Gracefully Truthful

  • #HisWordsBeforeOurs
  • contact@gracefullytruthful.com
  • Register!
  • Today’s Journey
  • Previous Journeys
  • Faces of Grace
  • GT Bookstore
  • Our Mission
    • Our Mission
    • #HisWordsBeforeOurs
    • Our Beliefs
    • Translations Matter
    • #GTGoingGlobal
    • Our Team
#GTGoingGlobal

Confession

Surrender Day 9 Image Unfiltered: Digging Deeper

February 2, 2023 by Mandy Farmer Leave a Comment

Surrender Day 9 Image Unfiltered: Digging Deeper

Mandy Farmer

February 2, 2023

Anchored,Covenant,Forgiven,Healing,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 "Image Unfiltered"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 3:22-30

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the Judean countryside, where he spent time with them and baptized.

23 John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were coming and being baptized, 24 since John had not yet been thrown into prison.

25 Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification. 26 So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing—and everyone is going to him.”

27 John responded, “No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did Jesus go to the countryside and baptize? (verse 22)

John’s gospel was written for the purpose of revealing the Son of God to mankind. By this point in chapter 3, Jesus had performed His first miracle and been baptized by John revealing Jesus’ identity as the Father’s Beloved Son.

Jesus had overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple and chosen His twelve disciples. Word was quickly spreading about Him and a stir was created among the religious elite, one of whom was Nicodemus, who covertly met Jesus at night with questions. He wanted to be sure of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. This story of Jesus has become a cornerstone of Scripture.

It’s a great place to point people to Jesus as He self-identifies as the Son of God. Much had happened in a short time for Jesus, and a quiet place to rest was needed; though He was fully God, He was also fully human. He needed a chance to build a bond with His disciples. Moving into the countryside would have provided this opportunity. Here Jesus’ disciples began baptizing under Jesus’ authority (John 4:1-2) to confirm and validate baptism as an outward necessary identifier of following Jesus. Baptism was a symbol of repentance John used, and Jesus’ disciples followed suit under Christ’s authority.

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Jesus go to the countryside and baptize? (verse 22)

Just as Jesus escaped the busy demands of life and ministry for solitude and reflection, it is vitally important for us to find those quiet times, especially after an important public event or big expenditure of physical, emotional, and mental resources. The greater the expenditure of ourselves, the more important for us to get away to reflect. There is always a “down” after a “high” and we must take care not to allow Satan to neither pull us into depression nor elevate us into thinking how “great we are”.

We must take time to reflect on the work God has done, giving Him the glory for the work, and allowing Him to refuel us. Because we are human, we simply need time to rest. God provided this example from the beginning of time when He rested from His work on the seventh day. Concerning baptism, it is much like when Joshua set up stones of remembrance. Joshua’s stones of remembrance are just one monument in a series of memorials commemorating the mighty acts of God on behalf of the people of Israel. Explore these other memorials!

Passover (Exodus 13:3–6); Receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 24:4); Crossing The Jordan River (Deuteronomy 27:1–8); Possessing the Land of Canaan and God’s Covenant (Joshua 22:9–12; Joshua 24:24–28); Victory at Mizpah (1 Samuel 7:12). To everyone else, the stones were just a heap of rubble, but to the people of God, they were a constant reminder that Yahweh was a personal and powerful God, working wonders on behalf of His people. (gotquestions.org)

Believers in Jesus are baptized to make a public statement of our faith and a reminder for us that we have covenanted to serve the Lord. Do you remember that day?

The Original Intent

2) Why were John’s disciples concerned about purification and Jesus baptizing? (verse 25)

The Scriptures first introduced the ritual of purification in Exodus 30:17-21. This Mosaic law commanded the priests to cleanse themselves before entering the tent of meeting or approaching the altar. When John introduced baptism as a means of marking oneself out as a follower of God, it was not at all strange. But the terrain changed after Jesus was baptized, was identified as the Son of God, and His disciples also began baptizing. This concerned John’s disciples because Jesus was drawing greater crowds than John and discussions arose about whose baptism was better, John’s or Jesus’. John quickly put a stop to this discussion because he knew his ministry was intentionally ending while Jesus’ ministry was beginning.

