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Freed

Ignite Day 14 Just One: Digging Deeper

June 13, 2019 by Rebecca Adams Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Just One!

The Questions

1) It seems like Paul is saying his suffering is actually emboldening others to share the gospel as well. Is this true? How is it possible? (verses 12-14)

2) How and why would “some preach Christ out of rivalry and vain conceit”? What does Paul’s response reveal about him? (verse 15)

3) How does Paul know he will be delivered from prison? (verse 19)

Philippians 1:12-20

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Original Intent

1) It seems like Paul is saying his suffering is actually emboldening others to share the gospel as well. Is this true? How is it possible? (verses 12-14)
Yes, it’s true! Paul’s suffering was used by the God who turns all things into platforms for His goodness and glory to be made undeniably clear. Paul was writing this letter, while imprisoned, to the church in Philippi and, understandably, wanted to assure them of the mysterious truth he had long come to know, “that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12) It would be easy to run in fear on hearing Paul’s news, and he wanted the church to know the truth. He wasn’t plastering on a happy face, this wasn’t an attempt to get more people imprisoned, Paul’s purpose was to declare the power of the gospel! In his letter to Timothy, also written while in prison, Paul says about preaching the gospel, “I am bound like a criminal, but the word of God is not bound!”. (2 Timothy 2:9) Paul was imprisoned and had suffered countless persecutions for holding unswervingly to Christ alone, yet still he relentlessly clung tighter. As a result, God used even his harsh circumstances as a means to reach a new group of people, the imperial guard and those who ran in that circle of people. They knew of Paul, his imprisonment, and the gospel he preached. They witnessed how Paul willingly accepted persecution as normative for the delight of following Jesus. This is an outrageous gospel that frees people from the inside so that no fear of men can overcome them! (Matthew 10:28) Paul wanted his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to keep running the race of sharing Jesus (2 Timothy 4:7), keep being bold, and keep their eyes on eternity because the gospel is worth it, even for just one!

2) How and why would “some preach Christ out of rivalry and vain conceit”? What does Paul’s response reveal about him? (verse 15)
Paul, his word, his preaching, and his public persona carried quite a bit of weight within the early church. He traveled far and wide, strengthening and encouraging and providing wisdom from the Lord wherever He went. In today’s verbiage, Paul had a huge following. Despite his floggings and many forms of persecution, he was greatly respected, honored, and beloved by many. (Acts 20:36-38) In their sinful human nature, other preachers of the gospel became jealous of Paul’s popularity, wishing for some of the same prestige. (1 Corinthians 3:3-4) They viewed Paul’s imprisonment as a roadblock for Paul’s popularity rankings and were seemingly taking advantage of the situation in order to promote themselves on the stage of the gospel. Paul responds not with words that try to edge himself over other pastors, but in pointing straight to the power of the gospel. Paul knew that whatever popularity he carried had nothing to do with himself, but only about God doing His mighty work through Paul. Perhaps much of the reason Paul was so well loved was because he understood the gospel’s going forth had nothing to do with him being especially blessed. Rather, Paul viewed himself as unworthy to carry this precious gospel, referring to himself as the “worst of all sinners”. (1 Timothy 1:15) Preaching wasn’t about Paul, it was always and only about Christ, which is why Paul was able to rejoice when his “competitors” preached the gospel while Paul was stuck in prison. Paul wanted one thing, for the gospel to be declared with all boldness, which was being done, even as Paul sat in prison.

3) How does Paul know he will be delivered from prison? (verse 19)
A quick, cursory glance through these verses and it would be easy to think Paul was talking about either his “deliverance” from prison or the “salvation” or his soul, but neither of those take the whole context into consideration. Paul was speaking of those who were preaching Christ out of envy and vanity and he was transparently sharing how easy and tempting it would be for him to fall into self-focus and discouragement about his own preaching. But he is kept a safe distance from these pitfalls because of his intentional choice to rejoice and celebrate that the gospel is being preached instead of focusing on who is (or isn’t) doing the preaching. Paul was just as human as any of us and the temptation to make his ministry about himself was a real threat. If we were to slow down, take the meaning of the Greek words into account, and amplify the context of this passage, verse 19 might read like this:
My heart attitude of rejoicing will lead to my vindication and clear conscience. By focusing on rejoicing that the gospel is being preached, I can keep a clear conscience before the Lord. My human tendency is to become discouraged and to fall into self-pity, focusing on my circumstances, but when I choose rejoicing, when I choose thanksgiving for the gospel’s declaration, I am kept safe in my thought-life. Even this inner, heart adjustment to stay away from self-focus is a gift given by the Spirit of Jesus as He works within my heart and is continued because you, my brothers and sisters in Jesus, keep praying for me, asking the Lord to supply and sustain me where I am weak.

