Two weeks ago, we heard a sermon in which Keller says unbelievers believe the lie of Satan: If you go God’s way, you won’t be happy!I know we believe it too, fearing surrender. Yet the truth is that with every death comes a resurrection — the way up is down! If we really believed that with our whole hearts, we would always overcome temptation!
In “Washed and Waiting,” Wesley Hill, who struggles with same-sex attraction, said that it was C. S. Lewis who helped him see “the lie of Satan,” and overcome it. As a celibate Christian Hill testifies to a life of great joy and purpose. He has ministered greatly through his books and his ministry as an Episcopal priest.
HERE’S MY CHALLENGE FOR ALL OF US THIS WEEK: EVERY TIME WE ARE TEMPTED, REMEMBER SATAN’S LIE (You won’t be happy if you go God’s way) AND OVERCOME IT WITH THE TRUTH: “With every death comes a resurrection.”
This week will not so much be about knowledge, for we do know this, but about putting it into practice! On Mon, Wed, and Fri. we’ll each check in on how we are doing.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Will you accept this week’s challenge and report?
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week?
Monday: THE TEXTS
3. Read John 5:16-23
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond?
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God?
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father?
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him?
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday)
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him?
Tuesday: Introduction
Listen to about the first ten minutes or until he references the Philippians text.
5. What stands out to you and why?
6. How did Keller sum up the life of Christ?
7. Keller told a story about peoples’ hesitation to use the lyrics of Bach. What was the story and the point?
8. Some say Jesus was a son of God that way we are sons of God. How do Keller and this passage refute that?
9. What point was Keller making when he said angels refuse worship?
10. Jesus was indeed, a prophet. But why isn’t that enough for us?
Wednesday: The Upside Down Life of George Matheson and Philippians 2
Listen until he begins his four points. (About 15 minutes in)
11. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific.
12. What stands out to you from Keller in this part?
13. Try finishing these sentences:
A. The way to blessing is to _____________________
B. The way to greatness is to ____________________
C. The way to healing is to _____________________
D. What looks like suicide to man is _____________.
E. The way up is ____________
Read Matheson’s story and listen to his song. Then share your thoughts about his life & lyrics.
Doing well with eating after not doing well when my big family was here for two weeks.
Twice this week when an unbeliever has stopped by when I was about to go play pickleball, I had to speak truth to myself and warmly embrace the visit and person instead of letting them know somehow I had something I wanted to do. With one, I had a deep discussion about Jesus. So God blessed that. Way up is down!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Will you accept this week’s challenge and report? Wesley Hill What a difficult path he has chosen in the current culture and yet has great joy and purpose. He looks joyful. Lord, protect him. I will try to accept challenge I sometimes don’t remember what I should, but right now I am refusing to find a snack for my full stomach because He is the only who truly satisfies. Death to self brings resurrection
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week? Yesterday morning in my quiet time I played a worship song and just sat quietly for 30 minutes He just seemed to linger with me I pulled up song Gratitude but decided I’d better get busy cleaning and not play the song, but the song started to play anyway. I paused it and got busy again. Then the song started playing again. I then sat some more and worshiped.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Will you accept this week’s challenge and report? I like that this week will not be so much about knowledge but action. I try to put what I learn into action but it will be nice to have others to do it with and be accountable to…especially this loving group. I will accept the challenge and report.
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week? I have been reading and meditating on Genesis 1. One thing about the creation story that stands out to me is the Sovereignty of God. I realize how often I tend to put God in a box, He is so much bigger and greater than what my mind can wrap around and so much I must take in faith!
Yes, this is a loving group. I too accept the challenge — probably most about just staying in the light about everything — being with Him, my angry thoughts about someone and the desire to control, eating — a lot! Help me Lord, and each person here, have faith to die and trust You to bring life!
Such a great point on the Sovereignty of God, Sharon. I am so guilty of this and I need to come to my knees before Him and realize His Majesty so often.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Will you accept this week’s challenge and report?
Wesley Hill, like Judy’s. What a great example of vulnerability and courage. I also love the title of the book, “Washed and Waiting”. To me “washed” means I am secure in Christ through His blood. “Waiting” would mean while I am being changed each day, I am waiting for that day when I would no longer have to deal with the world’s temptations and will be face to face with Jesus in glory. Yes, I accept the challenge and will report.
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week?
I have been waiting for the featured speaker for our October women’s luncheon to give me a theme so our design person can start working on a flier. I had to wait for a few weeks because she was on vacation with her family. Without us speaking to one another during the wait, we came up with the same theme! And on that very day, as we texted back and forth, during a quiet time, the Scriptures gave me an example that I shared with her. She in turn thought it would be good additional material to what she had been working on. Only God can make such stirrings in our hearts. Our theme will be “Drawing Near to God with Confidence”.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
—Wesley Hill’s comments on his book. “Washed and waiting. That is my life — my identity as one who is forgiven and spiritually cleansed and my struggle as one who perseveres with a frustrating thorn in the flesh looking forward to what God has promised to do.”
It stands out to me as such a good reminder that the blood of Christ has brought me forgiveness and has washed me clean of my inherent sin so that as I struggle with still living in this flesh in this fallen broken world I cling to the Words of God (the Bible) and the promises He has given me of what he has done and what he will do.
Will you accept this week’s challenge and report?
—Yes I will. It is a good thing to be challenged this week to over come temptation to believe Satan’s lie with the God’s truth.
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week?
—As I do my daily Bible reading I have started selecting one verse that stands out to me and meditating on it. A few days ago it was this verse from the passage where Jesus is being challenged with questions about the resurrection in an attempt by the Sadducees to trap him. Of course the Sadducees didn’t believe in resurrection.
Matthew 22:29 “But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
I thought about what a limited view of God they had by denying that there would be resurrection. If God cannot raise the dead he is a weak and impotent god. But He can and has and will. My heart was encouraged by the reminder of the power of my God. “With every death comes a resurrection.”
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Will you accept this week’s challenge and report? I love the courage of Wesley Hill. There must be much pressure on him and many in the gay community who turn against him, for taking a stance for God. So many churches have altered their messages to accommodate life styles that go against God’s Word. May God continue to protect him and his ministry. It is pure joy to accept this challenge with this godly group of women. My week has started with challenges yesterday, just after I read the lesson for this week. How I pray that I am able to do what Jesus calls me to do and do it with grace. I am so thankful for each of you on this Blog. I have loved these “signs” and miracles ~ showing us that we need to always study God’s Word, as He brings new things to light with each “re-reading” and studying of His Word. 2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week? Facing the increasing challenges of my husband’s failing health is so heartbreaking, yet our Father brings friends so full of love into our lives and I see Him in all of this. Last night was a tough time for three hours in the middle of the night. But, Jesus calmed the sea once again.
This is prayer is in my devotion for today from “The Songs of Jesus” by Tim and Kathy Keller. “Lord, I read into your promises-to bless me , care for me, and keep me- my own agenda and then hold you responsible if you don’t serve it. Thus I turn you into my servant instead of turning myself into your servant. Forgive me for wronging you in this way! Amen” How I need to remember that I am His servant, in His care and He is my Lord, my day planner, the One in whom I can Trust!! (Trust is my word for this year)
Patti, the early morning awakenings are tough for caregiving. Hold on to Jesus, sister! He will carry you through. Don Moen’s song:
God will make a way when there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me
He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way!
Praying, dear sister!
Thank you dear friends, for your prayers. I feel them. The Lord is very present, even in the pain. Last night was much better and my husband slept calmly through the night. I love and appreciate each one of you so much.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Will you accept this week’s challenge and report?
My son is a Wesley too. He thinks he is gay. I do not believe this lie about him; the world has taken him from me. I will always pray and always have hope. He knows that I love him and we have a really good relationship, we just do not see eye to eye here. Of all our kids, he knows the Bible the best, as he went to a Christian school. Unfortunately, it was there that I believe he learned that being gay was something people did, and it was okay. $40,000 later, our son is ruined. The school purports being Christian, and then does not follow the Bible. College was the same way, although it wasn’t a Christian one. I would tell kids to go to a trade school before I would tell them to go to a college or university in this country. Those places ruin your children; they pride themselves in making your children not like or appreciate their families, who are traditionalists. I have friends who have kids who have gone to Christian colleges to be disappointed in them also. The only university that I believe might be different is “Hard Work U,” in Missouri. It is a Christian college where students work to pay for their tuition. We will check it out for the grandkids.
I will try to do the challenge this week, although I am on vacation at the beach!
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week?
Wow, did I have an interesting day at church yesterday….a former student’s mother (from 20 years ago) and her 10 year old granddaughter (my former student’s child) showed up and remembered me. It is a very long story, but let’s just day that 20 years ago we did not see eye to eye. Today, we are in the same boat, AND are the same age….if you recall, I have been trying to find ladies my age to be my friends. All my “friends” are either 40 or 70! Our church does not have very many people my age and with similar circumstances. It’s hard making friends at my age 😉 I’m hoping she decides to stay and we can develop a relationship so we both have someone.
3. Read John 5:16-23 A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond?
He was breaking the Sabbath rule of not working.
He explains that His Father is always working and so he was doing as the Father does because He is the Son.
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God?
He explains that the Son could not do anything by Himself so the Father helped Him heal the man. Since He called God His Father, He made Himself equal to God.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father?
He states that He cannot do anything without God the Father.
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him?
The Father shows Him all He does so the Son can also do greater works.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11 A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday)
We are to have the attitude of Christ. We are to be humble.
I am trying to ward off temptation and have been slightly successful.
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him?
He did not think of Himself as God. He gave up His divine privileges and humbled Himself. He died on a cross. God has elevated Him to the highest honor so that all will bow to Him and glorify Him.
When Patti mentioned her “word” is trust this year it reminded me to pray over the list I have of all of our words and I wanted to share this email I received from Mike Ashcraft, the author of “My One Word,” along with Rachel Olsen. It was encouraging for me and trust it will be for y’all 😊 https://myoneword.org/embrace-the-struggle/let-it-morph/
Thank you, Sharon! I will re-read this later tonight. Would you refresh my memory on which study we did our word for the year? Was it a January study? I need to look at that again.
Bing, you’re welcome! We didn’t do an actual study on our one word but the 12/25/22 and 1/1/23 Bible study blog was about sharing our word. I hope this helps😊
Bing, you wrote us a little prayer His life, His examples gives me hope and the ability to trust Him to make me humble, winsome, abiding in Him, growing in the Word, able to ruthlessly eliminate hurry, knowing that we are clothed in His righteousness, and thus made worthy freed from sin and it’s penalty and power to be emptied of self and to extend grace to others while receiving grace daily from Him.
Oh, Sharon and Judy! you just blessed me so! Thank you for reminding me where I can find this and the little prayer I wrote. Many, many thanks!
