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Mission Day 9 One Mind, One Mission: Digging Deeper

May 18, 2023 by Stacy Winkler Leave a Comment

Mission Day 9 One Mind, One Mission: Digging Deeper

Stacy Winkler

May 18, 2023

Called,Character,church,Gospel,Grace

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 "One Mind, One Mission"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 1:27-30

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

The Original Intent

1) Why did Paul choose to use the phrase “citizens of heaven?” (verse 27)

The church in Philippi was started by Paul. (Acts 16:11-40) For additional context surrounding the writing of the letter, Trevin Wax’s commentary provides studied insights. When studying Scripture, don’t hesitate to use the assistance of trusted biblical sources to  help you! (The Gospel Coalition)

Although a small town, Philippi was proud of its recent Roman history and was “very Roman in its self-perception.” Nearly twenty five percent of the town consisted of Roman war veterans and the town held a strong pride in its Roman connections. Near the end of his first chapter, we come to the first instruction (imperative) Paul provides in his letter, “As citizens of heaven, live your  life worthy of the gospel.” (verse 27)

Paul used the pride Philippians had in their Roman citizenship and turned it around, reminding Christ-followers in Philippi that they were first and foremost citizens of heaven. (verse 27,Philippians 3:20) As Roman citizens took pleasure in living a life worthy of Rome, so the church should take pleasure in living daily lives worthy of the gospel.

We know the Philippian church took the gospel seriously because earlier in the letter, Paul recognized both the prominence of the gospel in their lives, and the advancement of it through his sufferings. (Philippians 1:4-5, 7) “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” Paul declared as he made it clear that everything about his life, ministry, and even his persecution and death hinged entirely upon Christ alone. (Philippians 1:21)

The Philippian church knew they represented their true Leader, God Almighty, while living on earth. It was imperative they lived in a manner that reflected their belief in the gospel message, the grace Christ continually provided, and the truth that one day they would live eternally with God in their true homeland.

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Paul choose to use the phrase “citizens of heaven?” (verse 27)

What does it mean to be a citizen of a country? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “citizenship refers to a person’s allegiance to a government in exchange for its protection at home and abroad.”

I am an American citizen and as such I have certain benefits (a term Americans refer to as rights) and responsibilities under our constitution. The Philippians embraced their Roman citizenship recognizing both its benefits and responsibilities.

Likewise, God calls all believers past, present, and future to a different and higher citizenship than our earthly one. We are citizens of the kingdom of God and this citizenship calls us to live lives that are foreign to those around us. The kingdom of God is an upside down kingdom where we consider others as more important than ourselves, (Philippians 2:3) and believe we are blessed when we have been humble, merciful, and even persecuted for righteousness sake. (Matthew 5:3-12)

The gospel provides us with grace, and flowing out of that grace is a supernatural desire from the Holy Spirit to please our true Leader, living out His calling in our lives. When we don’t live in a manner worthy of our heavenly citizenship, we willingly repent of those actions through the blood of Jesus and begin again to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. (1 John 1:9)

We also wish to invite others to join us in our heavenly citizenship. In his song, “Land of My Sojourn,” Rich Mullins captured the tension between our earthly life and heavenly citizenship:

Nobody tells you when you get born here
How much you’ll come to love it
And how you’ll never belong here
So I call you my country
And I’ll be lonely for my home
And I wish that I could take you there with me.

The Original Intent

2) What does it mean to stand “firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel”? (verse 27)

Paul wrote Philippians from prison and acknowledged the shared experience of persecution and imprisonment for the gospel with Philippian believers. (verses 28-29) In the midst of this hostility, he urged them to “stand firm”. This phrasing alludes to a military call, urging a stalwart decision for a battalion to collectively stand their ground in the face of opposition and persecution. “One spirit” is an interesting phrase and deserves more attention than can be given here.

Although this phrase might mean unity, Trevin Wax’s Philippians commentary argues that “spirit” references the Holy Spirit and “is parallel to ‘stand firm in the Lord’”, which is mentioned later in Philippians 4:1. Theologian, Gordon Fee, also favors this interpretation. The same phrase is used elsewhere by Paul referring to the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18, 1 Corinthians 12:13) Thus, Paul is instructing believers to stand firm in the Holy Spirit.

Next, he instructs them to be unified by telling them to be “in one accord.” The picture developed here is once again of Roman soldiers, but this time marching together in lock step toward one goal. They were to put aside their non-essential differences and work together in unity.

Finally, he writes “contending together.” The Greek word used here is made up of “syn,” and “athleo” from which we get the word “athlete.” Paul appealed to the Roman love of sports and, according to Kenneth Wuest (Precept Austin), uses “synathleo” to refer “to an athletic contest in which a group of athletes cooperates as a team against another team, working in perfect coordination against a common opposition.”

Therefore, Paul is instructing the Philippian church that in the midst of opposition they are to stand firm in the Holy Spirit, marching toward the same goal while competing together against their common opposition. 

The Everyday Application

2) What does it mean to stand “firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel”? (verse 27)

As we have seen, the Greek word for “contend together” is an athletic term referring to a team competing in unity. We can conclude that we also are to be both on offense and defense as we contend collectively together for the gospel. Peter reminds us to be ready to give a defense for the hope within us in gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Paul charged Timothy (and us) to “preach the word” being ready whenever the opportunity arises. (2 Timothy 4:2) Earlier in 2 Timothy, Paul urged Timothy to commit to faithful men the words Timothy heard from Paul. (2 Timothy 2:2) This can be frightening, but we must remember that we are not to be “ashamed of the gospel.” Why? It “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)

The gospel is the power of God for salvation! Our work in God’s Mission is not to save people, but to share the good news of salvation and redemption found in Jesus Christ; it is God’s power alone which saves. We share Christ crucified, buried, and raised and leave the saving work to the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Paul reminded the Corinthian church that believers are servants who share the gospel and each has a role given by the Lord. One plants the seed, another waters, but it is God alone who gives growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

We also must continually be growing in our knowledge and understanding of God’s word because He tells us His word equips us for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We do all of this in community together as united believers in Jesus, standing firm in the Holy Spirit, in one accord, laying aside non-essential differences for the sake of advancing the gospel, knowing the results are in God’s hands. 

