The Gospel of John

John was very concerned with us being convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him we may have a new life as well. He very familiar with the Jewish story and parallels them well from the beginning weaving Jesus’ beginning with the creation story in Genesis. He references “I am” seven times and breaks the public ministry up into 7 sections. This would draw attention to the Hebrew leader with seven being that of perfection or completeness. As John says in the last chapter of his Gospel. “The stories are written that you may believe.” We hope these devotionals on the gospel of John has a similar impact on you.

We are not Biblical scholars here as we write these daily devotionals as our name suggests, “Simplicity in Truth.” Our goal is to help you reflect on scripture in a meaningful way that doesn’t over complicate it but also gives you something to think about. Take your time and read one day at a time. You can also subscribe to get the same kind of daily devotionals to you phone if that is easier.

Chapter 1: Day 1

”In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth…For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.“ John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬, ‭4‬-‭5‬, ‭14‬, ‭17‬

The first verse in John points back to Genesis chapter 1. Jesus has always been part of the plan and is intimately involved in the creation and us. He is really the only light in this world to follow. He is greater than Moses.

All huge claims out the gate for the Jewish reader, first converts.

1) What impact does this have on you?

Chapter 1: Day 2
Read John 1:19-32

”John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ” “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”“ John‬ ‭1‬:‭23‬, ‭26‬-‭27‬, ‭29‬, ‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

John knew exactly who he was because he knew exactly who Jesus was. He knew his role as the one to pave the way for Jesus. He was humbled before God and new his place was to serve Jesus. Even as a great prophet he welcomed Jesus to come.

Chapter 1: Day 3

John 1:35-51

This reads like the beginning of an Avengers movie! The team assembles. The first of his followers join him and are convinced he is the Messiah right away.

”Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.”“ John‬ ‭1‬:‭50‬ ‭NIV‬‬

1) Why do you believe? What convinced you that Jesus is the Messiah?

Chapter 2: Day 4

His first miracle water into wine then rebukes all the people selling in temple courts.

It is interesting to me that both his ministry began around Passover and ends during Passover. Its a nice hint at Jesus being the ultimate sacrificial lamb or first born to be sacrificed.

This scripture jumped out at me today…

”He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.“ John‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Reminds me the God judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. He knows us better than anyone else and sees all of us fully. He still chooses to love us.

Chapter 3: Day 5

Read John 3:1-21

”This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.“ John‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬-‭21‬

Do we not all go into darkness and hide our sin or at least want to hide? Just like in the garden when Adam and Eve hid from God.

What are you hiding? What is hard to be transparent about?

Chapter 3: Day 6

Read John 3:22-36

Here John the Baptist has the proper perspective and tells those who see Jesus and John as competing ministries in a way. John quiets them pretty quickly when he points out he is a servant to the messiah and not the other way around.

”He must become greater; I must become less.”“ John‬ ‭3‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This verse always give me proper ordering of things. When I want to hold on to something, “I am important” over. I think about this verse.

When is it easy for you to lose this perspective? When do you want to be “more”?

Chapter 4: Day 7

Read John 4:39-54

”Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”“ ‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Interesting section. The Samaritans believed just from hearing another’s testimony. The people in his own town could not believe without seeing miracles. Reminds me of Jesus saying that those who do not see me and believe are more blessed.

”Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.“ Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Why do you believe? What brings about doubt in your own belief?

Chapter 5: Day 8

Read John 5:1-14

”When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” John‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This always hits me. Do you want to get well?

Do we? When we keep sinning the same sins do we really want to get well. This man sat by a healing pool for who knows how long and never found a way to get in? Perhaps he did want to get well.

How about us are we at the edge of the “pool of repentance” but we stop short of being healed. We confess but not to the point we should. We repent but still hold back and leave room for sin to enter.

Reminds me of Jesus saying, “anyone who looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God.” Do we look back too?

Chapter 6: Day 9

Read John 6:1-15

”When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.“
John‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬-‭6‬

They point out that Jesus asked Phillip to test him. Perhaps this is why the disciples are glad to suffer or go through trials because they know it will only grow their faith.

”Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.“ James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I often find joy in the trials afterwards and see some lessons from it. Hardly ever do I see it as “pure joy” during the hardship.

