A Bible Study on Repentance

This past Sunday, I preached on the Joy of Being Forgiven from Psalm 32. The joy of forgiveness is tied to our willingness to stop hiding our sin. When we confess and repent of sin (trust the Lord to free us from its guilt and power), we find he restores our joy. Since Psalm 32 and 51 are closely connected, I thought I'd share this Bible study I developed a long time ago on the topic of repentance. You might find it helpful to go through as an application of the sermon.

Click here to download a word document version

Below is a copy and paste of the worksheet. You could do one section a day for 7 days.

Repentance and Remorse Bible Study

 

Repentance is God’s gracious gift to us which produces freedom from guilt and a restoration of true happiness (Ps. 51, 32). Many times, however, we settle for feeling constant guilt and find ourselves unable to see sin patterns change because we fail to understand true repentance. This study is designed to guide you in the path to forgiveness and the first step in changing sin patterns.

 

1. Read Psalm 51

• What circumstance prompted David to write this Psalm according to the superscription above verse 1?  (If you are unfamiliar with this event read 2 Samuel 11-12.)

 

 

• In verses 1-2, what does David plea to God for?

 

• He wants God to treat him according to His _____________ and ______________ (v 1).

Ø  Why should knowing that God possesses these attributes cause you to be quick to confess sins to God?

 

• Who does David say his sin was ultimately against (v. 4)?

Do you realize that every sin you commit has an impact on your vertical relationship (with God) and horizontal relationships (with others)?  David teaches us that ultimately every sin is first and foremost an offense against a holy God.  Our sin is rebellion against God.  We cannot have a right relationship with God if our sins are not dealt with (v. 9).

 

• In verse 7, who does David ask to cleanse him? 

 

Ø  Do you try to cleanse yourself from sin by doing good things (going to church, reading your Bible, helping people, etc.)?  Explain.

 

Ø  Do those things cleanse you? (See Titus 3:5).

 

 

• What does David ask for in verse 10?
  David realized that the problem was deeper than his sinful behavior.  He needed to be changed and cleansed from the inside out.

 

• According to verses 16-17 what is God most interested in?

 

Ø  Does this mean that God doesn’t expect right behavior (read v. 18-19)?

 

• How can you apply this passage to your situation?  What are some key aspects of repentance you gleaned from it?
  
  

 

 

2. Read Psalm 32:1-5

• This seems to have been written by David after he penned Psalm 51.
• According to verses 3-4, what was David’s experience when he “kept silent” about his sin?

 

Ø  Have you experienced this? Describe it.

 

Ø  If not, why do you think you have not?

 

 

• Read verses 1-2 and then verse 5.

Ø  What is the connection between forgiveness and confessing sin?

 

Ø  Verse 2 indicates the blessing of forgiveness comes to those in whose spirit there is “no deceit.” In light of verse 5, what do you think he means when he says “no deceit?”

 

 

Ø  What was his experience when he confessed to the Lord and was forgiven (verse 1-2)?

 

 

• How does this passage motivate you to confess and repent of your sin?

 

 

 

3. Read Proverbs 28:13

• The one who obtains mercy must _______________ and _______________ sins. 

 

• To confess is to agree with God’s judgment of your sinful thoughts and behavior- to call them what he calls them (rebellion against his loving rule in your life).

 

• To forsake is to turn away from something and leave it behind.

 

• Is confessing your sins the same as repentance?  How are they related?

 

 

• How can you apply this passage to your life today?

 

 

4. Read Joel 2:12-13

• The word “return” is used here to refer to repentance.  The same word is used in Ezekiel 14:6, “Thus says the Lord: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.”  In both passages it means to turn from sin to God.

 

• What does verse 13 say the people should rend/tear?

 

• Rending garments in biblical times was an outward way of showing the inward reality of a broken heart.  Is it possible for someone to do outward actions that show a broken heart while not really having a broken heart over sin?  Give some examples.