John was the forerunner of Christ; meaning he was only meant to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry. John fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy as “A voice of one crying out…” (Isaiah 40:3) John was overjoyed for this transition because it evidenced his job was complete. He had accomplished what God ordained for him to do, Preach Jesus! The Believer’s Bible Commentary mentions that when Paul came to Ephesus and spoke with the believers there, they raised the question of baptism. (Acts 19:1-6) “When the apostle raised the question of baptism, he found out that these men knew only about John’s baptism. In other words, the extent of their knowledge was that the Messiah was at hand, and they had signified their repentance by baptism as a necessary preparation for receiving Him as King. They did not know that Christ had died, had been buried, and had risen from the dead and ascended back to heaven, and that He had sent the Holy Spirit. 

Paul explained all this to them. He reminded them that when John baptized with the baptism of repentance, he urged them to believe … on Christ Jesus.” (William McDonald, The Believer’s Bible Commentary)

The Everyday Application

2) Why were John’s disciples concerned about purification and Jesus baptizing? (verse 25)

At first glance, this verse about purification seemed out of context to me. I had simplified the sacrament of baptism to a public proclamation of our salvation, which it is, but I did not connect it with the Old Testament concept of purification. So, what does water baptism represent? Let’s look a little deeper.

When a person is baptized by water, they are immersed or “covered over” with water. Water baptism represents the complete washing away of our sins. Immersion into the water represents death to our sins; our old way of living life is buried. When we rise from the water, it represents that just as Christ was raised, we, too, are raised from death into new life. (Romans 6:3-4) (Guzik, Enduring Word)

John’s baptism was for repentance, preparing the way to trust Christ for full salvation. Jesus’ baptism was for salvation and new life. This new life begins when the Holy Spirit enters our hearts and lives (baptism by His fire) as we confess Him as our Savior and repent of our sin. Water washes us clean, but dirt (sin) can return, and we need to wash again. This was the case for everyone up to the death and resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Fire (the Spirit of God) burns away sin and makes us pure (like gold or silver), accomplishing what water alone cannot. (1 Peter 1:3-9) The Holy Spirit then gives “us everything required for life and godliness”. (2 Peter 1:3)

The Original Intent

3) Why would John say, “He must increase, and I must decrease”? (verse 30)

John the Baptist understood it was good for him to become less visible and known in order for Jesus to become more visible and known. 

He recognized it was time for his ministry to lessen and Jesus’ ministry to flourish. John did not quit his work at this time, but he desired that everything he did pointed to Jesus, the pinnacle of his life’s work. He knew God had ordained his life to prepare others for Jesus, and he delighted in this! (David Guzik, Enduring Word)

The Everyday Application

3) Why would John say, “He must increase, and I must decrease”? (verse 30)

John the Baptist exemplifies for us it is possible to be popular and successful while still humble. He is a true example of humility for us.

In 2015, John 3:30 was my theme verse accompanying my word of the year (One Word), “Less”. The Lord gave me this word to prepare me for what was to come. I was dealing with chronic illness and slowly realizing I needed to give up increasingly more of my leadership roles.

So many things became less in our lives right down to Michael’s pastoral position, losing our place to live, having to downsize our lives, losing salary and benefits which led to no money in the bank account. God had prepared us to live “less” by the sustenance of His humility and grace. Becoming less is a characteristic meant to apply to all who claim to follow Christ, especially as we relate to each other within the church.

In our shared ministry, Michael and I often trained up people to go on and do greater things than us. We were thrilled to witness this! We have seen this in small churches, as well. We called them “sending churches”. They never rose above 75 people, but so many preachers, missionaries, and leaders came to these churches, found the Lord and moved on to do remarkable things.

This is the “significance of purpose” John the Baptist embraced, and we find delight when we do the same; humility is key to the Christian’s satisfying life.

Tags :
Confession,forgiveness,Remember,victory
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Another Day 14 Gentle & Lowly Lifestyle: Digging Deeper
March 23, 2023
Another Day 13 Gentle & Lowly Lifestyle
March 22, 2023
Another Day 12 Loving Devotion: Digging Deeper
March 21, 2023

Surrender Day 8 Journey Study

When Jesus came into the world, He brought His light to shine in the darkness. (John 1:1-5) He didn’t need to “create a persona” because He is the image of the living invisible God. (Colossians 1:15-16) Real beauty. The perverse dark world, blinded by its sin, shrieks at the light and beauty of Jesus.

