Although written nearly two thousand years ago, how relevant is Jude! False teaching still abounds inside the church. Paige tells how when she was ten, her older brother got her to watch “When A Stranger Calls,” the story of a babysitter who gets repetitive calls from a deep-voiced stranger asking:
“Have you checked the children?”
When the police trace the call they tell her it is coming from
INSIDE THE HOUSE!
How like the true story Alyssa Childers tells of her own pastor inviting her to attend a special class he was teaching for select members of his congregation that would be like getting a seminary degree. It turns out it was to lead them away from orthodox Christianity to progressive Christianity — progressing beyond the blood, beyond the cross. This teaching was coming from inside the church!
Jude uses vivid metaphors to describe these teachers:
What I have seen in many churches is that the lie is hidden amidst truths — making the lies indeed “hidden reefs.” Many churches emphasize the 2nd greatest commandment, to love our neighbor, but loving God is forgotten. Yet unless we know how deeply God loves us (as demonstrated by the blood, the cross…) we do not have the power to love our neighbor. This is “diluted” Christianity that has no power: clouds without water. Her closing example was wonderful — when we understand the depth of God’s love and love Him back — it’s everything and affects every part and every hour of our life. As Lewis said:
Our study on Jude will last through Saturday, March 19th, and then we will return to Sundays, having three weeks to celebrate the holiest time of the Christian calendar.
To prepare your heart for the truths we must cling to, here is Rich Mullens with Creed:
Word document of Jude questions
Thursday: Definition of Who We Are as Believers
Icebreaker: In the opening of Dee’s blog and in Paige’s lecture, she references the movie “When A Stranger Calls.” What point was being made? Why must we be aware of this? Have you ever experienced this threat “inside the church?” Explain.
Listen a little more than fifteen minutes when she tells you to underline “the faith” in verse 3.
Paige’s opening reference to 1 Corinthians 9:5 was fascinating to me, first because I had really never noticed this reference to the Lord’s brothers, and because of a recent discussion I had with a Catholic sister who believes Mary was a perpetual virgin and therefore Jesus did not have brothers, but brothers in Christ. I imagine those who hold to this view still hold to that interpretation with this verse — but take a look at it.
1. What does 1 Corinthians 9:5 say and how do you interpret “the Lord’s brothers” and why?
2. Read Jude 1-2
A. How does Jude describe himself in verse 1? Comments?
B. What do you learn about yourself as a child of God from verse 1?
C. What does Jude pray we will realize according to verse 2?
3. What else stands out to you from this opening?
Friday: Duty and Danger Reported
Listen for about another 15 minutes through the John Piper quote.
4. Read Jude 3-4
A. What kind of letter did Jude want to write, but what did he need to write and why?
B. Find everything you can about people who have and still do secretly slip in among us to advance false teaching.
5. What was her point about underlining “the faith?” What is he talking about?
6. Faith told a story about a disgruntled ex-attender of her church who complained that all the pastor talked about was Jesus. Her point? How often do the pastors and the teachers in your church talk about Jesus and what He has done for us?
7. Paige said we are more likely to get upset when our own reputation is attacked when Jesus or gospel truths are attacked. Thoughts?
8. Comment on the C. S. Lewis quote: “Christianity if true is of utmost importance, if false, of importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
9. What was her point with her story of the scary movie: “When a Stranger Calls?”
10. She quoted John Piper: “Whenever the promised security of God is used to justify going a-wall, we must expect a traitor in the land.” Can you give an example of this and why it would signify a “traitor?”
Saturday: Finishing Danger Reported
Listen for about another ten minutes until she goes through the story of the young woman coming to her and saying “Tell me something true.” She closes with a quote: “Real faith always gives us more reason for obedience, not less.”
11. This section brought so many illustrations to my mind, of those who truly may be Christians but justify sexual immorality (sex outside of marriage or outside of God’s definition of marriage) or spending extravagantly, or being racist by twisting Scripture. Can you think of an example where you were deceived or deceived yourself so you could do what you want? (Paige said this section is more a “life” denial than a “verbal denial.”
12. According to verses 4 and 17, what are some of the characteristics of false teaching? (This reminded me of Paige’s lecture in James on selective obedience.)
13. She had our culture is different, but our faith is not. Standards have changed for modesty, humor, lust…She said the great danger is not walking away but changing the truth, reading and talking to people so you can justify doing what you want. Where are you or your children particularly challenged by this culture? Give an example and then put it up to the plumbline of Scripture. How should this help you decide what God would have you do? Be specific and personal.
14. What was her point with the young girl who came and said “I’m done — tell me something true.”
God Hunt Sunday
15. How have you experienced, as Brennan Manning puts it, “the risenness of Christ” in your life this week?
Monday: Destruction Recounted & Diagnosis Revealed
Listen up to “Thirdly you’ve got the diagnosis – it all sounds sort of crazy and Old Testament to us.”
16. Read Jude 5-18
A. Jude gives 6 scriptural examples of people who were not living according to the truth they had been given and experienced judgment. (Verses 5-7 and 11) List them. (For those on my blog – -we will go more deeply into this later in the week.)
B. Then Jude gives two apocryphal examples in verses 8-10 and 14-15. What are they? How did Paige explain “apocryphal?”
Both the Jewish Torah and the Catholic Bible have a separate section called the “apocrypha” which, in biblical literature, refers to works outside an accepted canon of Scripture, or books that were known from the beginning as sacred. The history of the term’s usage indicates that it referred to a body of esoteric writings that were at first prized, later tolerated, and finally excluded.
C. What metaphors are given in verses 12-13 to describe false teaching? Take one and meditate on it and share what you see.
D. What are we to remember from the apostles’ teaching? (17-18)
17. What stood out to you from Paige’s teaching on this section?
Tuesday: Discipline: But You!
Listen to the end, but I’ll divide the questions into two days.
18. How would you answer Paige’s question: “What are you doing in your life with the Lord right now that you were not doing two years ago?
19. Read Jude 19-22 and list the things we are to do to persevere.
20. Are you “residing in His love?” Give a specific example if you are.
21. She quotes Piper who says we talk about a prayer life but what about a life prayer? What is the most important thing we can ask for ourselves? Is this your most frequent prayer?
22. What stood out to you from her section on how we are to respond with mercy?
Wednesday: Doxology
23. Meditate on what many consider to be the most beautiful doxology in Scripture. What do you see?
24. What was her closing example? Point?
25. What is your take-a-way and why?
Thursday through Saturday (Optional — but hope the bloggers will continue!)
26. Look again at Jude 5-7 and comment on how their disobedience led to judgment.
A. Israelites delivered from Egypt (Numbers 14:26-35)
B. Rebellious angels (Luke 10:18 and 2 Peter 2:4)
C. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:23-26)
27. Look again at Jude 11
A. What is the way of Cain? (Genesis 4) How was he judged?
B. What was Balaam’s error? (Numbers 22 and Revelation 21:8)
C. What was Korah’s rebellion? (Numbers 16:1-40)
28. Where do you tend to take God lightly and rebel? How could you pray for your heart here? Could this be a life prayer?
109 comments
Icebreaker: In the opening of Dee’s blog and in Paige’s lecture, she references the movie “When A Stranger Calls.” What point was being made? Why must we be aware of this? Have you ever experienced this threat “inside the church?” Explain.
We may be in the midst of someone who is not being truthful and we may be hurt because of that.
I am not sure if I have. I have heard of pastors who were not running the church well; a church that actually shut the doors a couple of weeks ago because the pastor thought it was all about him instead of Him. I have been asked to support the decision to begin to marry gays in the church we used to attend. Since I don’t think that is biblical I had to question the church’s doctrine. We left. Our church has a mission statement of “Loving people one step closer to Jesus,” so I don’t think we have a problem, that I know of anyway.
Icebreaker: In the opening of Dee’s blog and in Paige’s lecture, she references the movie “When A Stranger Calls.” What point was being made? Why must we be aware of this? Have you ever experienced this threat “inside the church?” Explain. The point is sometimes the most dangerous threat to us is coming from within our closest circle. I have not experienced this.
Listen a little more than fifteen minutes when she tells you to underline “the faith” in verse 3.
Paige’s opening reference to 1 Corinthians 9:5 was fascinating to me, first because I had really never noticed this reference to the Lord’s brothers, and because of a recent discussion I had with a Catholic sister who believes Mary was a perpetual virgin and therefore Jesus did not have brothers, but brothers in Christ. I imagine those who hold to this view still hold to that interpretation with this verse — but take a look at it.
1. What does 1 Corinthians 9:5 say and how do you interpret “the Lord’s brothers” and why? It asks a question about taking along a wife. It refers to the apostles and the brothers of Christ separately so to me that would mean that they were actually Jesus’ physical brothers otherwise there would be no need to differentiate.
2. Read Jude 1-2
A. How does Jude describe himself in verse 1? Comments? As a servant of Jesus and a brother of James. I think he is diminishing his role and not feeling worthy of calling himself Jesus’ brotheer.
B. What do you learn about yourself as a child of God from verse 1? That we are all His children and there is no rank among us.
C. What does Jude pray we will realize according to verse 2? For mercy, peace and love.
Good observation about not needing to discriminate in that sentence if they were not his actual brothers.
1. What does 1 Corinthians 9:5 say and how do you interpret “the Lord’s brothers” and why?
Paul asks why he and Barnabas wouldn’t have the right to take a wife, apostle, brother of Jesus, or Peter into his house as others do.
I think it is definitely taking about the Lord’s brothers, otherwise if he was talking about general “brothers,” why would he list the others separately? He could have said, “…a believing wife and brothers…”
I recently had this very conversation with a good friend who is Catholic. It is interesting, what they propose about Mary being a perpetual virgin. I can’t believe that her husband wouldn’t ever have sex with her (?). Birth control was not available either. Just sayin 🤷🏻♀️
2. Read Jude 1-2
A. How does Jude describe himself in verse 1? Comments?
A slave of Jesus and a brother of James. He doesn’t say he is a brother of Jesus.
B. What do you learn about yourself as a child of God from verse 1?
I am loved and in the care of Jesus.
C. What does Jude pray we will realize according to verse 2?
That God gives us more mercy, peace, and love.
🙂 Made me smile again. Just saying.
Icebreaker: In the opening of Dee’s blog and in Paige’s lecture, she references the movie “When A Stranger Calls.” What point was being made? Why must we be aware of this? Have you ever experienced this threat “inside the church?” Explain.
“When a Stranger Calls” is a good metaphor, because sometimes false teaching is crafted so carefully and deceptive, and because we assume it couldn’t happen inside our church because we know all the teachers are solid. We think we can trust a teacher and this “new” insight is because they dug deeper and God showed them another layer, which is true depending on what they are teaching. However, most often false teaching is blatantly obvious, but other times it sneaks up on us like a slithery snake and bites us, oh the pain, the confusion and division.
This happened in my church in the 90’s when dear friends of ours who’s husband was a gifted teacher discovered a different form of Greek than the conventional Greek, and started studying it, and eventually believing it and so began teaching that we could lose our salvation based on losing our “inheritance” in Hebrews. So it slowly became Jesus + works = salvation. This was only being taught in his Sunday school class. I happened to be in that class and started questioning what he was teaching. A friend of mine who was a new believer was becoming confused, so I told her she must go to a different class and I literally took her out of that class and into another one when he went down that road. The teacher wasn’t happy with me and asked why I did that. All I could think to say was, it’s too much for a new believer. He responded with accusations of who am I to remove her from class and to make that decision. He told me that I was hindering her growth. When the church board discovered what he was teaching, they confronted in love but he refused to stop teaching this new way, so they had to remove them from our church. It was so sad because I loved them dearly and still do today, but i don’t engage in scripture with them anymore like we used to.
What a blessing you were to your friend, Rebecca. The enemy is so slick and slithery. Praise God that this teacher was removed from that position.
I agree with Patti, Rebecca. Never heard that story from you before.
Listen a little more than fifteen minutes when she tells you to underline “the faith” in verse 3.
The faith-the truth that is believed, or the truth that is in Jesus, not the fact that I believe it. The objective historical truth. (definite article).
Any and all Christians, what do you believe? That’s what is meant by The Faith. What God has done with nothing to be added and what God has done with nothing else needed, therefore what does it say in the words? It was delivered once for all. It is final. Jesus paid it all. It was delivered to me that Jesus Christ was crucified according to the scriptures, etc. This is closed in authorship.
