Tag: set apart

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

Sanctification

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For a thing to be sanctified means it is set apart for a special use. 

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Firm Foundation, w5d2

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8(SOAP vs 3); Hebrews 10:14-18 (SOAP vs 10)

God’s will is for you to be holy(sanctified-KJV), so stay away from all sexual sin. 

1 Thessalonians 4:3

 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy(sanctified-KJV).

Hebrews 10:14
Observations from the Journey

Because today’s passages focus on the believer being holy/sanctified, let us understand holiness/sanctification as God’s Word defines it. To be holy/sanctified is to be set apart for God (Leviticus 20:7; 1 Peter 1:15). Yesterday’s journey revealed or reminded us that we can not be made right with God (declared righteous) apart from faith in Jesus Christ. The same is true of God’s call for believers to be holy/sanctified – it is not possible apart from faith in Jesus Christ.

It is helpful to start with the passage from Hebrews and the message about the “one offering” perfecting – those who are “made holy.” Remember, it used to be animal sacrifices repeated again and again that would temporarily cover the sins of the people.1 However, the blood of the animal never truly removed the sin. But God, in His loving mercy, made a way! Through the blood of Jesus, the sacrificial system was made complete. For the perfect, spotless blood of Jesus is sufficient to wipe away sins – not just temporarily but forever! Hallelujah and amen!

What can wash away my sins?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Oh precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow –
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Application: Living Out the Journey

When Paul closes out his instructions to the Thessalonians, he reminds them that God’s will is for them, as believers, to be sanctified, meaning to be “set apart for a special use2.” The example he gives with this instruction is for them to stay away from “sexual immorality,” a sin that undoubtedly was rampant in Thessalonica, a pagan culture steeped in sexual sin. However, we know from the totality of Scripture that sin of any kind, accepted or unaccepted by the culture we live in, is wrong and unacceptable in the eyes of our Holy God. To be set apart for God requires the believer to “keep away.” as Paul wrote, from all sins. Should we find ourselves wanting to make excuses for certain sins – let us understand that John explained sin to be anything that is contrary to God’s Word,3 and Paul was clear that the wages of sin is death,4 but he finished that statement with the clear and present promise that the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus – the perfected – solitary and all-sufficient offering – the spotless, sinless, Son of God – through whom (by faith) we are made holy and acceptable in God’s sight! – All glory and praise to God!

To be sanctified is to be “set apart.” Synonyms for sanctified are holy, consecrated, and hallowed. The Bible speaks of things being “sanctified,” such as Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:23) and gifts to the temple (Matthew 23:17); days, such as the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8); names, such as God’s (Matthew 6:9); and people, such as the Israelites (Leviticus 20:7–8) and Christians (Ephesians 5:26).

Gotquestions.org
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost – Thank You that through You I am made holy and set apart for You. Thank You for the reminder to walk faithfully in Your ways and stay away from all sin. Thank You for the blood that washed away my sins, the indwelling of Your Spirit that alerts me to sin and temptations and empowers me to turn away from them – even showing me the way of escape, as Paul wrote.5 Thank You, God, for the one offering that has perfected for all time those who are made holy, and for putting Your laws on my heart and inscribing them on my mind and remembering my sins against me no more! – I am most blessed and forever grateful! 💜

The More We Know

For a thing to be sanctified means it is set apart for a special use. 

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

Not My Own

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart / w4d5

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 / SOAP 19-20

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT

If I’m totally honest, there is something a bit daunting about being told, “You do not belong to yourself.” Yet, knowing that my body belongs to God is equally exhilarating at the same time. It is exciting and encouraging to know that I am not on my own – The Spirit, God’s Spirit, lives in me and works on God’s behalf to teach me and help me live a well-guided, self-controlled, and empowered life. He fills me with the knowledge and understanding that I need and reminds me of everything Jesus has said. I know I can trust these promises of the faith because I have been purchased by God with the price of His only Son’s blood and He did this out of love and so that I might glorify Him with my body.

