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Alive Day 4 Mindset: 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 Mindset!

The Questions

1) What does it mean to live according to the flesh? (verse 5)

2) How can I live according to the Spirit? (verse 5)

3) Why can’t those in the flesh please God? (verse 8)

Romans 8:5-9

For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. 6 Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.

Original Intent

1) What does it mean to live according to the flesh? (verse 5)
Paul describes unsaved people when he discusses those who live according to the flesh. They have their minds set on the things of sinful flesh. (Romans 8:5) The word set implies making a choice to live a certain way. When we set our minds to live according to the flesh, we choose to live in a way that gratifies our desires, heedless of others and in opposition to God’s will. Sarx, the Greek term for flesh, “describes the outlook orientated toward self, is prone to sin, is opposed to God and . . . pursues its own ends in self-sufficient, independence from God” (Preceptaustin.org) To live according to the flesh means we do what we want, even if the outcomes are eventually devastating. We live for the passion of the moment. We have no regard for anything but our own will and pleasure. This is our default nature. All people are born with this natural mindset focused on sin and self-love. John Piper describes the flesh as the “proud and unsubmissive root of depravity in every human heart which exalts itself subtly through proud, self-reliant morality, or flaunts itself blatantly through self-assertive, authority-despising immorality.” Paul cautions in verse 6 that living with our minds set on the flesh is death. “The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so.” (verse 7) Living according to the flesh means to live in hostility towards God, unable to submit to His law. Trusting in God and choosing to receive His saving grace (Ephesians 2:8) moves us off the path of death and onto the way of life in God’s Spirit. (John 5:24) If you recognize yourself as being held back by this mindset of the flesh, you can live free starting now by calling on Jesus (Romans 10:13) and accepting His gift of salvation.

2) How can I live according to the Spirit? (verse 5)
Paul says if the Spirit of God lives in us, then we live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18), which means we have a mindset of life and peace. (Romans 8:5-9) The Greek word used for life in this passage, zoe, means “the absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical, which alone belongs to God the Giver of life. This is life as God originally intended it to be lived” (Preceptaustion.org) When we live empowered by the Spirit of God, we have access to the full, abundant life of God. The word peace, from the Greek, eirene, means “to bind together that which has been separated, [for example] the believing sinner, bound together with God and His life after having been separated by sin. It is that inward harmony and tranquility that results from yielding to God.” (Precept) Living life in the Spirit brings a bond of peace from having been reconciled to God. When we live according to the Spirit, we let go of our own selfish desires and let the Holy Spirit of God empower us with life and peace. We make choices based on God’s will and strengthened by His Spirit. (Ephesians 3:16) This isn’t something we can do on our own power. Left to our own devices, we will act based on selfish motives. (Romans 7:18) When the Spirit is guiding us, equips us to choose God’s plan and follow His steps toward an abundant, peace filled life.

3) Why can’t those in the flesh please God? (verse 8)
Romans 8:8 tells us that those who are in the flesh cannot please God. There is no good deed or kind act that someone living according to the flesh can possibly do to please the Lord and earn His divine favor. William MacDonald explains, “There is nothing an unsaved person can do to please God —no good works, no religious observances, no sacrificial services, absolutely nothing. First, he must take … receive Christ by a definite act of faith. Only then can He win God’s smile of approval.” Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith, it is impossible to please God since the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Pleasing God requires us to have faith in Him, showing Him we have recognized our own inability to earn right standing and have understood how kindly He loves us by taking the punishment of sin on Himself. Because God is holy, our sin separates us from Him. (Isaiah 59:2) Those who live in the flesh are sinful, choosing their own way over God’s way. Saving faith requires us to forsake our sins and trust God’s will and His ways over our own. We can try everything in our power to please Him, but it is only by putting our faith in Him that we can be saved and brought into His presence.

Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to live according to the flesh? (verse 5)
I heard the news with disgust; a respected Bible teacher was discovered to be a sex-offender. There was so much heartbreak for the abused, for his family and colleagues, and his followers. Here was someone who professed to live by the Spirit of God, but actually lived a secret life in disobedience to God as he followed the desires of his flesh. The Bible tells us the temptation of the flesh can be very strong, even for those saved by God’s grace. Jesus said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40) If we don’t surrender to the Spirit of God at work within us, we will choose fleshly desires. Charles Ellicott explains that for those living by the flesh, “Their whole mental and moral activity is set upon nothing else but the gratification of these cravings of sense.” Jesus promises believers in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that “God is faithful; He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.” Those who have been redeemed by God have the ability to withstand temptation because God helps them. God understands our weaknesses because He has been tempted in every way we have; He gives us grace to come before Him and seek His help. (Hebrews 4:15-16) When we are tempted to return to a life lived according to the flesh, God provides the grace and power we need to continue living according to His will.

2) How can I live according to the Spirit? (verse 5)
When I look up the word peace in the dictionary, I expect to find a picture of my friend, James. No matter what curveball life throws at him, he is never shaken. He was orphaned at a young age, faced racism, job instability, and cancer, to name some of his struggles. Yet, never have I seen him doubt God or waver in his faith. In fact, every encounter with him brings me peace because he is at peace with God and trusts Him in every trial he faces. James’ life displays the evidence of a life lived with God. When we live by the Spirit (Romans 8:5), the Bible promises there will be evidence of the Spirit’s fruitful life in us. We call this the fruit of the Spirit, and we read about it in Galatians 5:22-23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” If we are living by the Spirit’s life, people will recognize His life in us by the fruit He produces in our lives. They will notice our patience with the customer yelling at us at work or the joy we have in the midst of hard times. When people encounter the Spirit at work in us when we surrender to Him, they will notice the love and goodness of God on display in our lives. When my friend James is in the room, everyone comes to him for a hug and encouragement because they are drawn to the precious peace spilling out from his Spirit-led life. I want to be like James, sharing the fruit of the Spirit with everyone around me.

3) Why can’t those in the flesh please God? (verse 8)
I read a play where the main character felt so guilty for all of the bad things she had done in her life that she went on a mad spree, stuffing everything she owned in a Salvation Army donation box. She hoped her contribution to a good cause would undo all the bad she had done, or at least make her feel better. Sometimes we try this same tactic with God. We know the sins we commit aren’t pleasing to Him, so we try to work our way into His good graces by volunteering, donating, and sacrificing just to please Him. But it doesn’t work like this with God! Our sin is much too offensive and even our attempts at goodness are “filthy rags” in God’s perfect eyes. (Isaiah 64:6) God’s heart desires us to trust in His Son, Jesus, and allow Him to direct our lives. His ways are perfectly fitted to experiencing joy and purpose. Having faith in Him is the only way to please Him. Our works can do nothing; salvation is only by His hand, not ours. (Ephesians 2:9) He tells us in 2 Timothy 1:9 that “He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” There is nothing we can do to earn His salvation. It is His free gift to us. (Ephesians 2:8) We can’t please Him unless we have forsaken our sins, coming to Him to be washed clean of our sin. (Ephesians 1:7) He has done the work; all we must do to receive this gift is repent of our sins and embrace His redeeming love. He may lead us to donate our possessions or do good things as we live out His purposes for us, but it will be our obedience prompted by our faith in Him that pleases Him.

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

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 Alive 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.

Sketched IX Day 5 Almost, But Not Yet

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 21:1-14
Acts 1:4-14
Acts 2
1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Sketched IX, Day 5

The walls felt like they were closing in with every passing day.

It was Day 9 of sheltering-in-place for us 11 remaining disciples, after Judas’ reckless decision to solve a temporary problem with a horribly permanent solution. My insides still quaked at the memory of his face, strangled by a noose made with his own hands. I shook my head to clear it, focusing on the troupe of ants dotting the limestone walls where I sat. They were purposeful. Intentional. Clearly headed to a goal, working together as a family.

“Consider the ant, you slacker…”

The familiar Old Testament proverb (Proverbs 6:6) came unbidden to mind in the warm, firm voice of my father as he raised his eyebrows at my 10-year-old self, who had only partially finished chopping wood. I repeated the words, letting them linger with my father’s voice wrapping around me.

“If only it was as easy as picking up that ax, Abba,” I muttered, rising to pace. Again. Leaving the ant family behind, I realized with fresh angst that I was here.
*sigh* Again.
Here, in this place of “almost, but not yet.”

