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Fervent Day 7 The Zealous Prayer: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
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The Questions

1) What are Paul’s reasons for thanking God for those reading his letter? (verse 4)

2) What does it mean for the testimony of Christ to be confirmed in people? (verse 6)

3) If the author Paul were summarizing this section, what would he want his audience to never forget?

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in him in every way, in all speech and all knowledge. 6 In this way, the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, 7 so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; you were called by him into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Original Intent

1) What are Paul’s reasons for thanking God for those reading his letter? (verse 4)
You have to slow down to answer this question, re-reading the sentence that begins in verse 4, “I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus…” Even once we find the answer “because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus”, it still doesn’t feel like much of an answer. This means we slow down even more (a good study habit for exploring Scripture!). Paul had experienced “the grace of God…in Christ” when he was radically transformed from Christian-hater to Christ-preacher after literally meeting Jesus on the street one day. His whole world shifted with new purpose, new love, and we still feel the shockwaves of his whole-life obedience to Jesus even today. Paul understood in deep ways what it meant to partake of this rich grace of God in Jesus. Through his experience, and because he knew the Corinthian believers also had taken in this indescribable grace gift (2 Corinthians 9:15), his heart was deeply stirred to rejoice often and with great fervency over them. Those who gathered in house churches in Corinth, many of whom he hadn’t even personally met, shared in the same grace of God in Jesus Christ that Paul experienced. This thrilled Paul’s heart and he spent precious time in prayer reveling in this sweet, sacred joy. Going further, he verbalized this genuine thankfulness for them in his letter.

 2) What does it mean for the testimony of Christ to be confirmed in people? (verse 6)
Paul’s letters are abundant with the gospel, it’s transformative power, reasons it is trustworthy, and a pleading urgency to fully surrender to life-saving message that Jesus, promised One from centuries past, came in human flesh as God Himself, to buy back a sinful and rebellious people, dead set against Him. Paul celebrated this gospel message and gave his life to preach it, calling himself a “servant” to it. (Colossians 1:23) God not only used Paul to preach Christ crucified, risen, and coming again (1 Corinthians 15:1-8), but the Spirit of God also inspired Paul to write down clear evidences for the transformed life. Jesus said good “trees” bore good “fruit” (Luke 6:43-45), meaning that lives having been made new by God’s Spirit take on the pattern of good, spiritual growth in everyday life. As Paul penned this letter to the Corinthian believers, he encouraged them by noting some of these “evidences of true faith” that could only result from real transformation. Because they had willingly received God’s grace available through Christ, they had been “enriched in Him in every way” (verse 5). This means that both in outward ways and internal heart ways, Christ Himself was fortifying them, strengthening them, and making them more like Him. Then Paul specifically calls out the Spirit’s transformation in their speech and their knowledge. (verse 5) It’s by these “proofs” Paul recognized the transformative work of God’s grace in the life patterns of the Corinthians. First they were transformed by the renewing of their minds by undertaking to know and understand God better, and this resulted in their speech being transformed. 

3) If the author Paul were summarizing this section, what would he want his audience to never forget?
Unity and fellowship are the undercurrents woven in and out of Paul’s letters, standing up as the purpose behind the beautiful gospel Paul gave his life for. Every letter speaks of their sweetness and strength, painting a picture of the church so stunningly wrapped in unity and fellowship that it’s breathtaking to behold. We, the wretched, the sinful, the ones who have earned a just rejection from God because of our supreme unholiness, are so deeply sought after by God Himself precisely because He desires oneness with us just as He experiences in full within the godhead of Father, Son, and Spirit. Jesus’ own fervent prayer speaks of this desire so beautifully, “May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe You sent Me.” (John 17:21) The reason Jesus came was to restore unity and oneness between the beloved (human beings) and God. Astounding! Because of this passionate desire for sweet fellowship far removed from the stain of sin, all believers are now magnanimously ushered in to enjoy the wonderous gifts of unity and fellowship with each other just as they enjoy them with God Himself. Surely, this is a truth so precious it defies description! As he begins his letter, Paul names himself and “Sosthenes our brother” (verse 1) as the senders of these God-inspired words. Paul did nothing alone in his mission to preach Christ, always calling others into fellowship and unity, with the purpose of sharing Jesus. There was no hierarchy in Paul’s mind as he wrote the words “our” and “brother”. They were one team as they lived out unity and shared fellowship made possible because of the grace they were united in from Christ.

Everyday Application

1) What are Paul’s reasons for thanking God for those reading his letter? (verse 4)
We don’t generally spend much time considering the depth of the simple words “the grace of God given to you in Christ”, but Paul hinged the majority of his letters on this easily overlooked concept. If you’re like me, you likely haven’t given prayerful attention to others who have also been rescued from eternal death and separation from God because of their sin as a result of this same, wonderful “grace of God given to us in Christ.” Fervent prayer isn’t made up of long prayers with many religious words or pious actions, rather it’s built upon the simple building blocks of our faith. The more we are familiar with them, the deeper and richer our prayer life becomes. Just in studying today’s text, let’s slow down, all together as sisters, and consider the magnificence of being freely given God’s glorious grace so lavishly in Christ. What does this mean for you? From what have been rescued? For what purpose have you been given this radical grace gift in Jesus? As you look at your day today, right now, what are you freed from and for because of Jesus’ grace in your life? Then turn your thoughts to others who have been given this sweet gift of grace. Start making a list of sisters who you know have trusted Jesus as their Savior and now are free to dance in the same grace you both share. Pray over these names, celebrate them, and let the Lord stir your heart to rejoice over them just as He did for Paul!

