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Champion Day 12 Just An Ordinary Girl: 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 Just An Ordinary Girl!

The Questions

1) Why was Mary “deeply troubled” by the appearance and greeting of the angel? (verses 28-29)

2) What do we learn about Mary by digging into this overwhelming news she received? (verses 30-33)

3) What reminder did the angel give Mary about the God she served? (verses 35-38)

Luke 1:28-38

[The virgin’s name was Mary.] 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.” 34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” 35 The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 “See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Original Intent

1) Why was Mary “deeply troubled” by the appearance and greeting of the angel? (verses 28-29)
This passage of Scripture parallels the verses immediately preceding it. The similarities are evidenced by Luke, a detailed author and physician (Colossians 4:14), who arranged the passages with intention. We read that Gabriel is the angel who announced the birth of John and Jesus. While there is no exact term in Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic to denote the relationship of cousin, we know John and Jesus were related through their mothers, Mary and Elizabeth. A close reading of these heavenly initiated birth announcements reveals the distinct significance of those being born. It’s interesting to note that in the preceding passage regarding the coming birth of John the Baptist, the father was the main figure, but in these verses Luke spotlights the mother. What occurred with John’s birth was unlikely and shocking. For Elizabeth to conceive at such an old age was not typical. But the news the angel was about to give Mary … now THAT was impossible! We are told in verse 26 that the angel’s news to Mary occurred in Nazareth. I have visited this area in Israel. The guide we had was quick to point out how unremarkable the city was in its day. Which is exactly why it was remarkable to Mary that she was being visited by an angelic being. She was just an ordinary girl in an ordinary town. We tend to underestimate angelic appearances in Scripture as if they happened all the time. Though we read in a very brief span of verses in the gospels about several appearances (Zechariah in Luke 1:5-12 , Joseph in Matthew 1:20 , and the shepherds in Luke 2:8-11), it’s important to note there was always fear involved! Mary knew this appearance and greeting meant something extremely out of the ordinary was happening. As a result, she was “deeply troubled.”

2) What do we learn about Mary by digging into this overwhelming news she received? (verses 30-33)
Can you imagine this news that was shared through an angel? God had chosen a young girl from nowhere to be the mother of the Messiah. Although there’s no real proof, most Christian historians suppose that she was around 15-16 years of age when the angel appeared to Mary. Who really was this one who had “found favor with God.” (verse 30) Incredibly, the Scriptures introduce us to “her” in Genesis during man’s fall after creation. Though not explicit, when the Bible is read as one big story it is apparent from Genesis 3:15 that the mother of Christ was in the heart of God from the beginning. There would be a birth of One who would crush the serpent. Bible scholars tell us that the audience of Genesis would have understood the serpent as representing the spiritual forces of evil. (Genesis 3 Net notes) We also find “her” at the end of the Scriptures in the final chapter of the world before everything in creation is remade. Revelation 12:1-5 seems to confirm for us that the “woman clothed with the sun … and a crown of twelve stars” represents that the promised Messiah would come from Israel. Luke traces Mary’s lineage through Israel’s patriarchs as he names David and Jacob. Her son would assume the title Son of David and be the royal “branch” from David’s family. (Isaiah 11:1-2).Though many virgins may have known God’s favor, and some may have descended from King David’s line, and still others could possibly have a reason to return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23), none but Mary would also have needed to be in Bethlehem with her fiancé at the appointed time of Messiah’s birth. (Micah 5:2-5) It was all part of the sovereign planning of the God worthy of Mary’s worship. (Luke 1:46-55)

3) What reminder did the angel give Mary about the God she served? (verses 35-38)
The angel assured Mary that this news was not to cause her fear. Instead, everything that would happen was from the hand and heart of God. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (verse 35) Bible commentators tell us there were three stages to Jewish weddings/marriage. Engagement was the first stage. It was a formal agreement made by the fathers prior to the betrothal and marriage. When a couple reached the second stage of betrothal, they were under the obligations of faithfulness. Not viewed as simply a casual promise, divorce would have been required to break the commitment. (enduringword.com) Mary knew the ramifications of the news she was being told, and though her motives aren’t revealed, I’m prone to agree with commentator David Guzik that “she asked the same question Zechariah asked (Luke 1:18), but his question was asked in skeptical unbelief, and her question was asked in wonder-filled faith.” Later in the passage, her response demonstrates her humility and faith in God’s plan. Some Bibles label verses 46-55 the “Song of Mary,” although the original text does not indicate that she was singing. Whether she danced around and sang it to the top of her lungs or bowed and quietly whispered it under her breath, the posture revealed in her words demonstrated a heart of awe and trust in her God. Through the angel, God assured Mary that “nothing is impossible with God.” And she believed Him. “May it happen to me as you have said.” (verses 37-38)

Everyday Application

1) Why was Mary “deeply troubled” by the appearance and greeting of the angel? (verses 28-29)
I have a confession: I believe in women’s intuition. I don’t have biblical evidence to back it up, but I do have years of experience as a woman! Since there are no Bible condemnations against it, I will continue holding this belief.  So, sister, what would you think if an angel showed up in your room? Before a word was spoken, most of us would begin to create scenarios of what must be next. We would certainly wonder what kind of news would prompt a visit from a heavenly being. When I read the story as if it’s the first time, I am relieved when the angel quickly seeks to make it better. It’s like a surprise phone call you receive. You answer with great hesitation, even trepidation, wondering what provoked the call. Then the person on the other end of the line begins with “don’t worry, it’s nothing bad.” Whew! But Mary’s visitor wasn’t a surprise appearance of a far-away relative. This was an angel standing in front of her. Though the words he spoke were of comfort and joy, you can imagine her shock and confusion as she processed this interruption. I wonder if she began to rehearse the Scriptures about a promised Messiah. Was this appearance related to the coming One? I’m so thankful that the woman chosen to be the mother of Jesus, God in flesh, was just a normal woman responding with usual confusion. She was not all-knowing, but she was all-trusting! Her fear did not cause her to flee. I want to be that kind of ordinary girl. One who waits and believes God for the rest of the story!

