Indwelling

Wilderness Day 2 Marked & Lost & Grace: 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 Marked & Lost & Grace!

The Questions

1) Whose teaching was Jesus referencing in verse 21?

2) How does Jesus’ definition of sin differ from the teaching of His day? (verse 22)

3) Why is it important for us to reconcile with one another before offering our gift to God? (verses 23-24)

Matthew 5:21-24

“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire. 23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.

Original Intent

1) Whose teaching was Jesus referencing in verse 21?
This teaching is part of a broader one, commonly known today as The Sermon on the Mount and His subsequent teaching about being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. (Mathew 5:13-16) At this time in history, it was the scribes and Pharisees who “taught”, offering their interpretation of what we know as Old Testament texts. The scribes and Pharisees interpreted the passages on murder, Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17, based on physical actions. In essence, if you do not murder anyone you have fulfilled the sixth commandment. People thought they were in right standing based on this teaching. But studylight.org tells us “The Jewish religious leaders used the law to govern outward actions, but Jesus wants to control the heart.” Indeed, there was more to that commandment than was understood by the Pharisees and scribes. (written by Marietta Taylor)

2) How does Jesus’ definition of sin differ from the teaching of His day? (verse 22)
Teaching during Jesus’ day was on a narrower view of the law than what was intended by God’s design. Surely “The Word”, Jesus, would know what that original intent was as He was fully God. He starts verse 22 with, “But I tell you”, letting everyone know He is going to challenge a longstanding belief. Jesus proceeds to teach not only is murder a punishable sin, but also the anger that proceeds it. James 1:14-15 says first we have evil desires that give birth to sin which leads to death. Jesus illustrates this with His teaching on anger. It’s not just the ending action, murder, that is the problem. No, it begins with the anger that leads people to murder. “It is easier to keep the commandment against murder than it is to avoid anger in one’s heart.” (Working Preacher) Jesus was shutting down the easy path. His teaching was calling the people to a higher standard. They were being challenged, and I would dare say commanded, to look not just at their actions but also their thoughts and feelings. Was the law flawed? No. Jesus was challenging the interpretation, not the law. “He is in no way diminishing the Law. He is showing that the keeping of God’s Law has always been an issue of a heart out of which flows that person’s loving obedience for God and his fellow man.” (Precept Austin) This is true not just with murder but with all sin. (written by Marietta Taylor)

3) Why is it important for us to reconcile with one another before offering our gift to God? (verse 24)
In the middle of His discussion on foundational understandings of God’s purpose and intent in His Law and the far-reaching standards of holy righteousness, Jesus turns the conversation from general “everyone” and “whoever” (verse 22) to a clearly pointed “you” (verse 23). What Jesus is about to impart cuts to the heart of something deep and exceptionally personal. Radical compassion and unity fleshed out by forgiveness are core-essentials of Who God IS. Were God not fundamentally compassionate, He would have stopped short of sacrificing Himself and being willing to break unity within the godhead for the sake of forgiving those (us) who had rebelled against Him. (Romans 5:10) It simply would be unfathomable for this kind of sacrifice to occur were God anything less than wholly compassionate. (Psalm 103:8, Joel 2:13) Notice three things about Jesus’ directive for reconciliation. 1) The “remembering” happens in the midst of worship. Jesus’ audience understood Jesus was referencing “right in the act” of slaying an animal for worship. Right there. At the altar. Before the Almighty. There is something radically holy about entering the Lord’s presence for worship, then hearing from His Spirit reminding you of a strained or broken relationship in need of repair. 2) It’s Urgent. The worshiper is instructed to go quickly with immediate haste, while leaving the animal sacrifice on the altar. Reconciliation attempts are far more pressing to God than worshipping the Almighty God while our hearts are out of sync in our relationships for our worship cannot be properly honoring to God in this state. 3) Jesus’ words don’t focus on the worshipper’s anger or bitterness (though it could certainly be present), instead Jesus specifically says, “your brother or sister that has something against you.” (written by Rebecca Adams)

