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Advent Day 5 The Great Light

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 8:18-22
Isaiah 9:1-7
Philippians 2:5-8
Hebrews 2:14-15
Hebrews 7:23-28

Advent, Day 5

As the lights went out, and the house plunged into darkness, I was unprepared for the fear that gripped me. I was used to the city where “darkness” wasn’t really dark, but now, out in the country, in an unfamiliar house, this was a darkness deeper than I’d ever experienced. I began desperately searching for even a tiny glimmer of light.

As our study of Advent continues, we travel backwards to learn how the ministry of the prophet Isaiah foreshadowed Christ’s eventual arrival. In today’s reading from Isaiah, the Israelites also found themselves stumbling along in deep darkness, though theirs wasn’t a physical darkness, but a spiritual one.

Isaiah 9 is a common reading in Christmas services, and its promise of a great light is well-known, but to really understand the impact and significance of that Great Light, we must first consider the darkness in which the Israelites found themselves.

Isaiah was a prophet to the nation of Judah around 700 years before Jesus’ birth. The nation was far from God and under constant threat from the brutal Assyrians. In 2 Kings 15:29, we read that some Israelites had already been deported to Assyria, and Isaiah warns the worst is still to come. Assyria is poised to sweep into Israel and Judah like a flood and overwhelm it (Isaiah 8:6-8) because of the people’s rejection of God.

Isaiah vividly describes the darkness of rebelling against God as turning to one place then to another, always seeking satisfaction but never finding it. Israel felt alone, abandoned, and in despair. (Isaiah 8:18-22)

A time of humbling and hardship is coming for the people of Judah, but God gives Isaiah eyes to look beyond the chaos of the immediate future to bring a message of hope.
The darkness and despair will not last forever; a light is coming.

The Great Light will bring restoration and rejoicing, freedom and peace; a victory so decisive there will be no need for boots of battle and garments of war. These will become so unnecessary, they will be burned as fuel for the fire. (Isaiah 9:5)

Not only is this Hope and Light on the horizon, but it’s coming is utterly independent of the people’s action or lack thereof. The Great Light is all down to God. Just as the Midianites were defeated by God without Gideon and his men fighting the initial battle (Judges 7:19-22), so this victory will be won by God, and it will happen in an unexpected way.

“For a child will be born for us [. . .]” (Isaiah 9:6)

Isaiah speaks of One who will rule and bring peace, One who will reign on the throne of His ancestor David forever, but this was not, as the Israelites expected, simply a human king.

He would be human. Hebrews 2:14-15 makes it clear the Savior must be human in order to defeat the power of death. Paul’s description of Jesus’ willingness to humble Himself to be born as a human (Philippians 2:5-8) shows the amazing love He has for us. He willingly chose to enter the mess of human existence that He might redeem us from it!

But He would not be just a human king.

Over the years, the people of Israel and Judah had been ruled by a series of human kings, many of them appalling. Even the few godly kings such as David, Joash, and Amaziah had ruled imperfectly.

He was not to be merely another human king, but a Messianic King.
“[. . .] a son will be given to us.” (Isaiah 9:6)

A Son given by God himself; He would be Immanuel, God with us.
(Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:21-23)

He would be “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) come to live among His people to bring salvation, and this was something only He could do.

For hundreds of years, priests had represented the Israelites before God, bringing sacrifices to atone for their sins, but both the sacrifices and the priests themselves were imperfect. The repetition of sacrifice was necessary; their sacrifices could only provide temporary relief.

Hebrews 7:23-28 outlines why Jesus was different, pointing to His eternal nature and His perfect sinlessness. He never needed to make sacrifices for His own sins. Because of this, His sacrifice on the cross could atone for our sins forever, once for all time.

I don’t know what darkness you’re facing now, but I do know we live in a broken world where all of us experience darkness and despair.

Just as the promise of the Great Light Mighty God dwelling on earth brought hope to the Israelites, so it can bring hope to us in our darkness.