1. What does 1 Corinthians 9:5 say and how do you interpret “the Lord’s brothers” and why?
I think it’s in regard to his real brother’s. Paul mentions the apostles, and the brothers of Jesus so it’s not talking about Jesus’ spiritual “brothers” but his half brothers. James, Joses, Jude, and Simon.
2. Read Jude 1-2
A. How does Jude describe himself in verse 1? Comments?
A servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James.
He was Jesus brother but doesn’t refer to himself as that because He is a believer now. He distinguishes his earthly brotherhood to James from his servanthood to Jesus. Maybe growing up he referred to Jesus as his brother but after He believed that changed.
B. What do you learn about yourself as a child of God from verse 1?
I am called by the Holy Spirit, Loved by God, and kept by Jesus. This is crucial to hold firm to for this is my identity. These are words of ultimate value and cost
C. What does Jude pray we will realize according to verse 2?
That this is who we are, not what we are to do or believe, but who we are as Christians. All the verbs are in passive voice, passive verse. We don’t do the causing, loving or keeping or multiplying. It’s all about the action of God in his trinitarian wholeness.
3. What else stands out to you from this opening?
That faith is delivered to all saints.
Icebreaker: In the opening of Dee’s blog and in Paige’s lecture, she references the movie “When A Stranger Calls.” What point was being made? Why must we be aware of this? Have you ever experienced this threat “inside the church?” Explain. That the danger isn’t always coming from an outside attack but can already be sneakily there maybe even the people sitting near you in church. Yes I attended a conservative church that started changing and growing rapidly, many of us immature believers. So much good went on but also things that were not good. Pastor under a lot of pressure eventually the church hierarchy sent a new pastor to shut down the spiritual growth and pains that was growing on. Unfortunately the church has shrunk from about 700 people to less than 100.
Listen a little more than fifteen minutes when she tells you to underline “the faith” in verse 3.
Paige’s opening reference to 1 Corinthians 9:5 was fascinating to me, first because I had really never noticed this reference to the Lord’s brothers, and because of a recent discussion I had with a Catholic sister who believes Mary was a perpetual virgin and therefore Jesus did not have brothers, but brothers in Christ. I imagine those who hold to this view still hold to that interpretation with this verse — but take a look at it.
1. What does 1 Corinthians 9:5 say and how do you interpret “the Lord’s brothers” and why? Because it separates the other apostles, the Lord’s brothers and Cephas I take it to mean, there is a blood relationship.
2. Read Jude 1-2
A. How does Jude describe himself in verse 1? Comments? A servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James
B. What do you learn about yourself as a child of God from verse 1? I am called, loved by God and kept for Jesus Christ.
C. What does Jude pray we will realize according to verse 2? Enjoy good health and all goes well and soul is getting along well.
3. What else stands out to you from this opening? This isn’t exact but she reminded us that we fight what is false but not people
Such a sad story, Judy!
Icebreaker: In the opening of Dee’s blog and in Paige’s lecture, she references the movie “When A Stranger Calls.” What point was being made? Why must we be aware of this? Have you ever experienced this threat “inside the church?” Explain.
This is the thing, as Rebecca mentioned, that can be hiding in plain sight. It is truly frightening that it can slowly seep into the church in such subtle ways. I mentioned this before ~ I know of a person, who uses the term “the great I am” on his blog, marketing his “marketing” lectures and business…and making a lot of money doing that. Christ is never mentioned and yet there are some scriptures, with no Biblical reference (as if he wrote them). I find this so filled with the work of the enemy. This man is the son of a retired pastor. It terrifies me. We also had an acquaintance in our church, many years ago, who told us he was writing a new version of the Bible ~ that the Lord told him to do this. He said he was just the messenger. Thankfully, he was not part of the church leadership or a member of the church, just an attender. He ended up losing relationships with godly friends and pastors and destroying his marriage. These experiences have taught us to be very discerning. It makes me sick to even think about these things. I do appreciate Alisa Childers book!
Wow — I wouldn’t want to be him, Patti.
Patti, seems like he has no regard for God. You are right, it’s easy for most to stay away from obvious ones outside the church, but when it derives from inside the church it can seem ‘right’ based on this person’s ‘knowledge’ or on how much respect this person has gained over the years. The most painful one for me was Ravi Z. someone who I listened to for 30 years, who wasn’t a false teacher but someone who taught well and had amazing, but all not true, personal stories. The only thing I can think of is that, since I don’t know hearts, it could’ve been all head knowledge that hadn’t gone to the heart. Not sure, but that did rock my world and many others as well. I think of those he led to Christ and discipled how that must’ve really been painful and discouraged them in the faith.
Amen, Rebecca and Dee. It makes my heart ache.
4. Read Jude 3-4
A. What kind of letter did Jude want to write, but what did he need to write and why? A letter of praise to God because they all would understand, but instead it had to be a warning because of what was going on in the church
B. Find everything you can about people who have and still do secretly slip in among us to advance false teaching. They are sneaky, pervert God s grace as an excuse for immorality and they deny Christ s sovereignty and Lordship.
5. What was her point about underlining “the faith?” What is he talking about? It is not an individual s journey towards faith. It is the eternal truth of God, the essential historical truth of God that I must believe. The truth that is in Jesus.
6. Faith told a story about a disgruntled ex-attender of her church who complained that all the pastor talked about was Jesus. Her point? How often do the pastors and the teachers in your church talk about Jesus and what He has done for us? The person wasn’t seeking Jesus or truth and was missing the point and the gospel. Every week.
7. Paige said we are more likely to get upset when our own reputation is attacked when Jesus or gospel truths are attacked. Thoughts? If it’s an attack against us or our family we take it personally and it hurts or brings anger. When our church is under attack we should take it personally, but we wait for elders and leaders to step in because we don’t think it’s our place.
8. Comment on the C. S. Lewis quote: “Christianity if true is of utmost importance, if false, of importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.” Jesus is the way the truth and the life and the only way to eternal life instead of hell. As truth it determines our ultimate future so it is of utmost importance for the salvation of everyone
9. What was her point with her story of the scary movie: “When a Stranger Calls?” That it is insiders who can dilute the gospel and cause others to stray. They can be saying things that our sinful self wants to believe but are not speaking complete truth. The best lies can be closest to the truth.
10. She quoted John Piper: “Whenever the promised security of God is used to justify going a-wall, we must expect a traitor in the land.” Can you give an example of this and why it would signify a “traitor?” No, I’ve thought of a few cult leaders and a few Christian leaders but don’t know it was because of promised security
From Judy:
esus is the way the truth and the life and the only way to eternal life instead of hell. As truth it determines our ultimate future so it is of utmost importance for the salvation of everyone
Amen! Amen!
Thursday: Definition of Who We Are as Believers
Icebreaker: In the opening of Dee’s blog and in Paige’s lecture, she references the movie “When A Stranger Calls.” What point was being made? Why must we be aware of this? Have you ever experienced this threat “inside the church?” Explain.
I actually smiled when I heard her opening because I realize I have one other thing in common with Paige-I am scared of horror movies! Kidding aside, it is a sobering thought to remember that falsehood does come from inside the church. And it does not often come in frontal attacks but is insidious.
Listen a little more than fifteen minutes when she tells you to underline “the faith” in verse 3.
Paige’s opening reference to 1 Corinthians 9:5 was fascinating to me, first because I had really never noticed this reference to the Lord’s brothers, and because of a recent discussion I had with a Catholic sister who believes Mary was a perpetual virgin and therefore Jesus did not have brothers, but brothers in Christ. I imagine those who hold to this view still hold to that interpretation with this verse — but take a look at it.
1. What does 1 Corinthians 9:5 say and how do you interpret “the Lord’s brothers” and why?
I guess I have not seen this passage in reference to proving that Jesus has brothers. It looks obvious to me that Paul is talking about Jesus because He is His Lord and that the ones Paul mentioned like Cephas are humans just as Jesus was and his brothers. As Laura said, there shouldn’t be any differentiation if it was meant to be a metaphorical word (spiritual brothers) he used.
2. Read Jude 1-2
A. How does Jude describe himself in verse 1? Comments?
A servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. Jude did not believe in Jesus until after the resurrection. He is not mentioning himself as Jesus’ brother as perhaps, he sees himself foremost as a servant of Jesus Christ who just happened to be a half-brother to Jesus.
I think the highest “compliment” that one could receive is not what one has done with her/his life but that he/she lived as a servant of Jesus Christ. He deserves all the glory!
B. What do you learn about yourself as a child of God from verse 1?
I have been called, loved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:
C. What does Jude pray we will realize according to verse 2?
We have mercy, peace, and love in abundance. My verse for today was john 1: 16
Out of His fullness, we all have received grace in place of grace already given.
3. What else stands out to you from this opening?
And thank you, Dee, for sharing Rich Mullins, “Creed”; I have not heard of it before. Rich (pardon the pun) text of the gospel!
Love that you loved Creed!
Listen for about another 15 minutes through the John Piper quote.
4. Read Jude 3-4
A. What kind of letter did Jude want to write, but what did he need to write and why? A letter of encouragement to the body via praise to God – to build up, and in a sense this does but had to write a warning not to follow false teachers because of what was going on in the church.
B. Find everything you can about people who have and still do secretly slip in among us to advance false teaching. I looked up verses and found a list on a Bible Study Tools website. there’s a ton in scripture warning us to this. Just to name a few: Jeremiah 14:14, Ez 13:9, Jeremiah 23:16, Mathew 24:24 (this verse states they can fool even the elect). Mathew 16:11-12, 2 Tim 4:3-4, Acts 20: 28-30, etc. (these verses reminds me of Joel Olsteen as a good example of what’s going on in our generation and how even the elect are being deceived). Mathew 16:11-12 refers to the pharisees as being misleading. I think in our time it could be those who are legalistic among us, among other things like false prophets. I had a friend at work tell me they went to California to visit a prophet they’ve been following. I can’t remember everything she told me, but it raised a huge red flag.
5. What was her point about underlining “the faith?” What is he talking about? “The faith” is the truth that is believed, or the truth that is in Jesus, not the fact that I believe it. The objective historical truth. (definite article).
6. Faith told a story about a disgruntled ex-attender of her church who complained that all the pastor talked about was Jesus. Her point? That was actually a huge compliment for that is what he is supposed to be doing. I think it also reveals the deeper wells in his heart-that he truly loves Christ and the body of Christ, and his affections aren’t disordered. I wonder if pastors struggle with that. That’s why we should always be praying for our pastors!
How often do the pastors and the teachers in your church talk about Jesus and what He has done for us? Often, and we are going through the Psalms now, and God is using it in our church to help us see what intimacy with God looks like. His love and faithfulness to and for us, and how He so desires we lament and press into Him.
7. Paige said we are more likely to get upset when our own reputation is attacked when Jesus or gospel truths are attacked. Thoughts? YES. That is so true, and is true of me!! 🙁
8. Comment on the C. S. Lewis quote: “Christianity if true is of utmost importance, if false, of importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.” This reminds me of Rev 3:15. This is important for us to remind ourselves when we think that a person liking us or approving of us is more important. When I think that way, if the Holy Spirit is prompting me to ask a Gospel question, I let what that person might think of me become more important and sometimes I can easily justify it as, “it’s not God’s timing for me to say anything yet.” Sometimes that can be right, but then other times I wonder how many opportunities God’s put around me that I’ve missed.
9. What was her point with her story of the scary movie: “When a Stranger Calls?” Don’t assume we are “safe” in our local church. Be discerning. The more time we swim in the scriptures, the more discerning we’ll be, for we will be more attune to the red flags the Holy Spirit gives us, and yet as Judy answered this question: The best lies can be closest to the truth.
10. She quoted John Piper: “Whenever the promised security of God is used to justify going a-wall, we must expect a traitor in the land.” Can you give an example of this and why it would signify a “traitor?” Maybe the word faith teachers? If God doesn’t give you something you asked Him for like material wealth or health, then you don’t have enough faith. Using godliness to attain wealth to feed a greedy heart. Could be the instances in other churches where there is spiritual abuse of women. I’ve heard of a few recently regarding women and I can’t listen to this teacher on the radio any more. I don’t think he’s a traitor though so this might not relate to the question. I found a website with good info on how to spot them. https://www.crossway.org/articles/8-ways-to-spot-false-teachers/
So many good answers, Rebecca! Always a star student! Remind me of the date you are speaking at your church so we can be praying.
