Sacrifice

Steadfast Day 11 To Be Revealed…

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Steadfast Day 11 To Be Revealed…

Sara Cissell

April 10, 2023

Alive,Mercy,Mighty,Rescue,Resurrection,Sacrifice

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Corinthians 15:45-50
2 Corinthians 5:20-21
John 3:16-17
Psalm 90:3-6

The natural speaks of the supernatural.

I love it when the Lord uses His creation to help me comprehend His Word. Today I had one such sweet epiphany as my mind caught a glimmer of what I can look forward to in heaven. 

In 1 Corinthians 13, we are reminded, “we know in part” and “we see only a reflection as in a mirror.” We can’t grasp heaven with our earthly brains. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit helps us translate until we reach heaven. 

So what natural elements did the Holy Spirit use today? 

A Ferris wheel and my daughter. 

My daughter recently visited the pediatrician and we discovered her height is in the 96th percentile. Now, my husband and I are tall. In fact, while pregnant we lovingly joked we were having a giraffe, so I wasn’t shocked by her measurements.

What did shock me, however, was a tangible application of her height. We had recently visited Scheels, a sporting goods store whose claim to fame is a Ferris wheel found in the center of the stores. 

My husband and I look forward to taking our daughter for her first Ferris wheel ride, and on this day, we were surprised to discover our nine-month-old daughter only needs to grow 6 inches before she can participate!

But she cannot ride it now. 

In that moment, the Holy Spirit quietly whispered the concept of 1 Corinthians 15:45-50 to my heart. 

My daughter cannot ride now because she does not meet the requirements needed to gain access. She may be incredibly close, but still falls short (pun intended). 

Similarly, citizens of first century Corinth refuted the idea of resurrection, claiming earthly bodies fall short (pun still intended) of worthiness to exist in a heavenly realm. In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul initially agrees with their premise (although not their conclusion!), referring to our earthly bodies as “natural,” “corruptible,” made of “dust,” suited only for life on earth. (1 Corinthians 15:46-48, 53) Physical bodies, Paul goes on to explain, are in the type of Adam, who “became a living being.” (1 Corinthians 15:45)

“Then the LORD God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life in his nostrils, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7)

Here, however, Paul’s argument shifts as he elucidates for the Corinthians that followers of Christ will be resurrected to spiritual bodies. (1 Corinthians 15:44-46) Our resurrected, spiritual bodies will be in the type of Jesus, often called the second or “last Adam,” who is “a life-giving spirit [. . .] from heaven.” (1 Corinthians 15:45, 47)

Romans 8 confirms, “[T]he law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did [. . .] 

You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you [. . .] 
Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.” (Romans 8:2-3, 9-10, emphasis mine)

Friends, if the Spirit of God lives within us, we are living in the in-between. 

Here on earth, we live in our physical bodies, which are passing away, much as a seed planted in the ground appears to die. (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) Yet we look forward, with great joy and anticipation to the day when new life springs forth from that dead seed. This is the hope (read: solid assurance) of our resurrection to incorruptible, spiritual bodies as heirs to the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 15:50)

In Scripture, we see some examples of others walking in the in-between. 

After spending time in the Lord’s presence, Moses’ physical body radiated the glory of God’s spirit. (Exodus 34:29-35)

Repentant as he hung on a cross next to Jesus, a guilty convict received the promise of spiritual resurrection, even as his physical body died slowly and brutally. (Luke 23:40-43) 

On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus’ disciples had a glimpse into the spiritual realm, witnessing a transfigured Jesus speaking with Elijah and Moses. The disciples were dazzled and terrified as their physical bodies beheld spiritual beings. (Mark 9:2-8)  

From these stories, we learn our heavenly selves do not carry our physical bodies and sinful histories into heaven. 

Instead, Jesus grants us spiritual access, and eventual spiritual bodies, through His righteousness, which we can experience now through His crucifixion and resurrection.

This is how we inherit the kingdom of heaven
when we place the full weight of our trust
on Christ’s sacrifice,
offered on our behalf for every sin
we’ve committed against God. 

I am humbled as I write this, reminded Jesus died to take my sin in order to enable me to spend eternity with Him (John 3:16), to someday trade this earthly body for a spiritual one.

In light of this hope, we can walk through the in-between with the steadfastness Paul urges in 1 Corinthians 15:58, inviting others to join us on the journey as we anticipate heaven! 

May we rejoice in the heavenly life the Lord is preparing for us and seek to bring Him glory along the journey. 

“I think earth, if chosen instead of Heaven, will turn out to have been, all along, only a region in Hell; and earth, if put second to Heaven, to have been from the beginning a part of Heaven itself.”     
-CS Lewis

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Steadfast Day 12
Digging Deeper

There is a dichotomy in the image of the man of the dust and the image of the man of heaven.

Dust reaps death, is hostile towards God, and does not submit to the law of God. The man of the dust is separated from God and has a mind set on things of the flesh.

The eternity of those who continue in the image of the man of the dust are excluded from God.
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Steadfast Day 2 Of Epic Importance: Digging Deeper

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Steadfast Day 2 Of Epic Importance: Digging Deeper

Debbie Collin

March 28, 2023

Equipped,Gospel,Hope,Resurrection,Sacrifice

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 "Of Epic Importance"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Corinthians 15:1-7

Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did Paul need to “make clear” about the gospel? (verse 1-2)

Paul had one passion in ministry, sharing the gospel, or the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. His desire is repeatedly evidenced in every letter he wrote that has been preserved in our Bibles.

“I am eager to preach the gospel to you… For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:14-16)

“Woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16)

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel… that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ…” (Philippians 1:12-13)

In this letter to the Corinthians, Paul is responding to questions the church in Corinth had asked of him. Presumably, based on Paul’s writing, there were questions about the resurrection of Jesus, and Paul saved this most important topic for the end of his letter.

He wanted to write a simple, straight-forward statement of faith that would summarize what he had already taught them. It is the most important thing he had taught them as every Christian teaching hung upon the resurrection of Christ. Paul wanted them to understand it with all clarity.