To keep the body from dishonorable ways in a world that promotes an “if it feels good do it” attitude can present numerous challenges and temptations to copy the behavior and customs of the world. Even members of the community of faith are known to share or make excuses for the world’s standards and now acceptable practices. But God’s Word teaches us to remember that we do not belong to ourselves, instead – we belong to Him and should live according to His standards and not the world’s.

Wisdom from the Journey

Remember God’s Spirit lives in me …

… to control me… to guide me … to comfort me … to empower me …

The Spirit possesses me by God’s will and for God’s glory –

Because He is in me I can do all things that God has called me to do …

Because He is in me I must honor God with my body … physically, spiritually, mentally

Because He is in me His the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control should be more and more evident in my life …

Reflection from Today’s Journey

What is one practical way you can treat your body as a temple?

The More We Know

we came to belong to God when we came to Him by faith in Jesus.

If we are truly in Christ, we are truly not our own.

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 Different Lifestyle

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, w4d3

SCRIPTURE:1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 / SOAP verses 3-5 and 7

God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— 5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. – 7 God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 7

“Set Apart” living requires a lifestyle that is different from those who do not know God. If we want to please God there is no other option than to live ‘set apart’.”

Me -from the INside-out 🦋

Paul is writing to believers who he had spent time with in person, teaching them how to live in a way that pleases God. He wants them to know they are doing it well but that they must keep pressing on in this good and holy way of living. Paul understood that living out God’s call on our lives is difficult at best and often seemingly impossible. He knew what it was like to want to do the right thing but how easy it was to keep doing the wrong thing – so he closed out his first letter to the Thessalonians with a review of the “will of God”. Which, as Paul points out, is to live a sanctified, holy life – or as today’s LGG Journal entry puts it: “God desires us to live lives set apart for HIm.”

I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.

Romans 7:15 NLT

If you’ve been following along in the journey to live “set-apart”, you may be wondering why Paul so often warns about being sexually pure. The simple truth is that similar to our culture today – sexual impurity was often an accepted part of society and worse yet, sexuality and prostitution were even part of pagan worship. “Being sexually pure may seem countercultural and challenging, but it’s a choice that brings both blessings and peace. Our culture constantly pushes the message that sex is casual and without consequences, but God’s Word reveals the opposite. When we walk in sexual purity, we protect our hearts, relationships, and marriages from unnecessary pain and heartache.”1

However, as the LGG devotional journal points out – “It is important to remember that grace overflows from God to you as a precious daughter of the King. Your worth is not determined by your mistakes or society’s standards. If you have sinned in this area, confess it to God, ask for His forgiveness and He will cleanse you completely. He desires to bring healing, restoration, and wholeness to your life, and His mercies are new every morning. – No matter your past, today can be a fresh start. Choose today to live set apart, living a life that honors God, and walking in the freedom and joy that comes from living in His ways.”

 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

1 John 1:9

May we remember that our bodies are the temple of His Holy Spirit and choose to walk in purity and honor. May we choose to live lives that are set apart for/to Him – reflecting His love and holiness to the world around us – and this for His glory.

1The Love God Greatly Journal for Set Apart, Living a Life to Glorify God / p131

WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

The greatest take-away and application of this passage would be to walk in God’s will – as the new creations He has made us to be through Christ. – Remember, He didn’t just create us and walk away – God equipped us with the Holy Spirit and the power of all the promises that are “yes and amen in Christ.” We have no excuses, for He has given us everything we need to live a godly life – the question is will we?

Impurity is from the “old man” often referred to as the sinful nature – which we are told to “put to death”, Colossians 3:5-11.

We are new creations created in Christ Jesus – 1 Corinthians 5:17.

We have been crucified with Christ, so that the life we now live in the flesh we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us, Galatians 2:20.

