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King Day 14 Authoritative Word: Digging Deeper

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King Day 14 Authoritative Word: Digging Deeper

Marietta Taylor

January 15, 2026

Adoring,Glory,Jesus,Power,Scripture

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

This DD Connects With "Authoritative Word"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Hebrews 4:12-13

12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What does verse 12 tell us about the power of God’s Word?

In Hebrews 2:1-4, the author reveals the state of his audience by admonishing, “We must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away.” (Hebrews 2:1) What had they heard? The Word of God from the mouth of Jesus. (Hebrews 2:3) He reminds them again in Hebrews 3:12-13 to be careful and watchful so no one develops a “…heart that turns away from the living God” and “ that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.”

Verse 12 displays the power of the Word they received, for it is living. These are not just words on a page; they live. If heeded, the active Word will transform those who apply it. The first audience understood the nature of a double-edged sword because Roman soldiers commonly used them. Just as Roman swords cut flesh from either side of the blade, so the Word cuts both ways. It slices easily between our actions, thoughts, and intentions, revealing God’s standard plainly. It teaches about God’s forgiveness while also explaining His justice. “God’s Word […] cuts through our veneer of virtue, exposing us as the rebels we are, and promises that we will receive a just penalty.” (GotQuestions.org)

Those who have been redeemed by Christ’s work on the cross have no such penalty. Was justice still served? Yes, our punishment was poured out on Jesus instead. We didn’t earn this lavish gift, but in deep gratitude and holy fear, we should allow it to teach and correct us so our lives align with God’s holiness. The Word cuts away what is unholy, bringing death to our worldly lusts! The Word will “show us our sin and redirect our attention.” (Transformed Follower) There will never be a better place for our attention than God’s Word.

The Everyday Application

1) What does verse 12 tell us about the power of God’s Word?

Living, effective, sharp, double-edged sword, penetrating, separating. I’m just going to be honest. All of this sounds rather scary. And painful. But what’s important is that it sounds powerful. I don’t want to follow a weak god. Praise the True God, I don’t. I follow the One True God, who can simply speak words and great and powerful things are created and not so great things are destroyed or removed. When the enemy comes after me, I can wield the Victor’s Sword to stand against him and win! (Ephesians 6:17)

Solemnly, I must never forget that I also need His sword to be used on me, not to demean me, but make me more like Jesus. Every sinner needs this blessed treatment by the Sword of the Lord! I am a bit fixated on the idea of a living sword. Andrew Longmire says, “…the Bible has one unifying divine author: God himself, and his words are just as important, relevant, and applicable today as they have ever, and will ever be. And that is what sets the Bible apart from anything that has ever, or will ever, be written. It is the very words of God.”

These words of God are living and are able to effectively cut through, and cut out, anything that does not resemble or honor Him; He willingly, and lovingly, removes anything that would harm our relationship with Him. I pray that we all experience His Word Alive, even when it feels more like surgery than a warm hug.

The Original Intent

2) What does verse 12 tell us about the ministry of God’s Word?

Verse 12 begins by talking about the power of God’s Word, but then the author tells his readers about the ministry of God’s Word. “It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” It would be easy for readers to be tempted into believing that Jesus, now absent in body, meant no one was holding them accountable for really following the Lord. Their thoughts and intentions were their own, who would know if they were aligned with God or not? The Holy Spirit! (Acts 2:1-32) The Holy Spirit now dwelt within the believer, as Jesus foretold in John 14:26, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” 

 “[…] A believer cannot go on sinning with a clear conscience, because the indwelling Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and righteousness (John 16:8).”(The Gospel Coalition) In John 16:13-15, Jesus teaches that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, who speaks what He Hears, glorifies Jesus, and “will take from what is Mine (Jesus’) and declare it to you.”

Since Jesus is The Word (John 1:14), this means The Word of God is residing within us. Through the Holy Spirit, God will convict us of wrong thoughts and selfish intentions, if we are listening. This gives us the opportunity to walk in obedience and allow the Word to lead us to think and act in truth and righteousness.

The Everyday Application

2) What does verse 12 tell us about the ministry of God’s Word?