What is hard for you right now? How are you finding joy in it?

Chapter 7: Day 10

Read John 6:25-71

This was a thick section. Jesus being bread of life eat him and all. I would be confused too. I would think what is this man talking about. Much like the many as Jesus points out came to be fed food again because he “filled their bellies.” He points them to an eternal hunger that he can provide food for. Many still don’t get it and leave.

A great test for his twelve as many leave Jesus.

”From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” John‬ ‭6‬:‭66‬-‭69‬

This quote from Peter has given me so much comfort when I have been faced with doubt, sorrow, confusion, hurt…

“Lord to whom shall we go?” Jesus is it!

There is really no other option. No other hope.

It reminds me of Psalms 139. “You knit me together in my mothers womb…”

Chapter 7: Day 11

Jesus teaches in temple and they try to seize him but “know one laid a hand on him because his time had not come.” What power and control Jesus had? Some of his followers want him to make a big deal about himself but he keeps saying my time has not come. He tells them that they can rush in but he will wait.

When he does speak to the crowd he says this that stuck out. Reminds me of “the truth will set you free…” His message is consistent through out. Believe in him obey in him have eternal life through him.

”Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What about you? Do you wait for the Lord and his timing? When is it hard to do so?

Chapter 8: Day 12

John 8:1-11

The woman caught in adultery. I always wonder where is the man who was caught in adultery with her. They are both guilty of sin this already shows the hypocrisy of the day.

Jesus asks if you haven’t sinned go ahead and judge this woman. Always interesting too that the older men dropped their stones and left first. They had lived long enough to know themselves and honest enough with self to know they have sinned.

”“No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”“
John‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬

They meant to trap Jesus and this entire scene really highlighted his grace and discernment.

1) Do you see your sin clearly like the old men.

2) Do you feel the grace like this women? Does it cause you to be different?

Chapter 8: Day 13

Things begin to heat up in this chapter. He claims to be the light and the only way and many put faith in him then it gets real with this scriptures. Jesus is making it clear to them what needs to take place.

”Even as he spoke, many believed in him. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”“
John‬ ‭8‬:‭30‬-‭32‬

The opposition digs in here, I think because they are convicted and do not like the challenge set before them. and very arrogant. By the end of the chapter they are trying to kill him after he says…

”“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭58‬-‭59‬

We can say, “I would never be like them,” but aren’t we? When we refuse to hear advice from a trusted friend. When we are not open to opposing views when we “advice shop.”

When is it hard for you to “hear and obey the truth”

Chapter 9: Day 14

Read John 9:

I was struck by the parents and Pharisees lack of faith verse the blind man’s faith.

”But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue.“ John‬ ‭9‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

They were fearful and did not speak what they knew and like Adam in the garden passed the blame to the other person.

The blind man’s faith however was bold and encouraging!

”He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?” The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes.“ John‬ ‭9‬:‭27‬, ‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He didn’t care about the Pharisees because he had seen Jesus. He experienced Jesus.

What about you? When does fear hold you back? Do you care more about the crowd, about prestige?

Chapter 10: Day 15

Read John 10:1-21 the good shepherd

I have read and studied this out many times. It is a great summary of who Jesus is and also the kind of person / leader I strive to be.

To be known by the shepherd to recognize his voice and to be under his protection is powerful and relieving. To know we follow a good shepherd not a hired hand, not a stranger. To know that we follow an intimate God who knows us and sacrifices for us.

”Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”“ John‬ ‭10‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do you allow yourself to be known by Jesus? By others?

What keeps you from recognize his voice? What does it take to be known by others?

Chapter 11: Day 16

John 11: 1-37 Lazarus resurrected

A lot is going on here. Jesus knows his friend is ill and does not go to him right away. It says multiple times in this passage that Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He also already knew that he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead.

”When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”“ John‬ ‭11‬:‭33‬-‭36‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus wept! He was deeply moved and wept. He knew his power and that he hadn’t lost Lazarus but he still wept. Was he weeping for Mary and Martha’s pain? Was he weeping for his friend who experienced illness and death?

He was doing what a good shepherd does. He knew his sheep and he was right there with them in their suffering and mourned with them.