Everyday Application

1) Whose teaching was Jesus referencing in verse 21?
The Pharisees and scribes did all interpretation of Scripture. Today we have many preachers, teachers, and speakers who offer their interpretation of what the Word says and how it applies to our lives. It’s easy to abdicate our responsibility to read, study, and know God’s Word for ourselves because there are so many easy choices to consume teaching. Joshua 1:8 instructs, “This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it.” How much are we reading and meditating on the Word instead of relying on someone else to do this precious work for us? We may argue that the Bible is hard to understand, which is true in some ways. However, James 1:5 says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” Jesus wasn’t giving instructions that could not be followed. Not only can we ask Him for the wisdom to understand His Word, but, if we cooperate, we have the Holy Spirit to help us fulfill the requirements of the law, even today. Spurgeon says, “Only citizens of the Kingdom of heaven, genuine believers, can obey Jesus’ instructions and commands, doing so not because of outward constraints (not “under Law”) but because of an inward life (“under grace”) enabled by the indwelling Spirit of the Living God.” What He requires of us, He equips us for. And He has given us the grace to allow Him to teach us Himself through our own time spent reading, studying and praying over Scripture. (written by Marietta Taylor)

2) How does Jesus’ definition of sin differ from the teaching of His day? (verse 22)
It’s easy to look at a commandment and say, “I don’t do that”, and it’s true for many of us. But God calls us to a higher level of accountability. It’s not just the actions themselves, but what can and often does lead to sin that precedes those actions, our heart-attitude. The Pharisees and scribes choose the lesser burden, for themselves and therefore the people following their teaching. Jesus was the author of the original intent and its meaning for us today; He knows our struggle.  “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) He wants us to evaluate our thoughts and feelings before they lead to sin. If you trace backwards from the action, the seed was planted through thoughts and feelings. David Guzik says it this way, “The laws of the people could only deal with the outward act of murder, but Jesus declared that His followers understood that God’s morality addressed not only the end but also the beginning of murder.” God, being loving and merciful gives us the way to avoid punishment. As the saying goes, “nip it in the bud”. In other words, stop it before it ever really starts. How do we do this? As in Hebrews 4:16, take our thoughts and feelings to God in prayer, asking for His help. Let Him give us another path, His, that leads us toward righteousness and away from sin. (written by Marietta Taylor)

3) Why is it important for us to reconcile with one another before offering our gift to God? (verse 24)
Believers are called to live lives without offense, neither picking it up to carry around as offended, nor choosing it as weaponry to intentionally, underhandedly offend. This understanding that someone else has something against you can only be uncovered when we are choosing to worship in spirit and truth, coming with all humility and allowing the Spirit to stir our hearts with the conviction only He can bring. (John 4:23-24) Is this how we enter worship? On Sundays as we make our way to gather with believers, are we asking the Lord to show us where reconciliation is absent in our relationships? (Matthew 18:35) On Tuesdays in the afternoon and on Friday evenings, are we coming to the Father and asking who are we “out of unity” with and how can we go to them with all urgency to offer reconciliation? Note also that Jesus tells His audience to return to the altar. (verse 24) This return isn’t dependent on whether the other person accepts reconciliation attempts, but rather the emphasis is on our worship being acceptable when we extend it. Why does this come so close to the heart of God? It’s exactly what He does for us. It’s His posture toward us in our everyday lives, “I spread out my hands all day long to a rebellious people who walk in the path that is not good, following their own thoughts.” (Isaiah 65:2) Let’s worship the Lord with the same model He give us in the middle of our own sin, and mess, and rebellion. Compassionate, urgent forgiveness. Are you holding it out? Have you taken it in from the Lord? (written by Rebecca Adams)

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Marked & Lost & Grace!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Training Day 9 The Necessity of Together: 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 The Necessity of Together!

The Questions

1) What does it mean to be filled with awe? (verse 43)

2) Verse 44 says “the believers held all things in common”. How is this feasible in a practical sense?

3) Were believers actually selling property and possessions? What are the implications for all Christ-followers? (verse 45)

Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Original Intent

1) What does it mean to be filled with awe? (verse 43)
Let’s start with ensuring we understand what the word “awe” means. Merriam-Webster’s defines awe as “an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime; astonishment or wonder”. In other words when we see something beyond description, (like an incredible mountain range) we might say, “That is awesome!”. However, the word “awe” used in the Gospels and Acts, comes from the Greek phobos [fovbo”], which is commonly used as the word for fear. In our passage, “awe” is describing the people’s reaction to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This is the same word used in Luke 7:11-16 (verse 16 specifically) to describe how the people felt after Jesus raised a young man from death to life. Like so many times when reading the Bible, it’s imperative we have the proper context to understand the specific verses we are studying. In Acts, it’s important to start at the beginning of Acts 2 to understand the word usage and its reasoning. Acts 2:1-4 provides detailed explanation of the day of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the first time. I can only imagine the numerous feelings and experiences these people encountered that day! Because we’ve read in context, we understand that to be filled with awe meant something fairly impossible to understand or describe unless you were there. Awe is the one word Luke chose in his attempt to describe the impossible. The joy, fear and absolute amazement of encountering the Spirit of the Living God in real, everyday life!

