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Captivating Day 14 His Heartbeat: 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 His Heartbeat!

The Questions

1) Verse 9 says “for this reason ‘also’”. What is the “also”?

2) What does this passage teach about the “guts” of prayer?

3) What is absent from Paul’s prayer list and what does this reveal?

Colossians 1:9-14

For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, 10 so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. 13 He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. 14 In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Original Intent

1) Verse 9 says “for this reason ‘also’”. What is the “also”?
Paul, the itinerant preacher who moved across Asia Minor to preach the gospel, plant churches, and then go back and encourage those churches to stay true to the gospel, had never physically visited the brothers and sisters in Colossae, at least not at the time of this writing. Paul had heard of them through another co-laborer in the early church, Epaphras, (verses 7-8) and their work to share Christ was known throughout the “entire (known) world.” (verse 6) Clearly, their love for Christ had caught fire in Colossae, and as is intended by God, was igniting others with its flame as they drew people towards knowing Jesus as Savior. The primary reason Paul and his companions prayed fervently for the church in Colossae was simply because they were fellow believers, followers of the same Jesus Christ who had rescued Paul from his own sin and transformed him with a new life. This was not a random group of people, even though they had never met or even exchanged personal details. They were brothers and sisters in Christ, and that was enough reason to come before the throne on their behalf. (verses 3-5) Adding, however, that these believers were “bearing fruit” in their own lives and simultaneously influencing the world around them (verse 6) through the same extravagant love shown them through Christ’s love, and Paul had even more reason to pray deeply and fervently. Because Paul knew what they were in the middle of, he could pray with laser intentionality. Because Paul could identify with them through his friend, Epaphras, his heart was knit to theirs and he prayed for them.

2) What does this passage teach about the “guts” of prayer?
This prayer from the heart of Paul is so rich in content! A few major highlights include:
1) He prayed consistently. Paul did not pray for the Colossian believers a handful of times and then check them off his prayer list. Because of his personal connection through Epaphras, he marked out time every day to pray for them. (verse 9)
2) He prayed for fullness. Depth of understanding who God is as He reveals Himself through Scripture is core to following Jesus. If we do not properly understand who God is, we have created an idea of Him in our minds that doesn’t line up with Scripture. (verse 9)
3) He prayed for their captivating witness. These believers had already proven to be world changers and influencers for Christ with His winsome love. Paul prayed this would not only increase, but that they would know God’s character better as a result of His work through them. (verse 10)
4) He prayed for their relationship with God. As they grew closer to God, becoming steadily more intimate with His heartbeat of love, Paul knew the outcome would be their own encouragement and delight in relationship with the Lord. They would be strengthened, their hearts would be emboldened, they would be joyful, and they would grow thankful as their hearts were focused ever more intently on the freeing gospel of Jesus Christ! (verses 11-12)
5) He prayed the gospel. Paul knew that everything hinges on the gospel, the freedom it brings, and the hope it points us toward. The gospel is not only for those who don’t know Jesus, it’s for every believer. We need to preach this gospel to ourselves daily, which is exactly why Paul includes it in every letter he wrote and wove it into the prayers he prayed. (verses 13-14)

3) What is absent from Paul’s prayer list and what does this reveal?

Often, what Scripture doesn’t say, is just as important as what it does say. While it’s dangerous to take this line of thinking too far (ridiculous example: the Bible doesn’t specifically say don’t gorge yourself on taco bell tacos after midnight, so it must be a healthy choice!), we can wisely look at what the Bible is silent on as long as we are simultaneously holding that conclusion up to the rest of Scripture to verify its validity. In our western church culture, we are quick to pray for safety and protection and blessing, generally intending monetary blessing and physical protection. While it isn’t wrong to pray for health, safety, and protection because the Lord does care about every aspect of our lives including physical, Paul only notes it in a specific prayer 1 time out his many, many recorded prayers. (3 John 1:2) We never once read of Paul praying monetary blessing over any one or any church. Paul’s main focus in prayer was the gospel unleashed in a believer’s life and their continued, steady spiritual growth through Scripture and the unity of biblical community.