2) What do we learn about Mary by digging into this overwhelming news she received? (verses 30-33)
There are different beliefs related to the person of Mary. Nowhere in Scripture does it tell us she was chosen because she was more holy. Though there are certain misunderstandings about her that appear to have their root in tradition rather than Scripture, there is also the tendency by some to dismiss the extraordinary purpose of Mary being chosen to birth the Son of God. The phrase highly favored comes from a single Greek word meaning “much grace.” Mary was a recipient of God’s grace. (bibletools.org) While she was certainly a godly woman, we must not miss the reality that God uses ordinary people for His glory. Mary was a humble servant, willing to do God’s will. When Jesus was older, she attended a wedding with Him. (John 2:1-10) It appears Mary knew the wedding party well enough to be concerned that they faced potential embarrassment. John records her comment to Jesus in John 2:3. She was trying to involve Him in finding a solution. I believe Mary knew what others didn’t. She trusted that Jesus could do something for them. As a recipient of God’s undeserved favor and grace, Luke 2 tells us a couple times that Mary “pondered things”. Since the day the angel announced the big news, Mary’s life would never be the same. And that, my sweet Sister, is good news for us! We, too, are offered the opportunity to receive the gift of Jesus. God promises the believer salvation and peace. “They will live securely for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth. He will be their peace.” (Micah 5:4)

3) What reminder did the angel give Mary about the God she served? (verses 35-38)
Mary is exhorting us from thousands of years away to believe the God who chose her. Her example of humble obedience calls out to us. Yes, she was ordinary. Like us, she wondered. Like us, she pondered. Like us, she grieved. But she also worshipped! She was faithful to the God who had sent His message to her through an angel one day. She believed it when the angel told her nothing was impossible with God. Now, let’s fast forward to the cross where we find Mary with Jesus’ friend, John, as they watch Jesus die. (John 19:25) Sister, she is still there waiting, loving, and watching closely. When we find her at the tomb, we realize that for thirty years or so she’s been walking the earth as the mother of God. Now here she is again, aware that angels are standing before her. She must receive and believe another message of hope. “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here, but he has risen!” (Luke 24:5) Can you imagine, my friend, the depth of her emotion?! She has grieved as never before. She’s completely exhausted from watching her son die. Do you think the words of Simeon have rung in her ears? (Luke 2:35) Did she recall the angel’s words so long ago and muster a little hope that another miracle could happen? Oh sister, do you believe God can work through you, an ordinary girl? He can! Nothing … nothing …. nothing … is impossible with God! (Luke 1:37) Lean in close, friend. He is near.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Just An Ordinary Girl!

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 Champion 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.

Wilderness Day 7 For The Long Haul: 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 For The Long Haul!

The Questions

1) In the beginning of this passage, what truths do we learn that God has affirmed to Moses through his journey?

2) What is Moses asking of God in this passage?

3) What is God’s response to Moses’ questioning?

Exodus 33:12-23

12 Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ 13 Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.” 14 And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 “If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. 16 How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.” 17 The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.” 18 Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.” 19 He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” 20 But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.” 21 The Lord said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when my glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back, but my face will not be seen.”

Original Intent

1) In the beginning of this passage, what truths do we learn that God has affirmed to Moses through his journey?
Throughout the book of Exodus, God’s provision for His people and confirmation of the covenant God has made with His people is clearly evidenced. (Exodus 24) In this passage, Moses recounts what God has confirmed to him. Moses has been called as the leader of the Israelites. God affirmed that He has a plan and purpose for Moses; God knew him and Moses found favor with the Lord. To read of Moses’ first encounter with God, and gain a more full understanding of the truths God spoke to Moses at the beginning of his journey, read Exodus 3!

2) What is Moses asking of God in this passage? Coming off the heels of the Golden Calf experience in Exodus 32, where Israel chose to worship an idol their own hands had crafted rather than continue waiting for the Lord, God told Moses to leave Mt. Sinai and go to the Promised Land. (Exodus 33:1-2) Moses and the Lord had been meeting regularly in the Tent of Meeting. (Exodus 33:7-11) Here, in the sacred space of meeting, Moses cried out for affirmation from the Lord. Moses knew what he had been called to do, and where he had been called to go, yet he sought the Lord’s affirmation again. He had just witnessed the awful rebellion of the people as they dared worship a golden calf idol. (Exodus 32:19-21) Moses understood the gravity of their sin, and likely felt the weighty responsibility of leading such a quickly-erring people to know and experience the One True God. (Exodus 32:32-35) In the literal wilderness where he found himself, Moses needed the reminder of God’s presence and promise, so he pleaded to see God’s glory and hear from the Lord.

3) What is God’s response to Moses’ questioning?
In verse 17, the Lord told Moses He would do as Moses asked because “you have found favor with Me and I know you by name.” The Lord also knows no human can stand to be in His full presence; His righteous glory is so overwhelming anyone experiencing its fullness would be destroyed. (Got Questions) Graciously, He offered a way for Moses’ need to be satisfied while not being consumed. “The Lord said, “Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen.”” (verses 21-23) God provided for Moses’ need and preserved His life. The Lord evidenced tender mercies in the next chapter by replacing the shattered set of Ten Commandments Moses had broken in his anger. (Exodus 34:1-9) Truly, His mercies are boundless, which Moses began singing of after receiving the second set of Commandments and experiencing the glory of the Lord. (Exodus 34:5-8)