The Original Intent

3) What is Paul intending to convey in saying, “It has been granted” to the church to “suffer for” Christ? (verse 29) 

The kind of suffering Paul refers to here is not general suffering faced by humanity because of sin’s effects, but suffering specifically for sharing the gospel and living according to God’s call of holiness.

Paul stated that his imprisonment was because he was “in Christ.” (Philippians 1:13) Rather than complain about his situation, however, he was joyful that his imprisonment was advancing the gospel. Paul’s joy came from two outcomes of his imprisonment. The first was that the whole imperial guard and others knew that his imprisonment was because he was in Christ.

The second was that faithful brothers in Rome became more confident “to speak the word fearlessly” because of his imprisonment. (Philippians 1:12-14, Philippians 1:18-20) This is the opposite of what we think would naturally happen. We would think other believers would be more frightened, similar to the apostles’ fear after Jesus’ death.

Those men hid in the upper room, frightened the Romans would come for them next. However, once Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they were changed men, fearlessly preaching the gospel in one accord. (Acts 2:14-40, Acts 3:11-4:4, Acts 4:15-20)

This same Holy Spirit worked in the hearts and minds of the believers Paul speaks of and they became more confident to preach Christ “fearlessly” because of Paul’s imprisonment. (Philippians 1:14)

Paul reminded the Philippians their opponents were not just opposed to them, but to God Himself, which is much more frightening. Yes, God granted them salvation and suffering, but both were given in grace and victory only through the strength of the Holy Spirit. 

The Everyday Application

3) What is Paul intending to convey in saying, “It has been granted” to the church to “suffer for” Christ? (verse 29)

Have you ever wondered if you would be able to endure suffering for the sake of Christ? Do you hear stories of sisters and brothers in other countries who are persecuted for the gospel and wonder, “Would I stay faithful to God under those circumstances?”

I firmly believe that if you have acknowledged to God that you are a sinner and have accepted His gift of grace and salvation through the shed blood and resurrection of Jesus Christ then yes, you would endure. If we are called to endure and persevere until the end (Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13), doesn’t it make sense that the Holy Spirit who lives in us (1 John 4:13) would also provide us with all the grace we need to endure suffering? (1 Peter 4:14, 2 Peter 1:3)

Jesus said, “So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say, but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11) We have the Holy Spirit abiding in us and we know God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness at all times. (2 Peter 1:3)

Not only does God work in and through us, but His grace towards us is extended through our brothers and sisters. Paul wrote that we are to intercede for one another as well as encourage and build each other up. (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

We need fellow believers in our lives. We need the church around us and regular gathering around His Word and for worship to nourish and strengthen us. (Hebrews 10:25) We need each other to accomplish the mission to which God has called us. 

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church,One Another,suffering,unity
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What makes a group project so hard? Why is planning a family trip everyone will enjoy so complicated? How is it that even when we’re all together, we can still feel alone?

People.

We’re all so different! Having one mind among many people isn’t an easy task. In fact, it’s impossible in and of ourselves.

Often, our best solution to complex relational dynamics, and all the challenges they involve, is to split. It’s to draw lines. It’s to avoid. It’s to make camps and pick sides.
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Posted in: Called, Character, church, Gospel, Grace Tagged: church, One Another, suffering, unity

Mission Day 8 One Mind, One Mission

May 17, 2023 by Bethany McIlrath Leave a Comment

Mission Day 8 One Mind, One Mission

Bethany McIlrath

May 17, 2023

church,Purpose,Struggle,Trust,Unity

Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 12:3-8
Hebrews 10:19-25
Philippians 1:27-2:8
Matthew 28:16-20
Psalm 133

What makes a group project so hard?
Why is planning a family trip everyone will enjoy so complicated?
How is it that even when we’re all together, we can still feel alone?

People.

We’re all so different!
Having one mind among many people isn’t an easy task.
In fact, it’s impossible in and of ourselves. 

Often, our best solution to complex relational dynamics, and all the challenges they involve, is to split. It’s to draw lines. It’s to avoid. It’s to make camps and pick sides. 

“Unified” isn’t something that makes sense, comes naturally, or feels sustainable in a fallen world. But Christ’s mission for each of us requires unity.

Why?

We need each other to fulfill the mission God has given us. 

This need is multifaceted. First, if we “think sensibly” rather than too highly of ourselves, as Romans 12:3 exhorts, we see Christ’s mission requires us to work together precisely because He made us all differently. He gave each of us a different “measure of faith” and a different “function” in the body of Christ. (Romans 12:3-4)
His diverse design is shaped for us to fit together.
As members of one body, we end up being members of one another. (Romans 12:3-5) We need each other because we all have different gifts that work together. (Romans 12:6-8)

Beyond complementary giftings, we also need each other because we waver and become discouraged. God calls us to “provoke [one another to] love and good works [. . .] encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

We fulfill the mission God has given us through the testimony of our unity.

Brothers and sisters in Jesus relying on each other, persevering through differences, and striving together toward one mission with one mind is a sign of and testimony to genuine salvation. True unity isn’t just hard, it’s impossible without Christ. (Philippians 1:27-28)

When we realize our need for each other and work together despite our many differences, our unity testifies to the transforming, reconciling power of our Savior. 

Group projects, team trips, the feeling of fellowship – anything involving people together in harmony – is hard because we’re all sinners. Our unity shows our humility. Our Savior Himself showed us the way, humbling Himself out of love for us to the point of dying on the cross on our behalf. Only He can shape us into those who do “nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider[ing] others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-8)

Christ needs more than just one or two of us, but a whole group of us, His Whole Church, to be humbled, to die to self and build others up. This requires us all to have“the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” (Philippians 2:2) This is Christ’s design for the local church and, more broadly, the capital “C” Church which is comprised of local churches all around the world. Global unity gathered under one mind and one mission, Christ’s!

Our unity in Christ transcends not just the usual challenges of working together with other people, but also the differences of culture, language, time, location, history, circumstance, and so much more. It’s a miracle!

Strikingly, it’s impossible to complete Christ’s mission without one mind.

Our mission isn’t simply to work together because we have complimentary gifts. 
It’s not to humbly get along because we’re supposed to. 

Our mission as Christ-followers is to evidence the One who does the impossible by reconciling us with God, so others will be reconciled to Him too.

We can’t fulfill the Great Commission alone, because it is, by definition, relational.

Christ’s mission is to tell people about the greatest relationship they can have, which is accomplished through relationships. Those who gain the relationship with Christ work in relationship with others to tell more people about the greatest relationship, and onward flows Christ’s pattern of growing His family as He builds His church through His church. (Matthew 28:16-20)

What a privilege to be part of this mission through our relationships, especially in the church!

This truth came to mind recently, when a group of women from my church gathered together around God’s Word and one shared a struggle. Each woman present brought our unique perspective to her situation. The words knitted together. The burden was shared and became lighter as we all worked toward one thing, lifting her up in the Lord. It was beautiful, and only possible because of Christ.

Though a tiny taste of the glory of unity, that fellowship of women caused me to rejoice in being part of His body and excited about this mission we share. May we press into this privilege, with all its messiness, of becoming one in Him!

 

Tags :
church,focus,gospel,mission,unity
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Paul wrote that we are to intercede for one another as well as encourage and build each other up. (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

We need fellow believers in our lives. We need the church and the coming together to nourish and strengthen us. (Hebrews 10:25) We need each other to accomplish the mission to which God has called us.
Dig Deeper!

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Posted in: church, Purpose, Struggle, Trust, Unity Tagged: church, focus, gospel, mission, unity

Mission Day 7 Mission Invitation: Digging Deeper

May 16, 2023 by Stacy Winkler Leave a Comment

Mission Day 7 Mission Invitation: Digging Deeper

Stacy Winkler

May 16, 2023

Bold,Called,Gospel,Grace,Open

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

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

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Timothy 2:1-2

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

The Original Intent

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

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

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

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

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

The Everyday Application

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

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

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

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

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

The Original Intent

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

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

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

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

The Everyday Application

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

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

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

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

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

The Original Intent

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

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

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

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

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

The Everyday Application

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

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

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

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

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

Tags :
church,follow,gospel,grace,love,One Another,Strong
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Recent Journeys

Done Day 11 Reconciled Redemption
August 7, 2023
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Journey Study

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

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

If we repent of our sins and accept the forgiveness and redemption Jesus offers through His atoning death and resurrection, we are commissioned just as the small band of believers on a Galilean mountain centuries ago.
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May 8 - May 26, 2023 - Journey Theme #118

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Posted in: Bold, Called, Gospel, Grace, Open Tagged: church, follow, gospel, grace, love, One Another, Strong

Confidence Day 5 Confidence In Declaration: Digging Deeper

April 21, 2023 by Merry Ohler Leave a Comment

Confidence Day 5 Confidence In Declaration: Digging Deeper

Merry Ohler

April 21, 2023

church,Community,Faith

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 "Confidence In Declaration"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Peter 5:6-11

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your cares on Him, because He cares about you. 8 Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone He can devour. 9 Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. 10 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. 11 To him be dominion forever. Amen.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) To whom is Peter writing and why? (verse 6)

Peter’s first letter was written with the assistance of Silvanus, often called Silas, and circulated to churches in five provinces under Roman rule. (1 Peter 1:1-2)

The people in those churches were living in exile from their homelands and were most likely displaced Gentile believers (non-Jewish). Based on the contents of Peter’s letter (1 Peter 1:3-9), we know they were enduring persecution, trials, and suffering of many kinds.

Peter’s exhortation and encouragement to the recipients reveal he knew a great deal about their suffering, although his letter doesn’t indicate specifically how he knew these things. Throughout his letter, he continually offered hope to those reading or listening (1 Peter 1:13-21), encouraging them to keep their faith and trust in the promise of salvation in Christ Jesus.

Peter addressed believers in many walks of life and specifically highlighted their everyday relationships with one another (1 Peter 2:18-25), marriage (1 Peter 3:1-7), government authority (1 Peter 2:13-17), and their relationship with Christ (1 Peter 5:6).

Peter was intimately acquainted with the cost of following Jesus, and he had firsthand experience with the temptations that come when faced with persecution and suffering. Peter was equipped by the Spirit of God to encourage these believers and remind them to keep their eyes on the hope of Christ’s eternal glory and their eternal future in Him. (1 Peter 1:4-5)

The Everyday Application

1) To whom is Peter writing and why? (verse 6)

Persecution and suffering may be difficult for some of us to grasp, but believers across the globe today are actively experiencing physical persecution and suffering for their faith in the Lord Jesus.

Some Christians are hunted down and killed or beaten for refusing to renounce their faith in Christ. Even in places with religious freedom, there are believers who experience forms of persecution in their workplace, school, and daily lives for their beliefs.

Regardless of where we are, when we experience persecution or suffering for our faith, we will do well to remember there are fellow saints (persons who have trusted Jesus for salvation) around the world who are being persecuted for what they believe.

We are not a single individual going through suffering; we are part of a great host of believers who continuously choose to remain steadfast, holding on to the hope we have in Christ because of the assurance of our Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3) and victory over Sin and Death. (1 Corinthians 15:56-57)

The Original Intent

2) Why does Peter exhort the recipients of this letter to be sober-minded and alert? (verse 8)

The believers in exile to whom Peter was writing were experiencing persecution and suffering; this much is clear. Peter wisely called on every believer to be humble and remain submitted to God’s hand in all things.

He knew just what the adversary, Satan, was like and he painted a memorable visual of the devil prowling about like a roaring lion, looking for anyone to devour. As he finished his letter of encouragement because of the Hope all believers have in Christ, Peter deliberately reminded his fellow saints of three realities. 1) They did not suffer alone. 2) The enemy is active in his pursuit. 3) God Himself empowered them to resist Satan by holding fast to faith.

Peter exhorted them to stay the course and keep in mind there were other believers across the world who were also being persecuted for their faith. Peter knew that in times of suffering and persecution, the temptation to deny Jesus is a breath away, and engineered by the enemy himself.

Peter had experienced it personally. Not so very long ago, Peter had been tempted and denied Jesus. (John 18:15-27) He knew the devouring well, so he warned earnestly.

The Everyday Application

2) Why does Peter exhort the recipients of this letter to be sober-minded and alert? (verse 8)

When we experience difficulties, illness, struggles, trials, and certainly suffering and persecution, the immediate temptation we face is to make it all about us. We easily focus on our feelings, our sense of unfairness, and how we are being singled out and isolated for defeat.

