Paula Wiseman

Faith and life meet in a story

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Posts that reference the book of Hebrews

Study Tip: Now What?

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In the last few tips, we’ve examined Scripture to see what it reveals about God, and what it tells us about ourselves. What do we do with all that information? If it doesn’t affect our daily lives and make us more Christ-like, then it’s no better than knowing our state capitals.

By way of review, last week we considered Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

And we came away with some observations about ourselves.

1. I am made up of the physical and spiritual.

2. I have hidden motives

3. I am not able to hide myself or my motives from God.

4. I must give account to God.

Here’s the part I call the ‘Now What?’ How does this information change my life when I leave my desk? How will it make me more Christ-like?

Knowing that I will give an account encourages me to life according to His standards, to be transparent and diligent in His service. Understanding that I will deceive myself about my motives (I have hidden ones that God sees through), I need to constantly ask God to show me where I’m fooling myself. One of the most significant things I’ve learned is that I cannot trust my perceptions and I need God to sort those things out for me.

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Study Tip: Revealing Ourselves

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Last week’s study tip encouraged us to consider what a verse or passage teaches us about God. This week, we’ll look at the flip side and look at what Scripture teaches us about ourselves. I’ve heard it said that God’s word is a mirror that reveals our true selves. In Hebrews 4:12, it says that God’s word is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of our hearts.

Let’s just use those verses in Hebrews 4:12-13 for our examples.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Here are some of the things we can learn-

1. We are made up of the physical and spiritual.

2. We have hidden motives

3. No one is able to hide himself or his motives from God.

4. We must give account to God.

Take it a step further and make it personal rather than general-

1. I am made up of the physical and spiritual.

2. I have hidden motives

3. I am not able to hide myself or my motives from God.

4. I must give account to God.

Next week we’ll consider what we do in light of those things.

Encounters Series

From the opening pages of Scripture, no one who has encountered a holy God has come away unchanged. Adam, Abraham, Hagar, Moses and many, many others realized that God is not distant but a God who … Read More

Covenant of Trust Series

A covenant is a solemn, binding agreement. God chose to unilaterally enter into a covenant with Abraham. No matter what Abraham said or did, God vowed to uphold the terms and bless Abraham. Marriage … Read More...

Foundations Series

Jesus told a parable about a wise builder and a foolish one, underscoring how important it is to have a solid foundation. He declared that obedience to His word was the surest foundation of all. In … Read More...