Everyday Application

1) In the beginning of this passage, what truths do we learn that God has affirmed to Moses through his journey?
In our wilderness journeys God has a way of affirming what He has already told us. Moses recounted what he already knew to be true, but he still needed the Lord to reveal Himself and affirm those truths again. The recollection of His truth, His grace, His mercy, and the salvation He offers are all necessary, especially in moments of wilderness and desolation. (Psalm 71:14-24) The Father God, the Creator of the Universe, knows your name (Isaiah 43:1) and He created you with a plan and purpose (Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:9). In our wilderness, whether of our own making or purely due to circumstance, the calling back to God’s Truth and affirmation of His faithfulness is our resting place. (Psalm 25:1-11)

2) What is Moses asking God for in this passage?
For Moses, he needed God’s voice and a visual on the Almighty in the midst of his wilderness. The grumbling of “these people” in his charge was daunting (verse 12); Moses’ heart needed the Lord and His reassurances. The powerful truth of our all-knowing, all-powerful God is He is also a deeply personal and intimate God who seeks out individual relationships with each of His children; nothing can separate us from Him. (Romans 8:31-38) He knows what we need before we ask and yet He desires us to come to Him. (Matthew 6:32-33) Moses asked because He knew he could; he had direct access to God. In the same way, a personal relationship with the Lord opens communication allowing us to kneel in His presence and ask. (Matthew 7:7-8) Ask for deliverance, ask for joy in the midst of sorrow, ask for guidance in the wilderness, and even ask for teachable moments in the midst as Moses did, “please teach me Your ways.” (verse 13) God didn’t remove Moses’ circumstances, but He did answer him and honor his request.

3) What is God’s response to Moses’ questioning?
In this exchange with Moses, God was immediate in His answer and His reply matched Moses’ expectation. This isn’t always the case whether in Scripture itself, or in our everyday lives. God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8) and in our wilderness seasons, our own grumbling and stubbornness can impede what God is trying to teach us about Himself and following Him. It may seem He is silent at the moment of our pleading, but His truth is ever prevailing. His presence is always constant. (Deuteronomy 31:8) Like Moses, our wilderness may not end at the point of our pleading prayer, but our focus should remain on God, what He is doing, and the Truths we know of His character and faithfulness.

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

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 Wilderness Week Two!
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.

Build Day 1 The Need To Build

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Nehemiah 1:1-2:8
Ezra 4:8-23
Proverbs 16:1-3
Ephesians 2:8-10

Build, Day 1

Have you ever been overcome by a need?

Maybe it was hearing about a disaster or a situation of suffering and knowing you had to help. Whether it was a charity appeal or a cause closer to home, consider a time when you were so overwhelmed by the brokenness that you knew action was required.

This was the situation in which Nehemiah found himself.

When we meet him, he is working in a Persian palace as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. It is a position of influence and responsibility, and it appears life is going well for Nehemiah, but then his brother arrives, bringing distressing news from Jerusalem.

“The remnant in the province, who survived the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace. Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned.” (Nehemiah 1:3)

By this point, it’s been around 140 years since the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem, destroying the Temple and the city walls and capturing many of the people. Following the Persians’ victory over the Babylonians, many exiles had been allowed to return to Jerusalem and the Temple had been rebuilt under the leadership of Zerubbabel. (Ezra 6:14-15) Although many exiles had returned to Jerusalem for several years, its walls had never been restored.

Nehemiah is distraught as he thinks of the shame and indignity of his people living in a city that is destroyed and defenseless. Ignoring the situation was impossible; action was required.

As we consider how we might respond to being touched by a great need, there are several lessons we can draw from Nehemiah’s story.

First, he responds with genuine concern. He sits down and weeps. He prays and fasts, not just fleetingly, but for days. Although he is in a position of success and privilege, he has compassion on his fellow Israelites and their sorry state. His motivation in all that follows is unselfish. In many ways, his life would be easier if he chose to ignore the Israelites’ plight. However, he is not seeking personal gain, but restoration for others.

Then, Nehemiah prays. He doesn’t rush to take action, but he pauses to seek God. He recalls God’s greatness and unfailing love, and acknowledges how Israel’s unfaithfulness has led them to this situation. He appeals to God’s power and promises, knowing that if he is to work toward resolution, success will only come in God’s strength.

Finally, Nehemiah acts. It is now around five months since his brother’s visit, and, at last, Nehemiah has the opportunity to speak with the king. It is unclear whether Nehemiah’s look of sadness is deliberate in order to prompt the king’s question or whether it is simply a natural expression of his emotional state. Either way, it is not culturally acceptable to appear sad in the king’s presence. It risks incurring his wrath, and as Nehemiah responds to the king, he is “overwhelmed with fear.” (Nehemiah 2:2)

Continuing to pray even as he converses with the king, Nehemiah explains the situation and asks permission to travel to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. Not only does the king agree, but he also promises letters to the governors of other territories granting Nehemiah safe passage through their land, and he even gives instructions to the manager of the king’s forest ordering him to supply Nehemiah with the timber he will need! The Lord has granted Nehemiah favor!

It is clear to Nehemiah that the outcome of this conversation is not because of him; instead, “[t]he king granted my requests, for the gracious hand of my God was on me.” (Nehemiah 2:8)

In fact, as we look deeper into the background of the story, we see that long before Nehemiah ever considered rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, God was already building behind the scenes.

Earlier in King Artaxerxes’ reign, the Israelites had attempted to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, but those who opposed the rebuilding had persuaded Artaxerxes to order it to stop. He had decreed the work must halt and the city could only be rebuilt at his command. (Ezra 4:21)

The Bible doesn’t tell us anything about how Nehemiah came to work for Artaxerxes, but it seems clear it was no coincidence. He was able to win the trust and respect of the king, and he was perfectly placed to influence him to allow rebuilding to resume.

Even in a dark time for His people, God was still sovereign, and He was still active behind the scenes, working for restoration.

As we consider the situations of need we see around us, may we follow Nehemiah’s example in allowing our concern to prompt our prayer, and then our action, under God’s leading, always trusting God is sovereign. He has a heart to restore, and His purposes will succeed.