It had been 9 days for us Eleven, less for the 120 other faces I scanned. They’d come sporadically in the last week, as if drawn by an unseen force of comfort and hope through community. Word spread, and soon, this Upper Room was bursting at the seams.

We were all here, waiting.
Waiting for next.
Sheltering, not sure exactly what next would be or how we would recognize it.
It seemed like a lifetime ago when Jesus and the 12 had sat in this very room the night before He was betrayed, then brutally killed.

“You will receive power,” Jesus’ voice filled my senses again with rich love and unshakeable authority. He said we would receive His power and comfort.

Oh, the tender comfort of Jesus! Despite the stench of 120 unwashed bodies sprawled around the Upper Room, I saw Jesus in every pair of eyes. The woman from the well in Samaria. She was here with several friends whom she’d told about Jesus. Once outcast, but now, waiting like the rest of us.

Mary, Jesus’ mother, was here, of course, and her sister, Salome. The man healed from leprosy at a word from Jesus was praying in a corner with James. Grinning, I waved at the 5 men who took turns challenging each other to arm wrestling. Not long ago, the robust man in the middle had lain paralyzed on a mat carried by the other four friends. Now they were whole and healthy because of Jesus.

The woman Jesus called Daughter, healed from bleeding, was handing out fruit and blessing each recipient. Hey, there’s the centurion whose daughter was brought back to life, and his little girl, too! Gentiles; my stomach churned only a little. These were welcomed by my Savior and my God; surely, they could be present here, too.
Waiting.
Waiting for the Comforter.
The same comfort each person gathered here had experienced in Jesus’ physical presence before He had ascended into the clouds nine days ago.

Nine.

Nine days of sharing community in the bond of knowing and experiencing Jesus. This was enough to keep us here until His Promised power and comfort finally came…however long it took. Our nights were spent singing hymns and our days were filled with the intangible joy of shared laughter and the sweetness of prayer. The outside world carried on with their hurry, but here, we delighted again in the depth of community with one another and God.

Here, in “almost but not yet,” we wait. We wonder. What good thing might the Lord be giving us through His Spirit that is better than His physical body?

—

The very next day would end Peter’s wait. One moment would begin as mundane, only to exhale as magnificent glory. The Spirit of the Living God would descend on each believer, regardless of Jew or Gentile, wealth or poverty, single or married, male or female. What they had once experienced with Jesus in the flesh would now be ignited in the heart of every person who ever trusted Christ. In the blink of an eye, holy divinity instantly and permanently bound every believer together. Comfort became infinitely available. His Presence was a guarantee, never to leave, ensuring the soul would pass from this fleeting life into one that would never end.

In the span of a single moment, the sacred space that had felt so empty for Peter was plunged into an infinite invitation to come, to know God better, deeper than ever before, for He Lived Within!

Power and boldness became the rightful possession for every soul gathered in the Upper Room that Day of Pentecost. Divine purpose was theirs in abundance. Comfort bound them up, together with each other, and jointly as the Bride of Christ.

As incredible as that moment was,
even it was an Almost, But Not Yet.
For here, in this same space, you and I wait, too.

We have His Spirit if we have called Jesus our own Savior.
Every gift those disciples experienced is also ours for the taking.
Yet, here we wait.
Paused with inexplicable hope, waiting for that Day of Going Home forever.

In the meantime, we are the Church, moving among one another, blessing each other, sustaining and carrying each other’s burdens, praying fervently, worshipping, and, as wonderfully led by the Spirit of God, preaching Christ crucified, risen, and coming again to a world hurrying around us.

Almost, But Not Yet.
We are here now.
Let’s live together as His Bride on purpose, and filled with His Spirit!


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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Sketched IX Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

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

Neighbor Day 2 The Neighbor Kids: 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 Neighbor Kids!

The Questions

1) What was the expert in the law possibly attempting to accomplish with his question?

2) Did Jesus answer the question, “What must we do to inherit eternal life”?

3) How does Jesus interpret for them what was written in the Law?

4) What proves we are a genuine neighbor (the Jesus kind) to those around us?

