WE WERE CREATED IN HIS IMAGE
REFLECTING HIS GLORY
WHEN WE FELL WE LOST
COMMUNION WITH HIM.
OUR HEARTS HARDENED
MAKING US LESS THAN HUMAN,
MARRING HIS IMAGE
BUT HE REDEEMED US BY HIS BLOOD
TO BEGIN AGAIN:
MELTING US,
MOLDING US,
MAKING US HUMAN AGAIN.
WE CAN RESIST HIM
OR YIELD TO HIM
Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different than it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing into a heavenly creature or a hellish creature: either into a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow creatures, and with itself. To be the one kind of creature is heaven: that is, it is joy and peace and knowledge and power. To be the other means madness, horror, idiocy, rage, impotence, and eternal loneliness. Each of us at each moment is progressing to the one state of the other. (C. S. Lewis)
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;
I will remove from you your heart of stone
and give you a heart of flesh. (Eze 36:26).
http://vimeo.com/47885317
…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
for it is God who works in you,
both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
(Philippians 2:12-13)
This is a challenging passage. Many have stumbled on it, misunderstanding it. But when you understand it, you learn the secret of growth, and hope fills your heart that you really can grow, you really can become His masterpiece, reflecting His image again.
Sunday/Monday Icebreakers
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. In Sarah Wimberly’s testimony above, how did you see God at work in her life? How did her responsiveness to Him aid in the process?
Monday/Wednesday Bible Study
I so often pray that God will help me stop eating, to give me more patience with my grandchildren, to help me not to lose important things. I want deliverance from these sins that pester me. I want remodeling into a sweet little cottage.
But He wants so much more. He wants me to share my bread with the hungry, bring the homeless poor into my house, when I see the naked, to cover him, and not turn away from my own flesh and blood. He wants to turn me into a palace that reflects His glory.
Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.
(C. S. Lewis: Mere Christianity)
3. Often we want to change to get rid of a bad habit that bothers us, but The Potter has much more in mind than that. Reflect: What change do you have in mind for yourself, and what change do you think The Potter has in mind?
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why?
5. Some have thought Paul is telling us to work for our salvation, similar to Buddha who said “Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” Explain, from the context, why this is a false interpretation. How would this interpretation go against the gospel?
6. A parallel passage is in the last chapter, Philippians 1:6. Listen to Steve Green sing it and let it permeate your heart and share reflections if you like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNjZlHARnEk
7. Read Philippians 2: in The Message and then share if you see anything new.
What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
8. What would it mean for you to live in “responsive obedience?” Ask the Lord what that would look like for you today.
9. What if you do not want to do what His Spirit leads you to do? How could you pray verse 13?
Here is how my son J. R. answered this when visiting me on Mother’s Day:
The enemy lies to us, telling us if we do what His Spirit leads, we will be unhappy. But the truth is, as we join His Spirit, we are like the seagulls who fly with the wind, gliding in joy and peace. One of my favorite quotes from the great John Stott is:
Our love and our hatred not only reveal if we are in the light or the darkness, but actually contribute to the light or darkness in which we already are.
Thursday/Friday Listen to the Sermon: LINK
This is an excellent sermon by Jeffry White at Redeemer. Share your notes.
Saturday:
10. What is your take-a-way and why?
285 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The body on fire is creepy.
interesting because as first I felt the painting was flesh breaking off while a powerful source grew inside the body. I can see how you see fire now.
Laura, It is really interesting as I see something different from both you and Becca. I saw a guy doubled over as the Lord ripped out the darkness and replaced it with His light. I think that I may see something difference as part of the work the Lord has done in my own life is sometimes painful, sometimes not and perhaps I see from where I am right now.
I see puzzle pieces being torn apart as God is inside us rebuilding us from the inside out…perhaps he will put the puzzle pieces back into our life then.
ha ha Laura-dancer I thought it creepy too! 🙂
You guys! I guess I’m the only one who loved it –I see light and beauty and re-creation. Oh well!
How funny that we all saw different things! Now I will go back and see if I see what you saw 🙂
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Just looking at what is above the question, I love the pottery image–such tenderness in the potter’s hands.A gentleness and yet clear strength–and they are messy–He is in it with us, He carries our “mess” for us.
But most, I am struck by the power of my responses, my choices. As Dee said “WE CAN RESIST HIM OR YIELD TO HIM”. The C.S Lewis quote from Mere Christianity is overwhelming: “you are slowly turning this central thing into a heavenly creature or a hellish creature”
Lord, help me remember this truth, beginning today, help me to see every response, every choice as an opportunity for You to melt and mold me more and more into who You created me to be, more like You Lord.
Wow Elizabeth-we picked the exact same things-cool, cool! 🙂 I was typing as you posted-I promise I didn’t read yours first! Seriously, I almost added the potter picture-that stuck out too- but didn’t. 🙂
elizabeth, I too was struck by the CS Lewis quote. I echo your prayer for my own life and my choices.
Yes that quote was powerful as well!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Can I just say, “All of it”? 🙂
We can resist Him or yield to Him-and then I liked C.S. Lewis’ quote about choosing-with each choice you are turning yourself into a heavenly creature or a hellish creature.
Then I liked how Dee emphasized in the next CS lewis quote that He comes in to live inside and remodels our house usually not into the little cottage we thought-but into something more wonderful, beautiful.
2. In Sarah Wimberly’s testimony above, how did you see God at work in her life? How did her responsiveness to Him aid in the process?
God wooed her via a friend He sent to her-she was lonely-had been abandoned emotionally or felt alone growing up.
God loved her through this friend and for the first time she saw His love-she had never experienced that before. Then she yielded to God as her friend asked her weekly to go to her church. She kept yielding as she went for a year and heard the Gospel-then God opened the door for her to a gathering of believers and she resisted at first but then yielded to God again and went-and she saw relationships the way God designed them to be-loving, joyful.
Then someone at the gathering asked why she still didn’t believe-she again resisted, but that night yielded to God and as a result came to know Him. I love this story-beautiful!
Sarah’s story is a reminder to me that we as Christians need to be constantly showing God’s love to those around us. It was no coincidence her co worker and apartment building cohabitants were in love with Christ and demonstrating love. God so loved Sarah that He gave His Son for Her! I must be a fountain of God’s love so I can be used to share the gift I have been given. Our church has printed cards to give with random acts of kindness and it is changing me and my ideas of sharing God in the community. I need to stretch out of my comfort zone and be Jesus to my coworkers and everyone I share air with.
I thought that too, Becca.
Oh my! I love the cottage and the palace analogy! That sad little cottage with the new tin roof, strong door and basket of flowers on the rail compared to the magnificent palace. I really MUST let Him work!
Have to share! Sarah (!) and I are just leaving Redeemer in NYC! can you believe Tim Keller preached?! God is good! Thank you Jesus for softening sarahs heart! Will share more later 🙂
This made me smile Laura, looking forward to hearing the details.
Whoo-hoo!!!!
Laura, how wonderful! Can’t wait to hear details.