 2) What does it mean for the testimony of Christ to be confirmed in people? (verse 6)
Paul described a foundational truth of being transformed by the Holy Spirit when he wrote in his letter to the Roman believers. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you… Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2, emphasis mine) First, the Corinthians were transformed by the renewing of their minds by undertaking to know and understand God better, then this resulted in their speech being transformed. (verse 5) Throughout his letters, Paul teaches that the steps to depth and intimacy with God begin with surrendering our hearts in full to Him and allowing His Spirit to renew our thoughts and what we know of God. This results in a transformed life! The more we know our Savior, the greater our prayers will reflect that depth, and the fuller the effect of the Spirit’s work will be felt in the overflow of our everyday life choices. The question for us isn’t, “how do I change this behavior to be more like Jesus”, rather we should come to the Lord and ask Him to help us know Him better. When we do, He will radically transform how we view Him and our sin, resulting in real, genuine life change! 

3) If the author Paul were summarizing this section, what would he want his audience to never forget?
Paul’s introduction not only includes the Corinthians who would hear his words read as the precious words were passed around from house church to house church, but he flings wide his welcome by writing, “to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord—both their Lord and ours.” (verse 2) How inclusive he is! “All those in every place”! That’s me! That’s you! It’s your pastor and your spiritual mentor and your friend and all those who have trusted Jesus with everything they have, entering into fellowship with Christ and one another. Such a lavish gift is not to be downtrodden, overlooked, or taken lightly. Yet, oh sister, my heart is convicted as I write, for I know with all certainty I have done all of these. I have enjoyed my time with God, attended church, smiled at my Christian friends, and passed over or skirted around those I didn’t want to be with. I have most certainly not welcomed “all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” Maybe you’re feeling the Spirit’s conviction call as well? Not the shame of guilt, but the invitation to sit with Him, to know Him, to be renewed by His truth, and to be transformed in how we love and welcome and view our brothers and sisters in Jesus. Such a sweet oneness of fellowship we are missing out on by skipping over this grand welcome! Lord Jesus, humble my heart as I sit with You. Show me how You love Your church, of which You have welcomed me into. Increase my love for You that I might extend it more generously to those around me. For Your sake, Jesus, amen.

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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

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Our Current Study Theme!

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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 :-))

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Sola Day 1 I Am A Hussite!

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 1:16-25
2 Timothy 1:8-18
Philippians 1:12-26

Sola, Day 1

I remember the first time I became enthralled with church history. The door was flung wide to the past with the words, “Let’s explore those on whose shoulders we stand.”

Curiosity gripped me, along with conviction.

Regrettably, I hadn’t considered anyone’s shoulders I had been privileged to stand on, aside from the biblical characters of the early church like Peter, Paul, and Silas. I hadn’t given much thought at all to how we, as the church, came to be today.

As I began reading a short book on church history, my curiosity for these brave men and women intensified. What became abundantly clear the more I studied was how regular and ordinary these people were. Yet, they moved through history with radical boldness fueled by the matchless power of the God who loves His Bride, the Church, and would protect her and fight for her at all cost.

Ordinary names.
Regular people.
Radical faith.
Extraordinary God.

Over the course of this 3-week Journey Theme, Sola, our intentions are to peek behind the curtains of history to see the face and faith of Luther the Reformer to understand why he fought so valiantly to identify and protect the five Solas. In so doing, we are praying a similar fire be lit in our own hearts as was present with Luther and countless other Christ-followers like him. Come with us, feel the shoulders on whom we stand, then turn and look in the mirror and ask what legacy we are building for the Church!

Luther’s monument in Worms, Germany (pronounced “verms”) literally stands on 4 pillars which represent the shoulders of 4 pre-reformers who cleared the way with their faith, their lives, and even their deaths, for Martin Luther to take his stand for the Church.

Peter Waldo (~1140-1218) was an unlikely reformer. A wealthy, confident, socialite in Lyons, France, had everything he wanted, but eventually, through life circumstances, became increasingly concerned on how to be saved. The Roman Catholic church held great power at this time, but there was little to no access to read the Scripture for oneself. Waldo was intent on doing exactly this, so hired two translators to copy Scripture from Latin to French so he could read it himself.
God’s Words pierced his heart.
Waldo repented of his love of self, gave up his wealth, and committed the rest of his life to translating Scripture from Latin to French so everyone in Europe could access truth for themselves. The more he studied Scripture, the more convicted he became that Catholic doctrine and practices weren’t aligned with God’s Word. Waldo was excommunicated from the Catholic church, but his efforts to re-take the solid ground of Scripture paved the way for Luther just over 300 years later.

John Wycliffe (1330-1384), often referred to as the Morning Star of the Reformation, had reform woven through every fabric of his being. Like Waldo, over 100 years prior, the more Wycliffe studied his Bible, the more he realized how far off course the Church had veered when it came to truth. An anchor was needed. A light must shine out like a lighthouse to call the Church back to the unshakeable truth of God’s Word. Once aflame with the passion of God’s conviction, Wycliffe would not be silenced. He outed the Catholic Church for the papacy, finding absolutely no support in Scripture for the role of the Pope. He argued passionately for Scripture’s authority of the Church, not the other way around. Finally, his most important preparation for the Reformation coming 200 years later centered around the widespread translation of the Latin Bible into English that everyone could read Scripture for themselves.