Peter knew; he was human. He’d experienced it. When faced with the threat of persecution and being identified as one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter had caved to the temptation to preserve himself. Not just once; three times. Peter knew what it was like to lose sight of what is real and true, and he knew just how easy it was. Peter knew how quickly the enemy can devour those who aren’t on their guard, standing firm in faith.

The believers Peter encouraged desperately needed the reminder to stay alert and be sober minded, and so do we. If we have experienced persecution or suffering for our faith, has our first response been to press in to the Lord? Or has it been to shy away from discomfort and try to negotiate our way out of it?

Persecution is not always bodily harm; sometimes it can be the loss of our influence or career, or even the loss of family relationships. If we haven’t experienced persecution or suffering, or even discomfort for our faith, is it possible that’s because we are keeping it so well hidden?

The Original Intent

3) How does Peter encourage believers by writing of our lion-like adversary, attacks, and shared suffering? (verses 8-10)

The believers who received Peter’s letter were experiencing persecution and suffering, and Peter knew they were also being tempted by the devil to let go of their faith and turn away, considering it no longer worth the price tag of faithful following.

Peter encouraged them by telling them they were not alone in their sufferings. He reminded them of their brothers and sisters in faith who were soldiers in arms with them, persevering in faith and resisting the devil alongside them. Peter did not give them false hope of an end to their immediate sufferings, but instead reminded them they were part of a great company of believers, all of whom were enabled by the steadfast Spirit of God to stand firm in their faith.

Peter reminded them that after they endured suffering, the same God who called them would personally strengthen, restore and support them for His glory! I can’t imagine stronger encouragement! 

The Everyday Application

3) How does Peter encourage believers by writing of our lion-like adversary, attacks, and shared suffering? (verses 8-10)

Just like the believers Peter encouraged in his letter, we are also encouraged to look at the whole picture, too. Rather than hyper-focus on ourselves and the pain of our journey, we need to be encouraged to turn our eyes to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), recognizing that though we may suffer, our hope and future are secure in Him and our efforts for Christ are not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

While we may not be able to personally relate to the kind of persecution and suffering these believers experienced, we can be encouraged to turn our eyes away from self and toward the whole company of believers, past, present and future.

Together, we are soldiers in arms, and when one of us is persecuted or suffers for their faith, the entire body is affected. We are part of Christ’s universal Church; we are brothers and sisters in Him! 

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church,conviction,eternal,forgiveness,hope,Sin
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Journey Study

Live your truth.

Have you heard this recently in the world around you, especially in the western world? If not, maybe one of these: You do you. Do what makes you happy. Be true to yourself.

What would you add to this list?
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Posted in: church, Community, Faith Tagged: church, conviction, eternal, forgiveness, hope, Sin

Confidence Day 3 Confidence In Fellowship

April 19, 2023 by Marietta Taylor Leave a Comment

Confidence Day 3 Confidence In Fellowship

Marietta Taylor

April 19, 2023

church,Spirit,Suffering,Together,Truth

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 1:26-31 
1 John 1
Mark 12:28-33
Acts 2:36-47
Hebrews 10:19-25

One of the first verses I memorized as an adult was 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” It was the quickest I’ve ever memorized a verse and it has never left me.

Over the years, I studied the surrounding verses and realized those words stuck with me because they help me connect to God and people. This is our mission as God’s girls.

Jesus said the two greatest commandments were to
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
with all your mind, and with all your strength.”
(Mark 12:30)
and
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) 

We can be confident that having and maintaining fellowship with God allows us to do the same with people; this is God’s design! In fact, 1 John 1:7 tells us that walking in Christ’s Light through fellowship with God naturally demonstrates Christlikeness in fellowship with people. 

So how do we go about fellowshipping with God?
I’m glad you asked!

Let’s start with God Himself, noting He has always existed in a community of fellowship as Father, Son, and Spirit. (John 1:1-5, 1 John 5:7-8)
Are we not called to be like Christ, imitating Him?
Absolutely, we are!
(1 John 2:6) 

If we are to be Christlike, then we too must exist in fellowship, both with God and others who belong to God’s family (fellow believers in Jesus). This brings us back to “my” verse, 1 John 1:9. To maintain good fellowship with God, we must confess our sins.

Unconfessed sin places a barrier between us and God.
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.
The one who does good is of God;
the one who does evil has not seen God”.
(3 John 1:11)

We’ll call it “un–fellowship”.
The antidote of confession cleans us, breaks down barriers, and closes the distance between us and God. Praise!

Along with confession, we must walk in truth. (3 John 1:4, Galatians 4:19)
We know the truth by knowing God’s Word.

Jesus prayed to the Father on behalf of all believers, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) So we read the Word and study the Word, treasuring it in our heart. Then we do what it says, otherwise we aren’t walking in truth but in the darkness of deceit. (James 1:22)

How do we fellowship with others?
Another good question!

Fellowship with the Trinity is what equips us with the ability and confidence to fellowship with others. (2 John 1:1-3)

Some aspects of this fellowship are:

  • Praying for others (Ephesians 6:18)
  • Actively connecting with a local church family (Hebrews 10:25-26)
  • Studying Scripture in community (Acts 2:42)
  • Encouraging other with our words (Ephesians 4:29)
  • Authentically loving others (2 John 1:6)
  • Cooperating in Ministry (Philippians 1:3-8)
    *Have you considered ministering with Gracefully Truthful?*

When we actively pursue fellowship with other believers, the love and grace of the Lord will abound within that fellowship, binding us together! (1 John 4:7-12) 

Friends, we are either working for fellowship or un–fellowship.
We are either pursuing truth and love or deceit and destruction.
As believers, we must be aware of who we choose to fellowship.
What are they pursuing?
2 John 1:10-12 warns, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home, and do not greet him; for the one who greets him shares in his evil works.” 

I won’t lie. Sometimes being active in fellowship feels hard, because it is hard.
But it’s always worth it. Take a little field trip to Love Lived Out. I’ll wait (smile).

Wasn’t that a great little journey?
What Jesus did for us wasn’t easy.
It was hard.
It was sufferable.
But, most importantly, it was love. (1 John 3:16)

Christ’s sacrifice of Himself on our behalf to pay for our sin while He was sinless was an act of love by our most faithful God. This same God invites us into fellowship with Him because of Jesus. If we place our confidence in Christ alone, He will fill us with His love, freeing us to share this same love and fellowship with others.