Everyday Application

1) Verse 9 says “for this reason ‘also’”. What is the “also”?
Perhaps you know what it’s like to pray for a group of people you’ve heard about. Maybe it’s another church, maybe it’s a general vicinity like “inner city”, or “unwed mothers”, or the “lost without Jesus” or “persecuted Christians”. Or maybe you were scrolling social media and saw an image of a sick child that broke your heart and you were drawn to pray for them. We want to pray for them, we do pray, but when a prayer need becomes personal, a believer’s heart yearns and aches to pray for them, interceding on their behalf. When it’s your mother, your best friend, your nephew, your child, your pastor, your neighbor….we pray deeply and fervently because our hearts love them in deeper ways. Paul prayed for the believers in Colossae just as he prayed for all the other believers scattered across the known world, but then, on the word of his brother-friend, he ached for them. He wanted to carry them along in prayer, he wanted to encourage them, he literally came alongside them through prayer, even though they’d never met face to face. Write out the names of people or groups who you pray for generally, then narrow it to those you pray for specifically because your heart has been knit to theirs. Spend time intentionally carrying them along this week in prayer, while praising God for the way He builds His Body of Church together!

2) What does this passage teach about the “guts” of prayer?
Paul’s prayer for the Colossian believers provides us with an excellent gauge to assess our own prayer lives. As you read through the “guts” of Paul’s prayer above, push against any tendency to fall into guilt or shame (that’s never the voice of Christ!) or the pitfall of comparison. Instead, look for where the Lord is calling you deeper in relationship with Him. How is He equipping you to boldly stand in the gap and pray deeply, intentionally, and fervently? Look for areas to grow in as well as places you can be encouraged because your heart is already chasing after the Lord’s. And maybe? Maybe the person you first need to pray this kind of regular, consistent, wise, gospel-focused prayer over is yourself. Bring your transparent honesty before the Lord, regardless of what your personal prayer life looks like. Whether your spirit is familiar with the breathing of the Spirit as you move steadily along with His rhythm, praying as He speaks to you, or whether you feel intimidated and clumsy when it comes to prayer or how to even begin. Be encouraged that not even Paul began praying these kinds of prayers immediately; every single one of us is on a faith journey to know Jesus better and grow more intimate with Him! The important step is to take one!

3) What is absent from Paul’s prayer list and what does this reveal?
Given Paul’s very intentional focus in not only this prayer, but in his other recorded prayers in Scripture, we should use the opportunity to thoughtfully (and prayer-fully!) consider the DNA fabric of our common prayers. How often are we actually praying? What are we speaking with the Savior about in those sacred moments with the Holy One? It’s easy to rush in and pray a quick “blessing” for ease or healing or financial relief or safety. Again, it’s not that these prayers are wrong, but if these themes are the major chords in our prayer life, we are missing out on the heartbeat of the Lord God. Long for the Healer more than the healing, for the Giver more than the gift, and for spiritual riches and blessing that come through studying Christ and His Word more than the temporary happiness brought about by financial ease. Begin earnestly praying for these good things and see how much the Lord will pour out Himself on you, those around you, and your local church!

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

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 Captivating 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.

Captivating Day 12 Love For The Nations: 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 Love For The Nations!

The Questions

1) How do you pursue God’s will when you are feeling weak or discouraged?

2) How can this Scripture help us navigate a chaotic culture?

3) Why is it so important to resist revenge?

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.  Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Original Intent

1) How do you pursue God’s will when you are feeling weak or discouraged?
The apostle Paul exhorted the believers in Thessalonica to help one another in their daily lives as new Christians.  Paul was very concerned for these new believers.  He and Silas fled Thessalonica because of intense persecution, and he worried about those left behind as they faced hardship.  Paul sent Timothy to check on them and received good word about the faithfulness of the new believers, so he wrote to encourage and spur them on to new growth and deeper maturity.  The new believers were both Jews and Gentiles, and Paul suspicioned that false teachers were likely to come in attempting to sway them from solid truth. Paul knew the believers would need each other in order to mature, so he taught them to be on the lookout for those in need of encouragement or a reminder to work hard and do good towards each other. Paul taught God’s will is to “pray always, rejoice, and give thanks” (verses 16-18) so they would continue growing together as a community of believers with one central focus: God and sharing His truth with the world.  To pursue God, they would need help and encouragement from their brothers and sisters in Christ. The missions of God cannot be accomplished alone! (Historical background from Chuck Swindoll’s commentary at insight.org)