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Paul need to “make clear” about the gospel? (verse 1-2)

When cashiers or bank tellers are trained in detecting counterfeit bills, they are shown how to identify genuine ones. They are taught to notice the texture of the money, security features, and serial numbers of authentic bills. Not all counterfeits will be the same, but genuine currency will always be consistent.

We can say the same thing about counterfeit teachings about the gospel. There have always been false teachers who have tried to lead people astray. How can we know if someone is teaching the “real” gospel?

Paul makes it clear for us in this passage, so we can confidently identify the authentic gospel. Any “gospel” that doesn’t absolutely hinge on the death, burial, and resurrection of the fully God, fully human Jesus Christ is no gospel at all. Christ’s resurrection from the dead is the most important aspect of our faith.

The Original Intent

2) What is the significance of the words “according to the Scriptures”? (verse 3-4)

In these verses, Paul uses the phrase “according to the Scriptures” twice. A repeated phrase is often a signal to take a deeper look!

“Scriptures” comes from a Greek word, “graphé”, which means “writing”. In the New Testament, this word almost always refers to the Old Testament. (Note: English words like biography, autograph, bibliography come from this same Greek root word!)

The significance of the phrase “according to the Scriptures” to the church in Corinth would be that the events of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection were a perfect fulfillment according to the prophecies and promises found in the Old Testament. It’s an important part of Paul’s argument that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection were not just things that happened by accident or by human design at the hand of angry Jewish leaders, the betrayal from Judas, or the Roman law.

Paul emphasizes that every aspect surrounding the events of Christi’s resurrection were part of God’s predetermined plan for salvation.

The Everyday Application

2) What is the significance of the words “according to the Scriptures”? (verse 3-4)

As we read these words today, we can hold the entirety of “the Scriptures” (Old Testament) in our hands. We can trace the thread of the revelation of God’s plan of salvation of humanity through Jesus Christ through each page starting in Genesis!

The words, “according to the Scriptures”, are an exclamation point in this passage reminding us that the events of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection were not unexpected. They were part of the plan. Let’s take a closer look through the lens of the Old Testament Scriptures. 

In Isaiah 53, there are references to a suffering servant who will be “pierced because of our rebellion” and “crushed because of our iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Other prophetic passages specific to the crucifixion and resurrection can be found in Psalm 22, Hosea 6:2, Psalm 16:10, and Job 19:25-27.

The Original Intent

3) What role do the witnesses of the resurrected Jesus have in this passage? (verse 5-7)
  
In Ancient Rome, there were usually two or more witnesses required to establish the truth of a testimony in court. In response to any doubts about the authenticity of the resurrection of Jesus, Paul provides more than five hundred eyewitnesses!

He also strengthens this piece of hard evidence by pointing out that most of them were still alive at the time of Paul’s writing. (verse 6) In a sense, Paul is saying, “Don’t believe me? Go and ask them!”

By mentioning these specific individuals and groups, Paul wanted the Corinthians to know that Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection fulfilling many prophecies was not just a belief or a doctrine crafted by a group of people with a political agenda or personal motivation.

It was a real, life-changing event witnessed by a wide range of men and women. He wanted the Corinthian believers to also experience the life-changing reality of Christ’s resurrection for themselves by trusting the God who died and came back to life!

The Everyday Application

3) What role do the witnesses of the resurrected Jesus have in this passage? (verse 5-7)  

I love a good courtroom drama! Especially the climax moment during the trial when the attorney is making his closing statement and you know he has proven his case. It all comes down to the evidence and testimony of the witnesses.

Concerning Jesus’ resurrection, we have historical evidence and the testimony of eyewitnesses preserved for more than 2000 years! We can know the truth! Jesus knew there would be many more believers who would choose to trust Him long after the eyewitnesses had died. He said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (John 20:29)

That group of people includes me! If you’ve trusted Jesus as your personal Savior, believing Him at His Word that He, fully God and fully human, lowered Himself by putting on flesh to die the death we deserve because we have sinned, and then was raised to life again that we too might have eternal life, then you’re in that group too!

If you’ve confessed your sins, turned from them, and surrendered to Jesus, you are included in those whom Jesus spoke of who believe even though they haven’t seen Him with physical eyes.

This blessing of belief is not just for the future in Heaven but is a gift now in the present tense for those who believe. “Because of His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3) The Living Hope of Jesus can heal our grief, our despair, our broken hearts, and our every longing.

For more discussion on the evidence and testimony about Jesus and the Christian faith, I invite you to read Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell or The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel.

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Steadfast Day 1
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Shortly after His ascension, just as Jesus had promised, He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within His followers.

He is still here, filling and empowering each and every person who puts their faith in Jesus Christ.

Yet, thousands of years later, we are still waiting for Jesus to fulfill the promise of His final return.
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Steadfast Day 1 Of Epic Importance

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Steadfast Day 1 Of Epic Importance

Sarah Young

March 27, 2023

Alive,Gospel,Resurrection,Righteousness,Sacrifice

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Corinthians 15:1-7
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Psalm 16:9-11
1 John 1:1-4
1 Peter 1:3-12

Although I’ve never been in a courtroom during a trial, I know that in the US, when a witness takes the stand, he or she promises to tell the truth, “the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” 

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-7, Paul begins as if he is taking the witness stand and declaring his testimony about the Gospel to be absolutely, positively, 100% true. 

The veracity of Paul’s words is of utmost importance because what he states constitutes the core of Christian faith. 

Sometimes Paul’s writings can be complicated, with winding sentences that seem to go on and on.  Here, however, he breaks down the message into a very simple, straightforward summary of the Gospel. I can feel the sense of urgency as he writes, outlining the Gospel with absolute clarity and longing for his brothers and sisters in faith to firmly hold on to these truths.

Not only does Paul want them to believe the Gospel message, but to live it out boldly, confidently, and consistently. He begins the chapter with the foundation of our faith and ends in verse 58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

For us to live in such a radical way, we must be deeply committed to what we believe. We see this commitment in the lives of the disciples, the men and women who walked with Jesus during His ministry. Many of these first believers were also the first martyrs, dying for their faith in horrific ways, courageously choosing to endure pain and eventual death rather than recant. 