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

The Importance of Holiness

A Focus on Sexual Purity

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

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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

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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, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Landmines

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d5

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 41:10

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

If you’ve ever dealt with fear or anxiety then you will understand when I say these are like – or can be like – landmines on a battlefield. You’re walking along just fine having a great day when someone says something or you see something or someone that triggers fear which sends you into a tailspin of anxiety or prompts an anxious thought that induces fear. Actually, the mind, left unguarded is a battlefield of landmines that can take us down or shake our faith and the peace Christ came to give. There are temptations of every genre and proportion, and more pointed explosives like shame, guilt, jealousy, anger, selfishness, covetousness, gluttony and so many more just waiting to be set off.

A land mine is an explosive weapon concealed under or camouflaged on the ground, and designed to destroy or disable enemy targets, – Such a device is typically detonated automatically by way of pressure when a target steps on it or drives over it, although other detonation mechanisms are also sometimes used. A land mine may cause damage by direct blast effect, by fragments that are thrown by the blast, or by both. Land mines are typically laid throughout an area, creating a minefield which is dangerous to cross.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_mine

Jesus warns us that our enemy is extremely dangerous, he is devious, sneaking around like a lion on the prowl who seeks to take down and destroy his prey. The enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy any and all followers of Christ – and we must always be both mentally and spiritually alert and ready to stand firm against his attacks. He is devious and uses tactics similar to the explosive weapon of a landmine which is hidden and undetectable until you are right on top of it. Thoughts and desires left unguarded will make us easy prey to his tactics, but God is on our side and He will hold us up and stand with us in the battle.

So how do we guard ourselves and/or train ourselves to know potential landmines and avoid them? To borrow words from Paul, “since we live in the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit.” In other words don’t forget whose you are! You belong to the One who said He is with us – He will strengthen us and hold us up with His victorious right hand. I we must also remember that the power of His Spirit is in us – to protect us and watch over us. He was sent to teach us and to remind us of everything Jesus said. When our weapon of warfare is the living and active Word of God we are well protected against the schemes of our enemy, the devil – but we cannot and must not let down our guard or forget any of the protective armor we have been given to use. Shoes, shield, belt of Truth, helmet, sword and breastplate are all meant to survive the landmines the enemy has laid for our destruction – and when our eyes are fixed on Jesus – we will know and see that the life and peace He came to give are more powerful than any explosive the enemy has set for us.

WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

We must keep Isaiah 41:10 on the ready – as a weapon for the battle that undoubtedly will ensue… We must be so familiar with it that it comes to mind quickly and we use it well –

MefromtheNsideout 🦋
REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY

How would your life be different if you chose not to live in fear?

THE MORE WE KNOW

The battles belong to the Lord

Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons

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

Landmines

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d5

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 41:10

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

If you’ve ever dealt with fear or anxiety then you will understand when I say these are like – or can be like – landmines on a battlefield. You’re walking along just fine having a great day when someone says something or you see something or someone that triggers fear which sends you into a tailspin of anxiety or prompts an anxious thought that induces fear. Actually, the mind, left unguarded is a battlefield of landmines that can take us down or shake our faith and the peace Christ came to give. There are temptations of every genre and proportion, and more pointed explosives like shame, guilt, jealousy, anger, selfishness, covetousness, gluttony and so many more just waiting to be set off.

A land mine is an explosive weapon concealed under or camouflaged on the ground, and designed to destroy or disable enemy targets, – Such a device is typically detonated automatically by way of pressure when a target steps on it or drives over it, although other detonation mechanisms are also sometimes used. A land mine may cause damage by direct blast effect, by fragments that are thrown by the blast, or by both. Land mines are typically laid throughout an area, creating a minefield which is dangerous to cross.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_mine

Jesus warns us that our enemy is extremely dangerous, he is devious, sneaking around like a lion on the prowl who seeks to take down and destroy his prey. The enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy any and all followers of Christ – and we must always be both mentally and spiritually alert and ready to stand firm against his attacks. He is devious and uses tactics similar to the explosive weapon of a landmine which is hidden and undetectable until you are right on top of it. Thoughts and desires left unguarded will make us easy prey to his tactics, but God is on our side and He will hold us up and stand with us in the battle.

