Tag: Christ

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Resurrected with a Purpose

Posted on by

Based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w3d3

Scripture and Observation

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 and Romans 6:9-10; SOAP: 1 Cor 15:3-4/Rom 6:9

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.

Romans 6:9

Our focus or question of the week is: “What Did Jesus Do?” – So far, we have answered the question with … He never sinned, He was crucified for our sins, and today’s answer/focus is: He was resurrected from the grave … and appeared to more than 500 of the brothers and sisters at one time. He also appeared to James and to all of the apostles, including Paul.

It would be easy to read these truths, celebrate the resurrection, and move on, but God’s call and my hope/goal of journeying through His Word (and taking others along with me on the journey) is more than just reading the words on the pages of Scripture. My hope is to understand the importance and meaning of the words. I believe that we are to learn how they apply to life and godliness and be able to share them correctly with others in everyday life*, both in conversation and in living and loving like Jesus, who is – as we have seen in recent journeys – the very Word of God.

Paul taught Timothy the importance of this in 2 Timothy 2:15, when he told him, and by extension all believers, to *Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

This is why we need to understand the importance of Jesus’ resurrection and His appearing before so many witnesses: let’s break it down …

  1. He was resurrected from the grave: This, like the other truths we have been looking at, is essential to our faith. Why though? Because if Christ is not raised, then our faith is useless, and we are still guilty of our sins.
  2. Friends, Jesus didn’t just walk out of the tomb – He appeared to more than 500 of the brothers and sisters at one time. He also appeared to James and to all of the apostles, including Paul. It may seem of little importance to know how many different people saw Jesus alive after He had been buried – but it is crucial to the testimony of His resurrection, and Paul knew this. – Bibleref.com explains it like this:

“Apparently, the truthfulness of the resurrection, or at least the resurrection of Christians, was being challenged or misunderstood by some in Corinth. Paul wants them to understand not only that the resurrection really took place, but that faith in that truth is essential in order to be saved.”

Bibleref.com/1 Corinthians 15;5


Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.1

*2 Timothy 2:15

So, the question begs to be asked: “Why is the resurrection important to our faith?” Again, it is Paul who answers this most clearly – when he addresses the Corinthians about the matter in 1 Corinthians 15:12-23, saying:

But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? 13 For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.

1 Corinthians 15:12-23
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, We believe in Jesus Christ, that He was given over to death for the sins of many and was raised to life so that those who believe might be born again and made right with You. We believe that on the third day, He rose again, triumphing over sin and death so that we would no longer be slaves to sin but live and walk in freedom with/for You here on this earth and with You forever when You return to take us home. As Paul taught the Corinthians, we believe the truth of His resurrection is of the utmost importance. As Paul shared this message in his travels and writings, may we both celebrate the truth and faithfully pass it on to those in our circles of influence.

The Gospel is the Truth that, according to Scripture we receive and believe; it is the faith on which we stand, the power of God unto salvation, and the message we have been entrusted with and called to share throughout the world. May it be of utmost importance to us, and may we faithfully and boldly pass it on to the world around us. 🦋

In recent days, we’ve walked through Scriptures that have pointed us to the importance of Jesus being sinless and of His death by crucifixion, and have, hopefully, come to understand that we are all sinners in need of a Savior who is blameless of any sin and willing to lay down His life for humanity- so that those who believe might have eternal life.2 If you missed any or all of the journey to this point please visit Firm Foundation

The More We Know

Posted in Advent, Bible study, Christmas, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Rejoice

The Power of Christ

Posted on by

For he has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.

Luke 1:69

In my late twenties, not too long after my salvation moved from a religion to a relationship, I began really studying the Scriptures and quickly learned that the meaning of God’s Word can be found within His Word. Today’s passages are prime examples1. For instance, Bibleref.com shares many references that explain the horn of salvation and connect the dots to David. The commentary explains that “In biblical texts, “horns” are symbolic of power (Psalm 75:10; 89:24; Numbers 23:22; Daniel 7:7; Revelation 17:12). Referring to Jesus (Luke 1:31–33) as a “horn of salvation” (Psalm 18:2) echoes the idea that Messiah will be from the lineage of David (Psalm 132:17; Jeremiah 23:5). When Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel, praised God for her son’s birth, she used similar phrases (1 Samuel 2:10).” – That’s what I call Scripture squirrels, and while they can take up a lot more time, I’ve realized through the years that they add so much to my time in the Word by helping me to understand what I read.

