Righteousness

Worship X Day 4 Unshaken & Secure: 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 Unshaken & Secure!

The Questions

1) What is the significance of the three names of God in verse 3?

2) Why were the Israelites told not to fear? (verse 5)

3) Why did God create us? (verse 7)

Isaiah 43:1-7

Now this is what the Lord says— the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel—“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior. I have given Egypt as a ransom for you, Cush and Seba in your place. 4 because you are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you, I will give people in exchange for you and nations instead of your life. 5 Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the ends of the earth— 7 everyone who bears my name and is created for my glory. I have formed them; indeed, I have made them.”

Original Intent

1) What is the significance of the three names of God in verse 3?
Isaiah 43 begins as a continuation of chapter 42, where we read of Israel’s disobedience to the Lord (Isaiah 42:21-24) and of His righteous anger regarding that disobedience. (Isaiah 42:25) Chapter 43 begins with the signal word “now” indicating a transition from spelling out the reality of Israel’s sin to the reality of God’s character, which He provides like a resume. He created and formed these people He called His own, (verse 1) He had redeemed them (verse 2), and rescued them from Egypt and the likes of King Sihon of the Amorites, King Og of Bashan (Numbers 21:21-35), and the Midianites (Judges 8:1-21) to name a few. God was always with them, even when they did not honor Him as they should. God promises to protect them in every situation (verse 2), and then He reminds them of His character and authority by which He can make these statements. “The three titles for God in verse 3 give a comprehensive understanding for the people. The term YHWH (Lord) evokes the exodus, the burning bush of Moses, and the giving of the teaching at Sinai (Exodus 20:2). The title “Holy One” refers to God’s distinctiveness. The first part of Isaiah uses this title (Isaiah 1:4). “Savior” alludes to God’s protection for Israel and Judah.” (Working Preacher) It was the One True God, the God who claimed Israel as His people and who Israel had claimed as their God and the Savior who had saved and would save, who was making these promises. Despite what Israel had done, God would rescue and protect His people, His prized possession, because He loved them.

2) Why were the Israelites told not to fear? (verse 5)
It’s important to note that this passage was written before Israel went into captivity in Babylon. This was a prophetic message to the Jews who would be in captivity, afraid the Lord had abandoned them. But God promised long before this, through Moses, “The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) In Isaiah’s prophecy, God was telling the Israelites He would not only be with them, but He would ransom them with other nations! (verse 4) “To prove His love for His people, God was willing to give Egypt, Cush, and Seba as a ransom for Israel.” (Enduring Word) God had promised the Israelites their own land. (Deuteronomy 1:8) Here, He was reiterating that this promise still stood. They had no reason to fear, but every reason to hope. Because God loved them so dearly, He would gather the people from every far corner of the world to be with Him and to live out His promise to them.

3) Why did God create us? (verse 7)
When we bear someone’s name it means we are part of their family. God has created us and called us to be adopted into His family. But why? “For My glory”, says the Lord. The Israelites were created for God’s glory. He had a plan and a purpose for them right from the start, even before they knew Him. John Piper says, “…He created us to display His glory, that is, that His glory might be known and praised.” For the Israelites that played out by Him bringing them out of captivity in Babylon and returning them to their land. It was God who sent them there to discipline them and it was God who would free them. “God uses everything, even human sin, for his own glory” (Global Study Bible) Israel was created for God’s glory to be displayed to all the nations. In their sin and subsequent rescue and redemption, God showed His love for them and His power over all to utterly save.