We are pressured to conform to a worldly concept of shiny perfection, with all of our messy parts hidden.
Join The Journey!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

  • prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
Jan 23 - Feb 10, 2023 - Journey Theme #113

Join a GT POD!

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!

  • gtpods@gracefullytruthful.com
Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!
Posted in: Anchored, Covenant, Forgiven, Healing, Heart Tagged: Confession, forgiveness, Remember, victory

Eden Day 11 The Blame Game

May 2, 2022 by Lori Meeks Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 3
Psalms 51
John 10:1-13
Romans 8:31-39

Eden, Day 11

Sin.
It’s an ugly word.
We often try to avoid it, saying instead: I messed up, my temper got the best of me, I was hangry, rules are just suggestions.

Reading the Old Testament fascinates me, because it’s easy to see not much has changed since the beginning of time.

For example, consider the conversation between God and Adam in Genesis 3:8-10 (emphasis mine) regarding sin:
“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. So the LORD God called out to the man and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ 

And he said, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.’”

Can’t you imagine this happening today?
During those times when I try to “hide” from God because of my sin, I imagine God whispering to my soul, “Hey Lori, whatcha’ doin over there?”
I imagine replying, “Hiding from you God, duh.”
Joking aside, we all do this. Much like Adam and Eve, in our sin, we try to hide from God, hoping He won’t notice.

But God does notice. In Genesis 3, we see God gently nudging Adam to come clean by asking some pointed questions:
“Where are you?” (verse 9)
“Who told you that you were naked?” (verse 11)
“Did you eat from that tree I commanded you not to eat from?” (verse 11)

Still, Adam won’t admit his sin. He sidesteps God’s first question about his nakedness; instead, launching into “it wasn’t my fault,” beginning the first blame game. (Genesis 3:12) And don’t we do this? Yet we cannot hide from God, or fool Him with blame-shifting. He sees us exactly as we are: naked, exposed, and afraid.

I think of our youngest daughter when I read this story. From an early age she came to us, without prompting, to admit she (or her sister) had done something wrong. Given her second-born-child tendency to push boundaries, this happened often!

As a parent, this was a pretty sweet gig. We could rest assured that if either child had transgressed, our youngest would let us know long before we would find out on our own. Thinking back, I have no idea where this behavior came from, because I have always been a “rules are basically suggestions” kind of girl.

But she was nearly always compelled to admit her wrongdoing,
and when you think about it, isn’t this exactly how we should be with God!
Unlike us parents, God already knows when we sin,
and He wants our honest confession.

Psalm 51 is a great example of confessing sin that stems from true heartfelt repentance. When confronted with his sin, verse 4 describes King David acknowledging it by saying to God,

“Against You—You alone—I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight. So You are right when you pass sentence; You are blameless when You judge.”

Like Adam and Eve and King David, we too have a sneaky enemy who twists God’s words, tempting us into sin. John 10:10 tells us our enemy is coming to “steal and kill and destroy.” Therefore, we need to be on guard, ready to meet the lies of the enemy with God’s truth. In this same verse, Jesus also says, “I have come so that [you] may have life and have it in abundance.” Instead of agonizing over our sin or trying to hide it, we can come before our gracious Savior and confess, “I have sinned, Jesus, and I’m sorry.”

Indeed, Scripture explains,
“If we say, ‘We have no sin,’ we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)

Romans 8:31-39 provides us with the confident hope we need when dealing with sin. Read these words slowly and then spend some time reflecting or journaling on their meaning.

“What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 

Because of you
we are being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 Eden Week Three! 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 Eden!

Posted in: Confession, God, Heart, Love, Old Testament, Sin Tagged: Confession, God, heart, love, Old Testament, Sin

Build Day 12 Building Renewal: Digging Deeper

March 1, 2022 by Rachel Jones Leave a Comment

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 Building Renewal!

The Questions

1) How does Daniel’s prayer relate with Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 1:4-11?

2) Daniel uses various titles and descriptions of God in his prayer; how is this significant?

3) How is this prayer of gut-wrenching confession still anchored in hope?

Daniel 9:3-10

3 So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek him by prayer and petitions, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:

Ah, Lord—the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him and keep his commands— 5 we have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly, rebelled, and turned away from your commands and ordinances. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, leaders, ancestors, and all the people of the land.