Wow, Laura how awesome that would be to acually be there and get to hear Timothy Keller preach!! I’ve heard that you can’t find out who preaches, so the people can’t pick and choose a preacher. So thankful Sarah is with you!
How fun!? So happy!
Laura Dancer what and experience that must have been. My pastor was down in Florida about a month ago and hear Tim speak there too.
I liked the analogy of the house being renovated, simply because I am contemplating some in my own house. I have been wondering that if during the process of renovating the interior of my home that He will do some more renovating of the interior of my heart and my family, so the analogy is very cool. I did some already on the exterior of my house, but it has occurred to me in the past that changing the outside only changes what other people see and doesn’t change how one lives. The important things are on the inside that only those who I invite into my home see. I don’t let the world into the inside, they only see the outside. God sees both the inside and the outside, I think He renovates the inside and the outside. Renovating one without the other only changes part, not the whole.
Mary this was really helpful to me. And made a clearer picture about remodeling on the inside.
Love the analogy of “remodeling” the inside of my “house!”
The following quote from C.S. Lewis was the part that stuck out to me.
WE CAN RESIST HIM OR YIELD TO HIM
“Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different than it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing into a heavenly creature or a hellish creature: either into a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow creatures, and with itself. To be the one kind of creature is heaven: that is, it is joy and peace and knowledge and power. To be the other means madness, horror, idiocy, rage, impotence, and eternal loneliness. Each of us at each moment is progressing to the one state of the other. ” (C. S. Lewis)
Before I get going on this, I want to question if there is a typo in the last line. It would seem to make more sense if the third-to-the-last word was “or” instead of “of.” I don’t have the original to compare.
The quote underscores for me that there are no unimportant decisions or small insignificant ones. If we allow ourselves to compromise our Christ-like ideals, thinking “doing it just this once won’t matter,” we are misleading ourselves (and possibly others). I got the mental image of someone trying to straddle over a line between heaven and hell. Make the wrong decision, and it is the first step toward hell; make an obedient, faithful decision, and it is the first step toward heaven. If we don’t totally commit to Christ, then we are sloshing back and forth over the line, impeding the change that God can make in our lives.
2. In Sarah Wimberly’s testimony above, how did you see God at work in her life? How did her responsiveness to Him aid in the process?
I so enjoyed the Sarah Wimberly video. For the whole video, her voice was filled with emotion, sounding as though she was about to cry. So it was kind of ironic that I was sitting here in front of my computer with this great big smile on my face! I just kept thinking “Yes, Yes, you can see God was out to woo her.” God put those helpful people right smack in her path! He began with one believer, then added another believer, and finally she was graduated to the group. How could anyone doubt that there was a plan here?!!
Yes her responsiveness was important also — she would resist at first, but then it would mellow in her mind and her heart, and then she would respond to the invitation (to go to church, to believe, to join the group, etc).
I have experienced that in my life — at first I would say “I could never do that…”, then after time and God’s patient prodding, I found out I could do those things.
I loved that too — her emotion and her ambush by God!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” (C. S. Lewis: Mere Christianity)
Oh my, this is me. It has hurt abominably and does not make any sense, but I see that I am changing. I see how my heart is beginning to see the joy of surrender without knowing why He is tearing down my house. It does not matter if he is building a palace or not. I only know I must trust Him, for nothing else really matters.
Praying for you Diane. Your clinging and trusting in Him is beautiful. He will be faithful.
Yes — this is you. You keep pressing in, though, and I’m so thankful.
I am praying too for you Diane, being refined does hurt, but He knows what He is up too.
What stands out to you from the above and why?
The Isaiah verse, acknowledging Gods authority and power as The Potter, then the Lewis quote, I thought about how when I am really walking in the light, obedience is the natural response, that my allowing that God is in charge and can be trusted shapes my decisions.
But then I stumble in many ways.
I long for a softer heart, but I know it does come at a price.
Chris, I am curious…how is your puppy doing?
How kind of you to ask Nanci!
Daisy is doing …hmmm pretty well.
She loves us and wants to please us very much, but she is 6 months old and full of energy.
It really does cramp my style, having a dog. I am not free to go places, I have to crate her and so I am apt to stay home.
On the other hand, she gets me out walking, we did a few 2-4 mile walks last week.
She is part of the family now, she is curled up sleeping on my feet right now. I guess I do love her!
Thats great Chris!
I hear you Chris on having a pet, but they do tend to get you exercising. LOL
So good to hear that things are going pretty well…puppies are so much fun but also lots of work…it’s a good thing they are so cute! 🙂
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The potter picture and Isaiah text…a good reminder that I am clay and the Lord is the potter; how often in my busy-ness, I take over as if I am my own. I am the Lord’s work in progress; He smooths out my rough edges, bends and straightens me where needed, etc.
2. In Sarah Wimberly’s testimony above, how did you see God at work in her life? How did her responsiveness to Him aid in the process?
God was gently persistent…He had a web of people around Sarah providing invitations, encouragement and support. As Sarah responded just a little, the Lord drew her in even more so…He wooed her in a manner very personal to Sarah.
Nanci, I love how you see His gentleness here. As she responded just a little He wooed her in a very personal way.
I about cried when I listened to Sarah’s video, because I didn’t grow up in a believing home either and I did feel lonely as a child and in adolescence and I can see when God was wooing me also throughout my life. And JR’s video was very good about praying for leading. I can’t believe how much JR looks like Steve…that is what slayed me the most when watching it. I use to work with Steve and he was my Doctor and it was like seeing him again!
That’s fun, JOyce. He’s sort of a crazy combination with my short genes. His laugh is the same.
Really? Steve had the best laugh ever!! That’s wonderful!!
🙂
Joyce–your testimony is so powerful. I can’t tell you how often I think of your story–I do think yours is worth telling as Sarah did. Hearing glimpses of what you’ve endured, seeing who you are today–such a powerful example of how He is the Rescuer.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Love the houses pictures. It is so moving the difference of what God really wants for us.
2. In Sarah Wimberly’s testimony above, how did you see God at work in her life? How did her responsiveness to Him aid in the process? He started drawing her and she responded a little at a time. I think about C.S. Lewis description of the Hound of Heaven. He will continue to woo us. He will not leave those that are His. It reminds me of the Scripture of how God places the lonely in families. It encourages me to keep talking and inviting and trying to point others to Christ.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
First, the picture of Jesus creating man from the dust. So gentle, so intentional.
Next, when we fell, our hearts hardened and that made us less than human and marred His image. So convicting that my hard heart will mar Christ’s image. BUT when I return to Him, I am redeemed and He will soften me and mold me into His image. Thirdly, the C.S. Lewis quote about how choices either move us toward being like Christ or away from being like Him.
I have always liked the verse from Ezekiel. It reminds me that God does the work of transforming me.
2. In Sarah’s testimony, how did you see God at work in her life? He wooed her by providing her with what she needed, at first just a friend, someone who really cared about her. Then by providing her with a group of friends and a mentor. Then as her heart softened with their love for her, she was able to hear the truth of God’s love for her. Powerful.
How did her responsiveness to Him aid in the process? As she took a risk (to go to church, to go to the dinner/game night), He was able to provide the friendship, love and community that she so deeply desired. I know in my own experience that if I take even a tiny leap of faith or trust, God does come through in amazing ways.