May we, like Nehemiah, be willing to play our part.

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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!

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Questions 2 Day 6 You Do You

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Questions 2 Day 6 You Do You

Rebecca Adams

February 1, 2021

Christ,Creation,Follow,Gift,God,Humility,Life,Promises,Purpose,Sacrifice,Wisdom

Read His Words Before Ours!

Colossians 3:1-10
Proverbs 1:20-33
Romans 6:20-23

“You Do You!”

The message is full of promise and electric excitement, isn’t it?!

It sounds pretty amazing!

The popular catchphrase is full of empowerment to let each individual be exactly whoever and whatever she wants to be with no questions asked.

No one else’s standards.
No one else’s rule.
No one else’s expectation.
Just, you do you.

While we nod along in agreement, feeling the thrill of personal power, we don’t even recognize the thickly woven rope tossed casually around us.

We are not our own.
We are slaves.

Makers of our own destinies.
Rulers of our own kingdoms.
You Do You, Boo.

Take that bite, Eve.
God didn’t really say you couldn’t eat from that tree, right? (Genesis 3:1)

Abraham, you’ve waited long enough on God.

Don’t you think He wants you to take some control? Sleep with your wife’s servant and produce your own heir. Do it your way, Abraham. (Genesis 16:1-2)

Build your tower, ancient Babylonians.

Be who you want to be.
Do what you want. (Genesis 11:4)

The enemy’s seductive whisper lingers over every syllable, “You do you.”

Satan’s goal hasn’t changed since the beginning of time, and his tactics haven’t, either. While he slyly entices us to “follow our hearts,” we end up being led away to demise. But there is another voice in the streets. Wisdom lifts her head and shouts aloud,

“‘Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!’
To him who lacks sense, she says, ‘Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave inexperience behind you, and you will live; Pursue the way of understanding.’” (Proverbs 9:4-6)

In the face of Satan’s seduction, the Lord’s wisdom resounds,
“The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.” (Proverbs 28:26)

Of course it’s exciting to toss around “you be you”! Who doesn’t want to be their own god? Self-worship is exceedingly provocative. Toss it under a masquerade of knowing yourself and pursuing your dreams, and no one will ever consider your feet are ensnared in the worship of one, yourself.

Is each person uniquely crafted with special gifts, passions, and heady dreams?

Yes! On Purpose!

These are a gift from the Maker, intended to be enjoyed and lived out to the fullest.

The difference is surrender.

The blade of surrender cuts through the thick cords of slavery tightening around us, like a warm table knife sinking through soft butter.

We are not our own.
We are bought at a price.

Esther, oh Queen, why risk your life and your position for a motley band of exiles?

You have it all, fame and beauty and safety.
But the voice of the Lord beckoned to her heart,
“You were born for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)

And Queen Esther changed the course of history by not following her way.
She walked away from self-worship.
She embraced self-sacrifice.

Mary, sweet and tender, this cost is too much! Give in to your fear, for who could carry the Son of God? Who will believe you, Mary? They will kill you!

But the angel of the Lord emboldened her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)

And humble Mary changed the course of history by not following her way.
She walked away from self-worship.
She embraced self-sacrifice.
Self-sacrifice isn’t nearly as trendy, but it is the way of the Lord.

Why?

Because His is the chosen path of sacrifice.
The King of Glory humbled Himself in total surrender to give His life in exchange for ours.
Then He calls us to do the same.

The Almighty God is not a deity centered around the motto “you do you.” If He were, you and I would have no hope in this life or the next. We would die in our sin and our self-worship with the rope of slavery bound around us like a noose.

As the God of the Universe, humbled into human form, hung dying for the sins we have committed, not the least of which is elevating ourselves to the position of god in our hearts, the way was made for our release from sin.

His righteousness in exchange for our sinfulness.

Surrender
Bought at a price.

The price of Christ’s precious blood. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Sister, fully embrace who you are.

Introvert?
Extrovert?
Prefer tea over coffee or crowds to quiet solace?

Be assured your gifts and your passions have been handcrafted by the Lord who loves you; He placed them beautifully inside you.

He intended you to live these out in complete surrender and with all wisdom as you follow Jesus.

Be you, Sister.
Walk inside the life of the Christ, who gave His life for you.
And find it to the fullest!  
“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.
So glorify God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

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Questions 2 Day 7
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Painting wisdom as a woman would likely be compelling to the young man, not necessarily in a sexual way but in a tender and nurturing way. (Proverbs 1:8-9) In portraying wisdom as an elegant lady, Solomon sets the scene for his instruction to his son. Lady Wisdom provides a better choice for us too. She provides the pathway to a better life. Friend, putting ourselves in the center of our world will not bring us peace. The fruit of the righteous person is demonstrated by our desire for and pursuit of wisdom. She calls out to us, “Seek wisdom and let your gentleness and humility be known to all!”. (James 3:13-18)
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Follow Day 10 Transformed Follower

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 9:1-9, 17-25
Jeremiah 17:9-10
Romans 6:1-11
Acts 3:19-20

Follow, Day 10

Saul is walking along the road to Damascus, on a journey with the goal of persecuting those who follow the teachings of Jesus, claiming they are part of “The Way.”
In this place of unadulterated hatred, Saul has a radical encounter with God.

God speaks, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
Saul is completely blinded, asking, “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:4-5)

He is given instruction to head into the city of Damascus. Although physically blind, disoriented, and unsure where this path would lead, he knows the Lord is directing him. Days later, Saul is approached by Ananias, who was sent by God to pray over Saul, to help him “regain [his] sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit”. (Acts 9:17-18) His name is changed to Paul, symbolizing the death of his past and the freedom of his future in Christ. He speaks boldly, claiming Jesus is the Messiah.