Amen to Dee. Thank you for all of these thoughtful and well researched answers, Rebecca! I saved the Bible references and the crossway article. So good. Yes, please post the date you are speaking. I will be praying.
1. What does 1 Corinthians 9:5 say and how do you interpret “the Lord’s brothers” and why?
I had not ever noticed this before. Wow moment. It makes good sense, as Dawn mentioned, that otherwise there would be no reason to differentiate.
2. Read Jude 1-2
A. How does Jude describe himself in verse 1? Comments?
Jude describes himself as a bond-servant to Jesus Christ, and a brother to James. He is first a believer in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and he is an earthly brother to James. Both are brothers of Jesus, yet Jude makes it clear that the true Father of Jesus is God the Father. This seems to clarify Jude’s belief in Who Jesus truly is.
B. What do you learn about yourself as a child of God from verse 1?
I am called and beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.
C. What does Jude pray we will realize according to verse 2?
That mercy, peace and love will be multiplied to us. Love this footnote in my Bible: Peace~ the profound well-being of soul that flows from the experience of God’s grace.
3. What else stands out to you from this opening?
Paige states that this letter is about the life of faith in the face of the false and the identity of those who are called. This is a timeless message and applies as much today. The Spirit who calls; The Father who loves; It’s Jesus who keeps. Something they and we must not forget. The words are of ultimate value and ultimate cost. Starting point: always remember who you are and how you are loved.
Listen for about another 15 minutes through the John Piper quote.
4. Read Jude 3-4
A. What kind of letter did Jude want to write, but what did he need to write and why? He wanted to write a letter of encouragement and community in the faith, instead he had to write a letter of warning about letting in people who are false teachers.
B. Find everything you can about people who have and still do secretly slip in among us to advance false teaching. Those who dilute the truth to make everyone feel welcomed and never address their sin or Jesus’ claim to be the ONLY way to salvation.
5. What was her point about underlining “the faith?” It is the essential, historical, truths that must be believed in order to be a true follower of Christ. What is he talking about? There is a difference between your faith which is the fact that you believe it, and “the” faith which is the unchanging, non-negotiable beliefs that all Christians must have.
6. Faith told a story about a disgruntled ex-attender of her church who complained that all the pastor talked about was Jesus. Her point? That you are on the right path if the people who don’t want to hear about Jesus don’t want to hear from you. How often do the pastors and the teachers in your church talk about Jesus and what He has done for us? It is very frequent in my church.
7. Paige said we are more likely to get upset when our own reputation is attacked than when Jesus or gospel truths are attacked. Thoughts? Sadly this is true for me. When people speak negatively about Jesus or Christianity I may feel the need to defend it, but I am more apt to chalk it up to John 1;10-11 “He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.” But when I am personally attacked or confronted I feel the need to explain myself and go out of my way to make sure that the person understands where I am coming from and doesn’t think badly of me.
9. What was her point with her story of the scary movie: “When a Stranger Calls?” That the most damaging problems come from within our safety net.
10. She quoted John Piper: “Whenever the promised security of God is used to justify going AWOL, we must expect a traitor in the land.” Can you give an example of this and why it would signify a “traitor?Whether it is an unmarried couple living together, a gay couple, a person who is getting government benefits that they don’t deserve, or a person who drinks too much, when they downplay it under the guise of God’s grace covers their sins and therefore it doesn’t matter that shows a “traitor” because they aren’t having a heart change to do what God requires they are continuing in their sin contrary to Romans 6 1-2.
Good examples from Dawn:
B. Find everything you can about people who have and still do secretly slip in among us to advance false teaching. Those who dilute the truth to make everyone feel welcomed and never address their sin or Jesus’ claim to be the ONLY way to salvation.
Hello my Sisters! I miss you all! I am having major issues with my vision, the Opthalmologist ordered me to stop straining my eyes with “screen time”…so have not been participating in the Blog. I have been watching Paige on YouTube on my big screen TV. God bless you all, I am praying for you! ❤️🙏❤️
Hi dear Lydia! I miss you! I will be praying for your eyes to be better! Computer screens can definitely do that. So good that you are able to watch Paige on the big screen. May God bless you and keep you!
Thank-you Patti!🙏❤️🙏
I miss your comments, Lydia. I pray for healing of your eyes.
Thank-you Dawn! 🙏❤️🙏
Oh Lydia — so sorry. Father, please have mercy on Lydia and bring healing to her eyes.
Thank-you Dee!🙏❤️🙏
Lydia, praying for your eyes to heal. I miss you, too!
So sorry to hear about your eye trouble, Lydia! Of course, you can even close your eyes and just listen to Paige! I will pray for healing for your eyesight!
Friday: Duty and Danger Reported
Listen for about another 15 minutes through the John Piper quote.
Was this from John Piper? The gospel is what God has said with nothing to be added; what He has done, with nothing else needed.
4. Read Jude 3-4
A. What kind of letter did Jude want to write, but what did he need to write and why?
He wanted to write about the salvation he shared with his readers but was compelled to write and encouraged them to contend for the faith. He has heard about ungodly people from among them insidiously teaching the false.
B. Find everything you can about people who have and still do secretly slip in among us to advance false teaching.
They are perverting God’s grace, giving license to immorality, and denying the lordship of Jesus Christ.
What was her point about underlining “the faith?” What is he talking about?
“The faith” refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, historical truth only found in Him.
6. Faith told a story about a disgruntled ex-attender of her church who complained that all the pastor talked about was Jesus. Her point? How often do the pastors and the teachers in your church talk about Jesus and what He has done for us?
That ex-attender is looking for what he/she wants to hear not the truth. Thankfully, our pastor does talk about Jesus. And I can think of so many other pastors who do the same.
7. Paige said we are more likely to get upset when our own reputation is attacked when Jesus or gospel truths are attacked. Thoughts?
Ouch! I realized that is true of me never really thinking about my own responses when Jesus or gospel truths are being attacked. I tend to be quiet because of fear. Jesus, let me stand up for you. Help me to speak of you.
8. Comment on the C. S. Lewis quote: “Christianity if true is of utmost importance, if false, of importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
We cannot straddle the fence when it comes to the gospel. Either I am fully in or out. There cannot be half-committed Christians. Jesus paid the costly price for me with His life-that is the gospel.
9. What was her point with her story of the scary movie: “When a Stranger Calls?”
We must be discerning of the false inside the church. They are not strangers-they are in our midst though not of us. They are from a different family.
10. She quoted John Piper: “Whenever the promised security of God is used to justify going a-wall, we must expect a traitor in the land.” Can you give an example of this and why it would signify a “traitor?”
We are under the banner of Christ. When somebody points us to somebody to follow other than Christ, that person is a traitor. A Judas. Like the pastor that Alysa Childers was talking about. When somebody dilutes the gospel or sows doubt in our minds. “Did God really says that?” Paige also said that those ungodly people will show evidence in their lives. “It will show up.” Their actions do not reflect their words.
One such thing in a former church was people acting like they were supporting my husband in the music ministry and then turning around and voting down what he proposed to do. That really hurt me as well as our daughter. God has been giving me grace upon grace whenever negative thoughts come up. The cross always reminds me of how much I have been forgiven and therefore can extend the same in my heart to those who have hurt us as a family. It helps me to be wiser in my relationships, to claim the discernment that God gives to me as His child, and not be naïve and fall prey to the enemy.
Bing, I hate that your family was hurt by your church. It stings so bad, but the Cross. You are such a light!!
How saddened I am at what happened with the music ministry. I applaud you for your godly response.
I am so sorry for the hurt your family experienced in the church, Bing. My heart aches when people are double minded and trust is lost. Our words are so important. You are a woman of great grace.
Rebecca, Dee, and Patti-it was a tough time for us. Lots of soul-searching and a daily ache for me to see my husband feeling downtrodden. It took time to find our way to another church. I have learned to see the real enemy in that situation. And since EMPTY is my word of the year, every time a painful memory comes, I empty myself into the arms of Jesus for peace and grace.
♥️
11. This section brought so many illustrations to my mind, of those who truly may be Christians but justify sexual immorality (sex outside of marriage or outside of God’s definition of marriage) or spending extravagantly, or being racist by twisting Scripture. Can you think of an example where you were deceived or deceived yourself so you could do what you want? (Paige said this section is more a “life” denial than a “verbal denial.” Recently I was speeding because this huge black truck was on my back bumper. It makes me nervous and I needed to get home to help hubby. I could have respected the speed limit rather than excuse my speeding. I also have to be careful in praying with other women about concern for someone outside the group, to not disclose anything I know.
12. According to verses 4 and 17, what are some of the characteristics of false teaching? (This reminded me of Paige’s lecture in James on selective obedience.) deny Christ as Savior, use the grace of God for license for immorality, reject authority, speak abusively against what they don’t understand, shepherds who feed only themselves
13. She had our culture is different, but our faith is not. Standards have changed for modesty, humor, lust…She said the great danger is not walking away but changing the truth, reading and talking to people so you can justify doing what you want. Where are you or your children particularly challenged by this culture? Give an example and then put it up to the plumbline of Scripture. How should this help you decide what God would have you do? Be specific and personal. Abortion and gender identity. Genesis 5:2 He created them male and female and blessed them. ( and yet I know a couple whose child was born a girl, but they discovered not that simple. Baby was taken to a larger hospital and through testing they said child had gone off track and at conception was a male. This lead the parents to allow surgeries to complete process for child to be male. Mention this because we want to love people where they are at. I don’t know what some of these young people have gone through and the type of parental support they have had.). Jer 7:31……to burn their sons and daughter in the fire, something I didn’t command or come to my mind
14. What was her point with the young girl who came and said “I’m done — tell me something true.” Young woman was looking for truth and validation outside of Jesus only. She wanted Jesus and ……. Paige point Jesus gave His life for her and what He will ask of you will be good.
Good point about being careful when we pray not to disclose confidences.
Amen. Be trustworthy with confidences. Love this. Only Jesus needs to know.
4. Read Jude 3-4
What kind of letter did Jude want to write, but what did he need to write and why?
He wanted to write about our glorious salvation (celebratory), but ended up writing about defending THE faith. There are those around us who profess a false faith and we must recognize them.
B. Find everything you can about people who have and still do secretly slip in among us to advance false teaching.
These people defend their bad actions by saying that God’s grace covers us.
When the pastor is bigger than God in the church, you have a problem.
5. What was her point about underlining “the faith?” What is he talking about?
It’s not about my faith or your faith, rather the actual faith. The faith is priceless and we must defend it. It is worth fighting for. It is about God‘s reputation. If someone says something about the faith that is incorrect, we must rise up. It is the objective, historical truths.
6. Faith told a story about a disgruntled ex-attender of her church who complained that all the pastor talked about was Jesus. Her point? How often do the pastors and the teachers in your church talk about Jesus and what He has done for us?
This story reminded me of a time when we first came to our church! I thought the same thing but in a different way and tone. I thought, “wow! These people talk about Jesus a lot. That’s awesome 😉.” I was raised in a church that was very predictable and though we read the. Bible, I don’t remember discussions about Jesus. I love our church ♥️.
7. Paige said we are more likely to get upset when our own reputation is attacked when Jesus or gospel truths are attacked. Thoughts?
We feel personally criticized. I try not to let it get to me anymore. Only God’s opinion matters. I do feel hurt when people (mostly) unintentionally critique Christians, especially when they really don’t understand Christianity. They think it’s a bunch of rules and they could never live up to them. They don’t understand that Christianity equals relationship.
Love this from Laura:
This story reminded me of a time when we first came to our church! I thought the same thing but in a different way and tone. I thought, “wow! These people talk about Jesus a lot. That’s awesome 😉.” I was raised in a church that was very predictable and though we read the. Bible, I don’t remember discussions about Jesus. I love our church ♥️.
And Laura — how do you do emoji’s on this blog? I can only do 🙂
Hahaha….I usually use my phone to complete the questions. I am able to insert emojis that way. I can’t do it on my computer.
Listen for about another ten minutes until she goes through the story of the young woman coming to her and saying “Tell me something true.” She closes with a quote: “Real faith always gives us more reason for obedience, not less.”
11. This section brought so many illustrations to my mind, of those who truly may be Christians but justify sexual immorality (sex outside of marriage or outside of God’s definition of marriage) or spending extravagantly, or being racist by twisting Scripture. Can you think of an example where you were deceived or deceived yourself so you could do what you want? (Paige said this section is more a “life” denial than a “verbal denial.”) Mine is in regard to giving monetarily. I wasn’t trusting God with our finances, and so I would use the fact that no where in the new testament does it say we give a certain portion of our income which is true. Also, God says, each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. So I used that and other rationalizations to not give at all because i didn’t know if I was giving reluctantly or under compulsion, so I thought it was better not to give. Thankfully, God helped me change in that over time.
