In Tender Mercies (one of my all time favorites!)
God uses a young widow to love “Mac,” a recovering alcoholic,
into the Kingdom. Her son, “Sonny” and “Mac”
are baptized one Sunday. On the way home, they reflect.
Sonny: “Well, we’ve done it, Mac. We’re baptized.”
Mac: “Yeah, we are.”
Sonny: “Everybody said I was going to feel like a changed person. I guess I do feel a little different. But I don’t feel a whole lot different. Do you?”
Mac: “Not yet.”
Sonny: “You don’t look any different.” (Sonny sits up to look at himself in the rearview mirror.) “Do you think I look any different?”
Mac: “Not yet.”
Rankin Wilbourne said he knew after receiving Jesus, that Jesus promised rivers of living water would flow out of his heart,
but it seemed more like a trickle than a river.
Likewise, It took forty years between John Newton’s conversion
and his conviction regarding the slave trade,
forty years for the gospel to truly change him.
I too feel like I have grown so much in the last fifteen years,
but I am so sad it took me so long too really “get” some truths.
Wilbourne articulates these truths in Union with Christ. As I read them,
I thought,
“Yes — that’s why I’m finally experiencing more of the power of His resurrection.”
We will look at two secrets of “union with Christ” Wilbourne articulates over the next two weeks: dying with Him and glorifying Him.
This week we will consider the truth of “dying with Him.”
It’s the same one that is the backbone of Ann VosKamp’s new book,
The Way of Brokenness.
Ann writes:
Christ was broken on the cross and it led to life.
Yet we are afraid of being broken, of being “crucified with Christ.”
Rankin writes that the first test to “determine whether the radical nature of union with Christ is sinking in is to ask this:
Are you threatened by it?
Before you can rest in the comfort and experience the peace of your new identity in Christ, you have to sense how frightening it can be.
We love our idols — and letting them go feels frightening.
Though many of you have seen this testimony from Rebecca before,
watch it and find where she tells about how “she was scared – and why.”
SUNDAY, JAN 15TH Afraid to Die
1. What stood out to you from the above, and why?
MONDAY-WEDNESDAY: Crucified with Christ, We then LIVE!
Union with Christ means He is in us, and when we die with Him, suffer with Him, we also rise with Him and experience the power of His resurrection!
Prepare your heart with this:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0_1jazh454
As I consider my life, there were many times I died to myself voluntarily, and God blessed it. Yet often I did not die — either because I was rebelling or I did not see my sin, my hidden heart idols. Yet when God took Steve, it caused me to press into Jesus like never before — for where else could I go? The husband I had so relied on, even to the point of idolatry, was gone. And through that, I had to turn to the True Husband who would never die. So “being crucified with Christ” may come upon us involuntarily when our world falls apart, or it may come upon us voluntarily when, by faith, we choose it. But either way, the way of brokenness can lead to life, to experiencing more of the power of His resurrection, the power that brought Jesus out of the grave!
2. How wise we are when we choose to die to ourselves by faith, when we recognize sin, turn from it, and allow God to fill the place. What fruit followed Rebecca’s choice to die to her nightly ritual and replace it with communion with Christ?
3. Where have you died to yourself and seen Christ bring a resurrection?
4. Meditate on Romans 6:1-8
A. Read through vs.1-8 and find as many phrases as you can that describe union with Him.
B. Which phrases are frightening and which give you hope?
C Baptized means “immersed.” He is not talking about literal baptism here, though baptism, especially immersion, pictures this truth. What promise comes with immersing yourself into His death, according to verse 4?
D. What promise is in verse 5? This doesn’t just mean heaven, but an eternal life beginning on earth.
E. What reasons are given in each of verses 6, 7, and 8 for being united with Christ into His death?
5. Mediates on Romans 6:9-14
A. What must we do according to verse 11? Where must you consider yourself dead today?
B. According to verses 12-13 we must stop doing something and start doing something. Explain and then explain how this applies to you.
THURSDAY-FRIDAY: SERMON “Perfect Freedom” Tim Keller
LISTEN TO THIS AND SHARE YOUR NOTES AND THOUGHTS. IT’S ESSENTIAL KELLER (AND FREE) ON ROMANS 6. EVEN IF YOU’VE HEARD IT BEFORE, LISTEN AGAIN. As Keller says, “Romans 6, 7, and 8 are vital in understanding the power to be found.”
6. Notes or comments from Perfect Freedom.
SATURDAY:
7. What is your take-a-way and why?
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2017
We are hard-wired for glory,
but in our sinfulness, instead of seeking glory for God,
we crave it for ourselves.
The first principle articulated in the Westminister Confession is:
We have deceitful hearts, and it is easy to think we are glorifying God, when what we are really doing is feeding our idols. As a young speaker, I told many stories of how God was meeting me, and He was — but looking back I realized it was more about me (and feeding my approval idol) than glorifying God. Liz Curtis HIggs (one of the funniest women alive) told me — “I realized people remembered my funny stories but not the message about Jesus.”
Kathy Keller, when Tim was a young preacher, often gave him a thumbs down after preaching. But she said, “When you get to Jesus, that’s when my heart begins to melt.” He took her criticism to heart and became the preacher he is today.
Isn’t it amazing that even in ministry (from parenting to preaching to pro-life volunteering) we can still be seeking our own glory instead of God’s!) This week we will look at John 12 for insight into replacing our quest for our own glory with a quest for seeking God’s glory. Though we thinking seeking our own glory will lead to joy, it does not. Instead Lewis says:
1. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
Monday-Wednesday Bible Study (Take two questions a day)
PREPARE YOUR HEART WITH THIS:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax_NMWLEb6U
We are hard-wired for glory, but in our sinfulness we corrupt that desire, and seek glory, not for God, but ourselves. We see the contrast in our opening passage.
2. Read John 12:1-8
A. Whose glory was Judas seeking? How can you tell? Where did this ultimately lead for him?
B. Whose glory was Mary of Bethany seeking? How can you tell? Where did this ultimately lead for her?
C. Ask yourself today, each time you begin a new task or venture, “Whose glory will I seek in doing this?” Come back and report how it impacted you.
3. Read John 12:9-19 and find passages that show whose glory the chief priests were seeking. Explain why you think that is true.
4. Read John 12:20-26
A. What hour does Jesus say has come, and what does He mean?
B. How does Jesus explain and illustrate “the broken way” and how it leads to fruitfulness?
C. Through this illustration, how can you see how the truths of dying with Christ and glorifying God are linked?
D. “Losing your life” sounds frightening — it is the upside down way of the Kingdom. Share a recent time when you faced this trauma and either failed or succeeded in obeying and what happened.
5. Read John 12:27-36 Why was Jesus’ soul troubled” What caused Him to submit to the hard path?
6. Read John 12:36-43
A. Why did many of the authorities, though they believed, refused to confess it?
B. Ask the Lord to show you where you are seeking man’s glory. What does He show you?
C. Pray for yourself here.
Thursday-Friday (Message from Rankin Wilbourne)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8-EgmP1UX8
7. What comments to you have on the above?
Saturday
8. What is your take-a-way and why?
262 comments
1. What stood out to you from the above, and why? Probably Rebecca’s testimony. I have seen it a few times before, but it always resonates with me because when I began the letting go of friendship idolatry process, I felt exactly the same way, “Will God be enough???” The current idol was meeting a need/filling a hole- not well- but deceptively enough to cause me a sense of distress and panic at the thought of letting go of it. But He is enough. I still have to remind myself of this today, as other, control-type idols vie for my attention and time, convincing me I need to be in constant search of anything thing to do for this cancer. Not that educating yourself on options is wrong in itself, it’s about where you are putting your hope and trust.