We often want to find the silver lining but even Jesus stopped to feel the moment. He could have said alright don’t be sad he is going to be up in a few minutes but he did not take away the moment he wept with them.

Do you allow yourself to feel the moment? What causes you to stop the negative hard emotions to do its work?

Chapter 12: Day 17

”“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.“ John‬ ‭12‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus’ death is getting closer and he knows it. As he gets closer to it he shows vulnerability and conviction. He shares his desire not to do it, but also knows it has to be done.

The definition of conviction. Not wanting to in our hearts but doing the right thing anyways.

How many times have we slipped and not followed through on our convictions! When something gets tough do we tend to shrink back? Do we run? Do we deny Jesus, like Peter does?

When is it most tempting to ignore our own convictions?

Chapter 13: Day 18

Read John 13:1-17

”Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.“ John‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬-‭15‬

This is a very significant act. The feet were very disgusting with dirt roads and sandals and the roads had every thing on them, poop, thrown out food, etc.

He wasn’t just saying wash your brothers feet but be willing to lower your self to do anything for each other. To get dirty and do the work as a friend to each other.

How can we “wash feet”

When have yours been “washed”

What keeps you from imitating this?

Chapter 13: Day 19

Read John 13:31-38

Jesus time is coming closer and he decides to focus on what they must do when he leaves.

”A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.“ John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He is more concerned with how they live their lives without him physically near and how they treat others than he is his own death.

I admire how intentional Jesus is with every word and laser focused on his purpose yet fully loves his guys too.

This really is just a continuation of him washing feet. His love, humility, and conviction jumps off every page.

Is your love for “one another” so obvious that “they will know you are my disciples”?

Is it radically obvious that you move through this world differently?

Are you holding back love because of hurt, pride, …?

Chapter 14: Day 20

”Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.“ John‬ ‭14‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

That about sums it up! Obey = Love.

Chapter 15: Day 21

Read John 15: 1-17

”My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.“ John‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬-‭17‬

Jesus goes into great detail about becoming fruitful and remaining in him which is really where our goodness comes from. Then he hits us again with the most basic requirement to love each other. But not as a master, but as a friend he gives them this command as well. As a friend he was an example of this command to Love. Out of that kind of Love much fruit will occur.

Do you truly believe Jesus is a friend?

Is this command easier knowing he considers us friends and that he chose us?

Chapter 15: Day 22

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭18‬-‭19‬

We are going into the section of John where Jesus really focuses on preparing his disciples for his departure. He is intentional about this so when it happens his disciples will continue to be faithful and continue his mission.

This verse jumped out because the world does hate those who really love Jesus or at least I have had that experience too. But do we love the world too much that the world does not see Jesus in us do we cozy up to sin like a friend and say “we are being relatable” yes we need to be relatable but our hearts need to be aligned as to why we are being relatable.

What parts of the world do you still cozy up to?

Chapter 16: Day 23

Twice Jesus says “I have told you these things” so you are prepared. He has prepared them for his absence and also tells them that he will be sending an advocate to help them, the Holy Spirit. Jesus is so concerned for his disciples to be ready for his death and even tells them that they will scatter and be alone but he will be with them and guide them through the Holy Spirit.

This is often challenging to me. To rely on the Holy Spirit often I want to Rely on my knowledge of the Bible or past experiences but Jesus here says, “I am sending you an advocate.” Do I really believe this and rely on the Holy Spirit that was given as a gift and deposit at Baptism?

Do you rely on yourself or Jesus and his Spirit?

What makes this hard to do?

Chapter 17: Day 24

Read John 17:1-19

A ton of nuggets here to choose from. Jesus does not waste words and everyone is rich. A couple themes I picked up on.

To know him is to know his word. Following him was never promised to be easy and we must be set apart from the world and move through this world differently.

“For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” John‬ ‭17‬:‭8‬, ‭15‬-‭16‬

These themes were in chapter 15 and 16 too. Jesus is packing it in knowing he has very little time left. So these last words should be carefully considered.

How well do you know his word and meditate on it? Do you think of him or scripture through out the day.

Does this awareness help you be set apart?

Chapter 17: Day 25

““My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John‬ ‭17‬:‭20‬-‭23‬

This has often been a group theme scripture for the groups I have led. Jesus is praying for us here to have complete unity and to be so close to God and know him that the unity he wants for us is obvious to others.