12. According to verses 4 and 17, what are some of the characteristics of false teaching? (This reminded me of Paige’s lecture in James on selective obedience.)
A false teacher perverts the grace of our God into sensuality, (free to do whatever they want because God’s grace abounds). This made me think of Romans 6:1. when Paul said, what shall we do sin more because Grace abounds? False teachers deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ; There will be scoffers who cause divisions, worldly minded, devoid of the spirit following their ungodly passions.
13. She had our culture is different, but our faith is not. Standards have changed for modesty, humor, lust…She said the great danger is not walking away but changing the truth, reading and talking to people so you can justify doing what you want. Where are you or your children particularly challenged by this culture? Give an example and then put it up to the plumbline of Scripture. How should this help you decide what God would have you do? Be specific and personal. The easy example is watching a series everyone else is watching on Netflix, but it has “soft porn” (porn is porn), and other things in it that could ignite our flesh, but we justify watching it because we can skip the porn stuff, and we know it’s just acting and we won’t be influenced. God tells us in scripture to guard our hearts via what we see and hear.
14. What was her point with the young girl who came and said “I’m done — tell me something true.”
If one is truly a saint: When it’s all about her and how she can place God into what she wants instead of the opposite, then she will grow weary.
Rebecca, I had a moment in church today. After the ushers take up the collection, they take the two bowls to the front of the church and give them to the priest, who then turns around and holds them up facing the altar. (Episcopal church) Then we sing, “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” And I thought wow, even if I emptied my entire bank account and gave it, that wouldn’t be enough. I can never repay God. I can never feel any self-satisfaction at the size of my monetary gift, or, on the other hand, should I feel ashamed because it’s not big enough. I also thought about how everything I have really is His.
Love how your church brings such meaning to what often can become ordinary.
4. Read Jude 3-4
A. What kind of letter did Jude want to write, but what did he need to write and why?
Jude wanted to write a letter of encouragement in their salvation, a letter of God’s grace. However, due to some within the church, diluted the faith, he is writing to encourage them to defend the faith. It is about God’s reputation.
B. Find everything you can about people who have and still do secretly slip in among us to advance false teaching.
Rebecca’s answer is so excellent and the Crossway link is a great source. I do feel that false teachers spends more time elevating themselves and their own agenda than on God’s Word. True Bible teaching needs to focus on God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the words of truth. Their lives must be lived out in “Christ-likeness”. Living out a life truly centered on Jesus is so important. The doing must follow the saying. I love the church where “All he did was talk about Jesus.”
5. What was her point about underlining “the faith?” What is he talking about?
The Faith is the essential objective historical truth according to the scripture that must be believed. It is definite; It is Singular; The Truth that is in Jesus, the second person of the Trinity.
6. Paige told a story about a disgruntled ex-attender of her church who complained that all the pastor talked about was Jesus. Her point? How often do the pastors and the teachers in your church talk about Jesus and what He has done for us?
I think that church attender may have wanted to be entertained and not challenged by the Truth of Jesus. Thankfully, our pastor talks about Jesus a lot and he lives his talk. I am so thankful for a Bible centered church and pastor. Matthew 6:21 “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It always goes back to the heart.
7. Paige said we are more likely to get upset when our own reputation is attacked when Jesus or gospel truths are attacked. Thoughts?
Yes, sadly I can be totally crushed when my reputation is attacked. 🙁 Yet, I get angry when people attack or use Jesus or twist His words. The gospel can be attacked in such subtle deceptive ways. Appealing to our egos and our desires, our sinfulness ~ the prosperity gospel~ This is one reason to “look down” and read the scripture. I am seeing why she says this more and more as Paige teaches! So thankful for her teaching. It is His words she wants us to look at, not her or her clothes etc. We can be so drawn to preachers and teachers by looks, style, prosperity promises…if you give to me, you will get….We need to focus on Jesus and His Words. These are words of wisdom. This is a good scripture to remember, concerning false teachers: Matthew 15:18 “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.”
8. Comment on the C. S. Lewis quote: “Christianity if true is of utmost importance, if false, of no importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
Christianity determines how we live our lives now in this short moment on earth. If Jesus is of the utmost importance in our life now~ nothing, even our reputation, is as important as how we live for Him. He is the only way to where will spend eternity. Loved Judy’s response to this! Truth! Amen!! , “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
9. What was her point with her story of the scary movie: “When a Stranger Calls?”
Deception can be in your midst. Be watchful. The scariest deceptions can come from inside the house.
10. She quoted John Piper: “Whenever the promised security of God is used to justify going a-wall, we must expect a traitor in the land.” Can you give an example of this and why it would signify a “traitor?”
An indicator of the “false” is the ungodliness of character, a lack of true submission to Jesus and His principles, the life style of the teacher and how they live out the true Gospel in their lives. Do they pervert the grace of God for their own gain? They may not be official teachers, just conversationalists and influencers. (social media)
Patti, this! They may not be official teachers, just conversationalists, and influencers. (social media) Oh, that we might be careful who we listen to!
I agree Bing — good point from Patti.
Saturday: Finishing Danger Reported
Listen for about another ten minutes until she goes through the story of the young woman coming to her and saying “Tell me something true.” She closes with a quote: “Real faith always gives us more reason for obedience, not less.”
11. This section brought so many illustrations to my mind, of those who truly may be Christians but justify sexual immorality (sex outside of marriage or outside of God’s definition of marriage) or spending extravagantly, or being racist by twisting Scripture. Can you think of an example where you were deceived or deceived yourself so you could do what you want? (Paige said this section is more a “life” denial than a “verbal denial.”
“God wants me to be happy, so I am divorcing my wife and marrying my best friend’s wife.” Our friend did not say the exact words verbatim but that is what he said by his actions. This incident was a very sad moment in the life of a church that we were a part of many years ago.
I remember Paige saying something to the effect that confronting another takes a relationship with them and the right to do so. I often bristle inside and struggle with what to say when an acquaintance (and with whom I do not have a deeper relationship or right as I perceive) talks about living together with somebody or spending extravagantly. I am reminded of Rebecca Pippert, author of “Out of the Saltshaker”. She shared some very important principles of evangelism. It is one thing to know to speak the truth in love; it is another thing to do it wisely and seasoned with grace. Abba, help me not to be deceived and to be wise.
12. According to verses 4 and 17, what are some of the characteristics of false teaching? (This reminded me of Paige’s lecture in James on selective obedience.)
ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Scoffers who follow their ungodly desires.
13. She had our culture is different, but our faith is not. Standards have changed for modesty, humor, lust…She said the great danger is not walking away but changing the truth, reading, and talking to people so you can justify doing what you want. Where are you or your children particularly challenged by this culture? Give an example and then put it up to the plumbline of Scripture. How should this help you decide what God would have you do? Be specific and personal.
Prosperity gospel. Some teachers say if you are a Christian, or if you pray enough, God will give you wealth. You just must claim it. Matthew 6:33 says, Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you as well. The context of this verse is around our basic needs of food, water, and clothing. And to not worry because God will provide for these things. And besides, there are many, many Christians who may be poor materially but are rich in spirit and soul.
14. What was her point with the young girl who came and said “I’m done — tell me something true.”
Doing things in our own efforts and for our own glory is going to wear us out. We don’t invite God into our plans. He has THE good and perfect plan for us and therefore we go with Him and follow His plan.
Amen to this, Bing! It is one thing to know to speak the truth in love; it is another thing to do it wisely and seasoned with grace. Abba, help me not to be deceived and to be wise.
15. How have you experienced, as Brennan Manning puts it, “the risenness of Christ” in your life this week? I am seeing and sensing it in my church. A couple of years ago the lead and teaching pastor left at same time accompanied by a lot of drama. The teaching pastor started a new church causing a church split. We are rising out of what was left. The last few months there’s been a Spirit led shift in our church and people are noticing and making positive comments. This morning service was people singing in sweet worship and later sound teaching. It gives people a strong desire to be there and linger in the Lord’s Presence
Judy, I like how you described your church. Because there has been a spirit led shift, it gives people a strong desire to be there and linger in the Lord’s presence.
Icebreaker: In the opening of Dee’s blog and in Paige’s lecture, she referenes the movie “When A Stranger Calls”. What point was being made? Why must we be aware of this? Have you ever experienced this threat “inside the church”?
First off, I must say I love this song by Rich Mullins. His declarations of faith/doctrine in the song are taken from the Nicene Creed, and I love how he says, “I believe what I believe, it makes me what I am. I DID NOT MAKE IT – NO IT IS MAKING ME – IT IS THE VERY TRUTH OF GOD AND NOT THE INVENTION OF ANY MAN. That’s exactly it. I did not make this up, it’s not man’s invention. It’s the truth that is God’s and came from Him.
Just like in the movie, someone has secretly crept in unnoticed. The enemy isn’t “out there”; he is already inside. The babysitter had no idea the telephone caller was calling from inside the house. The most dangerous enemy is not the falsehood out there, it is the falsehood within the church. It comes through those who are already on the inside.
I don’t believe I’ve experienced this situation in any church I’ve attended. However, I have heard teaching on podcasts and online that have caused me to pause. One recently, the guest was a professing Christian. I was trying to follow his logic when he talked about being sure or certain in your faith until “then something happened”, at which point, it caused a shift in thinking about God or God’s Word. The “something” could be a personal crisis or a shaking of your world affecting you or a loved one. But can we redefine God or His teachings based on our own subjective experiences?
1. What does 1 Corinthians 9: say and how do you interpret “the Lord’s brothers” and why?
“Don’t we have a right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?” It would seem to suggest biological brothers of Jesus. I know some believe that the word used for “brothers” means “relatives”.
2. Read Jude 1-2
A. How does Jude describe himself in verse 1? Comments?
Jude says he is a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. Like James, Jude doesn’t reference his biological relationship to Jesus.
B. What do you learn about yourself as a child of God from verse 1?
Jude begins with a lesson in identity. Before he tells them what to do or what to believe, Jude starts by telling these believers who they are. I learn that I have been called by the Spirit, that I am loved by God the Father, and that I am kept by Jesus. Paige explains that all the verbs are in the passive voice, because we’re not the ones who do anything. These are all actions performed by the trinitarian God. We are called in the past, loved in the present, and kept for the future. He is giving this as a reminder of who they are – as something they must not forget. Called, loved, and kept – this defines being the beloved of God.
C. What does Jude pray we will realize according to verse 2?
Just how much God will multiply or give in abundance to us His mercy, peace, and love.
3. What else stands out to you from this opening?
Paige stressed that you always must remember how you are loved. Everything the Lord promises to us is wrapped up in that love, and everything He asks of us is wrapped up in that love. This is similar to what she taught in James, how what we think of having God as our Father affects everything.
I too love that line from Mullins, Susan. Reminds me of a line from Conversations by Sara Groves. “I don’t claim to have found the truth, but I know it has found me.”
I love the Rich Mullins song too, Susan. Important words to remember: “I believe what I believe, it makes me what I am. I DID NOT MAKE IT – NO IT IS MAKING ME – IT IS THE VERY TRUTH OF GOD AND NOT THE INVENTION OF ANY MAN.’ That’s exactly it. I did not make this up, it’s not man’s invention. It’s the truth that is God’s and came from Him.
8. Comment on the C. S. Lewis quote: “Christianity if true is of utmost importance, if false, of importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
I’m not sure I fully understand what she is trying to say here. It makes me think of a Tim Keller quote about the Gospel being truth, lies, or nothing (?).
9. What was her point with her story of the scary movie: “When a Stranger Calls?”
Our intruder might be within the church.
10. She quoted John Piper: “Whenever the promised security of God is used to justify going a-wall, we must expect a traitor in the land.” Can you give an example of this and why it would signify a “traitor?”
When a pastor, in the neighborhood of a Planned Parenthood center, says he should come to protest with us in favor of abortion?! How can he be a pastor and believe that the Bible teaches it’s ok to abort a precious human life? Here is a wonderful argument from a local group on why the Bible teaches pro-life:
https://vimeo.com/788802951
Laura, I listened to the video-excellent!
Thank you Bing. It means a lot to me 😉. I thought they made excellent points that I had never considered.
