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Pause IV Day 4 Only Holy One

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Pause IV, Day 4

Habakkuk has heard the Lord’s reply to his anguished plea for God to fix what was broken in Israel, and he doesn’t approve.

As we saw yesterday, the Lord responded to Habakkuk with gracious kindness inviting him to look around and assess from the Lord’s perspective. Yahweh encouraged Habakkuk that what the Lord planned would be astounding. By the close of Habakkuk’s prophetic book, by the way, Habakkuk ends up agreeing with the Lord, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. For now, Habakkuk doesn’t agree, in fact he is wrestling deeply with two seemingly conflicting realities.

One, Habakkuk knows several unchanging truths about God, and he verbalizes them back to the Lord. As you read through today’s passage, pick out what those truths are and write them down. Then add to Habakkuk’s list by writing some truths you know about God that are always true, regardless of your circumstances.

Two, Habakkuk sees evil, violence, wrong-doing, and massive injustices. He cannot comprehend why the Lord would somehow plan to right the wrongs by sending punishment to Israel in the form of another nation who lived wickedly.

How often have we held a truth about God’s character in one hand, while looking at brokenness or injustice in our other hand, then pleaded with God for understanding?! I know I have, many times in many different scenes in my life.

At the close of Habakkuk’s book, he makes a decision to trust the Lord and what he knows of His heart over the circumstances around us. But for now, he wrestles. Let Habakkuk’s struggle encourage you! God isn’t asking you to jump to the conclusion and skip the middle part of wading through challenge. Give yourself permission to pause, and be reminded the Lord is present even in this.

Grab your Bible, a journal and pen,
and open your heart to bask in the presence of the Almighty!

Today's Challenge

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down all of Habakkuk 1:12-13 today. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com). As you write, think of the incredible gift it is to be invited into God’s presence through His word!

2) Choose one of these options to walk into greater depth with Jesus as you make the intentional choice to grow with perseverance and determination!
a) Pitch in to do something extra at church. Whether it’s helping with cleanup, opening doors, trimming weeds, or offering to help in a child’s classroom, step up to loving deeper by serving in a new way.
            b) Send a note of kindness and encouragement to your pastor!
            c) Check out some local ministries in your area and make plans to serve with them for an afternoon. Maybe it’s organizing school donations, serving soup, or stuffing backpacks for kids. Even better, get some friends to join you!
            d) Prayer walking is a simple way to begin shifting the eyes of your heart to truly see others. Walk around your neighborhood, some city streets, the aisles of your grocery store, or intentionally sit at a local coffee shop and pray, pray, pray. Pray for the people around you, pray for hearts to turn towards Jesus, pray for your own heart to be ready to share the full gospel if given the chance. Don’t worry about seeing results, that’s God’s job!
            e) Strike up a conversation with a random stranger. It may move to spiritual topics, it may not, but showing love to those outside our immediate circles always begins with a simple conversation. “What have you been doing today?” “Do you live nearby?” “Where do you go to church?” “What are your favorite local restaurants?” “I love your top! Where did you get it?” These open-ended questions work well!

3) Share the exciting, bold ways you are growing deep today with the rest of the GT Community! Our Facebook community page is always open! Or snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @gracefully_truthful

Join the GT Community on Facebook!

Habakkuk 1:12-17

12 Are you not from eternity, Lord my God?
My Holy One, you will not die.
Lord, you appointed them to execute judgment;
my Rock, you destined them to punish us.
13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil,
and you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.
So why do you tolerate those who are treacherous?
Why are you silent
while one who is wicked swallows up
one who is more righteous than himself?
14 You have made mankind
like the fish of the sea,
like marine creatures that have no ruler.
15 The Chaldeans pull them all up with a hook,
catch them in their dragnet,
and gather them in their fishing net;
that is why they are glad and rejoice.
16 That is why they sacrifice to their dragnet
and burn incense to their fishing net,
for by these things their portion is rich
and their food plentiful.
17 Will they therefore empty their net
and continually slaughter nations without mercy?

