Digging Deeper Week of Jan 15th

Digging Deeper: Week of Jan 15-20

 Day 1

Read: Revelation 5:9-14  

Background: This vivid passage comes from John’s prophetic vision in Revelation, where he witnesses heavenly worship around God’s throne. The 24 elders and four living creatures sing a new song of redemption to the Lamb, acknowledging His supreme worthiness due to the sacrificial death that ransomed people for God. All of creation joins in this chorus of praise, recognizing Christ as the One worthy to open the scroll because of His victory over sin and death. His worthiness leads to extravagant heavenly worship.

Key words/ideas:

– New (Greek kainos) – fresh, unprecedented

– Worthy (Greek axios) – deserving, comparable, suitable

– Redemption (Soteriology) – Christ’s work to free believers from sin and bondage through His death and resurrection

Questions for Reflection:

1. What stands out to you about the reasons all creation sings praises to the Lamb?

2. How does recognizing Christ’s worth impact your worship?

3. What are creative ways you can offer Him a “new song” of praise this week?

Apply It: Write or sing a new song to Jesus, expressing your awe at His redemptive work.

Day 2

Read: Ephesians 5:15-20

Background: In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul urges them to walk in wisdom and understand God’s will, making the most of their time. He then shifts to addressing one another with worship songs, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing praise to the Lord. As believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, He compels us to overflow with joyful praise to God in all circumstances for His mighty works.

Key words/ideas:

– Filled (Greek pleroo) – fulfilled, fully inspired and controlled by

– Spirit (Pneumatology) – The Holy Spirit, third person of the Trinity

– Thanks (Greek eucharisteo) – gratitude, devout acknowledgment

Questions for Reflection:

1. What does being filled with the Spirit look like in your life?

2. How does the Spirit’s presence relate to your worship?

3. What are you thankful for today that you can praise God for?

Apply It: Allow Scripture and the Spirit to guide your worship music choices today. Sing with gratitude.

Day 3

Read: Psalm 96

Background: Psalm 96 is part of a trilogy of psalms urging the earth to sing a new song and make a joyful noise to God. It calls all peoples, places, and things to join this cosmic chorus declaring God’s glory and the salvation revealed among nations. All creation is summoned to worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

Key words/ideas:

– Glory (Greek doxa) – magnificence, splendor, brightness

– Salvation (Soteriology) – deliverance from sin through Christ’s redemptive work

– Nations (Ethnicity) – all people groups of the earth

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does this psalm portray the global impact of praising God?

2. How can your worship extend beyond yourself?

3. Who could you invite to join you in singing God’s praises?

Apply It: Share a worship song with a friend today, giving them a glimpse of God’s glory.

Day 4

Read: Psalm 100

Background: This well-known, short psalm issues a universal call to worship and thanksgiving. All people on earth are urged to joyfully serve, praise, and exalt the Lord with gladness. As the Creator God who made and sustains us, He is worthy of our reverent awe, thanksgiving, praise, and exuberant worship.

Key words/ideas:

– Gladness (Hebrew simchah) – delight, pleasure, gaiety

– Joy (Emotions) – state of rejoicing, exultation, happiness

– Worship (Spiritual Disciplines) – reverent honor and homage paid to God

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does an attitude of thanksgiving shape your worship?

2. What brings you joy and gladness in reflecting on God’s character?

3. How does worship reinforce your knowledge of God as Creator?

Apply It: Come before God with joyful praise today. Reflect on reasons He is worthy of your thanksgiving.

Day 5

Read: Psalm 33:1-5

Background: Psalm 33 calls those who are righteous and upright to praise the Lord through music and song. God deserves praise because His word and His actions are faithful and true. His character reveals steadfast love and his decrees showcase justice. Who He is fuels our worship.

Key words/ideas:

– Upright (Hebrew yashar) – just, righteous, straight 

– Faithful (Attributes of God) – God is constant, unwavering, and keeps His promises

– Loves righteousness and justice (Law/Gospel) – God delights in moral uprightness and equity

Questions for Reflection:

1. What musical instruments could you incorporate to praise God today?

2. How does reflecting on God’s character inspire your worship?

3. What songs stir your affections and awe for who God is?

Apply It: Turn on an instrumental worship playlist today. Let it move you to sing praise to God’s faithfulness.