 

 

5. Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

• Paul had sent the Corinthians a letter to confront some of their sins (v. 8).  How did they respond to the letter according to verse 9?

 

 

• In verse 10, Paul says there are two types of grief or sorrow over sin.  What are they?

 

 

• What is the difference between these two types of sorrow?

 

 

• Is feeling guilty or sorry over sin the same thing as repentance?

 

 

• The word “salvation” here does not just refer to a person being able to enter into heaven one day.  It refers to a Christian’s current spiritual vitality/walk with God and future eternal life.

 

 

• Read what one commentator had to say about the difference between these two types of grief:

 

Being sorrowful as God intended is feeling the deep grief that comes from knowing that our attitudes and actions have harmed our relationship with God.  ‘Godly sorrow’ feels bad because it is missing out on God … Worldly sorrow is the grief that comes about because one’s actions result in missing out on something the world has to offer.  Worldly sorrow feels bad because it wants more of the world (Hafmann, NIV Application Commentary: 2 Corinthians, 312).

           

• Which type of sorrow do you usually have?  How can you tell?

 

 

• In verse 11, Paul goes on to list 7 qualities or attitudes that are seen as fruit that proves that the Corinthians actually repented.  Read Luke 3:8 and Acts 26:19-20.  Should we expect to see right thoughts and behavior flow out of true repentance? Why or Why not?

 

 

• In your situation, what type of fruit (new behavior and thoughts) do you think should flow out of your repentance?

 

 

6. Examples of Sorrow over Sin

• Read Matthew 27:1-5. 

Ø  This event occurred after Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. 

Ø  Judas felt sad (remorse).  Does Judas exemplify worldly or godly sorrow?  Explain your answer.

• Read Matthew 26:69-75 and John 21:15-17. 

Ø  Peter also failed Jesus. Peter also felt sorrow over his sin. 

Ø  Does Peter exemplify worldly or godly sorrow?  Explain your answer.

• Godly sorrow comes from a heart that sees sin as rebellion against God, and it leads to a decisive turnaround from sin to God.  Worldly sorrow feels the same pain, but it is caused because of unwelcomed consequences (feelings of guilt, fear of punishment, or difficult circumstances) and does not lead to a true turning from sin to God.  It may lead a person to turn from a particular sin (to avoid more consequences or as a form of trying to pay for his or her sin), but it will not bring true repentance or lead to God.  Which type of sorrow do most often experience and how do you know which one it is?

 

 

7. Summary- Repentance involves the following ingredients:

1. Recognizing your sin and seeing it for what it is: Rebellion against God.
2. Sorrow over your sin.  This may involve literal tears, but it does not have to.  What is important is that your heart is broken over your sin because you know it has dishonored God and affected your relationship with Him.
3. Confessing your sin to God in prayer (agreeing with God that you have sinned and that the sin has affected your relationship with Him and other people).  Be specific and name the sin.
4. Asking for God’s mercy to cleanse you.  Jesus died to pay for your sin.
5. Turning from the sin towards God (both in your heart and behavior).  

5 Prayers for the Persecuted Church

 We will be praying for the persecuted church this Sunday night at prayer meeting. Hebrews 11:36-38  reminds us that Christians have 

"suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."

God commands us to "remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body" (Heb. 13:3). To remember them involves praying for them - how could we remember a part of our body suffering and not pray for it? 

Here are five things you can pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters

Five Prayers for the Persecuted Church 

1. Know the love God has for them and not be tempted to believe that suffering is an indication that they are not right with God.

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:34-37)

2. Honor Christ by only suffering for doing good 

¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, ¹⁵ but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷ For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:14-17)

3. A willingness to lose all knowing that Christ will never leave or forsake them

⁵ Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ⁶ So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

4. Love for those who persecute them

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? ⁴⁸ You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

5. An open door to proclaim the gospel and clarity as they share it

"At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:3-4)

Celebrating Dobbs. Pressing the Case for Life.

