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August 2, 2018

Deeper Issues

Cintia Listenbee   |   Read Ephesians 4:1-6

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Lectionary Week
July 30 – August 5, 2018
Scripture Overview

David thinks he has gotten away with adultery and murder, but God sends Nathan to tell David a story. The story angers David, but Nathan reveals that the story is really about David’s own sin. Indeed, it can be tempting to condemn others’ sin, while we justify our own sin. Psalm 51 is David’s appeal to God for forgiveness and restoration. If we want to please God in our own lives, what does this look like? Ephesians tells us that the signs of a redeemed life include humility, love, patience, and building up one another (the opposite of what David displayed). In John, Jesus has crowds following him because they want a free meal. The lasting nourishment they truly need, Jesus teaches, comes through believing that God has sent him.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read 2 Samuel 11:26–12:13a. The Lord has put away your sins. How has God’s forgiveness changed your life?
• Read Psalm 51:1-12. When have you felt “unclean” before God? How did God restore you?
• Read Ephesians 4:1-16. Who has been essential in your walk with Christ?
• Read John 6:24-35. God’s presence in our lives is as important as food. How do you feed your soul?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Ephesians 4:1-6

1 Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. 2 Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, 3 and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. 4 You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

When marathoners go on long-distance runs, we carry a few essentials. I take a headlamp because it is dark when I run at 4:30 a.m. I need to see the path in front of me, and I do not like to fall. I always take water because my body needs...

Lord, today I embrace a humble, gentle, and patient attitude as I seek to live a worthy life. It’s not always easy to love and live with my brothers and sisters, so I ask that I will bear those difficulties in love. May unity be evident through the peace I carry in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


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