Bible Study with the Cincotti's = Going in Deeper - 02/13/2021

 
 Today's Bible Study, Authored by Arthur Cincotti. 02/13/2022

Listen to our Bible Study Discussion at: Going in Deeper Podcast

Going in Deeper

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,

  Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.”   Ps. 84:4

 

         Our life in Christ has been described as a journey; certainly not a one time event. There are many “mountain top” experiences along the way as well as deep valleys where in the “long dark night of the soul” settles in.

         Jesus gives a glimpse of that when He said, “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake, But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”   Mar. 13:13

 

         The break through, the glorious home coming, the sought after event of our soul yet lies ahead of us.

         Through it all God is consistently calling us, even wooing us, into a deeper, richer, more intimate relationship with Him.

 

         Not unlike Esther, who had seven choice maidservants provided for her, and underwent twelve months of preparation, so to the church is being, “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Rev. 21:2; “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” Eph 5:27

 

         We never arrive at our destination on this side of glory. Paul writes, in Phil. 3:12, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” vrs. 14, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”culmination of all things, is when we see our Savior face to face; when we hear those beautiful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant...Inter into the joy of your lord.” Mat. 25:21

 

Finally, Eze. 47:1-5 gives us a word picture of stepping out into the raging current of a powerful move of God. Like Peter walking on water, Jesus is calling us to trust Him. Matt. 14:28

 

So what does this deeper relationship look like?

 

Deeper love:

          In I Thes. 4:9-11 the Apostle Paul is commending the church in Thessalonica for their expression of “brotherly love”, but he goes on to say, in verse 10, “that you increase more and more.”

 

Love is an adventure of discovery that can and certainly should grow if properly attended to. Paul gives us a list of how to attend, in I Cor. 13. Love is patient, kind, does not envy or parade itself, is not puffed up. Love does not behave rudely, seek its own, get provoked, or think evil. Love rejoices in truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, and never fails.

Jesus calls us deeper by commanding us to, “love your enemies” Lk. 6:27. “do good to those who hate you.”” God set the example by, “while we were God’s enemies” Rom. 5:10, He, “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” Jn. 3:16

 

Deeper service:

          The word “retirement” is not found in the Scripture.

(ok, Num. 8:26 in the NLT). But we never reach a place where we have served enough, get a gold watch, and go play Christian golf for ten years. There are always opportunities to pray, teach, impart, help and all the more as wisdom with maturity develop. Jesus said, Mk. 9:35, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

Gal. 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good,”

 

Deeper righteousness.

          Jesus said, “unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will be no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” He described them as, “whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones”

The, “seven deadly sins” of mid-evil times were, “pride, geed, wrath, lust, envy, gluttony and sloth; all issues of the heart. This is where a lifestyle of repentance is non negotiable.

Jas. 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse you hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

This is what the deeper looks like!

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