Dobbs, June 24, 2022.

We will remember that name and date for a long time. In the Dobbs case, the Supreme Court corrected the grave and unconstitutional injustice of legislating abortion from the bench. On June 24, 2022, the Court returned the issue to the people and our elected representatives. 

This means that Dobbs is something we must celebrate. 

As those who believe God is the source of all morality, we must celebrate what he says is good and right. God has made every person (regardless of his or her size, location, level of development, or degree of dependency) in his image. Thus, we must celebrate laws that protect innocent life and rulings like Dobbs. The Dobbs case now allows us to argue for such laws without them being immediately overruled.  

This means that Dobbs is not the end. It is the beginning. 

It is like D-day in WWII. It opened up the battlefront and allied advance. But, it was not VE-day that marked the end of the war. Victory required much more fighting. So, we must now engage even more than ever in persuading our neighbors, ministering to those contemplating abortion, and calling on our legislators to pass laws to protect the most vulnerable class of people. We have been doing that, and now we engage in it with greater urgency because there is greater opportunity. 

Here are a few resources that I encourage you to take advantage of (they are free).

• Scott Klusendorf's book The Case for Life (note there are many other articles and resources available at that link too). 
• Scott Klusendor's Article "How to Defend Your Prolife Views in 5 Minutes" 
• RC Sproul's book Abortion: A rational look at an emotional issue

If you have any questions that your friends are asking that you'd like answers to, email me at ben@gcot.org. 

Are You Ready to Make the Case for Life?

With the intentional and subversive leak of the draft opinion of the Supreme Court on Dobb's case, abortion is being talked about a lot in the public sphere. I want to encourage you to be ready to "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy" (Prov. 31:8-9). 

Here are three articles that will only take you five minutes to read and help you speak the truth for this class of vulnerable people who cannot speak for themselves.

We Know They Are Killing Children — All of Us Know by John Piper

How to Defend Your Pro-Life Views in 5 Minutes or Less by Scott Klusendorg

9 Myths about Abortion Rights and Roe v. Wade by Kevin DeYoung

Growing in Contentment

We recently discussed the problem we face when we ask "Why am I so unhappy?" Below is an outline that you might find helpful as you face this common problem (of discontentment). 

 I.      What is Contentment?

A.         “Contentment is that condition of consciously enjoying God’s goodness, whatever your circumstances. It is the ability to live a satisfied, God-pleasing life in any situation.”^[1]

 

B.         Illustrations and Lessons in Contentment

1.        Psalm 131 - Contentment is valuing God above all else so that you are happy in him rather than demanding.

2.        Philippians 4:10-13 - Contentment is learning to face every circumstance with joy by relying on the strength of Christ.

 

C.         What is some of the fruit of contentment?

1.        “calmed/quieted soul”—One that is not pridefully looking to the next thing all the time.

2.        Resting confidently in God’s strength (cf. anxious, angry, bitter, complaining, greedy).

 

 

II.    How Do We Grow in Contentment?

A.         Discern the roots of your discontentment (the idolatrous desires)

“What would need to happen for me to become content?” If your answer involves some change of circumstance or some improved relationship, then realize that this very thing is now functioning as your source of contentment. You think that if you have it, you will be happy, and that if you lack it, you will be sad. You are a yo-yo on its string; this thing has you in its grasp and can raise you up and down at will. It is an idol that functions as your god. For example, if your contentment hinges on finding a spouse or getting married, then it is not based on Christ. If your contentment will come only if your spouse or friend treats you better, or if you receive some financial blessing or physical healing, then it is not Christ-based contentment. You are building your life on shifting sand. God never meant for you to find lasting joy in anything other than Christ Himself.”[2]

a.      Monitor your actions … where do I see grumbling, self-pity, anger, bitterness?

b.      Monitor your thoughts…where do I see thoughts that are discontent? What is that “If only xyz, then I could be happy” thought?