Thirty-one years later in 1415, at the Council of Constance, the deceased Wycliffe was declared a heretic. His body was exhumed, his bones were burned, and his ashes dumped into the River Swift. At this same Council, our third pre-reformer took his stand.

Jan Hus (1369-1415), whose last name means “goose” in Czech, was born in modern-day Czech Republic and his zeal for studying Scripture colored everything he did. Again, just like the other men we are studying today, what set him apart was not his bravado, his intelligence, or his position, rather it was simply his commitment to studying Scripture and applying it to real, everyday life. He refused to simply learn, Hus staked his life on the claims of the Bible. Hus witnessed the abuse of power by Roman Catholic popes. He saw the Church attempt to hold authority over Scripture, deciding their own truth along the way. He was reviled by it.
When given the opportunity to recant before the Council of Constance, Jan Hus declared with a power from the Holy Spirit living within him, “What I taught with my lips, I will now seal with my blood.” He did exactly that and was ordered to be burned at the stake. After his death sentence was given, Hus made his famous proclamation, “You may roast the goose, but a hundred years from now a swan will arise whose singing you will not be able to silence.” Hammer in hand, Luther nailed his 95-Theses to Wittenberg’s church door 102 years later. The swan had arrived, standing on the shoulders of the goose.

Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498), a fiery Italian friar, was incredibly intelligent with a keen talent for public speaking. He quickly rose in popularity as a public preacher after spending a good portion of his early years studying Scripture and committing it to memory. Savonarola passionately called for moral reform and blatantly condemned the Roman Catholic church for their abuse of Scripture. Savonarola’s zeal won him a death sentence by hanging and burning, but the sparks he lit with his passion would encourage Luther a mere 30 years later.

On April 17, 1521, much like Hus at the Council of Constance in 1415, Luther was called in at the Diet of Worms and ordered to recant his stance on the authority of Scripture and against the Roman Catholic Church. Luther asked for one day to consider, only to return the following day with these words,

“Your serene emperor and you illustrious princes and gracious lords, you demand a clear and direct answer; here it is, plain and unvarnished—I cannot and I will not recant.
My conscience is captive to the Word of God.
Here I stand. I can do no other.
God help me. Amen.”

Three months prior to his ultimate statement of deference to Scripture, Luther had declared during a debate with Johann Eck, the sharpest Roman Catholic debater,
“I Am A Hussite”.
Luther’s declaration to fully associate himself as standing on the shoulders of Jan Hus won him the title “heretic” and moved him to the Diet at Worms.

Graciously, God spared Luther’s life from burning or hanging for his unashamed stance on truth and he went on to continue encouraging the Church to return to Scripture, read it for themselves, and anchor herself on the teachings of God’s Word, centered around the Five Solas.

See, truth matters.
Each of these men had lived in a world where truth had become irrelevant and authority was glibly handed off to a select few, along with power and prestige. Here, the Church raced wildly towards preaching a powerless gospel that could save none while offering empty, meaningless tokens of self-righteousness in place of the all-sufficient saving sacrifice of Christ Jesus.

Today?
Truth?
What is truth?
It’s whatever we make it, isn’t it?
Relevant to circumstance.
And, I’d certainly better not impose my truth onto your truth.
How intolerant.

Just be good, right? (AKA self-righteous)
But as long as it’s your definition of good, and it doesn’t infringe on my definition.
God loves everyone, right? If there even is a God.
Sin?
Hell?
Not real, right?

Sisters, it’s time to stand strong again on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. It’s time to read our Bibles and abandon everything else for the sake of holding unswervingly to Scripture.

Maybe we need the five Solas more than we realize…

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

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

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

Sketched VII Day 15 Nikki

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Proverbs 3:5-6
Colossians 3:23-24
Psalm 2:10-11
Hebrews 4:14-16

Sketched VII, Day 15

In the beginning, I couldn’t have foreseen what Redefined Courage would become. I simply saw a need within my own family, and knew, with deep conviction, God was calling me to help.

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. It recurred in 2011, and again in 2013. I remember telling my mom I would design clothes for her, clothes meant to be gentle to her post-op body while making her feel beautiful. At the time, it was just an idea, but God already knew the plan.

He knew He would call me to design post-surgical clothing my mom would never wear. But He also knew, until we find a cure, hundreds of other women going through bilateral mastectomy would wear them instead.

When my mom died, I designed seven or eight shirts in a frenzy. December 2019 marked four years since my mom went to her heavenly home. Since her passing, I’ve realized grief makes you run fast and hard because frenetic movement is easier than staying put. 

But when I peeled back the emotional layers and slowed down, I landed on designing and implementing just one shirt, the postoperative shirt. It’s a cotton shirt with 4 interior drain pockets, buttons up the front, and hems and seams which won’t irritate incisions.

Once I had the shirt, I knew it shouldn’t be just a shirt shipped in a pretty pink bag. It needed to be a box, a tangibly solid declaration of courage and hope. Additionally, with every HOPE shirt sent across the world, we include an encouraging note written on the tag. Sometimes it’s Scripture, and sometimes it’s my own words, meant to help each woman grow closer to God.