2) Verse 44 says “the believers held all things in common”. How is this feasible in a practical sense?
A better question is how could they not hold all things in common? Consider what had transpired within weeks of their shared time together. Jesus, the man they thought would be their earthly King had been crucified. Yet, just when they had lost all hope, Jesus rose victoriously from the dead! Their hope was astoundingly restored, but only a short time later, Jesus left again telling them it was actually better for them if He returned to His throne in Heaven so the Holy Spirit could come and dwell within them. (John 16:7) Not knowing what the Holy Spirit would be like surely left them utterly confused and, again, on the brink of losing hope. When the Spirit arrived in a mighty, powerful display of God’s authority, their response was to be bound together in His powerful unity. Having walked through the past few months together, the highs, lows and absolutely amazing events had connected them together, but, even the bond of shared experiences wanes over time. The power Source that kept them connected and equipped them to share all their needs and abundances together “in common” was the power of the Living God indwelling them.

3) Were believers actually selling property and possessions? What are the implications for all Christ-followers? (verse 45)
Yes! This community of believers was fired up for Jesus! They were willing to make huge sacrifices in order to share what they had experienced and stay together. Check out what Acts 4:32-37 says: “Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. 33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. 34 For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Talk about commitment!

 

Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to be filled with awe? (verse 43)
The meaning of “awe” hasn’t changed, but I wonder if we’ve lost our ability to recognize it or understand our experiences through the lens of God’s awe-inspiring work. Sure, it’s easy to be in “awe” when we see wondrous and beautiful things like a brilliant sunset across the ocean or snow-covered mountain peaks. When other miraculous things in life occur, however, it seems we are quick to give credit and awe to everyone except God. In December of 2020, my family faced an insurmountable medical expense. My husband had injured his back and required surgery, but we had a major obstacle. We had no medical insurance at the time and the surgeon needed to be paid up front. Having no idea what to do, we were considering all sorts of options including asking our church for help. One night, a friend called and asked if she could visit. Little did we realize the reason for her call was to deliver an envelope of cash containing contributions from many. The amount not only covered the medical bill, but also the loss of income my husband would face post-surgery. Talk about being in awe! Our entire family sat stunned to tears because we had no words. God had a plan all along and we had no need to worry or be anxious because God had us covered! Experiences like these build and reinforce our “awe” of God. My challenge for us is that we would each prayerfully ask God to help us live with eyes wide open so we don’t miss His Awe; I am convinced the evidence of His awe-inspiring works are all around us, we just miss it because we don’t look for, or expect, to see His awesomeness.

2) Verse 44 says “the believers held all things in common”. How is this feasible in a practical sense?
The early church described in this passage had the right idea about living in true, biblical community. In fact, we could learn much from them if we are willing. I can’t help but think of sports teams when I read passages like this because guys, we are all on the same team, “Team Jesus”! We all should be working for the same goal of advancing the Kingdom of Jesus and share His love with everyone. However, what often happens instead is that we work hard advancing our own little kingdoms and agendas. We are more focused on what we think is right and proving others wrong than we are on sharing the love of Jesus with everyone we meet. (Even good intentions somehow get skewed and begin trying to prove our church is better than yours) – when we should be promoting each other’s churches. Because you know what? WE ARE ON THE SAME TEAM! We have a common goal! We also have a common enemy, who is a master at distraction and division. And we have got to stop allowing him to win! Paul addressed something similar in his first letter to the Corinthians. I would encourage you to read all of Chapter 3, but for sake of time and space let’s look at verse 5-6 which says “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” Do you see it? The church was fighting over who brought them to faith, but Paul is pointing out that he and Apollos are simply working in the roles God assigned – Paul lays the foundation which is Jesus and Apollos waters and God grows! They are playing on the same team with the same goal! They had “all things in common”.