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with a simple challenge. Each challenge is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

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 Pause IV Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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

Pause 3 Day 4 Growing Pains

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Pause 3, Day 4

“We have a great deal to say about this, and it is difficult to explain,
since you have become too lazy to understand.”

These words from the pen of Hebrew’s author, which originated in the heart of God, could have been overheard falling from my lips to my teenager in recent weeks.

“You have such potential! Why would you choose laziness over hard work?
Just decide to commit and then follow through.
You are ship-wrecking your life with your lazy decisions!”

My motivation was to get my teenager to take their homework and life choices more seriously; they were stuck spinning their wheels, stalling out, when they could be excelling and growing. The frustrating part was my teenager had access to every tool available in order to succeed, they just needed to use the tools.

In the same way, God fervently calls out to us as believers.
“There is so much more for you! Why are you satisfied with surface-faith?!”

God has equipped us through His Spirit to follow Him.
He has given us biblical community to be transparent with and grow together with.
He has supplied His own Words for us to know and experience deep connection with Him through.

How easily we choose laziness over commitment to a deep, vibrant relationship with the Almighty!

God’s desire for our growth is clear, “demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end, so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.”

Let’s determine to leave lazy-following in the dust, and live diligently as we imitate Christ!

Grab your Bible, a journal and pen,
and open your heart to bask in the presence of the Almighty!

Today's Challenge

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down all of Hebrews 5:11-6:12 today. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com). As you write, think of the incredible gift it is to be invited into God’s presence through His word!

2) Choose one of these options to walk into more with Jesus as you make the intentional choice to grow with perseverance and determination!
           a) Pitch in to do something extra at church. Whether it’s helping with cleanup, opening doors, trimming weeds, or offering to help in a child’s classroom, step up to loving deeper by serving in a new way.
            b) October is Pastor Appreciation Month and a note of genuine kindness goes a long way in showing love and giving encouragement. Consider sending your pastor an email or card!
            c) Check out some local ministries in your area and make plans to serve with them for an afternoon. Maybe it’s organizing school donations, serving soup, or stuffing backpacks for kids. Even better, get some friends to join you!
            d) Prayer walking is a simple way to begin shifting the eyes of your heart to truly see others. Walk around your neighborhood, some city streets, the aisles of your grocery store, or intentionally sit at a local coffee shop and pray, pray, pray. Pray for the people around you, pray for hearts to turn towards Jesus, pray for your own heart to be ready to share the full gospel if given the chance. Don’t worry about seeing results, that’s God’s job!
            e) Strike up a conversation with a random stranger. It may move to spiritual topics, it may not, but showing love to those outside our immediate circles always begins with a simple conversation. “What have you been doing today?” “Do you live nearby?” “Where do you go to church?” “What are your favorite local restaurants?” “I love your top! Where did you get it?” These open-ended questions work well!

3) Share the exciting, bold ways you are growing deep today with the rest of the GT Community! Our Facebook community page is always open! Or snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @gracefully_truthful

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

Join the GT Community on Facebook!

Hebrews 5:11-6:12

We have a great deal to say about this, and it is difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand. 12 Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. 13 Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.

6:1 Therefore, let us leave the elementary teaching about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, faith in God, 2 teaching about ritual washings, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And we will do this if God permits.

4 For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age, 6 and who have fallen away. This is because, to their own harm, they are recrucifying the Son of God and holding him up to contempt. 7 For the ground that drinks the rain that often falls on it and that produces vegetation useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and about to be cursed, and at the end will be burned.

9 Even though we are speaking this way, dearly loved friends, in your case we are confident of things that are better and that pertain to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them. 11 Now we desire each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end, 12 so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 2 weeks, we will provide you with a simple challenge. Each challenge is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

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 Pause 3 Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme? Here’s a link to all past studies
in Pause 3!