When women follow us on social media and read any of our blog posts, they find encouragement. Then their boxes arrive, every detail designed to speak of God’s love. In the box is the shirt they need for surgery, makeup to help them feel beautiful, organic tea (since a good cup of tea always warms your heart!), and a Norwex body cloth to aid in bathing when they have the drains attached to their bodies.

I pray over each shirt, asking for its recipient to experience the care and nearness of God. As she begins a battle which will change not only her body, but her entire life, I hope these free gifts remind her she is loved.

It’s kind of like what Jesus did for us. He offers the gift of salvation, purchased with the blood of Jesus; our only cost is our yes.

So, in essence, I believe Redefined Courage is a simple way to say,

“You’re loved.
You’re beautiful.
In this dark time, you are cared for and remembered.” 

I’ve always been good at encouraging and connecting with others. God uses those strengths when I write shirt tags, or when I connect with a local woman facing surgery.

My weakness is my lack of confidence. I don’t hold a business degree, or do math well. When I feel insecurities creeping in, He assures me, “Nikki, you are confident in Me.”

He’s using both my strengths and weaknesses to grow me. Yes, the Lord has led me to this huge undertaking, but only one manageable step at a time. And now, I feel like every box represents not only the love I have for my mom, but more importantly, my love for and obedience to the Heavenly Father. 

Living on mission has meant learning how to prioritize my time and energy.
I used to do all. the. things.,
until one day I made a 45 minute drive home in complete silence,
walked upstairs, and slept for 24 hours.
I knew something had to change.

I realized my purpose is to serve God, not my to-do list. I began reviewing my commitments, asking myself if each one was present at the Lord’s prompting, or shouldered under my own sense of “should.”

Sometimes I must say no, and sometimes my no makes people unhappy. But since I’ve followed God, I’ve seen growth personally and in ministry.
Having margin in our lives is vital.

Refueling is also critical for us to stay on mission. I spend a lot of time in my prayer room, which is full of Scripture and the first names of women who’ve reached out online. I also rely on my Bible and worship music. Finally, silence is how the Lord speaks to me, so I walk for an hour each day. Quietness fills me up and allows me to hear God.

Let me share two lessons I’ve learned with those of you called to run on mission.

First, don’t tell your Creator you can’t or won’t. Seeing your heart, knowing your refusal is rooted in fear or plain old stubbornness, and desiring your transformation, He will often ask you to do that very thing.

Second, yes, you can.
I am not “qualified.”
But I have a purpose, passion, and an amazing God, so I’m doing His work anyway.
If you, too, have only those three elements,
you can.
Period.
Because God is in it with you, and He can.
He will grow you and then you’ll bless others.

I’ll end with this . . .
trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Always.

Some days (or years) may be dark and excruciatingly trying. I was a wayward daughter who didn’t return to the Lord until after I had my second child out of wedlock.

And yet, in these last four years since my mom died, I’ve grown into a woman who loves God more than anything. Trust Him, because He will use even the hard things, the unqualified moments, and the dark days for your transformation and His glory.

In the end, it’s going to be beautiful.

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

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 Sketched VII Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

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

Relentless Day 15 Everyday Idols

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 20:1-17
Deuteronomy 4:15-24
Judges 17:5-12
Hosea 2:14-23
Matthew 22:34-40

Relentless, Day 15

“Do not have other gods besides me.
Do not make an idol for yourself,
whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above
or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.”
(Exodus 20:3-4)

Consider this your “real talk” alert, Loves.
We’re diving deep, and quick.

Scripture shows us the Lord created mankind for the express purpose of relationship with Him. We were designed to have fellowship with our Maker and to worship Him only. When Adam and Eve sinned by placing their desire for knowledge over their trust in God (as He knew they would), the Lord was forced to banish them from the garden of Eden. He is incapable of contradicting Himself, and when sin separated Adam and Eve from Him, the next phase of His plan was set into motion.

When God raised up Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, the Lord used him to deliver His Law in the form of the ten commandments. These laws were important, but not for the reason you might think. Here’s where many of us (both historically and currently) miss the mark, right along with the Israelites: The ten commandments were the original outline of the Lord’s laws, but the intent behind them was to illustrate that no mere man or woman could ever uphold them. These commandments were not designed to give God’s people a list of rules to follow so they could make themselves holy before Him. They were created to show the Israelites they could not possibly save themselves…
and to highlight their overwhelming, inescapable need for a Savior.  

However, when they embraced the ten commandments God dictated to Moses, God’s chosen people missed the mark. Rather than recognizing they would never be able to fulfill the Law, they became so focused on the doing, they failed to focus on the Doer. Instead, they placed their trust in themselves, elevating their own self-righteousness over the Righteous One. In doing so, they effectively broke God’s Law by elevating the Law above the Lord, and by placing their ability to uphold His commands above relationship with Him…
which created an idol in their hearts.

The account of Micah and the Levite in the book of Judges shows the danger of what can happen when we allow other things to take God’s rightful place in our lives.
Both of them fell short by doing what felt right to them.

Micah adopted a custom of idol worship; it is clear his heart did not belong to the Lord. The Levite was passing through when Micah stopped him, and regardless of what he knew to be right, he accepted Micah’s offer for money, shelter and food in exchange for effectively endorsing and joining Micah in sin by being his household “priest.” Each man exhibited idolatrous behavior. Micah’s was evidenced by his worship of graven images, while the Levite’s was exhibited by placing provisions and shelter above obeying the Lord.

