15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15 – 17, English Standard Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context:
Having laid some groundwork in our group Bible study last week, we now turn our attention to the Spiritual Disciplines. As is our custom, we will consider how the practice of the Disciplines can support our theme and ultimately deepen our relationship with God.
During our discussion last week, we noted how challenging it is to live lives characterized by Rejoicing and Thanksgiving. We also briefly discussed some of the ways we can rise to the challenge. Today, let us consider how allowing the Scripture to govern our lives can serve as one of the contributors to our success.
Bible Study Passage:
Our Scripture passage today is one of many that encourage rejoicing and gratitude. This particular passage also references ‘the word of Christ.’ Please review the passage and answer the question below.
Question:
How would you describe the relationship between being deeply rooted in Scripture and living a joyful and grateful life?
Sharing your thoughts could be a big help to someone else. Please leave a comment on the blog.
February 27, 2023 at 2:17 am
Being rooted in scripture is the key to a life of being joyful and grateful because if one’s faith is rooted in the word of God, then certainly that person/believer has a strong faith. A faith that can withstand all the hurdles and challenges life throws. It also means you’re confident of where you’re source of strength is; you know you don’t just rely on yourself but on the most powerful, ever loving, just, and all knowing God. The confidence of a believer who truly trusts the scripture is unwavering , and as you grow through scripture reading, of course your prayer life will also grow, allowing the Holy Spirit to reign in your life. When you live by the Word of God, it is but natural that you walk each day with the Lord and that is how you get to know the Lord deeply, and His love for us, the very reason why we have this unexplainable joy, contentment and gratefulness. It is by God’s grace and mercy that we could enjoy God’s gift of salvation, His word is lamp, and light to our path. To know the scripture is to experience the beautiful life God intends to bestow upon His creation. For mankind to realize the beauty of life s the ultimate fulfillment of man’s existence and purpose. on earth. If you know God’s Love for His children, you will find life is beautiful despite the imperfections of the world. .
February 27, 2023 at 6:58 am
I was reminded in my Bible study for today that God consecrated the Levites to Himself the day He struck down the Egyptian first born. At this point they had done nothing to deserve this special honor. I use to think it was because of the righteous anger and action against their fellow Israelites and the sin with the golden calf.
I admit that sometimes parts of the Old Testament aren’t my favorite reads 🙂 but this nugget of truth gave me joy and a reason to give thanks. Like the Levites, I don’t have to work my way into God’s favor. God seeks me out and sets me apart because of no action on my part. I know this from the study of His Word. Passages that share accounts of His love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness for His creation because He loves us give me joy, thankfulness and hope.
February 27, 2023 at 8:09 am
Simply put, if we are “serious” about living our life and consciously applying God’s Word to every aspect of it, life won’t be perfect, but I think the only outcome would be to end up living a joyful and grateful life.
Since this 40 Days began, I sometimes catch myself when I start to worry about something and immediately remind myself to leave it to God. I always feel so good right after, that I can’t help but smile because I immediately feel at peace. I also end up thanking God that I am actually able to leave things to Him. If this practice becomes my norm, which it really should already be, life would be so much easier, and all I would be left to do is rejoice and be thankful.
February 27, 2023 at 7:48 pm
Studying HIS word and obeying HIM will allow Christ to live HIS life in and through us enabling us to live the abundant life, experiencing all joy, peace, confidence and assurance that are rightfully ours in Jesus Christ. Everything that concerns us is Christ’s responsibility to care for rather than ours, and our job is simply to obey HIM. If we do not, we will miss the blessings of the abundant life that God planned for us.
February 27, 2023 at 8:10 pm
It’s necessary to be deeply rooted in God’s Word, to know what is required of us, to know as much as we can about God, to know what He has done & will do for us, to not be deceived by what is not of God, to be discerning, to listen for & to know His ‘voice’, to be led by His Holy Spirit, to know His blessings, to obey His Word, to keep connected to God, to live a joyful & grateful life.
February 27, 2023 at 8:19 pm
Thank you all for your insightful comments! God’s word is the authoritative prescription for a joyful and grateful life.