I remember a former teacher telling a particularly mischievous and rebellious student to “cut the crap”. I always giggled a little when she said it because truly I agreed with her. This is kind of what the Word of God does in our lives. Our self-loving thoughts, actions, and heart motives are revealed to us by His Word, and He clearly lets us know we can, and should, do better in following Jesus. The best part is, we don’t have to figure out how to do better on our own. He’s already equipped us through His Word. If we attune our ears to His Spirit speaking to us through the Word, we will learn to follow rightly.

John Piper says this,
“God has given you his good news, his promises, his Word to protect you from the deep deceptions of sin that try to harden the heart and lure it away from God and lead it to destruction. Be of good cheer in your battle to believe. Because the Word of God…will penetrate deeper than any deception of sin has ever gone and reveal what is truly valuable and what is truly worth trusting.”

I pray we all choose the ministry of God’s Word that leads us to that which is truly valuable, eternity with God.

The Original Intent

3) What are believers being called to do in verse 13?

The key to verse 13 is the last 5 words, “we must give an account”. At the Great White Throne Judgement (Revelation 20:11-15), all will be judged by their works. But not just works, the motives behind them as well. The author of Hebrews was saying that, as a believer in Christ and therefore a vessel for the Holy Spirit, we will give an account as we interact with the Word and are convicted. Enduring Word puts it this way, “The writer to the Hebrews trusts that he has pierced the hearts of his audience, who thought about “giving up” on Jesus. In this passage, he makes it clear that they can’t give up on Jesus and keep it “hidden” from God. The word of God discovers and exposes their condition.”

They were being called to allow God, through His Word they had heard, to expose the darkness in their hearts so it could be cut out by the power of His Word. This was a big ask, but it sure was a necessary one. God sees all and knows all. There is no hiding from Him. As believers, we shouldn’t want to hide. “Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14) Seek it through Jesus, The Word.

The Everyday Application

3) What are believers being called to do in verse 13?

Verse 13 ends with the warning that all are to give an account. That, sisters, is what we all must and will do. Overall, when we get to heaven, we will give an account for what we have and have not done with our days. But, daily we must give an account to the Holy Spirit. I admit, sometimes I try to ignore His promptings because I know my intentions or actions aren’t right. He asks for an account nevertheless. Eventually, I do answer because He is God and there is no way to remain in right relationship with Him while also trying to practice avoidance.

To quote John Piper again, “His gaze is upon you. What will you do with what He has exposed, and what He now is watching? I hope the answer is: turn from the deceptive promises of sin, and trust in the all-satisfying promises of God.”

Sisters, besides giving an account, I beg you, and I beg myself, to turn away from the deception of the enemy and turn toward our all-powerful, loving God. There is no better action to take.

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King, Day 13
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As we find instances of God’s word as a double-edged sword in Scripture, we begin to realize Jesus’ kingdom comes not through violent force, but through words of faith.

Against a cultural backdrop of earthly kingdoms established only through vicious and devastating military might, Jesus tells His disciples, “Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24)
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Done Day 9 Endless Rule & Reign: Digging Deeper

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Done Day 9 Endless Rule & Reign: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

May 16, 2024

Relationship,Salvation,Sin,Spirit,Testify,Truth,Victorious

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

This DD Connects With "Endless Rule & Reign"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 1:20-23

20 He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens— 21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why is it important to identify the proper pronouns in these verses? (verses 20-23)
How we read and study Scripture is key to us understanding God’s identity. We may not be able to personally translate the original Hebrew or Greek into our language, but we can read with a context perspective.

Reading too quickly through the pronouns of this passage will most certainly impact our understanding of God. Let’s dig deeper by inserting the “who” of the pronouns: The Triune God exercised this power in Christ the Son by raising Christ the Son from the dead and seating Christ the Son at God the Father’s right hand in the heavens — far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:17, Colossians 1:13, Acts 2:32-36, Colossians 2:9-10)

And God the Father subjected everything under Christ the Son’s feet and appointed Christ the Son as head over everything for the church, which is Christ the Son’s body, the fullness of Christ the Son who fills all things in every way.” (Ephesians 3:10-11, Colossians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Psalm 110:1, Ephesians 4:10)