The GT Weekend! ~ Ignite Week 2

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) The Christian beliefs that have shaped the Church today are first and foremost anchored heavily in Scripture, but they were also bravely fought for by brothers and sisters down through the ages who loved the Savior, honored God’s Word supremely, and therefore, refused to give ground to lies over truth. When we believe a lie, it changes the landscape of our lives. Perhaps imperceptibly at first, but over time, the lies we believe grow, quickly taking ground in our hearts. Where are you and I believing lies over truth? There is only one way to know: search the truths of Scripture and pray for the Spirit to convict your heart as you seek His. Do this with me, Sister!

2) As you read through Paula’s Journey from Wednesday, you may notice that many of the “new ideas” brought about by the brave believers in the Middle Ages are commonplace to us in our everyday. We can thank the steadfast Christ-followers of this era for holding so tight and fast to Scripture, believing the message of God to be for more than rituals and mindless Latin expressions. The Spirit of God prompted them to push the envelope on what was common in “religion”, what was “the way we do it” in church life, and we still feel the rippling effects of what the Lord did through them. What would it look like for you to re-evaluate your regular, everyday faith journey and even how you view church, and held it up to the Scriptures? Where is God inviting you to carry His torch of truth?

3) Luther boldly nailed a document to the door of his local church body because he cared more about following Jesus and holding tight to the truth of Scripture than he did his own comfort or popularity. What if we all, as Christ-followers, truly loved the Church as a whole and each of our brothers and sisters in Jesus with that kind of love? A love that called out truth, but did it with grace. Who do you know who needs you to come alongside, offering truth and grace? Where do you need it? Write “truth and grace” in a place you will see it often this weekend as a reminder of how desperately we all need them both, then commit to living it!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from 1 John 1:6-7 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Prayer Journal
Spirit! How deeply I need Your conviction! How often I need Your reminder to cling to truth and apply Your teaching in my everyday life! Convict my oft’ wandering heart of my sin, let me see it plainly. Fill my heart so abundantly with Your overwhelming love for others that I literally ache with pain to see another walking in darkness.
Give me boldness, like all those brothers and sisters who have gone before me, to love with grace and truth. Here in the precious place where Your blood covers our sin, Jesus, is sweet unity with one another and You. Lead Your Bride here, Abba Father! Bind us together in Your strong Name!

Worship Through Community

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

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Ignite Day 10 Fueling The Fire

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 4:11-16
1 Corinthians 1:10
Matthew 7:1-5

Ignite, Day 10

The Protestant Reformation was a movement toward Western Christianity in the 16th century. Many credit the Reformation to a document called the 95 Theses written by Martin Luther in 1517, even though there were several years separating the two events. Luther, under the Holy Spirit’s conviction through Scripture, could not abide the incongruences growing between what he knew to be true in Scripture and what he saw happening the Roman Catholic Church. Hence, the 95 Theses was birthed by a man who anchored himself firmly on the absolute truth of Scripture. He called out unbiblical practices in the Catholic Church such as selling indulgences for the purpose of absolving sin. The questions Martin Luther raised snowballed when others also questioned Catholic practices for themselves. As a result, Church as we know it today began growing like wildfire as the living and active Word of God was unleashed!

Martin Luther, born in 1483 in Germany, became not only a professor of theology, but also a monk, composer, and priest. In 1507, he was ordained into priesthood.

During his first 10 years as a priest he began questioning several Catholic teachings and practices the more he read and studied what Scripture taught.

The two main beliefs anchoring Luther’s Theses were first, the absolute authority of the Bible and second, salvation is a gift of grace with not a hint of human works attached.
Both were hot spots for Luther, but they were commonly accepted in the Catholic church.

Luther was first and foremost, a passionate follower of Jesus. As with every person who sincerely crosses the line of faith and surrenders to Christ as their Savior from sin, the more deeply you follow Jesus, the more precious His Word becomes.
This was the case for Luther. He did not set out to change the world, but the Lord used him to fuel a fire the Holy Spirit Himself had ignited through conviction and the living, active Word of God!

Because Martin loved the Lord, he loved the Church as well, seeing her as the Bride of Christ. This love fueled his adamant, biblical stance against the Church promoting and practicing falsehood. Bound by his love for the Lord, Luther would not, could not remain silent.