Before Peter was crucified, he wrote a letter to believers scattered as exiles because of severe persecution. (1 Peter 1:3-12) He first reminds them God has “given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3) With this in mind, Peter then urges them to hold onto their faith even as they “suffer grief in various trials.” (1 Peter 1:6)

Though they may not have seen Jesus personally, these believers could hold steadfastly to the reality of the Gospel and the certain hope of eternity with God. This hope changed their perspective as they waited in eager anticipation for the “revelation of Jesus Christ.”  (1 Peter 1:7)

Thousands of years later, the same is true for us.  
As believers, we too receive “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading[.]” (1 Peter 1:4) For now, we “are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:5)

Paul further solidifies the truth of the Gospel by emphasizing that HUNDREDS of people saw Jesus following His resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:5) Gospel-writer Luke confirms this with an account of how the risen Jesus shared a meal with His disciples and invited them to touch His nail-scarred hands. (Luke 24:36-43) 

Luke goes on to share some of Jesus’ final words to His followers:
“‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you – that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:44-45)

Shortly after His ascension, just as Jesus had promised, He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within His followers. (Acts 2:1-4)

He is still here, filling and empowering each and every person who puts their faith in Jesus Christ.

Yet, thousands of years later, we are still waiting for Jesus to fulfill the promise of His final return.  

The apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he diligently wrote letters to encourage fellow believers to stand firm in their faith. John also penned the book of Revelation, in which we are given the glorious promise of what is YET TO COME. John shares how one day God will make a new heaven and a new earth, restoring all that has been broken, making all things beautiful once more. (Revelation 21:1-5)

I don’t know about you, but I am eagerly waiting for that day when I can join the hymn of heaven as people from every tongue, tribe, and nation come together to praise God for all eternity. (Revelation 7:9-10)

Until then, in the midst of all the chaos and confusion of this world, may we hold firmly to the wondrous hope of our future. For Paul assures us, “the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you, after you have suffered a little while.” (1 Peter 5:10)

With this in mind, may we, like those first disciples, boldly bear witness to all God has done in our lives and courageously share the good news of the Gospel. They have gone before us, and are now a “large cloud of witnesses surrounding us” (Hebrews 12: 1-2) and cheering us on as we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, running the race He has set before us until He returns or takes us home.

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Steadfast Day 2
Digging Deeper

I love a good courtroom drama! Especially the climax moment during the trial when the attorney is making his closing statement and you know he has proven his case. It all comes down to the evidence and testimony of the witnesses.

Concerning Jesus’ resurrection, we have historical evidence and the testimony of eyewitnesses preserved for more than 2000 years!
Dig Deeper!

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March 27 - April 14, 2023 - Journey Theme #116

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Surrender Day 14 The One We Seek: Digging Deeper

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Surrender Day 14 The One We Seek: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

February 9, 2023

Christ,Discipleship,Faith,Follow,Sacrifice

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

This DD Connects With "The One We Seek"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 14:25-27

25 Now great crowds were traveling with Him. So He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) To whom was Jesus speaking in verse 25, and why is this important to understand?

Verse 25 tells us “great crowds were traveling with Him.” It is important to note that Jesus’ teachings were not only directed to His disciples in this scene, but widely to the large crowds who were following along with Jesus. Crowds were often found “with” Jesus, even pressing in on Him at times. (Matthew 4:23-25)

People followed Jesus for all sorts of reasons: His miracles (John 2:23-25), because they were hungry (John 6:24-27), to accuse Him (John 6:61-64), and some because they genuinely believed Him (Luke 5:27-32).

As Jesus made His way to Jerusalem He understood His brutal death lay ahead. (Luke 13:33) His mission of rescuing those who would trust Him, carried a heavy price, His life. He wanted those around Him to understand there would also be a cost to believing Him and following Him, surrender. Surrender required submission to His teachings regarding the only way to God being through Himself.

Though He knew many would reject Him, Jesus responded with compassion by weeping over those lost in their sin. (Luke 19:41) He loved the crowds because He loves the individual people who create the crowds. He always saw them through His merciful eyes, and He always desired to draw them into a relationship with Himself. (Luke 13:34)

The Everyday Application

1) To whom was Jesus speaking in verse 25, and why is this important to understand?

The crowds following Jesus were much like fan-seeking crowds today. Some may read the Bible or attend religious meetings as skeptics, waiting to pounce on a perceived contradiction. Frankly, the prospect of them genuinely believing Jesus is quite low without a heart shift to begin authentically exploring the claims of Christ.

Other explorers of the Christian faith are less skeptical, seeing themselves as curious onlookers. They aren’t sure Jesus actually is who He says He is, but they sure would love to receive God’s blessings as long as it doesn’t cost them anything.

They listen closely for the ‘requirements’ Jesus presents. They watch even more closely those who have chosen to follow and wonder: Is this real? Are these people genuinely believing in Jesus? Is it worth it?

Eventually, many of these find themselves unwilling to make such a long-term pledge to Jesus Himself. Some encounter hypocrites who deter them or witness the hardship involved for those who truly follow Jesus. For many, the passages of Scripture announcing sacrifice and obedience are repulsive.

Though they may acknowledge a deep longing to be satisfied, they lack faith to see Jesus as the Supreme Satisfier. They miss the Counselor and Comforter found in the Holy Spirit whom Jesus promises for all who genuinely trust Him. This Helper indwells and empowers the believer to follow Him into the great unknown of the surrendered life! (John 16:7-13)

Sweet Sister, joining Jesus is a surrender to His purposes while knowing He is with us. It’s a step toward His wisdom and away from selfish desires. For many in the crowd, this call to relinquish control is a stumbling block, a hurdle, even foolishness. (1 Corinthians 1:22-24) In Proverbs 8:32-36 we see the beauty of answering the call to wisdom; it’s Jesus Himself.

The Original Intent

2) Most believe the Bible tells us to love everyone, including our enemies. So how are we to understand Jesus’ instruction in verse 26  to “hate” our families?

Making sense of whole passages is as valuable as translating specific words and interpreting sentences and verses. Like expanding concentric circles, we begin understanding the Bible best when first study the context of words within sentences within passages within books within the testaments within the whole Bible. (Got Questions)

This pattern of discovery is effective because the Bible is more than an instructional history book. The unique priority of the Bible is its one message about Christ which is woven through every page. Whatever the right answer is regarding our question around Jesus’ words to hating our families, we must never misinterpret who Jesus IS. Herein lies the crux of discovering the original intent of any passage.