7 Lord, righteousness belongs to you, but this day public shame belongs to us: the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel—those who are near and those who are far, in all the countries where you have banished them because of the disloyalty they have shown toward you. 8 Lord, public shame belongs to us, our kings, our leaders, and our ancestors, because we have sinned against you. 9 Compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord our God, though we have rebelled against him 10 and have not obeyed the Lord our God by following his instructions that he set before us through his servants the prophets.

Original Intent

1) How does Daniel’s prayer relate with Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 1:4-11?
If you think of a series of progressive, story-telling books, you’ll have a good idea of what’s happening with Daniel and Nehemiah. In brief, Israel was a budding nation birthed through Abraham’s son Isaac, the child of promise, by which God had covenanted with Abraham that He would turn a childless, aged man into the “father of many nations”. (Genesis 12:1-3) Isaac’s sons were twins, Jacob and Esau. Jacob had 12 sons who became the 12 tribes of Israel (God changed Jacob’s name to Israel). These 12 families became slaves in Egypt as they had become so numerous that Pharaoh felt threatened. God called Moses, an Israelite, to lead the people out of slavery and into the Promised Land (also part of God’s covenant with Abraham). Twelve plagues later and 40 years of desert wanderings, Israel stepped into Canaan. Eventually, Israel grew tired of God’s rule over them and demanded a human king. Saul, Israel’s choice, was her first king, but he was self-focused and lacked real love for God or Israel. God chose David as the next king, and this shepherd-boy turned king, loved and cared for Israel well. David died and his son, Solomon, took over, but after Solomon’s death, the kingdom of Israel split. The Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) continued rebelling against God, loathing Him, committing idolatry, and rejecting God’s covenantal love for them on repeat for centuries. During this time, God raised up prophets to warn Israel and Judah to repent of their sin, but they adamantly refused. Per the original covenant forged when Moses led Israel from slavery, God would punish His people by sending them into exile for their rebellion. Exile occurred at the hand of the Chaldeans (Babylonians) and would last 70 years. Youthful Daniel was taken captive from his homeland of Jerusalem and died in exile. The first exiles returned to Jerusalem around the year 537 BC, Nehemiah’s story began around 445 BC, nearly 100 years since Daniel’s death.

2) Daniel uses various titles and descriptions of God in his prayer; how is this significant?
Verse 3 begins with an interesting phrase usually translated in English, “I turned my attention”. The original Hebrew reads less eloquently, “I gave my face”. This wasn’t simply looking with the eyes, but the willful determination of Daniel’s entire being given in steadfast surrender. It was as if he were saying, “The whole of my face is set firmly upon You as I pray, and more so, as I await Your answer; I will not be moved, for so important is the cause for which I plead.” Also interesting are the titles for God Daniel chooses to use as he prays. In your Bible, verse 4 probably capitalizes all 4 letters of the title LORD, signifying God’s personal name for Himself, YHWH, (Yahweh). By calling out, “I prayed to the LORD (YHWH)…”, Daniel reminds himself and God of the deeply personal nature of God’s relationship with Israel. He chose them, He crafted them, and He birthed them as a nation. Daniel continued his petition, “…my God.” (verse 4, emphasis mine) While other Israelites had proven they cared for Yahweh in name only, while quite willing to worship false gods as it benefited them, Daniel verbalized his personal choice to respond to God’s invitation by reciprocation. Daniel chose YHWH as his own God. These insights, gained by studying the original language for a few words, is about to deepen as we read Daniel’s next two words, “Ah Lord…” (verse 4) No longer capitalized, the lowercase for “Lord” references the Hebrew word “adonai”, meaning lord, ruler, or sovereign. First, Daniel addressed God personally, and then followed on with the two-fold understanding that YHWH was also Adonai, King and Sovereign over all. Nothing was beyond His lordship and reign, and Daniel was His servant.