Judy Liddle
August 7, 2023
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond? Because He was healing and performing miracles on the Sabbath. My Father is always at work to this very day and I am working too.
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God? He says that Gos is always at work and that He works also. He also calls God His father making Himself equal to God. He also goes on to say the Son gives life to whom He is pleased to give it and that the Father had entrusted all judgement to the Son and and whoever doesn’t honor the Son doesn’t honor the Father who sent Him.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father? Jesus says the son can do nothing by Himself, He can only do what He sees His Father doing,
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor God has entrusted all judgement to the Son so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday) the same mindset as Jesus but made Himself nothing by taking in the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness. He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross. Today I have at times done okay by remembering death leads to resurrection and other times almost have had to grit my teeth and think it. My better half fell 2 weeks ago and doesn’t want to see the doctor. He s now using a cane and needs me to do things for him. Today while moving a recliner he let me move it and then decided he wanted it somewhere else. He also became frustrated several times when I was in the middle of other things wanted me to stop what I was doing and run errands for him or locate things for him. I read of Patti s loving service to her husband and realize I shouldn’t even have snarky thoughts but should joyfully surrender and serve.
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him? Death on a cross. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father and God has exalted Him to the highest place and given Him the name that is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Amen,
Oh, Judy! I totally relate to your frustrations. I do have to fight the snarky thoughts and pray every day. Thank you for sharing. It is wonderful to have this blog to share with and pray for one another. I love that we are doing this exercise this week. We all have a variety of frustrations and things that can trigger our emotions. So thankful we have Jesus, who we can always turn to !
Monday: THE TEXTS
3. Read John 5:16-23
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond? They were persecuting Him for breaking the Sabbath rules. “My Father is always working, and so am I.”
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God? By saying His Father is always working and Jesus called God His Father making Himself equal to God.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father? He showed submission in saying the Son can do nothing by Himself. He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him? The Father will honor Him by giving Him absolute authority to judge.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday) The same mindset that Jesus Christ had…selfless humility.
I went to the pharmacy today (not my favorite thing to do) and got to the line just before another man did…well when the lady called “who’s next,” he just cut in front of me. I just let out a sigh and didn’t say anything but on the inside I had a few words for him. While he’s being helped his wife came with more items to purchase and walked right past me and put them on the counter. I let out another sigh and immediately thought of our challenge this week and the lie Satan was telling me…”it would be alright if you gave that man a piece of your mind, God wants you to be nice when you really don’t need to be, after all that man was rude.” The truth God was telling me…”you prayed this morning to be clothed with My presence and not let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires and also to be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, gentleness, forgiveness and love.” My attitude/mindset changed and when the man left he said to me, “sorry I took so long,” and I just smiled at him. Self definitely had to be put to death and there was a resurrection!
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him? He gave up His divine privileges, took the humble position of a slave, was born a human being, humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. He elevated Him to the highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at His name every knee should bow, in heaven, earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Oh, Sharon! What a wonderful example of dying to self. Thank you for sharing this. This is what the Father desires of us and I need to remember this daily when I have an angry thought. 🙂
We had a similar incident today and boy oh boy did I have to check my mouth at the door! My family of 4 went to an Italian restaurant and were hoping to sit outside. It was lunch and the place was not busy. There were 2 tables left outside. We waited patiently for the hostess to seat us. The party of 2, ahead of us, was told to choose a table outside. Instead of taking the table for 2, they took the table for 4! The next person (also told to seat themselves outside) took the table for 2. If the first party had taken the table for 2 then surely the single person wouldn’t have taken the table for 4 and we would have been able to sit outside. C’est la vie! “Ok well then, I thought, I guess we can sit inside.” We finally got our turn and were told to pick a table inside. We chose one that happened to be next to the window (to be near outside), but it was for a party of 6 or so. The host said, “Sit somewhere else in case we get a larger party that comes in.” I couldn’t believe it but I said nothing. We just moved. People just don’t think of others much these days. I am trying to be better at this.
3. Read John 5:16-23 A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond? Because He healed the man on the Sabbath. “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God? Jesus was showing the way the Sabbath should be observed, with compassion and healing where needed. He speak of God as “My Father”. C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father? The Son can do nothing of Himself; He acted on dependence of His Father. And He says that Son does nothing that the Father does not do. He is the Son of God. The Father reveals His plans and purposes and Jesus carries them out.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? With every death comes a resurrection. I need to remember this when I am tempted to make little compromises that don’t seem to make a difference one way or the other. Will you accept this week’s challenge and report? Yes, Although I may not be on time. 2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week? It seems kind of silly, but I have been waking up with praise songs on my mind. Like I have been dreaming of singing these songs. This morning when I woke up I was singing How Great Thou Art. There’s always that weird time when I realize that I’m not actually singing it and I’m still in bed. I don’t know how to explain it, but it has been such a great start to my day.
5. What stands out to you and why?
Find your life by losing your life. Christianity doesn’t fit the mold of what people think religion should be.
6. How did Keller sum up the life of Christ?
He is high up with the Father, He goes low and comes to earth, and then is raised again even higher than before.
7. Keller told a story about peoples’ hesitation to use the lyrics of Bach. What was the story and the point?
The lyrics speak of how corrupt people are with sin. Musicians are embarrassed by those words. How could Bach believe in the wickedness of man, but have such beautiful music. The reviewers confusion is that he has no explanation for the two views of Bach. He has a world view. But, we do have the explanation (Christians). The way up is down. 8. Some say Jesus was a son of God that way we are sons of God. How do Keller and this passage refute that?
Jesus is THE Son of God. The eldest son is equal with the father in the culture of those times. He is equal with the Father. We are not the eldest “sons.”
9. What point was Keller making when he said angels refuse worship?
The angels say they are just creatures and you can’t worship creatures that are created. Nothing created can be worshiped. The Bible says so.
10. Jesus was indeed, a prophet. But why isn’t that enough for us?
We have “three in one.”Jesus demands worship from us. We honor the Son just as the Father, equally.
The prophets say, “here is moral behavior that will bring you to God.” Christianity says that no moral behavior will bring you to God. We don’t need a prophet, rather, we need a Savior. Take the prophet out of the religion and the religion is intact. Take Christ out and you don’t have a religion.
Monday: THE TEXTS
3. Read John 5:16-23
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond?
— Healing the man on the Sabbath went against Jewish tradition so the Jews persecuted Christ as someone who broke the law. Jesus plainly told them My Father is at work and so am I.
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath?
And that He is equal with God?
—Jesus said that God was at work right then and there on the Sabbath and in verse 19 that he (Jesus) did not work alone but was doing the work of his Father.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father?
—He said he did nothing by himself but did only what he saw the Father doing.
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him?
—Jesus said the Father loved him and showed him everything he was doing and would lead him to do even greater works. And that Jesus himself would be given absolute authority to judge by God his Father so that everyone will honor him.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have?
—The mind of Christ Jesus. To think like he does which is demonstrated by his humble attitude and he lived out humility.
Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday)
—Because I have made the commitment on most days to not eat any processed sugars it is a struggle when they are readily available in the form of leftover dessert from the weekend of having guests. I would say the craving for sugar never really goes away but to resist the temptation was clearly on my mind. I can’t say I necessarily humbled myself in choosing not to go ahead and have a little of what was left. But it did help that my 13 year old grandson came over for the afternoon and was happy to have the rest of it. 😊
Eating the wrong foods is an upfront kind of temptation for me as a type 2 diabetic but I realize the more subtle temptations have to do with my heart’s attitude. We’ll see how the week goes.
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him?
—He submitted to doing only what God was doing and showed him to do. God honored him by giving him authority to have all judgment and the power to give life.
Monday: THE TEXTS
3. Read John 5:16-23
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond?
Because He was doing things like healing on Sabbath. He told me that His Father is at his work to this very day and so was He.
Comment: Oh, wow! The Father is at work to this very day! He is at work in my life and those I love!
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God?
He healed on Sabbath and He is one with the Father so the Father and Son are one.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father?
By doing what the Father does.
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him?
God has entrusted judgment to His Son, Jesus, and honoring Jesus is honoring the Father.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday)
That we are to be about servanthood in humility before others and before God and our example is Jesus.
Answer to challenge: My husband and I have differing opinions about a ministry effort. I humbly submitted to him and found the wisdom of his choice.
Tuesday: Introduction
Listen to about the first ten minutes or until he references the Philippians text.
5. What stands out to you and why? “The way up is down. The way to reign is to submit. The way to power is to serve. The way to happiness is not to seek your own happiness, but the happiness of others. The way to exaltation is by humbling. The way to find your life is to lose your life.”
Such a different, and difficult way to live but always made possible through the power and guidance of the Triune God. Some of you have mentioned our word for the year and mine is “emptied”. I am experiencing God and finding life when I empty myself of myself.
6. How did Keller sum up the life of Christ?
Jesus was high (in the heavens with the Father, then He was low (on earth, a servant and died on the cross) and God the Father brought Him back up and exalted Him.
7. Keller told a story about peoples’ hesitation to use the lyrics of Bach. What was the story and the point?
They were embarrassed by the words of condemnation and of sin. They couldn’t believe that the lyrics were written by the same man. But they were! “The Bach, full of God, conviction of sin, the humbled Bach is the exalted Bach. Is the exalted Bach. The Bach convicted of sin is the Bach that soars in liberation. The way to lose yourself, the way to find yourself is to lose yourself.”
8. Some say Jesus was a son of God that way we are sons of God. How do Keller and this passage refute that?
Jesus is THE Son of God not a son of God.
9. What point was Keller making when he said angels refuse worship?
Angels are created beings as well. They have a beginning but Jesus does not.
10. Jesus was indeed, a prophet. But why isn’t that enough for us?
I don’t need a prophet, I need a Savior.
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him?
Jesus submitted to the Father. To become like us and to die for us. God exalted him above all, to the highest place, with a name above all names, and at His name, Jesus, every knee should bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord.
5. What stands out to you and why? Jesus demands worship. Nothing created that has a beginning can be worshiped. I’d never thought of this Jesus demanding worship. Deserving worship, of course, but His being and sacrifice does demand worship.
6. How did Keller sum up the life of Christ? Jesus was high up, equal with God. Then He came to earth became submissive to the Father. He then has been brought back up and He gets the glory the Father has and has jusdgement entrusted to Him.
7. Keller told a story about peoples’ hesitation to use the lyrics of Bach. What was the story and the point? 200 cantatas for the church have been put on cds. The music reviewer said that when the works were played originally the words were not used because the musicians were embarrassed by them. The words were about humans sin and wickedness and were under the wrath of God. Bach himself sinful and corrupted. Reviewer concluded this was not the real Bach that had the joyous public persona. Keller s interpretation “we thought he was a great guy but he’s just another evangelical Christian..” the humbled Bach by sin s conviction becomes the exalted Bach The conviction of sin brought th Bach that soars to liberation. You lose yourself to find yourself.