Some (like me!) might picture Luther, full of fiercity, storming up to the church, nailing his famous Theses in an angry way. Perhaps you see a societal giant, angrily accusing the church of sin, attacking the Catholic church while inciting others to follow him as he formed a new church. But after researching more about the Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther, I see a different story.

Martin Luther was a man calling out sin in his local church body. His intent was not personal attacks, hot-headed anger, or breaking away for the purpose of doing church his way. Luther was a man of love. Love for the Savior, the Scriptures, and the Church. In fact, he loved her enough to ache longingly for her to be whole, healthy, and a stronger body, built solidly on the foundation of truth.

The 95 Theses is written in a questioning style not littered with accusation, but instead questioned from a scholarly perspective.
I see a man trying to live out the passage in Ephesians 4:11-16,
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Have you ever been in a church, or with a group of fellow believers, and notice them doing something either sinful or not glorifying to God?

What was your response?

Like me, many people stay silent when witnessing sinful practices within the Body of Christ. I have been there many times and, instead of having a loving conversation with my brothers or sisters, I shy away.

Why do I shy away?
Transparently, because I’m think of Matthew 7:3-5:
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye,
but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

I then get reflective and ask myself if I want my brothers or sisters to call out my sin.
My immediate response is, “Heck no, I want people to think I’m perfect or near perfect at least. I’ll call my own stuff out when I’m ready.”
This is sin.

Ladies, Satan knows Scripture and he knows how to twist it!
These words from Jesus are meant to bring unity within the Body, weeding out arrogant hearts who think our way is best. This was not Luther’s intent as he penned and posted his theses!

As believers, it should be our desire to foster safe relationships within the Body where we lovingly call out sin in one another so that we can grow together and be built up. (1 Peter 2:4-6)

I know I’ve grown during difficult moments of hearing the truth about my actions,
this was Luther’s heart for the church!

Sisters, let’s challenge each other to live in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, to call out sin with truth and grace, to love Jesus foremost, and hold high the supreme truth of Scripture in our everyday lives!

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
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Looking for yesterday’s Journey Study?
Share your thoughts from today’s Study!

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

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Ignite Week Two! 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 Ignite!

Sketched V Day 7 Paul, The Student: 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 Paul, The Student!

The Questions

1) Who is the author and the recipient? What is the author’s purpose?

2) How is this list different than a set of legalistic laws like Saul (Paul) would have followed before Christ made him new?

3) How does this passage relate to “waiting” and being a “student” as we saw in yesterday’s Journey Study?

1 Timothy 3:1-10

This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” 2 An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. 4 He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.
8 Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons.

Original Intent

1) Who is the author and the recipient? What is the author’s purpose?
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, his “son in the faith”. A nearly identical list is also recorded to Paul’s letter to Titus. (Titus 1:5-9) Though Paul was never married, Timothy was like a “spiritual” son because Paul had deeply invested in Timothy for many years; the two were very close relationally through their bond of Christ. Paul’s work for the Church was immeasurably important, but he knew the work wasn’t about him and neither began nor ended with him, which is why investing in younger leaders to carry on his legacy was so important to him. Paul begins this section with extreme seriousness when he says, “This saying is trustworthy.” The only instances Paul uses this specific phrase are to either to describe the heart of the gospel, as in 1 Timothy 1:15, or to express the character of leaders within the church. If there is nothing more important, or true, than the gospel and Christ’s sufficiency, then the outlined qualities of leaders here described are to be handled soberly with integrity, humility, and prayer.

2) How is this list different than a set of legalistic laws like Saul (Paul) would have followed before Christ made him new?
All the heavy laws Saul, and Pharisees like him, laid on the Jews had everything to do with looking right, and nothing to do with being right in their hearts. This list, along with Paul’s other various lists in Scripture, all have a common thread: the outpouring of the heart. The actions simply mirror the reality taking place inside where Jesus Christ is Lord. Paul didn’t pen this list because he wanted to control what kind of people would be allowed to lead his missionary church plants. Everything about these qualifications, including how he introduces it with serious respect, speaks of Paul’s desire to honor none but Christ. Yes, there are character traits outlined here, and they may look like a list of “must dos”, but truly they are given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that church leadership may lead well to the glory of God!