Laura — I remember when my unbelieving sister told me, about my faith — everything in moderation, Dee. I told her about the first and greatest commandment. I think that’s what Lewis meant.
God Hunt Sunday
15. How have you experienced, as Brennan Manning puts it, “the risenness of Christ” in your life this week?
I have really been blessed by the closing message from Paige in our study of the book of James. The God of the dailies. I think I am experiencing Him more and more in the dailies, sensing His work in my life, listening to His promptings, and expressing myself to Him more and more without censor. There are a couple of situations I am in right now that have struck fear in my heart. I needed Jesus to remind me that our Abba is in control.
Even today, as we sang “Overwhelmed” by Big Daddy Weave and “In Control” by the Hillsong group, I found myself holding back tears and crying out to Him silently in my heart. To quiet my fears and my soul.
I am praying for you, Bing. It is so hard when we feel that fear in our hearts. SO Thankful He is in control.
11. This section brought so many illustrations to my mind, of those who truly may be Christians but justify sexual immorality (sex outside of marriage or outside of God’s definition of marriage) or spending extravagantly, or being racist by twisting Scripture. Can you think of an example where you were deceived or deceived yourself so you could do what you want? (Paige said this section is more a “life” denial than a “verbal denial.”
I think being the Sunday Christian and the other person during the week is something I did until I realized that I could no longer solve the problems we had without God’s help. I am one person, a Christian, everyday. I am not perfect, but He is on my mind most of the time now. I counsel with Him constantly.
12. According to verses 4 and 17, what are some of the characteristicsu of false teaching? (This reminded me of Paige’s lecture in James on selective obedience.)
They creep in, they are ungodly, they pervert grace, and deny Jesus. I didn’t see any characteristics in verse 17, however 18-20 did say they would be scoffers, they want to satisfy their own desires, they create divisions amongst us, and they follow their own instincts, not God.
13. She had our culture is different, but our faith is not. Standards have changed for modesty, humor, lust…She said the great danger is not walking away but changing the truth, reading and talking to people so you can justify doing what you want. Where are you or your children particularly challenged by this culture? Give an example and then put it up to the plumbline of Scripture. How should this help you decide what God would have you do? Be specific and personal.
I am particularly challenged by body image and fashion. I think God wants me to not worry about either of these things; He takes care of the sparrows so why wouldn’t He care for me (Matt:10)? I am constantly focused on them. I can’t stop. Ugh! I think He wants me to take care of myself, but not be preoccupied by that. I think He wants me to live long for the grandkids.
14. What was her point with the young girl who came and said “I’m done — tell me something true.”
The girl was trying to live in two worlds. She wanted an earthly life but it wasn’t working out for her. She was tired of the struggle. She needed to only have her focus on God. He is truth.
Laura, I like your example of being the Sunday Christian and the other person the rest of the week, until it didn’t work anymore.
4. Read Jude 3-4
A. What kind of letter did Jude want to write, but what did he need to write and why?
Jude wanted to write to the Jewish believers about the salvation that he and they shared. That would’ve been an encouraging, uplifting letter about their salvation. However, he felt that instead, he must write to them to urge them to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. Paige said this means that “the faith” is not private or personal, but of priceless value and worth fighting for. We are not defending us – our reputation; we are defending God’s reputation and the faith. Turning the other cheek does not apply to contending for the faith.
B. Find everything you can about people who have and still do secretly slip in among us to advance false teaching.
*Certain men* *their condemnation was written about long ago* *they secretly slip in among you* *they are godless* *they change the grace of our God into a license for immorality* *they deny Jesus as King and Lord*
5. What was her point about underlining “the faith”? What is he talking about?
Underline “the” in the faith as it is a definite article. This is not talking about “my faith by which I believe”. The faith is “essential, historical truths according to the Scripture that must BE believed.” The faith is the truth that is believed – not the fact that I believe it. It’s objective. Not only is it definite; it is singular. It is the truth that is in Jesus. The faith is also “once for all”, meaning there’s nothing more to be added. The faith was also delivered, not discovered. So we should wonder about anyone who says they have “discovered” something new to add to the faith that was delivered to the apostles.
6. Paige told a story about a disgruntled ex-attender of her church who complained that all the pastor talked about was Jesus. Her point? How often do the pastors and the teachers in your church talk about Jesus and what He has done for us?
Paige ran into a woman who said she used to go to Paige’s church, but she said, “All that pastor did was talk about Jesus!” I guess she didn’t want to hear about Jesus, though she told Paige that she loved God and liked to worship. How can the gospel be preached without talking about Jesus? Every Sunday in our church, the focus of the worship and the sermon is Jesus.
7. Paige said we are more likely to get upset when our own reputation is attacked than when Jesus or gospel truths are attacked. Thoughts?
Oh yes, we/I can be very quick to get offended, hurt, or angry when my reputation is attacked. Do I get as upset when God is attacked? Probably not; I guess I always figured God can take care of Himself. I also have found that trying to refute or argue with someone about God, if they’re disbelieving or attacking, doesn’t get us anywhere.
8. Comment on the C.S. Lewis quote: “Christianity if true is of utmost importance. If false, of no importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
Didn’t Paul say something like if Jesus was not raised, then we are to be pitied most of all men? If the faith is false, we are all a bunch of fools, wasting our time in church each week and we have no hope for ourselves nor any hope to offer to anybody else. The apostles and all who have died for the faith are really fools.
Paige said that what is often meant by “faith” is a personally tailored process by which we find our own comfortable understanding of God, and therefore the Bible can inspire and motivate – but it can’t give exclusive definition. Jude however says all saints who have found new life in this gospel are charged to contend for the faith. Why should we contend? In order to save others. (not to be superior to others) This purpose to hold out life to others through the faith, if the faith is true, is of utmost importance. It can’t be just so-so important. I don’t think God sees people as minimally important.
9. What was her point with her story of the scary movie: “When A Stranger Calls”?
Paige said that Jude’s letter is a response to a danger. He didn’t go looking for this – it came to his door. This must have been reported to Jude and he felt an urgent need to address it through his letter. These deceivers have secretly slipped in, or crept in, among the believers. The most dangerous enemy is the falsehood that creeps into the church through professing Christians who are not denying the faith, but diluting or distorting it. In the movie, it was discovered that the creepy phone caller was not out there somewhere, but right inside the house where the babysitter was. Likewise, the “scary stuff” in this letter is coming from inside the house. Insiders are spreading the false.
10. She quoted John Piper: “Whenever the promised security of God is used to justify going a-wall, we must expect a traitor in the land.” Can you give an example of this and why it would signify a traitor?
One clue to who the traitor is will be how they live their own life – we may see clues in their ungodliness or in their character. Their poison is in their thinking, teaching, and conversations. They are so mature in their understanding of grace that they can live however they want. After all, sin only magnifies grace. I can’t think of anyone I know personally, but maybe some of those TV preachers who ask for money and it’s discovered that they live really rich, like with a private jet and they’re more like show-men than really preaching the gospel. Paige said we have to ask ourselves what we believe about grace. Do we talk about grace in order to strengthen us in the Lord, or to excuse our disobedience? Is it relational or transactional? A traitor also denies the lordship of Jesus. They deny Him by ignoring His teaching as a standard for life. It is a lived denial. Not only do they have the disobedience, they have the doctrine to allow for the disobedience.
I’m thinking too that many of the well-known Christian pastors who have been discovered to be living in sexual sin are living out a denial of the faith.
11. This section brought so many illustrations to my mind of those who truly may be Christians but justify sexual immorality (sex outside of marriage or outside of God’s definition of marriage) or spending extravagantly, or being racist by twisting Scripture. Can you think of an example where you were deceived or deceived yourself so you could do what you want? (Paige said this section is more a “life” denial than a “verbal denial”.)
I know I’ve been guilty of discussing grace (even just with myself) to excuse my disobedience. It’s pretty hard to twist the Scriptures though, because in the end, I know what they say and I can’t explain them away, and in the end, the Word of God will convict me. And honestly, it’s often the fear of the loss of relationships with those I love that cause me to not justify, but go along with things.
16. Read Jude 5-18
A. Jude gives 6 scriptural examples of people who were not living according to the truth they had been given and experienced judgment. (Verses 5-7 and 11) List them. (For those on my blog – -we will go more deeply into this later in the week.)
God rescued the Israelites from Egypt, but later destroyed those who didn’t remain faithful.
The angels who wandered from their heavenly places are waiting for their judgment.
The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire because of their sexual immorality as a warning to others.
Cain who killed his brother, Baalam who cheated people for their money, and Korah who perished in his rebellion.
B. Then Jude gives two apocryphal examples in verses 8-10 and 14-15. What are they? How did Paige explain “apocryphal?”
The apocryphal texts are wild and kind of dream like to me. In verses 8-10 it speaks of these people who live by their own means. They scoff at supernatural beings. The example is Michael the arch angel telling the devil that God would rebuke him. These people do whatever instinct tells them. This is curious to me. I generally do not believe in “ghosts.” Some people think I am strange not to. This scripture is saying that there are evil spirits in the world, which I do believe exist but we wouldn’t see them. I guess “scoff” is maybe how I have perceived them? Uh-oh, am I in trouble? I think it’s mainly a coping mechanism for myself, because I am like Paige and don’t like scary things.
Enoch prophesied that the Lord God would execute judgment on the world. He would punish all who did ungodly things against Him and spoke harshly against Him.
Paige says it’s a cultural reference, like mentioning the Screwtape Letters or Dante’s Inferno as you are teaching the Bible. The people would know these things well so he didn’t have to explain them. He is trying to show the danger. Mention just one and they would not understand the actual importance. It was known in days of old as well as the disciples who have discussed it as well. He relates the OT to current time.
I don’t think you are in trouble. 🙂
16. Read Jude 5-18
A. Jude gives 6 scriptural examples of people who were not living according to the truth they had been given and experienced judgment. (Verses 5-7 and 11) List them. (For those on my blog – -we will go more deeply into this later in the week.) Israelites were brought off Egypt, but God destroyed those who didn’t believe. Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain, Balaam, Koran’s rebellion, angels who didn’t stay within their own position of authority
B. Then Jude gives two apocryphal examples in verses 8-10 and 14-15. What are they? How did Paige explain “apocryphal?” Michael contended with devil about Moses body, Enoch prophesied “Behold the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones to execute judgement and to convict all the ungodly of their deeds of ungodliness…and all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him” That they are part of inspired part of Bible but are not themselves inspired part of Bible They are used as cultural references.
Both the Jewish Torah and the Catholic Bible have a separate section called the “apocrypha” which, in biblical literature, refers to works outside an accepted canon of Scripture, or books that were known from the beginning as sacred. The history of the term’s usage indicates that it referred to a body of esoteric writings that were at first prized, later tolerated, and finally excluded.
C. What metaphors are given in verses 12-13 to describe false teaching? Take one and meditate on it and share what you see. Hidden reefs at love feasts, waterless clouds, fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted. Waves of the seas casting up the foam of their own shame, wandering stars for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. Waves casting up foam of their own shame, I see darkness, an angry sea, debris in the crest of the wave leaving a sense of despair.
D. What are we to remember from the apostles’ teaching? (17-18) In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions. These will cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
17. What stood out to you from Paige’s teaching on this section? She emphasized that it comes from within us meaning the church but they will be judged.
15. How have you experienced, as Brennan Manning puts it, “the risenness of Christ” in your life this week?
I have seen the risenness of Christ in so many ways these past few weeks. We saw the first production one of our former students directed. This is his first teaching job, as a Drama Director. We were able to see the dress rehearsal and the final play. It was a great joy to see this young man, who loves the Lord so deeply, in this position at a Christian School. He is multi-talented and could do anything. His greatest desire is to be in a position to serve God, in whatever he does. After the play, he took a few moments to talk about each actor and her strengths. (It was an all female cast) He also spoke about how he saw the risenness of Christ in each one of them. It was wonderful.
I have also had some wonderful opportunities to talk about Jesus with our daughters and grandchildren. God is so good.
Our pastor is doing the book of Nehemiah. Yesterday, He spoke on Nehemiah 9 and he focused on the importance of God (and Jesus) being the center of our being and the importance of praise in our prayers and time spent in the Word. It was much like our study. I almost expected him to say “look down”. 🙂
18. How would you answer Paige’s question: “What are you doing in your life with the Lord right now that you were not doing two years ago? I pray more with others.