 

B.         Rest in God’s providence and character

1.        God’s Character. A few areas to focus on: Sovereignty, goodness, wisdom.

2.        God’s Providence (Phil. 4:19)

 

C.         Curate God’s kindness

1.        Develop a museum (notebook) of God’s goodness. Mentally walk through it and be humbled / thankful.

2.        Psalm 103 is a good example of curating God’s kindnesses – he blesses the Lord for his kindnesses to him.

 

D.        Guard yourself from comparing and greed as well as setting your hope on the things of this world

1.        Don’t compare or get greedy (Luke 12:15, see also the Corinthians believers re spiritual gifts).

2.        Don’t set your heart on things that will fade (Ps 62:10).

 

E.         Realize there are needs around you and give and serve to meet the needs of others (2 Cor. 9:8)

 

F.         Set your mind on things above – have an eternal perspective (Col. 3:1-2, Matt. 6:19-20)

---

[1] Robert Jones “Learning Contentment,” Journal of Biblical Counseling Fall 2002, 61.

[2] Jones “Learning Contentment,”, 60.

Avoiding Worldly Thinking in Your Studies

Thinking through how to glorify God in your studies is essential. I found this short (13 minute) episode of "Ask Pastor John" to be helpful. He deals mainly with the area of studying philosophy, but the principles are helpful for all academic pursuits. 

"How Can I Avoid Worldly Thinking in My Studies?"

Seven Ways to Prepare for a New Year

Some of you are on break (students). Others are just as busy as ever. All of us are about to begin a new year. Regardless of the extra time or lack thereof, it is an excellent time to give thought to your ways. Here is a list of a few ideas or resources to help you humble yourself, thank God, and plan for growth (feel free to suggest your own ideas):

1. Take a personal, spiritual retreat - schedule a time of silence and solitude (see this blog post on what it is and this one on how to plan a four-hour retreat)
2. Go through Don Whitney's Ten questions to ask yourself at the start of a new year (you could include this in a personal retreat if you want or do it on its own).
3. Read a good Christian book to encourage your walk with God (a Christian biography, a book about God's character, etc.).
4. Read a good Christian book to help you grow in your ability to minister to others (a book on how to disciple others, a biblical counseling topic, or an apologetic issue).
5. Make a list of 25 things you are thankful to God for from the past year (pray to thank God for them while you write them down). 
6. Think of one new habit you want to begin in the new year. Write it out and the practical steps you will take to make progress. 
7. Think of one area of godly character that you want to make progress in (maybe look over the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 or the elder qualifications in Titus 1 to get some ideas). Next, write out what you need to "put off" and the biblical replacement you need to "put on." Then, come up with a verse or two to memorize on that issue. 

However you do it, spend some time reflecting on the past and looking to the future. Do it all with a heart aimed at thanking God and depending on him.

Praying for the Challenge to Roe (Tomorrow's Court Case)

Tomorrow (December 1, 2021), the Supreme Court is set to hear Dobbs vs. Jackson Health. This is a case that directly challenges Roe v. Wade and could overturn the law that a previous Supreme Court manufactured. Here are two things you can do.

Make time to pray (If you don't have time, maybe you can fast to make more time).

Pray for Lynn Fitch, the Mississippi attorney general who is arguing that there is no right in the constitution to end the life of an unborn baby. 

