Sisters, it doesn’t take much for us to demonstrate incredible hospitality like Marcy, the Shunammite woman, or my empty-nester friends.
Each are using what they have – their homes, their love for people, and their love for the Father – to further the work God is doing.

We don’t need a secure job with a steady income, just an open heart.
Maybe all we have is a pull-out couch, bottomless coffee, or cold water on a hot day.

God takes our willingness,
our open hands,
and open hearts,
and He builds His Kingdom!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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

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

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

Open Day 12 Messy Hope: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

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 Messy Hope!

The Questions

1) What are the rights Paul is referring to?

2) Who is Paul preaching to and what does it mean to preach?

3) What is the prize at the end of the race?

1 Corinthians 9:15-27

15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast.16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law(though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

The Need for Self-Discipline

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Original Intent

1) What are the rights Paul is referring to?
In the beginning of 1 Corinthians 9, Paul goes into detail about the rights he has given up. Paul, even as an apostle, didn’t walk with Jesus while He was on earth. After Jesus had been crucified and risen and ascended back to Heaven, Jesus appeared to Paul (then Saul) as he actively persecuted Christ followers. After his conversion, Paul stopped at nothing to preach the gospel, even though it meant giving up everything. Paul gave up his freedom in many ways and at times, even gave up food and drink to reach those who were dying without a Savior. He didn’t seek financial support from local churches to supply his monetary needs and he also surrendered his right to be married.  He lived out his days as a servant of the Lord, never reaping the harvest of his efforts, not being paid, but rather, doing it all so others could experience the joy of knowing Jesus. These are the rights Paul is referring to, and he willingly gave them up for the opportunity to see the Gospel advanced. To Paul, sharing the Good News of Jesus was worth giving up every right he had.

2) Who is Paul preaching to and what does it mean to preach?
Paul is literally referring to preaching or sharing the Good News of the Gospel with the words he uses. He is preaching of Jesus and what He did for all of humanity by sacrificing Himself and surrendering His rights for us in our place. We deserved death as just consequence for our sin, but Christ took on our punishment at the cross by dying our death for us. This is the good news of the gospel! Paul realized the call to preach this beautiful truth was not only to those He knew or was like, but to the world. 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 lists who Paul preached to. He preached to Jews, to those under the law, to those not under the law, and to the weak. He also states, “he became all things to all people.” In other words, there is no one Paul was unwilling to share the Gospel with. All are lost without Jesus and all need to hear about the eternal hope and life offered through Christ!

3) What is the prize at the end of the race?
The Corinthians were no stranger to races. They would have been familiar with them due largely to the Isthmian games. Typically, at the end of the race the winning runner was awarded a medal. During the games, the Corinthians would have been familiar with the winner receiving a crown made from plants or trees. This crown would eventually fade and die as the leaves withered. Paul, instead, says his efforts are not for nothing like a crown that shrivels in a few days, rather Paul races for a crown that will last forever. Paul is running a race and he already knows what the end holds, he knows his future. He knows he will eventually be welcomed into the presence of God. Paul is telling his audience he will continue to run the race God has called him to run the best he can regardless of the cost because he knows what the future holds. He rests assured in his salvation and the fact that he will one day be welcomed home.

Everyday Application

1) What are the rights Paul is referring to?
Paul gave up many of his rights in order to see the Gospel furthered, but what does that mean for us? Are we expected to give up our freedom, our food and drink, the opportunity to marry, etc.? God does not call every believer to give up the exact same rights Paul gave up, but He does call us to give up rights. In each believer’s life, the call to follow Jesus will look different. Some of us will literally be called to move away from the comforts of our lives in order to live in another place to share the Gospel. Some of us will give away our time and resources in great capacity, while others may be asked to literally give up their freedom. We turn over or give up the entirety of ourselves to Jesus when we surrender our lives to Him. We give Him full control and follow Him where He leads. I can’t tell you what rights you will give up to follow Jesus, but I promise that if you are following Him there will be sacrifices and you will often be pushed outside your comfort zone in order to share the Good News of Jesus. It won’t always be comfortable, but it will always be worth it!