Jill–good insight “As she took a risk…” I do not like taking risks! but it’s helpful to remember our obedient dependence requires trusting Him enough to risk.
Thanks for your insight on 1. Our hardened hearts from living in this harsh world can still be made Christ-like.
2. In Sarah Wimberly’s testimony above, how did you see God at work in her life? How did her responsiveness to Him aid in the process?
Through a co-worker and an apartment neighbor, and later a sponsor, God continued to pursue Sarah. Her heart was open, willing to try, willing to invest the time to respond. I was thinking to that the Lord knew when to bring these people into her life, He knew when her heart was broken, tender enough to respond to His wooing.
3. Often we want to change to get rid of a bad habit that bothers us, but The Potter has much more in mind than that. Reflect: What change do you have in mind for yourself, and what change do you think The Potter has in mind?
Desiring to be more patient is a big one for me. It’s a godly characteristic to pray for—and yet, sometimes I think it’s my own pride, my own self-esteem that wishes I was more patient rather than continually seeking forgiveness in humility every time I lose my patience. When I think about what the Potter has in mind, I still have some of those old thoughts I’ve had since I was young—that allowing God to really mold me means He’ll drastically change my life and require monumental things of me that scare me. But I know that whatever He calls me to, He will equip me for. It’s never easy. Mostly I feel the calling towards humility. Being a vessel that He can fill. Living out the life I have, even now, but as a love sacrifice—seeing it all as a privilege, a gift back to Him, rather than a duty.
When I look at the picture of the body above, I see what looks like a hardened clay figure (especially the legs)—and the necessary force of the Spirit comes in and shatters the hardened places. But it is not an axe that breaks us, it is a fierce but warm Light.
Today I feel in need of that complete renovation. For Him to shatter the pieces that have become hardened by controlling others, places petrified by fear. He comes in and breaks me down to the foundation. I think I have experienced some of that. The crushing moments—losing my grandmother, my dad. Struggles in marriage, parenting, friendship. Health trials. When I think about what He brought about in my marriage specifically—I am without words, really. It’s too hard to even try to describe what He has done and give it any justice. I use to beg Him to take me, the pain was so great. And now, it is my greatest gift from Him. That one example—all the detail, truly blows me away. But it is the most powerful reminder to me when I cannot see beyond the inch ahead of me—this is what He does. This is the kind of work He’s in. Complete transformation. Beauty from ashes–that’s exciting to imagine.
So glad you loved the picture — I liked it so much I thought of getting it — but I have too many pictures already. You saw what I did.
Elizabeth — I am so thankful for what God has done in your marriage, and it does give me hope for other relationships too. Yes, beauty from ashes.
Such an interesting and wise thought, “pieces that have become hardened by controlling others, places petrified by fear.”
You should write, my friend.
I agree with Dee that you should write Elizabeth
I praise God for what He has done in your marriage, how your obedience has been honored. He is making you into such a beautiful dwelling!
Elizabeth-I third that-I have seen that in you for such a long time-you should write! 🙂
oh goodness! I come in from a LONG day, tired and frazzled and find the sweet encouragement from my cyber family–albeit overly gracious and undeserved–thank you 😉
Elizabeth you are a sweet humble sister and I’m so thankful God worked miracles in your marriage and working on your pain too.
Elizabeth, it’s not undeserved at all. You use the gift of writing that God has given you to bless and encourage us. I don’t usually “see” much when I study these pictures, but after reading your posts I go back and see them with new eyes. (BTW I’m not stroking your ego, I am acknowledging God’s work and your obedience to humbly share.)
Dawn–you may have guessed, I’m not very good at accepting compliments, I tend to never believe them. But I wanted to tell you thank you for your kinds words. My favorite thing of what I know about you here, is that you are bluntly honest–and I know you wouldn’t just say something to, as you said, “stroke my ego”–which gives even more weight to your words–so thank you for taking time to encourage me.
How are you doing this week?
You’re welcome, Elizabeth! Things are headed in the right direction. I’m feeling better than I was and my work situation is improving so there is some relief there. Thanks for asking.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
As so often happens it all speaks to me. I think the scripture stands out the most to me for one seems to speak to the other. The Isaiah verse promises a heart of flesh while the Phillipians tells us that it is a process. A process that we must cooperate with.
The picture of the clay man is interesting. At first I did not get it at all. The man looks dead and I think I see that this is the point. He is alive underneath in the power of the Holy Spirit who is the brilliant light, so bright that we can’t yet see the man. His dead flesh is falling off a piece at a time as he presses into God. Maybe each piece is a choice that he makes.
2. It sounds like Sarah’s life was always hard, even in childhood. I wonder if God was not at work even then, creating hunger in her heart. He came to her from several different people and situations, all at just the right time. When she shared her thoughts it was evident that there was some hardness there but she listened to the Holy Spirit and followed. I’m thinking in particular about going to the small group in her apt complex. God may have continued to woo her but her heart would have been harder so who knows what the outcome would have been if she had not turned toward Him at that time.
As Nanci said God was so sweet and gentle with her. I think that wounded hearts can be so much more open to Him. She definitely struck me as wounded by life from a very early age. How many people just like her are around me everyday just hoping that someone will care. That really strikes me. Lord, help me to see them and to truly care.
“The man looks dead but I think that is the point.” Dry bones live! I was counting on you and you came through! I thought it a woman, but it is hard to see. Don’t you love Elizabeth’s description above?
Yes! The pieces hardened by sin and by idolatry. I agree that Elizabeth should write.
“His dead flesh is falling off a piece at a time as he presses into God. Maybe each piece is a choice that he makes”
…interesting thought, especially in light of the C.S. Lewis quote of how each decision we make moves us closer to the Lord or away.
” The Isaiah verse promises a heart of flesh while the Phillipians tells us that it is a process. A process that we must cooperate with.”
When I read the title of the study, Lumiere’s voice from Beauty and the Beast came to me…’We’ll be human again by midnight!”
How we wish the renovations would be quick and not take much cooperation or perseverance.
I thought too about how when I begin a time of exercise and dieting after a couple of days I think…”I should be thin by now!”
I like this Anne “I wonder if God was not at work even then, creating hunger in her heart.”–good perspective on how He will use even the results of the Fall, the pain in our life–to bring hunger in our hearts for Him. Beauty from ashes, again.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The CS Lewis quote. The fact that every choice that I make changes me either for good or bad. It is sobering to think that even the smallest of decisions change me.
3. Often we want to change to get rid of a bad habit that bothers us, but The Potter has much more in mind than that. Reflect: What change do you have in mind for yourself, and what change do you think The Potter has in mind?
I want to be smarter, more reliable, more efficient and lovely, inside and out. I guess it is actually my worldly idea of perfection. These things are almost subconscious but when I fail in them it gets me upset. My idol of approval, whether of others or myself, is threatened.