19. Read Jude 19-22 and list the things we are to do to persevere. Build ourselves up in faith, pray in the Spirit, keep ourselves in love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus that leads to eternal life, have mercy on doubters, save others by snatching them out of the fire, to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by flesh.
20. Are you “residing in His love?” Give a specific example if you are. worship, private and corporate
21. She quotes Piper who says we talk about a prayer life but what about a life prayer? What is the most important thing we can ask for ourselves? Is this your most frequent prayer? Life prayer is what we pray for ourselves. Keep me in Your love, build me up in faith, so I glorify You, and pour myself out for others. My daily prayer for self is to ask God to please rebuild my personality and my whole approach to life based on His love.
22. What stood out to you from her section on how we are to respond with mercy? While waiting for the mercy of the Lord, we can respond with mercy to others. If mercy is what we have that is what we will give, mercy with respect. Referring to the garments stained by flesh, God can change anyone s garments.
C. What metaphors are given in verses 12-13 to describe false teaching? Take one and meditate on it and share what you see.
“…They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness.”
Jude 1:13 NLT
I had to take the wandering stars, of course! If we zoom out, way out, from our galaxy, we can see that it rotates. It is a spiral shape that rotates counterclockwise. So, every star technically does move, but it happens so slowly that we can’t notice it. Plus we are moving too, so we are within the motion. To us it doesn’t look like stars move their positions. The planets DO. The word planet means “wanderer.” Something that wanders is lost. The planets wander in a repeated way, so they aren’t really “lost.” However, a true wanderer would be lost which could correspond to a blackness. He is talking about those in our midst who are leading us wrongly. They search, but will never find the truth.
D. What are we to remember from the apostles’ teaching? (17-18)
We need to remember that these types will be abundant in the last times and that they will live to fulfill their ungodly desires.
Oh, dear Laura! How I love your answer and your explanation of the stars and planets! I am going to save this! How I would love to be in your class!!
You are so sweet Paati! Thank you for the encouragement. We had a snow day today (at least a foot dumped since last night, and 2-4 more inches are expected tonight). We may have a remote day tomorrow. Should be interesting…not sure the kids will be on board; we haven’t used remote learning since the awful c-word! Hahahaha! Don’t say it because it brings back a nightmare for me 😉
Wonderful on stars!
Sadly, I made an error in my explanation; I’m blaming it on the lack of sleep due to daylight savings time change! The MW rotates clockwise….
11. This section brought so many illustrations to my mind, of those who truly may be Christians but justify sexual immorality (sex outside of marriage or outside of God’s definition of marriage) or spending extravagantly, or being racist by twisting Scripture. Can you think of an example where you were deceived or deceived yourself so you could do what you want? (Paige said this section is more a “life” denial than a “verbal denial.”)
This is one of those subtle ways the enemy gets us to look at “self”. There are so many ways this happens…thinking I need something that I really don’t need and would be better to donate to a cause that is worthy. So often in life in general, when we really desire something (that eternally is so unimportant)we can be wasteful with finances, the desired object brings no joy…and is soon forgotten.
I have also seen those who desire to be “right” about something, destroy relationships for the sake of their pride “you did this to me” ~ instead of being reasonable, apologizing or accepting an apology and making amends. I think this is one of the greatest subtle deception. I just started Paul Tripp’s book “Reactivity” and it address so many good areas in over-reacting when someone has hurt you or your reputation.
12. According to verses 4 and 17, what are some of the characteristics of false teaching? (This reminded me of Paige’s lecture in James on selective obedience.)
False teachers turn the Grace of God against the commands of God. They deny that God is Sovereign and their Master, by ignoring His teaching as a standard for life.
13. She said our culture is different, but our faith is not. Standards have changed for modesty, humor, lust…She said the great danger is not walking away but changing the truth, reading and talking to people so you can justify doing what you want. Where are you or your children particularly challenged by this culture? Give an example and then put it up to the plumbline of Scripture. How should this help you decide what God would have you do? Be specific and personal.
In the case of abortion, they cry that this is a “right” that women should have, ignoring the commandments of God. They present themselves as sophisticated with wisdom, yet they behave in disobedience to God’s Word. They have diluted, distorted and softened the faith and the demands of the faith in our lives. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;”
14. What was her point with the young girl who came and said “I’m done — tell me something true.”
The young girl was rationalizing to have her own way. We cannot walk on a fence and have Jesus as our Master, while we follow the voice of the world. I liked these points Paige made: Jesus is the Son of God; if there is anything He asks of you, can it be for anything but your good? He gave His life for you, do you think He is going to come back and cheat you? The real faith gives us more reasons for obedience not less.
And; if we want the Lord cheering for us instead of claiming us, we are twisting the faith.
18. How would you answer Paige’s question: “What are you doing in your life with the Lord right now that you were not doing two years ago?
I talk to people about Him more than I ever have in my life. “Go tell the world about me, I was dead and now I live…’ CAIN – The Commission
19. Read Jude 19-22 and list the things we are to do to persevere.
* build ourselves up in the most Holy faith
* pray in the Holy Spirit
* keep in the love of God
* wait for the mercy of Jesus
* have mercy on those who doubt
*save others by snatching them out of the fire (I love this one!)
* show mercy with fear; hate even the garment that is stained by the flesh
20. Are you “residing in His love?” Give a specific example if you are
I’m not sure I am. I’m trying to learn how much He loves me. I do feel Him near a lot; He takes care of me.
21. She quotes Piper who says we talk about a prayer life but what about a life prayer? What is the most important thing we can ask for ourselves? Is this your most frequent prayer?
What am I asking God to make of me while I am here on Earth? What do I want so much that I ask Him for it every day? I do not do that at all. I’m not very good at prayer. It’s something I want to develop.
22. What stood out to you from her section on how we are to respond with mercy?
Mercy for myself….pray harder, longer, better. Dig deeper when you lose sight of where you are headed.
Have mercy for others. Believe in this! Anyone can be forgiven by God. God can change anyone’s garments. We must reach out with mercy.
Wednesday: Doxology
23. Meditate on what many consider to be the most beautiful doxology in Scripture. What do you see?
He loves me! He loves us! He takes care of me.
Three elements:
Preservation – He will keep us all the way home, safe in His love.
Presentation – I will be presented before Him on His throne. This happens because of Christ; we are blameless and faultless. We will stand up straight in from of God with great joy.
Possession – He possesses all; Glory, Dominion, and Authority.He is our Savior. He possesses all of these things by right. Why does He want me? Because He does!
24. What was her closing example? Point?
Paige was studying joy, and took a break by running around White Rock Lake in Dallas. She was feeling the praise and love of God. She was running with her hands in the air. A landscaper asked her what was up? She said, “I love God and He loves me back!” He said, “That’s nice.” She said, “No, that’s EVERYTHING.”
Can we ever believe that He loves us so much? We wait, we pray, we are disciplined, we serve, we study. Let us realize how much He cares and loves us!
12. According to verses 4 and 17, what are some of the characteristics of false teaching? (This reminded me of Paige’s lecture in James on selective disobedience).
Verse 4: False teacher characteristics: godless, pervert the grace of God into a license for immorality, deny the Lord Jesus as our only Sovereign and Lord.
Verse 18: False teachers are scoffers who follow their own ungodly desires.
These false teachers tell others that it is the promised security of God that is the reason for their “going off the rails”. They may not be official teachers in the church, but the poison is in their thinking and in their conversation. They’re not trying to strengthen others in their obedience to God by the doctrine of God’s grace; they are giving false assurance for blatant disobedience by perverting the doctrine of grace. They deny Jesus by ignoring His teachings for how we are to live. The “wisdom” of false teachers is presented as sophistication.
13. She said our culture is different, but our faith is not. Standards have changed for modesty, humor, lust…She said the great danger is not walking away but changing the truth, reading and talking to people so you can justify doing what you want. Where are your children particuarly challenged by this culture? Give an example and then put it up to the plumbline of Scripture. How should this help you decide what God would have you do? Be specific and personal.
Paige said that no one expects their children to do what they did because “times are different”. But the faith, and the Lord, are not different. We must determine what faith and obedience will look like in each progressive age and time. We must ask ourselves, “How have I adjusted the faith to fit my life?” This is a good quote from Paige: “We will bring our morality and our life choices in line with the faith, under the lordship of the Sovereign, OR we will twist the faith and deny the lordship of the Sovereign to bring them in line with our life.” Do we seek to “bring Jesus along with us, or do we deny ourselves, take up our Cross, and go along with Him?” Jesus did not come, and die, to make God a part of our life.
I think my daughter is challenged by our culture’s obsession with beauty and appearance and fashion. And many times, when I observe her trying out new skin care products or see her cute clothes, I want it for myself, too! Because when I look at my 58 year-old face in the mirror and see the crow’s feet, I certainly must up my skincare routine, or spend time on the internet researching how to get rid of undereye circles. And I’ve watched some TV shows with my daughter that I’m thinking, “Yuck”. Like “Love Island”….or even The Bachelor. We talk about it, as in how can anyone think that is love, where you “try out” all these different women (up to having sex with some) to find your “true love”? Those kinds of shows certainly don’t help me think about godly things. And yet – I remember what Paige said about holding out the faith not to feel morally superior to others. I have a lot in my own past that included immorality, but certainly those kinds of shows only serve to pull me down. I think God would have me choose wisely what kinds of things to watch and therefore internalize, and also to think about how I’m spending my money. Is a new skin cream really necessary? I suppose it’s not a sin to take care of your body but we have to be careful it’s not becoming an idol.
14. What was her point with the young girl who came and said, “I’m done – tell me something true.”
Paige knew a young woman who, for a short season, was chasing after the things of the world, in her spending, in her dating, in her social live. She would rationalize her actions until she was exhausted by it all. She came to Paige and said, just tell me something true. The “true” wasn’t telling her “this guy isn’t good for you…” The “true” was Jesus is the Son of God – how much does He love you, what has He done for you – is there anything He cannot ask of you? “The faith” gives us more reasons for obedience, not less. However, we often twist the faith so that it doesn’t claim us, but cheers for us.
16. Read Jude 5-18
A. Jude gives 6 scriptural examples of people who were not living according to the truth they had been given and experienced judgment. (Verses 5-7 and 11) List them.
1) The people God delivered out of Egypt but who persisted in their disbelief. They were destroyed.
2) The angels who did not keep their positions of authority but who abandoned their home. They are kept in darkness, bound with chains.
3) Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns that gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They suffered punishment of eternal fire.
4) Cain
5) Balaam
6) Korah and his rebellion.
B. Then Jude gives two apocryphal examples in verses 8-10 and 14-15. What are they? How did Paige explain “apocryphal”?
Jude mentions a dispute between Michael the Archangel and the devil about the body of Moses, and how Michael did not slanderously accuse the devil, but left it in God’s hands to rebuke the devil. Jude also mentions a prophesy by Enoch about God’s judgment on the ungodly. Apocryphal literature is not inspired parts of the Bible, but can be compared to Paul quoting Greek philosophers. They are cultural references that the people of Jude’s day would’ve been familiar with. They are cultural illustrations, like teaching the Bible and mentioning Dante’s Inferno.
C. What metaphors are given in verses 12-13 to describe false teaching? Take one and meditate on it and share what you see.
These false teachers are blemishes at your love feasts. Shepherds who feed only themselves. Clouds without rain. Autumn trees without any fruit; uprooted and twice dead. Wild waves foaming up their shame. Wandering stars.
The shepherd metaphor. Shepherds are supposed to care for their flock of sheep, leading them to green pastures where they may eat, and making sure there is fresh water for drinking. A shepherd protects his sheep, keeping them safe from wild animals and thieves. But these false shepherds are feeding only themselves, perhaps by having their egos and sense of self-importance fed as they abuse their position of authority and power; growing rich by monetary donations from their flock; feeding their sensuality by abusing those who trust in their authority, as in the many sex abuse scandals committed by clergy. They are harming their flock and a total opposite of Jesus who described himself as the Good Shepherd.
D. What are we to remember from the apostles’ teaching? (17-18)
The apostles warned that in the last times, there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the ones who will cause division, following their own natural instincts. They do not have the Spirit. These false teachers will come from among us.
17. What stood out to you from Paige’s teaching on this section?
Really the part about how we will either choose to obey God and go along with Jesus, or we will try to twist the truth, make it fit what we are doing (usually something we know is disobedience, but we say things like “I don’t really believe that God would….”) and deceive ourselves that God is going along with us. We will either allow God to change and transform us. or we will try to change Him to fit our lives. Honestly, I’ve done both. It’s called rationalizing, and I’m pretty good at it.