So how do we guard ourselves and/or train ourselves to know potential landmines and avoid them? To borrow words from Paul, “since we live in the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit.” In other words don’t forget whose you are! You belong to the One who said He is with us – He will strengthen us and hold us up with His victorious right hand. I we must also remember that the power of His Spirit is in us – to protect us and watch over us. He was sent to teach us and to remind us of everything Jesus said. When our weapon of warfare is the living and active Word of God we are well protected against the schemes of our enemy, the devil – but we cannot and must not let down our guard or forget any of the protective armor we have been given to use. Shoes, shield, belt of Truth, helmet, sword and breastplate are all meant to survive the landmines the enemy has laid for our destruction – and when our eyes are fixed on Jesus – we will know and see that the life and peace He came to give are more powerful than any explosive the enemy has set for us.

WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

We must keep Isaiah 41:10 on the ready – as a weapon for the battle that undoubtedly will ensue… We must be so familiar with it that it comes to mind quickly and we use it well –

MefromtheNsideout 🦋
REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY

How would your life be different if you chose not to live in fear?

THE MORE WE KNOW

The battles belong to the Lord

Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons

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

A New Mindset

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d4

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:17-24 / SOAP verses 22-24

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth

Ephesians 4:22-24 NET

Check out the first words of Paul in this passage, “So, I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.” Paul, who by the Grace of God has been sent to evangelize, is calling the believing Gentiles of Ephesus to “live set apart.”He wants them to understand that they have been made new in Christ, the old is gone. They are no longer to live as unbelievers and He makes the distinction that the Gentile’s way of thinking was pointless and empty, which had led to ignorance and hardened hearts and being alienated from God. As believing Gentiles they are no longer to be callous, or given to indecency and greed. Instead, being made new in Jesus, they are to put off the old way of life and put on the “new man”, who has been created in God’s image – an image of righteousness and holiness.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

An essential component of this putting off and putting on is a renewed mindset – one that is not futile but filled with the truths of the Gospel and our faith. A mind that understands that out of love God gave His only Son to die for the sins of the world – so that the world might be saved through Him. Our renewed mind is bent toward loving others and having a servant’s heart like Christ. It is a mind that understands that we have been called to be salt and light to those in the dark and to share the Gospel message with the world. This mindset is not futile or without hope it is not darkened by ignorance or alienated from God but it is filled with His life giving Spirit who empowers us to not only understand God’s Word but to live it out – set apart from the world .

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Colossians 3:5-9 NLT
WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

Put off the old self and put on the new. Walk in newness of life – 🦋

REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY

How can you embrace your new identity in Christ, letting go of the old self and walking in the freedom He provides?

THE MORE WE KNOW

How can I have the mind of Christ?

Christ wants His followers to be set apart from the world, making godly choices and living godly lives

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

A New Mindset

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d4

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:17-24 / SOAP verses 22-24

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth

Ephesians 4:22-24 NET

Check out the first words of Paul in this passage, “So, I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.” Paul, who by the Grace of God has been sent to evangelize, is calling the believing Gentiles of Ephesus to “live set apart.”He wants them to understand that they have been made new in Christ, the old is gone. They are no longer to live as unbelievers and He makes the distinction that the Gentile’s way of thinking was pointless and empty, which had led to ignorance and hardened hearts and being alienated from God. As believing Gentiles they are no longer to be callous, or given to indecency and greed. Instead, being new made new in Jesus, they are to put off the old way of life and put on the “new man”, who has been created in God’s image – an image of righteousness and holiness.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

An essential component of this putting off and putting on is a renewed mindset – one that is not futile but filled with the truths of the Gospel and our faith. A mind that understands that out of love God gave His only Son to die for the sins of the world – so that the world might be saved through Him. Our renewed mind is bent toward loving others and having a servant’s heart like Christ. It is a mind that understands that we have been called to be salt and light to those in the dark and to share the Gospel message with the world. This mindset is not futile or without hope it is not darkened by ignorance or alienated from God but is filled with His life giving Spirit who empowers us to not only understand God’s Word but to live it out – set apart from the world .