So good, Mary. Good to identify that no matter the idol it is natural to feel fear. The enemy is such a deceiver.
Thank you all for your prayers for me in prison. I so needed them. I feared I wouldn’t make my plane when I woke to a driveway that was a sheet of ice and a dead car. But a couple in our church came to the rescue. My heart absolutely breaks for the men and women in prison. And a hospital prison is extra sadness — yet, they inspire me by their faith, always. The sentences in Texas are very harsh and long — I don’t understand — but pray for God’s best. They are terribly receptive to the Word, hungry as can be. Thank you SO MUCH for praying. I’m homebound now.
SO good to read how the Lord took care of it all!
Oh Dee……God bless you deeply as you return from this prison visit. Your heart of compassion for these prisoners……especially how you wrestle with harsh and long sentences….touches me. You will never know in this life, how much your ministry is used to bring healing.
Wanda — thank you! I am privileged to be a part of such a movement of God.
Dee I can’t help but think of how God has moved in the harsh situations there. He has done a mighty work turning ashes into beauty and now other states are considering D.U.’s program. I am so excited!! I’ve shared this with my boys..about how God has moved and the recidivism rate is low-how other states are interested now..that is His power in hearts..you can’t deny that..my oldest heard it as well. 😉
Amen, Rebecca!
What stood out to you from the above and why?
1. The rawness and vulnerability of the testimonies you mentioned here, Dee.
Rebecca: God came to me slowly. Like a stream. Like a salve to my pain. I can trust Him with my pain. He did not fix my problems. He did not change my circumstances. He has given me His peace and joy. He restored my intimacy with Him.
John Newton: 40 years!
Dee: even after 15 years!
Mac: “Not yet.”
2. We love our idols. I believe mine is found in 2 letters: IF. IF only, my daughter is walking with the Lord, IF only my shoulder quits hurting, IF only my students behave, IF only I am more organized, etc.
I think of Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
It is not about a change in my circumstances but a change from within. The challenges of this earthly life is a given but so is the peace and joy and the fruit of the Spirit IF I stay in union and communion with Christ.
1. What stood out to you from the above, and why? Ann Voskamp’s summary of broken things. We know them and yet seeing them together on a list is really thought provoking. And your words…..’we are scared to be broken’….. That is so true. We know we will gain ‘the treasures of darkness’ when we die to ourselves and/or when we go through a time of brokenness….but the prize seems too far away to grab and we wonder if it’s worth it. I should put this in first person. That’s how I feel sometimes. Phil. 3:10:…’that I may know him and the power of His resurrection…’ That is a prize worth reaching for.
I wasn’t able to play Rebecca’s video….though I will try again.
I’m away from home and didn’t pack my heavy study Bible, but a small copy of the NT and my paperback of Isaiah. I haven’t been on the blog for a couple weeks, so I didn’t know what the lesson would be. And I wake to find a lesson in Romans…the very book I have read from the last two nights! That blessed my heart.
Oh….I DID get the video open now….I’m sure it was just my slow computer that needed refreshing.
SO nice to hear your voice, Rebecca! And you have a thoughtful message here…though I’ve heard it, it’s very striking to hear it from you in ‘person’. I can clearly identify with your thoughts and experience.
1. What stood out to you from the above, and why?
“the first test to “determine whether the radical nature of union with Christ is sinking in is to ask this: Are you threatened by it?”
Early last year I felt something I can only describe as a stirring in my heart, and the word that kept coming to mind was that I wanted to be “spent”, broken and poured out for Him. I felt so much of my adult life I had responded to pain with a vigorous attempt to create a calm chaos-free organized life. In some areas I felt that organization– I didn’t over-schedule or have my kids in too many sports at once, we had scheduled bed times. But there wasn’t the joy, the peace I longed for, and some areas, those hardest areas, remained painfully broken. So when He stirred in me, April of last year, I knew it was Him, and I knew He was calling me to something new. I looked back at my journal just now–and I see where I wrote–“Lord, I’m afraid to say this, but I want to be broken and poured out, for You. Help me in my fear”. As I have prayed since, for Him to guide me in this pouring out–I do feel the resurgence of that initial hesitance–for I know how selfish I am, but I force myself to remember who He is, His character, and with that I can take the next step. He continues to give just enough light, just enough grace, just enough strength, for the next step.
Lizzy, yes. Just enough…for the next step. So often, I want all of it-at once!
Lizzy, Audrey Assad’s song warmed my heart as I think of what you said here. I hope you have time to listen, sister!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OZp2UezV54&index=7&list=PL3460E9EA50474423
You’ve drawn so close
That it’s hard to see you And you speak so softly That it’s hard to hear you And I guess that’s what I get For inviting you in Because you took me at my word And now I know Faith is not a fire As much as it’s a glow A quiet lovely burning Underneath the snow And it’s not too much It’s just enough to get me home Cause love moves slow Love moves slow You run so deep That it’s hard to miss you And you come so near That it’s hard to feel youOh, and I guess that’s how it is When I let you move Because you take me at my word Oh, and now I know That faith is not a fire As much as it’s a glow A steady humble lamplight In the window And it’s not too much It’s just enough to get me home ‘Cause love moves slow Love moves slow I heard that faith moves mountains I know it moves my feet To follow you And maybe I’m a mountain Because it’s moving me To follow you My faith is not a fireAs much as it’s a glowA little burning emberIn my weary soul And it’s not too much It’s just enough to get me home Because your love moves slow Yeah, your love moves slow So I move slow Because you move slow Love moves slow Let’s move slow
oh Bing! TEARS! This is just perfect–and beautiful–I’m holding onto this on this journey, thank you so much! “I heard that faith moves mountains, I know it moves my feet, To follow you, And maybe I’m a mountain, Because it’s moving me, To follow you”
Bing, what a lovely song! I’m not sure why but it touches a place deep in my soul! Tears and thank you!
He continues to give just enough light, just enough grace, just enough strength, for the next step.
yes yes yes!
just enough light for the next step! so often I beg HIM to be the light to my path and all he gives me is the lamp to my feet. He does not show me what I WANT to see but what I NEED to see.
I’m glad you shared this whole story here, Lizzy. And I really see this in my life too: “He continues to give just enough light, just enough grace, just enough strength, for the next step. ” We can’t get what we need for a year from now or even a month from now, just what we need for the moment, to take the next step.
What stood out?
Before I answer, I just want to say that I am wondering where in or over the States Dee is just now in her trip home and am praying for her safe travels.
This stood out:
“Rankin Wilbourne said he knew after receiving Jesus, that Jesus promised rivers of living water would flow out of his heart,
but it seemed more like a trickle than a river.