Sometimes it’s hard to relate to Scriptural accounts like the one we just worked through. You may not find yourself around many graven images or physical idols.

I know I don’t.

But friend, if we are stuck on the physical representation of an idol,
we are missing the message here.
If we’re being honest with ourselves, every one of us can think of a time when we have placed something, someone, or some desire above our personal relationship with the Lord.

We talk about our struggle to squeeze in quiet time with the Lord.
We are so busy we can’t carve out time to read and study His Word, pray, or worship Him.

But we seem to have no problem finding time to do other things that matter to us.

Can we be real here?
Can we ask ourselves a few questions, and can we answer honestly?

What matters to me so much that I make sure it happens or takes precedence over everything else, no matter what?
What am I placing above the Lord?
What am I failing to yield to Him?

Whatever that thing is, whether it is:
our spouse,
our children,
our relationship status,
our financial security,
our career,
our self,
our image,
our future,
our comfort,
our entertainment,
or any other thing,
if we elevate it above our relationship with God by giving it more time, attention, thought, pursuit, or desire than we give to the Lord,
we
have
made
it
our
idol.

Woo. My heart. Conviction.
But the truth is the conviction that stirs us in this moment means nothing if we do not respond in obedience to what the Lord is revealing.
We must also obey Him.
We must turn toward God, and away from our everyday idols. 

When we do this, and ask for His holy help,
we can rest assured that He Who is faithful will forgive us! (1 John 1:9)

Lord, I come to You today, convicted of my sin.
I repent of making ________________ an idol in my life.
Jesus, You are my only King forever.

Take Your rightful place as the ruler of my soul, spirit and body, and help me to walk in step with Your commands. Forgive me for worshiping anything but You with my time, attention, heart, money, body, or any part of my life.
You are the only One worthy of my worship.
Thank You for the new work You are doing in me starting now!
I yield every part of my life to You today.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.


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Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

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 Relentless Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

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

Worship IV, Day 5 Singing Israel’s Song

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 15:1-18
Psalms 105:26-45
Psalm 136:1-15
1 Peter 2:9-10 

Worship IV, Day 5

There’s a difference in reading something to get through it, 
and studying it to know and understand it. 

Last year I didn’t just read through the Psalms in the Bible.
I studied them.
All 150 of them. 

I don’t say this to toot horns here, I share it because, with intentional study,
I am now convicted of this: 

One cannot discuss Biblical worship 
without observing the Psalms and other songs in Scripture. 

Some may not know that the book of Psalms is made up of songs or poems written by multiple authors. One of them being Moses, author of Psalm 90. 

You know… 

“Baby in a basket” Moses.
“Raised Egyptian, but actually a Hebrew” Moses.
“Prince of Egypt” Moses.
“Murderer of an Egyptian” Moses.
“Runaway” Moses.
“Burning bush” Moses.
“Led God’s people out of Egypt” Moses.
“Crossed the Red Sea on dry ground” Moses. 

Whether a Sunday School teacher first introduced you to Moses, or Disney’s Prince of Egypt did, most are familiar with the story. But did you know that following the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, another song was sung by Moses and the Israelites in Exodus 15. It makes perfect sense that an outburst of rejoicing would follow an escape from the chase of an enemy. 

Wouldn’t you erupt into song after being literally chased by your adversaries only to witness, with your own eyes, that very enemy being swallowed up by the same sea you had just crossed on dry land?! 

I would. 

Many times in the Psalms, as in Exodus 15, we see a consistent intentionality to worship God for who He is and His mighty deeds. 

What I love about Psalm 105 and Psalm 136 is how each of these songs declare the history of God’s people and the LORD’s continual rescue of His people, Israel. In Scripture, worship is often purposefully birthed, not only to rightfully bring glory to God, but also to commemorate historical events, i.e. the Exodus of Israel out of slavery into freedom. 

Naturally, the Israelites, along with Moses, would offer a song of thanksgiving unto the Lord following their rescue. Because God had set them free, praise broke out! 

Bible scholar, Dr. Bob Utley, notes how Exodus 15 consists of two parts:
verses 1-5 focuses on the acts of the LORD (all caps, meaning YHWH, God’s personal name) and verses 6-17 focusing on YHWH’s character.

Biblical worship should, at its core, remind us what we have been rescued from, and most importantly, who our mighty Rescuer is. 

I will forever be convinced that worship is a powerful thing.
No matter the circumstances of our everyday life,
regardless of how dark or how desperate our moments,
we have reason to worship because
we have been rescued from Sin by an eternal Rescuer!

Countless generations before us have carefully preserved and recorded in Scripture
their acts of worship.
Their hymns, their music, their generosity, and the beautiful overflow of their lives as they reflected love back to their Redeemer. Their worship invites us to recall how God has moved mightily in our own lives, remember His faithfulness, and bring Him worship because of His deliverance and His good character! 

Psalm 100 says “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.” 

We are given the beautiful opportunity of coming before the presence of God
thanking Him for His salvation and praising Him for who He is. 