NOW we can press on to understand the apostle Paul’s right meaning to the church at Ephesus. He was teaching them about the rule and power of God which exists in and through Christ Jesus, the Son. It is HE who is Lord overall. It is HE who died and has been resurrected to richly bless with eternal life all who trust in Him. (Romans 10:9-12)

With our finite minds, we will never fully grasp the work of our triune God (The Doctrine of the Trinity), but we cannot deny that our creator God has reconciled us to Himself through the Son, Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)

The Everyday Application

1) Why is it important to identify the proper pronouns in these verses? (verses 20-23)

The first recorded lie is found in Genesis 3:4-5. Satan tried to convince Adam and Eve that God was not really for them. He did so by misrepresenting God’s motives regarding the boundaries He had set. These same schemes of Satan are alive and well today.

This reality is why it’s so important to know that the Creator God, the God of Genesis, is the same God who came into the world to rescue humans from a death we subjected ourselves to by believing Satan’s lie. (Romans 5:12-17) The truth is: God is for us. He proved it through the death and resurrection of the Son. (Romans 8:28-34) Jesus was raised to demonstrate the power God has over everything, which includes all visible and invisible dominions, even all the powers of Satan and Hell itself. (Colossians 1:13-18)

Oh sweet Friend, we are being kept for eternal glory by the God who loves us and desires to be in relationship with us forever. Because Jesus is all powerful, the reigning Lord of all things, we have a living hope. (1 Peter 1:3-9) This lasting peace and hope come from knowing that the God of the universe came to us through Jesus the Son. Paul had prayed for the believers to know this hope, and I pray it for you, Sister. (Ephesians 1:18-19)

There is nothing powerful enough to change our eternal destiny because it has been secured by the everlasting Lord of all lords and King of all kings. (Revelation 17:14) If you know it, speak this verse out loud right now, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

The Original Intent

2) How is the power of Christ’s resurrection demonstrated in the believer’s present victory over the enemy of our souls, Satan? (verse 21)

By the power of God, Jesus was raised from the dead. (verse 20, John 2:19-22) By defeating Death, Jesus proved He has power over every authority that exists, even Death. In overcoming the grave, Jesus also provided a way of victory over sin for those who trust in Him and what He’s done.

This is a “now and not yet” kind of triumph as we read “not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (verse 21) Even now, believers in Christ are able to fight and defeat sin because of Jesus’ elimination of sin’s consequences, namely, Death. (Romans 8:6-11) The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:12-22 that the resurrection of Christ is proof that our sin doesn’t have to kill us!

The apostle John encountered the resurrected and living Christ in a vision. The Lord showed John the full magnitude of the resurrection and gave him a victorious message to the persecuted believers, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18)

Referring to Christ Jesus the Son, Paul wrote in Colossians 1:16, “He created everything and has power over everything”. Everything! There is nothing above Jesus nor will anything ever be superior to His authority. He is alive and He reigns over all things, and this truth speaks to how we are able to fight against the enemy of our souls today! (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 1 Peter 5:6-11, 1 John 4:4)

The Everyday Application

2) How is the power of Christ’s resurrection demonstrated in the believer’s present victory over the enemy of our souls, Satan? (verse 21)

It can be frightening, and almost overwhelming, when we face the enemy of our souls. As the old hymn says about him,
“For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe.
His craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate.
On earth is not his equal.”
(A Mighty Fortress by Martin Luther)

Satan is influential, but he is not all-powerful. Friend, knowing this is everything! Though we do have an enemy who hates us, we have the All-Powerful Christ who loves us. Satan kills; Jesus fills! (John 10:9-10)

Christ is fighting from His throne in Heaven for us to have victory, and His power is the kind of power that raises the dead. Those who have put their faith in Jesus have been hidden in Him and have access to His power. (Colossians 3:1-3) What an amazing victory is ours because of Jesus’ current rule and reign!