Luke 10:25-37

25 Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.” 28 “You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus took up the question and said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. 34 He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”

Original Intent

1) What was the “expert in the law” possibly attempting to accomplish with his question?
The “expert in the law” was not a court lawyer like we think of in the western culture of our present day. This was one who would have been considered an authority in the interpretation of the Jewish Mosaic and rabbinical law. In keeping with the traditional sign of respect, the learner stood and outwardly demonstrated a considerate posture. As a student of the law, it’s possible his question came as a serious thinker and seeker, though the phrasing of “he wanted to justify himself” gives us pause to consider his true motive. (verse 29) Though Bible scholars differ on the intention behind the question, the Greek word for “test” doesn’t necessarily imply evil intent. (enduringword.com) His question does, however, offer insight into the scribe’s belief system about securing eternal life. From the wording he uses, the inquiring man was revealing his assumption that humans must do something to gain eternal life. Unlike a payment obtained for services, receiving an inheritance does not typically require the receiver to do anything. Though the intent may not be completely cynical, the question certainly reveals his heart. Much like the wealthy ruler who approached Jesus (Matthew 19:16-22), there was a faulty assumption that doing good works was the way to receive salvation (right standing with God).

2) Did Jesus answer the question, “What must we do to inherit eternal life”?
This question seems to be a perfect setup for Jesus to discuss how salvation is not about good deeds. If I was to guess what the follow-up verse would say, I would have presumed Jesus would respond with “you don’t have to do anything!” Instead, He focused on what actions reveal about people’s motives. It’s interesting that Jesus agrees with the essence of the lawyer’s question. He said, “DO this and you will live.” Let’s pause and take that in for a moment. If we were presently in a setting where someone was teaching about salvation, we might let out a gasp at this response. Surely Jesus was not saying there was something required from them to receive eternal life. Were the local Jewish experts right about good works? The wisest teacher to ever walk the face of the earth, and the only perfect one, knew the heart of the one asking the questions. And as always, Jesus’ response exposed the deepest intentions of the scribe’s questions as well as his deeds. The man may have been an expert in the laws themselves, but sadly, he’d missed the meaning of them. And that was the answer to the question!

3) How does Jesus interpret for them what was written in the Law?
Dr. Kenneth Bailey taught in Egypt, Lebanon, Jerusalem and Cyprus. His insight into the cultural setting of this scene is extremely valuable to understand the context of Jesus’ answer and the parable He shares. “The Bible is an Eastern book. We see it through the colored glasses of Western culture. We do not understand the ingrained attitudes that illuminate a story or illustration. Christ spoke to a Middle Eastern people. What lies between the lines, what is felt and not spoken, is of deepest significance.” It was customary for Jewish children to attend school in the synagogue. Additionally, this expert had even further training in the teachings of the Old Testament. He may have thought he was going to prove his merits to Jesus by the discussion that would ensue. Jesus wanted to reveal the heart of God. The scribe thought he was going to justify himself to Jesus. Instead, Jesus told a story that would demonstrate how merciful love, not good works, is the only way to have eternal life. Jesus had not come to abolish the law the scribe was studying. He came to show that His life and death, which demonstrated loving God and others perfectly, fulfilled it completely. (Matthew 5:17-20)

4) What proves we are a genuine neighbor (the Jesus kind) to those around us?
Biblical parables were “stories that were cast alongside a truth in order to illustrate that truth.” (James Boice) There are approximately 36 parables in the Gospels. The parable in this passage is familiar to many. Even those who would not consider themselves to be adherents of Scripture use this story as an example of being a good neighbor. However, if someone wasn’t raised in a Palestinian culture, there are facets of this story we likely won’t fully grasp with a simple reading. We may not be as astonished as the first-century crowd when they heard Jesus tell it. It was unexpected in light of the answer the expert had given. In that culture, it stood directly opposed to everything the Jewish people had heard regarding their association with others. To make a Samaritan the hero of this story was nothing short of appalling. Jesus was declaring that the way to obey the words of Leviticus and Deuteronomy was to genuinely love God and also the person you least thought of as worthy. Jesus said of the Samaritan’s actions, “Go and do the same.” If this parable was a present-day meme it might read: “This is a Samaritan. The Samaritan was merciful. Be like the Samaritan.”