• "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy" Proverbs 31:8-9 
• A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.Prov 14:25 
• Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.Prov 12:17 

Pray that the opposing counsel would have their lies revealed and their desire for blood overcome

•  Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies. He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made.Psalm 7:14-16
•  For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.Psalm 5:4-6
•  Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness,Is. 5:20

Pray that the Justices will seek to do what is just (preserve innocent life)

• He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.Psalm 37:6 
• Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path,10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, 12 delivering you from the way of evil,  from men of perverted speech, 13 who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness,14 who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil, 15 men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways.Proverbs 2:9-15 

I encourage you to be ready to make the case for life 

People might be talking about the issue, and you should be ready to open your mouth for the voiceless and defenseless.  Here are some resources

• A Letter to the Tallahassee City Commission Regarding Their Resolution Supporting Abortion
• Resources to Help You Speak for the Unborn

Thinking about Things That are Above

 I preached this past Sunday on "Living in Light of the Resurrection — Setting Our Minds on Things Above." Since Jesus has been raised from the dead, heaven is not a wishful thought to help ease our pains. Rather, it is a reality to be cherished (which means we must think about it). 

Below are a couple of resources you might find helpful in cultivating a mind that is set on things above (They helped me in preparing).

• Jonathan Edwards Sermon "Heaven is World of Love"
• Jonathan Edwards Sermon "THE CHRISTIAN PILGRIM; OR THE TRUE CHRISTIAN’S LIFE A JOURNEY TOWARDS HEAVEN" (you have to use the arrow keys to buttons to each page of the sermon)  Here is a shorter synopsis of some of its main points
• Gavin Ortlund "The Eternal Shore Five Things We Forget About Heaven" (this is where I got the swimmer illustration)
• One more that I didn't reference but have found helpful in the past is Richard Baxter's book The Saint's Everlasting Rest

A News Podcast Recommendation - The World and Everything in It

If you are looking for solid journalism from a biblical worldview, check out The World and Everything in It Podcast. I have been listening for well over a year and love it. It isn't sensationalized entertainment. It doesn't aim to keep listeners in a perpetual state of anger and anxiety. It is careful, factual reporting that focuses on many issues that actually matter from a biblical worldview. I listen most mornings on my commute. 

Living as Strangers: Four Classic Sermons

Tonight we begin our "classic sermon discussion" series. We will be looking at four sermons from the past 300 years. If you'd like to read along, here is the reader that contains the sermons. 

Below is the table of contents

• "The Christian Pilgrim or The True Christian's Life a Journey Toward Heaven" Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
• "Persecution Every Christian's Lot" George Whitefield (1714-1770)
• "Commentary on Psalm 103" in The Treasury of David  Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
• "Boasting Only in the Cross" John Piper (1946-Present)
• Appendix: The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723) Arranged Topically

Read a Book That Feeds Your Soul

Shifting schedules and routines are the norm these days. You may or may not have extra time (maybe you are not having to commute and gained an extra 40 minutes in your day). If you do have a bit of extra downtime, there are a few ways you can turn those extra minutes into a gain for your soul (instead of spending more time scrolling through news feeds). Over the next few posts, I’ll suggest a few ideas about how to do that.

Today, I want to encourage you to use some of that extra time to read a good book that feeds the soul.  Maybe you set aside 20 minutes in the evening to devote to reading. If that doesn’t work, start with 5 minutes of reading before bed. That doesn’t sound like much, but if you read 5 minutes each day that would be … let me calculate … 35 minutes a week … and over 30 hours in a year.

Below are some suggested books to consider.

• Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
• The Holiness of God by RC Sproul
• Knowing God by JI Packer
• Holiness by JC Ryle
• Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will by Kevin DeYoung
• Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus by Mark Dever
• Desiring God by John Piper (should be available free at desiringgod.org)
• When People are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch
• Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Don Whitney
• A Little Book on the Christian Life by John Calvin
• A Good Christian Biography (Check out biographies by authors such as John Piper [Swans are not silent series] or Michael Haykin, Elisabeth Elliott, Iain Murray)

Fiction that feeds the soul

• The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
• The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis (yes I am aware the last book has a big problem).
• Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss

Don’t let this replace your Bible reading, but don’t be lazy either. One thing I remember from my internship days is that Rod always said, “Leaders are readers.” I think that should apply to all of us, even if it doesn’t rhyme as nicely.