3) Were believers actually selling property and possessions? What are the implications for all Christ-followers? (verse 45)
This is a tough question to answer today because there are those who have in fact been called by God to sell all that they have for the sake of the Kingdom. For some that may mean moving overseas as a missionary, for others that may mean moving into the urban core to meet the needs and share Jesus in their own city. However, for others it may mean using what God has blessed you with to open your homes in your own community, inviting others in, holding Bible studies, etc… It may mean you forgo that brand new car and buy used so that you can give some of that money away. For others it may mean quitting that high paying job, to work at your church or spend more time with your family. Going back to 1 Corinthians, this time chapter 12:4-7 “Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. 7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good:” Guys – use the gifts, resources and opportunities God has given you, not your best friend or spouse, but you to work for Him to the best of your ability.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with The Necessity of Together!

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 Training 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.

Waiting Day 13 Not Yet, Not Now, No

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 1:1-14
Acts 2:1-12
Psalm 27:13-14

Waiting, Day 13

Waiting.
Waiting for it to come,
Not knowing what it is.

Hoping.
Hoping for more,
Not knowing what I want.

Dreaming.
Dreaming for things,
Not truly believing they will be.

Staying.
Staying where I am,
Not wanting to make the wrong move.

Stepping.
Stepping out in faith,
Not seeing where I am going.

Leaping.
Leaping into what I do not know,
Trusting what I do not see.

Often, the toughest part of waiting is watching everyone seemingly race past us in the meantime. To watch God move so actively and clearly everywhere, it seems, but in us.

I’ve historically been a pretty patient person. There’s something thrilling about living in anticipation. Waiting for it to come, letting the excitement build as time passes. I’m amazed by the joy that comes when I’m waiting for a big event, or for something to arrive in the mail, or for the next time I will see people I love.

This kind of waiting usually has an expiration date. We know when events will happen, and we can track our packages in the mail.

What about when we don’t know the deadline? When we don’t know when, or even IF something will happen? What does waiting look like then?

Before Jesus ascended, He told His disciples exactly what would happen. They would receive the Holy Spirit and become His bold witnesses throughout the earth. (Acts 1:4-7) What He didn’t explain, however, is precisely WHEN, or HOW. After Jesus returned to Heaven, the disciples retreated to the upper room, gathered with other believers, and prayed fervently as they waited.

What might have been different had the disciples taken matters into their own hands? If they’d grown weary of waiting for what Jesus had promised and, instead, began their own ministry without the power and direction of the Holy Spirit? While they may have spread the Good News about Jesus with fine intentions, their ministry certainly wouldn’t have been as effective. Without the indwelling, empowerment, and leadership of the Holy Spirit, their humanity would have left their efforts crumbling in inadequacy and failure. (Galatians 5:16-23)

In waiting on the Lord, as difficult and confusing as it surely was, their absolute surrender and attention to the Lord sustained them to the day Jesus fulfilled His promise and the Holy Spirit was given. The excitement that flooded through those present must have been palpable; Acts 2:5-11 describes how everyone heard the wonders of God in their own language!

The rest of Acts 2 describes how Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, filled with the Holy-Spirit, preached to the crowd, telling them the Good News of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Around 3,000 people were added to the family of God that day! Without waiting on the promise of Jesus, their work would have most certainly not produced such God-sized results. 

Just as the disciples waited expectantly in the upper room, I too have been in a season of waiting. As I seek God’s heart, the answers to my prayers seem to fall into three main categories: “not now” and “not yet” and “no.” And while the waiting can be undeniably painful, it’s an ache laced with hope, potential, and possibility.

Life in its current state feels unstable, as though the slightest imbalance will cause an unstoppable avalanche. While there is goodness in the current moment, my heart cannot help but see the possibility for the future and reach out for it in desperate, yearning grasps.

Not Now
These are the things I’ve been doing that are good, rich, and God-honoring, but are not meant for this season. In these endings, we can find comfort in the often-quoted but still meaningful opening to Ecclesiastes 3.
“There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven.”
I pray that when one time passes, we can say good-bye with grace and wait on the Lord to guide us into the next season.

Not Yet
These are promises or desires I hold with an open hand, surrendered to God’s perfect will and timing. Like the disciples in the upper room, I wait expectantly for God’s guidance and empowerment. In these times, we can “commit [our] ways to the Lord; trust in Him,” believing that in His perfect timing, “He will act,” leading us into, and equipping us for, the next season. (Psalm 37:5)

No
Sometimes, the answer is simply, “No”, which can be incredibly hard to come to terms with. When our hearts ache for what will never be, we can be assured that our good Father wraps His arms around us, loves us unfailingly, and will walk with us through the hurt, confusion, and disappointment.