As we read Zechariah’s declaration of “the horn of salvation” in Luke 1:69, we come to understand, by his reference to “the house of God’s servant, David,” that the “horn of salvation” refers to the Messiah who would redeem His people from their sins. This Messiah is the same baby Jesus born in a manager, fully man but fully God, The God of power and of might, who conquered the grave and crushed the enemy – and continues to give us power over the enemy today! Paul’s prayer for the Colossians was that they would be strengthened with all might according to the glorious power of Christ. This is the same power that Peter writes about when he wrote about the divine power given to believers that would enable them to live a godly life and escape the corruption of this world. Just as John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth as the angel promised, the promise of the Messiah was realized when Christ was born in Bethlehem, and with that birth came all the power and love of God.

“With the arrival of Jesus, God’s power has broken into our world. He is the risen Lord. He lives. He is here. He is with us, and He is our strength. In faith, we can connect our weak lives to His mighty power, counting on His help and experiencing Jesus as the Horn or our Salvation.”

Rejoice Study Journal/p47

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

2 Peter 1:3-4
A Prayer of Response

Jesus, as I am reminded daily – You are my strength when I am weak. Your Spirit empowers me to overcome the enemy, to stand firm in temptations, and to endure the troubles of this world. As Paul prayed for the Colossians, I pray for this group and all Your people throughout the world that -in these troublesome times, as we wait for the return of the Messiah, the Hope of Heaven – we will be strengthened with all His glorious power so we will have all the endurance and patience we need – and be filled with joy, to Your glory and honor – Amen!

Read More verses on the power of Christ, available to all who belong to Him
A Beautiful Song to Celebrate Jesus, our Messiah, strong and kind.

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Clock is Ticking

Posted on by

Borrowed and shared from the LGG Journal, Come, Lord Jesus, Come / p76

Scripture: Revelation 22:20

The one who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

INTO THE WORD

Jesus is coming soon. That means our days are numbered, and the clock is ticking. I can’t even imagine what that glorious day will be like when I finally get to be with Jesus forever. I’m sure when I look back on my life it will seem like a short amount of time compared to eternity with Christ. I imagine the trials, tribulations, and pain I have experienced will soon be forgotten in light of eternity with Christ.

Focusing on my future with Jesus helps me endure today.

Realizing that there is a timeline and an end date helps me to press on when my heart is tempted to despair. On days when I’ve been online too much or watching the latest news update instead of reading God’s Word, I am tempted to worry about the future. It is in those times I have to remind myself to get back into God’s Word and allow it to calm my heart and ease my mind.

Reading today’s verses does that for me. Remembering that Jesus is coming back soon helps put it all into perspective because it reminds me that the trials and tribulations I find myself in today will not last forever. The “soon” Jesus talks about here will one day be “now.” Thinking about this helps me to endure today.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank You for the promise that You are coming back soon. Help us endure and face our trials with perseverance. Help us count our days and make them matter, not getting sidetracked in quarrelsome, insignificant matters. Help us stay focused on You and the mission You have given us—to make disciples of all nations. Help us reach those in our homes and our towns with Your love. Until the glorious day when we finally see You face-to-face, we will continue to pray, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

Reflection For Today


w2d5 / What are you most excited about when you think of what your life will be like when Jesus comes back?

The More We Know

Be sure and check out these week’s LGG Friday Blog Post

Jesus is coming soon has been the theme all week so take a minute to dive in to a helpful review of just what ‘soon’ means.

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

Christ, Our Hiding Place…

Posted on by

by Jen Thorn | Response to Love God Greatly’s study on Psalm 119 -week 5

WK5D5_Instagram

I have always had a fascination with castles. It is a wonder that men could build such beautiful and strong structures without our modern technological advances. Something that has always fascinated me are the secret rooms and passages common in castles. Such hidden spaces in the walls, in the roof, or behind works of art were for protection and escape when under siege. During the reign of Elizabeth I of England (1558-1603) more of these secret rooms were built in order to hide and protect priests from persecution. This is how they came to be called “priest holes.”