3) How is this prayer of gut-wrenching confession still anchored in hope?
“We have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly, rebelled, and turned away from your commands and ordinances. We have not listened…” (verses 5-6) “…public shame belongs to us.” (verse 7) “…public shame belongs to us (…) because we have sinned against You.” (verse 8) The litany of Israel’s sins against the Lord were long, deep, and wide. They had offended His holiness and broken relationship with YHWH, their personal God, and the cut was deep against Him. They had violated the terms of their covenant with their sovereign Lord, Adonai, and they deserved death per the legal binding agreement of their covenant vow. According to the stipulations laid out, they had literally “missed the mark” (Hebrew hata for “sinned” in verses 5 and 8) of righteous living as was spelled out in their covenant. Legally, Israel’s situation was absolutely hopeless. Restitution with the Almighty was impossible. Their sins were too great and their ability to cleanse themselves of shame and offensive reproach was equally impossible. Yet, stunningly, Daniel did not plead without hope. He clearly knew Israel’s situation, it was his own words that laid it naked before the Lord God, but Daniel had one hope, and he clung to it with remarkable tenacity as he gave his face to God in prayer. “Compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord…” and dare he say it? Yes, he spoke it, “our God.” Daniel went beyond saying YHWH was “my” God, to boldly re-claiming the Sovereign Lord as Israel’s God. Why? How could he make such a claim in the face of their reprehensible pile of sin? One reason alone, because He knew God’s character to be rich in compassion and forgiveness.

Everyday Application

1) How does Daniel’s prayer relate with Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 1:4-11?
The similarities between Daniel’s prayer and Nehemiah’s are uncanny, given their prayers were recorded nearly a century apart from each other. This fact alone should give us pause to consider the weightiness of their model and reflect how our prayer lives would benefit by following their examples. Both men had set their lives unswervingly upon honoring the Lord God, and they both had become keenly aware of their nation’s sinful rebellion after reading Scripture. (Daniel 9:3-10 and Nehemiah 1:5-11) Daniel pleaded for God’s mercy in remembering Israel in their exile, while Nehemiah, also living in Babylon, pleaded with the Lord for mercy as well, even though the specifics of their requests were quite different. Both men called upon the very same covenant of love as evidential reason for God to grant them mercy and favor. The two prayers evidence nearly exact addresses for God and model the same flow of adoring God (Daniel 9:4 and Nehemiah 1:5), confessing sin (Daniel 9:5-6 and Nehemiah 1:6-7), interceding for the nation (Daniel 9:7-8 and Nehemiah 1:6-7), and requesting favor (Daniel 9:17 and Nehemiah 1:11). Go see for yourself, it’s quite amazing! As you read Daniel 9:3-10 and Nehemiah 1:5-11, take note of the portions that make you curious and stick out to you as if bolded, this is the Spirit of the Lord inviting you to commune with Him over His Word! Prayerfully reflect on these things as you read the two passages side-by-side again. What is the Lord teaching you and convicting you of as you read His Words?! Take the challenge set forth by these two men who never met on earth and begin intentionally modeling your own prayers after their example. Go ahead and start right now in prayer!

2) Daniel uses various titles and descriptions of God in his prayer; how is this significant?
Daniel and Nehemiah both leaned on God’s covenant as grounds for their request, but we must remember who began the covenant relationship, God. God told Abraham He would make him into a great nation. God allowed Jacob (Israel) to have 12 sons, who would become the 12 nations. When it was time to ratify the covenant in writing (ie: Ten Commandments), God came down from Heaven in a cloud instead of insisting His people rise to Him in His grandeur. (Exodus 19:16-19) Here is the humble YHWH! Fast forward a few centuries and this same God fulfills His covenant to Abraham by sending Jesus, God in the flesh. True to His character, He began the relationship, He set His love upon humanity. (1 John 4:19, John 15:16) What was humanity doing while Adonai humbly sacrificed Himself for us? We hated Him. Still, He came. (Romans 5:8) This is YHWH, the sacrificing, covenant-keeping God. I came to a place where I faced the reality that, for all my self-proclaimed “goodness”, I too was a God-hater. My sins brought the punishment of death upon Christ, by His choice. While I hated Him, He loved me. Like Daniel, there was a point when I reciprocated His invitation to make me His own, and I claimed Him as my God. I turned from my perverted sins and became His, welcomed into a covenant relationship I had done absolutely nothing to earn. Like Daniel, the more I grew in my faith, the more I realized I could also call Yahweh my Adonai. Christ was my precious friend, but also my sovereign Lord. I was both friend and His joyful servant. How might seeing God as Yahweh and Adonai shift your relationship with Him?