What kind of heart, work, focus does it take to have this kind of unity?

Why does our closeness to God bring us closer to each other?

Where can you grow in your oneness with others?

Chapter 18: Day 26

Read John 18:1-14

Jesus is arrested and doesn’t flinch. He is completely focused and confident even as he is being arrested.

Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?””
John‬ ‭18‬:‭11‬

He knows his purposes and what must be done and pushes forward. Even as Peter attempts to defend him he moves forward with what must happen and reminds Peter of the mission.

If we knew some impending doom was to take place I doubt we would walk right into it.

What fears keep us off mission?

Chapter 18: Day 27

Read John 18:1-15:

The beginning of Jesus’ torture and crucifixion. At every step I am amazed at Jesus’ calm and poise. His friends leave him, his friend turns him over to the enemy, the crowds mock him, the leaders who know better let it happen, the crowd spits at, beats and curses him…

The entire time he stays true to himself. In the the rest of John, pay attention to which characters you most identify with and pay attention to Jesus final words along the way, how he handles every moment.

“Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”” John‬ ‭18‬:‭11‬

What character do you identify with?

How do you, like Jesus here, deal with opposition? How do you stay the course during those moments?

Chapter 18: Day 28

Read 2John 18:19-24:

Jesus’ again shows self control and restraint. Remember in the last section, he could call down angels at any time but proceeds, He is mocked and abused for our sake. As he also said in John 10 “I am the good shepherd. I lay down my life for my sheep.”

He was slapped and bound because he told the truth. But he did not shrink back. He held his ground.

What about you? When do you avoid telling someone the truth they need to hear just to save face or fit in or avoid conflict or avoid being outed from your social group?

Chapter 18: Day 29

Read John 18:28-40

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.” John‬ ‭18‬:‭37‬-‭38‬

What is truth? This was Pilates reply when Jesus said he brings the truth. To the world today many seek truth and never find it. They find things that look like they could be the truth but doesn’t quite measure up.

I had someone recently ask me, “with all the different religions out there how can we really know which one to follow?” Pilate said, ”what is truth,” as a way to write off Jesus. Others just don’t know where to look and still others find a truth (self help books. Etc.) but still feel empty.

Christians or Easter for example, can do the same. Take only part of the truth the self help parts or take it in to feel better about ourselves but are we really embracing the truth that Jesus taught.

It reminds me of Rev 3 “do not be Luke warm…” and “if you obey my commands then you will know the truth…” John 8:30

So how are you embracing the truth?

Chapter 19: Day 30

Read John 19:1-16

Interesting section depicted a little different but in other Gospels of course same thought. Pilate has all the power to let Jesus go and is swayed by the crowd to do their bidding. He was worried about political unrest, it getting back to Caesar that he let a “king go” local tension among Jewish people. So he gave in though he saw no reason to kill Jesus.

In Matthew 27 Pilate washes hands of it. Here the crowd and Pilate both try to pass the responsibility.

“Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.” John‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬-‭15‬

In the end, we are all guilty of crucifying him and would have been one of the characters in this story; Peter the denier, Judas the traitor for money, Pilate the blame-shifter, the crowd of followers, the religious power hungry…

Who are you?

Chapter 19: Day 31

Read John 19:17-27

The closer I get to the cross the more clear my own sin is. Here even in Jesus’ death he continues to be a perfect example.

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬-‭27‬

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭34‬

He was still concerned about others during his last breadth. When we have a bad day we can easily shut out others and focus solely on our own needs. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and carry our crosses.

Jesus was exhausted, beaten nearly to death, then left to die on the cross yet still had the conviction to care for others.

Chapter 21: Day 32

Read John 21: 15-21

Jesus reestablishes with what it takes to follow him. “Do you Love me…”. To Love Jesus requires sacrifice, obedience, and self denial. Peter as we see through out his life lives up to those expectations.

If you said Jesus is Lord, what about you? Where have you not prioritized Jesus first? Where have you, like Peter, gone back to fishing?

Peter then tries to compare his coming challenges and asks about John. Jesus reminds Peter as he does us all.