Everyday Application

1) What is the significance of the three names of God in verse 3?
When we are in trying or dark times, it’s hard to see a way out. We wonder how things will get resolved. Isaiah 43:3 gives the solution. In the original context, God was reminding Israel He was their rescuer, their Savior. “God referred to Himself as a Savior in the Old Testament before Jesus arrived and became our Savior to forgive our sins.” (Never Thirsty) Now, as adopted daughters of God’s family, through the blood of our Savior Jesus, we too are rescued and redeemed. (Ephesians 1:5) We think of this on a spiritual level, but it is practical as well. God is more than able to help us in every situation. When He lists His names, they show the fullness of His capabilities to do what He says He can do. The first name, The Lord Your God, is listed as Yahweh in other translations. Yahweh is God’s holy name, evoking profound reverence. “Most Jewish people decline to pronounce this name lest they accidentally profane it.” (Sermon Writer) Beginning with this name alone, we know we are dealing with the same God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. (Exodus 3:1-17) He is the same God who parted the Red Sea, the River Jordan, and brought down the walls of Jericho. The Holy One of Israel is the same God who promised to redeem not just Israel, but all people who would believe in Him. (2 Peter 3:9) It is this same God who became our Savior by sending His son Jesus to die for our sins and then resurrect Himself to conquer the grave and set the stage for His return to gather His people (Matthew 24:30-31) and establish the New Heaven and the New Earth. (Revelation 21:1-5) Whatever we face, this God can handle it. Trust Him.

2) Why were the Israelites told not to fear? (verse 5)
The Israelites had a history of forgetting Who was with them and for them. (Numbers 13:25-14:10, Judges 6:11-24, 1 Samuel 12:6-15). Even though God had demonstrated His power and His unfailing faithfulness and love for them, they still forgot. We are much the same. Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who is against us?” Instead of pressing into fear and doubt, we should focus on the faithfulness of God. Gill’s Exposition puts it this way, “The Lord is the covenant God of His people, holy in Himself, and the sanctifier of them, and their Saviour in time of trouble; and therefore need no doubt of His presence and support amidst all their afflictions; and besides they should call to mind past experiences of his goodness, to encourage their faith in him, as to present help and assistance” Has He been faithful before? How did He come to your aid, your rescue? Did He carry you through deep waters or the fire? If He has, which I am sure is true, then what have we to fear of the future? God has been faithful through the ages (Psalm 119:90) and He never changes (Malachi 3:6). So we lay down our fear and hold fast to the faithful love and care of our God.

3) Why did God create us? (verse 7)
The Westminster Shorter Catechism says, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” God created us with a purpose in mind. We were made to glorify God. But make no mistake, this is not about God being vain. It is about us reflecting His glory to others. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1), but God’s people are expected to make it known as well.  Joshua said to Achan, “My son, please give glory to Yahweh, the God of Israel. (Joshua 7:19) David ordered, “Declare His glory among the nations, and His marvelous works among all the peoples.” (1 Chronicles 16:24). (Sermon Writer) Cooperating with the Holy Spirit within us (God with us), we are able to reflect His glory to those around us by serving, praising, worshiping and sharing the Word, and we, in turn, benefit. “..[W]hen we are glorifying God, we are fulfilling the purpose we were created for, and will therefore be the happiest and fulfilled.” (Enduring Word) When we operate out of God’s faithful love for us, we offer that love to others so they too may glorify the One True God. This is the purpose for which we were created!

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Worship X 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.

Eden Day 14 Exiled For Good: 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 Exiled For Good!

The Questions

1) Does God’s grace give a believer the freedom to sin recklessly and consistently? (verses 15-16)

2) How can those in Christ be set free, yet at the same time be enslaved? (verse 18)

3) What prompted the apostle Paul to use the analogy of human freedom and slavery? (verses 19-20)

4) What are the contrasting results and outcome of choosing to depend on grace rather than law to save us? (verses 22-23)

Romans 6:16-23

15 What then? Should we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? Absolutely not! 16 Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey—either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over, 18 and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness. 19 I am using a human analogy because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to impurity, and to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, which results in sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free with regard to righteousness. 21 So what fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of? The outcome of those things is death. 22 But now, since you have been set free from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification—and the outcome is eternal life! 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Original Intent