Likewise, It took forty years between John Newton’s conversion
and his conviction regarding the slave trade,
forty years for the gospel to truly change him.”
My son bought me the book “7 women and the secret of their greatness” by Eric Mataxas for Christmas. I have been reading how influential John Newton was in the lives of William Wilberforce and Hannah More in influencing the abolition of slavery. I am somewhat encouraged that God used someone like John Newton, even though he matured in his faith slowly. I have been a believer in Christ since I was a young child yet, especially as an adult, I have often been aware that I do not have the joy or freedom that I should have in Christ. The process of change is slow and my heart longs for more Christlikeness and yet, in some ways, is reluctant to truly surrender all, wondering if I even really know how. I have surrendered all many times, but new idols (or old idols with new disguises) seem to arise at every turn. I daily have to die to self. I know how it is to be drowned in sorrow. I want to drown in waterfalls of living water, in true self-forgetting rivers of God’s love.
A couple of months ago, the Lord impressed upon me Luke 9: 23, 24, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” I began to ponder the meaning, hearing that God was calling me to understand and truly live its meaning. This study is helping me step deeper into what Jesus means by these verses. I have been guilty of the sin of living cautiously, as Lucy Shaw says. I am too eager to protect myself, to “save my life”. I am being called to jump off the cliff of my self-interest and follow him, even if it leads to the loss of all else that I have longed for and cherish.
You touch me with your caring, Diane. My plane flew over the icy areas and I made my very tight connection. So thankful. Came home to find my son has fixed my car. Very glad to be home in my comfortable place and not on a cot in a prison cell.
Dee? Do you actually stay in the prison? I mean, sleep there? You give up the comforts of a warm cozy bed?
Oh, Diane! This so resonates with me…living cautiously…afraid of what God will ask of me. I have been guilty of the sin of living cautiously, as Lucy Shaw says. I am too eager to protect myself, to “save my life”. I am being called to jump off the cliff of my self-interest and follow him, even if it leads to the loss of all else that I have longed for and cherish. Thank you! Freedom in Christ and soaring with Him.
Each of your responses resonates with me.
Diane, yes, “I am too eager to protect myself, to save my life.”
I appreciate Rebecca’s clear description of her recognizing her idol of comfort and the fear of trusting God to meet her need.
When Dee described her control idol, I realized that much of my life I struggled with trying “to control.” If only I could fix my husband, fix my children, etc. my life would be alright. I was too much into self and yes, dying to self is what I need. I make baby steps, but still struggle with the need to deny myself, take up my cross and follow. This process is lengthy and I long to be nourished by the vine and produce the fruit.
I want that goal of higher ground this year. Yet I may need to let suffering do its work. This year has brought a new health issue, and a challenge to communicate or to trust God with my adult children who may resent my old habit of advice giving, even though I have tried to let it go and pray about the needs they share. Right now I am hurting physically and emotionally.
The time of drawing close to God in the morning is sweet and music and meditation help me to prepare to be obedient to the word.
Shirley, just read your post, and I’m sorry you are hurting both physically and emotionally. Parenting adult children isn’t always smooth and easy, either. Prayers and hugs to you.
you cant find your identity in Christ unless you stop trying to find it in everything else. Unless and until I am brave enough to let go of finding my identity in approval, control and/or comfort…. until I am brave enough let go of my protective cover of pride and be humble enough to admit that I NEED HIM and only HIM I will never be able to truly find my identity in HIM.
So true, Cyndi.
1. What stood out to you from the above, and why? Reality check! After I became serious about being a Christian back in my 20’s, I gave up so much of the old me and it felt right. No alcohol, no swearing, only wholesome music, books, tv and movies, going to church twice a week, homeschooling, teaching Sunday school etc. Lots of self discipline. I really thought that I was on solid ground and in some regards I was.
The last few years I’m afraid have been a steady slide backwards. I have indulged myself. I sometimes think that I deserve some comfort and relaxation after the last 30 years of giving of myself to my kids and all. By the time I get home from work and make dinner and clean up there are only 2 hours before bed. I struggle so hard with just wanting to have some wine, play on the computer and watch some youtube or netflix (we shut the cable off a year ago because we’re trying to get away from tv).
I have started reading Union With Christ. My pastor has also started a series on becoming more connected with Christ (coincidence??) I KNOW that I am not where I should be or doing what I should be doing, but there is a part of me that asks, “Does it really matter?” I know that the answer is yes, it does matter and yet I still want to keep what I have. 🙁
Yay — God is honing in with the same message for you, Dawn. Exciting!
1. What stood out to you from the above, and why?
I think your statement about wishing you hadn’t taken so long to learn the things you needed to about God really stands out to me because I feel the same way. But, do you think God planned it that way for us? There is SO much to know; every time I read the Bible it’s as if I have just picked up the book for the first time. It is an amazing book and God is an amazing God! He is everything, it is true. That’s pretty extensive Dee. How could we learn it all in our short lives? We have to experience life to understand true living. My mom used to say that we have to know evil to understand good. I’m just hoping to get the main points by the time I leave this Earth so I know what he expects of me when we meet.
Love your enthusiasm, Laura.
I think that sometimes, where we are in life, our maturity, past experiences, etc. allow for greater understanding and recognition that isn’t possible at a different time in life…I do think that in some circumstances, this is how the Lord has it planned in His omniscience.
Laura, love this: “We have to experience life to understand true living.” I was thinking this morning of some people I’ve known or had in my life when I was in my teens and early twenties, who are now gone, and questions about their lives that I would like to ask them now. At that time in my life I was very much self-focused and wouldn’t have thought to mine the depths of their wisdom and life experiences.
1. What stood out to you from the above, and why?
Rankin writes that the first test to “determine whether the radical nature of union with Christ is sinking in is to ask this: Are you threatened by it?
This stood out and my answer is yes-0h yes..I absolutely hate the pain in the letting go and feeling vulnerable-my flesh is so bent-yet at the same time I want Him and want to bend to Him- which comes from Him.
I wish it hadn’t taken 23 years. He has more bending and breaking to do in me, I just want to bend back toward Him and not my idols faster. Resting in His Love, His presence in me, enables me to let go faster and trust for my life is not my own He bought me with a hefty price, it is His-Christ my life..
Laura-I love your questions! I agree with Laura, I think He planned it that way for He knows when we are ready…and this goes with what Lizzy said above..He gives us just enough light, just enough Grace for that moment, that day. I see now how I needed to be taken out to the wilderness for me to hear Him speak tenderly to me..God chose not to come in a wave but He has chosen to come in a wave for others..but my heart wasn’t ready to hear. He came slowly, softly through the humility of Dee. He took me a step at a time through this blog study.
What is amazing is through exposing my idols He exposed His COMMITTED passionate Love for me- unchanging no matter how often I fail..That was my root problem which my idols reinforced-I doubted His love or thought it would waver on how often or not often I messed up-intellectually I knew that was wrong but I didn’t truly believe it which is why I went after my idols and when I forget now that is when I go after them..Oh how The Gospel helped and is helping me let go and trust Him in the pain of letting go. 🙂 So after 5 or so years..I am with Dee in that I am experiencing His resurrection power more than before. He is bigger, He is better and He will walk with me in my vulnerablity of: letting go of my pride that this person doesn’t deserve my forgiveness, my desire to control-to worry because I need to know the end of a problem or trial is going to be alright, the need for human affirmation when I feel forgotten. While my sin nature cries out still to run after other lovers and I have failed!! His unfailing Love helps me to turn. I don’t want to hurt Him like I did before-it is like having an affair and God is passionately jealous for me.