Even when it’s hard.
Even when fellowship with people is painful.
Yet,
because our fellowship with God is always fruitful,
our fellowship with others is always worth the investment.

Over the years, I have experienced both the hard and the wonderful of fellowship, but I’ve never experienced the Lord’s abandonment. God’s fellowship with us is always perfect and loving, sustaining us in all things, because that’s who He is.

I have confidently placed my trust in Him, asking Him to teach me to love like Him.
You know what?
He will grant this because,
“This is the confidence we have before Him:
If we ask anything according to His will,
He hears us.
 And if we know that He hears whatever we ask,
we know that we have what we have asked of Him.”
(1 John 5:14-15) 

Sisters, let us place our confidence where it will increase and do good by choosing fellowship with the Lord and others.
Our faithful God will never fail! (Isaiah 26:3-4)

 

 

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authentic,church,Community,love,relationship
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I had been lying to myself, trying to claim fellowship with God while continuing to pursue things that I knew were outside of God’s gracious plan for my life.

God continued to draw me to Himself, offering me kindness that led me to repentance (Romans 2:4) causing me to turn from darkness to light (Acts 26:18).
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Posted in: church, Spirit, Suffering, Together, Truth Tagged: authentic, church, Community, love, relationship

Another Day 13 Gentle & Lowly Lifestyle

March 22, 2023 by Rebecca Adams Leave a Comment

Another Day 13 Gentle & Lowly Lifestyle

Rebecca Adams

March 22, 2023

gentle,Grace,Humility,Love,Relationship

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Isaiah 46:1-5
Psalm 139:1-7
Revelation 3:19-21
Matthew 11:25-30

We cannot authentically love what we do not deeply know.

I was enamored with my husband from Day 1.
But it wasn’t until over two decades had passed and we walked dark pathways that I had an inkling of what love meant.

I was head over heels in love with my firstborn the moment I saw those 2 pink lines on the pregnancy test.
But my love for her multiplied with every day I spent with her, knowing her, arguing with her, and learning from her.

Love grew strong, fierce, and authentic in the days, years, and decades of learning to know.

Intimate familiarity changes everything.
Misconceptions flee, doubts dissolve, and the brilliance of authentic love shoots through like daybreak when we commit to deeply know another.

Who is this God who has called us to live together in the humble fabric of gentle love, seeking the other’s good, and partnering with them for peace and unity? (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)

He is precisely who He has called us to be as we love One Another as brothers and sisters in the family He calls His Bride, the Church.

He is constantly humble toward us. (Philippians 2:7)
Perpetually extending us peace. (Colossians 3:15)
Continuously
seeing the unseen. (Matthew 9:36)
Ceaselessly
helping the helpless. (Psalm 116:6)
Patiently
hemming us within His love on all sides. (Psalm 139:5)
Modeling
submission to the law of Love. (John 13:34)
Steadfastly
convicting us with kindness. (Romans 2:4)
Endlessly lowering Himself to bear our burdens.
(Psalm 68:19)

He desires us.
He wants us.
Not just to be “His”, another “child” in His family to do His purpose,
but to both know Him and be lovingly known.

Is there anything as precious as being deeply known and authentically loved?

When the Lord Jesus Christ spoke of His own heart posture toward us,
He chose the words “gentle” and “lowly”.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30, ESV)

He spoke these words while describing what it means to know the Almighty God,
whom Christ perfectly represented.
To know Christ, is to know God Himself.
(Hebrews 1:3)

Hundreds of years before Jesus spoke these words, King David penned his understanding of the great I AM as the God who “day after day… bears our burdens.” (Psalm 68:19)

Daily.
Bears.
OUR.
Burdens.

Can we just say that again?

On the DAILY, sisters.
Love Himself,
who reigns in the heavenlies,
holds all power,
possesses all wisdom,
and is present in all places
stoops low to DAILY lift our burdens.

Forever the gentle and lowly of heart lowers Himself to shoulder-level with us only to rise and carry the weight upon Himself.

The weight of our hard things, our broken things, our wounded things, and infinitely greater, this is the God who stooped to the cross, naked and shamed, to bear the weight of the sin of the world. (1 John 2:2)

Do you see those precious words that next cross Jesus’ lips following His nondescript characterization of His heart?
“My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Not only does He carry our burden for us, and our sin for eternity if we will entrust our wretchedness to Him, but He gives life in return! In His humility, He teaches us to shoulder up next to Him, the wholly divine God, that we might learn His easy rhythms of life.

As several of our authors have noted in this Journey theme, it’s impossible for us to live out these One Another commands if we have not first submitted to the Spirit of God living inside of us. This is holy work; it’s His work, and we cannot muster or manufacture it ourselves.
But neither…
Can we live out these richly beautiful, life-giving commands if we do not intimately know the heart of the God in whom they perfectly abide.

We cannot authentically love what we do not deeply know.

Consider the Lord’s own words through His prophet Isaiah to His beloved people.
Come, know Him!

“Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. (false gods)
[…] The images [they] carry are loaded,
as a burden for the weary animal.
The gods cower; they crouch together;
they (false gods) are not able to rescue the burden,[…] “Listen to Me (true God),
[…You] who have been sustained from the womb,
carried along since birth.
I will be the same until your old age,
and I will bear you up when you turn gray.
I have made you, and I will carry you;
I will bear and rescue you.”
(Isaiah 46:1-4)

If you do not know the Lord as a gentle and lowly, burden-bearing God, then come on into His heart. Feast with Him, see His smile, hear His laughter, and confidently grow in authentically loving this God for being precisely who He claims to be in the pages of His Word.

To know Him, is to love Him!
And the proof of our love is made manifest when we stoop low with humble gentleness to lovingly carry another’s burdens just as Christ has done, and is doing right now, for us!

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burden,church,family,humble,kind,service,tender
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May we grow in deeply knowing the One who knows us so well! For the Lord is near to those who draw close to Him through repentance of our sins. (James 4:8-10)

What intimacy awaits those who feel lonely, fearful, and depressed when they come to the Lord to confess their sin and enjoy the pleasure of relationship with Him because of His forgiveness and mercy!