Israel sang to the LORD for rescuing them from the hands of their tyrant enemy (Pharaoh).
God was faithful to deliver His people from Egypt and physical bondage, and deserved their worship.
But one day, the same LORD, through the Lord Jesus Christ, would deliver all people from the overwhelming darkness of our tyrant enemies, Sin and Death.
This Jesus is our Eternal Rescuer; He deserves the worship of our everyday lives! 

Hallelujah! 

Does that reality not just want to make you echo Israel’s song? 

How could it not?!

When God gave everything to rescue us.
When He forgave us.
When He provided for our every need.
When He takes the time to be mindful of us.
When He gives us far more than we deserve.
When He, even still, hasn’t given up on us.
When He loves us more than anyone ever could.
When He never ever broken His promises. 

How could we not praise Him? 

How could we not open our mouths and sing the Israelites’ song?
Or reach for an instrument as Miriam did?
Or dance in the freedom and joy of the LORD, our great Deliverer!

Let’s be worshippers who open our mouths and declare His goodness!
Worshippers who fall to our knees in gratitude and reverence!
Worshippers who reserve our love, loyalty, and attention for the only One who is truly worthy!
Worshippers who exalt the One true God, YHWH, our Rescuer in the ebb and flow of our everyday! 

Let’s be worshippers who continue singing Israel’s song!

We were once lost, enslaved, and living in darkness.
As Peter writes, we were once not a people, but now we are God’s people.
We once did not receive mercy, but now we have received mercy
so that we might
“proclaim the praises of the one who called [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Hallelujah!
Let’s sing on! 

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
Join us for every Journey Study by signing up!
Looking for yesterday’s Journey Study?
Share your thoughts from today’s Study!

Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

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 Worship IV Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

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

Tabernacle Day 4 Relationship Rules: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Relationship Rules!

The Questions

1) What does it mean to act justly? 

2) What does it mean to love faithfulness? 

3) What does it mean to walk humbly with God?

Micah 6:8

Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.

Original Intent

1)What does it mean to act justly?
The word act means to perform an activity with a distinct purpose, moral obligation, or goal in view. Justice is a legal term that distinguishes right from wrong. It is a primary attribute of God. It’s rooted in His character and should be reflected in His people.  So, to act justly means to choose the right way, God’s way. This is good in God’s sight, and He requires it of us. 

2) What does it mean to love faithfulness?
To love means to desire, to delight in, to be fond of. It implies a strong conviction of the mind and a tenderness of affection at the same time. The word faithfulness is one of the most important words in the Old Testament. It’s often translated as “loving-kindness” or “mercy”. The basic idea is that of an act of kindness, love, or mercy shown to another person. The quality of kindness is usually reserved for a friend or relative. When no former relationship existed, the person exercising “faithfulness” is making a conscious choice to treat the stranger like a close friend or relative. So the act of loving faithfulness is desiring to treat people like family, delighting in loving on people, and being fond of showing mercy to all.  

3) What does it mean to walk humbly with God?
The Hebrew word for walk is figuratively applied to the characteristics of one’s lifestyle as well as one’s relationship with God. It’s much like our English word. It means to do something together or in common with another. To have companionship with. It ties two separate things together. To walk humbly means to walk in meekness, not with arrogance or boasting. So, to walk humbly with God means to share your life with God in such a way that you eat with Him, talk with Him, share with Him in a way that shows that you understand that He is God and you are not. Walking with a true estimate of who you would be without Him.  

Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to act justly?
Let’s admit it! It’s not always easy to act justly, especially when people aren’t acting justly to us!! However, God doesn’t put stipulations on when we are to act justly. He simply states that it’s good to act justly because we are mimicking Him. I think the hardest area for me to act justly in is in my relationships with those closest to me. I don’t always want people to see the best in my husband. Sometimes, I just want to vent about the things I dislike about him, but that’s not really doing him justice. Sometimes, when my kids are being…well, kids, I want to make their lives miserable because sometimes I feel like they make my life miserable. Sorry for the honesty! I have three teenagers. What can I say?!?! However, if I truly seek to please God and follow after Him, I need to die to myself just like He did, and do the right thing because God calls it good. It didn’t say it would always “feel” good. He said it WAS good!! And I know that He’s a lot wiser than me. Acting justly comes down to a choice. 

2) What does it mean to love faithfulness?
Do you have a deep desire or longing to love others like they’re your closest friend? Are you fond of showing people mercy when they’ve sinned or messed up or are in a bad predicament? Or do you steer away from those you don’t really know? Do you choose just to love on those closest to you and forget the rest? God says it’s good to reach out to, show mercy to, and love everyone. And not just to love them because He says it’s good, but to delight in it, to be fond of it, to desire it. I think it’s interesting that the verb’s definition says that it implies a strong conviction of the mind. Do we feel convicted to love others? Are we making that choice to do what God says is good? The Lord knows that I’m not always loveable and certainly don’t deserve mercy, and yet God loves me and grants me mercy because He considers it good. Lord, may we do the same in turn!! 

3) What does it mean to walk humbly with God?
Let’s talk about the rules that God set up when He set up the tabernacle. Those rules are hard for us sometimes, just like the one rule that God gave Adam and Eve was hard for them in the garden. Why is it so hard? Because we’re arrogant. We think we know more than God or know better than Him, or we think He should do it our way. This is the exact opposite of walking humbly with God. When we humble ourselves and admit that it’s hard to follow the rules, we prove to ourselves and to God that we understand our deep need for Him. We recognize that it’s impossible for us to be “good” apart from God. We need Him for righteousness and we need Him to empower us to love others!! 