Since Jesus is the One who perfectly fulfilled the greatest commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:28-34), most certainly Jesus is not commanding us to do something out of harmony with what God has revealed. He is the One who perfectly fulfilled (Romans 5:6-8) the call to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48).

Therefore, we must dig deeper to define and interpret “hate”. Since Jesus affirms the 5th commandment which instructs us to honor parents (Mark 7:9-13), He is not commanding something different to the crowd (Luke 14:25). What He is describing is the cost of ultimate allegiance to Him.

The depth of allegiance to Jesus, when placed side by side with other loyalties, will look like the stark difference between love and hate. The New Living Translation of the Bible (NLT) offers a helpful interpretation. “If you want to be My disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life.”

In the Hebrew Scriptures, the contrast between “love” and “hatred” was used to communicate preference or favorites. Exploring the translations of Deuteronomy 21:15-17 will shed some light on Jesus’ meaning in this passage. (blueletterbible.org)

The Everyday Application

2) Most believe the Bible tells us to love everyone, including our enemies. So how are we to understand Jesus’ instruction in verse 26  to “hate” our families?

Oh friend, do you cringe at this verse? It sounds so unlike the Jesus we thought we knew or that we’ve come to know! But we must not give in to doubt or despair, thinking He must not be as good as we thought He was.

While it’s true that following Jesus is a remarkable commitment, He has promised to provide for us everything we need to make the sacrifices He calls us to make. And what we need most is His grace. Grace to understand that Jesus is not asking the crowd to prove their love for Him by hating their families.

We know this because, as a God of love, His very reason for coming was to teach us how to receive and give love. (1 John 3:15-18, 1 John 4:7-11) Jesus calls us to is a love for Him that is so deep, all other loves pale in comparison.

The more I study this passage, the more I realize this wasn’t an indictment on those who loved their families. It was a shocking statement to those who loved themselves most!

In the previous verses, Jesus had shared a parable about people who tried to justify themselves. (Luke 14:16-23) In pursuit of their own plan, they missed the banquet and gave poor excuses. To follow Jesus is to hold very loosely the people we love and the plans we make, so we can run quickly to Him when He calls us!

The Original Intent

3) How does someone “bear his own cross”?  (verse 27)

To understand this phrase, we must learn the meaning of the cross in the time and culture of Jesus. Remember, He had not yet died on the cross. To the first hearers, the cross only represented a gruesome symbol of death.

Jesus’ audience knew all too well how the Romans reserved crucifixion for the worst criminals. It was a form of humiliation that led to a long and excruciating death. Here was Jesus telling them the cost of following Him equated this kind of suffering! It seems clear that Jesus intentionally uses a horrific symbol to get the crowd’s attention.

Following Jesus could cost them their very lives. (verse 26) Shocking words coming from someone who constantly drew a crowd. Clearly, these are not the words of a leader desiring to gain popularity.

Because Jesus was always full of grace AND truth (John 1:14), He simply couldn’t soften a hard truth just to keep followers. When Jesus’ ministry went from feeding crowds (John 6:5-14) to talking about eating His flesh (John 6:53-58), He lost some people! I guess so, right?! This kind of teaching was too much for many who had followed Him for miracles and blessings. (John 6:66)

His following-fan-crowds eventually turned into crowds of angry people calling for His death. Some disciples became afraid as they began realizing Jesus’ arrest and death could bring suffering for them. (Matthew 26:47-55) One of His closest friends denied him (Luke 22:54-61) and several went into hiding (John 20:19). The calling to become a follower of Jesus was one that should be considered only after becoming willing to accept a possible reality of losing your own life – the cross kind of death. (Pause VI)

The Everyday Application

3) How does someone “bear his own cross”?  (verse 27)

A cross symbol has lost much of its original meaning in today’s culture, as it has become many things—from a religious icon to a fashion element. Even though for many it is a symbol of faith, particularly the Christian faith, it still doesn’t always reflect the horrors of crucifixion and what a cross meant for those who watched loved ones die there.

To understand the teaching of Jesus, especially these difficult verses, we must be willing to search the Scripture and find Him. Friend, I am sure of one thing: Jesus wasn’t calling us to walk around with a self-pitying demeanor while bemoaning our hard life.

Discomfort, trial, and suffering color every human experience in one degree or another, but the distinction here is that Jesus is calling His genuine followers to a death.

Death of our hopes and dreams and possessions and people; yes, even our own lives if necessary. These are all to be held with open hands accompanied by a humble prayer of trusting surrender.

Jesus’ promise isn’t a guarantee of ease; it’s much better than that. Sister, the promise is Jesus’ presence WITH us! (Matthew 28:18-20) Yes, following Jesus may cost us, but not following Him costs us so much more.

In all my sorrows, Jesus is better!! Make my heart believe!
In every victory, Jesus is better!! Make my heart believe!
Than any comfort, Jesus is better!! Make my heart believe!
More than all riches, Jesus is better!! Make my heart believe!
Our souls declaring: Jesus is better!! Make my heart believe!
Our song eternal: Jesus is better!! Make my heart believe!
Jesus Is Better by Austin Stone Worship

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Surrender Day 13
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We are sinners who have not remained faithful to God, yet His love for us remains steadfast. While Gomer’s freedom cost Hosea a monetary sacrifice, Jesus offered Himself as the sacrifice to restore our spiritual freedom and restore our relationship with God. (Romans 8:1-4)
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Surrender Day 6 Spilling Our Treasure

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Surrender Day 6 Spilling Our Treasure

Meribeth Schierbeek

January 30, 2023

Sacrifice,Struggle,Treasure,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 22:1-19
Matthew 6:19-21
James 5:10-11

“Is it worth it to surrender our treasure to Jesus?” 
I wonder if every person wrestles with this question as they consider the cost of following Christ. 

For me, this question initiates others: 
“How many times will I need to surrender?”
“How many treasures do I have?” 
“What is my treasure?”