What sweet connection awaits if only we would pour ourselves over His Scripture and meditate on His character day and night that we might deeply know Him! (Joshua 1:8)
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Posted in: gentle, Grace, Humility, Love, Relationship Tagged: burden, church, family, humble, kind, service, tender

Another Day 11 Loving Devotion

March 20, 2023 by Meribeth Schierbeek Leave a Comment

Another Day 11 Loving Devotion

Meribeth Schierbeek

March 20, 2023

Accepted,Adoration,Character,Christ,church

Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 12:9-21
Psalm 139:1-7
Luke 19:1-10
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

What a beautiful title!
Loving devotion!

Where might your mind go as you ponder these two words?

I love when my husband devotes time to me. Last night, as we were winding down from the day and he was scrolling the TV channels, he stopped, looked across the room at me, and asked what I was looking at. I shared quickly, thinking it was just a simple query. 

But he put the remote down, and asked me to say more, drawing out what I enjoyed about the topic I was researching. It was a sweet gift to feel the devotion, be seen in that moment and feel his love in a meaningful way through the gift of conversation.

Does this happen every night? Not a chance… sometimes we are just tired by the end of the day, and all we have is our presence.

What are some ways you feel known and loved? 
Who turns towards you with devotion? 
How can we express our gratitude and devotion in return?

Beyond our human relationships, what does it look like to lovingly devote our lives to worshiping Jesus and loving and serving His people? How do we live as Romans 12:10 instructs, “Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another”?

I don’t know about you, but I like the real-life narrative of Zacchaeus. Take a minute to reread his story in Luke 19:1-10.

What did you notice about Jesus?
What did you notice about Zacchaeus?

If you’re new to the Bible, let me share the significance of Zacchaeus’ job as a tax collector. Men in this role were generally dishonest, self-gratifying collectors who lined their own pockets by cheating their fellow Jews! They were installed by Roman occupiers who cared nothing about integrity as long as Rome got its due, plus more. As such, tax collectors were often considered traitors and among the worst in Jewish society. 

Yet, the Holy Spirit draws Zacchaeus’ interest onto Christ, and Jesus calls the much-despised Zacchaeus by name and pursues a relationship with him! (Luke 19:5) Jesus demonstrates how to love people on the path with us, and we get to leave their response to the Lord.

I loved Jesus’ words in the ESV (English Standard Version) translation I’m reading, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down for I MUST stay at your house today” and Zacchaeus responds by… hurrying down and receiving him joyfully!

Have you ever been in the shoes of Zacchaeus? On the receiving end of extravagant love despite who you are and what you’ve done? Perhaps you’ve heard the voice of someone who loves you and looks your way and says, “I want to spend some time with you today!” This is the Jesus kind of love. This is “One-Another” kind of love. This is the lifestyle love we are called to exhibit in our everyday lives as believers. 

I know for a fact Zacchaeus’s life changed that day by the words in Luke…”hurrying down and receiving Him joyfully.” 

Our life with Jesus is one of fellowship with Jesus, and it begins with the same simple act Zacchaeus demonstrated in genuine, joyful humility: receiving Jesus with joy. Jesus Christ, as God the Son, left His place in heaven and came as a baby to live and sacrifice Himself as an atonement (an offering on behalf of someone else) for us. Our wretchedness caused by our sin nature leaves us and Zacchaeus looking like twins, and still, Jesus calls each of us by name to humble ourselves at the cross where His death covers every sin with His own blood. Have you received His offered embrace by confessing your sin and receiving His righteousness? Here, in this beautiful place of welcome, we get to share Christ’s invitation first for ourselves and then with anyone at any time.

Sometimes, like Jesus on the path to somewhere else, our opportunity to share comes at inconvenient times, while other times it might feel like it fits perfectly in our timing. Either way, the embrace of Jesus is meant to be shared and we are meant to readily hold it out.

Are we actively receiving the loving devotion of our Father?
Are we bringing it into our everyday world?

If you haven’t read #HisWordsBeforeOurs in Psalm 139:1-7, go back and do it! In order to love others as God loves us it helps to know more about God and how He loves us.

What goes through your mind as you read those seven verses?
How is the Lord lovingly devoted to you?
How might this reality shape your everyday life as you serve and love those God puts in your path?

Just as Zacchaeus was, so have we been seen and loved by Jesus!
What will we do with this extravagant, embracing, invitational love?
I pray it will fuel us to exhibit genuine, authentic loving devotion to our Savior as His Spirit enables us to bring truth and love to a hurting world!

Tags :
Christ,church,family,love,One Another
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What intimacy awaits those who feel lonely, fearful, and depressed.

What sweet connection awaits us if only we would pour ourselves over His Scripture and meditate on His character day and night.
Dig Deeper!

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March 6 - March 24, 2023 - Journey Theme #115

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

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Posted in: Accepted, Adoration, Character, Christ, church Tagged: Christ, church, family, love, One Another

Another Day 7 Helping Hands: Digging Deeper

March 14, 2023 by Natalie Smith Leave a Comment

Another Day 7 Helping Hands: Digging Deeper

Natalie Smith

March 14, 2023

church,Community,Family,gentle,Heart

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 "Helping Hands"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 13:5-20

Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I’m doing you don’t realize now, but afterward you will understand.”

8 “You will never wash my feet,” Peter said. Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”

9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 “One who has bathed,” Jesus told him, “doesn’t need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For he knew who would betray him. This is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you. 16 “Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

18 “I’m not speaking about all of you; I know those I have chosen. But the Scripture must be fulfilled: The one who eats my bread has raised his heel against me.19 I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am he. 20 Truly I tell you, whoever receives anyone I send receives me, and the one who receives me receives him who sent me.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why would Jesus emphasize washing Peter’s feet, but refuse to wash all of him? Does Jesus not need to cleanse every part of a sinner for us to be right with God? (verses 8-10)

When I read these verses of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, I see a truly humble servant.Yet, when reading verses 8-10, deeper spiritual teachings seem to exist. It’s important to consider that both Enduring Word Commentary and Matthew Henry, biblical theologian, note that Jesus didn’t wash His disciples’ feet to illustrate how we are saved from our sins and made clean by the forgiveness only God can offer. Salvation wasn’t the point of Christ’ stooping to wash unsandaled feet.

The tension between Jesus’ washing and Peter’s remarks point toward spiritual growth and a demonstration of how to live the Christian life rather than a picture of how one is saved from sin. The disciples were already eating (John 13:2-4), but nobody had volunteered to cleanse feet, nor had a hired servant handled this distasteful task.