1) Does God’s grace give a believer the freedom to sin recklessly and consistently? (verses 15-16)
Since the original Koine-Greek didn’t provide punctuation, the translators supplied it as they saw necessary within the context. It is crucial to understand that Paul was emphatic in verse 15. Paul’s point of emphasis was essential to understanding God’s grace. Especially in an epistle, this kind of examination of the writer’s tone is vital to correct interpretation. When reading a letter we have received, we may repeatedly review the written words. We want to know if there is a hint of something more than what is evident. Punctuation is helpful as we assess tone. To understand Paul’s whole tone, we refer to his questions introduced in Romans 5:20-6:2. His question in verse 15 is not simply a repeat of those questions, but rather it evidences he is building his case. The verb tense in the Greek makes it clear that in the previous verses he is referring to continual sinning, while here it’s the act of a particular sin. (preceptaustin.org) Though Paul never indicates sin will completely lose its appeal, he makes it clear that a sinful lifestyle and specific acts of sin will be loathed by a professing believer. The Greek phrase mē genoito (“may it never be”) is the key to knowing how to punctuate these verses. It is why every reliable translation for verse 15 adds the exclamation point. Verse 16 stresses the importance of the believer’s slavery to obedience leading to righteousness, not to slavery to sin leading to death. “Having presented himself to God in dedication, the believer needs to obey Him. Obligation always follows dedication whether the dedication is to sin or to obedience. The outcome of dedication to sin is death, but the outcome of dedication to obedience is righteousness.” (studylight.org)

2) How can those in Christ be set free, yet at the same time be enslaved? (verse 18)
There is such a beautiful gospel paradox in verse 18! Only in God’s reality is there a freedom and a slavery that exists concurrently. The freedom to obey is a concept beyond our human comprehension. It requires faith in God’s word and in His promises, and a radical reconstruction of our view of sin and righteousness. Our human tendency is to see boundaries as restrictive, not freeing. A fish is restricted by water, while also alive in that water. It seems impossible for self-denial to be a demonstration of grace received. Yet it is this tension that is at the core of the entire book of Romans. The life of a Christ follower is one of continual, internal war between competing desires. Paul himself knew the struggle well. (Romans 7:18-23) The difference between genuine obedience to righteousness and attempting an obedience to the law is in our heart motivation. These believers obeyed “from the heart.” In verse 17, Paul expresses his thankfulness for their good choice to sincerely obey. Paul reminds the reader that “being enslaved to righteousness” is a position and a decision. We become slaves to righteousness when we come to Christ; it is our position as believers. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31) But we must choose to declare that freedom when temptations arise that would take us captive to sin again. (Galatians 3:21-27) Dedication to God’s way and God’s will does not provide an automatic assurance we will always do the right thing. Paul understands that not every believer will access his or her freedom (verse 16) from sin’s oppression and choose slavery to righteousness. Yet, righteousness obtained inevitably leads the people of God to desire to live in obedience to Him.

3) What prompted the apostle Paul to use the analogy of human freedom and slavery? (verses 19-20)
Jesus also spoke of being a slave to sin in John 8:34 because His hearers understood the relationship between slave and master all too well. They were keenly familiar with the circumstances in which serving as a slave necessitated yielding to the one in control. Paul also used this comparison because the understanding of its gravity was so common and readily understood by the masses. He wrote that he was “using a human analogy” (Romans 6:19) by comparing the believer’s situation to that of a free person on the one hand and to a slave on the other. Paul did this to help his readers grasp the critical importance of the message. He felt compelled to be extremely explicit due to their past relationship with sin. Paul wrote in verse 19 that he used this analogy “because of the weakness of their flesh [human nature]”. They were sinful humans needing God’s saving grace. (Romans 5:8-12) Now he reminded them that the saving grace they had initially experienced would be the same grace that produced the righteousness in them on a regular basis. Bible scholars call this process of choosing which way we’ll be enslaved “progressive sanctification”. Though we possess the righteousness of Christ and eternal life at the moment of our salvation (John 10:28-29, 1 Peter 1:3-5), believers are a work in progress even now as His Spirit makes us more like Christ. Paul said that each time we choose righteousness over sin, sanctification is taking place. (verse 22, see question 4) “[This] refers to the process in our daily lives by which we are being conformed to the image of Christ. It is the process of becoming what we are in Christ. This involves the putting off of the old habits of lying, stealing, backbiting, etc., and putting on the Christ-like qualities of honesty, mercy, and love.” (Bible.org)