Everyday Application

1) What was the “expert in the law” possibly attempting to accomplish with his question?
Although we can’t be sure what the ultimate motive of the lawyer was, even if he wasn’t trying to trap Jesus into saying something that would indict Him, it doesn’t appear he was asking a question from a receptive heart. As the passage eventually exposes a man driven by his inward attitudes of superiority, this scene may reveal to us our own tendencies toward prejudice. In an effort to reassure ourselves of eternal life, it’s so tempting to question the validity of the gospel message of grace that is available to every sinner. Skepticism can cloud our thinking if we dwell on all the reasons God should withhold His mercy from someone. We may begin to believe the enemy’s foundational lie: Did God really say? (Genesis 3:1) The law expert thought he knew the answer to the question he posed. But he didn’t. If the gospel we preach doesn’t include our neighbor – whether that’s the people who live next door or our in-laws who live across the state – then we don’t understand the gospel at all.

2) Did Jesus answer the question, “What must we do to inherit eternal life”?
I can’t help but think of Jesus’ friend Martha. We don’t know the exact time frame, but just a few verses later in this same chapter, we find Jesus reminding His friend that “doing” isn’t the way to be right with God. (Luke 10:40-42) Sisters, we feel for Martha, and the expert’s question burns within us too, doesn’t it? Jesus, what must we do? I can sense Him stirring in my heart even now the words He spoke to His disciple Peter sitting by the fire after the resurrection. “He [Jesus] asked him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ ‘Feed my sheep,’ Jesus said.” (John 21:17) If we were to ask the question the lawyer asked, we’d get the same response from Jesus He gave to him and to Peter. “Do you love Me?” It’s true we cannot earn salvation, but we who are the recipients of the mercy of God will show mercy to those around us, our neighbors because of God’s love alive within us. By this, we convey a heart changed by the gospel of grace which provides us eternal life.

3) How does Jesus interpret for them what was written in the Law?
Jesus answered the inquirer by affirming the two commandments that were stated, but just like the law expert, we try to defend ourselves by rehearsing our obedience. Jesus’ response was not just for that self-righteous lawyer. It is the answer for our own hypocrisy. Even as women of the Word, we can get so consumed with knowing and sharing all the commands in Scripture that we become guilty of breaking the most important commandments of all. Paul said in his letter to the Corinthian church that we can “understand all mysteries and all knowledge, but [if we] do not have love, we are nothing.” Humbling ourselves and loving God with everything we are will naturally lead to a life spent loving others. The law set forth in the Old Testament was merely a shadow of the reality to come through the work of Christ we read about in the New Testament. The great theologian Charles Spurgeon said, “Let it never be forgotten that what the law demands of us, the gospel really produces in us.”

4) What proves we are a genuine neighbor (the Jesus kind) to those around us?
As followers of Christ, we are to demonstrate a changed life by the way we love God wholly with our heart, soul, strength and mind. As we are being sanctified and transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit inwardly, in our attitudes and motives, we begin to outwardly prove the love we possess by generosity, humility, and kindness toward those we meet. The parable of the noble Samaritan wasn’t about good works that produced right-standing with God. The story revealed that if we really love God from a heart that acknowledges the great mercy we’ve been shown, it will be evidenced in the mercy we give to those around us. Most of us have opportunities to extend mercy every day. As moms or grandmas, as sisters or aunts, as friends or acquaintances, as members of churches and community organizations, as foreign missionaries or assistants in local shelters … we have needy people everywhere all the time. Jesus asked the law expert who was truly the good neighbor. He may have mumbled it, but he finally had the right answer: “The one who showed mercy.” Go, sisters, and do the same!

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

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 Neighbor 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.

Seeds Day 12 Seeds Of Encouragement: 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 Seeds Of Encouragement!

The Questions

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?

2) What is the power received?

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Original Intent

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?
This verse is spoken by Jesus before He ascends to Heaven. Jesus is with His disciples on the Mt of Olives outside of Bethany. Essentially, these words are the last ones Jesus says to His disciples before leaving them. In those moments, Jesus promises His disciples they will not be abandoned even though He is leaving them. The disciples had witnessed Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection and had spent time with Jesus after His resurrection. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus instructed His disciples to share the Gospel with all nations.  However, with these words, Jesus tells them to stay and wait. He doesn’t want them to go alone to carry His gospel to the nations, but instead wait for the Holy Spirit to come. Jesus knows their mission is will not be accomplished alone. He knows they need what only God can provide.