They sat on the floor with pillows, as was common at the time, with the stench of the outside road sitting with them at the table. Having planned the evening and knowing this situation would arise, Jesus chose the role of a lowly servant to demonstrate in an exceedingly personal manner what it was to love others as God loves them.

This was uncomfortable for Peter! Christ was His Lord, not his foot slave! Initially, he refuses. But Jesus stressed the importance of receiving His service by stating, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with Me.” (verse 7) Confused, Peter goes to the other extreme, asking to be bathed in whole. (verse 9) When Jesus responds practically that only his feet are dirty, Peter discovers he must be humble in heart in order to truly receive humility’s love. Only through Jesus’ great humility does Peter wrestle with his own deep seeded pride. It takes humility to receive humility.

The Everyday Application

1) Why would Jesus emphasize washing Peter’s feet, but refuse to wash all of him? Does Jesus not need to cleanse every part of a sinner for us to be right with God? (verses 8-10)

Jesus said His disciples were already clean except Judas Iscariot (verse 10), meaning they had already repented of their sin and trusted Christ to be exactly Who He claimed to be as God. They had been washed clean (forgiven of all sin) through faith. (Titus 3:5) Jesus washed the disciples’ feet as an example of how His people were to love others with humility and how all must be humbled by the depths of their sin in order to receive humble love.

We cannot save one another by serving them, but we can point them to the love of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Both the humility in giving and receiving servant-love is a refining fire used by the Lord to make us more like Him!

Before we married, my husband served in youth ministry; together we envisioned wonderful ways to care for others in ministry. Instead, as we moved into life and marriage, we ran into broken down cars, basement floods, and other stressors we couldn’t finagle alone.

The families we envisioned serving were keeping us afloat with their humble service. They loaned us their cars and brought shop-vacs to quickly remove water. When we had two small children and I became suddenly sick, ladies literally picked up their dinner plates and came to our house to babysit.

We deserved none of these gifts, and it was uncomfortable to receive such love from the ones we were supposed to be serving. For years, it seemed others were helping us more than we could offer in return. We can never repay the service of those loving church members who acted like family, but through the humility of receiving, the Lord has shown us how to better give. Serving is not sustained in our own strength, but in His strength.

The Original Intent

2) How does Jesus’ command to wash each other’s feet apply to the Church at large? (verse 14)

Jesus, always intentional, began the process of washing feet noting that His disciples did not understand now, but would later understand His purposes. (verse 7) Allowing Jesus to wash their feet required much on both sides. Jesus stooped low to do the job no one else was willing to do, while the disciples surrendered in obedience. 

 Both sides practiced humility, patience, and endurance with the careful and involved process of cleansing and cleaning up. Multiple times throughout Scripture, and even during this last meal (Luke 22:24), Jesus’ disciples had discussed who was the greatest among themselves. (Luke 9:46) But here in chapter 13, Jesus strongly emphasizes His call of spiritual growth through humility, which is a requirement for following Him with our lives.

Jesus called out the disciples’ pride and mis-focus on being “better” than one another. He instructs that none is greater than their masters or teachers, which was Christ. (verses 16-17) The disciples readily called Jesus their Lord and Leader, which underscored the reality that Jesus called them to also stoop to the lowliest tasks. In fact, the disciples are actually commanded, not to necessarily physically wash feet, but to willingly stoop to the lowest of positions for the benefit of fellow disciples of Christ.

The Everyday Application

2) How does Jesus’ command to wash each other’s feet apply to the Church at large? (verse 14)

It is not unheard of to attend a wedding, youth group service, or other church gathering where the act of foot washing is part of the service. It’s meant as a lovely portrayal of their heart’s intention to humbly serve one another. But what about the day in and out experiences of doing life within the church? When Jesus commanded His disciples to “wash another’s feet” He did not mean serving to end when the feet were physically clean. Rather, Jesus referenced the heart’s need to let go of pride for the benefit of our Christian family.

I have the gift of knowing a sweet story of a local pastor and church member; I hope their story encourages you like it does me! A long-time, faithful church member took on the church’s janitorial needs as a paid second job. After months of cleanliness, people suddenly began noticing problems. There were unkempt bathrooms, crumbs and dirt remaining on the floor after gatherings, and the like.

The attentive pastor noticed something amiss, and instead of approaching the situation with business-like efficiency of firing the worker, he chose to lean into spiritual growth for himself and his friend. Despite his leadership role and busy demands, the pastor stooped low to save face for the man until the heart of the matter could be discussed. Unannounced, the pastor cleaned the nursery bathrooms and vacuumed the sanctuary for several weeks allowing the hired man to receive payment.

This pastor chose humble grace-filled service for his brother, demonstrating his submission to Christ’s lordship as more important than his own authority as pastor. Are we willing to take on the difficult and dirty for the spiritual benefit of one another?

The Original Intent

3) Did Jesus invite Judas into His discipleship circle for the purpose of Christ’s betrayal? (verse 18)

Backing up in this passage, which is an important practice when studying the Bible, we read that Jesus, “knew His hour had come to depart out of this world (…)” and that Jesus “loved His own to the end”. (John 13:1) As both God and man, Jesus knew His purpose. He knew when to keep his head down and do daily life, when to start teaching and displaying miracles, and when to withdraw with His closest disciples.

Jesus knew which chosen disciples would follow Him in faith and which one would move His mission forward at the time of betrayal because of his choice to reject Jesus. (John 6:64)

Judas had every opportunity to know Jesus as Messiah and Lord just as each of the other disciples did. Judas traveled with Jesus, witnessed His healings and mercies, and sat in on quiet conversations where Jesus as He explained parables. Still, Judas did not repent and his heart was hard set against God.

Scripture warns of a time when God turns us over to our heart desires if we continue rebelling against Him, making it known that what we want most is to be our own “god”. (Romans 1:21-24, Ephesians 4:19) Verse 2 tells us the devil put betrayal into Judas’s heart, which describes a moment of being turned over to Judas’ true heart-desire to keep rejecting Him.Jesus knew the heart of Judas from the beginning, still He invited Judas along, allowed him to manage the money, and even included him in the washing of feet before sending him on his way to betrayal. Jesus tells us that allowing this deceit was not in vain, but rather that Scripture was fulfilled, and further evidence was provided His disciples of His divinity as the All-Knowing God. (verse 18-19) He was more than a good teacher and example of humble service, Christ is God and Savior!