8. Some say Jesus was a son of God that way we are sons of God. How do Keller and this passage refute that? Jesus said He was equal to the Father. The same work that the Father did in the beginning He is doing also Jesus said I’m the Son Jewish people at that time understood through law of primogeniture as eldest son He would get all the wealth and the Father’s status and all of His position, He was totally equal with the Father.
9. What point was Keller making when he said angels refuse worship? Angels are created beings and not worthy of worship
10. Jesus was indeed, a prophet. But why isn’t that enough for us? I need a Savior to wash me white as snow and clothe me in His righteousness.
Tuesday: Introduction
Listen to about the first ten minutes or until he references the Philippians text.
5. What stands out to you and why?
—What stands out to me is the reality of the amazing thing Jesus did as the Son of God coming to earth from his exalted position on high in Heaven and to the lowest place of serving and dying for mankind but being raised back to his position as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Deserving of all honor and glory one with his Father. Why? I don’t know why! I don’t deserve it but it’s a deep mystery of the love of God and I am a recipient of that grace which defies logic.
6. How did Keller sum up the life of Christ?
—Jesus was high up. He was equal with God. He comes down (to earth) and becomes subject to the Father. He becomes submissive to the Father. Then at a certain point he is brought back up so so that he gets all the honor that the Father has and has all the judgement entrusted to him.
So, he was high, he goes low, and he gets back up high.
7. Keller told a story about peoples’ hesitation to use the lyrics of Bach. What was the story and the point?
—The texts continually and repeatedly say that humanity is sinful, wicked, condemned, and under the wrath of God.
The writer / reviewer said because of that Bach could not be the joyous Bach known through his more public works. He questioned how could the Bach who believed this thing about human wickedness and sinfulness be the Bach whose music is rapturous joy, unsurpassed, unbounded, soaring, liberation, freedom. But Keller said “The Bach, full of God, conviction of sin, the humbled Bach is the exalted Bach. The Bach convicted of sin is the Bach that soars in liberation.”
8. Some say Jesus was a son of God that way we are sons of God. How do Keller and this passage refute that?
—He makes the point that Jesus was actually saying I am the Son. He did not say I am a son of God. The Jewish leaders fully understood what he meant in their Semitic terms. That’s why they wanted to stone him because they did not believe God could ever be in human form.
9. What point was Keller making when he said angels refuse worship?
—He said the Bible is clear that nothing with a beginning can be worshipped. Nothing created can be worshipped. But Jesus demands worship because he is equal with the Father.
10. Jesus was indeed, a prophet. But why isn’t that enough for us?
— Because we need a Savior. A Prophet only instructs us in moral behavior but moral behavior cannot save us. Christ who is equal to God his Father is the only one who can give us life.
3. Read John 5:16-23 A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond? For healing on the Sabbath. He said that his father is always at work, so he is always at work. B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God? By calling God his father he is equating himself with God. C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father? He says that he can do nothing on his own accord. D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him? He says that the Father loves him and shows him what he (the Father) is doing. 4. Read Philippians 2:5-11 A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? The mindset of being humbly obedient to God in all things. Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday) At my job I am sometimes the closer which means that I have to stay until the last loads come out of the sterilizer. Since I am the only one in the building it is always tempting to just sit in the break room and watch TV while waiting for the machines to finish even though there are plenty of small things that I could be doing. No one knows one way or the other how I use that time. I’m pretty certain that no one would care if I chose to take a break since I’m only required to get the last of the surgical instruments sterilized. I’ve been keeping busy and using that time for productive work since I am being paid to work, not watch TV. B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him? To leaving his place in heaven to become a human and submit himself to being an obedient servant even to death on the cross. God has given Jesus the name above all names. That all of creation will bow their knee to his name.
Wednesday: The Upside Down Life of George Matheson and Philippians 2
Listen until he begins his four points. (About 15 minutes in)
11. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific.
—I am being challenged with my heart’s attitude towards a 14 year old boy who is frankly pretty annoying to me. The situation is that my husband for the last couple of years has taken Micah with him to weekend Sporting Clays Shoots 4 times a year to raise money for scholarships given to kids that don’t have money to attend the summer church camps. I decided to go with my husband this coming weekend because Micah had another commitment and wasn’t planning to go. And our 25 year old granddaughter is going to join us and shoot with her grandpa. So I’m delighted to get to be with her which doesn’t happen much now that she is married and working full time. Well yesterday Micah let my husband know he could go with him after all. So the real Bev comes out in that I really don’t like or enjoy having Micah around. And the challenge hits me in the face that my word for the year is grace. Needless to say to deal with my attitude and to practice grace to him for two nights and two and a half days is my challenge. I would like to think I am more noble but I am not. Bev’s grace won’t cut it. It has to be God’s.
12. What stands out to you from Keller in this part?
—That I owe my life twice to Jesus. He is my creator and He is my redeemer. And that the principle of life according to the career and life of Jesus is that the way up is down. Keller said “The way to maturity, the way to peace, the way to joy, the way to contentment is to do what Jesus Christ did. It’s to submit to God’s will.”
And now for me to think about it, isn’t it ironic that this is the lesson here for me personally. God has rearranged my weekend plans so that Micah will be with us in the middle of things. My fun weekend disrupted or so I thought. But it turns out to be God’s will for him to join us and my path “to maturity, peace, joy and contentment is to do what Jesus Christ did. It’s to submit to God’s will.”
13. Try finishing these sentences:
A. The way to blessing is to take the curse.
B. The way to greatness is to give up your greatness.
C. The way to healing is to not avoid the brokenness.
D. What looks like suicide to man is actually liberation.
E. The way up is down.
14. Share your thoughts.
—The story of George Matheson serves to greatly encourage and bless my heart this morning as I consider just what God has been showing me in this lesson today.
This is the last comment from the article by Josh Weismann as he summed up his thoughts.
“Imagine how the world might be different if you and I understood this as well. There is no telling the impact one can have on the world when he or she understand that it is not the world that should be their focus, but the Creator and Redeemer of it.”
Tuesday: Introduction
Listen to about the first ten minutes or until he references the Philippians text.
5. What stands out to you and why? Because my sister is Buddhist this stood out to me…”You can take Buddha out of Buddhism and you can take Mohammed out of Islam, and anybody in those religions will say, you’d still have the religion in tact. You cannot take Christ out of Christianity…you can’t consider Him a great man, He’s either far more than a great man or far less of a great man, but He can’t be a great man because a great man doesn’t say, ‘You must honor Me like the Father.”
6. How did Keller sum up the life of Christ? He was equal with God, came down to earth, subject to the Father, then brought back up, got all the honor the Father has and all judgment entrusted to Him.
7. Keller told a story about peoples’ hesitation to use the lyrics of Bach. What was the story and the point? Most of his music was done without texts because they were embarrassed by the words which were about the sinfulness of man. They couldn’t understand how Bach could believe in human wickedness and sin and his music be rapturous joy, unbounded, soaring, liberation, freedom? His music came from a humble heart, knowing he was a sinner saved by grace and he was joyful, liberated and free…the way up is down.
8. Some say Jesus was a son of God that way we are sons of God. How do Keller and this passage refute that? Jesus said, I am THE Son of God!
9. What point was Keller making when he said angels refuse worship? That nothing created can be worshipped, you can’t worship something that has a beginning.
10. Jesus was indeed, a prophet. But why isn’t that enough for us? You can’t take Christ out of Christianity because it wouldn’t exist, no other so called prophet in other religions can say, “You must honor Me like the Father.”
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him? The Father has given all judgment to the Son. 4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday) We are to have the mindset of humility and unity. We are to rid our selves of selfishness and and empty conceit.
Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. Today is Wednesday and, in the past few days, I have had to overcome a couple of meltdowns….and just breathe. And on this blog, I so appreciate how “iron sharpens iron” …..I loved Sharon’s pharmacy story so much that I shared a portion of it with my daughter on Monday. We talked and shared for a long time on the un-Christlike importance we can place on being “right”. Though you were in the right, Sharon, you chose the higher road that pleases the Savior. Your story was a great to reflect upon; we talked through some of our similar frustrations. Thank you for sharing that. My frustration is no one’s fault. My husband forgets things in two minutes and when he thinks I am far enough away, he will be hunting for sweets to eat. (which is quite deadly for a person with diabetes)…..In his present state, desire reigns over logic, and we all have to keep sweets far out of his reach….and spend lots of time monitoring him. It can be exhausting, but I have to pray before I react and speak kindly to him….it can be very challenging. 🙂 B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him? Jesus humbled Himself and He obeyed the Father to the point of His horrible death on the cross. God honored Him as He highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the Name above All Names. Jesus Christ is Lord.
11. Not doing well with the challenge! I understand the principle, but we are on vacation. It is difficult; food and drink aplenty! I will do my best in the future to remember this though.
12. I am sharing these sermons with my best friend. We have discussed much of what Keller is talking about in the last few weeks. I think she is being blessed by them!
13. Try finishing these sentences: A. The way to blessing is to _______bless someone______ B. The way to greatness is to ______be humble_________ C. The way to healing is to ___heal others_____ D. What looks like suicide to man is ______life _______. E. The way up is __down_____ Read Matheson’s story and listen to his song. Then share your thoughts about his life & lyrics.
This is a sweet story of perseverance. His life was tough and he just dug in and made himself the best he could be. I love that. It’s also a reminder of how others love each other well. His sister, who took care of him throughout the course of their lives, deserves recognition for sure. That is the song, that endures forever.
I typed out the questions and challenge for Wednesday and submitted it…for some reason they didn’t show up🤷♀️
Well, anyway my challenge was a failure as I was in a situation where I got caught up in the moment. God in His grace did forgive me when we had a conversation about it later and I asked for forgiveness. I’m really thankful for this challenge as it’s really opening my eyes to seeing reactions and attitudes I have that are not glorifying to God…ugh!! It reminds me of 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Never stop praying.” I remember a sermon where the pastor interpreted that to mean, “Be in constant communication with God.” Oh how I need Him all the time.
I have silent most of the week, but am catching up today. How I love that you shared this Sharon! Thank you for this important reminder!! Every day is a challenge to listen to His voice and glorify Him in my words and actions. Amen to 1 Thessalonians 5:17…I have so many notes in my Bible on this page! I need to re-read it often!
15. What stood out to you and why? Submission means wrestling. I may understand this wrong, but submissions means to make a decision to submit understanding there is a cost, but it’s deciding to submit not just an agreement because I have to.
16. How did Keller make his point that submission doesn’t mean we won’t struggle? A man who d lost his wife after 6 months of marriage was told that it was God ‘s will so don’t be sad. So for a year he attitude Praise God I’m not grieving. Then he crashed and burned and said why should I obey God at all. He wasn’t submitted in either case. Then he said look at Jesus and His struggle in Gethsemane Jesus chose to surrender to God s will.