Jesus is certainly enough for me in this life. In fact, there have been moments in my life when I have clung to the Hope of Jesus alone.

But I fully believe God did not create us to simply acquiesce to the here and now. Hope and vision for the future are built into us. We wait expectantly for the coming of Jesus, while being faithful to the work He has for us today.

In our waiting, in our own upper rooms, may we follow the disciples’ lead, marrying hope of fulfillment with a determination to move into the next season only when released by God.
As we wait, I’d encourage us to be steadfast, friends, and look for Him in the here and now, and you will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Seek the next best step from Him, however small, and He will show it to you. (Psalm 32:8) Go to your upper room and pray steadfastly and fervently. (Psalm 63:1-2)
Wait on the Lord and He will show you the right time and place.

Most importantly, bask in the goodness of the now and in all of the richness that simply being with your Savior can bring.

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

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

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

If Day 4 Indwelling: Digging Deeper

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If Day 4 Indwelling: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

July 15, 2021

Digging Deeper,Genuine,God,Holy Spirit,Hope,Jesus,Love,Relationship

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Indwelling"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 16:5-15

5 But now I am going away to him who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Yet, because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: 9 About sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; 11 and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. 12 I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What does Jesus’ statement in verse 5 imply at first reading?

At first reading, it appears Jesus is bothered that His disciples have not questioned Him about His departure. Had they ignored His previous mentions of going away? Since the Bible indicates they had previously asked Jesus about His departure, it seems Jesus was making another point to them about His leaving.

In John 13:36 and John 14:5, Peter and Thomas inquire about where Jesus is going. On both occasions, there is much evidence that the disciples are asking from concern for themselves. What will happen to them when Jesus goes?

In all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), we read the subtle, and not-so-subtle, predictions by Jesus regarding His future death and resurrection. Even though they heard His words, the disciples were either confused, in denial, or afraid to question Him further. (Mark 9:32) Maybe, like any human who has grown to depend on someone, they didn’t really want to consider what life would be like without the presence of their beloved Jesus.

Their responses, coupled with the fact that Jesus knew their heart motives (John 2:24-25), likely revealed their self-interest only. In this passage, Jesus prods them to consider something beyond themselves. Why had they not considered what would happen to Him when He goes? Though He does not give an answer concerning where He is going, He assures them He will not leave them alone.

The Everyday Application

1) What does Jesus’ statement in verse 5 imply at first reading?

Jesus resumes the conversation He had previously begun about His departure. (John 7:28-36) Though the disciples had heard it before, this time seems different. More real.

Christ’s time was pending! Can you imagine the scene? You have walked by the side of your cherished mentor for three years and have learned so much. Yet, you know there is infinitely more to learn! You can’t imagine anyone teaching you like them.

When someone we share life with must go from our lives, in our own humanity we feel the sting for ourselves at first. We can relate to the disciples’ pain and sorrow. In our own frailty, we don’t consider asking questions related to their next journey. We simply know it hurts that they are leaving.

Here is where we must remind ourselves to think like Jesus, who did “nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider(ed) others as more important… Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Jesus knew His friends were suffering. We can learn from His experience, to ask our kind Father to teach us how to demonstrate selfless concern for those who may need to pass from our lives.

The Original Intent

2) How does Jesus know the disciples’ hearts are filled with sorrow? (verse 6)

Jesus said some extremely hard things as He walked with His followers along the Sea of Galilee and surrounding areas. The crowds loved His miracles of healing, but some of His teachings were challenging to hear and some were difficult to understand.

Jesus once said to those around Him, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life in yourselves.” (John 6:53) Who wouldn’t be confused?!

John tells us in John 6:66 that many people left at that point, and no longer followed Jesus. When He turned to question the Twelve (Matthew 10:2-4), Peter spoke up and said sincerely, “You’re all we have. We believe in You. Where would we go?” (John 6:68-69)

There is such insight to be gained in this scene. The relationship between Jesus and His chosen disciples was intimate and genuine. They had seen more in three years with Jesus than some would experience in a lifetime. (John 21:24-25) Even when they did not fully understand what He was teaching or showing them, they had grown to trust Him and believe He was truly the way to LIFE!