When I use my head and my heart to think about what I really want it is a heart of flesh as is promised in Isaiah. It is a heart that loves and understands another’s pain, that cares more for others than myself. I think this is more in line with what God wants to do in my heart but I am clueless about how He will do it. So when my house is battered about I don’t understand it and can’t see how it could have any good purpose. I feel afraid, like maybe God isn’t really in control and I’m just out there in the storm. I’m talking about feelings here which are sometimes very different than head knowledge. That’s when I have to speak the truth against the lies.
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why?
Obedience stands out to me and also that God will work in me that I may be able to obey. It looks like Paul is saying that our salvation is perfected through obedience. This is how we become like Christ.
The fear and trembling also stands out to me. This is reverence for God. This reverence is what helps us obey. It gives us strength in temptation. In study this past year God spoke to my heart when we were talking about circumstances. He said that I should fear Him, not circumstances. It was a kiss from Him for it helped me so much in the area of fear.
5. I think the key is in one little word, for. We are not working for our salvation but working it out, perfecting it. I pray i am not out in left field here but none of our works are worth the smoke they become when they burn. But obedience is different, it is works done in the power of Christ and at His call.
Buddhist teaching goes against the gospel because it says that works can save us. The gospel says we work because we are saved. Our works are the result of the Holy Spirit within us.
Yes — I think the “out” is key — already in us.
Oh, that must be why the light is coming from the inside of the body in the picture. I agree with Diane that the head looks alien with a long nose. There must be meaning in that too.
As we celebrated Pentecost Sunday our pastor referenced Ezekiel 26:36 and I was struck by how God is persistent in the wooing of our hearts to be transformed. I am preparing for a first time visit from my step daughters to our Ohio home. We usually crash at my mother in laws in cinci since the children are in KY. I am trying to prepare emotionally, spiritually and physically and praying I can have some activities they will enjoy. I worry about the disappointment that may occur if their mother backs out as she has in the past. I worry about my husband getting discouraged if it doesn’t go well. Oh God- please soften my heart to focus on you instead of me! I give my heart to you- do what you will!
Praying for softened hearts all around — love your prayers.
Becca, I pray the Lord just gives you peace about it.
Becca I will be praying that God is in control of this visit. That nothing will separate you this time from your husbands kids and that God stifles the mom’s thoughts.
I will pray, Becca. <3
Becca, I was praying for you on my way to work this morning and will continue to pray that all goes well.
2. In Sarah Wimberly’s testimony above, how did you see God at work in her life? How did her responsiveness to Him aid in the process?
God helped her friend to be persistent. The friend never gave up. Sarah seemed to at least say no politely, but then grew tired of the friend asking and agreed to go 🙂 she continued to be open minded and that gave God the opportunity to show her what she was missing. Since Sarah didn’t know God as a child, he had a clean pallette to work with when she did get to know Him.
3. Often we want to change to get rid of a bad habit that bothers us, but The Potter has much more in mind than that. Reflect: What change do you have in mind for yourself, and what change do you think The Potter has in mind?
I like to rest in my comfort zone,I can be selfish with my time-I don’t like interruptions when I am trying to get something done. It bothers me that I am like this and I so want God to change me. Hmmmm..I see how I can focus too much on Him fixing or helping me overcome these sins in my life-when His heart is desiring so much more for me. This life isn’t about me but about Him and my desires becoming His desires. He has put His nature in me and because He has-then YES He will replace my desires with His. Yes, He is making me Holy but is making me into His Image.
I have, because of Him, a desire to minister to the poor and hurting and to open my home. I would love to help out at the City Union Mission-I can in certain ways-but not bodily going there often due to needing to be here for my family. My son, who has autism, has a friend-really only friend at school- who is an outcast at school. He has told us his story. He is poor and lives with his aunt for he was taken away from his family. His dad raped him (his words) and his mom is on drugs in prison-he is 14 years old. Emotions flooded me..this boy is teased at school relentlessly..can you imagine??? raped, neglected and then teased at school? 🙁
There is another side to this as I need to set boundaries. Because I think if there is a remote possibility that the dad might be able to come over to where this boy is living I won’t let my son go to his house. Also, they have a gun in their home and guns + the issues going on aren’t a great mix so I don’t want my son over there. I don’t like my boys in homes with guns anyway-it concerns me if they get into them and they go off or something.
“This life isn’t about me but about Him and my desires becoming His desires.”
Yes, this is so true, I thought of this:
Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
If we are really delighting ourselves in the Lord, the desires of our heart will change to match His.
Praying for wisdom and compassion for you Rebecca where this boy is concerned. This world is such a broken place, may you be a light shining in it where this boy is.
Thank you my sweet friend. 🙂 Yes, it is such a broken place and I am starting to see how important hospitality is and that even if you are an at home mom and can’t really get out much to serve the poor-GOD BRINGS OPPORTUNITIES TO LOVE people He cares so deeply about-I believe He brings them to your door too-and with us lately it is through our two oldest boys. 🙂
I think of Daniel-How God brought them to Daniel and he yielded and loved on them.
Oh, Rebecca, my heart breaks for your son’s friend…the abuse… Thank the Lord he is living with his aunt; is there any way that he could receive some sort of counseling in regards to being sexually abused and to help with the unrelenting teasing at school. His life has begun with much adversity…I can’t imagine. I am thankful that he has your son for a friend. I understand completely your reluctance in allowing your son to visit where the boy lives with the potential for violence. I wouldn’t allow my children to play with toy guns or pretend that sticks (or whatever) were guns…I never thought that violence should be portrayed as “play”…some thought me going overboard, but I have no regrets in taking that stance.
Nanci, Oh yes..it about broke my heart and my stomach literally became nauseous when he told me. I hated it..I hated that he was treated this way-an innocent child-a boy made in the image of God.
He told me how his mom is in prison and she won’t quit doing drugs. I said, Oh that must be so hard for you! He seems to have an emotional wall built up-everything is ‘a matter of fact’. That is the natural human response to so much pain and hurt I am sure. Makes me long for Jesus to come to make everything new.
Oh don’t feel alone, I admit i can struggle with being over protective. You should hear me with my boys! When my oldest was a newborn I put his bassonette right by my bed and fell asleep many times with my head next to him so I could hear him breathing. I feared he could choke on his spit up since we had to lay him on his back. I don’t know if I will ever let my oldest get a drivers license! j.k. I will, but it makes me nervous! Control idol in action. :/
Rebecca, this young boy has been on my heart. Is his aunt aware of what happened…I assume that is why he is living with her? I’m concerned about this young boy’s well-being, psyche, etc. as well as the potential of his father hurting him again or other youngsters. Has there been any counseling support offered the boy through the school or county social services, or are those places unaware of the circumstances involved. My heart just aches for him.
Would it work for you to just have him come to your house? Would your son understand? Or is that too sticky?
Dee, Good question. I did set that boundary with Isaac and told him this boy can come over but he can’t go over there-I explained why and he did understand. I just had to make it clear to him not to tell this boy what I said-and to say instead, which is the truth-he isn’t allowed to go over to houses where his parent’s don’t know his friend’s parents well.
Rebecca I am so sorry about this boy’s pain. I will pray that you and your son will be able to minister to him. I think you are wise to keep them at your house. You can help your son that way. I don’t think he should try alone to help him for these are deep waters.