Everyday Application

1) It seems like Paul is saying his suffering is actually emboldening others to share the gospel as well. Is this true? How is it possible? (verses 12-14)
It goes entirely against every urge within us, doesn’t it? This counting suffering as a source of encouragement, but here we find it written by the pen of the greatest apostle that, as a direct result of his suffering, Christ was preached, brothers and sisters were encouraged to preach more boldly, and the kingdom of God expanded. The root? Yes, suffering. Transparently, I’ve long struggled with this passage, feeling as if it were a splinter against tender flesh. How could other believers, upon hearing of Paul’s imprisonment because of the gospel, not run in fear of the same result? Perhaps it felt so splintering, because I couldn’t imagine being encouraged. But then I read of brothers and sisters all around the world who preached boldly and loved those around them for the sake of the gospel even knowing they would face persecution. If their love for Jesus was worth it to them, how could I, a recipient of the same undeserved, lavish grace, hide away in fear? Was the gospel not worth it to me? Were other souls less precious than my own? Did I really value the now over the forever of eternity? With conviction from the Holy Spirit, the stories I read stirred me, encouraged me, and emboldened me to share this precious gospel like never before. While reading The Insanity of God, this passage, which I happened to be memorizing at the time, was constantly before me. The God of all power, sovereignty, and love used the evil of the world, upending it and shifting it, to become a stage for the purpose of declaring His gospel of love and freedom to even more people. Considering the brevity of my vapor-thin life, I want to be part of that kind of kingdom work. A work that lasts far beyond myself into eternity, for the sake of even just one more soul. Yes, even if it means suffering.

2) How and why would “some preach Christ out of rivalry and vain conceit”? What does Paul’s response reveal about him? (verse 15)
Falling into a popularity competition is far too easy for each of us in our own various ways. Envying another’s accomplishments is probably a scenario we’ve all found ourselves in. Whether it’s about ministry success, picture perfect kids, attaining fitness goals, or accomplishing big milestone markers in life, Paul’s heart attitude is an excellent model for each of us. There is one goal for every believer, and that is Christ is preached. Whatever we are doing, our aim is to bring God glory, even if it’s as menial as eating or drinking. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Every single Christ follower has been gifted with an intentional purpose and special giftings to accomplish that mission. Whatever it is, we are to do it well, keeping our eyes on the goal of bringing God glory, not competing against other brothers or sisters. Paul says it like this in 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (emphasis added) Next time you are tempted to fall into jealousy or lean into a competitive spirit against a brother or sister in Jesus, step back and choose instead to celebrate with them. We are each precious and we each have a role in building God’s kingdom!

3) How does Paul know he will be delivered from prison? (verse 19)
Where do you commonly find yourself straying in your private thought life? Maybe you struggle with physical lust or constant comparison or perhaps your struggle is in the negative words you choose to speak to yourself with phrases like, “You’re such an idiot. Why can’t you get it right?” Whatever your familiar weakness, Paul’s model provides a solid antidote. Choose thanksgiving; choose to rejoice over what the Lord is doing through you and others. Celebrating others’ strengths and victories clears away our tendency to focus on what we don’t have. Be transparent. Share your weaknesses and struggles with other trusted, believing sisters in Jesus and ask them to pray for you. The Holy Spirit will use their prayers to strengthen and encourage you and keep your heart and mind focused on the goodness of the Lord instead of yourself. Want to go a step farther? Be that place of safety for another sister. Be transparent with her and invite her to share vulnerably with you, then commit to praying for one another in these areas of weakness. Watch what the Lord will do through the gift of your committed prayers and your intentional choice to rejoice!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
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Catch up with Just One!

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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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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Posted in: Digging Deeper, God, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Ignite, Jesus, Love, Paul, Suffering Tagged: delight, encouragement, Freed, just, One, power, sovereignty, Willingly, Witnessed

Sketched V Day 5 Saul, All Of Us

February 1, 2019 by Stacy Daniel Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Galatians 5:16-25
Psalm 62:5-8
Luke 10:38-42
Matthew 11:28-30

Sketched V, Day 5

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, and self-control.”
I remember when my life didn’t reflect these words I’d penned through the Holy Spirit’s power.
I was so devoted to the law I missed it’s point.
I missed Jesus.
I chased everything except Christ.
Though He came to save me from working to achieve righteousness,
I savagely continued insisting on preserving the law in me.
Futile though it was.
How hard I worked! Yet how great the price!
How grateful I am for that blessed day Jesus met me on the road to Damascus as His grace arrested me! A grace so great, it freed me to walk in step with His Spirit, unleashing me forever from the heavy chains of performance and not enough.
I am Paul, freed to live by the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, and self-control.”