Over the centuries people have used secret hiding places in order to protect themselves from danger. During the Second World War in Germany, many Jews were hidden in private citizens’ homes. Al Capon (a notorious Chicago mobster) had a secret hideaway bar in the suburbs of Chicago. We even hide in our basements when there is a threat of tornadoes.

We all need safe places; that is why we live in houses. We need protection from the weather, from animals, and from people who want to steal our things or hurt our families.

But there is something even more precious than wealth and health that needs protection – our hearts and our souls.

During our lifetime we experience constant ups and downs, happy days and hard days, good news and devastating news, temptations and cruelty, evil and doubt, just like the Psalmist. All of this often puts us in the most dangerous of situations.

But have you noticed what he does in Psalm 119? No matter what comes his way, he always runs to God. Even more specifically, he runs to God’s word. This is his safe place from the tumultuous life he lives, and it must be ours as well.

5 Reasons Christ Must Be our Hiding Place

1. His Strength is Unmatched

“Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this:

that power belongs to God.” ~ Ps. 62:11

Our attackers are not just worldly, but also spiritual. We need to find safety in something that can protect us from the arrows of men and devils, from folly and error, sin and eternal death. The Lord is a shield who surrounds us on all sides (Ps. 3:3) and his strength ensures that the enemy can never defeat us because there is no weak spot in this shield.

2. His Secret Places are For Us

“The mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations,
but has now been manifested to His saints … which is Christ in you,
the hope of glory.” ~ Col 1:25,26

Ralph Robinson once explained the more secret a place the more safe we are.  In Christ are all the mysteries and secrets of this world and the next. The secrets of who God is, who we are, and salvation itself are disclosed to us that we might enter the secret places for safety. The only way to keep our heart and soul safe is by knowing and treasuring these mysteries as they come to us in God’s word and are received by faith.

3. His Faithfulness Endures Forever

“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.” ~ Ps. 100:5

In order to feel safe you have to be able to trust the one who is protecting or hiding you. Who is more trustworthy than Christ!  He always does what he says. He is true to his every word at all times and because he is perfectly good he will always do what is right.

4. His Watchfulness Guards Us

“He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” ~ Ps. 121:3,4

Castles and fortresses come with guards, but human guards are not always reliable. They grow tired and fall asleep. They may miss an approaching enemy and make the castle susceptible to defeat. But we have a guard who doesn’t doze off and is therefore never caught off guard. Enemies can’t sneak up on him and nothing can take him by surprise. Meditating on this will be a huge source of comfort for us during anything we go through.

5. His Love Ensures Our Safety

The one who would watch over us the best is the one who loves us the most. Who loves us better than Jesus? He went to unimaginable lengths to keep us safe and he will continue to do all that is necessary to ensure that none will be snatched out of his hand (Jn. 10:28) and that we arrive safe and sound in his eternal Kingdom.

We have been given everything we need for life and godliness because we have been given Christ himself. He is our shield, our fortress, and our hiding place. Like the Psalmist, let’s run to our God all the time for everything we need.

jen-sig

Looking To Jesus,

Posted in Advent, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Importance of the Resurrection

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w6d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: John 20:1-18; and SOAP: 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve.

1 Corinthians 15:3-5 NLT

I love that Paul simply identifies and shares what is the most important information to pass on. He starts with the three things – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – one by one. Then he reminds his audience that these things, the hope on which our faith is built, happened just as they had been written about “in the Scriptures,” and were witnessed by many. The citing of Scripture and witnesses most likely was meant to emphasis and ensure the people that they do not have to depend on Paul’s word alone.

According to Bibleref.com, the truthfulness of the resurrection, or at least the resurrection of Christians, was being challenged or misunderstood by some in Corinth. Paul wants them to understand not only that the resurrection really took place, but that faith in that truth is essential in order to be saved.

For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

1 Corinthians 15:13-19 NLT
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Tell the story of Jesus, with your words or the Scriptures or by sharing the testimonies of other’s you have heard or seen God do a great work in. Share the truth of the cross and of Jesus’ love and sacrifice, and of the love of God that brought Him down to man, and of the grace that says, “whosoever, Jew or gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free – whosoever may come and enjoy a new life in Jesus – not only here in this world but in the Kingdom yet to come.

20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.
21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.

1 Corinthians 15:20-23 NLT
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, even after all these thousands of years later – the story of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are still humbling and a bit overwhelming. Your gift of love come down, your sacrifice of Your only begotten Son, Your Word come true, Your detailed plan down to the witnesses before and after boggles my mind and yet fosters the hope of all my faith proclaims.

THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight read today’s LGG Blog

Do you share in the hope of the resurrection? Do you want to?

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Not Shrinking Back

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w6d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Luke 19:28-44 / SOAP: Luke 19:38 

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Luke 19:38 NET

Jesus has been preparing His disciples for this moment and all that will follow – (death, resurrection, His ascension, and the great commission) throughout His ministry, and even though He has now reached the road leading up to the Mount of Olives Jesus does not shrink back. He presses on and engages the disciples in what’s next, namely securing the colt on which He would make His triumphal entry.

While we call it a triumphal entry it is worth noting that Jesus does not enter as a conquering hero who has come to save the day but rather as the humble Savior and Son of God that He knew He was. He did not make arrangements for a great or impressive horse but rather a donkey, a colt that had never been ridden.

Our focus verse (38) is one of the most well known verses from this passage and the start of what would be a celebration by a great crowd of Jesus’ disciples. For the sake of his audience, Luke keeps his account of the event short but Matthew reveals the fuller picture and, I dare say, the version most of us are familiar with: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9). Mark and John share a quote similar to Matthew’s version, but as Bibleref.com points out, “Likely, different people are shouting different things, including praising God for the miracles they have seen Jesus perform,” as Luke indicates in chapter nineteen, verse thirty-seven, “but,” continues bibleref.com, “the gist is the same: Yahweh’s chosen king, in the line of David, is coming to take His rightful throne in Jerusalem.”

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Remember we are disciples of Christ and we are called to engage in the ‘great commission.”

Draw people’s attention to the Son of David – with a loud Hosanna or an invitation to church for Easter Sunday.

Press on through this week with eyes and thoughts on the cross and on the One who willingly lay down His life for His sheep.

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, as we, the disciples of Christ, enter this week leading up to Easter, a week referred to by many as holy, may we prepare not only our own hearts but may we make known the “Son of David”, whether with loud shouts of “Hosanna!” or simple invitations to our Easter services. May we not hesitate to engage ourselves with the work of the cross for the sake of the lost. May we remember that those who do not know our Savior will face a horrible eternity after death and may this inspire us to follow the example of Jesus and not shrink back or be silent in moving forward to the scene of the cross, the mourning of His death, and the rejoicing in His resurrection and ascension – without which there is no hope. – Father, this Easter may many hear and believe and along with us shout Hosanna to the Son of David!- Amen and Amen in Jesus’ Holy Name – Blessing and honor and glory be Yours both now and evermore 💜🦋

THE MORE WE KNOW

The Importance of the Pharisees Response (vs 39)

For more insight – please be sure and check out today’s LGG Blog Post

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

A Fragrant Offering

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, w4d3

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-5 / SOAP verses 1-3

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.

Ephesians 5:1-3 NLT

“Imitate God in everything you do” can be an overwhelming command because God is the giver of all givers. He gave the most extravagant gift ever given, His only begotten Son. He gave His son so that a world full of sinners – His enemies, to be more precise – could forego their deserved punishment of death and obtain not only freedom from sin but eternal life with Him in a Kingdom unlike anything we can imagine. We are called to imitate God not just because of His extravagant gift of love but because He also chose us as His own children. God’s love obviously runs deep, and we are to live a life that matches that love by following the example of Christ.

“Follow the example of Christ, who loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God,” can also be an overwhelming command. Paul makes a clear connection not to the time Jesus spent with the disciples or to the miracles He performed or the lessons He taught – but specifically to the fact that He offered Himself up as a sacrifice for the undeserving sinners – and He did it, not because He would gain anything, but rather to do what pleased God.

So, exactly how do we imitate God in His giving or Christ in His dying? How do we imitate such an impossible love? Clearly, from Paul’s examples of ‘what not to do’ in chapter five verse three, we must follow the more holy and righteous acts the Father and Son have done and walk in the empowerment of the Spirit God has given us. Paul gives the answer this time by teaching that we must live pure and holy lives which can be equally daunting because it demands that we put off what is natural to the sinful man by sacrificing selfish attitudes, sinful desires, and the temptations of this life. Paul gave an example of this in his last words of chapter four – when He said “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” (Eph 4:32) – Forgiveness and compassion can be costly when they come at the expense of our pride or the anger we long to hang on to, or the love and compassion we just aren’t feeling. The good news is as we exercise our faith, we will grow in our faith and the holiness of our Father and the righteousness of our Savior will begin to rub off on us and shine through for others to see. As this happens we will find ourselves desiring to please God rather than join in the behavior and customs of this world.