Surrender brought to mind the story of the sacrifice of Isaac in Genesis 22:1-19. An elderly man, Abraham had finally received the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Abraham offspring more numerous than the stars in the sky. (Genesis 15:1-6) Yet a few years later, God directed Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham’s miraculous, long-awaited, treasured son. I remember reading this story for the first time and thinking, “No way could I do that!”

This story brings us right up close to surrender. As I’ve discussed this story in various Bible studies over the years, I am repeatedly amazed at Abraham and Isaacs’s obedience and willingness to surrender. Both were obedience; one in bringing the sacrifice and the other to lying down on the altar as the sacrifice. What a beautiful foreshadowing of the obedience of Christ to His Father (John 6:38-40), as He sacrificed His own life to free us from bondage to sin and death (John 3:16-17); the whole Bible is part of the gospel story of Jesus! 

While we are inspired by Abraham and Isaac’s obedient surrender, let’s also remember they were humans, just like you and me! Sometimes, we tend to put Bible characters in a different league, like they were super humans. Yet the truth is, they were broken people, lovingly guided and rescued by God. With the benefit of the Bible and the Holy Spirit indwelling, leading, and transforming us, we can choose surrender, just as Abraham and Isaac did so long ago. (John 14:15-17)

Surrender is hard for all of us, and sometimes it becomes more challenging as we lose sight of the why behind our surrender.     

Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us our surrendered treasures are safe when we lay them up “[I]n heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.” (verse 19) Sure, during our earthly lives, we have treasures, all the things God has asked us to steward. Yet we are to hold them with open hands, trusting God can supply our needs rather than the many things in which we find enjoyment.

How are we able to give generously out of our poverty? Luke 21:1-4 encourages us with the faith of a penniless widow who gave her last two coins to God. Such generosity in surrender of our earthly treasure requires a belief that all we have belongs to God. He is our why for He will sustain us in plenty or in want. The widow knew the joy of a husband and the devastation of loss. She learned to trust and give generously, believing Jesus was the truest treasure, One who satisfies through every circumstance.

Luke 7:36-50 tells how one woman emptied her hands of material goods so she could cling to the feet of Christ, wiping them with her hair and washing them with her tears. She discovered that surrender of treasure led her to deep worship. When can we be women who abandon all pride (and conversely, shame) to worship Him like this? At times, we are very aware of the Holy Spirit’s nearness and we gladly choose this kind of worship, yet on most days, we fall short of deep worship cultivated by surrender. When will we really worship freely? When we see Jesus face-to-face! Until then we gain glimpses of Him, moments to treasure, and opportunities to worship with abandon.

Wise women ask, what are my treasures, and what importance do I attach to them? God says in His Word I am more important than treasures, so in turn, I desire for God to be more important than my treasures. Matthew 6:25-34 sharpens this perspective, making it practical for everyday living. (Have you read it?!) In truth, sometimes I value my treasures above God. Do time, money, or selfish pursuits run you ragged? This is a sign something needs surrendering.  

Deep thought moment: If Christ is the only One who ever surrendered perfectly and remained perfectly steadfast (James 5:11), and He invites me to follow His example, to remain in His steadfastness until I see him face-to-face . . . is accepting such an invitation to surrender worth the cost? 

God asks for my heart.
My heart where all the things I treasure are kept!  

If God holds my heart, the keeping place of all my treasures…
…then I am free to enjoy Him!
…then I am able to surrender each time I hold a treasure too tightly and it breaks.
…then I am able to surrender generously, understanding this world will never supply, sustain, or satisfy me.
…then I am able to surrender when someone else holds me too tightly and I break from the pain.

Sisters, Christ has my heart! In His graciousness, He showed me I was trying to hoard my treasures and supply, sustain, and satisfy myself. He lovingly reminded me of His work at the cross and the perfect sacrifice of Himself on my behalf. (Hebrews 10:11-18) I did not need to sacrifice myself on any altar, or build any altars to put my treasures on…for He is my truest treasure and perfect sacrifice.

Oh how tender and compassionate He is with my heart! Dear sisters, does He have access to yours? Today, I invite each of us to spill our treasures at His feet, surrendering to the One who loves us, sustains us, provides for us, and rescues us!

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Surrender Day 7
Digging Deeper

When you realize your need for God’s forgiveness, the comfort and love you experience is overwhelming; this joy is yours every time you come to Him. Christ never responds to our repentance with, “You again?” He never says, “You had enough chances.” In fact, Jesus urges us to ask Him for forgiveness when we pray (Matthew 6:12).
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Pause VI Day 4 Gifted With Suffering

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Pause VI Day 4 Gifted With Suffering

Melodye Reeves

January 5, 2023

Faith,Relationship,Sacrifice,Transformation

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 1:21-30

21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better— 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.

 

27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.

Read More Of His Words

“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

These words are the inspiration for many tattoos, plaques, journal covers, and bookmarks you might find in the life of a person of faith. But for Paul, this wasn’t simply a motto or mantra. It was a conviction; his filter and foundation for every word and action!

Living as Christ meant Paul preached the good news everywhere he went. His message was constant: Jesus Christ crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

Living as Christ meant Paul imitated His example. Paul explained that if he was to inspire others, it was to be exclusively in the ways he himself was imitating Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1)

Living as Christ meant Paul wanted to know Christ better than he knew anyone else. He wanted to comprehend the depths of Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10) and the length and width of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Living as Christ meant Paul viewed everything else in light of Christ. Because of this, nothing could compare to knowing Christ. (Philippians 3:4-8)

Living as Christ meant Paul knew there was a greater blessing in store for those who sacrificed much and suffered well. He knew what Christ knew about eternal life and the life to come. (Mark 10:29-30)

Living as Christ meant Paul’s life was centered on Christ. Even when he recognized his own weakness and humanity, Paul turned to Christ’s perfection and salvation. (Romans 7:18-25)

Even in prison, Paul drank deeply from the well of Christ’s love. He did not view his suffering as a liability, Paul realized it was a gift of grace.
His suffering indicated he was becoming more and more like Christ.

“For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.” (Philippians 1:29-30)

Just as the Philippians share grace with Paul, they also share in persecution.
Friend, we have been granted suffering as a part of joining Jesus in His journey to glory. Whether we live or die, we have reason to rejoice for Christ is our joy!