4) What are the contrasting results and outcome of choosing to depend on grace rather than law to save us? (verses 22-23)
Paul consistently though of the law in terms of its commands, so when he speaks of righteousness not being attained through the law, he has this in mind. For more of Paul’s teaching regarding the law, his letter to the Galatians is helpful. Check out our accompanying Journey Theme: Freedom. Paul says in verse 15 these believers were “not under the law but under grace.” The Law had provided for the people the habits of holiness, but it could not change their sinful nature. It lacked the power to change the desire of their hearts. Paul’s concern was that this newfound grace would wrongly lead them to sin more by completely ignoring the Law as if it no longer mattered. He was astonished at this response. Since the fruit of their failed attempts to keep the Law was shame, why would they take for granted the grace that had freed them from that?! Sin had held them captive to an eventual death. BUT NOW (verse 22) there was different fruit that would be produced through God’s Spirit! No longer would the fruit be shame, it would be life! This new life generates fruit that glorifies God and creates lasting joy, where the ultimate outcome is eternal life. Paul equates being a slave to righteousness with being “a slave to God.” (verse 22) Their now-Master is God Himself instead of Sin. Paul had explained in Romans 1:28-32 that sin was serious and that the wages were fair. All sinners “deserve” to die. Now he repeats the important outcome of sin and the contrast that must be acknowledged, “The wages of sin is DEATH.” (verse 23) But under grace – that is, the gift of God – the outcome is eternal LIFE! (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Everyday Application

1) Does God’s grace give a believer the freedom to sin recklessly and consistently? (verses 15-16)
Maybe you’ve heard someone say, ‘freedom isn’t free’. That’s likely accurate when it comes to a nation, but when it comes to God’s grace, what sounds too good to be true is a believer’s reality! This sets up a believer for a lifelong fight against the craftiest enemy to ever exist. Because Satan hates us and he hates God, he will constantly whisper in our ear, “Did God really say?”(Genesis 3:1) His whispers can tempt us to either distrust someone who gives us an expensive gift with no strings attached (John 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:8-9), or take advantage of their generosity. Paul worried about the readers doing the latter. From a purely natural viewpoint, grace is scandalous. That’s why the enemy’s scheme is a devious one. “Did God really offer you HIS righteousness for free?!” Everything Paul reminded the reader of in verses 3-9 is true for us as believers. Though the non-believing person is free from righteousness, when we experience grace we have no desire for that kind of freedom. Our response to God’s grace should not be to live a life of rebellion, void of submission and thankfulness. May that never be, my sweet sister! We are free from the penalty of our sin, and are now both required and free to say no to sin on a daily basis and free to follow Jesus into life everlasting. It’s not too good to be true, it’s delightfully freeing!

2) How can those in Christ be set free, yet at the same time be enslaved? (verse 18)
Sister, this is everything! Do you remember the story Jesus told of the generous father and ungrateful son in Luke 15:11-32? The son wanted freedom from boundaries and obedience, so he asked for his inheritance and left home. But his choice didn’t lead to freedom at all, but into deeper slavery. He became entrenched in slavery to his selfish desires and eventually became someone’s servant who took care of pigs. He wanted to free himself but he enslaved himself in the process. It was only when he came to his senses, realized the love he had abandoned, and humbly returned home to his father that he found grace and real freedom. We are that son in so many ways. We think freedom is found in living a life centered on ourselves, our desires, and our happiness. Maybe you’ve experienced the anguish of choosing a life free of righteousness only to find it led you to despair and desperation. Often, this choice involves so much pain and sorrow. It is certainly true that we will not be completely free from our sinful desires until Jesus returns. There will be a never-ending battle to walk in that freedom until He does. Even as people who bask in our righteous condition, from time to time we will give into sin which we must confess. (1 John 1:8-2:2) But once we’ve tasted and digested the good grace of God, we will desire to stay away from what displeases Him.