When Jesus spoke about His leaving, He knew their hearts were concerned and sorrowful. He knew them well. He had seen their confusion and fears through His years of ministry. (Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 14:22-32) He knew they would be fearful of facing the future without His physical presence to guide them.

The Everyday Application

2) How does Jesus know the disciples’ hearts are filled with sorrow? (verse 6)

Jesus showed mercy to His disciples despite their lack of interest in His future. Knowing their great sorrow, He did not dwell on their misguided, self-focused concern.

Friends, what a precious Savior we have! The disciples could only see the sorrow in His leaving them. Yet, Jesus knew His departure was essential for them to become dependent on God for saving and sustaining grace by His Spirit.

The disciples’ sorrow represents the sentiment we often have when a loved one who has trusted Jesus is dying. We may tell family and friends it will be better for them to go with Jesus, and we are comforted for the soon-coming relief from current suffering on earth. We know they will be with Jesus! But in these times of grief, we rarely consider it to our benefit that their presence will no longer be with us.

The disciples were a bunch of human fellas standing with their fearless leader, the Coach of a lifetime, Who had revealed Himself as the very Son of God. Even though much of what they had witnessed was beyond their understanding, they knew they had been in the presence of the Messiah. (Matthew 16:15-20)

Oh Sister, there was nothing in them that felt like celebrating. But Jesus knew more. Jesus knew better.

The Original Intent

3) What hopeful words does Jesus share with His disciples when He tells them He is going away? (verse 7)

The disciples could not comprehend how Jesus’ departure could possibly benefit them. (Other translations use words like “advantage”, “expedient,” “better” and even “best”.) Again, Jesus’ words fell on confused hearts. They had never met anyone like the Master, Jesus. Surely, they felt the deep and painful sting of separation at this point. “It is for your benefit that I go away …” (verse 7)

Maybe Peter remembered his own words to Jesus on the day He had asked them if they were leaving too, like those who had decided it was too costly to follow Jesus. Perhaps he considered the same question now. “To whom would they go without Jesus?”

But Jesus did not want them to fret. “If I go, I will send Him to you,” He said. Jesus had never reneged on a promise He’d made. They confidently knew He was faithful and true.

Still, this felt so different. Jesus must have seen this anxiety in their eyes and on their faces. So, He highlighted His words in verse 7 with “I am telling you the truth.” Although the coming of the Counselor was beneficial, it wasn’t necessary for Him to come until Jesus left. He wanted them to believe that the benefits of Him leaving and the Counselor coming would far outweigh what they could ever imagine.

The Everyday Application

3) What hopeful words does Jesus share with His disciples when He tells them He is going away? (verse 7)

Some of us may have experienced our parents using a phrase when they disciplined us. “It’s for your own good.” Maybe you even used it with your own kids. Thankfully, there has been some wisdom passed down through the years of parenting suggesting better ways to guide our kids in realizing the benefits of boundaries and consequences. Still, we all know the four words “it’s for your good” aren’t always easy to take.

Knowing Jesus as I have come to know Him (from His Word), I think He probably said this as gently as possible. But it is probable that the only words the disciples heard ringing in their ears were “I am going away.” (verse 5) Jesus was focused on His words “for your benefit.” (verse 7) David Guzik gives such insight into their humanity as he imagines the disciples’ dismay if they were to really understand all that was to come. 

To our benefit that Jesus is arrested? To our benefit that Jesus’ ministry of teaching and miracles is stopped? To our benefit that Jesus is beaten? To our benefit that Jesus is mocked? To our benefit that Jesus is sentenced for execution? To our benefit that Jesus is nailed to a cross? To our benefit that Jesus dies in the company of notorious criminals? To our benefit that His lifeless body is laid in a cold grave? (Enduring Word John 16)

Jesus gives to His sorrowing disciples, and to all who know Him, a resounding YES! It is better. “The Spirit inside of us is greater than even Jesus beside us.” (Jesus Continued by JD Greear)

The Original Intent

4) What did Jesus teach the disciples in verses 8-15 about the coming Counselor and His work in the world?