Today's Pause Challenge

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down Philippians 1:29-30 after you read the full passage of today’s reading in Philippians 1:21-30. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com). As you write, think of the incredible gift it is to be invited into God’s presence through His word!

2) Choose one of these options to walk into more with Jesus as you make the intentional choice to grow with perseverance and determination!

 a) Write an encouraging note to someone you know is going through a season of suffering.

b) Consider simple ways you can demonstrate a life of holiness in the routine, lived intentionally for God’s glory.

c) Prayer walking is a simple way to begin shifting the eyes of your heart to truly see others. Walk around your neighborhood, some city streets, the aisles of your grocery store, or intentionally sit at a local coffee shop and pray, pray, pray. Pray for the people around you, pray for hearts to turn towards Jesus, pray for your own heart to be ready to share the full gospel if given the chance. Don’t worry about seeing results, that’s God’s job!            

d) Strike up a conversation with someone you know is going through the deep waters. Ask them questions about their season of life and their relationship with Jesus. Listen for cues of hurt and doubt and fear. Ask if you can pray with them right there.

3) Share the exciting, bold ways you are growing deep today with the rest of the GT Community! Our Facebook community page is always open! Or snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @gracefully_truthful

4) Memorize Philippians 1:20-21

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Journey Into Pause VI!

Prayer and faith have always been connected. Faith expresses itself through prayer. Answered prayer is the key that unlocks a life of growing faith.

Paul has just finished wording his prayer for the believers in Philippi. It seems that praying for them stirred his faith to rejoice and remind them his “imprisonment is because I am in Christ.” He didn’t want them to be sad for him but wanted them to know the gospel was spreading because of his chains.
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Whole Day 13 The Hope Of Wholeness

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Whole Day 13 The Hope Of Wholeness

Marietta Taylor

July 6, 2022

Believe,Blessed,Broken,Cross,Daughter,Forgiven,Freedom,Righteousness,Sacrifice

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Corinthians 5:1-7
Revelation 22
Psalm 34
Luke 11:33-36
Psalm 19:7-14

Hope.
Trusting in, waiting for, and looking for.

Those who are broken hope for wholeness.
And aren’t we all broken in some way, big or small?

In seeking wholeness, we easily find ourselves looking for healing from wrong sources.
The Bible talks about our misplaced gazes so we can recognize them and reject them.

We look to idols such as
money (Luke 16:13),
popularity (Galatians 1:10),
politics (Matthew 22:21),
and possessions (Luke 12:16-21).

We try to heal ourselves through things like
willpower (Romans 7:19-20),
sex (Hebrews 13:4),
ambition (1 Corinthians 8:2),
and a host of others (Colossians 3:5).

Do any of these actually heal our brokenness?
Absolutely not. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

We look everywhere but the one true place to fix our eyes and be made Whole.

Only one place exists where our hope for wholeness can be perfectly fulfilled. 

The apostle John described it like this,
“Then he [an angel] showed me the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the city’s main street. The tree of life was on each side of the river, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations, and there will no longer be any curse.” (Revelation 22:1-3)

Of this place where Wholeness knows no end, Jesus said to His disciples,
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. You know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)

Where was Jesus going?
Do we know the way to where He went?
Absolutely!

He was going back to His Father, Our Father God, in heaven.

Heaven, where we will be…
wholly united with God.
wholly worshiping Him.
wholly free from fears, tears, and suffering.
wholly unbroken.
(Isaiah 25:8-9)

This is the place we long for as we suffer many things in our “earthly tents”.
2 Corinthians 5:2 says, “Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling.” We groan because here we are broken and not whole.

Yet, we are not without hope for Jesus is our Living Hope.
(1 Peter 1:3)

Through His sacrifice on the cross we are able to enter Heaven, despite the load of brokenness and sin we carry. His blood paid the price for our sin, cleansing us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior is the key to turning over our brokenness and allowing Him to usher us into wholeness.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.” (Revelation 22:14) Our dirty robes of sin and death are washed clean by the blood of Jesus, “Though your sins are scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are crimson red, they will be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

We live today with our brokenness while focused on the guarantee of wholeness in Heaven. But how do we live today, while longing for eternity? Scripture gives us direction, if we’re paying attention.

Truthfully, I’m not always paying close enough attention. It’s easy to get wrapped up in your own brokenness and the sharp edges of those around you. Add in the broken world we live in and we become even more distracted from Scripture’s clear commands that light our paths. (Psalm 119:105) But the Bible is our lighthouse, our beacon, our “you are here” map with the star planted squarely on heaven as our destination.

Psalm 19:7-14 tells us these things about the Word of God, the Bible:

  • The perfect Word of God revives our souls
  • The reliable Word of God makes us wise
  • The “rightness” of the Word of God should cause us to rejoice
  • The pure Word of God enlightens us
  • The fear of the Lord (as we read the Word of God) is cleansing and proves eternal
  • The rules of the Lord (found in the Word of God) are true and righteous
  • The Word of God is worth desiring more than anything on earth
  • The Word of God should cause us to read, study, memorize, apply it to our lives and share it with others

This is what we desire so deeply at Gracefully Truthful. We want every one of those statements to be true for everyone’s life. We take this verse to heart as we study alongside you, “If, therefore, your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be entirely illuminated, as when a lamp shines its light on you.” (Luke 11:36)

We want the Word of God to shine so brightly in and through you that people are drawn to it and gain their promise of wholeness through faith in Christ. We want it for ourselves, for each person in our ministry, each of you reading this today, and for every person we encounter.

God came to save all (2 Peter 3:9) and He invited us to be part of that effort. (Mark 16:15-16) What a privilege that He would make us co-laborers with Him in His redeeming work. (1 Corinthians 3:9) We cannot neglect this incredible opportunity!

Bless and praise Him always.
Boast in Him, not ourselves.
Proclaim His greatness, not ours.
Seek Him when we need rescuing.
Have reverential awe of Him.
See that He is good.
See that He is Provider.
Keep our tongue from evil and deceit. (Psalm 34:1-13)

“Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14)

Do all these things, not alone, but by the power of the Holy Spirit living within us.
This is how we live broken with an eye on wholeness.
We boldly share this Hope with others so the nations, each incredibly broken on earth, can be healed by the leaves of the tree of life in Heaven.

