For these 2 months....

THE NATURE OF THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
January-Feburary 2008



Everyone is different. We are all individuals, with different pasts, needs, dreams, hopes and fears. And everyone's spiritual journey is different too. The Holy Spirit leads each Christian in the way his or her individuality requires. But although we may not travel along the road of discipleship at the same rate, there is a divine pattern at work. God uses common experiences and encounters to draw us ever closer to Himself.

Join Selwyn in this issue as he considers what movement towards God 'looks like' and how we can, each day, take one more step towards Christlike maturity.

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Moving toward God

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

1. Meditate on God's will for us in Christ Jesus.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Jude 20-21,24-25

2. Give thanks with Jude for the love and mercy of God in Jesus.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

The benefits of repentance

2 Corinthians 7:8-11

1. What does godly sorrow produce?

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.

Hebrews 10:19-25

2. On what basis can we draw near to God?

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Further steps of repentance

Psalms 51:7-12

1. What further steps of repentance did David take?

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Acts 17:25-31

2. How did Paul confront idolatory in Athens?

Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.

The first steps of repentance

Psalms 51:1-6

1. For what did David pray?

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Lamentations 3:22-26, 40-42; 2 Peter 3:8-9

2. What words were to be used in the lament over sin?

We need to examine ourselves for sins, for we have sinned and rebelled against God. Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Finding our way back

Ezekiel 18:30-32

1. How does Ezekiel exhort the people?

Ezekiel exhorts the people to repent, turn away from all offenses; then sin will not be their downfall.

Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!

Mark 1:14-20

2. How do the disciples demonstrate their dependence on Christ?

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

At once they left their nets and followed him.

Such immediate response to the Lord's calling demonstrates their dependence on Christ.

A change of mind

Mark 1:1-8

1. How does John prepare the way for Jesus?

John prepared the way for the Lord by making straight paths for Him.

And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Acts 3:17-26

2. What is the outcome of repentance, according to Peter?

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.

God questions

Isaiah 40:25-31

1. In Isaiah, what aspects of God's character do His questions reveal?

The Lord is the creator with great power and mighty strength. He is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Jonah 4:1-11

2. What aspects of His character does God reveal to Jonah?

God revealed that He is the creator of all things and have rights to give or take away. We must not take anger against God for that.

The Word within

Psalms 119:25-32

1. What is the effect of God's Word?

God's Word preserves our lives, teaches us, allows us to meditate on His wonders, strengthens our inner being, is gracious in its laws, hold us fast and set our hearts free.

2 Corinthians 4:13-18

2. What is the source of Paul's faith?

Do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

My life is in God's hands

Psalms 31:1-8

1. What fortifies the psalmist?

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.

Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.

Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Free me from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.

Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

I hate those who cling to worthless idols;
I trust in the LORD.

I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
for you saw my affliction
and knew the anguish of my soul.

You have not handed me over to the enemy
but have set my feet in a spacious place.

Luke 23:39-49

2. How does Jesus echo the psalmist?

At the last moments of Jesus' crucification, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.

Exercising muscles of faith

Habakkuk 1:13-2:4

1. What answer does Habakkuk find to his complaint?

God's eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?
Why are you silent while the wicked
swallow up those more righteous than themselves?

Then the LORD replied:
"Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.

For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay.

"See, he is puffed up;
his desires are not upright—
but the righteous will live by his faith.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

2. What answers does Paul receive?

Paul said "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Crisis of confusion

Psalms 37:1-9

1. How does this psalm help us confront perplexing events?

Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.

For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land

Romans 15:7-13

2. What sustains Paul's trust?

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For Paul tells us that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

'Sit quietly before mystery'

2 Samuel 7:18-29

1. How does David respond to God's word to him?

David responded by recognising that God's words are trustworthy, and have promised these good things. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever with the Lord's blessings.

He focused on the person of God who went out to redeem as a people for himself, and to make a name for himself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before the Israelites.

Psalms 131:1-3

2. Reflect on the analogy the psalmist uses.

My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.

But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.

'Inconsolable longings'

Psalms 63:1-8

1. What characterises the psalmist's desire?

The psalmist desires to seek, long and thirst for God. He has seen God in the sanctuary and beheld His power and your glory.

He says "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

Hebrews 11:13-16

2. In what ways were the faithful forward-looking?

They were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.

And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.

If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.

Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Eyes focused on heaven

Acts 2:22-33

1. Reflect on how Jesus fulfills the psalmist's aspirations.

Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

2 Peter 1:10-15

2. How does Peter live in the light of eternity?

Paul adviced us to be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This world is not my home

Luke 12:13-21

1. What makes rich men foolish?

Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

If we just take life easy; eat, drink and be merry, what if this very night your life will be demanded from you? Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?

This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5

2. How does Paul view his death?

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Going somewhere?

Luke 13:31-35

1. What did Jesus' prophetic vocation mean to Him?

Jesus said "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.' In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!"

This shows that Jesus was clear where He came from and where He was going. He came His eyes fixed on what the Father wants Him to do.

1 Peter 5:1-11

2. How does Peter describe the rewards?

God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Forgetting to remember

Deuteronomy 4:23-31

1. What does God remember and what do we forget?

Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden. For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.

Hebrews 4:1-11

2. What are the lessons of the Israelites' wilderness journey?

We should have faith upon knowing the gospel of Christ and thus we can then find rest in God.

However, it still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience.