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Ready Day 12 Unlikely Abundance: 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 Unlikely Abundance!

The Questions

1) According to this passage, what should our attitude be during suffering?

 

2) What gifts does suffering bring?

 

3) What does it truly mean to have biblical hope?

Romans 5:2-5

We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Original Intent

1) According to this passage, what should our attitude be during suffering?

Shockingly, believers in Jesus are encouraged to rejoice during suffering. In Romans 5:2-5 Paul declares two unshakeable things in which we can continually rejoice. The first is the hope of the glory of God. (verse 2) The second is our suffering. (verse 3) When Paul writes about rejoicing, he uses the Greek word, kauchaomai, which means to “elevate” or “boast”. We are literally boasting, or bragging, that God will be “shown off” through our suffering. That His glory will be revealed is the first aspect of our rejoicing. Then we “rejoice” or, “elevate” our mindset by putting our hope beyond the sufferings themselves and onto Hope in the person of Jesus Christ. This is not to say, however, we rejoice in the actual suffering. For example, a woman diagnosed with cancer doesn’t rejoice that she has a disease. Her rejoicing, or the shifting of her perspective to orient to a biblical viewpoint, would reflect viewing her cancer as the means by which God will be glorified and she will build endurance. In turn, this endurance will be used by God to develop her character, which will strengthen her confident expectation of the goodness to come both in her present reality and in eternity with Jesus. We rejoice that our suffering will show off God’s goodness, and we rejoice, or look beyond our suffering, to know the purposes it will achieve as God works through every detail.

 

2) What gifts does suffering bring?

Paul lays out three specific gifts in Romans 5:2-5 regarding suffering. The first is endurance, which is the ability to withstand, persevere, and “hang in” when things are hard. This unique blessing is received as we walk through suffering. We don’t gain endurance when life is easy and comfortable. Only suffering redeemed by a loving God can deliver the gift of endurance. The second gift of suffering is character. This may be an even greater gift than endurance because the person I become is one who is more like Jesus, and more like the person He created me to be before I was marred by sin. Through hardship, God not only redeems our suffering through endurance, He reveals who we were designed to be in Him. Suffering is the refining fire that burns off the un-useful and sin-wrecked harmful habits in me so our character becomes more Christlike. Thirdly, we receive the blessing of hope, which is a gift like no other. Like a crowning jewel, God uses suffering to produce His unshakeable hope within us. Hope that will not disappoint because it isn’t placed on an event or a set of circumstances, but on the unchanging person of God Himself. As we surrender our suffering to Jesus, He is faithful to redeem our brokenness, reveal our true identity, and then crown us with “real life” through incorruptible hope.

 

3) What does it truly mean to have biblical hope?

The original Greek word Paul used here that is translated “hope” in English means “confident assurance”. These days, if we use the term hope, we are often implying we “wish” for something we aren’t at all certain we will obtain. This definition doesn’t help us at all when we consider biblical hope! Paul’s Greek word, “ἐλπίς”, isn’t pie-in-the sky wishful thinking like, “I hope I get to go to Europe someday,” or, “I hope I win the giveaway I entered.” Hope, from a biblical perspective, is absolutely certain. When people in Jesus’ time spoke of hope, they meant something you could count on and build upon without doubt. Suffering gives us the capacity to hope deeply. As we suffer, enduring through trial, our character matures, and we develop the kind of trust in God that is absolutely certain of His love and our future with Him. If we choose to walk through the storms of life with Jesus, we come out personally knowing His goodness more fully than we did before we ever encountered difficulty. This is a work only God can accomplish even in the most difficult of sufferings! The blessings He provides through suffering are gifts we could never gain any other way. 

Everyday Application

1) According to this passage, what should our attitude be during suffering?
Our rejoicing attitude reflects a perspective shift in our minds. (Romans 12:2) In Colossians 3:1-4, God tells us to lift our eyes above the things of this world because our “real life” is hidden with Christ Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul reminds us our trials are “light and momentary”. They don’t feel light and momentary, so how can he say this? Paul suffered more than most. He had physical ailments, imprisonment, threats of death, beatings, shipwreck, opposition, rejection, betrayal, and more. Like Paul, we can say our troubles are light and momentary when we gain an eternal perspective. What if I choose to look at each situation with a magnifying glass, bent down near to the problems? In that stance, I only see the difficulty and pain I am experiencing. In contrast, when I take an eternal perspective, it’s like I toss aside the magnifying glass and stand up so my problem is seen in the context of a much bigger picture. Even though I don’t rejoice in having the problems I face and the pain they cause, I can see the purpose they are being used for in my life and rejoice in that. In a similar way, I don’t rejoice when my personal trainer tells me to do ten more repetitions of a difficult exercise while my whole body screams out during that exertion. But I do rejoice in the fruit of that suffering and can look past the pain to see the reason I’m enduring. I know the more I exercise, the stronger I will be and the more fit to live the life I desire. Suffering is like exercise that pains us, but in the long run, makes us stronger and more prepared to enjoy the rich presence of God in heaven.

2) What gifts does suffering bring?
The famous author and student of Scripture, C. S. Lewis, said, “We want not so much a Father but a grandfather in heaven, a God who said of anything we happened to like doing, ‘What does it matter so long as they are contented?” And yet, (according to C. S. Lewis again) we have a God who does not, “love us because we are good, but a God who will make us good because He loves us.” The way He often makes us good, re-shaping us into His image, is through what we consider suffering. As a constantly good and gracious Father God, He allows hardship and suffering to come into our lives and then uses it for His divinely good purposes, “producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) In a fallen world where selfishness and sin abound, both around us and in us, suffering is an inevitable byproduct. However, we can be confident our good God uses that suffering, and the endurance He builds in us, to bring about the growth needed to make us more like Himself. Amazingly, here in the heartache of suffering that is surrendered to Jesus, we become free people, alive with radical love which He has lavished upon us. (1 John 3:1-3)

3) What does it truly mean to have biblical hope?
As Christians, we always have hope amidst our suffering because we know our suffering will absolutely lead to fruit within our character. Not because we are amazing at self-perseverance, but because our good God is powerful enough to build our endurance in us, even in the midst of suffering. We know our sufferings are light and momentary when we hold them up to the measuring stick of eternity; this perspective is the gift of faith. When we have biblical hope, we are putting our trust in God, knowing for certain He is with us through even the darkest valley. He will not leave us nor forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6) He will use each and every drop of what we endure to bless us and to show Himself off. As we think on these things, lifting our eyes above the things of the world and placing them where our real life is hidden with Jesus, we gain a broader perspective which helps us remain patiently still while we allow suffering to have its way with us. God is always at work during trials. Remembering this gives us the greatest hope of all.

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Ready Week 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.

Enough Day 12 Humble King: 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 Humble King!

The Questions

1) What is the attitude of Jesus? (verse 5)

 

2) How did He demonstrate that attitude? (verses 6-8)

 

3) What is the fruit of this attitude? (verses 9-11)

Philippians 2:5-11

Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
6 who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
7 Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,
8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
9 For this reason God highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
11 and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Original Intent

1) What is the attitude of Jesus? (verse 5)
Verse 8 in Philippians 2 says Jesus’ attitude is humble and obedient. Jesus is co-equal in the fullness of deity and divinity with God the Father and God the Spirit. God’s singular essence is expressed in three different persons, Father, Son, and Spirit. In Philippians 2, we are told that Jesus didn’t view His equality as something to be exploited. The Greek word for “exploited” is “harpagmos”, meaning to seize or prize something so as to hold onto it. Picture a mighty warrior armed for battle. He has a sword at his side, but he doesn’t choose to seize (or exploit) it for his own benefit or protection. This is a similar concept for Jesus as He came to earth. He chose not to seize all the power and status available to Him as God the Son, even though it was His. As He “emptied Himself”, He did not become “less God”, rather He chose not to seize His status so He could humbly become not just human, but the likeness of a servant. Jesus is both 100% God while also 100% human. When we look at the heart of Christ’s humility, we see its roots are embedded in fullness and security. Jesus knew His identity as God. When we look at the heart of obedience, it is love. In John 14:15 Jesus tells His followers, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” Love leads to humble obedience.

2) How did He demonstrate that attitude? (verses 6-8)
As Christ emptied Himself, that is, chose not to use His full power and authority as God the Son while on earth, He clothed Himself in the humble form of humanity. He took on the role of servant to the world He created. This posture is not new for God. As we read the entire Bible, we see God calling Himself the helper of Israel, or the helper of a person. He bends toward His creation, entering into our struggles and our reality to help us. In studying Philippians 2, we see the depths and lengths to which Jesus expressed God’s humility. He not only came as a man, but as a servant who would die a convicted criminal’s death on the cross. He died for those who would receive His sacrifice and for those who would reject Him. John 3:16 says, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” 1 Peter 3:18 adds, “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit.”
1 John 2:2 says, “He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.” He gave His life as an offering for all. This self-sacrifice is the highest form of both humility and obedience. He loves so deeply that His generosity is boundless as He gives up Himself for us, His beloved.

3) What is the fruit of this attitude? (verses 9-11)
In Hebrews 12:2 we are told Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame for the joy set before Him. What was this joy? You. Me. Our salvation. He humbled Himself so we might not perish, be brought near to God, and made alive by His Spirit. This is His joyful reward! We are the joy set before Him! The restoration of all things that had been wrecked by sin was and is His motivation. The fruit of His humility and obedience is that He is exalted above all names, that every knee will bow on heaven and on earth and every tongue confess the truth that He is Lord. The fruit of Jesus’ humility is our salvation and restored relationship with God. One day, the whole of creation will declare this truth in due time.

Everyday Application

1) What is the attitude of Jesus? (verse 5)
We are to take on the attitude of Jesus who demonstrated humble obedience, rooted in love and security, willing to self-sacrifice for those who receive us and those who don’t. We can try to muster up this attitude, but Jesus warns us that without Him, we can do nothing. (John 15:5) We are meant to abide in His love so that we are able to bear Christ’s fruit.  (John 15:9) The type of Christ-like humility and obedience we are called toward is utterly beyond us if we attempt to dredge it up without His presence, power, and love as the source of our motivation and capability. When we abide in Christ, and are rooted and grounded in His love (Ephesians 3:17), we have security in our identity as His beloved children (Ephesians 1:5-13) and are capable of humbling ourselves as He did because He has changed our heart desire to follow the God we trust and love, just as Jesus did.

2) How did He demonstrate that attitude? (verses 6-8)
Jesus demonstrated His humility by choosing to come to earth as a servant and by ultimately going to the cross. We are invited by Him to follow His example and deny ourselves, for the love of Him and others, as we take up our cross and follow Him. (Matthew 16:24) The meaning of this invitation and exhortation should drive the way we walk through everyday life. To pick up our cross, is to imply that we will not hesitate to cheerfully and willingly bear persecutions, troubles, distresses just as our Savior did. Jesus bore the cross; He took it up and laid Himself upon it in all humility. He did not do this stoically or easily, but He did it willingly and with great humility and love. When we follow Jesus, we ultimately become the type of people who are also willing to die to ourselves as we follow Him. Those who follow Jesus are to consider others as more important than themselves (Philippians 2:3), choosing to live sacrificially because they are filled with the kind of love that pours out freely.

3) What is the fruit of this attitude? (verses 9-11)
The fruit of Jesus’ humble, loving obedience is our restoration to God and also the rightful exaltation of Him above all else. For us, the fruit is surprisingly similar. In James 4:10 we are told to humble ourselves before the Lord and He will exalt us. He lifts us when we bow to Him. When we do not insist on our own way (1 Corinthians 13:15) we bend as Jesus did, making room for God’s way. The fruit of our bending is a character more formed to the likeness of Jesus and it can even have the extended fruit of reaching others for Jesus. Many turn away from Jesus because of the pride of His people. Jesus chided the pharisees for this sin over and over. (Matthew 23, Luke 11:37-54, Mark 12:35-40, Luke 20:45-47) When a Christian has the attitude of Jesus, however, one of humble servitude, combined with obedient love, people who don’t yet know Jesus will see something unique and be drawn to Him through what they see of Him alive in us. (John 13:35)

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

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 Enough 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.

Worship VIII Day 11 Authentic Worship

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Worship VIII Day 11 Authentic Worship

Lesley Crawford

March 22, 2021

Adoration,Called,God,Holy Spirit,Hope,Jesus,Joy,Longing,Peace,Praise,Sing,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 13
Psalm 103
John 4:23-24
Romans 12:1-2

What do you think of when you hear the word “worship?”

Though a popular topic among Christians, worship can be difficult to define. For many, our minds immediately turn to music. Whether it’s through classic hymns or modern songs, we often associate worship with gathering together to sing praise to God.

That’s certainly one aspect of worship, but I’ve come to realise there’s more. Because I was a musician, I’ve often been asked to “lead worship” in different contexts . . . but to be an effective leader, I had to discover the fuller, deeper meaning of worship.  

It turns out, while music is often an expression of worship, it’s really more about our attitudes and our hearts.

My favourite definition of worship comes from William Temple, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1942-44:
“Worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of the conscience by His holiness; the nourishment of mind with His truth; the purifying of imagination by His beauty; the opening of the heart to His love; the surrender of will to His purpose – all this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable.”

Worship is so much more than just singing! In fact, Isaiah revealed how unimpressed God was with His people’s “worship” when their words did not reflect the attitude of their hearts:
“These people approach me with their speeches to honor me with lip-service, yet their hearts are far from me.” (Isaiah 29:13)

Generations later, Jesus explained that true worshippers “worship the Father in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23) 

So, we’re called to authentic worship, but what does that mean?

First, the object of our worship matters, because we all worship something. What is most valuable to us? We might be tempted to devote ourselves to a relationship, career, wealth, or success, but true worship is valuing God above all else.

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God.” (Psalm 42:1)

Next, authentic worship means responding to the truth of who God is, coming to Him in reverent acknowledgment that He is God, and we are not. It is recognising His holiness and our sinfulness.

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.”  (Psalm 29:2)

True worship is also honest. It entails coming as we really are, rather than pretending or putting on a show. 

It can be tempting to judge our worship by our feelings. How strongly do we feel our connection with God, how clearly do we sense God speaking, or how intensely do we feel the emotion behind our words. But God doesn’t judge our worship this way.

Instead, He invites us to come as we are, through Jesus (Ephesians 2:13), regardless of our feelings.

The psalms provide examples of people approaching God in all kinds of situations and a variety of emotions. Sometimes, the people of God turn to Him rejoicing and praise bubbling forth effortlessly. (Psalm 103)

Other times, they come weeping, pleading for help or justice, fearful or angry about their circumstances, and full of doubts and questions. (Psalm 13) 

The common thread woven into their worship is God’s children coming as they are. Their worship does not deny the challenges they face or the turmoil they are feeling, rather
they choose to turn their focus to God in the midst of hardship.

Many psalms begin in anguish, but as the writers bring their situations before God, they come around to a place of praise. Nothing has changed about their situations, but authentic worship moves them to the place of finding hope in God, and reasons to praise Him, even in difficult times.

Worship is not measured by our feelings, but it does involve bringing our feelings, in all honesty, to God.

Finally, true worship is not confined to church gatherings or focused times of prayer. Authentic worship lives not only in our words, but in our actions, in the way we live our lives.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Worship leader, Matt Redman, sums it up well in this quote from his foreword for R.T. Kendall’s book, Worshipping God,
“The song God loves most of all is the one that is not merely found on our lips, but is echoed by our thoughts, words, and deeds.”

Together, let’s turn our hearts to God alone, approaching Him with gratitude in joy and honest vulnerability in suffering. May the hope and peace we find in declaring His transcendent goodness lead us into lives defined by authentic worship.

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attitude,authentic,deeper,gratitude,hearts,honest,Leader,rejoicing,Submission
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Chase Day 14 Great Lengths: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

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Journey Study?
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Psalm 113 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
    praise the name of the Lord!

2 Blessed be the name of the Lord
    from this time forth and forevermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting,
    the name of the Lord is to be praised!

4 The Lord is high above all nations,
    and his glory above the heavens!
5 Who is like the Lord our God,
    who is seated on high,
6 who looks far down
    on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust
    and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 to make them sit with princes,
    with the princes of his people.
9 He gives the barren woman a home,
    making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!

The Questions

1) What sections is this psalm broken into?

2) What does it mean to “bless the Lord”?

3) Are verses 7-9 a promise that everyone who is poor or barren will gain wealth or children?

The Findings for Intention

1) What sections is this psalm broken into?
Psalms are poetic and largely employ a various number of literary techniques in their composition. Their main goal, other than to emotionally relate to God, was to give God’s people a songbook that was rich with God’s character traits to remind them who He was to them, and who they were to Him. Psalm 113 is broken into 3 sections with one main theme. Its overarching theme is adoration for God, which is noted like bookends at both the beginning and end of the song. The first section leans into the theme of praise, reminding us to praise God at all times, both from a big picture perspective (“beginning of time and forever more”), as well as the regular, everyday part of our lives (“from the rising of the sun, to its setting”). Section two is from verses 4-6 and focuses on 1 of 2 reasons given for why we praise God, which is simply because of who He is as the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-seeing Lord of All! The final section is found in verses 7-9, which give a second reason for praising God; His intimate interaction with humanity. The paradox is incredible! The Ruler of all creation, who Himself sits “high above” all nations, is intimately acquainted with every detail of our lives, and moves and acts for our benefit!

2) What does it mean to “bless the Lord”?
The idea of “blessing the Lord” is extremely common in the psalms, but also found in other places in Scripture too. It’s the idea of intentionally choosing to bring God the worship of your heart. This psalm in particular focuses on the timing of bringing that gift of worship, noting that the Lord is worthy of our worship regardless of our circumstances, emotions, relationships, or social status. We are always His beloved and He will always be worthy of our adoration.

3) Are verses 7-9 a promise that everyone who is poor or barren will gain wealth or children?
In a word, no. 🙂  When we read verses like these, it’s extremely important to keep context and purpose in mind to understand the intention of the words. The psalm only calls out two distinct circumstances, poverty and barrenness, but these would have ranked quite high on the list of “desperate needs” for people of that culture. It’s also important to note that the psalmist is calling on the lowest people of society and joyfully declaring the truth that God sees even them.

The Everyday Application

1) What sections is this psalm broken into?
The paradox in this psalm is incredible! The Ruler of all creation, who Himself sits “high above all nations”, is intimately acquainted with every detail of our lives, and moves and acts for our benefit! Sometimes, we find it honestly hard to praise God, both in big things (like cancer, death, or a broken relationship) and in small things (cheerios all over the floor, dirty socks left by the laundry basket, legos on the floor, or being late). But this psalm reminds us that God is God of all things big and small, and is present in every moment, no matter its significance. Next time you’re stressed and ready to worry or cry or get angry, remember who your God is and who you are to him: precious and deeply loved!

2) What does it mean to “bless the Lord”?
Job, who was extremely wealthy and successful lost everything and everyone dear to him, yet he chose to “bless the Lord”, realizing that God was still worthy of praise, despite how he felt and what he had lost. (Job 1:21) What are your circumstances in this moment? Whether they are extreme on one end or the other of the “happy” scale, or you’re content somewhere in the middle, now is the time to bless and worship Him! Sad? Worship Him. Angry? Worship Him. Giddy? Worship Him. Excited? Worship Him. Worship calls us away from our incessant desire to focus intently on ourselves and our pace of life, and shifts our heart to a place of peace, of quiet, of straightening of priorities as we gaze on the glories of our Maker! Try it! You won’t be disappointed!

3) Are verses 7-9 a promise that everyone who is poor or barren will gain wealth or children?
When studying the Bible, we should take care to always ask 3 questions. What does this passage teach me about God, about His people as a whole, and finally, about myself? A biblically accurate takeaway would be for us to see that because God’s character is benevolent and kind, He sees our biggest needs, and moves to care for us. Far from being promises of monetary and physical prosperity, the intention of these verses is to point to a God who sees every unique situation and circumstance. He sees every longing of our heart and has the highest regard for every single person, whether male or female, black or white, CEO or a blue-collar worker or a homeless man on the corner. No situation and no person is unknown or unseen to the Lord God! Walk confidently today, knowing that your God sees you and knows you, values you, and is working for your good!

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I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

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

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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.
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Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Chase!