3) What prompted the apostle Paul to use the analogy of human freedom and slavery? (verses 19-20)
The history of humanity is deeply embedded with the element of slavery. Many Bible scholars believe slavery in biblical times was very different from the wicked slavery that has plagued our world. For one, it was rarely based exclusively on race. In Bible times, slavery was based more on economics and social status. People often sold themselves to pay their debts and provide for their families. Some actually chose to be servants of others. This is helpful as we attempt to comprehend Paul’s analogy because he intentionally chose it to illustrate his point. Let’s consider the picture he paints for us as it points us to the way of salvation. The slavery Paul writes of had nothing to do with society or the reformation of a social system, but it had everything to do with the reformation of a person’s mindset. When we experience God’s gift of salvation and freedom from the slavery of sin, God reforms our soul. It is then we realize that the slavery Paul speaks of is tied to an allegiance. We are no longer bound to sin that drives us to obey unrighteousness. We are now bound to a better Master, God Himself! This kind of slavery actually offers freedom for life. It’s a glorious paradox that shouts: Emancipation Day! You’re all free to obey God and live in His righteousness!

4) What are the contrasting results and outcome of choosing to depend on grace rather than law to save us? (verses 22-23)
Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-20 that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. It is through Him we are no longer responsible to perfectly keep the regulations we find in the Law for our salvation. We couldn’t if we tried! Understanding the grace of God in Christ helps us to keep Him precious in our souls, sweet friend. We see His beauty and we are drawn to it. Sister, it is this glorious grace He offers that compels us to obey. We have the freedom to reject this offer, but once we understand the value of this free gift we are overwhelmed with gratitude. It is by God’s grace, through faith in His promise, we are saved from death. (Galatians 3:21-26) It is this grace that also attracts us to our Savior. (2 Corinthians 4:6) John Piper offers an excellent insight, “[There are] people whose Christianity is a group of ideas about Christ, not an experience of the preciousness of Christ. Their Christianity is all truth and no treasure. All ‘choice’ and no cherishing. All logic about Christ and no love for Christ. All ‘decision’ and no delight. Oh, that we would all pursue the preciousness of Christ. And the preciousness of justification by faith. And the preciousness of being under grace, not under law. He came under law and satisfied the law, so that we might be redeemed from law and become children of God.” The outcome of choosing our own righteousness by trying to keep the law is death. BUT the outcome of choosing Christ’s righteousness through His grace is LIFE FOREVER!

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

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 Eden 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.

Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out The Groom & His Bride!

The Questions

1) What is the “business” God has given for us to do?

2) How do we better understand God as a Groom through this passage?

3) How does God’s eternal character comfort His Bride, the Church, in verses 14-15?

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.

14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. 15 That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.

Original Intent

1) What is the “business” God has given for us to do?
The phrasing in verse 10, “I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with” refers to the scene from Genesis 3 when the curse is laid on Adam as a result of his sin in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:17-19) The curse details how, even though Adam had previously been given work as a gift, now the work would carry a burden, it would be difficult, and produce only a fraction of what it would have before the effects of sin. The work God intended to bring us life and satisfaction in the doing of it, will now be twisted with sin and death. The Genesis passage also references life itself, which was a gift given to humankind, but now because of sin, all life will return to dust. If this were the end of the story, life itself is utterly meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

2) How do we better understand God as a Groom through this passage?
Verse 11 immediately follows up the meaninglessness of verse 10 with hope, “He has made everything beautiful in its time”, which also references the finishing of Creation in Genesis 1:31 when God declared that everything He had made was very good. All of creation, in its original design, was very good, flawless without a hint of imperfection, but man chose sin, destroying the beauty. (Ecclesiastes 7:29, Genesis 3:6-7) Yet, the God who made everything beautiful at creation’s inception, is not impotent when it comes to sin and its decay. The same all-powerful God who formed atoms at the beginning of time and space, is the same all-powerful God who “has put eternity into man’s heart”. There is more beyond the “now”, there is eternity, and an eternal God who, in His own creation, shaped the heart of all people to long for eternity, to seek out the eternal God…to look for HOPE beyond themselves. This is the heart of a Groom who longs for His Bride. This is a picture of a pursuant God who intentionally designed His Beloved to hunger for Him, to ache to be made whole.

3) How does God’s eternal character comfort His Bride, the Church, in verses 14-15?
The teacher of Ecclesiastes notes that “whatever God does, endures forever” (verse 14) His purposes are sure and His plans cannot be thwarted, even in spite of our sin! The teacher further goes on to explain that this eternality of God and His immutability, is for our benefit. He set up creation that humanity would perceive the character of God (Romans 1:20) in order that we might fear Him (meaning to stand in absolute stunning awe of Him), come to know Him, and call Him Lord for ourselves. He is the pursuant Groom, and we are the ones He is seeking that He might call us His Bride! “God seeks what has been driven away.” (verse 15)

Everyday Application

1) What is the “business” God has given for us to do?
The “business” God has given is the gift of work. Whatever your work is, this is the gift of God. How do you spend your days? What fills them? What is your work and when was the last time you saw it as a gift? What makes our work a gift, even now living in a fallen world with the effects of the curse pervading every aspect of life, is Who we do the work for. Work is redeemed when we see it as a means to glorify God and love others. (Colossians 3:17) Verse 12 notes, “I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live.” Enjoy your work (Ecclesiastes 3:22), honor the giver of work, and love others well (Psalm 34:14, Psalm 37:3).

2) How do we better understand God as a Groom through this passage?
As you consider your everyday life, your work, your relationships, your joys, and your sorrows, where are you longing for Hope? What would begin to shift in your perspective and your heart when you consider that God intentionally designed for you to seek and know and be found by Him and He uses your everyday scenarios to draw you closer to Himself? What if you began to see your everyday, real life situations as invitations from the Almighty to come to Him, to seek Him, and be known by Him? Would you reach for Him more willingly? Would you call out for His help more frequently? Perhaps your heart would even become more quickly stirred to aching for His return when He will make all things new and beautiful once again. (Revelation 21:5)

3) How does God’s eternal character comfort His Bride, the Church, in verses 14-15?
I’m a mom of 7; nothing I do lasts for 5 minutes, let alone for eternity. Laundry, dishes, tidy beds, or a stocked pantry last only moments, but what God does never fades. God Himself is eternal, and because He loves His Bride, He has created a future for her to dwell with Him for eternity. His Church, the Beloved, made up of all those special and unique lives that have surrendered their all to Him, will finally find fullness and sweetness as it was designed to be from the beginning. We will inherit a life of purpose, a life of productivity, a life of intimacy with God, a life that will last for eternity! This kind of hope will never fail!

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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!

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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

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Sacrifice Day 3 Two Sacrifices

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 18:9-14
Matthew 19:16-30
Luke 11:46-53
Amos 5:20-24

Sacrifice, Day 3

Jesus loved flipping worldviews upside down.
Sometimes He flipped literal tables.
Most often, He pierced the darkness of ordinary, self-applauding human nature with the blinding brilliance of God’s love.

In Jewish religious culture, no human was more highly lauded than the Pharisee. They had political power, money, pedigree, clout, and oh, the most important? Righteousness. These were the holy, the elite, and highly favored as God’s “super-players.” To a Jew, a Pharisee’s prestige was unsurpassed.

On the flip side, tax collectors were “most despised” within Jewish culture as the poster-children for Roman control and unbridled gluttony. Overtaxing to pad their own pockets, tax collectors were extremely wealthy; their arrogance and greed were undeniable. The swagger of their steps, the bulge of their food-ridden bodies, and the luxury of their clothing garnished disdain from every Jew. If anyone would never enter the kingdom of Heaven, it would be a Roman Tax Collector.