17. How did he make his point that trust doesn’t mean knuckling under? A little boy with broken truck and he is crying.The guy gets a letter saying he s inherited $20 million. He s not going to continue crying, but thr problem isn’t the truck it’s his vantage point. It’s the place from where he is viewing the situation.
Friday: High Vantage Point and Joy!
18. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific.
—Had to be gone early yesterday to take my neighbor and friend for cataract surgery and so skipped Thursday’s questions.
But anyway “The Challenge!”
I empathize with Laura on the eating and drinking. I gave into the Coconut Cream Pie Wednesday night even though I had determined to not eat any processed sugar this week.
It is actually so much harder for me in social situations than when I’m alone. We were with good friends enjoying great fellowship and it truly is one of my favorite desserts. No excuses. I just gave in. I try to reserve Sunday as my free day to eat one thing special. So the flesh won that one but every day is new and right back to my eating program. Over all God has given me a renewed strength of practicing a healthy eating style and I’m grateful to Him. Being back on the wagon this past month has actually been a relief in many ways. I just feel better physically when I keep it in balance. But temptation is always lurking.
My test of practicing grace with “in your face, non stop activity, up close and personal Micah” begins this afternoon. Thinking ahead and gearing up I realize I need to lovingly 🥴set some boundaries. My husband just simply does it in a fairly blunt guy sorta demeanor. But I do love it that Terry has a heart for Micah and I in no way want to hinder that with a wrong attitude on my part.
Like Sharon I am actually grateful for this challenge too because it has created a recognition of addressing some needed areas of growth in my life personally. And to “never stop praying”.
19. What stood out to you from this section and why?
—I thought this really hit the mail on the head for me when Keller said:
“Friends, I don’t know what he’s doing in your life right now. I know that in my own life, when he’s disappointed me the most, he was trying to get me out from under the grips of certain idols. I’ve pitied myself and I hated the world because I wasn’t getting my way, and I needed to be freed from those idols.
I don’t know what he’s doing in your case, but I know this. I know that he is bringing you to a resurrection beyond the death of your hopes. And you’ll be brought into a resurrection of new hopes and new joys if you will submit to him.”
—It really is about being freed from idols and what encouragement and hope he gives here to practice submission to God’s will and be brought into a resurrection of new hopes and new joys.
16. How did Keller make his point that submission doesn’t mean we won’t struggle?
He reminds us that Jesus was nailed to the cross, in submission to His Father, so that something better could happen. We could be saved.
17. How did he make his point that trust doesn’t mean knuckling under?
To trust God is to do His will. When a situation arises that makes us uncomfortable, we do the right thing regardless of the circumstances. It’s a decision. Even when we are disappointed in life’s events, and how they play out differently than what we would want, we obey His will.
18. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific.
I’m doing great in my mind…!
19. What stood out to you from this section and why?
“…you will not submit until you have control of your life, and therefore you’re not submitting. You stay king of your little life. I can submit if I just knew why. In other words, you won’t do it.”
I guess that when I am making decisions to not dance with this group, and to dance at this time on this day, I am in control of how and when I will be available to share His Word my way. Perhaps, I should be more flexible (!) and find other ways to draw people in to liturgical dance. For example, I have always wanted to dance with adults, not kids. The teens are who I have ended up teaching. I usually dance on Tuesdays, but some can’t make it, so I have been open to dancing on another day when others can dance. I have even thought that a couple of home school dancers might help make a dance club for the high school, and we might draw others in there! This would be answering the call to spread His Word in my little world.
20. What was his little boy’s illustration and point?
We have to have the right vantage point to understand. We aren’t actually able to have that vantage point though. A little boy with his toy truck that is broken will not respond to a $20 million win in the lottery. He doesn’t have the right vantage point.
Thursday: Submission and Trust
16. How did Keller make his point that submission doesn’t mean we won’t struggle? He tells the story of a man who lost his wife 6 months after they were married in a car crash and a friend told him he shouldn’t be sad because it was God’s will, so he went around telling people I’m not grieving because it’s God’s will and a year later he crashed, got angry at God and asked why he should obey Him at all. Neither responses were being submissive.
17. How did he make his point that trust doesn’t mean knuckling under? He used a scene out of Jesus Christ Superstar where Jesus is singing in the Garden of Gethsemane and he says, “God, Thy will is hard, but You hold every card. Go on, kill Me before I change My mind.” He willed to do His will, that’s a decision. He’s saying I will do this.
18. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific. Failed some. In a group of women, I kind of interrupted woman who had gone from one thought to the next. She paused but I sensed she had more to say. I should have waited and if I was to interject anything God would have brought it around again. Today my better half let the water out of sink that I was using to wipe counter and was going to wash a pan because he wanted to put cold water in the sink. My thoughts were if I did that to him he’d speak his displeasure. Then I remembered death to self and thought how would I like him to respond to me if situation was reversed and I just waited on him to finish and didn’t comment. This challenge sure brings up the sneaky little foxes that are in my life that I have overlooked or didn’t even recognize.
19. What stood out to you from this section and why? The discussion of the song line I lay in dust life s glory dead. How he ties submission to joy and to Jesus who for the joy set before him endured the cross.
Wednesday: The Upside Down Life of George Matheson and Philippians 2
Listen until he begins his four points. (About 15 minutes in)
11. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific.
A friend and I went out to take another friend to lunch expecting she will be riding with us and spending some extended time with us for the afternoon. The day of the outing, a few minutes before we met up, she told us she would drive herself (we were all about 40 minutes away from where we were taking her) and needed to go somewhere else afterward. My friend and I were bummed about it, and I was tempted to think she did not value our effort and time. My sense of identity and approval got hurt (idols! Ugh!). I had to tell the enemy to leave us. Death to self and my own plans.
We had a wonderful time. Though short, God facilitated our time together, the food was better than expected, and the conversations were flowing. We focused on her and prayed for her to move to be closer to her only daughter. My friend and I were blessed and had a special time visiting with each other on our way home. God gave me a sense of joy and peace amidst the turn of events. Resurrection!
12. What stands out to you from Keller in this part?
God is not only our Creator but Redeemer. I owe my life to Him twice!
13. Try finishing these sentences:
A. The way to blessing is to take the curse.
B. The way to greatness is to give up your greatness.
C. The way to healing is to plunge in!
D. What looks like suicide to man is liberation.
E. The way up is down.
Read Matheson’s story and listen to his song. Then share your thoughts about his life & lyrics.
I have read Matheson’s story before. But this article was more thorough and spoke of this man’s joy amid his suffering. What a gift of the Spirit that was given him and in return, Matheson has blessed us with this hymn long after he was gone to be with our Lord.
14. Share your thoughts.
Philippians 2 is such a humbling passage to read. When pride rears its ugly head, this is one passage that I recall reminding me of Jesus. I do not have anything that is in any way close to the humility of my Savior. I strive to be what He is like and am thankful that His help is always available when I need Him. His company is my pleasure and gratitude for what He has done for me often brings me on my knees.
I am in desperate need of dying to myself and living for Him. I want to live my fullest life, the one He has planned for me, not the one I think is best for myself.
Thursday: Submission and Trust
Listen up to when Keller turns to “See your life from a high vantage point.”
15. What stood out to you and why?
Submission means wrestling and deciding to trust. This is freeing. So often, I question why I am struggling. I shouldn’t be struggling. There is this one issue at work that I am struggling with. I am struggling with government people not doing their work-it has been over a year of waiting. I need to trust God to have the perfect time to work things out.
16. How did Keller make his point that submission doesn’t mean we won’t struggle?
He gave the example of Jesus in that He struggled at the Garden of Gethsemane-he was saying, “I am sorrowful even unto death. I am just about ready to faint under the weight of what I’m about to suffer. He says to them, I am crumbling before the weight of this like a moth before a blowtorch. And yet I’m doing this for you and I’m doing this for him and not my will but his be done.”
17. How did he make his point that trust doesn’t mean knuckling under?
He used the illustration of Jesus Christ Superstar movie where the Jesus character said, “Go on and kill me before I change my mind”. It is almost like resignation instead of a decision to trust God and His will.
Friday: High Vantage Point and Joy!
18. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific.
I have been critical and impatient (see answer to 15) with people whom I perceive as not doing their job. No explanation, no communication, no nothing. They are getting in the way of our school team from moving forward. We have been waiting for a year for approval of a program. I am being reminded as I type my answer here of Isaiah 55 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” I am struggling; I don’t want to just knuckle my way through it.
Lord, help me to see it from your vantage point. There are many other things that are working out for us right now. Help me to trust you; to submit to your will and your time with joy.
19. What stood out to you from this section and why?
To see the circumstances of my life from a vantage point. Like Matheson. My hope for something may have died but Christ gives new hopes which are of more eternal value. Considering eternity, does this issue at school really matter? What is the chief duty of man? According to the Westminster Catechism, Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. May it be so, lord, may it be so.
20. What was his little boy’s illustration and point?
I often fail to see my circumstances from the vantage point. I look at life’s misfortunes and cry, “Unfair!” Instead, I should seek Christ’s vantage point. For every death to self, there is a resurrection.
This sums it up so well, Bing!
According to the Westminster Catechism, Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. May it be so, lord, may it be so.
Saturday:
21. What’s your take-a-way and why?
It often boils down to idolatry. Mt takeaways are some of the following quotes from Tim Keller:
“ Friends, I don’t know what he’s doing in your life right now. I know that in my own life when he’s disappointed me the most, he was trying to get me out from under the grips of certain idols. I’ve pitied myself and I hated the world because I wasn’t getting my way, and I needed to be freed from those idols.”
“I know that he is bringing you to a resurrection beyond the death of your hopes. And you’ll be brought into a resurrection of new hopes and new joys if you will submit to him. The Son only does what the Father shows him.”
“Fight against every thought that would propose to you that it would be more desirable if you could choose for yourself. The way up is down. The way to find yourself is to lose yourself.”
21. What’s your take-a-way and why? I need to be more cognizant of my sin. I hope I continue to look harder at my actions and thoughts. Also I need to be more aware of the vantage point when I’m trying to obey. It’s not to be a grit my teeth obedience, I’m to do it out of love for God and Jesus. Jesus taking on the very nature of a servant humbled Himself and became obedient. Thank you, Dee and ladies. This has been quite a challenge for me. I thought I had confessed my sin, but I’ve been deceived and missing areas I’ve failed to honor God.
Wesley Hill
82 comments
I must be accountable too.
Doing well with eating after not doing well when my big family was here for two weeks.
Twice this week when an unbeliever has stopped by when I was about to go play pickleball, I had to speak truth to myself and warmly embrace the visit and person instead of letting them know somehow I had something I wanted to do. With one, I had a deep discussion about Jesus. So God blessed that. Way up is down!