3) How does this passage relate to “waiting” and being a “student” as we saw in yesterday’s Journey Study?
No one drifts into these qualities. No one progressively attains the character traits outlined here without time, dedication, devotion to Scripture, and spiritual discipline by humbly submitting to the hand of the Lord as He shapes hearts. What we see here are marks of a spiritually mature person who has long walked with the Lord. Verse 6 specifically calls this out, “He must not be a recent convert…” Verse 7 also reinforces the idea of lengthened time as the “student” grows rich and deep in their faith walk, “he must be well thought of by outsiders…”. All of these characteristics have an observable aspect to them as the intention is that if one is called to pastor, their lives should be seen and known with authentic transparency. Even Jesus had this observable aspect about His character before entering the ministry, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)

Everyday Application

1) Who is the author and the recipient? What is the author’s purpose?
How important do you view your role within the Church, both locally and globally? Have you ever considered it before? Perhaps you wonder if you even have one, or if you view your contribution is too insignificant. Paul is easily known as the best evangelist of all time, next to Christ, but he was well balanced in his view of himself. He was neither puffed up with prideful arrogance nor entangled with a low perspective, allowing his sins and flaws to become his identity and keep him from walking into all God had for him. Whatever your gift, use it for the kingdom, Sister! And if your gift is teaching or shepherding, approach it with serious awareness of the high calling it is to handle the Word of Lord and lead others to know it. As you grow in developing your gift and service to the Body of Christ, look for a “younger” one in the faith you can mentor and encourage along the way. No matter how long you’ve been following Jesus, and even if you haven’t decided yet, find someone “older” in the faith to mentor and encourage you! No believer should ever stop being a student!

2) How is this list different than a set of legalistic laws like Saul (Paul) would have followed before Christ made him new?
As we look over this list, it’s important to remember it is not a list of requirements to being a Christian. Checking off these “requirements” does not win favor with God. The intention is to give serious weight to considering the specific role as “overseer”, meaning “shepherd”, or what we would identify as the pastor role in our churches. The calling of Pastor is a high one, never to be taken lightly. Sisters, the seriousness with which Paul treats this particular leadership role insists that we come alongside our pastors and church leaders to regularly encourage and pray for them as they follow the Lord. Pray for grace. Pray for their adherence to the full gospel. Pray for them to be reminded their value and identity rests in the finished work of Christ on their behalf. Have you written a note or email to your pastor or church leadership team lately? Do it today and come alongside them in Kingdom work!

3) How does this passage relate to “waiting” and being a “student” as we saw in yesterday’s Journey Study?
The Lord has long waited, since the beginning of time, and continues to this day, to wait for His perfect timing to return to earth and finally call His children home. He created humans to be born as helpless infants who needed nurturing and time to grow into maturity. He designed processes for our spiritual growth as we are wooed to Himself, investigating the claims of faith, cross the line and are given salvation, and each day after are given the opportunity to grow deeper with Him. All of this requires waiting, growing, and intentional decision to follow hard after Christ. Those who “aspire to the office of overseer” (verse 1) are not the only ones who are called to be a student of the Lord and wait for Him, all Christ-followers are invited to do the same. If even the Lord Himself waits (Psalm 27:14), something tells me He enjoys the Journey. We should too!

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Sketched V Week 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!

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Worship III Day 12 One Glad Morning: 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 One Glad Morning!

The Questions

1) What is our “earthly tent” versus our “eternal dwelling?” 

2) What does Paul mean by “mortality may be swallowed up by life?” 

3) Who must appear before the judgment seat of Christ? 