Oh Rebecca…Your testimony was so powerful & beautiful…I didn’t know u had 2 boys on autism spectrum…what a tough challenges for u. The Lord via faithful to give us what we need to. My niece has identical twin daughters who are both autistic. 5 yrs old & so hard. I loved it when u said something like you love the stream of God but u hate it when the rocks get in tge way! Yes I identify so with this. Why do I let the rocks hinder the flow of His presence? Lovely to see u Rebecca & I feel I know u a little now. Wish I could meet all of u in person! Loved the song too Bing…just beautiful. I know I need to surrender more fully…yes it is scary…but I know He is more wonderful than anything else. Lord help me one step at a time…just enough light for the next step…it’s hard to trust & let go.
2. How wise we are when we choose to die to ourselves by faith, when we recognize sin, turn from it, and allow God to fill the place. What fruit followed Rebecca’s choice to die to her nightly ritual and replace it with communion with Christ?
Rebecca found Christ and got intimate with Him through reading about Him instead of eating land watching tv.
3. Where have you died to yourself and seen Christ bring a resurrection?
I suppose the best example is when I have fed my control idol with my children. There were several times when I didn’t know where my teenage children were (they were out running around) and I was terrrified for them. He reached down and gave me peace within the storm; I knew He was in control those times when I was not.
rebecca wasn’t eating “land!” Lol! It should read “and.” Sorry for the typo!
4. Meditate on Romans 6:1-8
A. Read through vs.1-8 and find as many phrases as you can that describe union with Him.
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”
Romans 6:3-6, 8 ESV
http://bible.com/59/rom.6.3-6,8.esv
B. Which phrases are frightening and which give you hope?
I’m not sure I am actually frightened by any of the verses. I suppose I have normal “human feelings” about death; not wanting to leave my husband or children, but I would like the peace and lack of pain of heaven. I also should probably feel frightened to leave behind all of the earthly things I cling to that make me feel good. I guess my eating too much, drinking too much, worry about clothes, exercise, house, things, etc. are really bad habits that need to be down played instead of focused on. My focus needs to be on Him. That’s what Rebecca was getting at in her video. I’m not afraid of being in pain, for me, it’s more of making Him more important than my children, the food, exercise, or life “stuff” that I believe will make me happy/satisfied. So, I guess, my fear would be in that He doesn’t actually make me as happy as these things do.
The hope phrases say that I will walk with Him in life. Now, that sounds really good to me! In fact, the times I have let down my guard and done it “His way,” I really have been blessed; especially with my husband. Not a slave to sin? That sounds peaceful. I will be resurrected as a new being that is like Him! Yay! If that were so; if I could really let go and feel that freedom….
Laura — in your last paragraph I saw you understood the kind of death this passage is talking about — not a literal one, but dying to our own wants — to our idols. Does that give you any fear?
I don’t think I have fear of losing my idols, but maybe Him not being “enough.” I know that isn’t respectful and I don’t want to be disrespectful, but I don’t know how else to say it. I know when I have had the “correct” faith, I have been blessed. I need to let go of my idols and see that I will be blessed once again.
God is never angry when we are honest. I think we all share that fear and that is why we cling to our idols. But it is such a lie!
1. How wise we are when we choose to die to ourselves by faith, when we recognize sin, turn from it, and allow God to fill the place. What fruit followed Rebecca’s choice to die to her nightly ritual and replace it with communion with Christ?
Rebecca had peace and joy and intimacy with Christ was restored.
2. Where have you died to yourself and seen Christ bring a resurrection?
When I have chosen to die to my own rights (either with my students, my husband or my daughter), God gave me peace and a forgiving heart and a peace that passes all understanding. All because of Christ in me-I am no longer my old self.
A. Read through vs.1-8 and find as many phrases as you can that describe union with Him.
Baptized into Christ; baptized into His death; buried with Him; raised with Him; live a new life; united in death; united in resurrection; old self crucified with Him; died with Christ; live with Him
B. Which phrases are frightening and which give you hope?
The word “death” can be frightening to me as I have seen my patients die-some peacefully, others with a lot of pain and struggle. I don’t like pain and the thought of going through the process can be disarming. A thought came to mind: between Jesus death on the cross and the resurrection was 3 days. Those three days experientially can be the most difficult and yet the hope of being united in Him is so glorious the 3 days is naught.
A funny experience while I was typing: My dyslexic fingers keeps on typing “untied” with death. And then I realized, yes, Hallelujah- when I am “united” in Christ in death, I have been “untied” from sin and from my old self!
2. What fruit followed Rebecca’s choice to die to her nightly ritual and replace it with communion with Christ?
The “fruit” for Rebecca was sensing the Lord’s presence, experiencing His peace and joy in the craziness of life, His acting as a sauve for her pain; Rebecca experienced a restoration of intimacy with the Lord. What I especially appreciated was Rebecca saying that it was not a quick fix; when she talks about how she hates “rocks” getting in the way, it emphasizes to me that we are all works in progress of being transformed. This world and we ourselves will put “rocks” in the way and only until we recognize them for what they are (impediments in our relationship and intimacy with the Lord) can we (with the Lord’s help) root them out of the “stream” and re-establish our “flow.”
3. Where have you died to yourself and seen Christ bring a resurrection?
My preference for being in control (kind of like “never ask a question that you don’t know the answer to”-type control, no surprises). An example that comes to mind is when I learned of my granddaughter’s unexpected, impending birth to my unmarried daughter, and similarly when I received a call very, very early one morning from my daughter regarding she and my granddaughter’s father’s relationship blowing up (figuratively) and my daughter and granddaughter coming to live with my hubby and I from the time of my granddaughter being about 5-6 weeks old to days short of one year. When I relinquished control of these situations to the Lord, coming to the end of myself, He provided me a peace and joy that I can hardly describe. Similar to what Rebecca mentioned, circumstances remained the same, but somehow the Lord “smoothed” my perspective allowing the beauty to shine through in spite of difficult circumstances remaining. I can see this in other areas of my life; some areas giving way more easily than others where my tendency is holding tight; I am most definitely a work in progress. Thankfully, the Lord is patient and persistent, exhibits candor, yet loving kindness.
Dear Dee, I’m new on board and I’d like to know, where have you been all my life? I needed you!! We are doing a study in you book ” Idol Lies” we did the first chapter and videa last night. This is life changing for us all. I love you so much!! Thank you for allowing God to use you in this manner. I hearts over whelmed by truth.
Deborah Gaither
Cincinnati, Ohio
Deborah — I’m so sorry I was so slow to approve your first comment. I’ve been traveling. But WELCOME!