Free Ebook - "12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You"

Crossway is offering Tony Reinke's book 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You for free (well, you have to do a brief online survey - there is no such thing as a free lunch).  Here is the link to the survey.

If you haven't read this book, I encourage you to make time to read it.  It is insightful, helpful, and full of wisdom.  Reinke applies biblical principles to technology usage in a way that is humble and not legalistic. 

Methods of Meditation

Meditation can sound quite mystical to some people. Biblical meditation is, as Don Whitney puts it, "deep thinking on truths and spiritual realities revealed in Scripture for the purposes of understanding, application, and prayer” (Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, 48). The question is, how do we do this deep thinking?

Below is a list of some methods and practices that might help you slow down, read carefully, and think deeply about what you see in God's Word. There is nothing magical in these methods. They are simply ways to help you meditate. Click here for a downloadable pdf version.

Methods of Meditating on Scripture

An adapted summary of the methods of meditation on Scripture taught by Don Whitney

1. Repeat the verse or phrase with emphasis on a different word each time (reflect on what each word adds to the meaning and possible applications).

Whatever He says to you do it (John 2:5).

Whatever He says to you do it.

Whatever He says to you do it.

Whatever He says to you do it.

Whatever He says to you do it.

Whatever He says to you do it.

2. Rewrite the verse or phrase in your own words.

3. Look for applications of this text – what should you do in response to it?

4. Formulate a principle from the text.

5. Pray through the text.

6. Ask the Philippians 4:8 questions.

What is true or what truth does it exemplify?

What is lovely about it?

What is honorable about it?

What is admirable or commendable about it?

What is right about it?

What is excellent about it?

What is pure or how does it exemplify purity?

What is praiseworthy about it?

7. Ask the “Joseph Hall” questions [abbreviated by me].

What is it (define and/or describe what it is)?

What are its qualities and attachments?

What are its divisions or parts?

What is contrary, contradictory or different to it?

What causes it?

What compares to it?

What does it cause (its fruits and effects)?

What are the testimonies or examples of Scripture about it?

8. Discover a minimum number of insights into the text (set the number in advance).

9. Find a link or common thread between all the chapters of paragraphs you’ve read.

A few additional methods I’ve used over the years

1. Write out each phrase of the verse separately and spend time making your own “commentary” on it, including word meanings, logical connections, applications, questions you have, etc.

2. Write a poem reflecting the beautiful truth you observed in the passage (your poem might not be great, but it is an expression of the beauty you see and experience). Ex. You might do this with the “I am” statements of Jesus. Study them in depth. Then write a poem expressing one facet of the reality.

3. Write out the verse in a way that attempts to show its structure (main points and supporting points). You might also use spacing, underlines, capital letters, and various colors to emphasize things.

Isaiah 41:10

FEAR NOT

                For I am with you;

BE NOT DISMAYED

                For I am your God

                I will  strengthen you

                I will  help            you

                I will  uphold       you

                                With my righteous right hand

Resources for Meditating on Scripture

When I preached on Psalm 1 this past Sunday I mentioned the importance of meditating on Scripture. To use Thomas Brooks' illustration again:

It’s not the bee’s touching of the flower which gathers honey—but her abiding for a time upon the flower, which draws out the sweet. It’s not he who reads most—but he who meditates most, who will prove the choicest, sweetest, wisest, and strongest Christian.

If meditating is new to you, let me suggest visiting Dr. Don Whitney's website and downloading his handout on methods of meditating. Your goal is to deeply consider the meaning and application of God's word to your life. Often it results in memorizing what you are meditating on. Start small. Meditating is done with small portions of Scripture.

Click here to download his Meditation Methods handout (select it from the first list).

Plan a Spiritual Retreat for the Break

What is a Spiritual Retreat?

A spiritual retreat is not a mystical, "me and Jesus" moment. It is a planned  time to set aside the normal distractions of work and daily life to have solitude - time to meditate on the Lord's Word, to pray in a longer and more focused time, to seek spiritual refreshment through reading a solid Christian book, and a time to evaluate the direction of spiritual growth and life in general.