Something else that comes to mind and you may already do this, but I would make sure everyone understands that all doors are open when they have friends over.
Anne, Yes you are so right. My boys always have friends over-our door bell rings throughout the day and early evening it seems. 🙂
Rebecca–WOW. Praying now for you. I can only imagine how torn up you must feel for this child–even reading this I had that urge to find this boy and take him in! And yet, as you said–boundaries, protection of your own…I am praying the Lord will grant you discernment and wisdom–and praying for this young boy. Says a lot about your sin that he befriends him. He has a heart like yours, I’m sure–nonjudgmental, grace-giving.
Elizabeth, Thanks so much- you are perceptive-God has given both my boys pretty soft hearts for others. 🙂
In Sarah Wimberly’s testimony above, how did you see God at work in her life?
I see her feeling words, Unwanted, unworthy, undeserved, alone, trapped, stuck. The fact that she FELT her need I see as a gift from God.
He placed people in her path who were obedient to Him, able to SEE Sarah and wanted her to share in the riches they had Christ.
How did her responsiveness to Him aid in the process?
She was responsive to the authentic friendship of her co-worker friend and her persistence.
Her desire for community and sponsors question ‘why don’t you believe?’ precipitated a crisis in her.
I loved that she mentioned the joy of the group when she came to Christ, and that it was place to be transparent and receive support. Sort of like our group!
Yes — on our group!
Often we want to change to get rid of a bad habit that bothers us, but The Potter has much more in mind than that. Reflect: What change do you have in mind for yourself, and what change do you think The Potter has in mind?
I would like to lose 15 pounds, to eat heathy non inflammatory foods, to be more active, more healthy. To eat and drink to the glory of God, I would like to be more loving to others, less protective of self.
I think the Potter would like my whole life, not just my diet, to be subjected to Him.If my heart is going to be changed I need to keep it before Him.
I feel the call to be up early, to have a longer and more focused prayer time and a more deliberate in depth bible study.
He keeps nudging me and I keep making excuses.
I thought of the TK sermon where he talked about the battle cry going up, the enemy is coming, and is even at the gates and we are told to put our armor on, be ready for battle but we yawn and say oh I intend to, just as soon as I finish this book I am reading. This passage from the Message also come to mind:
Matthew 26
40-41 When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, “Can’t you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.”
oh Chris–thank you for sharing this from the Message Matt 26: “Can’t you stick it out with me a single hour?” oh that convicts me!
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why?
” work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work”
That it is God who wills and works in me, He causes me to desire Him, He shapes my life, my circumstances according to His wisdom. If I have a right view of God, I will be in awe of Him, of His Grace and His Power, that He is Holy Holy Holy, I should be incinerated in His presence, but He, in His love, has made a way.
I thought again of You Dee asking us ‘what does it mean that if I fear God I need not fear anything else’.
3. Often we want to change to get rid of a bad habit that bothers us, but The Potter has much more in mind than that. Reflect: What change do you have in mind for yourself, and what change do you think The Potter has in mind?I am realizing I have more of a control issue than I thought. Each time it breaks free some more shows up that seems even deeper than the time before. Ugh…I know the potter has great plans as I learn and grow and surrender more and more of it to Him.
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why?that God is working in me giving me the desire and will to do…He is at work and I need to trust His timing. If I had it my way I would obliterate this idol of control. I hate it and it is always rearing its ugly head. But He in His wisdom is working it out as I surrender. For He is the One who opened my eyes to it in the first place.
5. Some have thought Paul is telling us to work for our salvation, similar to Buddha who said “Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” Explain, from the context, why this is a false interpretation. How would this interpretation go against the gospel? This is how the NLT states it, Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.” I like that.
I like the NLT on that too.
i am always amazed at Gods timing. this study is so what i needed to read today. my mom died 6 years ago and my dad is
getting remarried in 2 weeks. i can feel myself pull away and before i read this study, i had prayed that i really dont want to face these two weeks and god has to do if for me. and then to read phil 2:13 …that energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within me….i know that God is calling me to step up and embrace him with energy in preparation and joy in my heart for my dad. in some ways, i am re-losing my mother and also feel like im losing my dad. Plus, all three of my children will be leaving home for the summer (at the empty-nest stage) after the wedding. so, i realize i have a choice and am so thankful that God is my choice and he will give me an everlasting energy and love because it is HIS energy, not mine, because i want to love him and please him.
also, i saw the man on fire in the picture-my son is dealing with pornography-and i think what you see in that picture is what you are dealing with in life. i am exhausted of all the hurt and lies the devil gives for empty happiness in life and i see my son struggling with God goodness (which means giving up computer, i-pad, tv) or believing the lies which will burn him. pray for him. his name is david.
Wow bjh — God is so interesting how he works with each of us. I do pray for David. This week’s sermon has an interesting example on someone in chains of sexual addiction.
bjh, it sounds like a very hard time in your life…so glad you are here with us. I will pray for David.
bjh–so many emotional things at once. praying now for you to have peace in your father’s re-marriage, joy as you desire to give him, and for your son David–for the Lord to break through to his heart, bring purity and healing, and draw David to Himself.
bjh I will be praying that God leads you to where he wants you to be these next 2 weeks. I pray all goes well with your children and God softens their hearts to His ways.
I don’t know where this fits in, but yesterday in Bible Study class-we were in Colossians. Our teacher brought out that in the Garden before sin they were intimate with God-yes, but He wasn’t indwelt in them..move forward to today-Because of the Cross He has put the Holy Spirit in us-His nature is in us! We can be intimate with Him face to face..I am thinking of that picture of the man or woman on fire-His nature in us, giving us life..giving dry bones life! I also thought of Abraham when God said you can only see His back.. But we have His nature in us and therefore can be intimate with Him face to face..and when He gives us our new bodies-sinless and perfect oh my.
I am such a baby-but this still blows me away. Then again I was reminded that I was His enemy-yet He humbled himself to come down and rescue me.I don’t know-but this never gets old-still blows me away.
Rebecca–I always love your thoughts–rich with emotion, they bring me deeper.
3. Reflect: What change do you have in mind for yourself, and what change do you think The Potter has in mind?
My reflection ended up being two pages of journaling. Ultimately what I came up with at the root of all my desired changes is pride (i.e., my perceptions of what others are perceiving of me, judgment of self and others, pure heart motivations versus “shoulds” and “oughts”, living in the present without distraction of the future or the past, fear of failure).
What do I think the Potter has in mind?…He wants relationship with Him to “bloom” in my heart and mind, both being transformed into the likeness of Jesus. He wants me to know in my heart and mind what is right and obedient to His will and not to care how others might perceive me or to conform to anything of this world, but to simply trust in His goodness and perfect plan for me; if that corresponds with “the world”, okay…if not, oh well.
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why?
verse 13…”For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”
God is working in me so that I will desire to do what pleases Him. He is persistent despite all my self-doubts, fears, etc. in providing me desire and power to be obedient to His will. What can I not count on the Lord for?…He encompasses it ALL…desire, power, redemption, love, peace, etc.