2) Who is Paul preaching to and what does it mean to preach?
Often, when we hear the word “preach” we think of what the pastor does on Sunday morning at church and we automatically disqualify ourselves because “we are not a preacher”.  However, this is not the preaching Paul is referencing. Paul preached, or shared the Gospel message of Jesus, with anyone and everyone he could in whatever way he was able. He wrote letters to churches, he shared with jailers who were in charge of him, and he spoke of Jesus to countless others who God put in his path.  We are called to do the same. There isn’t a person on earth who is unworthy of hearing the message of Jesus. Jesus came and died for all and we are to share that hope with all those God puts in our path. I challenge you to look around and see who you have the opportunity to share Jesus with. It may be the new student at school, a friend whose been in your life for years, a co-worker, a family member, or someone God puts in your path during a service opportunity or mission trip. The day we accept Jesus as Savior from our sin, we become preachers of the Gospel. Who is it God is calling you to preach to?!

3) What is the prize at the end of the race?
When we think of races today we tend to think of medals to be won. The winner always receives a prize. However, Paul talks about a prize we can all achieve. During our race as believers we are all called to keep running the race before us. Our race is not going to look like another believer’s race because God equips and uses us all in different ways. However, the point of the race is to keep going and striving for the end. Paul encouraged the Corinthians, and us, to keep running “to get a crown that will last forever”. Expositor’s Bible Commentary says, “The brightest jewel in the incorruptible crown is the joy of having become all God made us to become, of perfectly fulfilling the end of our creation, of being able to find happiness in goodness, in closest fellowship with God, in promoting what Christ lived and died to promote.” It’s the day we finally stand before our Father in Heaven and hear the words the master said in The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.” That moment when we are finally home and welcomed into His presence for eternity, this is the crown for which we run! Sisters, are you running your race well with the end in sight?!

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Open Day 11 Messy Hope

1 Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 16:25-34
1 Corinthians 9:15-27
1 Peter 1:3-6

Open, Day 11

Trash littered the ravine.
The small stream that had carved its way through the space trickled over a hodge-podge collection of rocks and discarded waste. The ravine sides rose to host small homes built from cardboard, random pieces of wood, and anything else that could be used to create some sort of barrier from the elements. A small space, think the size of a large walk-in closet, is home for an entire family whose main meal of the day are mud cakes baked as the sun began to rise.
Welcome to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

I had the opportunity to visit Haiti before the massive earthquake in 2010 that caused so much destruction. The impact of which played out in the media for all the world to see, but this is the picture that most readily comes to mind. I pray this vivid memory never fades.

My introduction to the community that lived surrounding the ravine came as I followed the missionary with whom we were working as she delivered medication to those in need. She was a force to be reckoned with and refused to hold back the hope she carried with her. In fact, I sensed the Lord whisper one of the most profound phrases to me as I stood there watching her interactions: messy hope.

Messy hope. My mind whirled as the truth of those words sunk deep into my heart. Spreading the hope of Christ would require my willingness to get messy. I could not reach those who desperately needed to experience Christ if I insistently clung to a mindset of avoiding uncomfortable interactions, being inconvenienced, or being unwilling to engage in conflict-laden scenarios. In that moment in the ravine, I understood the invitation that had just been placed before me. Was I willing to get messy for the Kingdom, to be uncomfortable, and be willing to go the extra step to meet others searching for the Light?

This moment in my history came to mind as I read another moment in history recorded in Acts 16. Paul and Silas found themselves in jail, praying and worshipping the Lord as they awaited next steps. In the midst of this, an earthquake shook the jail, the doors opened, and all restraints released. Now in every action movie I’ve ever seen, this is the cue for the entire prison population to escape as quickly and quietly as possible, especially since the jailer reportedly remained fast asleep through it all.

This, however, was not the response of Paul and Silas.
In fact, when the jailer awoke, Paul announced that everyone was still present.
Everyone.
The Word specifically mentions that the other prisoners were listening to Paul and Silas pray. This means that when those doors swung open and shackles dropped away, all the prisoners refrained from bolting for the door.
But why?

Scripture does not specify, but for me personally, if I had just heard two men praying and worshipping while incarcerated, they would have my attention. When the earthquake arrived and the doors shook open, I may have had the thought to bolt until I realized my chains were still solidly in place. However, when those unfastened — not just loosened from the wall, but unfastened — I would have been captivated to discover what happened next.