As I shared these words with the congregation this morning, I remembered the past week and its obligations. It was packed with meetings, counseling appointments, decisions, and of course, sermon preparation. I moved as if on autopilot.
Regrettably, I wonder how many times I overlooked the opportunity to show kindness or love.  I know my family would say I’ve been more impatient, but they know I’m busy, it’s simply the reality of being a pastor.
I know I didn’t spend the time I normally do on the sermon, praying through each word, asking for a fresh perspective from the Spirit and letting my words be His.
Will He still do His work without my strivings?
I am thankful for the gift of speaking and the calling of my job,
but the cost is too great to do this without Jesus.
These words from the Lord are vitally important. I will choose to rest in the fresh word He has for me daily.
I’m your pastor, freed to live by the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, and self-control.”
When I read these words today, I can’t help but reflect upon my actions the last few days realizing how little they describe me.  I have looked forward to the opportunity to share God’s word with others, but with a deadline looming, I’ve felt less inspired and more stressed, impatient and insecure.
I’ve shown irritability toward my family and neglected precious time with Jesus
in order to “get things done”.
How subtle the shift has been from Christ’s righteousness to self-reliance!
How easy it would be to begin writing without asking for guidance from Jesus as I share His grace with others who need Him as well.
I wrote this Journey Study; I’m Stacy, freed to walk in the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, and self-control.”
As I am confronted with these words, I don’t recognize the person I’ve become.
If I’m honest, I’m bitter, angry, selfish and sad.
Every day is a flurry of activity as I get the kids up and fed, off to school and then attend to the needs of the little ones. Lunch, naps, housework, planning dinner and grocery trips, keeping up with the ever-changing demands of raising kids, and striving to be the best wife possible. Date nights, family Bible studies, teachable moments, small group, church responsibilities, my list goes on.
I see other moms thriving, or so it seems from their social media accounts.
How do they have happy kids and husbands, clean homes, and deep spiritual lives
when I feel like I’m drowning?
I miss the days when I could spend long periods of time in God’s Word.
There is so much to do now, I don’t always make the time.
When I do steal a few moments away with the Lord, my mind is always elsewhere and guilt is everywhere. I must get everything done, but at what cost?
My kids hear me speak of Jesus, but my tone doesn’t always reflect His peace.
These words invite me to a different pace. How I need to be reminded to keep in step with the Spirit and not my own frenzy!
I’m the mom you see in the car line, freed to walk in the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, and self-control.”
Hearing the pastor share these words this morning, I notice how “accomplishing”, “striving”, and “doing” aren’t included.
Oh, neither is “exhausted”, which is my personal definition of life.
The kids are gone, but life never slowed down.
After all, they still have needs such as babysitting, and I love spending time with those precious grandbabies! There are so many volunteer needs at church or lonely friends, it seems I can never do enough.
At home the needs of my husband are greater after his injury. Taking a part-time job became a necessity to help with bills. I know I need to spend more time personally with Jesus, but He has called me to take care of the ones I love.
What if these words are calling me, inviting me, to spend time in a way that won’t leave me empty. What if learning the rhythm of the Savior is the answer to walking in peace?
I’m the grandma down the street from you, freed to walk in the Spirit.

~~

Dear friends, it’s so easy as capable, busy women to speed through our days “doing all the things” we feel we must without acknowledging our necessity for Jesus.
As in Mary & Martha’s case,
dinner does need to get on the table,
but Jesus commended Mary for choosing the better thing.

Jesus invites us to sit at His feet, learning from Him as we center our lives around dwelling with Him. Here, in this sweet spot, “all the things” fall into a more pleasant pattern and our souls are lightened instead of burdened.
They key isn’t in what we do or don’t do, it’s found in the fuel we do it by.
The more time we spend in the presence of our Father,
the more we will exude His fruit and find His peace.
Come, Daughter, become freed to walk in the Spirit.

His invitation awaits our acceptance….
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take up My yoke and learn from Me,
because I am lowly and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light
.”
Matthew 11:28-30

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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 V 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 Sketched V

Posted in: Busy, Dwell, God, Jesus, Love, Rest, Saul, Sketched Tagged: free, Freed, Fruit of the Spirit, rhythm, Self-Relieance, Walking in the Spirit

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