“If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”” John‬ ‭21‬:‭23‬

We so quickly compare our walk with others Jesus says what is that to you? You must also follow me.

What do you keep returning to the you once left?

Where do you need to stop looking at others walk?

Closing thoughts:

If you find that after reading John your heart is burning with excitment and that you get Jesus a little more, keep going. The Bible says that “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17

We hope you enjoyed this month long daily devotional and come back for more. Remember to subscribe for daily doses of God’s word directly to your phone.

Thank you so much for any comments you leave below!

Much grace & love to you all!

Holiness

Holiness:

”As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.“ 1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬-‭15‬, ‭17‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This will be the section we will keep coming back to. As it fills in a lot about holiness, us being made holy, the need for Jesus to make us holy and how we ought to live our lives.

Take some time today on your day off and really ponder this scripture.

1) What does it mean to be Holy?

2) What do you typically think about right away when you hear the word Holy?

Holy:

”But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.“ ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

”Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Exodus‬ ‭19‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Peter says that we are a holy nation which puts us squarely in exodus. In exodus God tells Israel that they will be his treasured possession. A “holy nation” = set apart. Set apart from all the other nations. To be significantly different in it culture, how they eat, how they talk, how they treat their neighbor. If we go back to the creation story we see that God is the creator of all things and can not be a part of what he created. The potter is not the clay. Nor is God the created. He has always operated “other worldly” separate from his created but chooses to interact with us. Though still holy. Not if the world but in the world.

1) How does this hit you?

2) What is the significance of us being his Holy Nation today? What does this mean to you?

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Fruits of the SPirit intro…

I will spend some time looking at the fruits of the spirit. This is large task to discuss and this daily devotion Just scratches the surface to slow down and not just list off the Fruits of the Spirit list but to pause and come to know what those Fruits are and how we might benefit from them in our life.

Read Gal 5: 13-26

Pay attention to Paul’s masterful set up here again. He starts off saying to not indulge in the flesh to love one another. Then he tells us how to achieve this. He says to “walk by the spirit” and not by “the flesh” then he list out the acts or the sinful nature and the gifts of the spirit. They are drastically opposed to each other. After giving a list of the two he ends with where he started. ”Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.“

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭

1) What is you sinful nature? Acts of the flesh that you struggle with in his list?

2) How will being in step with the spirit help you?

3) What fruit of the spirit are you already doing well in and which ones can you grow in?

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Who do you say I am? Part II

Proverbs 11: 3 “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

This is the scripture we start with last time.  We talked about integrity and consistency and are you who you say you are.  Then we ended with the challenge for you to ask people who know you in your ministry Who do you say that I am?

So I ask again are you as proverbs 11 say upright and walking with integrity?

How do we know we have integrity? How do we truly know are are living up to what we say. Can we trust our own words thoughts, actions to be measured accurately on our own.

2 Corinthians 1:12
“Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.”

Our conscience testifies it! When we are walking with integrity we have a clear conscience. I know for me, I have a hole lot less to worry about when I put my head down to sleep. I am typically exhausted too, because I have done all I could in the day. When we have integrity and are aligned with God’s will it is so much easier to know when we are off. When we are constantly walking the line of integrity or sin that line becomes all the more fuzzy and we lose sight of where we are at. Perhaps, this is also what we need others in our lives to “take the plank out or our eyes."

Areas I find the we can easily lack integrity are tithing, purity, laziness, consistent time reading Bible, video game addiction, sleeping in, cutting corners at work to make budget or not being forthright when we make a mistake.

Integrity on the other hand faces these challenges head on and sets an example.

Titus 2: 7-8  In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Why is this so important to be who we say we are going to be?  To be an example?

Being an example leads others to Christ, leads our families, our children, and our co-workers. Whether we believe it or not everyone is watch those who profess to be Christian.

Read 1 Cor 4: 8-16

“Therefore I urge you to imitate me.”

• Because of the kind of life Paul led he could easily say, Imitate me.

• Can we say this to other younger Christians or non-believers we are trying to help?

Questions to meditate on…

1. What are some areas in your life where you need to improve your integrity?

2. What skeletons are in your closet? (unconfessed sin)(over indulgence, video games)

3. How can you continue to walk with integrity?

Who Do You Say I am? Part I

Proverbs 11:3 “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

• Think about integrity and duplicity through this topic how does it fit in.