Sister, we don’t need to wait until death to win the battle over sin. Jesus’ triumph over death is our provision for victory in the present. No, it’s not easy to always rely on the power of God when we are tempted, but Scripture tells us “everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

That’s the key, isn’t it? It’s faith! We really can trust Him with our lives, the One who is alive and always interceding for our victory at the right hand of the Father. (Hebrews 7:26-8:2)

The Original Intent

3) How does the resurrection of Jesus and His present position reveal the greatness of God’s power toward those who believe, “the church”? (verses 22-23)

In His power, God raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him (the Son) to His (the Father) right hand in heaven. (verses 19-20) Jesus Christ’s present rule from His Father’s throne gives Him reign over everything, significantly “over everything for the church”. (verse 22)

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus bought us, the church. In Acts, Paul told the elders at the Ephesian church, “… the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which HE purchased with HIS own blood.” (Acts 20:28)

When Jesus was on the earth He had a physical body in which He died, was raised, and ascended into Heaven. Now, the Church, as His Body on earth, continues the ministry of Jesus as we showcase God’s power to the world with our physical bodies surrendered to Him as “living sacrifices”. (Romans 12:1-2) The church is the physical form of His presence on earth. When Christ was in His earthly body, He felt the blows of His enemies. Even now from His throne, He feels the blows of His enemies through the suffering of the saints. (Colossians 1:24)

In Matthew 25:35-45, Jesus gives examples of His close connection with His people. When Peter confessed Jesus’ deity in Matthew 16:16-20, Jesus declared to Peter that he was speaking the truth about the power given to all believers in the kingdom of God. The church has “the fullness of the One [God] who fills all things in every way.”

The church of God has been given authority by God to act on His behalf! (Matthew 18:18) We are commissioned to be His agents, bringing His kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. (Matthew 6:10) Believers have been given the keys of the kingdom to open the door for all to come to Jesus! (Acts 1:6-8, Acts 2:14-47)

The Everyday Application

3) How does the resurrection of Jesus and His present position reveal the greatness of God’s power toward those who believe, “the church”? (verses 22-23)

In the ancient days of war and conquest, a king might place his foot upon the neck of his defeated foe to display his power and victory. Paul applies this imagery to Christ and the Church. It’s a beautiful and glorious sequence: God raised Christ to sit beside Him, and the saints of God are raised through our trust in Christ’s work to sit with Him. (Ephesians 2:6)

This position with Christ is the glory and power in the Church. God intends to fill the universe with the glory of His Son by making the church the platform from which the one-and-only gospel is proclaimed. (Acts 4:12, Galatians 1:11-12) The church has been given the responsibility and privilege of being filled for the purpose of embodying Jesus Christ. He could just speak directly to people to tell them the gospel, but God has laid the responsibility of mission on His people.

God fills the universe with His glory by employing His saints to show the world His intended purpose for all people. The Church proclaims Christ’s offer of total forgiveness with gratefulness and worship how God came for Her, suffered and died for Her, rose for Her, and will forever reign with Her. Though God has no real need for humans to fulfill His purpose of reconciliation, for He alone has all power, He chooses for the church to be His instrument for expressing His truth and grace.

He has empowered His people with resurrection power that we would carry out His charge to let all people know they can live with Him forever in magnificent delight and glory. In glorious victory, the Lord of All declares to the Church He will hand over His victory to them forever, “The God peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:20)

Friend, I hope you have found a place to consistently see the power of God revealed in a local gathering of His people, and are witnessing the miraculous defeat of the enemy of our souls!

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Authority,ephesians,Lord,Rule,Savior
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The Scriptures reiterate,
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When I consider this wondrous statement as a mother myself, one who loves my children with all I have but cannot begin to tell you how many strands of hair cover my child’s head, I am humbled and enthralled by the One who is above all and knows all.
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Questions 2 Day 11 Rescue Mission

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Exodus 20:1-17
John 3:1-21
Romans 3:21-26
Romans 3:9-20

Questions 2, Day 11

How could a loving God send anyone to Hell?

The question is a reasonable one. The juxtaposition of a God who loves mankind so much He would send His very Son to die for them appears to be utterly at odds with a God who would send good people to a fiery destination for all of eternity.