2) How can this Scripture help us navigate a chaotic culture?
The Thessalonians had much to contend with between the time Paul led them to believe in Jesus and the time Paul sent Timothy back to check on them a few months later.  They had to deal with the ongoing, intense persecution that caused Paul and Silas to flee Thessalonica.  Some of their members died, and they were dealing with grief and the confusion about what would happen to their departed friends at the 2nd coming of Jesus.  They also wondered about what would happen to those alive at the 2nd coming.  Some members were also being lazy and living off of the generosity of wealthier Christians, while some were struggling with forsaking all of their pagan ways.  The church in Thessalonica was dealing with struggles particular to their time and culture, but the intensity of need and the desire for answers is something we can relate to today.  They were eager for Paul’s presence, but his letter was welcome instruction on how they should proceed in his absence.  Paul wanted them to keep rejoicing, keep praying, and keep thanking God for everything.  This would help them focus on God and grow in their faith despite the tumult of the times. (Historical background from the Introduction to 1 Thessalonians at thegospelcoalition.org.)

3) Why is it so important to resist revenge?
Paul may have instructed the new Christians in Thessalonica to resist revenge because they were being intensely persecuted by the Greeks in their culture.  Their natural, human instinct would be to get even with those harming them, but Paul counseled them that Christianity does not work that way.  Even in the Old Testament, God commanded the faithful “shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18) Not only were they to resist revenge, but they were to pursue the good of everyone, even their persecutors. This was a mostly Christian notion that Paul wanted to emphasize to the new Christ-followers as it emphasizes the authority of God over each of us. Since Paul himself had zealously persecuted Christians before his conversion, his admonition held particular significance. We are not to take revenge on others, for God Himself did not take revenge on us, instead He sacrificed for us. We are to do the same as we love all those around us.  (Historical background from commentary on 1 Thessalonians from preceptaustin.org.)

Everyday Application

1) How do you pursue God’s will when you are feeling weak or discouraged?
The exhortation in these verses is important every day, but especially on those down days when we just can’t go it alone. Paul’s writing reminds us how we need to lean on our brothers and sisters in Christ who are looking out for us.  We should reach out for help, encouragement, accountability, and prayer as we pursue the high calling of loving a dying world with the love of Jesus.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.”  We are also reminded that prayer and praise can change our perspective.  If we are called to rejoice always, there is always something to rejoice over.  If we pray constantly, we are communicating with God about our daily needs.  Giving thanks even in the midst of hard times helps us recognize all the blessings we have that are often taken for granted. Giving praise in hardship is not the norm; when we rejoice, we are giving testifying witness of God’s good character that never changes, regardless of our circumstances.

2) How can this Scripture help us navigate a chaotic culture?
It is easy to get bogged down by our never-ending to-do lists and constant busyness.  We don’t always have time to take a shower or eat a full meal, let alone pray constantly or lend a hand to a friend in need.  These verses call us to be both intentional and singular in our focus on God. The more we cultivate our relationship with the Lord, the more natural it becomes to “pray always” as if breathing. God calls us to invest in our fellow Christians who may need an encouraging word or some extra patience as they face a struggle.  He calls us to always pursue what is good for one another, which flies in the face of our culture’s “me first” mentality.  While it can be challenging, it is one of the best ways we can represent Christ to our neighbors.  John 13:35 tells us, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  We are challenged to make careful choices about where we spend our time and energy, purposing to help our friends in need, to seek support when we need it, and keep our focus on God alone.