Jesus has come!
He has done all that is necessary for our salvation, and, by His Spirit, He is with us in whatever darkness we face when we surrender ourselves to Him!
That’s a present reality we can embrace now.

We also have great hope for the future, as we hold to His promise that He will come again to set all things right. Those who trust in Him will be welcomed into an eternity devoid of pain or darkness.

The Light has come,
and the Light is coming.

His promise is certain because it does not depend on us.

“The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:7)

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Terrain Day 12 Sea Of Galilee: 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 Sea Of Galilee!

The Questions

1) Why was Jesus “walking by the Sea of Galilee” instead of teaching somewhere? Was He intentionally looking for these men or did He just happen upon them? (verse 18)

2) What does it mean to fish for people? (verse 19)

3) Scripture says “immediately, they left their nets and followed”. What is the significance of the word “immediately”? (verses 20-22)

Matthew 4:17-22

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.  Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them.  Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Original Intent

1) Why was Jesus “walking by the Sea of Galilee” instead of teaching somewhere? Was He intentionally looking for these men or did He just happen upon them? (verse 18)
Before tackling that question, let’s consider why Jesus was even in Galilee. Backing up a few verses, Matthew tells us “Jesus left Nazareth and went to live by the sea” after John the Baptist was arrested. (Matthew 4:12-16) Jesus didn’t leave Nazareth out of fear, but to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy, “the people living in darkness in Galilee would see a great light” (Isaiah 9:1-2). This great light was Jesus! Yesterday’s Journey Study of Galilee pointed out how walking and boats were the main methods of transportation in the ancient world. While we don’t know specifically why Jesus was out walking that day, we do know He preferred to go to the people and teach instead of waiting for people to come to Him. Even though Scripture doesn’t clearly say “Jesus set out to find some men to help Him with His ministry”, we can surely know Jesus had a divine plan. (Ephesians 1:2) Luke’s account of this narrative contains more details by describing the crowds as “pressing in around” Jesus. (Luke 5:1) Pressed by masses, Jesus commandeers Peter’s boat and effectively moves away from the shore to teach the people. This passage also shares a conversation between Jesus and Peter about catching fish. Peter and his friends had been fishing all night with no luck when Jesus says, “let’s go out and try again,” to which Peter says, “Dude, it’s not going to work, we’ve tried all night.” (my paraphrase of Luke 5:5) Turns out, Jesus was right. They caught so many fish, Peter frantically called for help from his friends, James and John. We don’t know if Jesus intended to call His first disciples that day, but we know He taught and lived with divine purpose. In a fishing community like Galilee, Jesus knew there would be more people by the shore, so He came to them.

2) What does it mean to fish for people? (verse 19)
Jesus was an expert at using terminology and examples rich with meaning for His original audience. (Matthew 13:1-52) Jesus’ fishing analogy paired perfectly into the job these men already were keenly familiar with as fishermen. They readily understood how fishing as a trade required intense physical labor, long hours, and, at times, no fish to show for a tedious night of work. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) When Jesus said, “from now on you will fish for people”, these fishermen, along with anyone else who heard the conversation along the shoreline, understood Jesus’ meaning at a basic level. In essence, Christ was making a clear statement like, “I’ve got a new job for you. In many ways, it will be the same as being a fisherman. But instead of spending your nights on a boat, you’ll come with Me to neighboring towns looking for people who will listen to the Good News of the Messiah.”