In Paul’s conversion story, we see a complete transformation from the life he was living before Christ to the life he is living knowing Christ. After salvation and adoption into the family of God, Paul’s purpose is radically altered.  He spends the rest of his days preaching and teaching to the Gentiles of the Jesus he once loathed.

Paul rejects the power of sin over him, living into his new identity with total surrender.
“For I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
(Galatians 2:20)

How many of us live beneath the truth and promise we are utterly new creations if we have truly surrendered to Christ’s transformation?

When we come to face our reflection, we do not often see ourselves as beloved daughters of the Most High God. Instead, we focus on all the areas where we do not measure up, desperately striving to be better.

One of the biggest implications of the truth that we are a new creation is that there is no room for shame in the presence of God. The Lord has redeemed us; all of our past, present, and future sins were fully and finally paid for on the cross by the sinless son of God. Hebrews 10:10 declares, “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.” Not only were our sins forgiven on the cross, but all of the favor and merit of Jesus was placed upon us.

The reality of sin still exists and wreaks destruction in our lives and in our hearts. Yet as believers, we are not identified as sinners; rather, we are given the identity of saints and coheirs with Christ. These two realities can be held in tandem, that we are still inclined to turn our affections to directions other than the Lord, but the sin in our hearts does not have the final word on who we are.

We are instructed to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) and to keep “our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:2) This is good news and there is freedom here! The Lord pursues us and is constantly welcoming us back to Himself, reminding us of His goodness and grace.

The Lord is gracious to show us our sin and to redirect our attention. I have experienced this process in my own life, year after year. The Lord has faithfully used mentors to beautifully model how to live in the reality that we still sin, yet are called saints and daughters. When I have brought sin struggles to some of the women in my life, they have met me with incredible grace, which I believe reflects the grace of God and has brought much healing to my life.

He has been so near on this journey, constantly refining me in the fire to look more like Jesus. I truly desire to walk in a way that honors Him, but I know even in my weakness He is glorified. (2 Corinthians 12:9) He beckons me to His heart, showing me His plans are higher than my own.

“Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Psalm 34:14

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Ten Day 8 Worth Of One

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 20:13
Genesis 1:26-27
Exodus 21:22-25

Ten, Day 8

Be honest, sister.
Have you ever tried to earn God’s favor?

I’ll be the first to admit I have!

Entrapped in a multi- year-long season of legalism, I believed the Ten Commandments, as well as God’s instruction to the church in the New Testament, were provided as means for pleasing God with our behavior . . . to earn His favor. I subconsciously viewed my obedience as a means to control God. If I obeyed His commands, then surely God would love and protect me and no harm would come my way . . . right?

Wrong.
My limited perspective was nearsighted and false. As I have grown in my understanding of the Word, I’ve learned the commands of God reflect His character. They reveal His nature, His righteousness, His love, His goodness, and His desire for us to be holy, as He is holy. As we live in obedience to Him out of a heart of gratitude for His glorious gospel, we are transformed into His image and reflect Him to the watching world.

In our series on the Ten Commandments, we’ve reached God’s commandment, “Do not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Most everyone agrees murder is wrong, but have you ever pondered why? What makes murder so grievous? Today, we’ll unpack why murder is such an affront to the heart and nature of God.

Our conversation starts at the beginning of time, in the garden of Eden. As God created mankind, He proclaimed,
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26)

We see the result of this proclamation in the very next verse:
“So God created man in his own image;
He created him in the image of God;
He created them male and female.” (Genesis 1:27)

This is precisely why murder so terrible; when someone murders a fellow human being, they are snuffing out the life of an image-bearer of God Himself.

The sacred nature of human life is further illustrated in this Levitical law:
“When men get in a fight and hit a pregnant woman so that her children are born prematurely but there is no injury, the one who hit her must be fined as the woman’s husband demands from him, and he must pay according to judicial assessment.  If there is an injury, then you must give life for life,  eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,  burn for burn, bruise for bruise, wound for wound.” (Exodus 21:22-25)

This law clearly illustrates the importance God places on a human life,
even the smallest and most vulnerable!

For believers living after Jesus’ death and resurrection, who live everyday with the gift of the Holy Spirit within us, this commandment takes on new meaning and a higher level of accountability. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 5, our abstention from murder should extend to unrighteous anger, insults, and denigrating or slanderous speech.

In fact, Scripture explains, such treatment of a fellow image-bearer reveals a heart of hatred. Hatred of another human, even our enemies, stands in direct opposition to the example set by Jesus’ sacrificial death.

Instead, Jesus calls us to love our enemies and offers us a living demonstration: even in the midst of His agony on the cross, He didn’t spew judgement or hatred. His heart of mercy triumphed over the pain of injustice His body suffered as He interceded for His tormentors.

“Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

God’s command to preserve life, working in concert with the other passages we’ve discussed, creates a beautiful picture of the Father’s fierce heart of love for His children. The command truly comes alive and we see, for perhaps the first time, just how highly God esteems us as His creations. We bear the image, the breath, and the Spirit of Almighty God. Therefore, rather than taking a life, we are called to willingly lay down our own lives, in gratitude and love for the One who gave Himself to rescue us.

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Sola Day 9 Sola Fide: 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 part do I play in my salvation?

2) How can I be raised up and seated with Christ in Heaven?

3) How can I be alive in Christ and dead in trespasses?