Love your response to what the Potter has in mind.
3. Often we want to change to get rid of a bad habit that bothers us, but The Potter has much more in mind than that. Reflect: What change do you have in mind for yourself, and what change do you think The Potter has in mind?
Oh such an endless list I could create. I grew up in a home that was critical and judgmental and without grace, even though oddly I can see looking back that my parents did (and do) love me so I wonder what environment they grew up in. Unfortunately I carried some of that forward and I see some of that in my own kids as well. My “comfort zone” is alone, I don’t socialize a lot, being an introvert, it is uncomfortable for me. I don’t like putting myself up front. I would rather be alone than in a crowd but if I have to be in the crowd, I will be at the back, unnoticed. I can occasionally gather the courage to put myself out there and can do that for a while, but it takes energy and then find myself retreating into the background. Part of me wants to be noticed, while another part has it ingrained that it is always safer to be in the background, unnoticed. Although I could create a different list for myself, I think this the change that the Potter has in mind and He is using this blog as part of His reforming process.
During the last few months there has been a lot of drama in and around me, which has been draining and with all that going on, I found myself withdrawing generally and also retreating from posting much or engaging in the discussion on this blog. I would follow the discussion and occasionally poke my nose in and say something, but then retreat again. That said, I am improving since a few years ago, I would have just retreated entirely and silently gone away and not know why really. However God has been working in me and has shown me that I do this (engage for a while, then retreat) and He doesn’t want me to any more. He is also revealing to me that it really hasn’t been particularly healthy for me either, something I hadn’t considered before it was just who I was. I will write something and then think that is a dumb thing to say and then try to re-do it so that what is out there is outside of me, not the inside. I am very self-critical and I now understand the reason for that and have been seeing the change the Lord has been making in my heart.
For a while, I have been praying for a change in my heart, the one He wants, rather than my own choices and I think that is progress too, it is His renovation, not my own. The choices I make determine what path I am choosing, sometimes I make very wise choices, others not so much but I have learned to pray and ask God to help my choices and I have to trust that even when I am not consciously aware of it, He is guiding my heart. I may not understand the process or why somethings are happening, but I do remember that when Jesus was washing the disciples feet that He told Peter that he wasn’t going to see or comprehend what was going on, but that later Peter would completely understand (my paraphrase). I must then trust that even though I can’t see or understand much, later it will all make sense.
Sorry this is a long answer and perhaps rambling, but I suspect that this is something I am to “release” even if it doesn’t make sense. I can see some of the renovation He is doing and I am uncomfortable, but later it will make sense and I will wonder why I was so nervous about something that is probably very minor (even though I can’t see that right now). I still see myself in the little cottage and can’t imagine the palace…yet:).
Mary, I can relate to what you are saying here. I am very much like you I think. Uncomfortable is a good way to put it. God is speaking to me about it too. I pray that you will be able to grow in this area and that you will find deep joy in your relationships.
Thank You Mary, I appreciate what you have shared.
I can relate, as I also retreat, avoiding others while really longing for deep friendship. I am also super critical of myself.
I always thought about my introversion as ‘thats just how I am. I remember hearing a speaker once talking about how underneath extreme shyness was usually self obsession. The truth of that in me hit me like a ton of bricks & helped me move out of my shell a bit.
I believe God wants to be my primary focus, followed by my family, other people, then me. I seem always to be finding the list reversed, repenting and rejoicing in grace.
I encourage you to share here, dont draw back, but do it as a way to pursue God, and keep focused on Christ focusing less on what others who read it might think.
I love these ‘He is guiding your heart’ and that ‘later it will all make sense’!
Mary, have you ever heard of the Myers-Briggs type indicator? It is very interesting; it helped me in understanding that my being an introvert means that I relish solitude. I can be in social situations but they take a lot of energy and then I need my alone time to recharge. For the extrovert it would be just the opposite; they are energized by social situations. There are three other categories. I recently heard a podcast on Midday Connection with Gordon and Gail MacDonald, “Temperaments”; the Myers-Briggs type indicator was referenced…you might enjoy listening…http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_ProgramDetail.aspx?id=107498
Oh and an update for those who have been praying for my brother Glenn and PRAISE ITEM, last week I was really fearful for him as I could see he was starting to give up…and then Wednesday a company called him and was looking for a replacement for a person who went on leave unexpectedly. He started his temporary job the next day…Praise and thank you to the Lord. Glenn doesn’t know how long this person will be on leave so it is still an unknown, but I believe that this will be Glenn’s job until the Lord brings his permanent one forward.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, to everyone who has been praying for my brother. God is still working in his heart and I will continue to pray for that, but this is one large relief. Thanks.
Mary, so happy to hear of Glenn’s employment…even though it is “temporary,” who knows what might come of it… Thanks for sharing the good news.
Mary, thank you for the update about Glenn…I’m sure this is a good chance for permanate employment! And thanks for sharing about yourself…I’m alot like you! I think “the potter is using this blog as part of his reforming process for you”!
The change I want to see in myself if to be selfless and the potter may want more of me to be commited to him.
Mary great news about your brother. I know there are many temp jobs that turn permanent. I will be praying for this for him.
Praise God! Praying this opportunity will lead to another.
Awesome, Mary 🙂
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why?
“but much more in my absence”—it was possibly easier for them to live godly while Paul was present. Makes me think of how I find it easier to be kind, gentle, patient with my family when a guest is over than I do without their presence.
“work out your own salvation”—I think this refers to the obedience required in the sanctification process-?
“all things without grumbling…”—very difficult command, but reminds me that God desires for me to have a heart of obedience without complaining or fighting Him on things; “all things”—includes everything!
5. Some have thought Paul is telling us to work for our salvation, similar to Buddha who said “Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” Explain, from the context, why this is a false interpretation. How would this interpretation go against the gospel?
We cannot do anything to gain salvation. All that was required, Christ has taken care of. We are responsible, however, to respond in obedient dependence upon the Lord for our sanctification—to be molded into Christ’s likeness. I don’t see Paul saying not to depend on others, I think he is reminding them that they don’t “need” him in order to live for Christ—that have the Holy Spirit at work IN them.
“all things without grumbling…”—very difficult command, but reminds me that God desires for me to have a heart of obedience without complaining or fighting Him on things; “all things”—includes everything!
This is so convicting to me…ugh
Oh I so agree! It is a very hard command and when I keep seeing it I now think that God is telling us that because we need trust Him that He know what is best for our lives and if he’s put us into that certain situation than we need to accept that it’s where he wants us to be at the particular moment, but oh how hard that is.
6. A parallel passage is in the last chapter, Philippians 1:6. Listen to Steve Green sing it and let it permeate your heart and share reflections if you like.
OH. I really needed this today. Thank you Dee. HE will be faithful. He is faithful—and it is all dependent on Him, so I know I can believe—He will do it. He doesn’t give up like I do. “when you’re losing your song in the night…He finds His pleasure in you.” Also a wonderful reminder as a parent. Beautiful.
7. Read Philippians 2: in The Message and then share if you see anything new.
I hear the energy in the command—the exhortation to be confident in the Spirit’s power within me to live a life that declares God’s mercy, truth, and glory!