3) Scripture says “immediately, they left their nets and followed”. What is the significance of the word “immediately”? (verses 20-22)
Looking at Luke’s more detailed account in Luke 5:1-11, we can answer this question. After hauling in their massive load of fish, Luke 5:8 records, “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!”. Peter immediately knew Jesus was no ordinary man, Jesus held divine authority unlike anyone else. For successful fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John to immediately leave everything to follow Jesus would have been highly significant, especially considering the enormous income they had amassed in minutes with their many fish. According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, in biblical times “… occupations were centered in the family enterprise.” (studylight.org) If your dad was a fisherman, you were trained as a fisherman and expected to work alongside your father until you took over the “family business”. Additionally, the cultural norm was for young men to receive an “inheritance from their father”, as a right of passage. Not to mention, another cultural expectation was to care for aging parents. By leaving “immediately”, these men intentionally pressed against the norm. Many onlookers would have disagreed with their actions. In Matthew 8:20-22, we read of another would-be disciple who asks, “first let me go bury my father,” to which Jesus replies, “follow Me and let the dead bury their own dead”. It’s important to understand this man’s father was not dead. What he’s really asking is, “once I do my duty as an earthly son, can I come and follow you?”. Jesus’ answer may seem harsh, but in reality, He is saying, “you have a choice today. Are you willing to live differently now and follow Me, or will you go along with the crowd and do what is expected?”

Everyday Application

1) Why was Jesus “walking by the Sea of Galilee” instead of teaching somewhere? Was He intentionally looking for these men or did He just happen upon them? (verse 18)
We are called to follow Jesus and His example of living lives of intentional love. Yes, we are called to be teachers in our churches, homes, and schools, but we cannot expect everyone who needs Jesus to come to us. We must go where people are living ordinary, regular lives. This “going” will look different for each of us. Some are, or will be, called to follow Jesus to different towns, cities, and countries to share His message of hope and freedom from sin. Some will be called to sports teams or jobs to share His message. For others, it may mean attending that family function you’d rather not attend in order to be available to show Jesus’ love. Our application from Jesus’ example is to intentionally live with our eyes and ears open. We will encounter people every day who either don’t know Jesus or have wandered away from Him. It’s our job to look, listen, and see those people through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then boldly trust His prompting to reach out and share God’s love. We may even encounter those people in our own homes! Start praying now! Who might the Lord have waiting for His message through you today?!

2) What does it mean to fish for people? (verse 19)
Simply and plainly, fishing for people means living with our eyes wide open, feet ready to go, and hearts of compassion ready to share His love. (Ephesians 6:15, Romans 13:8) Pray for family and friends who don’t know Jesus, then seize the opportunities He gives to share His love. Fishing for people means living with generous, open hearts and hands. The apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 5:16 to “walk by the Spirit” in our everyday lives. Paul adds in verses 22-25, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” In a roundabout way, Paul is saying the same thing Jesus was living out. People are always watching, so let’s live in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1-3) with open, ready availability to share Jesus’ love with others. I would like to provide a warning here, or at least point out something we should keep in mind. It is not our job to “save” people, even those whom we love deeply. Jesus is the only One who can convict of sin and save for eternity! Our job is to share, love, encourage, answer questions, and walk alongside others with gentle respect, as the Spirit does the work only He can do in their hearts. It is easy to fall into the trap of making people “projects”, and there is no quicker way to scare them off! No one wants to be a project. Our love must be pure and genuine, just as the love of Jesus. (Romans 12:9-10)

3) Scripture says “immediately, they left their nets and followed”. What is the significance of the word “immediately”? (verses 20-22)
This is a hard study for me to write, because it’s personally convicting. There are far too many times in my life when I have ignored the “immediacy” command of following Jesus. When the Spirit prompts us, we are simply to obey, especially when He calls us to specifically share the gospel or pray with someone. It takes practice in listening to His voice as He trains us to stop, look up, and obey immediately. Certainly, big life changes, or situations where emotions are running over our willingness to listen to the Spirit, are excellent opportunities to slow down, seek wise biblical counsel, and pray with intentionality for direction. (Proverbs 19:20-21) There was a time when I felt certain God was calling me to quit my full-time job and go into full-time ministry. At the time, I was married with two small children and carrying our family’s medical insurance. It was a highly emotional conviction, but I felt absolutely certain it was right. However, I knew I needed to talk with my husband and seek godly counsel before making the decision. While I did end up quitting my full-time job, I didn’t have the opportunity for a ministry career until years later and it still isn’t full-time. Some may read my story and think I was disobedient by not “immediately” following, consequently missing an opportunity. Perhaps, but based on where I was in my journey with Jesus, I did what I felt God was leading me to do by praying and seeking godly counsel before finalizing a decision. We’re all different and Jesus calls us in unique ways. If we are not actively living with open eyes, ears, and hands, we just may miss out entirely. Let’s commit to intentionally listening and quickly obeying as He faithfully leads!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Sea Of Galilee!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Word Day 2 Do You Believe?: 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 Do You Believe?!