In John 14:26, we discover the Counselor (paraclete) is God, the Holy Spirit. Bible scholars tells us that finding an appropriate English translation for the Greek word (paraklētos) is quite difficult because no single English word conveys its depth of meaning. (Netbible.John14.37)

When the word paraclete is used of Jesus in 1 John 2:1, translations almost exclusively use the word “advocate.” Jesus and the Father and the Spirit work together on our behalf.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus had guided His disciples to think rightly about God. He had protected them through miracles, shared with them the very thoughts of God toward sin, and had demonstrated courage when faced with opposition. Now He assures them that the Comforter, the very Spirit of God, will always be with them rather than Christ’s own limited physical presence.

Although verse 8 does not begin with a positive spin (the New English Translation says that “when He comes, He will prove the world wrong”), these ARE words of hope. We read in Luke about a tax collector named Zacchaeus who gained his wealth on the backs of his fellow Jews. Jesus told Zacchaeus that the very reason He came was to rescue people just like him. (Luke 19:1-10)

Even though the Pharisees looked upon Jesus’ loving rescue with deep disgust (Luke 15:2), we know Jesus came to earth to rescue tax collectors and pious religious leaders. (Luke 19:39-44)

The benefit of the Spirit’s presence is that He carries on Jesus’ message of truth and mercy in and through the lives of every believer! (verses 12-13) No one must climb a tree to get to Jesus. Through the work of the Spirit of God, hearts are convicted about “sin, righteousness, and judgment” (verse 8) so that no one needs to die without knowing the grace of Jesus. (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21)

The Everyday Application

4) What did Jesus teach the disciples in verses 8-15 about the coming Counselor and His work in the world?

In answering this question regarding the passage’s original intent, I said “the benefit of the Spirit’s presence is that He carries on Jesus’ message of truth and mercy in and through the lives of every believer.” Jesus told His disciples that the Spirit knows what the Father thinks and will reveal it to His followers. (John 16:13) But it is essential to take this truth in the context of John’s book, the New Testament, and all of Scripture.

In no way was Jesus saying or implying that our salvation makes us all-knowing. Nor are we to conclude that we can have a word from God that is incompatible with Scripture. The Spirit teaches us everything we need to know about how to be saved and how to live for God. He does so through the Spirit-inspired words of the Bible’s writers. (2 Peter 1)

When Zacchaeus took Jesus into His home he was convicted to turn from his wrong ways. (Luke 19:1-10) “Look, I’ll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord. And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I’ll pay back four times as much.” Jesus told him, “Today salvation has come to this house.” 

After Jesus ascended to the Father, and the Spirit came at Pentecost, Jesus was continued through the acts of the Spirit living within every Believer! (Acts 2:37-41)

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If Day 3 Indwelling

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If Day 3 Indwelling

Rebecca Adams

July 14, 2021

Deep,Dwell,God,Holy Spirit,Jesus,Love,Rescue

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 16:5-15
John 14:12-31
Galatians 5:13-26

What if Christians were merely saved from sin?
Suppose we were rescued, then left alone to traverse the difficulties of life?

Divorce, loss, financial ruin, emotional trauma, grief, persecution, sinful temptations…suppose God rescued us only to leave us alone until we somehow crossed the line of Eternity?

Would He be a loving God?
One who came in the flesh, but left us utterly alone?

Does love abandon?
Does God?

At Gracefully Truthful, we care quite a bit about original languages. Some believe the Bible you hold in your hands, or read on your phone, has been “translated” so many times and is so far removed from the original manuscript, it’s impossible to know if anything we read in the Bible is factual. At first glance, this premise seems to build a convincing argument that the Bible is unreliable and nothing more than a fictitious collection of stories passed from generation to generation, modified by each storyteller.

This renders the Bible, God’s very Word to humanity, nothing more than a crutch.

Thankfully, none of that is true.
Ergo, original languages are our jam.

And if you aren’t living in the United States, allow me to translate the colloquial phrase “jam” as meaning, “thick, good stuff we love to take pleasure in; it’s our ‘happy place’.”

See, language, it’s more important than we might think.

When modern-day Bible translators are writing the Bible in a new language, they study from the original language copies that have been preserved for centuries. Yes, those Bible translators are reading copies that were in circulation while many of the original disciples were still alive. Still Alive!! This means they could have easily refuted what was being circulated if it wasn’t in keeping with the original. And we don’t have just one copy, or two, or even ten. For Shakespeare’s writings, we have roughly 235 surviving copies, and no one questions his authorship. For the New Testament books, there are over 5,000!

When GT authors share a word from the “original language”, take notice. This carries significant weight because the Bible is the living active Word of God preserved by the Spirit of God, spoken out by the Spirit of God.