Ephesians 2:1-10

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously lived according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. 3 We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us 5 made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! 6 He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

Original Intent

1) What part do I play in my salvation?
Paul states in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we “are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast.” The word grace is “from the Latin gratia meaning favor, charm or thanks. Gratia, in turn, is derived from gratus meaning free, ready, quick, willing, prompt” (Preceptaustin.org.)  Author Kenneth Wuest tells us the pagan Greeks used the term grace to refer to “a favor done by one Greek to another out of the pure generosity of his heart, and with no hope of reward.”  God saves us by His grace, which is His free favor, unmerited by us. He uses our faith, but as author David Guzik explains, we can think of faith as a water hose and grace as the water: “The water is the important part, but it is communicated through the hose. The hose does not quench your thirst; the water does. But the hose brings water to the place you can benefit from it.”  We can do nothing to save ourselves; salvation is a free gift from God we didn’t earn and couldn’t deserve because of our sin. All we have to do is reach out in faith to accept God’s salvation by repenting of our sins and believing in Jesus (Mark 1:15) Through His grace, God built a bridge to bring us out of sin and into relationship with Him, and all we have to do is accept and believe, even this act of faith is a gift God gives to us. There is truly nothing no action we can take that is about us and our own strength. We must each choose to use the gift of faith appropriately trusting the Savior, and receive His gift of grace.

2) How can I be raised up and seated with Christ in Heaven?
Ephesians 2:6 tells us Christ “also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus.” The Greek word for “raised up with” is sungeiro, which literally means “raised up together” (Preceptaustin.org)  The suggestion here is that Christians experience a “spiritual resurrection that follows our crucifixion with Christ and our entombment with Christ” (Preceptaustin.org.)  Author Albert Barnes explains by saying, “We become dead to the world in virtue of His death; we become alive unto God in virtue of His resurrection. On earth, we are exalted to honor, peace, and hope, in virtue of his resurrection; in heaven we shall share His, glory and partake of His triumphs.”  When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become united to Him (I Corinthians 6:17), by which, our flesh dies in His death and our new life begins with His resurrection.  As one with Him, we are seated with Him in Christ in heavenly places.  Author Mark Dunagan suggests, “to live in the ‘heavenly places’, is to have your mind set on the spiritual realm (Colossians 3:1), and to live like an eternal reality exists.”  To be raised up and seated with Him in Christ, then, is to become united with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection because of the free gift of salvation He offers to everyone.

3) How can I be alive in Christ and dead in trespasses?
Paul writes in Ephesians 2:4-5, “God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that He had for us made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!” The word for trespasses comes from the Greek word Paraptoma, which basically means falling so as to lose one’s footing. It conveys the idea of a false step and often is translated a transgression, [from Latin trans– across + gradi = to step] which means we have crossed a line, challenging God’s boundaries” (Preceptaustin.org) The Greek word for “made us alive,” suzoopoieo, means “to cause to live with Christ or to give life with Christ. . . To an extent this verb could be seen as somewhat synonymous with ‘saved’, but it can also have the meaning of keeping alive or preserving life” (Preceptaustin.org) What Paul declares here is that even when we were spiritually dead in our sins, God loved us. He didn’t clean us up first or wait for us to change.  He loved us when we were dead in our trespasses.  Charles Spurgeon explains that God’s love “does not depend upon what we are; it flows from His own heart. It is not love of something good in us; it is love of us because of everything good in Him.”  We are richly blessed by God’s great mercy and love that we do not deserve and cannot earn.

Everyday Application

1) What part do I play in my salvation?
I gave my heart to Jesus as a little girl over 40 years ago.  At the time, I understood Jesus loved me and died on a cross to forgive me of my sins.  I didn’t confront the concept of God’s grace until I got older and needed God’s rescue from situation after situation.  I was never in big trouble, but I constantly found myself making mistakes, falling short, and feeling unworthy.  I finally figured out that God’s grace was there precisely because I couldn’t be perfect on my own.  J.I. Packer writes, “The grace of God is love freely shown towards guilty sinners, contrary to their merit and indeed in defiance of their demerit. It is God showing goodness to persons who deserve only severity and who had no reason to expect anything but severity.”  When I realized I couldn’t be good enough on my own, I clearly saw my need for the interjection of God’s grace. I am unable to please Him on my own, but in His grace, He offered a sacrifice to cover all of my “not enoughs”, and then gave me His Holy Spirit to powerfully live inside me, equipping me to love and follow Him. What was impossible before, was now possible because of God, His grace, and His Spirit! I could stop trying to follow Him in my own strength and instead rely on His Holy Spirit to power my everyday interactions. It is a lesson I am still learning, but one that makes my life less about my abilities, and more about His purposes.

2) How can I be raised up and seated with Christ in Heaven?
When I buy a new gadget or download a new app, I am just interested in the main function of the thing.  I want it to do what I bought it to do, and I don’t care much about the other aspects.  My husband or my kids might look it over and tell me about all the nifty extras, but I don’t pay much attention.  I just want the basics, plain and simple.  Sometimes I have this attitude about my salvation, strangely enough. I know God saved me and I am going to Heaven, which is amazing!  But I don’t think about everything this free gift of salvation entails.  It really is the gift that keeps on giving! Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:6-7 that Christ “also raised us up with Him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”  Paul is telling us we share in the death and resurrection of Jesus and all the benefits that represents.  Author, Heather Holleman, describes her realization of the fullness available to us through salvation and in being seated with Christ.  She writes that “no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I have full access to God’s love, power, peace, hope, and provision. . . Rather than search for a different seat or one that we think is better, when we’re walking with Christ, we can instead relax and enjoy the life we’re living.”  Life with Christ means we have constant access to the grace, power, love and provision of God! God graciously saves us and then lavishes His love on us by giving us the rights and privileges of children and heirs of the King.

3) How can I be alive in Christ and dead in trespasses?
Ephesians 2:4-5 tells us “God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!” What does it mean to be dead in my trespasses? John Piper suggests, “we are not dead in the sense that we can’t sin. We are dead in the sense that we cannot see or feel the glory of Christ. We are spiritually dead. We are unresponsive to God and Christ and this word.”  It amazes me that God loved me in this state! It is so unlike the love I have for others, even my closest family. When my husband or kids are unresponsive to me, I don’t feel love for them, and I usually don’t choose to act in a loving way towards them.  But God, in His extreme mercy and unfathomable grace, chose to love me while I was still a sinner. He made me alive with Christ before I ever loved Him. David Guzik points out that God “did not wait until we were lovable. He loved us even when we were dead in trespasses, providing nothing lovable to Him.” God took our sins on Himself and became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) before we ever loved Him or even showed a sign of turning to Him.  We have life in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:22) through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  We are made alive, though dead in our sins, through His merciful love. We are saved by His amazing grace!