For our college students, a semester break is a great time to PLAN to have a one or two day retreat. To be clear, you don't actually have to "get away," but you would want to be able to remove your self from the normal distractions (housework, school work, friends who want to hang out).

Planning for a Retreat

This will probably not be a very useful time if you do not spend a bit of time planning for it. Otherwise, you will be alone and then wonder what to do. I suggest using a planner or excel spreadsheet or online calendar to block out what you plan to do with each 30-minute to 1-hour increment of time during your retreat (you can include eating, exercising, etc.).

What might it look like?

Here is a sample of what you might do:

1 hour of Bible meditation and prayer. 

Pick a passage to read slowly, to make observations from the text, and to think over its meaning and application to your life. Integrate times of prayer (responding to to what you see, repenting where the passage exposes your sin, asking for help to walk in the Lord's ways). 

30 Minutes of evaluating how you are doing in your God-given responsibilities

Journal how you are doing - seeing God's grace at work, seeing areas you need to grow in. Specifically in your God given-roles. Perhaps that would be

• Church member

• Son/Daughter

• Student

• Roommate

This might require thinking about what the Lord requires of you in each of these roles. 

30 minutes of reading a book specifically for your soul

Pick a book and plan to get a good start on reading it during the retreat. Here are a few you might consider
Puritan / older books (a bit more work to read, but rich)

• The Godly Man's Portrait by Thomas Watson

• Holiness by JC Ryle

Modern books

• Desiring God by John Piper

• The Pleasures of God by John Piper

• Future Grace by John Piper

• Knowing God by Packer

• The Holiness of God by RC Sproul

• Tempted and Tried: Temptation and the Triumph of Christ by Russell Moore

• A good Christian Biography (Piper has a series called "the Swans are not Silent", but there are other good biographies too. In the Shadow of the Almighty is a good one about Jim Elliott). 

45-minute walk / Sermon audio

Go on a walk and listen to a sermon. There are tons of great resources out there from conferences. Here are a few (note, I have not listened to anywhere near all of these...I just know they are probably good):

• Together for the Gospel Conferences (Chandler, Piper, MacArthur, Dever, etc.)

• "Live to Die: A Leader Who Suffers Well" (great Piper sermon. Actually had a big impact on me as we were finalizing our decision to move towards pursuing adoption). 

• The Cross Conference (coming up this Jan 2-5th will be live streamed)

• Other John Piper Conference Messages

• Countryside Bible Churches conferences (last year was on marriage and singleness)

30 Minute lunch and Read more in your book. 

20 minute power nap (no long naps). 

30 Minutes praying for your church family

Perhaps pray for fellow college students, for the pastors, for older brothers and sisters. 

30 Minutes using "10 Questions to ask at the beginning of a new year" 

1 hour planning for next year  

Think in terms of your God given responsibilities. Examples might include:

• Personal Walk with the Lord

• Church

• Vocation (work / school)

• Family/Friends/Roomates

• Neighbors/classmates (evangelism, hospitality). 

Then come up with a one-line statement of what God would desire of you in those areas - a goal (ex. "Fellowship with God so that I am happy in him, know his ways, and have the strength to walk in obedience"). 

Then come up with specific things you'll do to pursue those goals. (Ex. I will study the word for 20 minutes in the morning and pray. I will attend Sunday school and Bible study etc.). 

You might also gather or plan resources for what this will look like. So, you might select a plan for Bible reading or a devotional book to use in the new year.
I can email you a sample of this in more detail if you'd like (ben@gcot.org). 

45 Minute Walk to pray or listen to another sermon

1 hour reading your book

At the end of your time

Pray. Then right out a list of key "take aways" or "actions" you will take to implement things. For example, you realize an area of ongoing struggle with a sinful attitude (pride, or fear of what others think, etc.). Then plan what your next step will be (seek accountability or find a book to help, or a verse to memorize and meditate on). Or maybe you realize you need to plan to attend Sunday school as part of your plan to grow this year and to fellowship. Then think of what changes you need to make to develop this new habit. Tell someone about your plan so you have accountability. 

