He Chose the Nails: “He Chose to Love us Forever”
based on Max Lucado’s Bible Study
This week, we will look at a fancy word: sanctification. Because of God’s love, the blood on the cross from Jesus doesn’t just cover, diminish, or postpone our sin; it takes away our sins once and for all. Our sins are lost in Jesus’ perfection, thanks to His death and resurrection. Read 1 John 3:16, and know how you are loved and saved.
This 6-week study will work like this: each day, there will be daily readings (instructions below) for you to work through personally and reflect upon with your family/small group, labeled “Personal Lenten Practice”. There are also additional exercises for you to work through with your small group, labeled “Going Deep”. If you do not have a small group that you meet in, please contact the office so that we can help you find one. 651-300-2642
Going Deep Small Group Exercises
Read: John 1:29 and Hebrews 10:10 (in the NIV and ESV).
Exercise: Who is Jesus? What has His blood done for us? What is the definition of sanctification? (If you aren’t sure after reading the Hebrews passage in both NIV and ESV, check out the word in the dictionary!)
Read: 1 Corinthians 6:11.
Exercise: Paul uses 3 words to describe who we are (washed, sanctified, and justified). What do those 3 words mean? Which do you relate to most right now? Write down what your journey has looked like with Jesus, using these three words. Be specific about different events that have defined your faith walk.
Read: 2 Corinthians 3:18 & Ephesians 5:8-10.
Ask: The word for “changed” or “transfigured” comes from the same word that is in “metamorphosis”, which is a complete and profound change that happens through growth (think caterpillar to butterfly). This is a radical, but gradual change. What makes this kind of spiritual growth challenging? What desires or hopes does the promise of change stir up in you? In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he uses the word “children” instead of “people.” What difference does this make?
Personal Lenten Practice
Each day this week, set 15-20 minutes aside to read the scriptures below (taken from the Book of Common Prayer Daily Office). As you read, reflect on the questions below. Ask the Lord to speak to you through these readings. Find one word in the readings each day that connects your reading to your daily life. Use a journal to record your word and why you think the Lord revealed that word to you that day. End your time in prayer.
To think about while reading: Prepare your heart for Easter not by thinking how not to sin, but in being “governed by the pull of the good”. Ask yourself each day, “In what ways was I governed by the pull of the good, and in what ways did I fail?”
Mar 12: Psalm 89; 1 Cor 10:14-11:1; Mark 7:24-37
Mar 13: Psalm 97, 99; 1 Cor 11:17-34; Mark 8:1-10; Psalm 94
Mar 14: Psalm 101, 109; 1 Cor 12:1-11; Mark 8:11-26; Psalm 119:121-144
Mar 15: Psalm 69; 1 Cor 12:12-22; Mark 8:27-9:1; Psalm 73
Mar 16: Psalm 95, 102; 1 Cor 12:27-13:3; Mark 9:2-13; Psalm 91-92
Mar 17: Psalm 107:33-108:13; 1 Cor 13:1-13; Mark 9:14-29; Psalm 33