Deborah, Welcome!! :))
What fruit followed Rebecca’s choice? Peace & joy & the closeness of Christ. I know this is what I want most of all, but sometimes the pull of other things can be so strong, & I am blinded to the Truth. He is always better. He is Jehovah Isi our husband, & the Lover of our souls. So much wiser to choose to die to self voluntarily, & not wait for a disaster or pain to make me turn to Him! I appreciate all the honesty here about struggles..we all have them & the Lord is so” patient & persistent”, as you said Nanci!
Where have I died to self & seen Christ bring a resurrection? I spose in my marriage…we almost got divorced twice, but I laid it all on the altar before the Lord & have had to trust Him to provide for my emotional needs & longings. He has been so tender & faithful! My marriage is still far from what it should or could be, but we have stayed together & things are relatively peaceful, & I know the Lord honors my committment, & will capture my husband’s heart in His perfect time & way. Please pary for his heart to be softened. I’m looking to the Lord with alert expectancy! 🙂
Love your honesty Jenny. Thank you, you give encouragement to me ?
PRAY not pary…haha…not a typist!!
2. How wise we are when we choose to die to ourselves by faith, when we recognize sin, turn from it, and allow God to fill the place. What fruit followed Rebecca’s choice to die to her nightly ritual and replace it with communion with Christ?
It truly is such a gift to have the example of Rebecca in our lives—for we cannot miss seeing the fruit that has flowed from her obedience, from her choosing to die. I see the fruit of greater intimacy with Him—of truly seeing more of Him, of who He is–that He could and does, fulfill and exceed her deepest cravings.
3. Where have you died to yourself and seen Christ bring a resurrection?
I think I kind of answered this in my #1 yesterday, sorry—I was too wordy there! But I will add this—I am finding that what I fear far more than surrendering all my plans, my will, my self to Him—is NOT.
Wow..“I am finding that what I fear far more than surrendering all my plans, my will, my self to Him—is NOT. “ – Golden!
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
“Rankin Wilbourne said he knew after receiving Jesus, that Jesus promised rivers of living water would flow out of his heart, but it seemed more like a trickle than a river.” Likewise, I feel the same, when I read the verse “if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come”. Some days all I can see is (painfully) a lot of the “old me”.
Rebecca’s testimony is always so good….I wonder how many lives have been touched as people have watched that video? She felt afraid that God would let her sit in her pain. My idols seem to promise relief, comfort, security, satisfaction. If I let them go, can God be trusted to be there? Rebecca found that He was there.
We are wise to choose to die to self. Rebecca’s example is sweet and her joy and peace proved this even though the path was not easy, with rocks she encountered.
When have I died to self? Well, my first realization was when I gave my mother the care she needed during her last years. I struggled with the decision, but it was eventually to give me peace from God. I die to self in my marriage when I choose to honor God and honor my vows. I am trusting and God is directing through the hills and valleys.
I know God is so pleased when we honor our parents in the way you did, Shirley.
2. How wise we are when we choose to die to ourselves by faith, when we recognize sin, turn from it, and allow God to fill the place. What fruit followed Rebecca’s choice to die to her nightly ritual and replace it with communion with Christ?
When Rebecca replaced eating pie and watching the news with spending time with God, reading Christian books or Scripture, her trust in Him grew as she waited patiently for Him to come to her. She didn’t get impatient or give up. Her circumstances didn’t change, but she did, and she got more of Christ and closer intimacy with Him.
3. Where have you died to yourself and seen Christ bring a resurrection?
Last week I told about my son’s texting conversation with me. I know he was irritated with me and he wasn’t very nice. I called him a few days later. He was a little wary, asking what I wanted to talk to him about? I just told him that I wanted to apologize for giving unsolicited advice, that my tendency is to go into “fix it mode” and try to come up with a solution to a problem, when instead, I need to be a better listener and stop being so quick to give unasked-for advice. I told him that’s all I wanted to say. He accepted my apology and we said goodbyes and “I love you”. My pride would’ve wanted me to be mad at him and wait for him to make the first move. I don’t know if I can say I really felt like I was dying to self, though, as I wanted very much to make things right with my son, so it didn’t seem that hard for me to do.
Susan, I appreciate your sharing of calling your son. It takes courage to ask forgiveness when your child hurts you. I long to be strong enough to admit my mistakes to mine when I have given unsolicited advice as I have done. Dying to self is challenging me to difficult tasks.
I think you truly modeled humility for your son, and pray it soaks deep into his bones!
Susan, I am in a similar boat with you with our daughter. I appreciate how you model humility here in giving an apology to your son. I know I often just want to fix things whereas my daughter just wants me to listen to her.
4. Romans 6:1-8
verse 3 joined with Christ in baptism, joined him in his death- this is frightening because he suffered so for our sins.
verse 4 we died and were buried with Christ, and may live new lives- this gives me hope of newness in my life
verse 5 united with him in his death and raised to life- this gives me hope
verse 6 our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ- this gives me hope to be free from sin
verse 7 for when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin- so much hope in freedom from sin
verse 8 since we died with Christ we will also live with him- an amazing promise of hope.
Being united with Christ is a powerful concept.
C Baptized means “immersed.” He is not talking about literal baptism here, though baptism, especially immersion, pictures this truth. What promise comes with immersing yourself into His death, according to verse 4?
We will also have a new life like Christ.
D. What promise is in verse 5? This doesn’t just mean heaven, but an eternal life beginning on earth.
We will be united with Christ in resurrection.
3. Where have you died to yourself and seen Christ bring a resurrection?
Rather than remember the past, I want to consider something I am doing presently to die to self. I have often protected my home as a sanctuary for myself, and a place where my husband is not in the role of minister. It has become hard for me to invite people into my home. My perfection idols rear their heads and I feel my place is on display. I do not relax to let God work. But I am determined to grow. Well, tonight I have invited a couple who we have gotten to know through square dancing for an early supper before our evening of square dancing. They are a nice couple who are involved in church in a nearby area, but we do not know them well. I am risking and praying that my focus will be on God today as I prepare. Please pray that we will have meaningful, spiritual conversation.
Also, beginning next week, I will be opening my home each week to a small group of men that my husband hopes to lead through the Alpha program. He has worked hard to befriend local men who are peripheral to the church but open to spiritual conversations. Please pray that the touch of God will be on men who have been invited. The men’s group is happening simultaneously with a women’s Bible study that I am leading that takes place in the church. We are using Jen Wilkes’ Sermon on the Mount. Twelve women have signed up. That is very encouraging for our small congregations, but I am nervous, feeling inadequate to truly lead these women before God. I do not want to do open my home or lead a study in my own strength but for God’s glory. Pray for God’s Spirit to lead us in both the men’s and the women’s groups.
Yay, Diane! Praying for you as you lead the study. I am glad you are using Jen Wilkin’s book. I love her None like him study.
I’ll definitely be praying for you, Diane as you lead these ladies in a bible study!
Oh Diane! This is so encouraging! I am very “proud” of you for stepping out in faith. I just know it will go well! I will be praying ?
Diane, thank you for sharing. You and your hubby are resting in the Lord’s provision…sure, maybe a bit uneasy at times, but ultimately trusting the Lord to equip and provide. God bless you and those the Lord is ministering to through you.
The Sermon on the Mount Bible study the women are doing is by Jen Wilkin’s not Jen Wilkes’ as I typed yesterday. I’m not sure why but I have a hard time remembering her name.