I gotta ask a question about that picture with the bright light. I can’t figure out the head. It looks like a face of an alien with a hooked nose. That part does seem creepy. I like the part about the picture where the exterior is flaking off. It is like the light is coming from the inside of him. I can’t figure it out. Maybe I am not looking at it properly. Someone help me.
Now I’m struggling to see what you do, Diane–don’t see the nose. I see a person in a fetal position, on her side–one hand up by her eye. Oh, I just googled and found this from the artist’s site, this is what he has below this pic–it might to see his heart behind the image:
“Be born in us today … come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.”
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;
I will remove from you your heart of stone
and give you a heart of flesh. (Eze 36:26).
This is my prayer for us over the Christmas season, that He will be born in us a bit more, and in a broken world.
And I ask specially for more faith that the hard, stony, resistant bits of my heart, of your heart, and our of world will be transformed by His living, incarnate presence
site: http://craftycurate.blogs.com/pilgrims_progress/2007/12/be-born-in-us-t.html
Wow it sure helps to have the verses to help interpret the image! Thanks Elizabeth 🙂
I kept looking at the elbow of the arm closer to the ground, I thought it looked like a goats head.
I am not very good at looking at art generally, and I did think this one ‘creepy’ too.
But I can appreciate this: Romans 7:18
“For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”
The distressing looking body speaks to me of how corrupt and hopeless I am left to myself, and the light points to the hope of the work that Christ is doing making me into a new creature, the old gone and the new coming. The light has taken up residence in me!
9. What if you do not want to do what His Spirit leads you to do? How could you pray verse 13?
Here is how my son J. R. answered this when visiting me on Mother’s Day:
I’m coming back to 8, but I just listened to J.R.’s response for the first time. I shouldn’t be surprised by his wisdom, but his words really spoke to me right where I am. I replayed it over and over to let it sink in:
Repent of not really wanting to do what He’s asking me to do. Yes, I must do this. I also need to repent of even when I do not know yet what He’s calling me to—I am afraid of what it is.
Then he prayed the verse back to the Lord—“please work in me to will and to do Your good pleasure”.
And the Lord changes his will. What is key to me is first the repenting—which brings my heart to a softened, receptive place. Then praying—asking Him to change me, change my desires to be in line with His. And He is faithful to continue the good work in me, to mold me, to make my desires reflect His own.
The key to me is that I am dependent on the Lord to change me, and without a heart of repentance, I’m not really ready to be molded. I think of how many times I have prayed “help me do this Lord…” but often without first repenting of my fear and unbelief. Of my selfish ambition. The necessary first step is repentance.
Sunday/Monday Icebreakers
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – When I first looked at the picture of the crumbling body I thought it was pretty creepy, but then looking more deeply into it I saw a body that was breaking away the “old unbelieving” body to make room for the “new skin” or “new shell” of a believer. I really loved “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezek 36:26). Oh how I need a new heart right now. My heart is bitter a lot of the times lately and I hate to admit that, but so much is built up in me that I feel like I will break to pieces like the picture of the body breaking away. The quote from C.S. Lewis was good and it really made me think what my life is doing right now. It made me stop and think if I’m resisting Him or yielding to Him. There is so much printed in this new blog and it is so amazing to me that God knows exactly what we need to hear, read or see. Thank you Dee for yielding to the nudging of the Spirit of The Lord.
2. In Sarah Wimberly’s testimony above, how did you see God at work in her life? How did her responsiveness to Him aid in the process? – She was eventually yielding to the Spirit that was pulling her to find out more about Jesus. Who mind was open to learn and her heart finally caught up with it. Her heart finally accepted all the goodness The Lord as to offer. She opened herself up to be free to embrace others that loved The Lord and to let God work in her and remove the shell she had around her.
3. Often we want to change to get rid of a bad habit that bothers us, but The Potter has much more in mind than that. Reflect: What change do you have in mind for yourself, and what change do you think The Potter has in mind? As I am getting older, I find that it is more difficult for me to get psyched up to invite people to our home for a meal. I can make excuses to myself, saying “it is too difficult to accommodate our special medical diets and also make something tasty for my guests. ” Also there is my problem with pride — I want my home to look perfect when they come!! I feel guilty that I don’t entertain as much as I used to do. I think the Lord wants me to be more hospitable, and that maybe I could influence some people for good, if I invited them over for an evening. So if I can ever get the logistics of housecleaning and cooking worked out, I think the Lord would want me to expand it to include witness and influence as well!!
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why?
“As you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but how much more in my absence….”
Paul is trying to encourage and influence the Philippians from afar (as we recall he is in prison). It must have been difficult for Paul, and I think he was choosing his words carefully.
5. Some have thought Paul is telling us to work for our salvation, similar to Buddha who said “Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” Explain, from the context, why this is a false interpretation. How would this interpretation go against the gospel?
I think the word “context” is the operative word in this question.
The context is that Paul was concerned about unity in the Philippian church. I think maybe he was trying to say that the Philippians should work together to try to smooth out any discord or divisions among them. Perhaps that is the “salvation” he is referring to in this passage. That would be quite the opposite from Buddha saying “Do not depend on others.”The Gospel does not say “just see to yourself!”
3. Often we want to change to get rid of a bad habit that bothers us, but The Potter has much more in mind than that. Reflect: What change do you have in mind for yourself, and what change do you think The Potter has in mind? – Oh there is so much I need to change right now. I need to change the hardness in my heart, the mumbling and crumbling and complaining. I need to start being more open to how I’m feeling especially with my husband. I need to not be afraid of confrontation. I hope the Potter hears my cries and helps me change all these things I’ve listed and what ever else he feels needs to be cut out of me. I know the Potter knows best and I hope and pray I hear his voice and surrender to the change.
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why? I went to open my bible app to read the scripture and this is the verse of the day – Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23, 24 NIV). God truly is amazing!
I think for me what stood out and more so in the HCSB version was vs 13 For it is God who is working in you, ⌊enabling you⌋ both to desire and to work out His good purpose. (Philippians 2:13 HCSB). I getting from this verse that if I don’t ask God to be in my life, to help me thru the issues that I have currently or those that come up down the road, I will not be able to change anything. It’s God that makes me want to change and do his perfect will in my life. Others can be there for me and hold me accountable, but truly in the end God is the one that molds me and makes me.
Your answer to 3 is so tenderhearted Julie, praying for you right now.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The opening lines made me feel a sadness…God creating us in His image, and then we fell, and marred His image….how far man fell from what he was created to be, and what happened to our hearts in the process.
The C.S. Lewis quote was riveting and profound. “Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different than it was before.” This is PROFOUND. The Bible says that we reap what we sow, but the sowing is exactly what Lewis says-each and every little choice. Yet we often wake-up one day and wonder, how did I end-up like this, or why is my life such a mess today? We failed to notice the little choices we made moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day.