The Questions

1) Being a Jew and knowing the culture, why would Jesus ask this woman for a drink? (verse 9)

2) How does the water Jesus gives keep us from getting thirsty again? (verse 14)

3) What is meant by “true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth”? (verses 23-24)

John 4:7-15

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. “Give me a drink,” Jesus said to her, 8 because his disciples had gone into town to buy food. 9 “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” she asked him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him, and he would give you living water.” 11 “Sir,” said the woman, “you don’t even have a bucket, and the well is deep. So where do you get this ‘living water’? 12 You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and livestock.” 13 Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. 14 But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.” 15 “Sir,” the woman said to him, “give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and come here to draw water.” 16 “Go call your husband,” he told her, “and come back here.” 17 “I don’t have a husband,” she answered. “You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband,’ ” Jesus said. 18 “For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 19 “Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. 23 But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.

Original Intent

1) Being a Jew and knowing the culture, why would Jesus ask this woman for a drink? (verse 9)
Jesus was never one to let a teaching moment pass Him by. During this encounter at the well, He was simply doing what He always did regardless of the audience, engage with love on purpose. He took an everyday situation and flipped it into an impactful lesson for many. Jesus came to destroy the old way of thinking with strict laws as means of coming to God. Ordinary people, like this woman, were easily bogged down with all the rules and had lost focus from the main point of having a relationship with God. Jesus took the opportunity that presented itself in the flow of His normal life, and used the fact that He was physically thirsty, to open this woman’s mind to her own spiritual thirst. First, he spoke directly to her. Men of her culture would have completely ignored her. With His words alone, Jesus demonstrated that He saw her and cared enough to engage in a conversation. Secondly, he guided this woman to understand that even though He had asked her for water, He was offering something far greater, eternal life. Jesus was a risk taker and never allowed cultural norms to stop Him accomplishing His mission and share His message of love with everyone He encountered.

2) How does the water Jesus gives keep us from getting thirsty again? (verse 14)
Jesus was a master at teaching in a way that others could relate to and understand. In this story, the woman’s interest is piqued and she asks some clarifying questions. “Where does this water come from?” “Are You saying You are greater than our father Jacob?” As the dialogue continues, understanding begins to dawn on this woman. The water Jesus spoke of wasn’t literal water, but eternal life. For this woman, a known adulteress and public sinner, she initially desired a way out of a daily struggle. Her life choices had resulted in consequences that made her life difficult and shameful. She didn’t want to go to the well each day to get water, she didn’t want the knowing looks, ridicule, and judgement of those who saw her. Ultimately, she comes to understand how this man Jesus is different; He’s even greater than a prophet. In fact, she gets so excited that John 4:28-29 records her leaving her water jug and running back to town to bring others saying, “Could this be the Messiah?!”. For this woman, the realization that she could be free from her past by simply accepting the free gift being offered her in Jesus was life changing!