18. How would you answer Paige’s question: “What are you doing in your life with the Lord right now that you were not doing two years ago?”
Probably spending more time reading and meditating on spiritual writings because I have more time to do these things. Being curious, wanting to know and learn more about God.
19. Read Jude 19-22 and list the things we are to do to persevere.
Reside in God’s love. “Keep yourself in the love of God.” This is a dynamic thing. We are being kept, but we are to keep ourselves (like in abiding). We do this through the means of grace – God’s Word, prayer, sacraments. To say we have no part to play is like saying God gives me life, but I don’t have to breathe. We are “dependent participators”.
Build yourself up in your most holy faith. Think about a building site. What happens there? Work and discipline. There is no godliness without discipline.
“Building up” is not busy-work. We are growing and maturing. This is not maintaining.
We pray in the Spirit. Prayer is the breath of the Christian life.
20. Are you “residing in His love?” Give a specific example if you are.
I can’t say it’s my permanent residence. I move in and out. It’s hard. It’s hard to get my eyes off of myself – my “good” days and my days that are full of sin and failure, and to view His love for me through that lens, which is therefore always changing. If I think of Paige’s examples, then I am somewhat residing in His love as I do actively participate in the things that assist in this, like reading and listening to Scripture, prayer, the sacrament of communion.
21. She quotes Piper who says we talk about a prayer life but what about a life prayer? What is the most important thing we can ask for ourselves? Is this your most frequent prayer?
What do I want God to do for me/in me so badly that I ask Him about it every day? Honestly, I have an easier time praying for others than for myself. The one thing I really want is to be so so secure in His love; to know, not just in my head, but in my heart, that I am His beloved, that He loves me and that I am forever secure in that love. Because that would eliminate any sense of having to earn His love, or of it being hard to love others. It would be so freeing to live life securely in His love. I know I am not alone as many even well-known believers have struggled to really believe in this love.
22. What stood out to you from her section on how we are to respond with mercy?
Prerequisite: KEEP OURSELVES. Example: on an airplane, if the oxygen masks deploy, put yours on first and then you can help others. We must keep ourselves in the love of God first, and then comes the second directive: pour forth His mercy and love on other people.
We ourselves are waiting for the mercy of God, and if that is what we have, then that is what we give. And it’s not only that we “show” mercy for others but that we have mercy for them in our heart. We feel mercy for them in the midst of their doubt or their running from God. We have mercy even for those whose “garments are stained” by this world – with fear in that we don’t go down the same path, and in mercy because we know that God can change anyone’s garments. He changed ours! We win them over with our love and our lives, not our arguments. Not our judgment.
23. Meditate on what many consider to be the most beautiful doxology in Scripture. What do you see?
Paige explains the element of preservation: God will keep us safe in His love in every way. (Psalm 121) He will keep my very soul. He won’t let us slip.
Paige explains the element of presentation: God will present us blameless, faultless, before His throne. This is judicial language. We will be so faultless and blameless that we can stand before His glorious presence. Is the “great joy” His, or ours? Perhaps it is both.
Paige explains the element of possession: “Now unto Him is glory, majesty, power and authority.” All of these things are rightly His. Jesus Christ is Lord and is worthy of it all. If Jesus possesses all these things, why in the world would He want me? All of eternity is not sufficient to give Him the praise that is due Him.
I think I see what she sees: this doxology kind of sums up the whole message of the gospel, the message or the great story of the Bible.
24. What was her closing example? Point?
Paige had been studying about joy and took a break to go running. In the middle of the street, she put her hands up and started running around in circles. A landscape worker said, “What’s up, crazy lady?” She shouted, “God loves me, and I love Him back!” He answered, “That’s nice!” And Paige said, “No, that’s everything!” She’s right. To think about the God of the universe loving me isn’t just a nice thought, or a nice gesture even, like a friend bringing a casserole when you’re sick, or sending a get-well card. Those things are nice, but they’re not everything. What doesn’t fall under the realm of being loved by God? Our whole lives here and into eternity are dependent upon that love, are given fullness, meaning, purpose, joy, peace, ultimate fulfillment, in being loved by God.
Love this, Susan! Amen!
And it’s not only that we “show” mercy for others but that we have mercy for them in our heart. We feel mercy for them in the midst of their doubt or their running from God. We have mercy even for those whose “garments are stained” by this world – with fear in that we don’t go down the same path, and in mercy because we know that God can change anyone’s garments. He changed ours! We win them over with our love and our lives, not our arguments. Not our judgment.
My take-away and why?
These past several weeks through James and Jude….my head is stuffed full of so much knowledge! New ideas and truths that I did not see before. The crescendo-like ending of Jude where everything rushes headlong, as it were, into God’s immense and immeasureable LOVE. The emphasis in James on everything that I think about being a believer and how I live hinges on what have I done with the truth that God is my Father? How do I squeeze this information in a very swelled-up brain (or so it feels like it) down what seems like a narrow passageway into my heart?
Amen, Susan! It has been a study that has inspired me in so many ways!! Amen to this: How do I squeeze this information in a very swelled-up brain (or so it feels like it) down what seems like a narrow passageway into my heart?
I pray that the Lord will fill my heart with these truths of The Faith and God our Father and His immense and immeasurable love for us! Amen!
Beautiful summation, Susan.
Meditate on what many consider to be the most beautiful doxology in Scripture. What do you see? I don’t know what I see but it fills me with great joy to read it. “ To be kept from stumbling and to be presented before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.” What a Savior we have!
24. What was her closing example? Point? She took a study break to run and was talking to God. She started running in circles and a landscaper she hadn’t seen because of his truck asked her what’s up crazy lady. Recovering from her embarrassment she said God loves me and I love Him back. Man said that s nice and she replied no, that s everything. Point God loves me and when we love Him back we have everything
25. What is your take-a-way and why? My takeaway from this study is my giving habits have changed, my attitude towards serving has softened and I will make the time to give some “stuff” away.
Wow, Judy!
25. What is your take-a-way and why? Do we look to God to be sovereign in our lives or supportive? Do we want Him to transform us or endorse us? Do we want Him to contradict us or confirm us? He has to be 100% in control of everything in our lives all of the time. God doesn’t just “show up” when we need Him. He’s not our buddy to walk beside us, He is to lead us and tell us where we should go.
I am becoming more aware that I sometimes have the attitude of “these are my plans, bless me as I go in this direction”.
Love this, Dawn. Amen!
Dawn, this- “these are my plans, bless me as I go in this direction”. I, too, struggle with this. I know His plans are always good for me and yet, I step ahead and have trouble waiting.
16. Read Jude 5-18
A. Jude gives 6 scriptural examples of people who were not living according to the truth they had been given and experienced judgment. (Verses 5-7 and 11) List them. (For those on my blog – -we will go more deeply into this later in the week.)
1.) The Israelites in the wilderness after the Exodus 2.) The Rebellious Angels 3.) Sodom and Gomorrah 4.) Can 5.) Balaam 6.) Korah
B. Then Jude gives two apocryphal examples in verses 8-10 and 14-15. What are they? How did Paige explain “apocryphal?”
Michael, the archangel disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses; he did not pronounce a judgment against him, but said “The Lord rebuke you!” Enoch prophesied that the Lord came down with His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds and words against God.
Apocryphal Literature: Cultural references of the same truths taught in Old Testament; Cultural Illustrations.
From among us will come scoffers, twisters and those who will come secretly messing with the truth. Their destruction is recounted~ this will bring Judgment.
Both the Jewish Torah and the Catholic Bible have a separate section called the “apocrypha” which, in biblical literature, refers to works outside an accepted canon of Scripture, or books that were known from the beginning as sacred. The history of the term’s usage indicates that it referred to a body of esoteric writings that were at first prized, later tolerated, and finally excluded.
C. What metaphors are given in verses 12-13 to describe false teaching? Take one and meditate on it and share what you see.
Hidden reefs in your love feasts; clouds without water, carried along by the wind; autumn trees without fruit; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame; wandering stars for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever.
I find the description of the wandering stars to be frightening. These “stars” are those who attract others to their system of false beliefs, with twisting the words of God for their own gain, fame and profit here and now (truly prophets for profit)~ yet they will be judged by God for bending His truth and The Faith and they will spend eternity in the black darkness of hell. 🙁
D. What are we to remember from the apostles’ teaching? (17-18)
We are to Remember the words that were spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. Remember there will be mockers following their own jngodly lust; worldly minded, devoid of Spirit.
17. What stood out to you from Paige’s teaching on this section?
The Word of God that Jesus spoke The Faith to know and to abide in daily, to remind us of the truth when the scoffers are before us. It is so important right now in history, because we are daily confronted with FALSE preaching in every form, from so many sources. We hear “sweet sounding words”, reminding us that we are the center of all things, that “I” need to love myself first; “I” have rights, “I” will be happy if….all uninspired by Scripture, but appealing to our desires. We need to be soaking in The Truth; The Faith, that comes ONLY from God’s Word. Jesus is the Son of God. We must be under Him, in His will, living for Him, not for “I”, we are His sheep and He is the only Shepherd we need to follow.
26. Look again at Jude 5-7 and comment on how their disobedience led to judgment. The words reject authority in verse 8 stands out to me. We can reject the Bible’s authority and interpret passages to allow us to do what we want and we can also choose to reject the authority over us. This passage shows God not pleased with us doing that.
A. Israelites delivered from Egypt (Numbers 14:26-35) After the report of the 12 spies Moses sent out, the Israelites refused to enter Promised Land Because of their grumbling other than Caleb and Joshua the adults would die in the wilderness
B. Rebellious angels (Luke 10:18 and 2 Peter 2:4) satan was an angel and he fell from heaven with the other angels that rebelled with him.
C. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:23-26) Because God couldn’t find 10 righteous people in these cities God rained burning sulphur on these cities destroying all the people and the vegetation.
27. Look again at Jude 11
A. What is the way of Cain? (Genesis 4) How was he judged? He gave an offering not pleasing to God. After being warned to do what is right and that sin was crouching at his door and he needed to rule over it. Cain killed his brother Abel who had given a favorable offering God put him under a curse and drove him from the ground so it would no longer yield crops. Cain would be a restless wanderer being sent from God’s presence. God did put a mark on him so no one would kill him.
B. What was Balaam’s error? (Numbers 22 and Revelation 21:8) King of Moab sent messengers to Balaam asking him to curse the Israelites. Two times God said no. 3rd time God said go but only do what I tell you. Balaam went but his donkey saw an angel and balked Balaam beat him then eventually in fear the donkey hurt Balaam foot. After being beaten again the donkey talked back to Balaam asking what donkey had done to be beaten 3 times. Then God opened Balaam’s eyes and he saw the angel with sword and Balaam fall facedown. Balaam admitted to his sin and offered to go back, but angel said go and only speak what I tell you I guess with Rev 21:8 he practiced magic arts (always find this story a little confusing though I know Balaam told Moab to use their women to lead Israelites astray.)
C. What was Korah’s rebellion? (Numbers 16:1-40) Korah got a rebellion going of 250 community leaders and Dathan and Abirham to oppose Moses and Aaron and ask why Moses and Aaron set themselves above the Lord s assembly Moses fell face down. Out of this they were to each bring a censer with burning coals and incense and present before the Lord. Moses told them the one God chooses is holy The next day at tent of meeting they all gathered and the glory of Lord appeared. God told M and A to separate themselves but Moses interceded and God said separate from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram and the earth swallowed them up.
28. Where do you tend to take God lightly and rebel? How could you pray for your heart here? Could this be a life prayer. Because reject authority stood out, I need to be careful to not misinterpret God’s word to pacify myself or other people s fears and hurts. Teach me Your way that I will walk in Your truth. Knit my heart to Yours. Yes.
March has been a crazy busy month of travel and activity for us and it isn’t done yet. We will be babysitting Grandkids next week and then heading to Moab, Utah to off road with friends for the last week of March. But I have listened to all of Paige’s teaching on James and Jude and been greatly taught and blessed by it. The take always are many. I also took some time to read the blog comments and have been blessed and encouraged by my sisters and their lives as well. I just finished a Bible study on the book of Acts with ladies from my church this past week and God blessed that time of teaching and fellowship for me with those sisters as well. My life is far from perfect but God’s Word is so rich and encouraging. Personally He continues to pour out and remind me of his deep love to me as my Father. With a grateful heart I look ahead to celebrating Easter and the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus.