How Satan and our own deceived hearts blind us to the power of our daily choices. The change is happening on the inside so we are often fooled and blinded because we look normal on the outside-this reminds me of the lesson we did on Judah and how our souls can be “twisted”…it is frightening to think of a normal-looking exterior hiding a hellish creature that is all twisted on the inside. I know I don’t want to be that on the inside, but this quote shows me the WEIGHT of my choices.
2. In Sarah Wimberly’s testimony above, how did you see God at work in her life? How did her responsiveness to Him aid in the process?
I just see how we do not go looking for God – He comes after us. God is always the initiator because when we are spiritually dead, we are incapable of seeking Him. I see that her responsiveness even was a gift from Him – at times her own will was resistant or defensive, but He kept pursuing.
Susan–you are so right, we are blinded by Satan and our own deceitfulness, of the weight our choices carry. I needed (already!) to read this again. So convicting how many daily choices I make thinking ‘it’s no big deal’…
8. What would it mean for you to live in “responsive obedience?” Ask the Lord what that would look like for you today.As His Spirit lays things on my heart I respond and do them. As I read His word and it convicts I walk it out.
9. What if you do not want to do what His Spirit leads you to do? How could you pray verse 13? Lord I know by faith you work in me, Please give me a will and desire to work with you. I am helpless otherwise. I need you to change my heart. Lord have mercy on me!
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why?
Because it is God who works in me to to will and to act for His purpose and for His pleasure-because of Him rescuing me on the cross-I have the Holy Spirit in me to counsel me-to change me-to chisel away at my dead flesh- the stoney places in my heart-I have His nature in me and His righteous robes around me therefore I can be in His presence, completely naked and honest and not be rejected-I can ask Him to work in me and change me and walk in confidence that He will.
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why?
Philippians 2:12-14 The Message (MSG)
12-13 What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
14 Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed!
What stands out? “Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.”
Today I have no energy. I don’t feel like doing anything. I just want to sit or I wish I could go back to sleep. What strikes me is that I can get energy from God to do what He wants me to do. Dear Lord, give me power. I can’t do any more on my own. Give me the desire to do what You want me to do.
“Dear Lord, give me power. I can’t do any more on my own. Give me the desire to do what You want me to do.”
You are walking this out Diane
Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why?
Philippians 2:12-16 The Message (MSG)
12-13 What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
14-16 Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed!
What stands out? “Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.”
Today I have no energy. I don’t feel like doing anything. I just want to sit or I wish I could go back to sleep. What strikes me is that I can get energy from God to do what He wants me to do. Dear Lord, give me power. I can’t do any more on my own. Give me the desire to do what You want me to do.
5. Some have thought Paul is telling us to work for our salvation, similar to Buddha who said “Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” Explain, from the context, why this is a false interpretation. How would this interpretation go against the gospel?
The part about the Buddha saying, “Do not depend on others,” really strikes me. I am thinking that he was referring to other people, but I am thinking how we HAVE to depend on God. Any good, any power comes from God. He initiates and He gives us the power to respond by following Him. We are not passive, but active in that following, in “responsive obedience” as the Message says.
5. Some have thought Paul is telling us to work for our salvation, similar to Buddha who said “Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” Explain, from the context, why this is a false interpretation. How would this interpretation go against the gospel?
Well, from what I remember and it has been a long time ago- the Greek word for salvation in this passage means sanctification, or transformation-not salvific or saving from the penalty of sin-that would mean we would have to do something to be saved which would negate the Gospel-Jesus wouldn’t have needed to come. I remember when I was at my aunt’s home, who was a Christian Scientist-into Mary Baker Eddy.. I was sitting on her couch working on a drawing-stick figure picture- to explain Romans 6:23 to whomever God brought my way. Anyway, She walked up beside me and said, “I’ve never understood why Jesus had to die on the cross like that.”-amazing how God opened a door right then and there to share the Gospel with her.
V.13-off topic on this question but we can’t even work out our own sanctification without obedient dependence on the Holy Spirit inside us to convict us-and to counsel us- we need Him to work in us to will and do His good pleasure- when He does we need to yield to Him.
Some have thought Paul is telling us to work for our salvation, similar to Buddha who said “Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” Explain, from the context, why this is a false interpretation. How would this interpretation go against the gospel?
We have to depend on another, apart from Christ we can do nothing. These lyrics from Matt Redman’s ‘You Alone Can Rescue’ came to mind:
Who, oh Lord, could save themselves,
Their own soul could heal?
Our shame was deeper than the sea
Your grace is deeper still
You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise
You, oh Lord, have made a way
The great divide You heal
For when our hearts were far away
Your love went further still
Yes, your love goes further still
You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise
You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise
To You alone belongs the highest praise
To You alone belongs the highest praise
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life
You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise
This also reminds me of a song. This is the bridge part of “Nothing is Wasted” by Jason Gray. I find great comfort in the cloud of witnesses who have gone on before and who are praying for me and my family as we lean on them.
Bridge:
When hope is more than you can bear
And it’s too hard to believe it could be true
When your strength fails you half way there
You can lean on me and I’ll believe for you
And in time, you will believe it too
I like the last line especially Diane “And in time, you will believe it too”–such hope in that. Praying for you
I heard Jason Gray on Chris Fabry Live and the program really impacted me, here is the link, his portion is the second hour of the program.
http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_ProgramDetail.aspx?id=106598
I’d really like to listen to this, Chris. I have found the music of Jason Gray touches a chord deep within. He doesn’t deny the struggles but sees a God who knows, understands and yet promises healing at the end. I need that hope so much.
Thanks so much for this link. It was very encouraging to hear about him, his struggle with stuttering and how he came to see it as a gift, his struggle with depression and the song God gave to him during that dark time. It was truly great to listen to this.
His testimony impacted me too Diane.
wow Chris–this first stanza gets me “Our shame was deeper than the sea, Your grace is deeper still”
6. A parallel passage is in the last chapter, Philippians 1:6. Listen to Steve Green sing it and let it permeate your heart and share reflections if you like.
Setting scripture to music is such a powerful way to remember it. We had Hide them in your heart CD’s from Steve Green when my kids were little.
This verse is so hopeful, I can look back and see proof that God has begun a work in me, and He has promised to keep working until it is complete, I am not left as an orphan.
It is reassuring to me too, that I can reflect on the work I can see that He began in my children and my husband, He isn’t finished with them, their completion isn’t something I have to wring out of them…God has made a promise, and He is Faithful and True.
Chris–you really have such a beautiful heart. I love that you see this hope “I can look back and see proof that God has begun a work in me,” It’s been an incredible blessing to watch Him at work in you.
4. Read Philippians 2:12-14 in your own translation slowly. What stands out to you and why?
Verse 14: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing…”
I have trouble in this area. I get angry with some topics and have to make my case. it’s hard to let my passion go. I tend to grumble when changes are made that don’t seem logical to me. For example, we now have a new security system in our school where we swipe a fob to get in. This all came about because of the Newtown, Ct incident. I work on the front of the building; anyone could get to us easily because there are GLASS windows. It’s silly.
I suppose I need to stop my grumbling……
Laura–you made me smile “I tend to grumble when changes are made that don’t seem logical to me”–I’m a fellow logic-lover and appreciate your frustration 😉