3) What is meant by “true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth”? (verses 23-24)
Jesus is teaching that regardless of being Jew or Samaritan, He welcomes all to trust Him. He isn’t looking for a particular race, gender, or culture, instead He is seeking hearts who will take Him at His word, believe Him, and worship the Father. Culturally at this time, the Jews viewed themselves as superior to the Samaritans. The Jews were God’s chosen people, descendants of Abraham, while the Samaritans were considered less than because they were only half Jewish. The Samaritan race came from marriage between Jews and other races following the Jews’ return from exile. Everyone knew the Messiah would be of Jewish lineage, specifically from the tribe of Judah. This knowledge led the full-blooded Jews to look down on everyone else. While the Samaritan people worshiped God, they did not have the same “inside knowledge” as the Jewish people, in many ways they worshiped a God they did not know or understand. Additionally, the Jewish people believed you could only worship God in Jerusalem, which furthered the divide between these two people groups. Beginning in verse 21, Jesus breaks down that old belief system by saying it doesn’t matter where you worship or who you are, but that “true worshipers” (regardless of their nationality, history, or past) will worship “in Spirit” (a matter of the heart vs. the keeping of the law) and “in truth” (believing Jesus and embracing Him as the promised Messiah). By having this conversation with a Samaritan, who was also a woman, Jesus broke down several cultural stumbling blocks. He came for everyone, even this woman who was currently living in sin and, from all accounts, could never live up the standard of Jewish law.

Everyday Application

1) Being a Jew and knowing the culture, why would Jesus ask this woman for a drink? (verse 9)
There is no question that tensions run high when it comes to race, culture and even our moral belief systems. As much as we’d like to believe these are new things, we learn from this passage that respecting people with different colors of skin or cultural upbringings has been a source of tension since the beginning of time. At first glance, it can be tempting to think of this passage as a good moral lesson with some interesting history, but having little impact on our lives today. In reality, this true narrative is still as relevant today as it was when Jesus first had the conversation. Jesus refused to let the cultural standard or current belief system stop His work of meeting and loving people where they were. He took a risk and talked to someone most people would have avoided. He engaged in a conversation, which included listening to and responding to her questions as well as asking His own. He used a normal daily task, drawing water from a well, to teach, convict, and ultimately change this woman’s life and those around her. Every Christian today needs to follow Jesus’ example. None of us need to look far to find someone different than ourselves, we have look up and see them, be willing to engage in conversations, and look for opportunities to share Jesus’ message. In verse 26 Jesus says, “I am He” (meaning the promised Messiah), we must ask ourselves, just as this woman, do I believe Jesus is who He says He is? If our answer is yes, then we are compelled to share that knowledge with those around us, just like this woman.

2) How does the water Jesus gives keep us from getting thirsty again? (verse 14)
In this story, Jesus gives the woman what she needs instead of what she wants. She is looking for physical water so she wouldn’t need to face the shame of judgement when she comes to the well. Instead of giving her more isolation, Jesus gives her what she really needs, the way to eternal salvation and a transformation so deep it changed her life. Once we come to a place of accepting Jesus for who He is and the salvation He gives, we can stop searching for other things to fill us up; He is enough! You only need to acknowledge and accept Jesus as your Savior one time in sincerity, and He will faithfully rescue you for eternity. The analogy Jesus makes with water and a well doesn’t make as much sense to us today since most of us simply go to the faucet and turn the handle for water. For the people in our story, getting water was a daily chore requiring advance planning. Drawing water meant physically walking a dusty road with a heavy earthen jar. It was something that had to be done day after day after day. Much like following the law of the old covenant, it took repeated effort, day after day, all the while knowing you’d need to do it all again the next day. An unending cycle of trying to live up to an impossible expectation, failing, and working to atone or pay for those failures with the appropriate sacrifice. With Jesus, none of that is required! He has done all the work; all we need is to go to the faucet (Jesus) and turn the handle (pray in faith) that allows the water (eternal life) to flow.