This God wants to be known by us. Deeply.

The how He goes about being known…. Pause with me for a holy hush… Is by His Spirit.

Like looking at a pencil drawing, and then blinking as it floods with vibrant colors, brilliant 4D movement, and suddenly, personal, comforting, deeply knowing interaction with you. THIS is the Holy Spirit’s work, making the drawing of God on a page, come to life inside you, calling you to Himself, singing over you, moving you forward into the seemingly impossible, holding you up in the midst of tragedy, anchoring you in the eye of the storm, pointing you always towards understanding exactly who this God of the Bible really is.

The Spirit who hovered over the waters at creation’s dawn. (Genesis 1:2)
The Spirit who came upon David and drew him into dancing in the streets. (2 Samuel 6:14)
The Spirit who empowered Nehemiah to courageously lead in the face of intimidation. (Nehemiah 4:7-14)
The Spirit who made a donkey talk (Numbers 22:28),
gave Samson the power to tear a lion apart (Judges 14:6),
fueled Joshua to march around an impenetrable city, and watch it fall. (Joshua 5:13-6:7)
The Spirit who overshadowed Mary and brought forth Jesus. (Luke 1:35)
The Spirit who raised Christ back to life from the dead. (Romans 8:11)
The Spirit who fell upon the disciples, allowing them to preach in multiple languages they didn’t even know. (Acts 2:4)
The Spirit who permanently lives inside every man, woman, or child who calls out in saving faith to the Lord Jesus Christ to rescue them from sin and its deadly consequences. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Holy things. Holy work.
All initiated, led, and accomplished by the Holy Spirit.
He is not separate from God, trying to translate God for you.

No.

When God came to earth to redeem mankind back to Himself,

He did not send a representative.

He did not ask the archangel, Michael, a great leader like Moses, or a great prophet like Elijah; He Came HIMSELF as Jesus, God the Son.

And this is exactly true of the Holy Spirit. He is not outside of God.

He IS God.

רוּחַ

These are the Hebrew letters forming the sound, “ruach”, which translators most commonly render as “breath”, “spirit”, or “wind”.

When we think of the Holy Spirit, we should think of the very breath of God.

His Spirit, His own Spirit is His wind, His breathing; the Spirit is the “everything of God”.

But, unlike our breath, which vanishes the moment we exhale, the Spirit of God is fully God, always present as God.

All the wisdom.
All the power.
All the understanding.
All of His always-never-leaving presence.

Co-equal. Co-eternal. Everlasting to Everlasting.

The Spirit of God, is the everlasting breath of God’s fullness, intended to show us who God is through personal engagement.

Moses removes his sandals. (Exodus 3:5)
Holy

Isaiah weeps. (Isaiah 6:5)
Holy

Peter falls down. (Luke 5:8)
Holy

Every person who calls on the Name of the Most High God trembles. (Isaiah 66:2)
Holy

This Holy Spirit of the Living God has taken up residency within believers (Romans 8:10-11),
sealing them forever (Ephesians 1:13),
promising to hold them all the way into eternity (John 10:28),
guaranteeing to never leave (John 14:17),
to always bring His comfort (John 14:16),
to always teach (John 14:26),
to always remind (John 14:26),
to always reveal more about God (John 14:21).

Holy

This is the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit, given to all who truly trust the risen Savior, Christ the Lord. It is His holy work in us, making us holy like Him, that we may live and move in Him! (Acts 17:28)

When you read His Words in Scripture,
when you raise your hands in response to Him,
when you pray fervently as He bids,
when you stand hushed at His holiness,
you are moving in cadence to the Holy One.

No, we are not left alone.

We are forever knit together with the very fabric of the Living God woven into our souls. Here, in this sweet union with God Almighty, we dance together with Him.

Let’s enter His rhythm and live in step with the Spirit!

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Digging Deeper

Can you imagine the scene? You have walked by the side of your cherished mentor for three years and have learned so much. Yet, you know there is infinitely more to learn! You can’t imagine anyone teaching you like them. When someone we share life with must go from our lives, in our own humanity we feel the sting for ourselves at first. We can relate to the disciples’ pain and sorrow. In our own frailty, we don’t consider asking questions related to their next journey. We simply know it hurts that they are leaving.
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Can We Pray With You?

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

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Explore This Journey Theme!
July 12 - July 30, 2021 - Journey Theme #92

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

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