Something was different about these two men.
They obviously had some sort of connection to the God to whom they prayed.
So, when they remained in their cell, I probably would have too.
Maybe the reality of that much power caused a pause.
Maybe the story was just too intriguing to ignore.
Maybe God had so arrested the attention of the other prisoners, they simply could not tear their eyes away from the scene playing out before them.
Whatever the reason, all the prisoners were still present when the jailer awoke.

Now the jailer’s first response before hearing Paul’s announcement was to draw his sword to kill himself. Death was likely the outcome for this jailer by his superior had the prisoners truly made a getaway.
All hope was gone.
Until…

Until he heard the voice of Paul from within the jail, the gross, smelly, uncomfortable, foul cell. Instead of a clean escape, Paul and Silas chose the messy hope route.

This hospitality was not about presenting the best meals or making someone feel comfortable in your home. This hospitality was about creating a space for the hope of Christ to be presented, tasted, and seen, even in the midst of deplorable conditions.

The jailer, captivated by their bold declaration of the gospel, opens his own home to Paul and Silas. Through their interaction, the jailer’s hospitality, and Paul and Silas’ willingness to offer messy hope despite their circumstances, the entire household comes to the Lord.

So, my question for you, dear sister, is this:
What are your opportunities to offer messy hope?

We all have them, we just tend to excuse them away as messes to avoid. What if we, as a collective whole of Jesus-following-sisters, decided to intentionally enter into the mess, whatever it was, just like Jesus did for us?
I wonder who just might end up being rescued from their sin for eternity as a result!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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

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

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

The GT Weekend! ~ Open Week 2

Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1)  How willing are we to up-end our home, our plans, and our comfortable places for the sake of loving others? It’s easy to say, “of course” to that, isn’t it? We want to love well. But when we are holding onto our last thread, when the dishes are high in the sink, and we feel run down, we aren’t very likely to hold open the door are we? And most of the time, the opportunity to ‘open the door’ doesn’t coincide with our times of “being spent”, but suppose the next time we are challenged like this, we say yes instead of later? Jesus’ yes, despite His weariness and just wanting to be home, brought opportunity for souls to be rescued for eternity. What might God do with your “yes”, even in spite of your exhaustion?!

2)  Every person who has said yes to Jesus, yes to breaking free from sin and shame, has been freed to love with a generosity like Christ has shown us. Jesus brings healing, hope, and freedom to our dark, broken places, transforming hurt and loss into a platform to speak of His glorious goodness to others. So, here’s the challenge, who have you shared your story with? Take time this weekend to one, write your story with pen to paper or fingers to keys and two, pray for God to bring you someone who needs to hear your story. Then follow through in obedience, and share what God has done for you!

3)  Unknown, unremarkable, forgotten. Sounds horrible and cringe-worthy doesn’t it? But this is the reality for countless believers through the ages who have surrendered all for Christ and given their everything for the sake of loving others and sharing the gospel. Jesus didn’t promise our name in lights or sprawled across the cover of a book, He promised suffering and persecution for following Him. But He also promised it would be worth it. What specific ways do you shy away from serving others with love because it just doesn’t seem important enough or make a big enough impact? Sisters, that’s not how God counts value! What matters is our obedience to His call to love others well just like Gaius. (Gaius Who?!) Stop everything right now and spend time talking with the Savior about how He wants you to love others specifically this weekend!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from 3 John 1:3-4 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Prayer Journal
This walking in truth You have called us to stretches me more than I realize. Far from being a checkmark of boxes to accomplish day to day, You call me to sink my feet deeply into Your truth, continually calling me to take in more of You. And then live it out with the same fullness of love You show me. I confess that I often feel ruled by my schedule and list of ‘must-dos’ more than I do a law of love. Spirit, remind me of the truth of Who you are and what You have called me into. Remind me how You are not bound by my endless lists. Remind me that the greatest work You want to accomplish in and through me is open handed, open hearted, generous, genuine love. Keep making me new in this area, Father, and begin changing the world around me, beginning with my own heart!

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Open Day 10 Gaius Who?

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

3 John 1:1-15
Isaiah 58:6-12
Matthew 25:31-40
Luke 14:12-14
1 Peter 4:7-11

Open, Day 10

As I type, the Men’s Final Four has been set.  I am an avid sports fan, and especially love watching college basketball.  Even so, I have absolutely NO idea who won the NCAA Championship last year. Or the year before that.