3) What is meant by “true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth”? (verses 23-24)
Plain and simple, true worship comes down to the heart. Nothing else matters. Regardless of your skin color, your family’s ancestry, political party, church membership, or anything else, God desires the full worship of our hearts. True worshipers take Jesus at His word, believe He is in fact the Messiah, and did come to save each and every one of us from the deadly consequence of our sins. True worshipers follow Jesus from the heart, because they know it impossible to earn or work their way to salvation. True worshipers live all out for Jesus every single day, not those who simply spin their wheels trying to check all the right boxes. True worshipers have “tasted and seen that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8) and can’t imagine life without Him. We worship God in “Spirit and in truth” by allowing His Spirit living inside of us to teach us as John 16:13 says, “when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth”. The beautiful thing about life with Jesus is that He knows us and loves us for who we are, right here and right now. Even if our words and thoughts are a jumbled-up mess, He knows and sees what is in our hearts; this is what matters!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Do You Believe?!

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 Word 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.

Calling Day 2 Into Inheritance: 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 Into Inheritance!

The Questions

1) What important truths do we miss if we rush through the greeting of the writer? (verses 1-2)

2) What significance does the theme of “blessing” in verse 3 have on the rest of the passage?

3) In the context of this whole letter to the church at Ephesus, why does Paul begin chapter 1 by repeating the phrase “in Him” so often?

4) How is the Holy Spirit a down payment of our inheritance as saints? (verses 13-14)

Ephesians 1:1-14

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will: To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus. 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ 10 as a plan for the right time – to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him. 11 In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, 12 so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory. 13 In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. 14 The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Original Intent

1) What important truths do we miss if we rush through the greeting of the writer? (verses 1-2) Rebecca writes in yesterday’s Journey Study regarding Paul’s introduction, “in just the first 14 verses, we, the Church, every saved-from-sin-rescued-from-death believer, are hereby declared…”
What a wonderful word description and declaration for the Church! In his greeting, Paul identifies three important aspects of this letter: 1) he identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by God’s will; 2) he identifies the Ephesian recipients (both Jew & Gentile, 2:11-13) as the saints of Jesus Christ; 3) he identifies that his message is from God. This declaration of identity is then fully enlarged in the following verses. We do not skim the greeting because its significance is essential to our understanding of the remaining verses. Once we know the writer (Paul), the audience (Christian Jews & Gentiles in Ephesus), the message (grace & peace), and the original author (God), we can appreciate Paul’s enthusiasm in the following verses. As blessed saints, we are showered with grace and peace from God. For those who are in Christ, this grace and peace is lavished on us through endless blessings from the One and Only God of blessing.

2) What significance does the theme of “blessing” in verse 3 have on the rest of the passage?
Simply stated, it is everything. The word “blessing” is a translation of the Greek word eulogy, and it means “to speak well of.” All these verses (3-14) are focused on Paul’s charge to the Church to bless the Father. We declare God blessed by praising Him “with worshipping love.” (HCG Moule, A Commentary on Ephesians) It is essential to note that this passage comprises one long sentence in Greek. (enduringword.com) It appears that Paul is writing from such an overwhelmed condition that he hardly takes a breath between thoughts. It is as if Paul breaks out in a song of praise that he does not quite know how to end! When he considers all the spiritual blessings he has received from God, he cannot contain his worship. Pastor John Piper helps us understand what Paul is expressing, “When God blesses men they are helped and strengthened and made better off than they were before; but when men bless God He is not helped or strengthened or made better off. Rather, it is an exclamation and expression of gratitude and admiration.” The faithful saints of God, including Paul, bless Him by recognizing His glory and goodness which were demonstrated in the way He has blessed the believer with every spiritual blessing. Wow!