Thanks for sharing Dee…God can accomplish so much when we have selfless humility. 😊❤️
I love this, Dee. I pray that I can leave my schedule to Him everyday! You did that and He became the discussion!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Will you accept this week’s challenge and report? Wesley Hill What a difficult path he has chosen in the current culture and yet has great joy and purpose. He looks joyful. Lord, protect him. I will try to accept challenge I sometimes don’t remember what I should, but right now I am refusing to find a snack for my full stomach because He is the only who truly satisfies. Death to self brings resurrection
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week? Yesterday morning in my quiet time I played a worship song and just sat quietly for 30 minutes He just seemed to linger with me I pulled up song Gratitude but decided I’d better get busy cleaning and not play the song, but the song started to play anyway. I paused it and got busy again. Then the song started playing again. I then sat some more and worshiped.
Judy, I love the Gratitude song, too.
Oh Judy — what a great story. The enemy so longs to distract, but God had His way!
Judy, I love that the Lord continued to prompt you to sit and worship.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Will you accept this week’s challenge and report?
I like that this week will not be so much about knowledge but action. I try to put what I learn into action but it will be nice to have others to do it with and be accountable to…especially this loving group.
I will accept the challenge and report.
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week?
I have been reading and meditating on Genesis 1. One thing about the creation story that stands out to me is the Sovereignty of God. I realize how often I tend to put God in a box, He is so much bigger and greater than what my mind can wrap around and so much I must take in faith!
Yes, this is a loving group. I too accept the challenge — probably most about just staying in the light about everything — being with Him, my angry thoughts about someone and the desire to control, eating — a lot! Help me Lord, and each person here, have faith to die and trust You to bring life!
Amen , Dee!!
Such a great point on the Sovereignty of God, Sharon. I am so guilty of this and I need to come to my knees before Him and realize His Majesty so often.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Will you accept this week’s challenge and report?
Wesley Hill, like Judy’s. What a great example of vulnerability and courage. I also love the title of the book, “Washed and Waiting”. To me “washed” means I am secure in Christ through His blood. “Waiting” would mean while I am being changed each day, I am waiting for that day when I would no longer have to deal with the world’s temptations and will be face to face with Jesus in glory. Yes, I accept the challenge and will report.
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week?
I have been waiting for the featured speaker for our October women’s luncheon to give me a theme so our design person can start working on a flier. I had to wait for a few weeks because she was on vacation with her family. Without us speaking to one another during the wait, we came up with the same theme! And on that very day, as we texted back and forth, during a quiet time, the Scriptures gave me an example that I shared with her. She in turn thought it would be good additional material to what she had been working on. Only God can make such stirrings in our hearts. Our theme will be “Drawing Near to God with Confidence”.
I love it when His Spirit says the same thing!
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
—Wesley Hill’s comments on his book. “Washed and waiting. That is my life — my identity as one who is forgiven and spiritually cleansed and my struggle as one who perseveres with a frustrating thorn in the flesh looking forward to what God has promised to do.”
It stands out to me as such a good reminder that the blood of Christ has brought me forgiveness and has washed me clean of my inherent sin so that as I struggle with still living in this flesh in this fallen broken world I cling to the Words of God (the Bible) and the promises He has given me of what he has done and what he will do.
Will you accept this week’s challenge and report?
—Yes I will. It is a good thing to be challenged this week to over come temptation to believe Satan’s lie with the God’s truth.
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week?
—As I do my daily Bible reading I have started selecting one verse that stands out to me and meditating on it. A few days ago it was this verse from the passage where Jesus is being challenged with questions about the resurrection in an attempt by the Sadducees to trap him. Of course the Sadducees didn’t believe in resurrection.
Matthew 22:29 “But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
I thought about what a limited view of God they had by denying that there would be resurrection. If God cannot raise the dead he is a weak and impotent god. But He can and has and will. My heart was encouraged by the reminder of the power of my God. “With every death comes a resurrection.”
You will be a great accountability partner this week!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Will you accept this week’s challenge and report? I love the courage of Wesley Hill. There must be much pressure on him and many in the gay community who turn against him, for taking a stance for God. So many churches have altered their messages to accommodate life styles that go against God’s Word. May God continue to protect him and his ministry. It is pure joy to accept this challenge with this godly group of women. My week has started with challenges yesterday, just after I read the lesson for this week. How I pray that I am able to do what Jesus calls me to do and do it with grace. I am so thankful for each of you on this Blog. I have loved these “signs” and miracles ~ showing us that we need to always study God’s Word, as He brings new things to light with each “re-reading” and studying of His Word.
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week? Facing the increasing challenges of my husband’s failing health is so heartbreaking, yet our Father brings friends so full of love into our lives and I see Him in all of this. Last night was a tough time for three hours in the middle of the night. But, Jesus calmed the sea once again.
This is prayer is in my devotion for today from “The Songs of Jesus” by Tim and Kathy Keller. “Lord, I read into your promises-to bless me , care for me, and keep me- my own agenda and then hold you responsible if you don’t serve it. Thus I turn you into my servant instead of turning myself into your servant. Forgive me for wronging you in this way! Amen” How I need to remember that I am His servant, in His care and He is my Lord, my day planner, the One in whom I can Trust!! (Trust is my word for this year)
Patti, the early morning awakenings are tough for caregiving. Hold on to Jesus, sister! He will carry you through. Don Moen’s song:
God will make a way when there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me
He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way!
Praying, dear sister!
Thank you dear friends, for your prayers. I feel them. The Lord is very present, even in the pain. Last night was much better and my husband slept calmly through the night. I love and appreciate each one of you so much.
Prayers for you, Patty for strength and restful sleep and peace.
Love you and praying, praying, praying.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Will you accept this week’s challenge and report?
My son is a Wesley too. He thinks he is gay. I do not believe this lie about him; the world has taken him from me. I will always pray and always have hope. He knows that I love him and we have a really good relationship, we just do not see eye to eye here. Of all our kids, he knows the Bible the best, as he went to a Christian school. Unfortunately, it was there that I believe he learned that being gay was something people did, and it was okay. $40,000 later, our son is ruined. The school purports being Christian, and then does not follow the Bible. College was the same way, although it wasn’t a Christian one. I would tell kids to go to a trade school before I would tell them to go to a college or university in this country. Those places ruin your children; they pride themselves in making your children not like or appreciate their families, who are traditionalists. I have friends who have kids who have gone to Christian colleges to be disappointed in them also. The only university that I believe might be different is “Hard Work U,” in Missouri. It is a Christian college where students work to pay for their tuition. We will check it out for the grandkids.
I will try to do the challenge this week, although I am on vacation at the beach!
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week?
Wow, did I have an interesting day at church yesterday….a former student’s mother (from 20 years ago) and her 10 year old granddaughter (my former student’s child) showed up and remembered me. It is a very long story, but let’s just day that 20 years ago we did not see eye to eye. Today, we are in the same boat, AND are the same age….if you recall, I have been trying to find ladies my age to be my friends. All my “friends” are either 40 or 70! Our church does not have very many people my age and with similar circumstances. It’s hard making friends at my age 😉 I’m hoping she decides to stay and we can develop a relationship so we both have someone.
Praying this friendship will develop with you and for a great break at the beach.
Oh, Laura. I pray that you will have a sweet friendship with this lady ~ and the the Lord will bring some Christian women, your age, into your life.
3. Read John 5:16-23
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond?
He was breaking the Sabbath rule of not working.
He explains that His Father is always working and so he was doing as the Father does because He is the Son.
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God?
He explains that the Son could not do anything by Himself so the Father helped Him heal the man. Since He called God His Father, He made Himself equal to God.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father?
He states that He cannot do anything without God the Father.
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him?
The Father shows Him all He does so the Son can also do greater works.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday)
We are to have the attitude of Christ. We are to be humble.
I am trying to ward off temptation and have been slightly successful.
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him?
He did not think of Himself as God. He gave up His divine privileges and humbled Himself. He died on a cross. God has elevated Him to the highest honor so that all will bow to Him and glorify Him.
When Patti mentioned her “word” is trust this year it reminded me to pray over the list I have of all of our words and I wanted to share this email I received from Mike Ashcraft, the author of “My One Word,” along with Rachel Olsen. It was encouraging for me and trust it will be for y’all 😊
https://myoneword.org/embrace-the-struggle/let-it-morph/
Thank you, Sharon! I will re-read this later tonight. Would you refresh my memory on which study we did our word for the year? Was it a January study? I need to look at that again.
Bing, you’re welcome! We didn’t do an actual study on our one word but the 12/25/22 and 1/1/23 Bible study blog was about sharing our word. I hope this helps😊
Bing, you wrote us a little prayer His life, His examples gives me hope and the ability to trust Him to make me humble, winsome, abiding in Him, growing in the Word, able to ruthlessly eliminate hurry, knowing that we are clothed in His righteousness, and thus made worthy freed from sin and it’s penalty and power to be emptied of self and to extend grace to others while receiving grace daily from Him.
Oh, Sharon and Judy! you just blessed me so! Thank you for reminding me where I can find this and the little prayer I wrote. Many, many thanks!
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond? Because He was healing and performing miracles on the Sabbath. My Father is always at work to this very day and I am working too.
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God? He says that Gos is always at work and that He works also. He also calls God His father making Himself equal to God. He also goes on to say the Son gives life to whom He is pleased to give it and that the Father had entrusted all judgement to the Son and and whoever doesn’t honor the Son doesn’t honor the Father who sent Him.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father? Jesus says the son can do nothing by Himself, He can only do what He sees His Father doing,
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor God has entrusted all judgement to the Son so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday) the same mindset as Jesus but made Himself nothing by taking in the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness. He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross. Today I have at times done okay by remembering death leads to resurrection and other times almost have had to grit my teeth and think it. My better half fell 2 weeks ago and doesn’t want to see the doctor. He s now using a cane and needs me to do things for him. Today while moving a recliner he let me move it and then decided he wanted it somewhere else. He also became frustrated several times when I was in the middle of other things wanted me to stop what I was doing and run errands for him or locate things for him. I read of Patti s loving service to her husband and realize I shouldn’t even have snarky thoughts but should joyfully surrender and serve.
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him? Death on a cross. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father and God has exalted Him to the highest place and given Him the name that is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Amen,
I understand your frustration with your “better half,” and love your prayer and attitude.
Oh, Judy! I totally relate to your frustrations. I do have to fight the snarky thoughts and pray every day. Thank you for sharing. It is wonderful to have this blog to share with and pray for one another. I love that we are doing this exercise this week. We all have a variety of frustrations and things that can trigger our emotions. So thankful we have Jesus, who we can always turn to !
Monday: THE TEXTS
3. Read John 5:16-23
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond?
They were persecuting Him for breaking the Sabbath rules.
“My Father is always working, and so am I.”
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God?
By saying His Father is always working and Jesus called God His Father making Himself equal to God.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father?
