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August 5, 2018

Deeper Issues

Cintia Listenbee   |   Read Ephesians 4:15-16

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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 4:15-16

15 Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ, 16 who is the head. The whole body grows from him, as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part.

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

Researchers say that women speak around twenty-thousand words a day. By the end of a year, the average woman will have spoken 7.3 million words! Unfortunately, not all the words that come out of our mouths come from a heart of love. I have spoken in haste and regretted my...

O Lord, fill my heart with your kind of love. Help my words be truthful and loving so that they build up my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


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