However, the very question itself is hinged on a dangerous and erroneous assumption: people are inherently good. It’s tempting to lean toward the thought. After all, as humans, we tend to categorize wrongdoing at varying “levels.” We wouldn’t categorize a murderer with, say, a person who told a lie to spare someone’s feelings. Our natural instinct is to determine who is good, and how good they are, by their actions and our own perception of morality. But this view is absolutely inaccurate. 

From the moment mankind fell from a perfect relationship with God and chose knowledge and self over trust in Him, every human being has been marked by the consequences of that choice. We are born with sin’s DNA woven into ours by our own failings, but the truth is humans have never been “good” on our own. Even Adam and Eve, who had every opportunity to continue in a right relationship with God, and who enjoyed perfect communion with Him in the Garden of Eden, lost everything the moment they chose the allure of sin’s temptation for self. Sin excluded them from fellowship with Him. Because God is completely righteous, holy, and just, He can not be in the presence of sin. Adam and Eve could not remain in the place of intimacy with God while sin existed in their hearts.

The same is true for us. 

Loves, not one of us is good. Romans 3:23 reminds us all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God. As we studied in Ten, God says if we have broken even one part of the Law, we are guilty of breaking all of it. (James 2:10) Furthermore, Jesus said if we so much as think sinful thoughts, we have actually committed that sin in our hearts. (Matthew 5:21-22) This is why Jesus came to earth as a man. He was the only One Who could live a perfect, sinless life and serve as the spotless sacrifice for all our sins, past, present and future.

Only One who was righteous, both fully God and fully man, would ever be able to do it. 

Because of His selfless sacrifice, our ability to be in communion with God was restored. The sin we have all chained to ourselves has no power against the blood of Jesus Christ when we surrender to Him. God’s master plan for a relationship with His beloved creation is perfectly fulfilled in the salvation He purchased for us. We, who are born sinners, can access communion with God through the shed blood of Jesus when we give our lives to Him and trust Him over ourselves. We were born dead in our sin, but we are made alive in Christ. (Ephesians 2:5) When God looks at those who have trusted Him for salvation, He no longer sees our sinful nature. Instead, we are completely, totally wrapped in Christ. When He looks at us, He sees His Son in us. He sees righteousness.

Do you know what the enemy’s master deception is, Beloved? He’s been singing the same tired tune for literally ages.

It’s to sell all of us on the lie that we are basically good, on our own. That we, ourselves, are righteous, apart from Christ’s blood. That we are capable of saving ourselves. In fact, he would love for us to be so completely infatuated with who we are, what we’re like, and how we feel, that we have no room in our thoughts for God. After all, if we’re basically good, and we can be trusted to do the righteous thing, why do we need Jesus, anyway?

This is why the Law is such a vital part of God’s ultimate rescue mission: without the knowledge of God’s law, we are absolutely incapable of recognizing we are sinners. Romans 3:20 says, “For no one will be justified in His sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law.”

Read that again. Twice, if you must.

Every one of us are born sinners. There’s nothing we can do about it. No amount of denying will change it. No amount of good works will offset it.

Our adversary is against us from day one. He endeavors to convince us that we’re good, and if we’re honest, most of us are inclined to agree.

But God. 

Long before we were born, long before Jesus was born, He handed His Law to Moses. It is the very knowledge of this Law that brings us to the realization that we are filled with sin. But the knowledge of this sin isn’t designed to condemn us! It’s to draw us to repentance and confession that we need salvation through Jesus Christ, so we can enter into relationship and communion with God! 

Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your very Son to die for my sins. There’s no One else like You. Help me to understand how deep and how wide Your great love is for all mankind. Show me every place where I haven’t invited You to rule and reign. All I have belongs to You alone. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

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Worship V Day 9 1,000 Tongues To Sing: 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 1,000 Tongues To Sing!

The Questions

1) Why did Jesus come into the world?

2) How does Paul convey himself in this letter to Timothy?

3) What do we learn about God in this passage?