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Colossians 3:5-9 NLT
WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

Put off the old self and put on the new. Walk in newness of life – 🦋

REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY

How can you embrace your new identity in Christ, letting go of the old self and walking in the freedom He provides?

THE MORE WE KNOW

How can I have the mind of Christ?

Christ wants His followers to be set apart from the world, making godly choices and living godly lives

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

Beyond What We See

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d3

SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 3:5-6 / SOAP VERSES 5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

This passage is what I like to call an ‘if this – then that’ passage. In other words, Solomon lays out instructions that when followed lead to a particular outcome. In this case trusting in the Lord with our whole heart, no reservations … depending on God rather than the way things look to be … and seeking God in the big things of life as well as the minute details will lead to a clear and godly path even when the way seems filled with mountains, valleys, catastrophes, and detours along the way.

The point here is not to be mindless or naïve. Rather, we need to recognize our own limitations. Just because we’re in over our heads does not mean God is no longer in control.

Bibleref.com/Proverbs 3:5

With such a favorable outcome this should be an easy set of instructions but I would venture to say we all know it isn’t. Like you, I’m sure, I can think of untold examples throughout my lifetime but the one that came to mind first was the birth of my second daughter. Despite a few hitches and ultimate c-section the delivery went well and baby girl was declared to be healthy. However, later that morning when I had been returned to my room from the surgical-delivery room and they laid her in my lap and i peeled back the blanket to count fingers and toes my heart dropped. I had not been told that her feet were crippled so I wasn’t prepared for what I saw. My heart dropped, the tears pooled in my eyes, the fear and sorrow invaded my mind and planted quick seeds of doubt that my little girl would never be able to walk or run and play. I judged with my eyes, I definitely leaned on my own understanding and the conclusions were not good.

However, in the ensuing minutes, hours, and days to come God surrounded me with people who pointed my mind back to Him and with those who could answer questions and a specialist who in less than 24 hours had molded one foot that seemed to have no heal, straighten the other that seemed beyond hope or repair, and put them both in cast. This was a process that happened over and over for the days – then weeks – then months to come. Each time the cast would come off I would see glimpses and eventually miraculous revelations of what God was doing. What I had seen when I unwrapped her that first day gave no hope of what I saw on day ninety when we moved from cast to brace on one foot and from possible surgeries to no surgeries on either foot.

What I had seen that first day was devastating and offered no hope or reason to trust God but He saw the bigger picture and He fixed my eyes on Him and kept me from leaning on my own understandings. He made straight the path that seemed to only have a troubling end. God has used this story in my life and in my daughter’s as a point of reference and reminder that He is in perfect control and works all things together for the good of those who trust Him and have fixed their thoughts on Him. – This example is not to say that just because we trust God every scary or undesirable situation works out to a wonderful and beautiful outcome that we imagine to be better, but – it is without question evidence that trusting God with and in all situations leads to a path that He has faithfully directed – and i better than anything we can ask or even imagine.

WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

Because our emotions cannot be trusted, our circumstances must not dictate who we trust in or how we choose the way we will go. However, we can always trust God and His direction despite the worst of circumstances.

REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY

In what areas of your life can you release fear or control and, instead, trust in the Lord?

THE MORE WE KNOW

Christ wants His followers to be set apart from the world, making godly choices and living godly lives

Be sure and read today’s Love God Greatly blog for more insight on today’s passage