He showed submission in saying the Son can do nothing by Himself. He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him?
The Father will honor Him by giving Him absolute authority to judge.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday)
The same mindset that Jesus Christ had…selfless humility.
I went to the pharmacy today (not my favorite thing to do) and got to the line just before another man did…well when the lady called “who’s next,” he just cut in front of me. I just let out a sigh and didn’t say anything but on the inside I had a few words for him. While he’s being helped his wife came with more items to purchase and walked right past me and put them on the counter. I let out another sigh and immediately thought of our challenge this week and the lie Satan was telling me…”it would be alright if you gave that man a piece of your mind, God wants you to be nice when you really don’t need to be, after all that man was rude.” The truth God was telling me…”you prayed this morning to be clothed with My presence and not let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires and also to be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, gentleness, forgiveness and love.” My attitude/mindset changed and when the man left he said to me, “sorry I took so long,” and I just smiled at him. Self definitely had to be put to death and there was a resurrection!
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him?
He gave up His divine privileges, took the humble position of a slave, was born a human being, humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
He elevated Him to the highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at His name every knee should bow, in heaven, earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
So good to hear about these every little day challenged to be clothed with kindness for we can all identify.
Oh, Sharon! What a wonderful example of dying to self. Thank you for sharing this. This is what the Father desires of us and I need to remember this daily when I have an angry thought. 🙂
I read your story again after Patti’s remark. Truly, that was of God.
We had a similar incident today and boy oh boy did I have to check my mouth at the door! My family of 4 went to an Italian restaurant and were hoping to sit outside. It was lunch and the place was not busy. There were 2 tables left outside. We waited patiently for the hostess to seat us. The party of 2, ahead of us, was told to choose a table outside. Instead of taking the table for 2, they took the table for 4! The next person (also told to seat themselves outside) took the table for 2. If the first party had taken the table for 2 then surely the single person wouldn’t have taken the table for 4 and we would have been able to sit outside. C’est la vie! “Ok well then, I thought, I guess we can sit inside.” We finally got our turn and were told to pick a table inside. We chose one that happened to be next to the window (to be near outside), but it was for a party of 6 or so. The host said, “Sit somewhere else in case we get a larger party that comes in.” I couldn’t believe it but I said nothing. We just moved. People just don’t think of others much these days. I am trying to be better at this.
3. Read John 5:16-23
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond? Because He healed the man on the Sabbath. “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God? Jesus was showing the way the Sabbath should be observed, with compassion and healing where needed. He speak of God as “My Father”.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father? The Son can do nothing of Himself; He acted on dependence of His Father. And He says that Son does nothing that the Father does not do. He is the Son of God. The Father reveals His plans and purposes and Jesus carries them out.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? With every death comes a resurrection. I need to remember this when I am tempted to make little compromises that don’t seem to make a difference one way or the other. Will you accept this week’s challenge and report? Yes, Although I may not be on time.
2. How have you experienced the power or presence of God in your life this week? It seems kind of silly, but I have been waking up with praise songs on my mind. Like I have been dreaming of singing these songs. This morning when I woke up I was singing How Great Thou Art. There’s always that weird time when I realize that I’m not actually singing it and I’m still in bed. I don’t know how to explain it, but it has been such a great start to my day.
LOVE YOU ARE WAKING WITH PRAISE SONGS!
Amen, great start to the day
Wow Dawn! What a sweet blessing from the Holy Spirit to put praise songs in your mind to start your day. 😊
What a beautiful way to have the Lord wake you! With your heart filled with Praises of Him! Love this so much, Dawn!
I LOVE SEEING GROWTH HERE! LITTLE STORIES OF DYING TO SELF AND LIVING TO HIM.
5. What stands out to you and why?
Find your life by losing your life. Christianity doesn’t fit the mold of what people think religion should be.
6. How did Keller sum up the life of Christ?
He is high up with the Father, He goes low and comes to earth, and then is raised again even higher than before.
7. Keller told a story about peoples’ hesitation to use the lyrics of Bach. What was the story and the point?
The lyrics speak of how corrupt people are with sin. Musicians are embarrassed by those words. How could Bach believe in the wickedness of man, but have such beautiful music. The reviewers confusion is that he has no explanation for the two views of Bach. He has a world view. But, we do have the explanation (Christians). The way up is down.
8. Some say Jesus was a son of God that way we are sons of God. How do Keller and this passage refute that?
Jesus is THE Son of God. The eldest son is equal with the father in the culture of those times. He is equal with the Father. We are not the eldest “sons.”
9. What point was Keller making when he said angels refuse worship?
The angels say they are just creatures and you can’t worship creatures that are created. Nothing created can be worshiped. The Bible says so.
10. Jesus was indeed, a prophet. But why isn’t that enough for us?
We have “three in one.”Jesus demands worship from us. We honor the Son just as the Father, equally.
The prophets say, “here is moral behavior that will bring you to God.” Christianity says that no moral behavior will bring you to God. We don’t need a prophet, rather, we need a Savior. Take the prophet out of the religion and the religion is intact. Take Christ out and you don’t have a religion.
Monday: THE TEXTS
3. Read John 5:16-23
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond?
— Healing the man on the Sabbath went against Jewish tradition so the Jews persecuted Christ as someone who broke the law. Jesus plainly told them My Father is at work and so am I.
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath?
And that He is equal with God?
—Jesus said that God was at work right then and there on the Sabbath and in verse 19 that he (Jesus) did not work alone but was doing the work of his Father.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father?
—He said he did nothing by himself but did only what he saw the Father doing.
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him?
—Jesus said the Father loved him and showed him everything he was doing and would lead him to do even greater works. And that Jesus himself would be given absolute authority to judge by God his Father so that everyone will honor him.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have?
—The mind of Christ Jesus. To think like he does which is demonstrated by his humble attitude and he lived out humility.
Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday)
—Because I have made the commitment on most days to not eat any processed sugars it is a struggle when they are readily available in the form of leftover dessert from the weekend of having guests. I would say the craving for sugar never really goes away but to resist the temptation was clearly on my mind. I can’t say I necessarily humbled myself in choosing not to go ahead and have a little of what was left. But it did help that my 13 year old grandson came over for the afternoon and was happy to have the rest of it. 😊
Eating the wrong foods is an upfront kind of temptation for me as a type 2 diabetic but I realize the more subtle temptations have to do with my heart’s attitude. We’ll see how the week goes.
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him?
—He submitted to doing only what God was doing and showed him to do. God honored him by giving him authority to have all judgment and the power to give life.
Monday: THE TEXTS
3. Read John 5:16-23
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond?
Because He was doing things like healing on Sabbath. He told me that His Father is at his work to this very day and so was He.
Comment: Oh, wow! The Father is at work to this very day! He is at work in my life and those I love!
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God?
He healed on Sabbath and He is one with the Father so the Father and Son are one.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father?
By doing what the Father does.
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him?
God has entrusted judgment to His Son, Jesus, and honoring Jesus is honoring the Father.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday)
That we are to be about servanthood in humility before others and before God and our example is Jesus.
Answer to challenge: My husband and I have differing opinions about a ministry effort. I humbly submitted to him and found the wisdom of his choice.
Bing, I know your challenge must of been difficult but such a great example of submission and humility…thanks for sharing!
Tuesday: Introduction
Listen to about the first ten minutes or until he references the Philippians text.
5. What stands out to you and why?
“The way up is down. The way to reign is to submit. The way to power is to serve. The way to happiness is not to seek your own happiness, but the happiness of others. The way to exaltation is by humbling. The way to find your life is to lose your life.”
Such a different, and difficult way to live but always made possible through the power and guidance of the Triune God. Some of you have mentioned our word for the year and mine is “emptied”. I am experiencing God and finding life when I empty myself of myself.
6. How did Keller sum up the life of Christ?
Jesus was high (in the heavens with the Father, then He was low (on earth, a servant and died on the cross) and God the Father brought Him back up and exalted Him.
7. Keller told a story about peoples’ hesitation to use the lyrics of Bach. What was the story and the point?
They were embarrassed by the words of condemnation and of sin. They couldn’t believe that the lyrics were written by the same man. But they were! “The Bach, full of God, conviction of sin, the humbled Bach is the exalted Bach. Is the exalted Bach. The Bach convicted of sin is the Bach that soars in liberation. The way to lose yourself, the way to find yourself is to lose yourself.”
8. Some say Jesus was a son of God that way we are sons of God. How do Keller and this passage refute that?
Jesus is THE Son of God not a son of God.
9. What point was Keller making when he said angels refuse worship?
Angels are created beings as well. They have a beginning but Jesus does not.
10. Jesus was indeed, a prophet. But why isn’t that enough for us?
I don’t need a prophet, I need a Savior.
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him?
Jesus submitted to the Father. To become like us and to die for us. God exalted him above all, to the highest place, with a name above all names, and at His name, Jesus, every knee should bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord.
5. What stands out to you and why? Jesus demands worship. Nothing created that has a beginning can be worshiped. I’d never thought of this Jesus demanding worship. Deserving worship, of course, but His being and sacrifice does demand worship.
6. How did Keller sum up the life of Christ? Jesus was high up, equal with God. Then He came to earth became submissive to the Father. He then has been brought back up and He gets the glory the Father has and has jusdgement entrusted to Him.
7. Keller told a story about peoples’ hesitation to use the lyrics of Bach. What was the story and the point? 200 cantatas for the church have been put on cds. The music reviewer said that when the works were played originally the words were not used because the musicians were embarrassed by them. The words were about humans sin and wickedness and were under the wrath of God. Bach himself sinful and corrupted. Reviewer concluded this was not the real Bach that had the joyous public persona. Keller s interpretation “we thought he was a great guy but he’s just another evangelical Christian..” the humbled Bach by sin s conviction becomes the exalted Bach The conviction of sin brought th Bach that soars to liberation. You lose yourself to find yourself.
8. Some say Jesus was a son of God that way we are sons of God. How do Keller and this passage refute that? Jesus said He was equal to the Father. The same work that the Father did in the beginning He is doing also Jesus said I’m the Son Jewish people at that time understood through law of primogeniture as eldest son He would get all the wealth and the Father’s status and all of His position, He was totally equal with the Father.
9. What point was Keller making when he said angels refuse worship? Angels are created beings and not worthy of worship
10. Jesus was indeed, a prophet. But why isn’t that enough for us? I need a Savior to wash me white as snow and clothe me in His righteousness.
Tuesday: Introduction
Listen to about the first ten minutes or until he references the Philippians text.
5. What stands out to you and why?
—What stands out to me is the reality of the amazing thing Jesus did as the Son of God coming to earth from his exalted position on high in Heaven and to the lowest place of serving and dying for mankind but being raised back to his position as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Deserving of all honor and glory one with his Father. Why? I don’t know why! I don’t deserve it but it’s a deep mystery of the love of God and I am a recipient of that grace which defies logic.