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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!

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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 6 Sola Gratia

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Galatians 1:6-12
Galatians 3:1-4
Isaiah 55:1-3
Romans 6

Sola, Day 6

I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from Him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel. –Paul, the Apostle

Dumbfounded, to be honest.
How can you be so foolish to, on one hand, believe that Christ saved you by His Spirit, without any help from you, then turn to the other hand and live like your spiritual growth depends on your own ability?  (Galatians 3:3, paraphrased)

“You foolish Galatians!”, Paul emphatically states.

My friends, there is No Other Gospel by which we can receive salvation.
NONE.

Hence, Sola.
Sola, meaning only.

Only one Scripture holding truth.
Only one way to Jesus through faith.
Only one way to receive Christ by grace.
Only one who can save us for eternity, Jesus.
Only one end goal, to bring glory to God.

Paul reiterates with emphasis,
“not that there is another gospel,
but there are some who are troubling you
and want to distort the gospel of Christ.”
(Galatians 1:7)

We nod our heads in agreement when we hear the statements of faith.
Of course, we believe this to be true:
Saved by grace through faith alone, yes! Of course!

But we still must do…..
and out flow our lists and endless checkboxes of ways to please God and earn His favor.

As if the gospel needs our help.
As if the Savior’s work is not good enough.

We say…
God saved us for all eternity yes, but I must still do these things to ensure His love stays on me.

Scripture says…
God saved us for all eternity through faith yes, but GOD by His grace and His righteousness will continue to hold us fast, teaching our hearts to become more like Him.

Scripture insists, and Sola Gratia emphatically demands, that we change our yes, but to yes, I am not enough and will never be enough, but God is always my enough because of lavish grace.

Sola Gratia
Saved by grace through faith not of ourselves; it is the gift of God.

Whatever we attempt to bring to the table of Christ
will never be good enough and
will always cheapen the sacrifice of Christ,
so, radically, God invites us to bring our nothing.

No righteousness.
No good deeds.
No Scripture memory.
No “pretty good” past.
No large sums of money given to charity.
All of it is a slap in the face of the One who gave all
precisely because we are incapable of bringing anything.

Against the stark, unending dark backdrop of our utter incapability to earn the favor and pleasing smile of God upon us, He extends His merciful kindness and invites us to “bring our nothing”.

Come, and buy, and drink, and eat, and have inheritance, without price or entrance fee. (Isaiah 55:1-3)
Cease your labors. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Come to Jesus through the doorway of faith, opened for you by grace alone. (Romans 3:23-24)

Jared C. Wilson, in his portion of the book, Sola: How The 5 Solas are still Reforming the Church writes, “The problem with legalism is that it is itself, altogether stupid. Legalism imagines that the solution to our problem (inadequate righteousness before God) is to bring more of our problem (inadequate righteousness).”

Read that again, slower.

How refreshing is the antidote to our ceaseless inadequacy, Sola Gratia!
Bring your nothing, and allow faith, because of grace, to awaken your soul to life where good works flow rightly from the Spirit at work within us.

Because of this richly free, inestimably extravagant, grace alone,
we can have peace with God.

When we trade our sin-sick efforts to earn God’s favor or become a better version of ourselves on our own.
When we surrender our total inability to become righteous to the God of all righteousness.
When we lay down our insistence that we can do where God says, “I have done”.

Here is the rich fabric of grace.
Here we drink the wine of peace with God.

Here, with tears in our eyes, and the Spirit fueling our hearts, we declare alongside Paul with hearts overflowing with gratitude,
Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.

Sola Gratia
To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Galatians 1:5)

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Sketched VII Day 12 My Shaping Moments: 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 My Shaping Moments!

The Questions

1) What is mercy in this context?

2) What is grace in this context?

3) How are we alike or different from Paul?

1 Timothy 1:12-20

I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, 19 having faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

Original Intent

1) What is mercy in this context?
Our English word for mercy comes from the Greek word eleeo, meaning compassionate and tender kindness. Throughout the New Testament, eleeo is used to convey the idea of God not punishing as we justly deserve; this is an act of mercy. Because of our sinful rebellion against God, we deserve instant exile into eternal separation from God, but because of His mercy, He gives each of us time to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) In this letter to Timothy we see Paul recounting how merciful God was to him.  Paul was rebelling against God, imprisoning and murdering Christians, but God showed Paul mercy by continuing to give him life, patiently waiting for Paul to come to repentance, and by mercifully giving him the opportunity to repent multiple times over. Mercy, God’s tender-hearted compassion toward His people by not giving them what they justly deserve, is abundant throughout the Bible. We see Moses writing about mercy in Numbers 14:18, describing God’s slowness to anger even though He will also dispense consequences because He is loving and just. David writes about God’s mercy and compassion throughout the Psalms. Some examples are Psalm 86:5, Psalm 103:8 and Psalm 145:8-9. We see God Himself speaking through the prophet Isaiah about His tireless compassion towards His people in Isaiah 65:2 in spite of their rebellious actions and attitudes.

2) What is grace in this context?
In the original Greek, grace is charis. Its definition is broader than mercy, but includes the attributes of mercy as kindness and compassion. Grace is like an umbrella that mercy fits beneath, but it also carries the idea of undeserved favor represented by a gift. It also comes from the Hebrew word hsd, or hesed, meaning loving-kindness. All of this comes together beautifully presented as a lavish, entirely unmerited, impossible-to-earn gift, which is given out of God’s core character of love. Grace is given unconditionally, knowing the favorable gift could never be repaid. God states that He is the God of grace, love, forgiveness, and favor in Exodus 34:6-7. Grace sees the impoverished orphan and lovingly provides lavishly for that orphan, treating her as precious and priceless, knowing she could never do anything to earn the gift or ever do anything valuable enough to repay her benefactor. (Ephesians 1:5-9) Paul says in verse 14 that the “grace of our Lord overflowed” to him, meaning a new life, fully undeserved, was given to Paul as a gift. This is grace!