3) Why is it so important to resist revenge?
Paul implores us to be patient with everyone, and that includes our enemies, or those we tend to write off ore relegate to “unimportant”. Why is this patience so necessary?  In a way, revenge seems like a great way to ensure that justice, at least our version of it, is served.  If someone is doing evil, they deserve to get some pay back.  God says, “Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”  (Romans 12:19)  God wants us to focus on forgiveness and doing good toward others, not on how we can make someone pay for their sins. The only one worthy to judge or bring retribution is the Lord God! Romans 12:21 tells us we are able to conquer evil with good; this is how we love those around us! It is vital to resist revenge because by doing so we are taking the first step to overcoming evil with good.  It is a way to get our enemy’s attention and turn their focus to the goodness of God, and it is a way for us to practice being like Jesus.

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

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 Captivating 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.

Prodigal Day 3
A Tale of Two Sons

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 15:11-32
1 John 2:15-17
Romans 3:21-31two-brothers-mo

I fidgeted nervously in the pew, shifting from one position to another. I glanced toward the platform and caught the gaze of an elderly man with a friendly smile. He lifted a hand in acknowledgement and began to make his way toward me. I quickly averted my eyes and began to rifle through my purse, searching for an imaginary object. I held my breath as he slowed beside me, then expelled it in relief as he abandoned his effort and continued up the aisle. My husband returned and sat down beside me as a different man, dressed in jeans and a sport coat, approached the podium. I correctly pegged him as the pastor. His appearance was unassuming and his face was kind. As he began to speak, my eyes filled suddenly with tears. Many years of doing things “my way” had led to this moment and the relief that washed over me was almost tangible. Although I had never been inside the building prior to that morning…there was no mistaking that I was Home.

As I recall the events of that morning (and my choices in life that led up to it), I have to wonder if another storied son felt something similar at his homecoming.

The Prodigal Son.
Forsaking his home, he struck out on his own. He was determined to live his own life far away from the reaches of his father. He lived recklessly and shamelessly, quickly spending every last dime. He lost everything. His money, his possessions, and even his home. Broken and humiliated, he found himself at the very bottom of a pit he had created. Recognizing his helplessness, he finally let go of his pride and returned to his father.

And his father gave him grace and forgiveness. Joyfully.

But what about the other brother?
The Loyal Son. He watched his brother callously hurt their father by abandoning their way of life. Instead of behaving irresponsibly, the other son chose to stay. He worked hard, helping his father care for their land, their animals and their family. He was respectful. He was present. He did not bring shame to their family name. He followed all the rules and upheld the law of the land.
But his heart posture was full of pride.
Legalism crept in and took root. He never saw it coming.

When he saw their father celebrate the return of his brother, he came out with fists swinging.

What about me?
Haven’t I done enough to warrant this kind of treatment?
I never left you!

I would be lying if I claimed my heart has never echoed his sentiments. Do his words bring your own experiences to mind?

Two brothers. Two sins.
Forgiveness and grace enough for 10,000 times that many.
But only one repentant heart.

If we’re honest with ourselves, we can all relate to one of the two brothers. Maybe you relate because at one point, you rejected God’s ways in pursuit of your own way…
only to find yourself lonely and lost, aching for home.
Maybe you have gone above and beyond, serving others in every capacity possible…
only to find yourself weary and disillusioned, reliant on your actions to justify you.
Or maybe, like me, you relate to both.

To this day, I couldn’t tell you what the message was about that morning. I can’t tell you what songs were sung during worship, or even what prayers were prayed. I couldn’t hear much of anything past the whispers of forgiveness and grace that flooded like a stream, cascading over my heart and mind.

I can tell you the morning was less about the message and more about the Messiah.
I can tell you it was less about my sin and more about Him singing over me.
And I can tell you it was less about my fear and more about the Father.

Life. Truth. Mercy. Forgiveness. Grace.

All of this and more await us when we turn to Him with repentant hearts.  He yearns to welcome us ALL, but He will not force His affections on us. He is waiting to speak life, truth, forgiveness and grace into and over every one of us…to quiet us with His love. We have only to humble ourselves and turn to Him.

Father, thank you for pursuing us, no matter what. Thank You for never giving up on us. Help me to recognize when my heart posture resembles anything but humility. Show me how to be loyal without taking up an attitude of legalism. Help me to return and abide in You, always.


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

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

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