Being set apart is a beautiful thing! It means that we’re living out our purpose, showing the world what it looks like to walk hand in hand with our Father. When we embrace who we are in Christ, as dearly loved children, we won’t want to reflect anything that is not a reflection of our Father. Instead, we will want to live sexually pure, kind, and generous lives because, in love, we want to reflect the One who so generously sacrificed so much for us.

LGG Journal Entry / Set Apart Journal, p127
Wisdom From the Journey

We must live differently from the world – because the ways of the world are not fitting for a child of God.

The acts described in verses three through five are not born out of love that comes from God but rather of sin and ungodly desires born out of a love for self and the world.

Paul reminds us that we are dearly loved children of God and that Christ’s love moved Him to sacrifice His life for ours and for the pleasure of God – so LOVE is definitely the dominating factor to be imitated. To do so requires that we understand and know the qualities of love … what it is and what it isn’t. The best answer to this is found in 1 Corinthians 13 where we read that Love …

  • is patient
  • is kind
  • i not envious
  • is not boastful
  • is not conceited
  • does not behave inappropriately
  • is not selfish
  • is not easily angered
  • is not a keeper of wrongs
  • is long-suffering
  • rejoices in truth
  • does not find joy in unrighteousness
Reflections From the Journey

In what ways can you be an imitator of God, demonstrating His love and grace to others?

The More We Know

Don’t forget to read today’s LGG Blog Post at https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Set Apart in Word and Deed

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, / w4d2

Scripture: Ephesians 4:14-16 / SOAP verse 15

 Instead, we will speak/practice1 the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 

Ephesians 4:15 NLT

Oh how I hope you will go back and read from verse one through verse sixteen. This larger passage will help you to understand that the focus and point of Paul’s message is on maturing or growing up, in Christ – and what that means and looks like. He is teaching the church at Ephesus – and by extension – all disciples – that the role of the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers – is to “to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” He goes on to say that, “This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.”

Paul indicates that when this happens believers will no longer be like children who are immature and easily swayed by every wind of new teaching. They will not be quickly influenced by those who try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak, or practice, the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

While most translations use the word “speak”, and rightfully so, I particularly love the NLT translation – which uses the word “practice”, giving the fuller meaning of Paul’s intent that we are to be growing in maturity, As Bibleref.com points out, this “maturity is a progression which includes both action and information.” In other words, it isn’t just our speech that should convey truth but our behavior should speak volumes as well. When the two are in sync the more we will reflect the truth of Christ in love – and it is then, as Paul concluded, that “Christ makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

Wisdom from the Journey

Disciples of Christ are to be different in word and conduct-
no longer swayed by this world
but living out the Jesus-Way of life

MefromtheNsideout 🦋

We cannot and will not “grow up into Christ” – if we do not know Christ and His ways, or if we continue to “copy the behavior and customs of this world.” 🦋

Christ is TRUTH, and LIFE, and the very epitome of LOVE 🦋

The stronger we are in Christ and in our Christian walk – the stronger the body will be built up in love – 🦋

Reflection on the Journey

In what situation can you practice speaking the truth in love?

The More We Know

1God’s command is to grow in maturity, a progression which includes both action and information (Ephesians 4:11–12). see https://www.bibleref.com/Ephesians/4/Ephesians-4-15.html

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Love, Knowledge, Insight

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, “Set Apart – Living a Life for God’s Glory“

Scripture: Read Philippians 1:3-11 / SOAP verses 9-11

And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight 10 so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11
Paul’s Heart for the Philippians

Verses three through eight should be mentioned as they give an insight to Paul’s feelings about the people in the church at Philippi. His words are a testament to his thankfulness and joy in the people and their dedication to God and the Gospel. It is evident that they held a special place in his heart. No doubt, this affection led to – or at least played a part in – the prayer we read above, in verses nine through eleven.

3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:3-8

It is a beautiful prayer to pray for any church body, ministry leader, missionary, or believer. Actually, we would be wise to pray this prayer of Paul’s for ourselves and everyone participating in this study, that we might know the success of being “set apart” and living a life that brings glory and praise to our God.