Questions

If you would like to do this but have questions, shoot me an email and I can help you think through it.

"When Is It Time to Break-up?"

I recently listened to this podcast from Truth in Love on the topic of some various reasons a Christian might need to or consider ending a dating relationship. I am sharing it because I think they do a good job giving a concise explanation of the issues to consider (and by extension, it helps you consider if a relationship is healthy). This is not some back channel way of me telling anyone in our group they should consider ending a current dating relationship (I would talk to you directly if I thought that was the case).

"Do James and Paul disagree on grace and works?"

I found this article helpful from Dr. Tom Schreiner on the issue of faith and works.  He is a New Testament scholar. On a personal note, when we lived in Louisville, Tom was one of our pastors and we benefited greatly from his preaching.

His summary on the topic is,

"In the beauty and completeness of God’s Word, Paul and James teach complementary, not contradictory, truths."

What Does Pride and Humility Look Like?

This past Sunday, Pastor Rod spent some time talking about the danger of pride. Pride is one of those sneaky and subtle sins that we often can't see in our lives just as a when you are flying through a cloud and can't see how high you are off the ground. Our Christian growth does not happen in fighthing sin in its abstract (ie. I will put off pride). Rather, growth comes as we fight sin in its specific manifestations in our own hearts. You have to fight the enemy where it is entrenched.

One resources I have found helpful in identifying the sin of pride and manifestations of humility is Stuart Scott's little booklet From Pride to Humility. You can buy a copy here. And here is a link to a handout that includes the manifestations of pride and humility (a good tool to evaluate your own heart and where the battle and potential for growth is).

Guidelines in Determining If and How a Biblical Command Applies Today

Last week, at Bible study, we discussed commands in the Bible and how to determine if a command still applies to today, and, if so, how to sort out the culture-specific aspects from the timeless principles. Here are a few guidelines adapted from  Dr. Robert Plummer's book 40 Questions about Interpreting the Bible, pg. 172 (Dr. Plummer was my Greek professor in Seminary and I am so thankful for his ministry to me).

1. Rephrase the biblical command in more abstract, theological terms. Is the injunction a culturally specific application of an underlying theological principle? Or are the command and cultural application inseparable? (example, "Greet each other with a holy kiss" seems to have an underlying principle of welcoming and loving fellow believers as fellow members of God's household. It does seem the principle is unchanging, but the cultural application [a holy kiss] seems to be able to be separated and replaced with a culturally specific application). 
2. Would a modern-day literal application of the command accomplish the intended objective of the biblical author's original statement? 
3. Are there details in the text that would cause one to conclude that the instructions are only for a specific place or time? (ex. 2 Tim. 4:13 Paul tells Timothy "when you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus..." Since Paul directs it to Timothy and it only would apply as long as Paul was living, this command does not apply to us). 
4. Are there details in the text that would cause one to conclude that the ... command applies unchanged in different cultures? (Is it based on God's character, his unchanging promises, or his design for all creation? Example "love one another, for love is from God." This is not a cultural issue, and the fact that it is rooted in love coming from God means it doesn't change).  
5. Do your conclusions cohere with the author's other statements and the broader canonical (whole-Bible) context? 
6. For Old Testament commands, how has the coming, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the promised Savior, changed things? (Ex. commands to sacrifice on the Day of Atonement are fulfilled by Jesus who "died once for sin" and is "seated at the right hand of God." This is not due to God changing. Rather, it is because God's plan has not changed. His plan has always been to give a "yes" and "amen" to all his promises in the coming of Jesus.) 
7. Beware of the deceitful human heart that would use interpretive principles to rationalize disobedience to Scripture.