So Jesus, intent on penetrating the hearts of His hearers so they might see Him as the God who sacrificed Himself on their behalf to pay their full debt of sin, began His story. Perhaps He paused along the road, allowing a wide field and smooth rock to be His amphitheater as listeners pressed closer under the hot Judean sun.

“Two men went up to the temple to pray,” He began, and instantly all eyes affixed on His.
The temple to pray? These were holy men desiring God; this would be a good story!

Jesus inhaled, making eye contact with several sprawled before Him.
Spirit, bring their hearts to us. Open their blind eyes to see the Salvation before them!

“… One a Pharisee and the other?” Jesus paused, eyebrow raised. Would they hear Him this time? Would they understand He was their sacrifice and their “righteousness” could never earn them favor with God? “… a tax collector,” He exhaled.

The shudders were visible across the crowd as they recoiled at His inclusion of a tax collector in His story.

Animated, Jesus jumped atop the rock and called out, “The Pharisee was standing and praying like this about himself…” Jesus raised His hands with mock humility and grand sweeping gestures before continuing, “God, I thank you that I’m not like other people–greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.” Jesus pointed His finger with the full theatrics of a condemning Pharisee.

The audience was hooked. Jesus nailed it. This is a Pharisee!
How right of the Pharisee to elevate himself to God.
Get that tax collector out of here!
He’s not like a righteous Jew, and certainly not like the righteous Pharisee.

Jesus’ demeanor instantly changed as He prepared to “flip the tables” of the peoples’ understanding. Gone was the façade of swagger. Tears pricked His eyes, and though He bowed His head and began beating His chest in the common motion of humility, His voice of authority carried across the warm field,

“But the tax collector, standing far off,
would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but kept striking his chest and saying,
‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’”

Silence.

Even the bees and locusts couldn’t be heard as Jesus paused,
looking again at each face before Him,
pleading with the Spirit to light darkened hearts
with the the truth of His Perfect Sacrifice
for their utter dearth of righteousness.

His people were trapped in their sin without escape. Oh how they tried to be good enough on their own, but they must see their “goodness” was nothing more than bloody menstrual rags. (Isaiah 64:6)
Rottenness accosting the Holiness of God.

How desperately they needed a Savior!
One to part the Heavens (Psalm 18:6-19),
pay the debt they owed in full (Hebrews 9:26),
die the death they could not escape (1 Corinthians 15:3),
and rise again to conquer death and sin forever (Revelation 1:18)
on their behalf.

Here was God in the flesh standing before them.
The perfect Sacrifice.
To do exactly this.

All through the ages His people had turned against Him, rejecting His perfect love in exchange for idols (Ezekiel 14:3), pride (Jeremiah 50:31), and unabated evil bringing death to everything.

Abel offered the best of himself.
Cain clutched his pride.
(Genesis 4:4-7)

The widow held out the smallest coin, representing the entirety of her possessions.
The wealthy dropped money by the bag-full.
(Luke 21:3)

The tax collector beat his breast with the agony of his wretchedness.
The self-sanctioned Pharisee touted his “good deeds” to a perfectly Holy God.
(Luke 18:12)

Two Offerings.
Only one was acceptable before the God who took the debt of sin upon Himself. (1 Peter 2:24)
The humble heart of contrition.

Only Abel’s offering was acceptable.
Only the widow’s poverty was made much of.
And our tax collector?

Jesus lifted His voice again,
“I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other,
because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Only the humble are brought near to God, for only the humble recognize the utter disgrace of their wretched sin against the flawless perfection of Holy.

Only the humble are positioned to receive the offering of life held out by the God who Sacrificed Himself, that His people might come home to Him.

“Be miserable and mourn and weep [over your sin].
Let your laughter [of prideful arrogance] be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:9-10)

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

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

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