3) How is this prayer of gut-wrenching confession still anchored in hope?
Oh Sisters, I cannot stop the tears streaking my cheeks as I write of God’s beautiful compassion and forgiveness! Israel’s sins were grievous and perpetual, indeed they were. Yahweh had every right to be forever angry with them, toss them aside, and forget them for eternity, but as the psalmist wrote, “He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:10) Breathe. That. In. What was true for Israel on the day Daniel pleaded with God for release from exile, and the people were welcomed Home, is true for you and me. It was true for Nehemiah when the people wore sackcloth, ashes, and wept violently over their sin, knowing it was only God’s compassionate forgiveness that could rescue them from the consequence of their rebellion. His response to Israel’s weeping with Nehemiah is precious and life-giving, “Do not weep…do not grieve, because the joy of YHWH is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:9-10) As if the Lord’s response to both of these prayers is not stunning enough, look at the disciple John’s words to all people who look to Christ for their sole rescue from the consequence of our own sin, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) If you’ve ever wondered if it could possibly be true that God would forgive your awful sin, whatever it is, read the stories of these two men, read the words of John who walked beside Jesus in real life, and know beyond all assurances that YES, Christ will forgive your sin completely, welcome you Home to Him (John 14:23), and will free you (John 8:36) to walk in delight with Him all your days (Psalm 23:6).

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

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 Build 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.

Posted in: Anchored, Christ, Digging Deeper, God, Hope, Jesus, Prayer, Relationship, Restored Tagged: Adonai, build, compassion, Confession, Daniel, forgiveness, Fulfill, King, mercy, Nehemiah, Promise Land, renewal, Righteous Living

Sketched V Day 4 Saul, The Persecutor: Digging Deeper

January 31, 2019 by Lois Robbins Leave a Comment

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 Saul, The Persecutor!

The Questions

1) Why did Paul consider himself “fortunate” to give his defense against the Jews’ accusations to King Agrippa? (verse 2)

2) In Paul’s defense presentation, why was it important for him to give testimony of his previous background as a Pharisee?  (verses 4-11)

 3)  For what specific “crime” did the Jews desire Paul to be jailed or put to death?

Acts 26:1-23

Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”
Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: 2 “I consider myself fortunate, that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially since you are very knowledgeable about all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
4 “All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand on trial because of the hope in what God promised to our ancestors, 7 the promise our twelve tribes hope to reach as they earnestly serve him night and day. King Agrippa, I am being accused by the Jews because of this hope. 8 Why do any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? 9 In fact, I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 I actually did this in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the saints in prison, since I had received authority for that from the chief priests. When they were put to death, I was in agreement against them. 11 In all the synagogues I often punished them and tried to make them blaspheme. Since I was terribly enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities.

12 “I was traveling to Damascus under these circumstances with authority and a commission from the chief priests. 13 King Agrippa, while on the road at midday, I saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice speaking to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
15 “I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’
“And the Lord replied: ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. 17 I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. 20 Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and were trying to kill me. 22 To this very day, I have had help from God, and I stand and testify to both small and great, saying nothing other than what the prophets and Moses said would take place— 23 that the Messiah must suffer, and that, as the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”

Original Intent

1) Why did Paul consider himself “fortunate” to give his defense against the Jews’ accusations to King Agrippa? (verse 2)
Paul shows respect for King Agrippa and his position (1 Timothy 2:1-2). He also considers it to be in his favor that Agrippa was quite familiar with Jewish laws, customs, and “was not ignorant of the beginnings of Christianity”.  (E.F Bruce & S Kistemaker) Paul knew how to present his case, and the gospel, by combining courtesy and respect with truth.
Of most importance, and in keeping with his life’s mission, Paul recognized this opportunity to share the gospel to those not yet having received Christ as Savior.  The Holy Spirit was with Paul, filling him with wisdom and confidence. (Luke 12:11-12)
Taking his own preaching to heart, Paul was “ready, in season and out of season, to preach the Word of God.” (2 Timothy 4:2)  Again, the Spirit of God reminds through Paul in Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

2) In Paul’s defense presentation, why was it important for him to give testimony of his previous background as a Pharisee?  (verses 4-11)
It was important Paul established his religious roots and rich background as a well-respected Jewish Pharisee to the king because Agrippa himself was “very knowledgeable about all Jewish customs and controversies.” (verse 3) Paul leveraged their common ground to not simply further his case, but to share the gospel.
Paul wanted King Agrippa to see his conversion and ministry set against the backdrop of his early history as an orthodox Jew, adhering to the strictest party, the Pharisees.
Paul’s opponents knew his past as well as his current identity and were able to examine his personal life. “All the Jews know my way of life from childhood on.” (verse 4) Paul was not afraid to confess who he had once been as he worked to blast Christians out of existence. Saul “had an obsession against Christians”.  (E. F. Bruce) Paul hid nothing, instead, he allowed his transparency to speak volumes of the genuine, real power of the gospel to radically transform him. (Galatians 1:13) Once his background and authenticity had been made abundantly clear, Paul shares of his dramatic conversion to Christ, bringing him full circle as to why he was now being persecuted and jailed for preaching Christ.