Diane–I really like Jen Wilkin. I just finished her book, “None Like Him”–excellent. Praying for your time
Thanks all for your encouragement and prayers for us. I really appreciate your support. My husband is excited about the interest among some of the men. I pray some of them really show up for the Alpha group. Pray that God will give them courage to take this risk. As for Jen Wilkin, what I have seen and read of her studies and heard from others, she is great! I’m looking forward to it, though nervous a bit as well!
Can’t wait to hear how things progress. Just from reading your thoughts here for a couple years, Diane, I think you are totally equipped for this study you are teaching. I’d love to be a part of it myself.
I love hearing you and your husband square dance. That sounds like fun!
Diane, I’m so struck by your honesty and willingness to take these steps of faith. Not one but three……inviting a couple over for dinner….opening your home for men to have an ALPHA group….AND leading a study. This is a huge surge of God’s Spirit moving and you are showing such faithfulness. I pray God’s peace and blessing on these endeavors.
Diane; good for you for taking such bold steps in faith, & putting yourself out there! Yes, Lord, please fill Diane’s home with Your presence tonight & bless their conversation…fill Diane with joy as she prepares for them & for You! I pray also that the Bible studies are truly led by You Lord & that You will do above & beyond what Diane even dreams!! When we are weak, then we are strong in the Lord’s strength 🙂
Romans 6: 1-8….”baptism into death” sounds a bit frightening, yet I know this has happened in my life & has brought fruit in the past. I think there are seasons where the Lord calls us to more death to self…its a journey for sure & always hard but always worth it! “Freed from the power of sin” gives me hope….being Free is a wonderful feeling. When I can’t “immerse myself” I pray that the Lord will do it for me, like baptizing me. I was baptized as a teen in a lake in Aussie, & it was an amazing experience. To picture being brought up out of the water into His newness of Life is an exciting picture. I also thought of” living with Him” as if He invitied me to move into His house, His home! I would feel wanted, loved, be under His roof of protection & provision…..share meals & conversations & just do life together. What a wonderful thought, & that is truly what we’ve been invited into. We are all His family in His home! 🙂
Love this post.
Jenny…..what a beautiful picture of being invited into Christ’s home and sharing life with Him and His family.
Jenny, I do love your description of your baptism and your immersion and being free from sin. I have had difficulty with this concept of immersion as I reflect on it in this study.
But it is delightful to think of sharing life with Christ as you describe!
D. What promise is in verse 5? This doesn’t just mean heaven, but an eternal life beginning on earth.
With a resurrected body-no more decay and limitation-enjoying the presence of the Trinity without concern for time and space
E. What reasons are given in each of verses 6, 7, and 8 for being united with Christ into His death?
Old self crucified; set free from sin; we will live with Him!
5. Mediates on Romans 6:9-14
A. What must we do according to verse 11? Count ourselves dead to sin
Where must you consider yourself dead today? Dead to my propensity to seek other people’s approval and praise.
B. According to verses 12-13 we must stop doing something and start doing something. Explain and then explain how this applies to you.
Do not offer myself to sin as an instrument of wickedness
Rather, offer myself to God as an instrument of righteousness
Not sure if this illustration fits?
I use to work in the operating room as a nurse. At times, I functioned as a surgical nurse and would hand instruments to the attending surgeon. When I was a newbie, I would sometimes hand the wrong instrument and have had the surgeon yell at me (oopsss…my mistake, sir). As I started learning the ropes I got better and my clumsiness made way for more surety and confidence. I quickly learned you have to have the right instrument to make the right cut, hold open a cavity etc and facilitate speed of surgery and healing in the process for my patients. If I want to bring healing to others, I need to be the right “instrument”?-that is living a righteous life in the power of Christ. That means seeking guidance and direction from God to live a life that pleases Him. But I always have to remember that it is all grace.
Illustration fits!
Bing, your illustration of being the right instrument is wonderful.
Being in the medical field, I know this setting and my husband works there now. It can be wonderful to be a productive member of the team or it can be intimidating if one is not doing the correct step to make this critical surgical intervention.
I never thought how important it is to do the right thing at the right time! Dying to self involves life and death, yes.
E. What reasons are given in each of verses 6, 7, and 8 for being united with Christ into His death?
Verse 6 – Because we are united in death we are united in resurrection too.
Verse 7 – We give our sin to Him and we are no longer enslaved to it.
Verse 8 – If we die with Christ we will live with Him.
4. A. Read through vs.1-8 and find as many phrases as you can that describe union with Him.
v.3, us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus
v.4, buried with Him through baptism into death
v.5, become one with Him [permanently united]
v.6, our old self [our human nature without the Holy Spirit] was nailed to the cross with Him
v.8, we will also live [together] with Him
B. Which are frightening and which give hope?
Frightening… pain, discomfort, suffering, discouragement, etc. that will surely come.
Hope… I am covered by the righteous cloak of Jesus; He is with me now and forever, and nothing can separate me from His love.
C. What promise comes with immersing yourself into His death, according to verse 4?
Oh I love the amplified version of this…
“…raised from the dead through the glory and power of the Father, we too might walk habitually in newness of life [abandoning our old ways].”
D. What promise is in verse 5?
We are permanently united with Christ…in life as we know it and in resurrected life.
E. What reasons are given in each of verses 6, 7, and 8 for being united with Christ into His death?
We are freed from our human, “sin” nature, blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit…we are no longer slaves to sin…we are united, living with Jesus.
3. Where have you died to yourself and seen Christ bring a resurrection?
Control-When my oldest started turning away from God-doing a full turn, not just doubting. In my shock and fright I didn’t respond in love after engaging with him as to what he was thinking. I tried to convince him otherwise which is good but underneath was: no sleep at night, crying out to God, and feeling like a complete failure as a mom. THANKFULLY, I saw my approval idol coming in with the desire to force change in him so that others at church wouldn’t see me as a failure-but that desire didn’t last but a few minutes for I rested in God’s approval-so so sweet. :)) Could you imagine what damage that could have caused in my son and eventual bitterness in me toward my son and toward God because it was never up to me? Anyway, instead of continuing trying to convince him anymore, I pressed into God and trusted Him..and without going too long-He came and He is my peace in this storm. Now I am loving my son regardless and praying for him more than I did before. More than making me mad hearing his foolish thinking, I am angry at satan for God is showing me that and even more than that I feel this horrible deep pain in my heart for Him for I am seeing the fruit of his decision-he is struggling deeply with anxiety at this time-and he has no hope in Christ-what an awfully lonely place to be..I have this love inside for him now instead of frustration-this passionate love and I can relate just a bit now to God’s passion for us-his jealous anger coming from an intense love. So God ripped out the anger and filled me with His love. I am pressing into the lover of my soul and leaving my son in His capable hands. This could have gone in a scary direction!! I could have wandered back into the desert and could have grieved God along with my relationship with my son being ruined.
So glad God revealed your approval idol to you so quickly — for you are right — the enemy wanted to use it to destroy!
Tonight at 8 Eastern Time Mary’s church is praying for her surgery tomorrow — let’s join them if possible!