3) How are we alike or different from Paul?
Before Saul’s encounter with God, and his subsequent surrender to Christ as well as his name change to Paul, we see him as a Pharisee, a very learned man of the Law. Meaning he knew the Torah, the first 5 books of our Bible, and was well practiced in working hard to keep every bit of the Law, while also making sure others were keeping it as well.  The Torah is full of lengthy passages of rules, rituals, and laws for Israel to follow as a nation. (Don’t let this deter you from reading it, however, there are some incredible stories and accounts of interesting people!) As a Pharisee, Saul believed every Jew was to uphold those laws, or else they were deemed not ‘good enough’ for God. Saul (before he became Paul) wrongly believed anyone could attain their own righteousness by following these Old Testament laws. Flying in the face of these laws, Saul saw the followers of Jesus as wrong and blasphemous against God because Jesus taught that He was the fulfillment of those laws because only in Him could anyone be declared righteous. Jesus taught it was through faith one became righteous to God, not through works of the Law. This inflamed Saul, and his fellow Pharisees! So, he set out to destroy all who followed Christ. In Acts 8:1 he has a follower of Christ, Stephen, put to death. (Acts 6:8-8:3) In Acts 8:3, Saul goes house to house physically removing anyone who has professed that Jesus is Lord. Finally, by God’s grace, God stops Saul in his literal tracks in Acts 9:1-7 and opens Saul’s heart to realize how everything he had been doing was in opposition to God.

Everyday Application

1) What is mercy in this context?
In today’s world we tend to use the word compassion more often than mercy as it seems to be an outdated term for most. In our society, we most often associate compassion with rooting for the underdog or a feeling of kindness to someone less fortunate. But oh, do we need to be reminded of true, biblical mercy! While we are urged to show mercy and compassion to one another as a reflection of God’s heart in Scripture (Luke 10:37), eleeo goes deeper than compassion. Compassion sees a hurting friend and lovingly walks beside them in grief. Mercy looks at the teenager who snuck out against the known rule and says, I will not punish you as you rightly deserve. Eleeo is most often used in the New Testament to demonstrate a kind, tender mercy that comes from God. Mercy is an act of God, too magnificent for us to fully comprehend because our injustices against Him are too great. Take time to look up these passages using eleeo and consider how unfathomably great is God’s mercy towards us. (Luke 1:50, Jude 1:21, Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:4) Then allow this overwhelming richness of mercy to motivate you to extend mercy towards others as a reflection of God’s magnificent eleeo mercy! (1 Peter 1:3)

2) What is grace in this context?
There is a popular saying describing the difference between grace and mercy by stating, “Grace is when God gives us what we don’t deserve. Mercy is when God doesn’t give us what we do deserve.” These two may sound similar, but by this description, God’s gift of wiping away our sin is a gift of grace because He is giving us what we do not deserve. Mercy could be receiving a less harsh consequence. For example, when a judge is lenient with a defendant and gives a lesser punishment, he is showing mercy. Mercy stops the executioner from delivering deserved justice to the offender. Grace then enters to give that offender the gift of walking out of his jail cell with his sentence marked “paid in full”. Mercy compassionately doesn’t give what is rightly deserved. Grace kindly gives what could never be deserved. Grace is never about legalism, checking all the boxes, and working hard to earn favor. (Galatians 5:4) Grace is undeserved no matter how hard we try to win it; it cannot be won. We are saved not by the ‘law’, or our attempts at good deeds, but by God’s gracious love and favor; this is His grace towards us. (Ephesians 2:4-5) Grace wins over sin every time for the one who puts their faith fully in the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf at the cross. This lavish gift of grace, however, doesn’t mean Christians have received a ‘free pass’ to keep on sinning. (Romans 5:20-6:2) Rather, the recipient of such grace is motivated to live for Christ, the One who set them free to live a life of love instead of sin!

3) How are we alike or different than Paul?
In our humanity, we are all like Paul when he was Saul, because we all rebel against God, seeking to be our own “god”. Perhaps, like Saul, we are ignorant of the saving message of Jesus, even if we do know God exists, which, as a Pharisee, Paul did. He knew all about God, but didn’t see anything he did as sinful, until God Himself showed him the error of his ways on the Damascus road. We can be very much like that.  Whether that sin is giving in to doing something we know is completely wrong, or simply falling prey to ‘little’ sins.  Backbiting, lying, slander, stealing, and many others are examples of sin, but there are no “small sins” to God; even one marks us unholy, resulting in eternal separation from a perfectly holy God. We also sin by simply not acknowledging that we are indeed broken and sinful. (1 John 1:8) We can think, like Saul did, that by being ‘good’ we are saved and are in “good enough” standing with God. We deem ourselves as righteous. We get caught up in the “laws” in our mind of how people should act and behave, without ever considering that maybe there is something in ourselves that needs to change. The beautiful thing is, God is indeed gracious and merciful, overflowing with compassion and love. We don’t need to do anything to earn His love and forgiveness, other than repent and turn away from a life of sin and acknowledge He alone is holy, and in His mercy and grace, provided a way to rescue us from sin by sacrificing Himself for us. That’s it!  2 Peter 3:9 says God desires that none should perish.  Because of God’s great love for us and His blood which He shed on the cross, we can come to Him in repentance and He will pour His unfailing love and grace out on us. (Ephesians 1:5, John 1:4, Romans 5:2)

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1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
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3) Write down your questions
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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
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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.

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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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