3)  For what specific “crime” did the Jews desire Paul to be jailed or put to death?
As Paul stood before King Agrippa, he made a point to call out why he was being accused and put on trial. His crime? Hope. Hope promised for centuries. Hope that appeared when God took on flesh in the form of a baby in a manger. Hope that died on a cross, then rose victorious to conquer Death forever. Paul was put on trial because he believed, lived, and preached the incorruptible hope of the Gospel. (Acts 26:6-8)
Many Jews (not all) rejected Jesus as the Messiah the prophets had prophesized would one day come to rescue them. They missed Jesus because He wasn’t the rescuer they were looking for. They wanted an earthly rule and reign. They wanted a powerful king to crush their human enemies. To them, claiming Jesus to be Messiah was blasphemy.
Paul turned his back on everything he had once believed because Jesus appeared to him, redeeming him, and making him new. His eyes were opened to see that all prophetic content of the Old Testament was fulfilled in the suffering and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. Paul could not deny that power belonging to any but God alone, and he gave his life to preaching the hope of the gospel, despite the cost.

Everyday Application

1) Why did Paul consider himself “fortunate” to give his defense against the Jews’ accusations to King Agrippa? (verse 2)
As Christians, we are commissioned to live missionally. When we center our lives around worshipping the Holy One in all we say and do, seeking to honor and glorify Him with the rhythm of our lives is the natural desire of our hearts. (Colossians 3:17)
As Paul considered it “fortunate” to have the opportunity to share Christ with such an influential person, we too should evaluate our everyday opportunities where the Lord has given us favor in relationships to share the hope of the gospel.
To share the gospel is our commissioning just as it was for Paul; it will be so until the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20)

2) In Paul’s defense presentation, why was it important for him to give testimony of his previous background as a Pharisee?  (verses 4-11)
As believers, we are commissioned to boldly share the Good News of Jesus Christ. With authentic transparency, we can point to our past and who we once were, in order to profess how we, upon seeing the light from heaven, the shekinah glory of God Jesus Christ, were transferred from the Kingdom of Darkness into the eternal Kingdom of Life and Light. Using the foundation of our past background, just as Paul did before King Agrippa, we can share the gospel as we witness to all, believers and non-believers alike. Yes, our testimony can encourage believers too! As Christians, we all struggle; having a sister or brother come alongside and give testimony of the power of the Savior will breathe fresh reminders of truth as we journey onward.
Paul appealed to a commonality between himself and King Agrippa as a platform he could use to share his faith story. We can do the same! Engage with others, ask questions, listen to their answers, and look for common ground you can use to share Christ!

3)  For what specific “crime” did the Jews desire Paul to be jailed or put to death?
Just as Paul was persecuted and imprisoned because he held unswervingly to Hope fulfilled in Christ, the very One of whom the Old Testament prophets spoke, we too can expect condemnation for the same thing. Genuine conversion to Christ will result in persecution. If we were to dig deeper into the rest of Acts 26:24-32, we would encounter a war between Dark and Light. When Salvation is preached, there will be opposition. The devil is alive and powerful, not willing to give way to the Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ, thus there will be difficulty along the path as we carry the light of the gospel around with us in our everyday lives. Remember, as believers, we are God’s chosen people created for His purpose alone. (Ephesians 2:10) No matter how we suffer for Christ, we can seek a higher perspective, one that knows our real life is “hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3). We can know true peace deep in our soul. (Philippians 4:7) Beyond a shadow of a doubt, we are HIS. (John 10:27-28)

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Saul, The Persecutor!

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 Sketched V Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up
to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Posted in: Digging Deeper, God, Jesus, persecution, Saul, Sketched, Transformation, Truth Tagged: Accusations, Confession, identity, salvation, Worshipping

Gracefully Truthful Ministries

© 2022 Gracefully Truthful Ministries, All Rights Reserved, 501(c)3 certified

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14