Just curious if any have seen the movie Tender Mercies. I loved it for its realism about the Christian life. Favorite scene is when she prays he will come home after leaving in anger, fearing he is drinking. She prays the psalm and stops just before the verse about tender mercies because she hears him drive up.
I have not seen the movie….and am going to look for it!
I love your descriptions of it AND I always enjoy Tess Harper (I think that’s her name)…..she played Fairlight Spencer in the Christy TV series that I return to watching over and over.
Dee, I have yet to see Tender Mercies but I saw some clips from Youtube. I don’t do netflix so I would need to buy the DVD somewhere soon. Smile. I have not seen a movie for months now (maybe a year?) with my schedule at school but would definitely welcome something like Tender Mercies.
4. B. Which phrases are frightening and which give you hope?
Frightening phrases from Romans 6:1-8: Baptism into death; crucified with him – these are somber phrases. I was just reading this morning about Peter and Jesus’ prediction regarding his death in John 21:9 “but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you do not want to go”. The thought of growing old and needing to depend on others to clothe and care for me is frightening. But tradition, though unreliable and combined with legend, tell us that “stretching out your hands” refers to crucifixion and that Peter was crucified upside down refusing to die the same kind of death as his Lord. None of us want to be physically crucified, but Jesus tells us that in order to follow, we need to spiritually be crucified to our sinful nature in obedience to him.
Hopeful phrases: baptised into Christ; walk in newness of life; united with him in resurrection like his; we will also live with him. Jesus brings us life and resurrection, brand new and never dying again life; better than a new day or a new year or a new baby. Joy!
2. How wise we are when we choose to die to ourselves by faith, when we recognize sin, turn from it, and allow God to fill the place. What fruit followed Rebecca’s choice to die to her nightly ritual and replace it with communion with Christ? Eventually He did come to her and bring the comfort and peace that the pie could never really bring.
3. Where have you died to yourself and seen Christ bring a resurrection? Mainly in the area of relationship idolatry. When I saw that as sin and repented of it, that was the beginning of a long process of truly becoming intimate with Him. I still had a ways to go because even though I got many glimpses of His love for me, it was several more years before I understood on a deeper level the nature of unconditional love, but dying to relationship idolatry definitely propelled me further down the road in that direction.
I’m just catching up on some of the early comments and SO MUCH that everyone has written here is so profound and helpful.
These words from Diane, struck me as such a moving word picture and one that I can visualize and remember.
I wanted to highlight it here or it may not be seen. Diane, your whole post about dying to self really touched me. As did Bing‘s words about ‘IF’ and Lizzy and Mary‘s sharing about fear and trusting that He is enough. These thoughts together, form such a strong bond of edification for me today.
Mary……I have been praying for you often these past few weeks. This week, I am in California visiting family and am praying for you in the quiet of the morning here. Prayers will be arising coast to coast tonight. Sending you my love also.
Thank you so much, sweet Wanda. This afternoon I’ve felt exceptionally bad and I can’t help but to wonder if it is the enemy trying to discourage me from going to church tonight, for the prayer time. I’m having a terrible headache and bad pain in part the area of the cancer (mid back.) I did take pain medicine about 40 mins ago and it’s helping a little. I’m determined to get there! Might call a friend to see if she can pick me up.
I appreciate all of your prayers so much. I am very aware that EVERYONE here his prayer needs and some every bit is dire as my own and I’m so humbled that anyone would be so committed to pray for my issues.
Oh, dear Mary…the evil one seeks to steal, kill and destroy; his ploys are to turn us from the One of steadfast love and mercies never ending, our faithful Lord. So sorry to hear of his assault on you; I am so glad that you persevered. Know that you have a team of prayer warriors in your blog sisters… the Facebook posts are just a small percentage of prayers and they are substantial… you are covered in prayer by many. We love you, Mary, and the Lord loves you beyond comprehension. May today’s procedure be successful, a step toward His miraculous healing. God bless you and keep you…may His face shine upon you and give you peace. ?
Yes Lord…may today’s procedure be successful and a step toward healing. Keep Mary in Your peace today. And I also pray for relief for Mary from the pain she was having last night.
Oh Mary — your needs are so great — please keep sharing here. I’m so glad Lizzy gathered us to pray last night. We are praying today as you get the stent.
3. Where have you died to yourself and seen Christ bring a resurrection? In several areas where I had pre-conceived notions of what ‘should be’ and how I wanted to control the situation. My husband and I have very different personalities and strengths and throughout our marriage, I am the one who wants to move slowly, look closely and weigh the outcomes before I jump into anything. He is one who, when he sees a need, he is ready to act on it more immediately. So, I’ve always felt like a rudder holding him back and yet, he’s not usually one to be held back….and this creates tension. As we’ve aged and grown together, I can see that I have let go time and time again and the results have been hopeful and a blessing. This past fall, he invited a friend of his, who needed temporary housing, to stay with us. I thought for a night or two. It ended up being 7 weeks. That was a stretch for me, but as time went on, I could see the benefits and blessings….for all of us. That’s just a recent example, but for 36 years, there have been so many like it. In my kids’ lives, I would never consider myself a ‘helicopter mom’ who hovers and intrudes into what they are doing. But I would say that I worry too much and think too hard about their decisions and lives. But I am learning to die to this worry and looking at things the way I think they should be and instead I have been resting and praying so much more. I have seen times where I truly have not had a second thought, but to trust God. The picture of ‘resting in the shadow of the Most High’ as that which overshadowed Mary when she wondered how she could be the mother of God’s Son….and yet was completely laid bare and willing (Luke 1) …..has been my comfort and my assurance over and over this winter. I have seen resurrection in my heart and my motives and my capacity for trust, by resting in His shadow. I have a very amazing and exciting example that I am not quite able to share yet, as it is still held in confidence…..but I think in a few months I can share something wonderful that God has wrought. 🙂
On a smaller but regular scale, jumping back into ministry and volunteering in a few capacities (after some years of stepping way back) at our new church has shown me more of His resurrection power. After being a Children’s Director for a decade at a different church, knowing it was time for me to step down as I saw the church go in directions that I did not feel God was leading me, and then making the difficult decision 7 years later, to leave that church (where we had been for 27 years)…I had some desert years, where church was a struggle but through my own quiet times and study, God’s leading felt palpable to me. I could see that I had died to what I felt were the expectations and the ways I wanted to see things change in our old church and after many painful years of crying out to Him, He had led both my husband and I to a place where we have felt so renewed that we both have jumped back in to serving with joy and fervor!
Oh, Wanda. I am so happy to hear how God is working in your life, both toward your husband and children and as you begin to get involved with your new church. Aslan is truly on the move in your life, although you have had so much heart ache over the last few years.
Wanda, I always enjoy your thoughtful perspectives on events and circumstances that happen in your life. You have always amazed me at how you extend yourself to others.