As I thought about how easily we forget (or didn’t even know) the winners of major sporting events, I wondered how many would know even ONE thing about the man highlighted in today’s Journey Study.

Confession: I attended private Christian school from kindergarten to 12th grade, then graduated from a private Christian university.  I have been going to church since before I was born, and still I had to look up who Gaius was.

I hoped I wasn’t the only one drawing a blank, so I did an official Facebook poll to see who would know him.  Of my friends who responded, most suggested he was a character on a TV show or a historical Roman figure.  Those few who made a Biblical reference only VAGUELY knew about some guy Paul wrote about in one of his letters.

At first, I felt bad for poor Gaius.
He lived his life boldly for Jesus, made sacrifices, faced persecution, and endured hardships of many kinds.  He traveled with Paul (Acts 19:29; 20:4), hosted home gatherings (Romans 16:23), and welcomed traveling teachers into his home (3 John 1:1-8). He was a dear friend of the apostle John and was actually the recipient of John’s 3rd letter. In it, we discover Gaius was well respected, regarded as a faithful follower of God, and known for his deep love and genuine kindness.  Yet, here we are today, barely knowing he even existed, let alone recognize his major contributions to the early church.

In a society where we tend to live for recognition, the idea of not being known, or remembered, seems frightening. We spend our days doing all we can to make a name for ourselves, to leave a lasting legacy, ensuring that generations to come will know us.  Heaven forbid we end up forgotten like Gaius.

Recently, I heard a Casting Crowns song called ONLY JESUS. Rather than striving to win trophies and leave a mark the world remembers, the band sings of embracing a much different approach.  They suggest a more selfless mindset, “I don’t care if they remember me…Only Jesus.”

I think Gaius must have had this perspective, thousands of years before Casting Crowns wrote a song about it.

You might have heard the verse, “I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth.”  I actually have this Scripture hung in our house and pray for my girls to live for Jesus as I pass by the sign, but I had no idea John was writing these words in reference to our man Gaius!!!

In his letter to Gaius, John commends his friend for faithfully serving those who are spreading the gospel message.  Gaius doesn’t personally know these people, but because they are fellow believers and administers of the gospel, he opens his home to them.  These men have reported back to John about Gaius’ hospitality, and John is delighted to hear how ‘one of his children is walking in the truth’.

Perhaps Gaius understood firsthand how incredible a homemade meal and warm bed felt after a long day of preaching in an unfamiliar city.  In Acts 19:29, we read how Gaius was one of Paul’s traveling companions.  In the following chapters, we see how Paul and his crew had quite the trip traveling from one city to the next and sometimes back again sharing the Good News.  As they traveled, Gaius heard Paul compel other believers to support those who were making sacrifices to spread the gospel.

Gaius took those words to heart.
Having been welcomed into strangers’ homes as he traveled with Paul, Gaius later opened his door to strangers as they worked to make Jesus known.

Gaius didn’t just know the truth.
He walked in it.

What about us?

We have heard the verses about loving your neighbor, visiting those in prison, feeding the hungry, caring for the orphans and widows.

We KNOW the importance of hospitality, but are we living hospitably?!

When new neighbors move in, do we take them cookies?

When a family at church has a baby, do we bring them diapers?

When we get an email about hosting an international student for Thanksgiving,
do we set an extra plate at the table?

When we see a post on Facebook about the need for foster families, do we go to the informational meeting?

When we are handed a flyer about a women’s clinic and the opportunity to host a teen mom, do we put fresh sheets on the bed in the guest room?

When a co-worker has surgery, do we drop by with flowers?

When our kids are playing at the park, do we set our phone down and chat with moms?

Big or small, our hospitality probably won’t win us any medals or make us famous.
Books won’t be written and movies won’t be made featuring our willingness to be open. Like Gaius, people will most likely forget (or never even know) the sacrifices we make, the gifts we give, or the time and money we spend loving others.

And that’s okay.
Recognition is NOT the goal of living hospitably.

May we sing along with Casting Crowns, “I don’t care if they remember me…Only Jesus.”

May we live like Gaius, knowing that as we open our doors,
God’s love will spread and His kingdom will grow.

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
Join us for every Journey Study by signing up!
Looking for yesterday’s Journey Study?
Share your thoughts from today’s Study!

Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Open Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

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