The Everyday Application

3) Did Jesus invite Judas into His discipleship circle for the purpose of Christ’s betrayal? (verse 18)

God, as being perfectly good, does not create evil, but He still has control over it, as He is all-powerful. Humans are responsible for sin and the Devil causes much deceit and evil through our human fleshly desires to love sin. (gotquestions.org) Still, God is sovereign and able to use what is already present because of sin to move His plans forward for the good of His people and the accomplishment of His purposes. (Romans 8:28)

Judas-like people are present in both our families and churches. These are people who have learned to mimic the outward fruit of what Christianity “looks like”, but their hearts are far from their actions. Such masqueraders cause much pain. How can someone be so close, and yet, so far from the Lord?

As a child, I incorrectly thought if Jesus would perform a miracle for my dad, he would surely love Jesus. Years later, I realized Scripture addresses my mis-understanding. The Bible describes multitudes experiencing the miracles of Jesus, and then following Him merely for the physical benefits. (John 6:26) Jesus calls out this heart-attitude saying, “You have seen me and yet do not believe.” (John 6:36) The God of all truth is not deceived by outward appearance. (1 Samuel 16:7)

How is one truly saved? Scripture teaches it is the Lord who calls us to Himself and He perfectly knows our hearts. “I know those I have chosen.” (John 13:18) “[The disciples] did not choose [Jesus], but He chose [them]” (John 15:16). It also says, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts (…)” (Hebrews 3:15) and “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31) Call on the Lord, repent of your sin and confess Him as Lord!

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Serving with the assumption of an expected response, especially one benefitting ourselves. This is a business exchange, and potentially even manipulation, while covering up the gross sin of self-serving.

Serving someone with the mindset he or she is less than or “lower” than us, unworthy of our presence, or any other thought in which we are exalted as higher than the other. This is the sin of arrogance. (1 Peter 5:5-6)
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Posted in: church, Community, Family, gentle, Heart Tagged: church, family, humility, Jesus, love, servant

Another Day 6 Helping Hands

March 13, 2023 by Sara Cissell Leave a Comment

Another Day 6 Helping Hands

Sara Cissell

March 13, 2023

Character,Christ,church,Faith,gentle

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 10:1-18
Matthew 20:20-28
John 13:2-20
Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 3:34

Have you ever seen a grindstone wheel used to sharpen axes? Picture a circular stone, mounted on a frame and axle. The edge of the ax would be placed against the turning stone; the pressure of the ax on the stone and the texture of the stone itself would sharpen the ax blade. 

This process enabled the ax to function to its highest potential and saved its owner much time and energy when using it. Sharpening was imperative to the lifespan of the ax. 

Sharpening is imperative to our lifespans as well. 
“Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
That’s right, our interactions with others sharpen us. 

Serving others with humility is one of the most significant ways we can leverage a situation to sharpen us into becoming more like Christ. In fact, Jesus demonstrated this reality time and time again in His ministry. 

Jesus had every right to expect others to serve Him. Not only was He perfectly sinless during His years on earth, He carried with Him all authority as Lord. (Matthew 28:18) He literally could command angels, and how did this God Man treat His disciples?           

He washed their feet. (John 13:2-20)
Jesus filled one of the lowliest cultural roles as He willingly, humbly served His very human disciples. 

Jesus, being fully God (John 10:30), had no need to be sharpened by humbling Himself. However, He modeled humble service because this is His character and He desires to see His heart flourishing in us. 

“Therefore be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
who, existing in the form of God, 
did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.
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,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient,
to the point of death–
even to death on a cross.”
(Philippians 2:5-8)

Serving with humility creates a softness of heart that allows us to be shaped into the likeness of Jesus, and the Lord gives many opportunities to practice humility in everyday life.

Patience with personalities, going the extra mile, serving others regardless of social standing, gender, race, active listening, and the list is endless. Basically, in all real-life scenarios choose “humility, consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

For clarity, let’s also consider what an attitude of humility does not look like. 

Serving with the assumption of an expected response, especially one benefitting ourselves. This is a business exchange, and potentially even manipulation, while covering up the gross sin of self-serving. 

Serving someone with the mindset he or she is less than or “lower” than us, unworthy of our presence, or any other thought in which we are exalted as higher than the other. This is the sin of arrogance. (1 Peter 5:5-6)

Serving with impatience and a communicated sense that another person is an inconvenience. This demonstrates a lack of value for the other person, revealing the sin of pride. Remember, we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made” by the God who crafted each of us in His image. (Psalm 139:13-16)

These non-examples make me cringe because I can easily pinpoint times when I have done all of them. The sweet, and usually pointed, conviction of the Holy Spirit has helped me recognize those moments. When I ask for forgiveness and allow my heart and thoughts to reflect the love of the Lord, I am sharpened and become more like Christ. 

Serving others with humility is not for the faint of heart, nor is it to be confused with abandoning healthy boundaries. We interact with others imperfectly, and healthy boundaries are needed in relationships. If you’re a believer in Jesus, having repented from your sins and trusted Christ for your eternal rescue, asking Him to be Lord of your life, the key to discernment here is listening. Listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit who lives within you to guide you as you seek to love others with humble service. If you’ve never surrendered your whole life to Jesus, it’s just impossible to truly serve with Christ’s humility in real life. Come to Jesus now, with the humble awareness that you need a Rescuer from your sin. Ask Him to make you new, forgive your sin, and put His Spirit inside you to begin cultivating your heart to love like Him!

Jesus set the example for serving others during His years on the earth. We have been given our time here to become more like Him and invite others to experience His goodness in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13) May we humble ourselves to experience the fullness of the sharpening process, for His glory. 

Tags :
church,humility,Jesus,kindness,love,serving
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The pastor, despite his leadership role and busy demands, stooped low to save face for the man temporarily until the heart of the matter could be discussed. The pastor stooped down to clean the nursery bathrooms and vacuum the sanctuary for several weeks allowing the hired man received the check. An act of grace and humility for the gift of spiritual growth before coming to a resolution. Are we willing to take on the difficult and dirty for the spiritual benefit of one another?
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March 6 - March 24, 2023 - Journey Theme #115

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Posted in: Character, Christ, church, Faith, gentle Tagged: church, humility, Jesus, kindness, love, serving
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