2) What is the power received?
This power is the gift of the Holy Spirit. When we hear the word “power” we often think physical strength. However, this isn’t what Jesus is referring to here as this is a spiritual power. This power is the strength, courage, and boldness by which Jesus’ disciples will go out and accomplish the mission Jesus is laying before them. Jesus didn’t tell the disciples to go out before they had the power from the Holy Spirit. He told them to wait for it. Jesus knew there was no hope in them being witnesses if they did not have the power only God can provide. The power of the Holy Spirit would come and equip them with all the tools needed to be successful and effective witnesses. Without the Holy Spirit, they would never have success.

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?
Jesus had given His disciples what we call the Great Commission at the end of Matthew 28. Here in Acts 1:8, Jesus expounds on that command and lays out a plan of action. The disciples were Jews who would have lived in Jerusalem and Judea. Their mission is to begin sharing the Gospel and making witnesses right where they were in everyday life and then move out from there in every widening circles of influence. The disciples were to continue moving into Samaria and then into the rest of the world. Essentially, this lays out the plan to take the Gospel to the Jews and then the Gentiles. Expositor’s Bible Commentary words it this way, “Jerusalem, Judea, – the Apostles were to begin their great practical life of witnessing at home, but they were not to stay there. Samaria was next to have its opportunity, and so we shall find it to have been the case; and then, working from home as centre, to the uttermost parts of the earth.” Never were the disciples to stay in the comforts of home. God’s plan was always to send His power and enable the disciples to share the Good News with His entire creation.

Everyday Application

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?
While Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples in this verse, His message is still for us today. As believers, we are also His disciples and these words are just as much for us as it was for those who heard it first when Jesus spoke. We too have the job of sharing the Gospel with all nations. However, if the disciples could not take on the task in their own power, why should we think we can? Just as they needed the Holy Spirit, so do we. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are also given the gift of the Holy Spirit who never leaves. We can choose, however, to ignore His voice and attempt to do His work on our own strength. Here is where we need to be reminded of Jesus’ message to His first disciples and to us!

2) What is the power received?
Spiritual power is a gift provided by the Holy Spirit. The disciples needed the power to go out boldly and confidently share the Gospel bearing witness to Jesus. Before the Spirit was given, the disciples were told to wait. Jesus would not send them to accomplish a mission if they were not equipped to accomplish it. If the disciples needed the Spirit’s power and they had physically walked with Jesus and learned at His feet, we should also acknowledge we need this power in order to bear witness to Jesus. This power allows us to step out in courage to share the truth of who Jesus is and why the world needs Him. Where is the Spirit leading you? Are you in the habit of engaging with Him through Scripture, journaling, prayer, and quiet listening? If we are to accomplish the Lord’s mission in our everyday lives, our effectiveness begins and ends with our dependence on the equipping power of the Holy Spirit!

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?
Just as Jesus lays out a plan for the disciples to carry out the Great Commission at the end of this verse, He lays out a plan for us. As believers, we are commanded to make disciples of all nations just as the original disciples were. Even though we don’t live in Jerusalem our plan of action should look similar to the disciples. We are first to start in our own “Jerusalem”, the place we call home. Who is God calling us to share the Gospel with in our homes, in our neighborhoods, or in our workplace? Next, we are to look to the area or city we live in, our “Judea”. Samaria would have been a little farther out from home. It could be like asking who am I to share the Gospel with within the region God has placed me. Lastly, I am to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth. There is no place on earth that is not worthy of hearing the Good News. Where is God asking me to go? Any one of these areas may feel out of our comfort zone, but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can bravely and boldly go and bear witness making disciples. When I lived in Las Vegas my church said it this way, “Las Vegas, the West and the World”. I now live in Kansas City, MO and my church says it this way, “our church, the Northland, and beyond.” Think about where God has placed you… how can you reword this action plan Jesus gave to match where God has you located. It will be different for all of us, but the end goal is the same… to see every nation to the end of the earth hear the Good News of Jesus!

