Labels, Shadows, & a Clear Identity – Week IV

7-Weeks of Walking in the Word, Examining Self, & Studying People of Interest from the Bible

Week 4 Theme: From Zeal to Zilch & Back Again

What gets in the way of us living in the Light? What habits or practices hinder our Kingdom mindedness and works? How do we go from a people of passion, purpose, and conviction to a people of doubt, shame, and fear? Is it even possible to bounce back and be restored when we have walked on the dark side or dwelled in the shadows for a time?

This week, as we attempt to answer some of the questions above, let us consider the Scriptures related to two prodigals. One account comes by way of a very well known story. The other account is about a man who is not an obvious prodigal, and yet he was one for a moment in time, in that he left “home” (representative of that which he knew to be true) and behaved recklessly, before repentantly returning.

As you read this week’s key Bible verses, I want you to pay very close attention to the before and after stories of each man. Take note of their back stories. (This will likely require you to dig deeper into the Bible. Take advantage of the extra study. It will garner much in the way of spiritual food.) I encourage you to begin considering who these men were at their core, how they each positioned themselves as it relates to “home,” what choices shaped them, and how they moved toward the future.

Scripture Study IV: Luke 15:11-32 and Luke 22:54-62 (Use other books in the Gospels to get a full picture of these stories.)

Assignment IV: Reread the Bible verses, as well as other related Scriptures. Highlight the words, phrases, and/or sentences that stand out to you.

Recall & Reflect:

What labels do I choose to wear at the present time, and why do I elect to don these particular ones? (Do I feel that I don’t deserve to wear anything other than that which I have known? Am I staying in the label that is most comfortable to me, even if I know that it holds me back from being truly free in Christ? Why?)

Journal IV: Take some time this week to journal your thoughts on the following:

1a) What is the first thing we come to know about the prodigal in Luke 15? 1b) What are some of the paramount moments from the life of Peter in Scriptures, and how does it compare to who he shows himself to be in Luke 22?

2a) When the father looks upon his prodigal son in Luke 15, how is the son received by him? 2b) When Peter denies Christ, what does Jesus do? (Dig Deeper: Well after the denial had taken place, how does Peter later respond? What is his new identity? (See Luke 24:12, 33-53; Acts 1-4.))

3) Have you come to find that you label yourself just as much as you allow others to label you? When did this start, and what was the point of origin?

4) Which prodigal do you relate to the most and why?

5) Do you believe that the LORD can transform your life and clarify who you really are? Do you believe you can be restored?

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Walk in the Word. Know the LORD. Accept His Truth. Live in freedom.

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#awaken

Labels, Shadows, & a Clear Identity – Week III

7-Weeks of Walking in the Word, Examining Self, & Studying People of Interest from the Bible

Week 3 Theme: From Sleeping to Waking

Have you ever been so distraught that you wobbled in your faith? Has there ever been a time when you were unable to solve a problem that was before you? Has there been anyone that you know or love who has gone down in health so much so that they were in a most debilitated state? No matter how you choose to answer these questions, the truth of the matter is that at some point in your life, you will face at least one of them, if not all. As the saying goes, keep on living.

The man that you meet this week in Scriptures was an important person. He held a position of esteem. He was known by many for what he did. But this man had a grim situation thrust upon him. His daughter was ill and facing death. His dire situation affected his state and his course of action. As a result, he desperately sought help. His help came by way of Jesus.

As you read this week’s Bible verses, I want you to notice the perspectives of five key people. Notice the point of view of Jairus, of Jesus, of the people (those who came to Jairus when he sought Jesus and the people who were at his house), of the witnesses who were allowed to be in the room with Jesus, and of the daughter of Jarius. Make note of what was said or what was done by all.

Scripture Study III: Mark 5:21-24 and 35-43

Assignment III: Reread the Bible verses from Mark 5, regarding the daughter of Jairus. Highlight the words, phrases, and/or sentences that stand out to you.

Recall & Reflect:

What do I believe about myself (in terms of my faith and trust in the LORD)?

Journal III: Take some time this week to journal your thoughts on the following:

1) What did it take for the synagogue official to go to Jesus? (Delve Deeper: What is known about how synagogue officials felt about Jesus and/or how they treated Jesus, in general?)

2) When Jairus approached Jesus, what did he do? Why might it be important to know this?

3) What were the first words uttered by Jairus to Jesus and Jesus to Jairus?

4) What position did the people who were associated with Jairus take? Were they faith-filled or faithless? How might their words to Jairus be received by him?

5) Do you allow your circle of friends, family, or acquaintances to shape your beliefs? Is this good or bad?

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Walk in the Word. Know the LORD. Accept His Truth. Live in freedom.

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#awaken

Labels, Shadows, & a Clear Identity- Week II

7-Weeks of Walking in the Word, Examining Self, & Studying People of Interest from the Bible

Week 2 Theme: From Sightless to Seeing

Being blind or having a visual impairment is no small thing. It can be quite devastating for some. Despite the challenge, however, many have persevered. Louis Braille, Helen Keller, Harriet Tubman, and a vast number of others have succeeded in monumental ways, in spite of their individual disability. How did they succeed? They succeeded by learning to see in a different way.

Before these figures from history lived, there was a man born blind, as it is written in Scriptures. He was blind from birth; he could not see. This man, one day, had an encounter with Jesus. That encounter changed his life. He, who was once blind, began to see. His new sight, in truth, went deeper than just being able to physically see. There was a message of spiritual import attached to his life story. His story teaches us, even now.

As you read this week’s Bible verses, I want you to pay particular attention to what this man knew about himself and about his unique situation. See how he viewed Jesus. I also want you to notice what those who confronted him had to say about him and his situation. Finally, I want you to heed the words that Jesus said.

Scripture Study II: John 9

Assignment II: Reread the Bible story from John 9, regarding the man born blind. Highlight the words, phrases, and/or sentences that stand out to you.

Recall & Reflect (on the question that started it all):

WHY IS IT SO EASY TO ACCEPT THE LABELS THAT OTHER PEOPLE PLACE ON US THAN IT IS FOR US TO ACCEPT THE IDENTITY THAT GOD HAS DECLARED OVER US?

Journal I: Take some time this week to thoughtfully journal your feelings on the following:

1) What possible “labels” might be considered in this Bible account?

2) What words were ascribed to the once blind man?

3) What was the before-Christ status and the after-Christ status of the blind man?

4) How does this man’s story relate or compare to your own?

5) Should you be willing to accept the story that others try to write over your life? (Go Deeper: Have you been guilty of allowing the words of others to dictate your actions or choices?)

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Walk in the Word. Know the LORD. Accept His Truth. Live in freedom.

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#awaken