I have an 88 year old Aunt who has cancer that has returned and as she nears the end of her life she said “I am so thankful to know Jesus and have walked with Him since I was 12.” I conclude walking with Jesus is the very best way to live.
Thursday through Saturday (Optional — but hope the bloggers will continue!)
26. Look again at Jude 5-7 and comment on how their disobedience led to judgment.
A. Israelites delivered from Egypt (Numbers 14:26-35)
—They complained against God and his plan for their lives and they died in the wilderness.
B. Rebellious angels (Luke 10:18 and 2 Peter 2:4)
—Satan and angels who rebelled against God were cast out of Heaven. Thrown down.
C. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:23-26)
—the people of those cities rejected God’s moral laws for living and completely did their own thing choosing to live in great sin which brought complete destruction upon them.
Even Lot’s wife looked back (turned away from God) and was destroyed.
—In each situation they went away from God and his ways for living. In essence not trusting Him or following his perfect ways. They did not remain faithful to God and it caused their destruction.
27. Look again at Jude 11
A. What is the way of Cain? (Genesis 4) How was he judged?
—Cain insisted on and chose his own way of doing things instead of God’s prescribed way of bringing sacrifice like his brother Able had done. He gave into the sin of self and having his own way. He was cast out of God’s presence and his sin separated him from fellowship with God.
B. What was Balaam’s error? (Numbers 22 and Revelation 21:8)
-Dee, I think this reference in Revelation is incorrect. Not 21:8 but 2:14.
—Balaam told Balak, Israel’s enemy, how to defeat the Israelites by getting them to compromise and enter into their own sinful ways of fleshly living.
Weirsbe says “Revelation 2:14) mentions the doctrine of Balaam. This was his counsel to Balak that he invite the Jews to mix with the Gentiles, marry Moabite women, and share in their evil feasts. Such a “doctrine” is nothing but compromise.”
Further comment by Weirsbe on Balaam’s error
“Of course, Balaam thought that Israel’s sins would destroy the nation. This is “the error of Balaam” mentioned in (Jude 11). People look at the church today and condemn her for her “spots and wrinkles and blemishes,” but God sees His church from a different viewpoint. True, He punishes our sins and chastens us when we disobey, but He will never leave us or forsake us. It is this blessed fact of grace that Balaam did not understand.”
C. What was Korah’s rebellion? (Numbers 16:1-40)
—Korah rebelled against Moses and Aaron as God’s appointed leaders over Israel. Korah led a rebellion by a group of people who were discontent and wanted positions of power that had been God given to Moses and Aaron.
28. Where do you tend to take God lightly and rebel? How could you pray for your heart here? Could this be a life prayer?
— What a hard and probing question. At my age I don’t think of myself as taking God lightly. But yet I know I have a fleshly heart that still wants what it wants at times. Interestingly I still struggle with having a complete heart of submission to my husband and his headship in our home. It isn’t blatant and not really spoken but inwardly I chaff at times with some of his decisions and ways in our lives that directly affect me. This teaching as I have read about Korah challenges me to consider my heart and my need to trust God for my situation and that He will continue to protect and provide all my hearts needs through my husband or in spite of him. But he needs my support and commitment to remain true even if at times I wish it were a little different.
—How can I pray for my heart? I want my heart to line up with God’s heart and have his heart reflected in me.
Paige talked about praying everyday to God “Keep me in Your love” as a life prayer.
I would ask God to Keep my heart pure like His.
So far behind and read and copied some of your answers, dear ladies.
Tuesday: Discipline: But You!
Listen to the end, but I’ll divide the questions into two days.
18. How would you answer Paige’s question: “What are you doing in your life with the Lord right now that you were not doing two years ago?
I am more dependent on Him. I find it easier to talk to Him on my own without censorship. His Word is more radioactive daily and whenever I am in it.
19. Read Jude 19-22 and list the things we are to do to persevere.
Build ourselves up in the faith; pray in the Holy Spirit, keep ourselves in God’s love, and be merciful to those who doubt, show mercy, and shun evil.
20. Are you “residing in His love?” Give a specific example if you are.
I had to make a difficult decision this week and my people-pleasing tendencies came into play. Not having enough knowledge of the situation added to my insecurity. But in and through it all, I hear God’s voice guiding me and leading me to what I believe was the right decision, honoring Him, in line with His Word and character, and pointing me to how Jesu would respond. I also realized that in many ways, I have to empty (my word for the year) myself and not give in to the enemy’s ploy of deception and his feeding of my pride.
21. She quotes Piper who says we talk about a prayer life but what about a life prayer? What is the most important thing we can ask for ourselves? Is this your most frequent prayer?
Paige said that we may be kept in his love. Besides this, my life would honor God while I am still here on earth. Coram Deo. I love how R.C. Sproul defines the phrase, “live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God”. Psalm 56:13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
22. What stood out to you from her section on how we are to respond with mercy?
If mercy is what I need and am waiting for, then I should give mercy to others as well. God can change anybody’s garments though how stained they might be; He changes anyone’s heart, so we can reach out to others in love.
Wednesday: Doxology
23. Meditate on what many consider to be the most beautiful doxology in Scripture. What do you see?
This doxology, indeed, is the most beautiful of all doxologies:
Preservation He keeps me from stumbling. He is my keeper. In one scene in “The Chosen” Peter clings to Jesus in the boat while saying, “please don’t let me go” and Eden, his wife, in another scene says the same thing, “please don’t let him go”. That scene wrecked me.
Presentation He presents me before the Father before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.
Possession-the One who possesses glory and majesty, power and authority is the One who owns me and loves me.
24. What was her closing example? Point?
Her running around in circles because she felt God’s love and she knew she loves him back. And when the landscaper asked her about it and replied “that’s nice”, she said, “no, it is everything.” Oh, that I may keep myself in His love!
25. What is your take-a-way and why?
Human efforts cannot keep me from falling; it is Jesus alone, my faithful Keeper. He is keeping me ALWAYS and that is the great news ever next to my salvation through Him!
Bing, Your answers to this section served to encourage my heart. The reminder about the scenes of Peter in The Chosen was good. They were so poignant and relatable. The enemy would have us question the Lord’s ability to keep us from stumbling and to actually present us without fault to his Father is a deep and secure truth. I just needed to hear that. I’d had a disagreement that left me feeling like I don’t measure up. But God is able to keep me always in this life and eternity and won’t let me go.
I have felt in a similar way as you had, Bev, with a disagreement I had with a friend. Although my natural self was kicking against what she was saying, God was impressing in my heart that the issue has everything to do with having a humble heart. He has kept me from stumbling into the lair of pride and given me peace instead. In this world, we will have trouble, but thanks be to God, He has overcome it and we will, too!
What episode is that in The Chosen? Sounds beautiful. I haven’t figured out how to get it on my big screen but can watch on my laptop.
Dee, it was in Season 3 Episode 8 after Jesus walked on the water scene. He got Simon (not Peter yet) in the boat and Simon clung to Jesus. While Simon was saying, “please don’t let me go”, the camera switched to Eden coming out of the pool waters and saying, “don’t let him go”. Aawww…what a precious cinematic interpretation and an example of enduring love between a wife and husband. Their reunion afterward was a scene to behold. Jesus hold me!
Casting Crowns “Just be held” is a good song to come alongside this scene.
Second verse:
If your eyes are on the storm you’ll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross you’ll know I always have and I always will
And not a tear is wasted In time, you’ll understand
I’m painting beauty with the ashes Your life is in My hands
So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place
I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held Just be held Just be held
Thanks, Bing. I just watched it on You-tube. Beautiful!
Oh, Bing! Those scenes were so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this song. I so need right now, especially this:
So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be heldYour world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into placeI’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held Just be held Just be held
Ooppsss. I copied and pasted a few lyrics to the song, Just be held and they probably won’t come up since I got an “awaiting moderation”. So I am pasting my answer to your question here and a Youtube link to the song, Dee.
Dee, it was in Season 3 Episode 8 after Jesus walked on the water scene. He got Simon (not Peter yet) in the boat and Simon clung to Jesus. While Simon was saying, “please don’t let me go”, the camera switched to Eden coming out of the pool waters and saying, “don’t let him go”. Aawww…what a precious cinematic interpretation and an example of enduring love between a wife and husband. Their reunion afterward was a scene to behold. Jesus hold me!Casting Crowns “Just be held” is a good song to come alongside this scene. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIZitK6_IMQ
Thursday through Saturday (Optional — but hope the bloggers will continue!)
26. Look again at Jude 5-7 and comment on how their disobedience led to judgment.
A. Israelites delivered from Egypt (Numbers 14:26-35)
God delivered them from Egypt but then they grumbled against Aaron and Moses and wanted to choose another leader and go back to Egypt. As a result, God pronounced a judgment to the Israelites that they would wander in the desert, and not one of them, 20 years old and older will enter the Promised Land. They will all die in the desert.
B. Rebellious angels (Luke 10:18 and 2 Peter 2:4)
Satan fell like lightning from Heaven; the angels that rebelled were put in gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment.
C. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:23-26)
The Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah. He overthrew those cities and the entire plain and the vegetation in the land. And Lot’s wife, became a pillar of salt because she looked back.
27. Look again at Jude 11
A. What is the way of Cain? (Genesis 4) How was he judged?
He killed his own brother, Abel, and was angry with God because God did not look with favor upon his offering. His work on the ground will not yield crops and he will be a restless wanderer. And verse 16 said, “So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod.” How sad a life-living without the presence of God.
18. How would you answer Paige’s question: “What are you doing in your life with the Lord right now that you were not doing two years ago?
I am reading more scripture, memorizing more scripture and praying in a more “Praise filled” way. I am learning to be still and wait on Him and to trust His way over my own way. I love the phrase: Keep yourself in the love of God.” It is a comforting way of seeing God. I awoke in the middle of the night last night with great anxiety. As I was praying and praising God, I saw in my mind, this beautiful large hand of God near the ceiling of our bedroom, keeping us in His care and His will. It was so comforting and I thank God for bringing that image to my mind. I think this study has helped me to see things more through the lens of God’s love.
19. Read Jude 19-22 and list the things we are to do to persevere.
We are to build ourselves up in the faith, seeing everything through the lens of God’s love. By reading God’s word, prayer, worship, and sacrament we keep ourselves in the love of God. We are dependent participators.
20. Are you “residing in His love?” Give a specific example if you are.
Residing in His love starts with intentional dependence on Him. I am working on my habits, my thoughts, my prayer life, reading His word and my reactivity to others and situations to reach a closer abiding in Him. I liked the term “Living relational reality of abiding in His love.”
21. She quotes Piper who says we talk about a prayer life but what about a life prayer? What is the most important thing we can ask for ourselves? Is this your most frequent prayer?
I pray so often that the Lord will build me up in my life of faith and that all that I do, all I say and how I respond to others will draw other to Him. I pray that I will be the most comfortable when I am in His will and not my own. I so often go into a tizzy and feel overwhelmed ~ and it is so easy to over react in the “daily of life.” I so need to focus on eternity always and live backwards from that…. to live in the calm of His hand and His love. It is an uphill struggle for sure.
22. What stood out to you from her section on how we are to respond with mercy?
I love the words just before mercy, which truly lead to mercy: To keep in the love of God~ dig deeper; plant deeper in His love, pray longer, harder, more often…deeper. Then, we are able to pour forth His mercy and love that we rest in, to others. Love this: “If mercy is what I am waiting for, that is what I can give. ” “Reach out with wise , fearing the Lord, mercy. Never look to winning the argument and losing the person.”
23. Meditate on what many consider to be the most beautiful doxology in Scripture. What do you see?
Bing answered this so beautifully. Thank you, Bing.
Christ will keep us all the way home. He will keep us safe in His love in every way. Though, I stumble so consistently, He is faithful to preserve me. I am covered in Christ, I am held in His hand, so that I can stand before His glory in heaven. I give you my all, Jesus. I Praise you for this great gift of eternal life.
24. What was her closing example? Point?
God loves me through Jesus Christ and I love Him back. This is not just nice, the is Everything!
25. What is your take-a-way and why?
There is nothing I can do to earn the gift that our Father has for us, yet I can put my trust in Him and He will hold my hand all the way to heaven. He paid a great price and He drank the cup to become our sins, because He loved us so. I give you my life and my soul dear Jesus.
Isaiah 64:8 “But now, Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay , and you our potter. We all are the work of you hand.”