3) In the context of this whole letter to the church at Ephesus, why does Paul begin chapter 1 by repeating the phrase “in Him” so often?
Every believer has available to him or her certain, eternal spiritual resources. All those who are in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, are on the receiving end of God’s blessings.  What does Paul mean when he writes we have been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.”? (verse 3) It has been expressed like this, “Contrary to some beliefs, [blessings] are not some mysterious power or cosmic connection reserved for a select few. They are the key benefits of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.” (Primary Source Unavailable) Although some Bible translations (NIV, ESV) leave out the two expressions from the original Greek  (“in him” and “into him” in verses 5 and 10), likely because they appear unnecessarily repetitive, I agree with New Testament Professor Kenneth Berding, “Union with Christ (‘in-Christ-ness’) is crucial to Paul’s thought and is repeatedly snuck in by Paul. Union with Christ can be viewed as a web that extends into the rest of Paul’s theology and holds it together. Perhaps Paul isn’t simply being redundant. It could be he is being intentionally repetitive, even in-your-face repetitive, because the idea of being united with Christ is so significant to him.” (The Good Book blog, Talbot School of Theology)
(2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

4) How is the Holy Spirit a down payment of our inheritance as saints? (verses 13-14)
Of all the spiritual blessings listed in the previous verses, perhaps the blessing of the Holy Spirit is the one that best ties them all together. When we become the daughters of God through Christ, He places His stamp of ownership on us, promising us a never-ending guarantee of salvation. Union with Christ means: We are chosen (verse 4), we are adopted (verse 5), we are accepted (verse 6), we are redeemed (verse 7), and we are forgiven (verse 8). It also means we gain wisdom (verse 9) and a guaranteed inheritance (verse 11). God reveals the genuineness of the believer’s relationship with Him as the Holy Spirit testifies through our lives when they look more and more like Christ. This guarantee, this assurance, acts as “the down payment of our inheritance.” It is God who holds us fast. It is our union with Jesus Christ the Son, by the power of His Holy Spirit, that we are kept safe until the day Jesus returns for us and brings us into His eternal kingdom. This is all done to the praise, and for the glory, of God. We return full circle to verse 3, “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!”

Everyday Application

1) What important truths do we miss if we rush through the greeting of the writer? (verses 1-2) “Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), by the will of God [that is, by His purpose and choice],To the saints (God’s people) who are at Ephesus and are faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (AMP (amplified) Version) Oh, friend, do you see the good news Paul was greeting the church at Ephesus with? As a chosen representative of the Messiah, by God’s choosing and for God’s purposes, he proclaimed grace and peace to them and upon them. It is this ‘grace and peace’ that is always available to all the people of God who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:27-30) It is this ‘grace and peace’ that brings spiritual blessings too numerous to count and too wonderful to fathom!
“Grace and peace, oh how can this be?
Let songs of gratefulness ever rise, never cease.
Loved by God and called as a saint, my heart is satisfied in the riches of Christ.
Oh, what an amazing mystery that Your grace has come to me!” (Grace &Peace by Sovereign Grace Worship)

2) What significance does the theme of “blessing” in verse 3 have on the rest of the passage?
If you follow any sort of social media, most likely you have seen it: Hashtag “blessed.” (#blessed) Though I have never personally used the hashtag sentiment, I would be less than honest if I did not admit my own tendency to equate the good things in my life as being a reward for my good works. It is way too tempting these days to post pictures of parties, or décor, or gatherings, or vacations as a way of picturing my blessings for all to see. After all, I really AM #blessed. Dear sister, testifying of our blessings is certainly not the problem. Paul was so overwhelmed by his blessings he created the longest run-on sentence in the New Testament. James reminds us that every good thing the believer has is indeed a blessing from God. (James 1:17) The problem lies with confusing the spiritual with the material. Too often, we allow our perspective to be hindered by the obstacle of discontentment. It simply does not matter if we are rich or poor, healthy or sick, powerful or weak by the world’s standards. Paul reminds us we are all #BLESSED in Jesus!