6. How did Keller sum up the life of Christ?
—Jesus was high up. He was equal with God. He comes down (to earth) and becomes subject to the Father. He becomes submissive to the Father. Then at a certain point he is brought back up so so that he gets all the honor that the Father has and has all the judgement entrusted to him.
So, he was high, he goes low, and he gets back up high.
7. Keller told a story about peoples’ hesitation to use the lyrics of Bach. What was the story and the point?
—The texts continually and repeatedly say that humanity is sinful, wicked, condemned, and under the wrath of God.
The writer / reviewer said because of that Bach could not be the joyous Bach known through his more public works. He questioned how could the Bach who believed this thing about human wickedness and sinfulness be the Bach whose music is rapturous joy, unsurpassed, unbounded, soaring, liberation, freedom. But Keller said “The Bach, full of God, conviction of sin, the humbled Bach is the exalted Bach. The Bach convicted of sin is the Bach that soars in liberation.”
8. Some say Jesus was a son of God that way we are sons of God. How do Keller and this passage refute that?
—He makes the point that Jesus was actually saying I am the Son. He did not say I am a son of God. The Jewish leaders fully understood what he meant in their Semitic terms. That’s why they wanted to stone him because they did not believe God could ever be in human form.
9. What point was Keller making when he said angels refuse worship?
—He said the Bible is clear that nothing with a beginning can be worshipped. Nothing created can be worshipped. But Jesus demands worship because he is equal with the Father.
10. Jesus was indeed, a prophet. But why isn’t that enough for us?
— Because we need a Savior. A Prophet only instructs us in moral behavior but moral behavior cannot save us. Christ who is equal to God his Father is the only one who can give us life.
3. Read John 5:16-23
A. Why were the Jews persecuting Jesus and how does He respond? For healing on the Sabbath. He said that his father is always at work, so he is always at work.
B. How does Jesus imply that God the Father works on the Sabbath? And that He is equal with God? By calling God his father he is equating himself with God.
C. How does Jesus show submission to the Father? He says that he can do nothing on his own accord.
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him? He says that the Father loves him and shows him what he (the Father) is doing.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? The mindset of being humbly obedient to God in all things. Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday) At my job I am sometimes the closer which means that I have to stay until the last loads come out of the sterilizer. Since I am the only one in the building it is always tempting to just sit in the break room and watch TV while waiting for the machines to finish even though there are plenty of small things that I could be doing. No one knows one way or the other how I use that time. I’m pretty certain that no one would care if I chose to take a break since I’m only required to get the last of the surgical instruments sterilized. I’ve been keeping busy and using that time for productive work since I am being paid to work, not watch TV.
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him? To leaving his place in heaven to become a human and submit himself to being an obedient servant even to death on the cross. God has given Jesus the name above all names. That all of creation will bow their knee to his name.
Great example of right living. They are blessed to have you.
I love how you serve the Father, even in your place of work. You honor God in your great work ethic, Dawn.
Wednesday: The Upside Down Life of George Matheson and Philippians 2
Listen until he begins his four points. (About 15 minutes in)
11. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific.
—I am being challenged with my heart’s attitude towards a 14 year old boy who is frankly pretty annoying to me. The situation is that my husband for the last couple of years has taken Micah with him to weekend Sporting Clays Shoots 4 times a year to raise money for scholarships given to kids that don’t have money to attend the summer church camps. I decided to go with my husband this coming weekend because Micah had another commitment and wasn’t planning to go. And our 25 year old granddaughter is going to join us and shoot with her grandpa. So I’m delighted to get to be with her which doesn’t happen much now that she is married and working full time. Well yesterday Micah let my husband know he could go with him after all. So the real Bev comes out in that I really don’t like or enjoy having Micah around. And the challenge hits me in the face that my word for the year is grace. Needless to say to deal with my attitude and to practice grace to him for two nights and two and a half days is my challenge. I would like to think I am more noble but I am not. Bev’s grace won’t cut it. It has to be God’s.
12. What stands out to you from Keller in this part?
—That I owe my life twice to Jesus. He is my creator and He is my redeemer. And that the principle of life according to the career and life of Jesus is that the way up is down. Keller said “The way to maturity, the way to peace, the way to joy, the way to contentment is to do what Jesus Christ did. It’s to submit to God’s will.”
And now for me to think about it, isn’t it ironic that this is the lesson here for me personally. God has rearranged my weekend plans so that Micah will be with us in the middle of things. My fun weekend disrupted or so I thought. But it turns out to be God’s will for him to join us and my path “to maturity, peace, joy and contentment is to do what Jesus Christ did. It’s to submit to God’s will.”
13. Try finishing these sentences:
A. The way to blessing is to take the curse.
B. The way to greatness is to give up your greatness.
C. The way to healing is to not avoid the brokenness.
D. What looks like suicide to man is actually liberation.
E. The way up is down.
14. Share your thoughts.
—The story of George Matheson serves to greatly encourage and bless my heart this morning as I consider just what God has been showing me in this lesson today.
This is the last comment from the article by Josh Weismann as he summed up his thoughts.
“Imagine how the world might be different if you and I understood this as well. There is no telling the impact one can have on the world when he or she understand that it is not the world that should be their focus, but the Creator and Redeemer of it.”
Oh who can’t identify with Bev’s dilemma! I will pray for God’s grace and be eager to hear.
Oh Bev, I will be praying, as Dee said “for Gods grace” over your weekend with Micah!
Tuesday: Introduction
Listen to about the first ten minutes or until he references the Philippians text.
5. What stands out to you and why?
Because my sister is Buddhist this stood out to me…”You can take Buddha out of Buddhism and you can take Mohammed out of Islam, and anybody in those religions will say, you’d still have the religion in tact. You cannot take Christ out of Christianity…you can’t consider Him a great man, He’s either far more than a great man or far less of a great man, but He can’t be a great man because a great man doesn’t say, ‘You must honor Me like the Father.”
6. How did Keller sum up the life of Christ?
He was equal with God, came down to earth, subject to the Father, then brought back up, got all the honor the Father has and all judgment entrusted to Him.
7. Keller told a story about peoples’ hesitation to use the lyrics of Bach. What was the story and the point?
Most of his music was done without texts because they were embarrassed by the words which were about the sinfulness of man. They couldn’t understand how Bach could believe in human wickedness and sin and his music be rapturous joy, unbounded, soaring, liberation, freedom? His music came from a humble heart, knowing he was a sinner saved by grace and he was joyful, liberated and free…the way up is down.
8. Some say Jesus was a son of God that way we are sons of God. How do Keller and this passage refute that?
Jesus said, I am THE Son of God!
9. What point was Keller making when he said angels refuse worship?
That nothing created can be worshipped, you can’t worship something that has a beginning.
10. Jesus was indeed, a prophet. But why isn’t that enough for us?
You can’t take Christ out of Christianity because it wouldn’t exist, no other so called prophet in other religions can say, “You must honor Me like the Father.”
It is so interesting to me that your sister is a Buddhist. Growing up in a missionary family. How did that happen?
D. How does Jesus explain that God the Father will honor Him? The Father has given all judgment to the Son.
4. Read Philippians 2:5-11
A. What mindset are we exhorted to have? (I’ll ask again Wednesday and Friday) We are to have the mindset of humility and unity. We are to rid our selves of selfishness and and empty conceit.
Have you overcome temptation through this mindset yesterday or today? Be specific. Today is Wednesday and, in the past few days, I have had to overcome a couple of meltdowns….and just breathe. And on this blog, I so appreciate how “iron sharpens iron” …..I loved Sharon’s pharmacy story so much that I shared a portion of it with my daughter on Monday. We talked and shared for a long time on the un-Christlike importance we can place on being “right”. Though you were in the right, Sharon, you chose the higher road that pleases the Savior. Your story was a great to reflect upon; we talked through some of our similar frustrations. Thank you for sharing that. My frustration is no one’s fault. My husband forgets things in two minutes and when he thinks I am far enough away, he will be hunting for sweets to eat. (which is quite deadly for a person with diabetes)…..In his present state, desire reigns over logic, and we all have to keep sweets far out of his reach….and spend lots of time monitoring him. It can be exhausting, but I have to pray before I react and speak kindly to him….it can be very challenging. 🙂
B. To what did Jesus submit and how is God honoring Him? Jesus humbled Himself and He obeyed the Father to the point of His horrible death on the cross. God honored Him as He highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the Name above All Names. Jesus Christ is Lord.
Now I need to go back and read Sharon’s story!
11. Not doing well with the challenge! I understand the principle, but we are on vacation. It is difficult; food and drink aplenty! I will do my best in the future to remember this though.
12. I am sharing these sermons with my best friend. We have discussed much of what Keller is talking about in the last few weeks. I think she is being blessed by them!
13. Try finishing these sentences:
A. The way to blessing is to _______bless someone______
B. The way to greatness is to ______be humble_________
C. The way to healing is to ___heal others_____
D. What looks like suicide to man is ______life _______.
E. The way up is __down_____
Read Matheson’s story and listen to his song. Then share your thoughts about his life & lyrics.
This is a sweet story of perseverance. His life was tough and he just dug in and made himself the best he could be. I love that. It’s also a reminder of how others love each other well. His sister, who took care of him throughout the course of their lives, deserves recognition for sure. That is the song, that endures forever.
I typed out the questions and challenge for Wednesday and submitted it…for some reason they didn’t show up🤷♀️
Well, anyway my challenge was a failure as I was in a situation where I got caught up in the moment. God in His grace did forgive me when we had a conversation about it later and I asked for forgiveness. I’m really thankful for this challenge as it’s really opening my eyes to seeing reactions and attitudes I have that are not glorifying to God…ugh!! It reminds me of 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Never stop praying.” I remember a sermon where the pastor interpreted that to mean, “Be in constant communication with God.” Oh how I need Him all the time.
Oh Yes! ALL the time.
I have silent most of the week, but am catching up today. How I love that you shared this Sharon! Thank you for this important reminder!! Every day is a challenge to listen to His voice and glorify Him in my words and actions. Amen to 1 Thessalonians 5:17…I have so many notes in my Bible on this page! I need to re-read it often!
15. What stood out to you and why? Submission means wrestling. I may understand this wrong, but submissions means to make a decision to submit understanding there is a cost, but it’s deciding to submit not just an agreement because I have to.
16. How did Keller make his point that submission doesn’t mean we won’t struggle? A man who d lost his wife after 6 months of marriage was told that it was God ‘s will so don’t be sad. So for a year he attitude Praise God I’m not grieving. Then he crashed and burned and said why should I obey God at all. He wasn’t submitted in either case. Then he said look at Jesus and His struggle in Gethsemane Jesus chose to surrender to God s will.