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1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
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3) Write down your questions
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4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
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Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

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Screenshot Day 6 It’s Not Fair

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 19:23-20:16
Jonah 3:1-4:4
Luke 15:20-32
Ephesians 2:1-10 

Screenshot, Day6

“It’s Not Fair!”
Anyone who has been around children for any length of time is probably very familiar with that phrase.  There is little more that is absolutely certain to frustrate a child than perceived injustice, whether it’s because someone else receives a slice of cake slightly bigger than theirs, or gets to spend a few minutes longer on a favourite activity, or simply because they have the sense that someone else is being favoured. 

As we grow up, we probably become less concerned about such meticulous fairness in small matters, but the sense of justice, and the desire to see people treated fairly, remain. 

In the parable we are studying today, that sense of justice certainly kicks in for the workers who were hired early in the day to tend the vineyards.
How can it be right that after toiling and labouring all day, others who had worked for only one hour, received the same reward?!   

It’s just not fair!
I can sympathise with the workers’ indignation.
Maybe you can too. 

So, what are we to make of this parable?  What is Jesus teaching us about the Kingdom of Heaven? Is God really being likened to an unfair landowner? 

The first thing to note is that, far from being unfair, the landowner actually pays the first workers exactly what he promised.  They agree to work for one denarius (the typical daily wage) and that is what they receive.  When the subsequent workers are hired, the landowner mentions no specific wage, but promises to pay “whatever is right.” (Matthew 20:4) 

The issue is not the landowner’s injustice to the first workers,
but his radical generosity to those who were hired later! 

“Didn’t you agree with me on a denarius?  Take what’s yours and go.  I want to give this last man the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with what is mine? Are you jealous because I’m generous?’”  (Matthew 20:13-15) 

To understand what this parable is truly all about, it’s helpful to look at the context. 
In Matthew 19, we meet a rich man who comes to Jesus seeking eternal life, but turns away after being told to sell all his possessions. 

Jesus’ disciples witness this interaction, and Peter’s response is to point out the contrast between the rich man, who is unwilling to surrender his possessions, and the disciples, who have given up their whole way of life to follow Jesus: “See, we have left everything and followed you. So, what will there be for us?”  (Matthew 19:27) 

Jesus assures Peter that anyone who has given up anything for His sake will receive far, far more in return, but He also points out that “many who are first will be last, and the last first,” (Matthew 19:30). He then tells the parable of the vineyard workers. 

As He often does, Jesus turns the world’s way of thinking on its head.
Worldly wisdom teaches that we should be rewarded according to our actions.
Those who, like Peter and the other disciples, have worked hard for the Kingdom, deserve a greater reward, but Jesus teaches that it’s all about grace. 

“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; 
it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9) 

That sort of radical generosity can be hard to take.
It’s often more comfortable to feel we have worked hard to earn something than it is to accept a free gift. 

It can be even harder when we see that grace extended to others,
who seem to us,
less deserving.

We see it in Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son as the wayward brother is welcomed home instead of being treated as an outcast; his hard-working brother becomes infuriated.
Again, this jealous arrogance rears its head in the reaction of Jonah to the people of Nineveh being spared. Jonah wanted grace aplenty for himself, but none for others he deemed un-worthy. 

It’s easy to fall into owning a similar attitude,
thinking we deserve more because we have worked hard for God,
or tried to live a good life.
It’s the feeling that, somehow, God owes us something for our devotion to Him.
It can feel unfair. 

But do we really want fair?
Fair is being left “dead in our trespasses.”  (Ephesians 2:1)
Fair is remaining “children under wrath.”  (Ephesians 2:3)
If we want the payment our deeds deserve: this is fair! 

I’m grateful salvation doesn’t depend on God treating us fairly,
but on His radical grace and generosity in sending Jesus to die for us. 

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!”  (Ephesians 2:4-5) 

Grace levels the playing field.
We all stand before God as equals, sinners.
He invites all to be saved, undeservingly, by grace.
He deeply loves each of us, and calls into His work.
Not in order to earn His favour or gain a reward,
but out of gratitude for the amazing grace He extends to all! 

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Prayer Day 15 Here Is My Amen!