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
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Catch up with Relationship Rules!

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 Tabernacle Week One!
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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!

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The GT Weekend! Bride Week 3

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Write out your average daily schedule. Note the items or tasks that take your time. Who do you prioritize? Who gets crammed in the leftover gaps? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you places you’re needing some adjustment. Be obedient and respond in the ways He directs.

2) In our Wednesday Journey Study, Sara asked us to reflect on moments we saw the Lord’s love for us. Taking that one step farther, think through the people that have spoken His love and truth over you. Who shared words of encouragement that reminded you of God’s great love for you? Which sister sent Scripture just when you needed it? Write that person a thank you note/text/email this week telling them how much you appreciated them speaking into your life.

3) As humans, we struggle receiving mercy and grace. The idea of a “free gift”, with no strings attached, is uncomfortable. There is no need to work harder by doing good things before the Almighty. Write out Hosea 14:4-8 and keep it in a prominent place this week. God is ready to pour out His mercy and grace over you, just come to Him!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Psalm 139:9-10 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there your hand will lead me; your right hand will hold on to me. If I say,
“Surely the darkness will hide me,
and the light around me will be night”—
even the darkness is not dark to you.
The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to you.

Prayer Journal
Father, as I look over my schedule, I see lots of good things. Prayer calls, Wednesday night kids, and meetings with students. But I also know my tendency. My heart wants to pick up doing these good things…for my glory rather than Yours. None of my good works are earning my salvation, my heart longs to do them out of gratitude over the New Life You’ve given me. Forgive me for the moments when I do something because I want to hear “Sara, you did a good job”. Mold my heart to look more like Yours, Lord.

Lord, I have been blessed by many women who have spoken truth in my life. I have learned so much from their wisdom and walk with you. What a blessing! Remind me, Lord, to pass along words of encouragement when you bring the idea to mind. Sometimes I’m too shy to talk to someone about spiritual things. Embolden me Lord. Lead me by the hand, dear Father.

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

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Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Woven Day 7 Coming To Us: Digging Deeper

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

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

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out Coming To Us!

Romans 5:8 Christian Standard Version (CSB)

But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.

The Questions

1) How was Christ’s death proof of God’s love?

2) I think I’m a pretty good person…does “sinner” really apply to me?

3) Why did Christ have to die?  Isn’t that excessive and over the top?

The Findings for Intention

1) How was Christ’s death proof of God’s love?
Paul’s letter to the church in Rome takes up one basic message:  the power and importance of the gospel.  As he opens his letter, Paul declares his purpose of bringing about obedience in living out the faith, so that the name of Jesus and message of the gospel would be known (Romans 1:5-6).  As Paul then explains the impact of the gospel, he makes a strong statement at the beginning of this verse that we have no reason to question God’s love for us.  He has made His affection clear.  His love is so great that he willingly sacrificed His Son on our behalf, mine and yours.  God made the first move in coming to us with a loving answer (John 3:16), the only answer, in the person, life, and death of Christ.  God gave Christ to accomplish the impossible – making us whole and holy – despite our sinful selves (Romans 8:2-4).

2) I think I’m a pretty good person…does “sinner” really apply to me?
Paul’s answer is simple:  YES.  YES, IT DOES.  He did not want the Romans to be confused about the fact that they were each in desperate need of the gift that Christ offered them through his death and resurrection.  In Romans 3:9 Paul states that no matter the background, no one is immune to sin.  Being Jewish. and therefore part of God’s chosen nation, didn’t get you out of that status.  Being Gentile, and having the wisdom of the world on your side, wasn’t any better.  And in Paul’s day, that covered everyone.  You were Jewish, or you weren’t.  Those were the two options in his cultural context.  He goes on to say in Romans 3:23 that because we are all sinners, we cannot attain the level of God’s perfect glory and holiness.  And do you know what the word “all” here means in Greek?  ALL.  I know, I know…deep sigh.  It’s the worst pastor joke ever, but it’s true and effective.  All means all.

3) Why did Christ have to die?  Isn’t that excessive and over the top?
Paul explains as he continues in his writing to the Romans that sin has one result: death (Romans 6:23).  And since we all sin, we are all subject to death (Romans 5:12).  And if we stop with that fact, requiring Christ to die may seem harsh and excessive and leave us asking if there wasn’t another option?  However, Paul goes on to say in the second half of Romans 6:23 that, “…the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Did you catch that?  Christ’s death is a gift to us, given from a heart of love.  In that sense, Paul says it was, in fact, excessive and over the top; not in a wow-that-was-way-too-harsh-and-cruel kind of way, but in the extravagant-love-grace-and-mercy-I-don’t-deserve kind of way.  That is the depth of God’s love that Paul wanted the church in Rome to fully comprehend, a love that would go beyond anything that would make sense to the rest of the world.  That is the power and love of the gospel!