17. How did he make his point that trust doesn’t mean knuckling under? A little boy with broken truck and he is crying.The guy gets a letter saying he s inherited $20 million. He s not going to continue crying, but thr problem isn’t the truck it’s his vantage point. It’s the place from where he is viewing the situation.
Loved the 7 year old example!
Friday: High Vantage Point and Joy!
18. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific.
—Had to be gone early yesterday to take my neighbor and friend for cataract surgery and so skipped Thursday’s questions.
But anyway “The Challenge!”
I empathize with Laura on the eating and drinking. I gave into the Coconut Cream Pie Wednesday night even though I had determined to not eat any processed sugar this week.
It is actually so much harder for me in social situations than when I’m alone. We were with good friends enjoying great fellowship and it truly is one of my favorite desserts. No excuses. I just gave in. I try to reserve Sunday as my free day to eat one thing special. So the flesh won that one but every day is new and right back to my eating program. Over all God has given me a renewed strength of practicing a healthy eating style and I’m grateful to Him. Being back on the wagon this past month has actually been a relief in many ways. I just feel better physically when I keep it in balance. But temptation is always lurking.
My test of practicing grace with “in your face, non stop activity, up close and personal Micah” begins this afternoon. Thinking ahead and gearing up I realize I need to lovingly 🥴set some boundaries. My husband just simply does it in a fairly blunt guy sorta demeanor. But I do love it that Terry has a heart for Micah and I in no way want to hinder that with a wrong attitude on my part.
Like Sharon I am actually grateful for this challenge too because it has created a recognition of addressing some needed areas of growth in my life personally. And to “never stop praying”.
19. What stood out to you from this section and why?
—I thought this really hit the mail on the head for me when Keller said:
“Friends, I don’t know what he’s doing in your life right now. I know that in my own life, when he’s disappointed me the most, he was trying to get me out from under the grips of certain idols. I’ve pitied myself and I hated the world because I wasn’t getting my way, and I needed to be freed from those idols.
I don’t know what he’s doing in your case, but I know this. I know that he is bringing you to a resurrection beyond the death of your hopes. And you’ll be brought into a resurrection of new hopes and new joys if you will submit to him.”
—It really is about being freed from idols and what encouragement and hope he gives here to practice submission to God’s will and be brought into a resurrection of new hopes and new joys.
Keller’s authenticity was such a gift.
16. How did Keller make his point that submission doesn’t mean we won’t struggle?
He reminds us that Jesus was nailed to the cross, in submission to His Father, so that something better could happen. We could be saved.
17. How did he make his point that trust doesn’t mean knuckling under?
To trust God is to do His will. When a situation arises that makes us uncomfortable, we do the right thing regardless of the circumstances. It’s a decision. Even when we are disappointed in life’s events, and how they play out differently than what we would want, we obey His will.
18. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific.
I’m doing great in my mind…!
19. What stood out to you from this section and why?
“…you will not submit until you have control of your life, and therefore you’re not submitting. You stay king of your little life. I can submit if I just knew why. In other words, you won’t do it.”
I guess that when I am making decisions to not dance with this group, and to dance at this time on this day, I am in control of how and when I will be available to share His Word my way. Perhaps, I should be more flexible (!) and find other ways to draw people in to liturgical dance. For example, I have always wanted to dance with adults, not kids. The teens are who I have ended up teaching. I usually dance on Tuesdays, but some can’t make it, so I have been open to dancing on another day when others can dance. I have even thought that a couple of home school dancers might help make a dance club for the high school, and we might draw others in there! This would be answering the call to spread His Word in my little world.
20. What was his little boy’s illustration and point?
We have to have the right vantage point to understand. We aren’t actually able to have that vantage point though. A little boy with his toy truck that is broken will not respond to a $20 million win in the lottery. He doesn’t have the right vantage point.
I messed up, it was an inheritance not a lottery win 🥴
Thursday: Submission and Trust
16. How did Keller make his point that submission doesn’t mean we won’t struggle?
He tells the story of a man who lost his wife 6 months after they were married in a car crash and a friend told him he shouldn’t be sad because it was God’s will, so he went around telling people I’m not grieving because it’s God’s will and a year later he crashed, got angry at God and asked why he should obey Him at all. Neither responses were being submissive.
17. How did he make his point that trust doesn’t mean knuckling under?
He used a scene out of Jesus Christ Superstar where Jesus is singing in the Garden of Gethsemane and he says, “God, Thy will is hard, but You hold every card. Go on, kill Me before I change My mind.” He willed to do His will, that’s a decision. He’s saying I will do this.
Love your answer to 17. Sharon. His Will may be hard, but He holds every card.
18. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific. Failed some. In a group of women, I kind of interrupted woman who had gone from one thought to the next. She paused but I sensed she had more to say. I should have waited and if I was to interject anything God would have brought it around again. Today my better half let the water out of sink that I was using to wipe counter and was going to wash a pan because he wanted to put cold water in the sink. My thoughts were if I did that to him he’d speak his displeasure. Then I remembered death to self and thought how would I like him to respond to me if situation was reversed and I just waited on him to finish and didn’t comment. This challenge sure brings up the sneaky little foxes that are in my life that I have overlooked or didn’t even recognize.
19. What stood out to you from this section and why? The discussion of the song line I lay in dust life s glory dead. How he ties submission to joy and to Jesus who for the joy set before him endured the cross.
Oh, Judy. Yes, the sneaky little foxes are always popping up. Thank you for this reminder that we need to show grace. 🙂
Judy — it’s brought up my sneaky little foxes too. Being trusting about lots of surprise visits! Loved your examples.
Wednesday: The Upside Down Life of George Matheson and Philippians 2
Listen until he begins his four points. (About 15 minutes in)
11. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific.
A friend and I went out to take another friend to lunch expecting she will be riding with us and spending some extended time with us for the afternoon. The day of the outing, a few minutes before we met up, she told us she would drive herself (we were all about 40 minutes away from where we were taking her) and needed to go somewhere else afterward. My friend and I were bummed about it, and I was tempted to think she did not value our effort and time. My sense of identity and approval got hurt (idols! Ugh!). I had to tell the enemy to leave us. Death to self and my own plans.
We had a wonderful time. Though short, God facilitated our time together, the food was better than expected, and the conversations were flowing. We focused on her and prayed for her to move to be closer to her only daughter. My friend and I were blessed and had a special time visiting with each other on our way home. God gave me a sense of joy and peace amidst the turn of events. Resurrection!
12. What stands out to you from Keller in this part?
God is not only our Creator but Redeemer. I owe my life to Him twice!
13. Try finishing these sentences:
A. The way to blessing is to take the curse.
B. The way to greatness is to give up your greatness.
C. The way to healing is to plunge in!
D. What looks like suicide to man is liberation.
E. The way up is down.
Read Matheson’s story and listen to his song. Then share your thoughts about his life & lyrics.
I have read Matheson’s story before. But this article was more thorough and spoke of this man’s joy amid his suffering. What a gift of the Spirit that was given him and in return, Matheson has blessed us with this hymn long after he was gone to be with our Lord.
14. Share your thoughts.
Philippians 2 is such a humbling passage to read. When pride rears its ugly head, this is one passage that I recall reminding me of Jesus. I do not have anything that is in any way close to the humility of my Savior. I strive to be what He is like and am thankful that His help is always available when I need Him. His company is my pleasure and gratitude for what He has done for me often brings me on my knees.
21. What’s your take-a-way and why?
I am in desperate need of dying to myself and living for Him. I want to live my fullest life, the one He has planned for me, not the one I think is best for myself.
Thursday: Submission and Trust
Listen up to when Keller turns to “See your life from a high vantage point.”
15. What stood out to you and why?
Submission means wrestling and deciding to trust. This is freeing. So often, I question why I am struggling. I shouldn’t be struggling. There is this one issue at work that I am struggling with. I am struggling with government people not doing their work-it has been over a year of waiting. I need to trust God to have the perfect time to work things out.
16. How did Keller make his point that submission doesn’t mean we won’t struggle?
He gave the example of Jesus in that He struggled at the Garden of Gethsemane-he was saying, “I am sorrowful even unto death. I am just about ready to faint under the weight of what I’m about to suffer. He says to them, I am crumbling before the weight of this like a moth before a blowtorch. And yet I’m doing this for you and I’m doing this for him and not my will but his be done.”
17. How did he make his point that trust doesn’t mean knuckling under?
He used the illustration of Jesus Christ Superstar movie where the Jesus character said, “Go on and kill me before I change my mind”. It is almost like resignation instead of a decision to trust God and His will.
Friday: High Vantage Point and Joy!
18. How are you doing with the challenge? Be specific.
I have been critical and impatient (see answer to 15) with people whom I perceive as not doing their job. No explanation, no communication, no nothing. They are getting in the way of our school team from moving forward. We have been waiting for a year for approval of a program. I am being reminded as I type my answer here of Isaiah 55 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” I am struggling; I don’t want to just knuckle my way through it.
Lord, help me to see it from your vantage point. There are many other things that are working out for us right now. Help me to trust you; to submit to your will and your time with joy.
19. What stood out to you from this section and why?
To see the circumstances of my life from a vantage point. Like Matheson. My hope for something may have died but Christ gives new hopes which are of more eternal value. Considering eternity, does this issue at school really matter? What is the chief duty of man? According to the Westminster Catechism, Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. May it be so, lord, may it be so.
20. What was his little boy’s illustration and point?
I often fail to see my circumstances from the vantage point. I look at life’s misfortunes and cry, “Unfair!” Instead, I should seek Christ’s vantage point. For every death to self, there is a resurrection.
This sums it up so well, Bing!
According to the Westminster Catechism, Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. May it be so, lord, may it be so.
Saturday:
21. What’s your take-a-way and why?
It often boils down to idolatry. Mt takeaways are some of the following quotes from Tim Keller:
“ Friends, I don’t know what he’s doing in your life right now. I know that in my own life when he’s disappointed me the most, he was trying to get me out from under the grips of certain idols. I’ve pitied myself and I hated the world because I wasn’t getting my way, and I needed to be freed from those idols.”
“I know that he is bringing you to a resurrection beyond the death of your hopes. And you’ll be brought into a resurrection of new hopes and new joys if you will submit to him. The Son only does what the Father shows him.”
“Fight against every thought that would propose to you that it would be more desirable if you could choose for yourself. The way up is down. The way to find yourself is to lose yourself.”
21. What’s your take-a-way and why? I need to be more cognizant of my sin. I hope I continue to look harder at my actions and thoughts. Also I need to be more aware of the vantage point when I’m trying to obey. It’s not to be a grit my teeth obedience, I’m to do it out of love for God and Jesus. Jesus taking on the very nature of a servant humbled Himself and became obedient. Thank you, Dee and ladies. This has been quite a challenge for me. I thought I had confessed my sin, but I’ve been deceived and missing areas I’ve failed to honor God.