I want us all to rejoice on that day. So, shine forth your light from your beautiful, broken lantern and give His light to the world!

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Whole Day 14
Digging Deeper

If we have a loved one or know someone living with a disability, illness like cancer, or suffering of any kind, we can take heart knowing this is only temporary for those who trust Jesus as their Savior. My own mother has dementia, and it is heart-breaking knowing she was once a vibrant woman who loved to sing. But I take comfort knowing that one day, she will become whole again at the resurrection with a new spiritual body.
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Whole Day 10 Bringing The Broken

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Whole Day 10 Bringing The Broken

Marietta Taylor

July 1, 2022

Called,Faith,Healing,Holy Spirit,Sacrifice

Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 53
Psalm 103:1-5
Luke 8:43-48
Romans 5:1-11
Psalm 34:15-22

God is calling us to stand up and stand out. 

But not just for ourselves. We are called to let our “light shine before others,” leading them to healing, to wholeness. (Matthew 5:14-16) Who better to speak for the broken than us?

We have been, and are often still, broken.
We have been broken-heartened, broken in spirit, and left with the broken promises of man. But we also know One who is “faithful in all His words and gracious in all His actions.” (Psalm 145:13) It is to Him we lead others. 

We’ve frequently needed to speak 

with broken words 

about broken places 

created by broken systems. 

But we also know the One who “offered himself without blemish to God” on our behalf to “cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we can serve the living God[.]” (Hebrews 9:14) Because of His sacrifice, we can speak of our brokenness while being made whole. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Who better to tell a hurting, dying, and broken world about a baby born in a broken kind of way to a family many considered broken for none had ever heard of a virgin birth! (Luke 1:26-38) Even Joseph wasn’t sure about Mary’s character. (Matthew 1:18-20) How could a baby born in a feeding trough be anything special? (Luke 2:4-7) 

Yet this little family changed the world. This baby, Jesus, grew up to heal and minister to people broken physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. He was the One who would give His life as a broken body on a broken tree for all broken people through the rest of time, so they would no longer be broken, but whole and free. (Isaiah 53:5)

How could we not answer the call of the One who was just like us, yet higher than us (John 1:14), Who gave all for us to save all of us? (2 Peter 3:9) 

He calls to each of us,
“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.” (Matthew 28:18-20) 

We know that as disciples, we are made free. (Isaiah 61:1-3)

This message comes through us, but it is not just for us. Just like He was for all, the message we bring is for all because He is interested in saving us all. 

“He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)

So we stand up and we share how our faith stands out. (1 John 5:4) It’s not because we are great, but because the One within us is great. (Romans 8:11) He causes us to continually reach for Him Who is greater than any brokenness in us. (Psalm 34:18)

He is the Great Physician who doesn’t say, “Heal thyself,” but “Be healed.” It brings to mind the woman with the blood issue. (Luke 8:43-48) Bleeding for twelve years with no relief in sight, she reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was instantly made whole. She was set free from the brokenness that had bound her for too long. 

So let us, through every story, help broken people discover how to be free, to be whole by reaching out and touching Him, Jesus, the only One who can make us whole. 

“So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.” (John 8:36)

“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works[.]” (Hebrews 10:23-24)

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Whole Day 10
Digging Deeper

Why does the Gospel of Mark matter to us in the 21st century? Mark wrote for the Gentile, the non-Jew, which unlike the early church, now encompasses most of us reading this today. By focusing on how Jesus lived His life as a servant, though He was worthy of all honor and prestige, we, as His followers, glean how to be a servant in our own everyday lives. As Christ didn’t use His status as God as a reason to sidestep the humility of humanity, neither do we have any reason whatsoever to not lavishly love and generously serve all people.
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June 20 - July 8, 2022 - Journey Theme #109

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Champion Day 14 The Unexpected Presence: 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 The Unexpected Presence!

The Questions

1) Why is Jesus called the mediator between God and people? (verse 5)

2) Why does Paul refer to Jesus as a testimony at the proper time? (verse 6)

3) Why does Paul need to assert that he is telling the truth and not lying? (verse 7)

1 Timothy 2:3-7

This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Original Intent

1) Why is Jesus called the mediator between God and people? (verse 5)
Paul, writing to his disciple, Timothy, declared “there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” (verse 5) In this passage, Paul explains the reason God sent His Son, Jesus, to the world, calling Him our mediator. Jesus came as a bridge to bring people to God after sin separated them from God in the Garden of Eden. (Galatians 3:19) Matthew Henry asserts, “Sin had made a quarrel between us and God; Jesus Christ is the Mediator who makes peace.” (Ephesians 2:14) It is Jesus who made a way for sinful man to access a Holy and sinless God (John 14:6) by coming to earth as a man and taking our sins upon Himself, though He Himself was sinless. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Erik Raymond explains that “Jesus had to be a man so that He could identify with us, suffering in our place and sympathizing with us in our weakness . . . [and] Jesus had to be truly God so that He could satisfy God’s wrath and secure for us true righteousness and life.” When Jesus came to earth and died on the cross for our sins (1 Peter 2:24), He made direct communion with God possible by becoming the “mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:15) Because Jesus mediated a new covenant between man and God, we are able to stand before God with the righteousness of Jesus (Romans 3:22) and cleansed of our sins because of His sacrifice.

2) Why does Paul refer to Jesus as a testimony at the proper time? (verse 6)
Paul claims in verse 6 that Jesus “gave Himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.” He refers to Jesus as a testimony to God’s redemptive plan for humans. (John 3:16) God sent Jesus to earth to reconcile humans with God by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. (2 Corinthians 5:18) It was this testimony of the Good News of Christ as Mediator and Redeemer that Paul was appointed to share with both Jews and Gentiles for the remainder of his life. (2 Timothy 1:11) The proper time to share this message of salvation to all had come. (Romans 5:6) Albert Barnes explains that the testimony was “a doctrine of revelation that redemption was to be provided for all people, and that it was intended that the testimony to this should be afforded at the proper time. It was not fully made known under the ancient dispensation, but now the period had come when it should be communicated to all.” God’s people had been waiting to hear this Good News for generations (Isaiah 9:6), and now that Jesus had come to earth and fulfilled God’s plan (Galatians 4:4), it was time for Paul and other believers to spread the Gospel message to everyone. God wants us to do the same by sharing God’s message of love and forgiveness with those we encounter in our daily lives. (Matthew 28:19) It is our joy and privilege to share Jesus and spread the Gospel to those within our reach.