3) In the context of this whole letter to the church at Ephesus, why does Paul begin chapter 1 by repeating the phrase “in Him” so often?
John Stott says, “The expressions ‘in Christ,’ ‘in the Lord,’ and ‘in Him’ occur 164 times in the letters of Paul alone. To be ‘in Christ’ does not mean to be inside Christ, as tools are in a box or our clothes in a closet, but to be organically united to Christ, as a limb is in the body or a branch is in the tree. It is this personal relationship with Christ that is the distinctive mark of His authentic followers. What distinguishes the true followers of Jesus from false pretenders is neither their creed, nor their code of ethics, nor their ceremonies, nor their culture, but Christ. What is often mistakenly called ‘Christianity’ is, in essence, neither a religion nor a system, but a person, Jesus of Nazareth.”
In Christ, we are blessed with “every blessing”. We have them all within our reach. Read through these verses again as a prayer, and thank God for blessing you beyond what you could ever ask or imagine. Close your prayer in intercession (praying for others) and doxology (praising God for His blessings). (Ephesians 3:14-21)

4) How is the Holy Spirit a down payment of our inheritance as saints? (verses 13-14)
The Greek word for “down payment” is used only in the New Testament in regards to the Holy Spirit. He is our only down payment of coming glory; nothing else is provided or needed. (biblehub.com) The saints of God have an assurance that there will come a time when we will take possession of our full inheritance. John Calvin wrote, “We do not have the full enjoyment of it at present. Seeing that the Holy Spirit reigns in our hearts, we have something for which to give praise even in the midst of all our temptations. [So] we should rejoice, mourn, grieve, give thanks, be content, wait.” (Ephesians Sermon, 1558—59). When we fully grasp in our hearts the inheritance that awaits us, we are better able to sincerely give God praise even during trials. No matter what you are facing, friend, I believe Paul would remind you we have God’s guarantee of eternal glory, through His Holy Spirit that dwells with us. The God who validates our relationship with Him by His own Spirit, will absolutely keep us until the big reveal. That will be the day He testifies of our redemption and takes final and forever possession of His inheritance – US! (Romans 8:16 1 John 3:1-3)

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

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Pause IV Day 8 Self Or Savior

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Pause IV, Day 8

God didn’t really say that.
The Bible’s message is outdated.
That wasn’t gossip, I was just sharing facts.
Sin is a pretty intense word; it’s just a mistake.
God doesn’t really care about my mistakes; He forgives everybody anyway.

Look, his ego is inflated;
he is without integrity.
Habakkuk 2:4

The Lord had taken great care to ensure His message was clear, easily understood and accessible to everyone, but there were many who scoffed. Even though God said His message was not a lie, many people decided they would somehow escape His judgement.

They felt justified to trust themselves, their interpretation, and their feelings, over God.

In today’s reading, the Lord lays out 2 paths, either trust self or the Savior.
We are given the same choice.

Whether it’s about eternal salvation, trusting God’s view of our value, or listening to God’s wisdom for living over our own, we are given the choice to trust Self or the Savior.

Today's Invitation

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down Habakkuk 2:4-5. 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). If you find today’s passage a little confusing, jump into a commentary and read what other students of the Bible have discovered. (Try Studylight.org)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 answer the invitation of going deeper into biblical community! 
a) Take a photo of your journal time this week and share it, or share a quote from it.
b) Do a Facebook Live on the GT Community group and share how God has been working in you.
c) Leave a comment here about it.
d) Share something God has been showing you in a comment at the GT Community Group 
e) Plan a coffee or lunch date with a friend and share what you’ve been learning and soaking in as you have hit Pause.
f) Write a note of encouragement to a sister who has been through the nitty-gritty of real life with you. Let her know how deeply she has impacted your walk with Christ.
g) For some of us, having a “2am friend” to build biblical community with is a new concept. If that’s you, this is an exciting, fresh place to be! Connect with our Facebook Community, send us an email, reach out to your local church body, seek out a small group and plug in! 

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Habakkuk 2:4-5

Look, his ego is inflated;
he is without integrity.
But the righteous one will live by his faith.
5 Moreover, wine betrays;
an arrogant man is never at rest.
He enlarges his appetite like Sheol,
and like Death he is never satisfied.
He gathers all the nations to himself;
he collects all the peoples for himself.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1.Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one 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 Two!
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!