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

5 For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. 2 Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 since, when we have taken it off, we will not be found naked. 4 Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. 6 So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 

Original Intent

1) What is our “earthly tent” versus our “eternal dwelling?”
Paul was a tentmaker by trade and would have understood the idea of living in a tent. In fact, the Greek word for “lived among us” used in John 1:14 (speaking of Jesus) is translated “tabernacled” or “tented.” However, Paul narrowed the term to mean the body that we live in. This is made clear by his use of the terminology of “clothed,” “unclothed,” and “naked,” and amplified in verse 6 when he states we are “at home in the body.” So, if our earthly home is our body, what is our eternal dwelling? We need to refer to 1 Corinthians 15:42 where, in essence, Paul’s point is that our bodies are marred by sin while in this world, but in eternity they will be glorified. Just as Jesus Christ inhabited a physical body after His resurrection, so will we. Just as He was physically recognized (He bore the scars from the crucifixion; see John 20:24-28), so will we be. But our glorified bodies will not experience decay or death, because they are for eternity. Are you as excited for this as I am?! 

2) What does Paul mean by “mortality may be swallowed up by life?”
This phrase seems to be redundant unless we keep it in the context of the entire passage. Mortality refers to the life we have on earth; the life that swallows it is eternal life, which is greater…perfect, in fact! Scripture assures us that there is no pain or sorrow, no tears, no death or mourning in the new Heavens and Earth (Revelation 21:3-4). We will be free to worship and serve the Lord without distraction. 

3) Who must appear before the judgment seat of Christ?
Paul states in verse 10 that “we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” He was speaking to the believers in Corinth; therefore, the judgment seat of Christ is a place where all believers must go. However, there is one other judgment in the end times: the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). This actually precedes the other. This judgment determines whether each person ever created has their name in the book of life. If so, they enter into eternal life with Jesus in the new Heavens and the new Earth. If not, they are sent to eternal torment and separation from God in Hell. The believers in Heaven are then judged by Christ to determine heavenly rewards for deeds done on earth.  

 

Everyday Application

1) What is our “earthly tent” versus our “eternal dwelling?”
The children’s stories or myths of bodiless spirits or chubby little winged people sitting on clouds in heaven are completely false according to Scripture. God always intended humans to live with him in bodies; that was the way He created life on earth in the beginning (Genesis 2:7, 18, 21-22; 3:8). While we wait for our perfect, eternal bodies, we should take care to maintain our mortal bodies as much as possible. Hollywood and magazines try to convince us that perfection is attainable through fad diets, plastic surgery, and the latest trends. Nope, but nice try! We won’t have perfect bodies here, but we should be wise to eat well, exercise, and abstain from sin. As believers in Christ, we have been given the Holy Spirit who lives in each of us. Therefore, our bodies are God’s temples (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Maintaining healthy temples is important, and what we do with our bodies is important. Are we using our dwelling places of God’s Spirit to love others, share the gospel, and honor God? Some days my temple seems in need of major restoration or refocus…yours may, too. But God is faithful and will sustain us until He returns – or until He calls us home to Glory! 

2) What does Paul mean by “mortality may be swallowed up by life?”
We long for the perfect redemption that is bound up in the promise of eternal life in the new Heaven and new Earth, but we must remember we also have a purpose while living here.  Maybe you’ve heard the old saying, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you’re of no earthly good.” The situations we experience, while living among and serving other people, are meant to mold and shape us as we grow deeper in love with Jesus. We are given regular, everyday opportunities to fulfill the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20) by making disciples of those around us! Lean into these opportunities as you allow the Spirit to guide you in growing deeper with Him and encouraging others in their faith! 

3) Who must appear before the judgment seat of Christ?
For those of us who have trusted Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer, we have assurance that we will enter into eternal life in heaven. But what will happen at the judgment seat of Christ? He will judge our motivation behind each deed done (1 Corinthians 4:5; Romans 14:12). What was done for selfish reasons will be burned up (1 Corinthians 3:15), but if we have lived our lives for Christ, then, dear ones, we will be awarded crowns! Spoken of are the crown of life (James 1:12), the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4), the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-9), and the imperishable crown for completing the race (1 Corinthians 9:24-26). The crowns are not our goal, however. Our goal, as daughters of the King, is to bring glory to Him and to share His light with others. How can you glorify Jesus in your life today?! 

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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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.