3) Why does Paul need to assert that he is telling the truth and not lying? (verse 7)
Paul’s letter to Timothy declares that God appointed Paul as an apostle and teacher of the Gospel, punctuating the statement with the assertion of his veracity, “For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth”. (I Timothy 2:7) He may have wanted to support his claim as a preacher of the True Gospel because he had formerly persecuted Christians until God compelled him to follow Jesus and preach the Good News. (Acts 9) Albert Barnes suggests it “probable that there were those in Ephesus who denied that he could be an apostle, and hence his solemn declaration affirming it.” God chose Paul because of his formerly violent treatment of Christians so he could testify of the life-changing power of God’s Son. Not only was it hard to believe that the staunch Pharisee could become a genuine Christian, but the content of the message was also hard to accept. (1 Corinthians 1:23) Matthew Poole emphasizes, “it was not easy to persuade the Jews that God had sent any to reveal the way of salvation to the Gentiles.” Paul makes it very clear in his letters that the freedom and forgiveness of Christ is for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike. (Romans 10:11-13) Charles Ellicott asserts that Paul’s words “were uttered solely in view of the surpassing magnitude of the message with which he was charged—solely to bear a weighty and imposing testimony to the truth of his assertion, which so many were ready and eager to dispute—the assertion that the gospel of Jesus Christ was a message of glad tidings, was an offer of salvation, not to a people, but to a world.”

Everyday Application

1) Why is Jesus called the mediator between God and people? (verse 5)
A friend of mine was embroiled in a property dispute with a family member over how to use land bequeathed in joint ownership to two parties. Eventually, the relationship was strained by the conflict and all communication was at a standstill. They were forced to call in a third party to mediate the terms of their dealings with the property, agreeing to accept the mediator’s recommendations. Through his work they were able to compromise about the property, repair their relationship and move forward. The apostle Paul tells us that Jesus came to earth in a similar capacity to act as Mediator between God and humankind. The sin of God’s people made a separation between God and humanity that could only be repaired by God’s Mediator, His Son. (Hebrews 8:6) Because our sin keeps us from God, Jesus made a way for us to reach the Father, taking our sins upon Himself so we could be presented as blameless before God. (Colossians 1:22) Because God’s perfect Son took our place, exchanging our sins for His holiness, He sees us as holy (Hebrews 10:10) for He has imputed His righteousness upon all who trust Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21) God still wants us to be perfect (Matthew 5:48), but not in our own strength. Kristen Wetherell suggests “God expects you to be perfect, yes. But not because you can be—because Jesus has been, is, and always will be perfect. He imputes his holiness to you as a beloved child of God.” Jesus took our punishment for sin, but not so we can continue to sin freely without consequence. He desires us to “be holy as He is holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) He gives us the grace and power to obey His commands. He does not leave us to struggle in our own strength; God Himself makes us holy as He shapes us into the image of His Son! (1 Thessalonians 5:23, Romans 8:29)

2) Why does Paul refer to Jesus as a testimony at the proper time? (verse 6)
In one of my favorite novels, Sense and Sensibility, the main character, Elinor, hides a difficult secret. She learns that the man she loves, Edward, made a regrettable engagement at an impressionable age to a woman he does not love, but his integrity compels him to honor the engagement. Elinor cannot relieve her heart by confiding in her mother or sister because she promised Edward’s fiancée to keep their secret. When Edward’s family discovers the unsuitable betrothal and publicly disinherits him, the time has finally come for Elinor to seek solace from her family for her broken heart. While she desperately wanted to discuss her pain with someone who could comfort her, she had to wait until the proper time. The apostle Paul discusses a long-awaited event that finally could be shared with the world when he declared that Jesus “gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time”. (I Timothy 2:6) The coming of the Messiah and His kingdom had been long anticipated by God’s people (Isaiah 53), and Paul was appointed to share with everyone that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies and the law as the Son of God, the Savior of the world. (Romans 8:4) Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection was the testimony Paul preached to anyone who would listen. Ephesians 1:9-10 tells us God “made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.” (emphasis mine) God chose just the right time in history to send His Son to earth to bring freedom from sin to the whole world, and He wants everyone who knows the Truth to share this perfectly timed message!

3) Why does Paul need to assert that he is telling the truth and not lying? (verse 7)
I started a new high school my senior year. Coming from a small Christian school to a large public school, I looked like a bewildered freshman instead of a confident senior at new-student orientation. Unaware that class officers circulated to help students, I was surprised when a gregarious young man offered his assistance. He introduced himself as the senior class president, but I was incredulous. I assumed the class president would look more official, but he was just some guy in blue jeans, cracking jokes and swigging a soda. I voiced my disbelief, assuming he was joking. Flustered, he sputtered, “No, really, I AM the Senior Class President! I’m here to guide you around campus.” I declined his help that day, but it turned out he was, indeed, who he claimed. The Apostle Paul likely faced significant disbelief when he announced that God chose him, who had fiercely persecuted the Church, to proclaim the truth of Jesus to the world. (I Timothy 2:7) Paul had once “intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. [He] advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among [his] people, because [he] was extremely zealous for the traditions of [his] ancestors.” (Galatians 1:13-14) When God revealed Jesus to Paul so he could preach Christ among the Gentiles (Galatians 1:16), Paul’s entire life changed direction. Instead of persecuting Christians, He was preaching Jesus and converting people to Christianity. Some people doubted God could do this. (Acts 9:26, Acts 22:19-21) Paul wanted to convince people that He genuinely encountered the Jesus he preached, and his encounter had changed the course of his life forever. As true as this was for Paul, it is just as true for us today. We are forever changed when the Savior reveals His Truth to us and we surrender to following Him!

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2) Read it, and the verses around it,
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3) Write down your questions
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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.

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