Paul’s Prayer

Living a life for God’s glory, if we are honest, is like swimming against the current of the ocean. It is difficult at best and often seemingly impossible in today’s world. We can feel like strangers and aliens or like misfits in a culture that, as my Pastor preached this morning, is totally evil. It doesn’t take long to realize that we need help to live a life that is truly “set apart” for/to God; and the only true help there is comes from praying to and walking with God – our help and strength and defense.

The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 

Genesis 6:5

Paul’s prayer for the believers of Philippi is a beautiful prayer and a wonderful example for us to pray. It is evident that he understood the difficulty of living a life that is set apart for (ie. dedicated to) God and the Gospel mission. He knew that it requires an increasing amount of love for, knowledge of, and insight to God and His Word. He knew the importance of a sincere and blameless testimony, and of a fruitful life that comes through Jesus Christ. Paul understood and emphasized that the goal of a believer is to bring glory and praise to God, and he prayed to this end.

A Response of Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of prayer. Thank You for the power and the strength and the hope we know when we talk to You or spend time with you in Your Word. It is a gift that allows us a relationship with You and the ability to engage in the lives of others as we lift them up in prayer. Thank You for Paul’s example and insight the prayer gives us. As we journey through Your Word together or as we daily live out the life You have called us to – I pray Paul’s prayer back to You, that our love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight so that we can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to Your glory and praise. – In the name of Jesus – amen!

The More We Know

The 21 Most Effective Prayers of the Bible /by Dave Earley

A Closer Relationship to God Through Prayer

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Making God’s Word A Priority

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, Set Apart – Living a Life for God’s Glory / w1d1

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9 / SOAP Joshua 1:8

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. – Joshua 1:8

The passage makes it clear that we cannot begin to live “Set-Apart” for Christ if we:

  • do not have a relationship with Him
  • are walking in weakness (on our own)
  • do not know and obey His Word
  • do not believe His promises

However, the passage also makes it clear how we can begin to live “Set-Apart” for Christ. God says that if we walk in His ways, “not swerving to the right or the left,” in other words not veering off His righteous path, we will prosper and know success (7). The question is how do we do this effectively while living in a world that pulls us in every direction? God makes it clear to Joshua in verse eight that the answer lies in knowing His Word, actually – he uses the phrase “meditate on it day and night.” The idea is to, as the NET version translates, “memorize” the Word – which of course means ‘to know it.’ David believed that doing this would help him not sin against God, (Ps 119:11). Paul taught the same principle to Timothy, when he encouraged him to know God’s Word so that he would be ready to use it correctly and not be swayed by false teaching, (2 Tim 2:15). If we are to obey God’s Word and correctly share God’s Word with others we must be more than familiar with it, we must know and progressively grow in our understanding of It – otherwise we will fall prey to ways that do not align with the Word of God.

I love the Old Testament passages that teach this so clearly, such as Psalm 119:9-11 and proverbs 4:20-22. These are two of the passages that reignited in me a pursuit of memorizing God’s Word more than three decades ago. As I find myself forgetting more and more these days – one of my frequent prayers has become for God to guard His Word that is hidden in my heart so that even if I forget everything and everyone else I know – I will never forget His Word – for it is my/our life-line, my/our peace and strength and hope – it is the light that guides me/us in God’s way – and it is my/our defense against sin.

Today’s Prayer

Father, without You – without Your promises or knowledge of Your faithfulness we have nothing and we are hopeless. However, with You and through You we have hope and strength and peace to live the lives You have called us to. We may not lead a nation, like Joshua – but You have called us to be salt and light – to be bold with the Gospel – to make disciples – to love as You loved and serve as Christ served. Help us to walk and talk with You daily and help us to know Your Word so that we can trust Your heart. Help us to be strong and brave so that we do not turn away from Your Word and Your calling to walk in all Your ways. – In Jesus’ Name, amen!

Reflections of the Journey

How does saturating our hearts and minds with God’s Word help us live a set apart life and remain anchored to truth?

What are some steps you can/will take to hiding God’s Word in your heart?

The More You Know

Today’s LGG Blog

Memorization tools and techniques:

If you do not know Jesus as your Savior I invite you to visit the following link

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/