1 Timothy 1:15-17

This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Original Intent

1) Why did Jesus come into the world?
Jesus, God the Son, came as an act of obedience to God the Father, Who sent Him (John 6:38) for the purpose of “saving sinners”. The most well-known verse in the Bible, John 3:16, describes this perfectly (in concert with John 3:17). Jesus gives everlasting life, therefore “saving” sinners. Jesus saves them from torment and separation from God. In Luke 5:32 Jesus states, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Again, Jesus says in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Who are these “sinners” Jesus came to rescue? The collective “US” across all humanity. “There is none righteous, no, not one, for all have fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:10, 23)

2) How does Paul convey himself in verse 15 to Timothy?
Paul refers to himself as the “worst sinner” in verse 15 and reiterates it in verse 16. In verses 12-17, Paul gives a brief recounting of his “faith story” as he describes who he was, the moment he was eternally changed because of Christ, and how that decision changed everything about him going forward. In his story, Paul openly admits to being “the worst sinner” because he outright persecuted the Church but he received mercy and was made new. He was a sinner, but now he is the recipient of undeserved mercy so that Christ’s patient love would take center stage through Paul’s redeemed life. If Paul, the worst sinner, can be brought back to God, and his core identity change from sinner to saint because of Christ’s great mercy, then no one is too far gone! Paul purposefully emphasizes his own unworthiness of receiving forgiveness to Timothy to encourage him to continue persevering in sharing this freeing gospel to all as he pastored the church in Ephesus.

3) What do we learn about God in verse 17?
Our Great God is King of all time from eternity past through eternity future. He has always been and will always be the True King, the only God. There is none like Him; He has no equal! (Isaiah 40:25) God is immortal, meaning He is not limited to our earthly bodies which die and decay, returning to dust; He lives for eternity and exists outside of temporal time and space constraints. Within Him is found nothing but immortality; not a hint of death or an end. He is also invisible, at least to our fallen human eyes, dwelling in light which no human can approach (1 Timothy 6:16).

Everyday Application

1) Why did Jesus come into the world?
Do you ever find yourself feeling like you and Jesus are “okay” because you do so much? Maybe you serve at church and you’re a homeroom mom at your kids’ school and you also donate to a local food pantry. That’s enough, right?
Friend, no. That’s not enough. Nothing you or I could ever do, even if we worked yourself into utter exhaustion and poverty, could ever be enough to work your way to salvation. God’s economy just doesn’t work that way.
Father God knew we would need a Savior. He knew even before He created anything or anyone that the first humans (Adam and Eve) would disobey (Genesis 2:15-3:7). The sin that entered the world through this couple could only be removed by a blameless sacrifice from The Spotless Lamb.
Jesus Christ’s death on the cross was unlike other crucifixions in a myriad of ways, the most important being that He was innocent of any crimes, yet He took upon Himself all of the sin of the world. All sin. Of all time. Past, present, and future. He took the punishment that every person who ever lived deserved from God.
And then, He defeated Sin and Death by rising up out of that grave!
HE is the reason we can experience salvation and eternal life.

2) How does Paul convey himself in verse 15 to Timothy?
If Paul, being the foremost of all sinners, can experience the mercy Jesus gives when He is trusted for salvation, then anyone can! That was the message for Timothy to take to the church at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), and that is the message to you and me today, Sisters. Think your worst is too much for Jesus to forgive? Think again! Just take one step of faith toward Jesus…He’s been waiting for you. He loves you. He wants to give you eternal life with Him and help transform you into the beautiful woman He created you to be. In the same vein, extend that free gospel to all. Pull back from pre-deciding who “will never choose Christ”. Our mission is to extend this grace wrapped truth of salvation, not decide who will or will not embrace its message.

3) What do we learn about God in this passage?
When we open ourselves to Jesus’ powerful mercy and allow Him rule and reign in our life, we experience radical heart changes no one can comprehend unless they’ve also allowed Jesus to transform them.
Wesley’s song lyrics are a wonderfully descriptive account of the salvation experience.
Jesus shines on a dark soul, weighed down by sin, and cleanses it.
The burden of punishment is lifted!
Real living begins!
Praise and worship are natural consequences!
There’s such a glorious freedom in knowing He is forever holding you!
The greatest thing is how surrender opens us to a relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Our Triune God wants us to talk to Him and, if our hearts are in tune with His, we will sense His leading and guiding.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with 1,000 Tongues To Sing!

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 :-))

Memorize It!

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