Digging Deeper Week of Jan 29th

Day 1

Scripture: Psalm 119:9-16

Background: This psalm expresses the writer’s deep love for God’s perfect law. He recognizes that wholeheartedly treasuring Scripture provides guidance for righteous living, inner joy, and cleansing from sin. The psalmist values God’s word above material possessions because meditating on it leads to great spiritual reward. He commits to studying God’s word diligently and obeying its precepts as the path to true blessing.

Key Words:

– Way (derek) – lifestyle, behavior, conduct

– Rejoice (samach) – be glad, delighted, jubilant 

– Meditate (hagah) – ponder, imagine, study closely

Theological Truths:

– Knowing and doing the will of God, and living by it, are the joy and substance of life. (Teach the Text) 

– Obedience to Scripture leads to holy living. (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

– Treasuring God’s word is a demonstration of one’s love for God. (Expositor’s Bible Commentary)

Questions for Reflection:

1. In what ways has Scripture guided your lifestyle and conduct?

2. Why does meditating on God’s Word bring us joy and delight?

3. What are some things people treasure highly that are inferior to the Bible?

Application: Set aside time today to read, meditate on, and rejoice in God’s Word.

Day 2

Scripture: James 1:19-25

Background: James instructs believers to have humility in receiving the Word, which has power to regenerate their hearts when implanted. He warns against merely hearing without obedience. Those who hear and do God’s Word will be blessed in their conduct.

Key Words: 

– Implanted (emphutos) – ingrafted, something embedded  

– Save (sozo) – rescue, heal, deliver, preserve safe

– Deeds (ergon) – work, labor, act

Theological Truths:

– God’s word should change behavior, not just stimulate the mind. (Expositor’s Bible Commentary)

– Obeying God’s word is key to spiritual strength and continued maturity. (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

– The Bible doesn’t just show us who we are; it shows us who we are supposed to be. (Teach the Text)

Questions for Reflection:

1. How can you cultivate an eagerness to receive God’s Word this week?

2. What sins might God’s Word help deliver you from as you immerse yourself in it?

3. What righteous deeds can you do to apply Scripture?

Application: Humbly receive the engrafted Word this week by reading Scripture daily.

Day 3

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-13

Background: This vividly describes God’s living, active Word that cuts to our core, exposing and judging our inner being. No facade can conceal our true motives from Scripture’s penetrating truth. We must allow it to lay bare our hearts before God.

Key Words:  

– Sharper (tomoteros) – cutting, piercing, penetrating 

– Thoughts (enthumesis) – mind, understanding, feelings

– Laid bare (trachelizo) – to expose the neck, make vulnerable

Theological Truths:

– Scripture has the power to break through pretense and confusion to expose the reality of our inmost being. (Expositor’s Bible Commentary)

– Scripture discriminates and judges the motivations of the heart. (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

Questions for Reflection: 

1. When were you convicted about inner motives through reading the Bible?

2. What mindsets or thought patterns need to be brought into the light?

3. Why is allowing Scripture to expose your heart key for intimacy with God?

Application: Ask God to reveal sinful thought patterns through His Word today.

Day 4 

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-6

Background: John reminds believers their sins are forgiven in Christ. Those who truly know Him will keep His commands out of love. Jesus is our model of selfless obedience. By walking as He walked, guided by Scripture, we show Christ lives in us.

Key Words:

– Walk (peripateo) – conduct oneself, behave, live out 

– Obedience (tereo) – keep, obey, fulfill a command

– Love (agape) – selfless, unconditional love

Theological Truths:

– Our professed fellowship with God is proven by our obedience to God’s word. (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

– Knowing God in only a confession but a lifestyle of following His teachings. (Expositor’s Bible Commentary

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does beholding Jesus in Scripture motivate you to obey God?

2. What areas of obedience is the Spirit prompting you to walk in?

3. How can you love others selflessly this week by obeying Christ’s teachings?

Application: Ask the Spirit to help you obey one challenging command of Jesus today.

Day 5

Scripture: Psalm 19:7-11 

Background: David praises God’s perfect, trustworthy law that revives the soul, enlightens the simple, and warns God’s servants. Scripture thoroughly equips us for life and obedience. Its precepts are right and radiant, bringing great reward when kept.

Key Words:

– Trustworthy (neʼĕmân) – firm, reliable, sure, steadfast

– Wise (châkâm) – teach wisdom, guide with skill 

– Warnings (zāhar) – illumination, reminders, cautions

Theological Truths: 

– The Law was the dominant element in God’s specific revelation in the OT. (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

– The revelation of God’s law is better than the revelation in nature. It revives, grants wisdom and give true joy. (Expositor’s Bible Commentary)

Questions for Reflection:

1. How have you experienced soul renewal by regular Scripture reading?

2. What biblical warnings and illuminations guide your decisions?

3. Why is anchoring your life on Scripture’s trustworthy truths so crucial?

Application: Thank God for His Word today! Resolve to read it daily as your source of renewal and guidance.