Luke 9:18-20 “ Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.””

If you asked your family or close friends who you were what would they say?  How would your closest friend describe you?  What would coworkers say who you were? Would they immediately say what you would hope?

• It was obvious to the disciples after traveling with Jesus for many years who he was. Why was this so obvious?

Luke 7: 20-23 “When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’” At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.””

How did Jesus answer their question about who he was?
He answered who he was by highlighting what he was doing.
- Jesus wasn’t in the business a bragging or proclaiming publicly but he also knew that those paying attention would recognize him for the Messiah too.

John 14: 8-14 “Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

• Again, Jesus points out what he has been doing.  He also is challenging Philips question because “I have been among you such a long time.” you should know who I am.

- This also implies constancy from Jesus. Every day he was doing, and saying the same things and it should have been obvious to Philip who he was.

- what about you?  Is it obvious who you are to others?  Is your character consistent day after day?  Can others trust that you will be who you say you will be.

1 Thess 2: 1-12 “You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children[a] among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”

• 7 times in this passage Paul asserts what the Thessalonians knew about him.

• Just like Jesus.  His people knew him by what he did and how we treated others.

• This specific section is so inspiring because it depicts Paul confidence in his own example to them and it is a high standard.

• Because I know many people are watching me, I am constantly asking myself. Am I being a good example in my words, and speech.  Am I upholding the example God would want of me?  How are my actions and words impacting others perception of the church and GOD?

• So as a Christian what do you want to be known by?
  -  faithful, trustworthy, hardworking, wise, always helpful, a good friend, a good father, a good student, dependable, a hero in the faith, …..

• Are you known by that?

• In what areas are you known by that are less than Godly?
  - temper, hot headed, opinionated, too hard, lazy, ...

• In what areas can you grow on constancy and raise the bar to be a better example?

• Integrity vs duplicity comes full circle here.  Can you be counted on? Are you who you say you are?

Proverbs 20:11 Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?

In addition think about...Matt 25:21 (Talents), Paul calling others to follow his example (legacy over and over).

Renewal 1/5/25

Anyone have any New years resolutions?  Mine is to be less lazy at home and just plain consistent with what I do work, working out, time in Bible, time with wife, teaching kids Bible… Just consistent!

Does the new year and its resolutions feel good and exciting to you?

For me, new years is a time to recommit to renew to start fresh. It is a time we can hit the reset button and start over.

God is the God of renewal, of Rebirth, and taking nothing and making something out of it right?  I believe we need a reboot for 2017 so I am equally excited about the New Years!  Often people will come to me struggling in one way or the other. Lack of motivation, falling into same sin over and over, not sharing faith.  I am often reminded of this scripture in Revelations.

Rev 3: 1- 3 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Remember therefore what you have received!  

There are over 200 references to remembering in the Bible. God knows the we often forget so he tells us over and over to remember.

Deu 4:10 “Remember the day you stood before the Lord.” Deu 5:15 “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt…” 1 Chron 16:12 : Remember the wonders he has done…”  Many of these verses and many more are pointing god’s people back to him.

David after his adultery with Bathsheba gives a good example…

Psalm 51
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is[b] a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

In the first half David is confessing his sin and recognizes his need for God.  The second half he is rejoicing because of God grace and his need for him!  The tone changed from confession and shame of sin to an overwhelming desire to be equipped to do more for God!  

This blows me away and challenges me to remember how much I need and how much I should want to be equipped by God!

So some questions to think through as you prepare to be renewed in the new year.

1) Do you remember what God has done for you?  Is that memory real or far off in your mind.

2) Does it motivate you to be different.

3) How will you be different this week while praying for a renewed spirit?

4) If we are really imitating David’s heart to repent and then be equipped what can we do, what can this group do how will this year be different from other years?

shabbat shalom: 1/5/25

Read Genesis chapter 1 and 2":
God created the heavens and earth in 6 days and on the 7th he required his Israelites to rest on the 7th as a Holy Day.

Do you Shabbat or take a sabbath rest?

How do you rest?

Psalms 46;10 “Be still and know that I am God.”