The Everyday Application

1) How was Christ’s death proof of God’s love?
LOVE.  It’s a dangerous word, overused, and often ignored.  We don’t know love on this earth that doesn’t fail at some point.  If we apply our knowledge of earthly love to the holy love of God, we may doubt His love. Or question His care.  Or allow our fears to be an excuse to keep our distance from Him so we don’t get hurt.  Or ask Him to keep proving His love over and over.  Think of how those responses would impact your most loving, significant earthly relationship (child, adult, spouse, parent, etc.).  Demanding proof of the other person’s love would breed frustration on so many levels.  If we don’t consider God’s love as something altogether different, we risk misunderstanding the greatness of His work on our behalf.  That is the point of Christ’s death.  It is a love beyond anything else, a love He proved once and for all, a love that pursued us before we even knew He was there.  How often do you require additional proof of God’s love, beyond the sacrifice of Christ, asking him to meet your demands, or orchestrate circumstances your way, or do that “one little thing” to show His love?

2) I think I’m a pretty good person…does “sinner” really apply to me?
My answer is also simple:  YES.  YES, IT DOES.  All still means all.  GOOD is probably the second most dangerous word in our everyday conversations. When applied to people, it’s nothing but a lie.  There are no good people.  We all have issues, and we cannot reach the holiness that God requires.  God is the only standard of good.  Yet, we try to excuse ourselves and others for our “good” hearts, “good” intentions,  and “good” reasons.  It’s a dangerous trap, meant to make us believe we’re not that bad.  And if we’re not that bad, why do we really need a Savior?  It’s a slippery slope…  Do we see good in the world?  Absolutely.  But to credit that good to anything other than God is to make ourselves, or others, much better than we actually are.  Having a right understanding of our sinfulness forces us to acknowledge the depth of our need of Christ.  We are sinners.  And still he died.  For my mess.  And yours.  Do you find yourself struggling with your need for Christ because you put a lot of effort into being a good person?  What makes you uncomfortable with being a “sinner”?

3) Why did Christ have to die?  Isn’t that excessive and over the top?
God’s excessive gift of Christ’s death on our behalf creates a way for us to live in relationship with Him.  Christ offers what we cannot:  perfection.  I have an image in my mind of the day I will stand before our Father, and He asks what makes me worthy to dwell with Him for eternity, giving an account for my life (Hebrews 4:13).  I see myself standing, head bowed, avoiding eye contact, desperately seeking an answer as to why I am good enough, yet knowing there is nothing I can offer.  Speechless.  But then, I see the loving eyes of Jesus staring into mine as He speaks on my behalf and says, “Father, I know her…she is mine.”  Jesus is my only answer.  That, my friends, is the glory of the gospel!  The extravagant love of God that pursues us in our darkest days and stands up for us when we have nothing to offer of ourselves.  God gave His Son freely and with affection, with us in mind.  I encourage you to close out your time today by thanking God for His abundant gift of Christ’s death for you.

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I Can Do That!

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

The Community!

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

The Tools!

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

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

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

The Why!

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

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

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

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

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

Freedom Day 9 Freedom Finisher: Digging Deeper

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

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

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out Freedom Finisher!

Galatians 3:10-14 English Standard Version (ESV)

10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

The Questions

1) What does it mean to be under a curse?

2) Why is Paul quoting the Old Testament so much in these verses?

3) What is the difference between law and faith?

The Findings for Intention

1) What does it mean to be under a curse?
The Greek word translated “curse” means “accursed, execrable, exposed to divine vengeance, lying under God’s curse.”  (I had to look up the word “execrable”, which means “utterly detestable; abominable; abhorrent.”)  While we tend to think of a curse as some meaningless language meant to scare someone, the Biblical understanding is that someone who is cursed is deserving of God’s wrath.  It is very serious to be cursed.

2) Why is Paul quoting the Old Testament so much in these verses?
Paul is making an argument that our salvation is by faith alone, apart from the law.  He does this by quoting parts of the law itself.  It is clear, even from the Old Testament, that no one can be justified, or made right with God, by following the law.  It is impossible to uphold completely.

3) What is the difference between law and faith?
Sometimes, it is difficult to see the difference between those who live by the law and those who live by faith.  Outwardly, they may both be moral and obedient.  However, those who live by the law are counting on their works to save them—they are self-righteous.  Those who live by faith see themselves as deserving of God’s wrath, and they are counting on Jesus’s sacrificial death to pay for their sins.  Therefore, they are actually viewed by God as righteous, and they obey God out of gratitude, not as a way to earn His favor.

The Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to be under a curse?
One of the reasons that we try to earn God’s love is because we don’t truly see ourselves as deserving of God’s wrath.  We tend to minimize our sin and focus on the good things we do, ignoring the bad things.  Sadly, this can keep many people from calling out to God for salvation, because they feel like they don’t need to be saved.  But praise God, although we were execrable, we are now washed, clean, accepted, and loved, thanks to Jesus Christ being cursed in our place.

2) Why is Paul quoting the Old Testament so much in these verses?
The Bible tells one big story, about how God is redeeming His people through Jesus Christ.  If you look for Christ in the Old Testament, you will see that everything points to Him.  Look for Him, sister, and marvel at how God has orchestrated everything perfectly to bring us salvation and to help us know Him!

3) What is the difference between law and faith?
Many times, we fall back into the trap of legalism—believing that our status before God is determined by our behavior.  We were not saved because of anything we did!  And God’s love for us is steady, even when we don’t feel like we are doing enough to please Him.  Keep preaching the gospel to yourself, daily, and live by faith.

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I Can Do That!

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

The Community!

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

The Tools!

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

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

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

The Why!

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

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

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

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus.
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Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Freedom!