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Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Chronicles 29:10-15
2 Kings 19:14-19
Matthew 7:9-11

Prayer, Day 15

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Amen.

I still remember the sound of my mother’s strong voice carrying each note of this ancient doxology and the way everyone stood in solemnity as the final strains from the organ hung in the air on Sundays.

“World without end…Amen, Amen.” (want to listen to the song in my head?! Here’s a link!)

The doxology itself is a plea to the Lord, beseeching Him to act for the sake of His Name. It’s an insistence on being heard  regarding the aforementioned petitions based on His character.

King Hezekiah, of the Old Testament, knew how to apply this better than anyone. When he found an entire army of blood-thirsty Assyrians headed straight for his small, ill-equipped nation, he could have tried to find a way out in his own power…but his response was neither to flee nor ask a neighboring nation for aid. Instead, he stood boldly before the God of the Universe, and pleaded with the Sovereign to save them because of His power, dominion, and authority over all. (2 Kings 19:14-19)

Job’s prayer was equally as bold:
I would lay my case before Him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
I would know what He would answer me
and understand what He would say to me.
Would He contend (or fight) against me in the greatness of His power?
No; He would pay attention to me.
There (at His throne) an upright man could argue with Him,
and I would be acquitted forever by my Judge. (Job 23:4-7)

Job wasn’t saying he would come against God with literal negative “arguments”, rather, like King Hezekiah, that he would lay before the Almighty his brokenness, his wounds, his petitions, and he would be confident that because of God’s character, Job would be heard and welcomed into God’s presence.

Neither man’s confidence was hinged on their own power.
Neither man’s confidence was even dependent on God delivering them,
but instead on the fact that they knew their God would listen to them.

They knew they would be heard because, while the Kingdom is His, the power is His, and the glory is His, their personal experience told them that His heart is love.

That His Abba heart was theirs.

Because God is the Father who loves, and who knows how to give good gifts.
Because He holds all power and authority.
Because all glory belongs to Him.
And knowing He hears and listens to us, is enough for us, too.

We don’t have to know He will answer like we want Him to.
We don’t need to have all the answers of how prayer works.
We simply need to know that the God of Love who holds all power, not only hears us, but listens to us, and invites us to call Him ‘Daddy’.

It’s His eternal, un-ending love that gives us the safety and confidence to lay our needs before Him, knowing He is good.
It’s the doxology at the end of our prayers that reminds us of both His character, and the absolutely certain hope we hold fast to: a coming world that will never end.
It’s what allows us to echo all the saints before us by adding our hearty “Amen.”

“So Be It” is the literal meaning of the word Amen, but it’s so much more than those three little words.
It’s not a magical end mark to our prayers which guarantees a response in our favor.
It doesn’t bind God to do our bidding.
It’s our whole heart, whole mind, whole soul nodding in a somehow both solemn, yet enthusiastic YES, Abba.
Your will be done, Abba.
We are Yours, Abba.
And You are ours.

May Your will be done…so be it.
May Your kingdom come in us and through us…so be it.
Fulfill our needs for today, physical and spiritual, as You see fit….so be it.
Forgive us, and teach us to forgive….so be it.
Sanctify us, teach us to flee sin and become like You….so be it.
Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever….So. Be. It.

As I was considering all of these aspects, the image of my own children asking for something came to mind. When they beg and beg and insist and insist and whine and whine…. (I know you mamas know exactly what I mean!), I’m pressed to my limits of “good and generous”. Rather, it’s more the “annoyed and exasperated” that comes out. But, when my kids ask for something genuinely, with full confidence that if I say yes, it’s good, and if I say no, it’s still good; that is gold!!

One of my daughters absolutely loves to write me notes. She would rather handwrite her communication than verbalize it every time. Recently, her note read, “Could we get ice cream tonight? I would please you to say yes, but if you don’t, it’s okay because you give me so many good gifts. But I would really like ice cream.”

For. Real.

That’s the heart behind doxologies!

You, Oh God, are good and no matter what, that will not change, but based on your goodness and what I know of your character, I know you listen to me because I know our relationship matters to You; and that is enough. I choose to trust You with the rest!

“So Be It”, Lord, because You are good.

Here is my whole heart, whole mind, whole soul nodding in agreement with You, Amen.

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

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