May I share what just happened today that I feel is God working in my heart about dying to self and not bowing to my idol of approval, comfort and control? Without going into a lot of details, my husband was kind of more than grouchy than normal when I came home from school. He kind of was short with me at least that is how I perceived it. You know, I would like to have a hassle-free-coming-home. (Smile here)Well, my natural woman reared its ugly head and I was about ready to give him a piece of my mind. Well, more than a piece. But the Lord put a hand over my mouth. I needed to go somewhere quickly for an appointment so through gritted teeth (I really tried hard not to sound sarcastic), I waved bye and said see you later. On the way to my appointment, God softened my heart and when I came back home, my attitude had changed. I offered to help him with some tasks he was doing. Then, he talked to me about how discouraged he was about his day. Oh, my! And I could have missed bringing healing to my very own husband! I thank the Lord for helping me “die to self” today. I had a long talk with my husband over dinner and I can definitely sense God easing his burden and His warm smile at me. Yes, Lord thank you.
BING! This is keep-able. Golden. Love this. “And I could have missed bringing healing to my very own husband! I thank the Lord for helping me “die to self” today.”
What a gift…?
Bing, thank you for sharing this very practical example with us. Reminded me of the proverb that the tongue holds the power of life and death. You chose to die to self and not respond harshly, and it brought life and healing to your husband.
Oh Bing, thank you for sharing this experience. It touches my heart because my dying to self means to stop being a reactor and be still and wait on God. Desiring peace has been my goal and I don’t want anything to prevent “my goal.” I realize that as you let God lead you to listen there was a resurrection!
Great story, Bing.
Oh Bing, this is huge! Evidence that He who began a good work in you is faithful to bring it to completion! And you cooperated with that work, which makes it go much more smoothly!?
Your true stories are so good, Bing. You share them with HHH…..honesty, heart, and humor. Your words are rich and what a change of attitude and response did for your evening. Oh….how I need to learn and do this.
Love this!
4. Meditate on Romans 6:1-8
A. Read through v. 1-8 and find as many phrases as you can that describe union with Him.
“all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death”
“buried with Him through baptism”
“united with Him like this in His death”
“united with Him in His resurrection”
“our old self was crucified with Him”
“now if we died with Christ….we will also live with Him”
B. Which phrases are frightening and which give you hope?
The frightening phrases or main point of these phrases is this: that death must come before I can experience life. This seems “backwards”, humanly speaking. The fear, anxiety, or worry is, as Laura put it in her post above, is that if I die (to my idols, to my way of doing things), God won’t be enough. To be very honest, this is why I can stubbornly, consciously and willingly cling to my idols, because I am afraid that if I die to them, die to self, I will be left, as Rebecca said, in my pain (with unmet needs). At the root of this is an inaccurate view of God and a matter of unbelief.
C. Baptized means “immersed”. He is not talking about literal baptism here, though baptism, especially immersion, pictures this truth. What promise comes from immersing yourself into His death, according to verse 4?
The promise is that I may live a new life….metaphorically as graphic and powerful as Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. My mind is just “spinning” with all of this. To the world, the person without God, death is THE END. For the believer, it is a passage to something more, and not only into eternity but into something more in this life.
D. What promise is in verse 5? This doesn’t just mean heaven, but an eternal life beginning on earth.
We will be united with Him in His resurrection (if we have been united with Him in His death). There it is again, a conditional promise. Death comes first. Jesus warned us that if we seek to save our own lives, we will only end up losing them in the end.
E. What reasons are given in each of verses 6, 7, and 8 for being united with Christ into His death?
The reasons given in verses 6 and 7 have to do with being free from sin. That “body of sin” must die so that we are no longer slaves to sin. The reason in v. 8 is so that we may live with Him.
5. Meditate on Romans 6:9-14
A. What must we do according to verse 11? Where must you consider yourself dead today?
I must “count (consider) myself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus”. Where must I consider myself dead today (and every day)? Painful to be honest. It is in my marriage, in my relationship with my husband. He is not a believer and sometimes acts in ways that are hurtful to me, though I don’t want to make it sound like I have not retaliated in like manner….if not verbally, I’m very good at the cold-shoulder treatment or passive-aggressive ways, or just being uncooperative. I have justified my rebellious spirit due to his behavior or his not meeting my needs. I have a problem with a comfort idol in which I see my needs as being the most important. Instead of trying to work together with him as a team, I often take the attitude of “you figure it out” but don’t bother me with it.
My husband, since our first child was born, never demanded that I work full-time, and for that, I am grateful. I wanted to be home with my kids to take care of them and enjoy their childhood. I only had to work a few days a month, and my nursing job allowed that. He has wanted me to work more for the past few years as the kids are older now (two are adults and I only have my daughter at home now). Some expenses are looming on the horizon. My current job allows me to work 2 or 3 days a week and a very flexible schedule as we are all “per diem” and make our own schedules, what days we want to work and how many hours, and no weekends or holidays. But, my current job will soon be outsourced so I need to find something else. Actually, I have an interview today for a home care coordinator job. It would be a job share with another nurse, 2 days a week, 8-4:30 and every few weeks a Saturday and on-call on Sunday and one holiday a year. I would still be in the hospital setting. I have been dragging my feet to get a “real position” where I am locked into a set schedule. I know this must sound incredibly selfish to those of you who work full-time. I tell myself that I have so much to do at home and want to also help my parents….I have balked for a long time at my husband’s request. But honestly, my efforts to hold onto my control and comfort are not working. Because I have resisted dying to self, I know I have become more selfish and even a little lazy and worshipping my own comfort.
B. According to verses 12-13 we must stop doing something and start doing something. Explain and then explain how this applies to you.
We must stop letting sin reign (rule, be in charge) in our mortal (earthly) bodies, so that we obey sin’s evil desires. We must stop offering the parts of our bodies to sin, as if our body was an instrument designed to commit acts of wickedness. We must start offering ourselves to God, our bodies to Him to be used as instruments to do good. It boils down to will I lie down on the altar of my own self-worship and use my life to please me above all else, or will I lie down and offer myself on God’s altar and allow Him to do good to others through me?
In my relationship to my husband, I have allowed sin to be in charge a lot of the time in how I relate to, and refuse to submit to, my husband. I have found it to be fairly easy to be self-sacrificing for my children but less so for him. I often feel hopeless that things will ever change in my marriage, but perhaps I am hindering what God could do if I only would “die” and then He could bring new life?
Susan, your honesty is sweet, and I will pray, too, that you will have a position that God designs for you.
Susan — I’m praying for a position for you that will bring you joy and meaning!
Meditate on Romans 6: 9-14
A. What must we do , verse 11? Dying to self- what do I need to consider myself dead to today?
As I reflect on this question it brings to mind my recent battles with self-pity. I am disgusted when I see this in others and now I have succumbed to my feelings. I need to be dead to self-pity because then I am not thinking of all I have to be grateful for.
God gives me strength and help when my body is interfering with my activity. I see others with handicaps enjoying all they can do.
Before I retired I had much satisfaction from my job and now I am learning new ways to serve, but allow my feelings of inadequacy to surface. Yes, dying to self is a daily assignment.
Christ died once to break the power of sin. I will come daily for cleansing and for filling that I might honor him this day. Yes, I am grateful for his mercies.
Ann Voskamp, author of The Broken Way that Dee has quoted these past two weeks, is a guest on Discover the Word this week and next. When discussing dying to self and being alive to God, she says, “Its about keeping close company with Christ.” Such an encouraging complement to Dee’s current study.
Thanks for the heads up about Ann and Discover the Word!