Wow. I cannot believe this is the final post for our Bible study. Doesn’t it feel like we started just a few weeks ago? Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed this study as much as I have. God is always faithful to teach us more about Himself and more about His word when we apply ourselves to learning. I love that.
This week, I particularly loved learning that God intends for us to live victoriously with a clear conscience. I am definitely someone who struggles with feelings of guilt and defeat - not so much over my past sins as much as I struggle with feelings of present failure in living up to a self-imposed standard of “righteousness.” Indeed, I am one who tends to waiver between self-loathing works-oriented failure and self-righteous works-oriented justification. For a while now, God has been working with me on simply hiding myself in the shadow of the cross, counting on the work of Christ (and not my own works) for a clear conscience before Him. It has not been an easy lesson for me to learn.
With about a month to go before baby girl number two arrives, I have been worried about how I will keep from feelings of guilt and defeat during those first few difficult months as a new mom. I know that during those first few months I will not be able to apply myself to intense, structured Bible study. So I have already been worrying about my spiritual growth during that time. I believe this week’s lessons spoke directly to me on this very issue. It is time that, once and for all, I embrace the saving grace of the cross of Jesus Christ. Justification by Jesus Christ alone. Sweet freedom!
Although I will not be committing to leading an intense Bible study format in the next few months, I do believe God has called me to participate in Beth’s “Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2011.” (See http://blog.lproof.org/2010/12/my-fun-little-siesta-surprise.html for details). The goal of the team is to memorize 24 verses, two verses a month within a year. I think it is the perfect commitment for me to make in 2011, and in preparation for the arrival of baby girl number two. Moreover, I believe the Lord has laid it on my heart to specifically memorize verses that all relate to the work of the cross of Jesus Christ and His faithfulness in keeping His covenant with us. I am so done with believing the lie that I am failing or, alternatively, that I am something more than I am. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14, NIV. I think that is definitely going to be my first verse! And I really cannot wait until January 1st.
What about you? As we wrap up our time studying together, what next step do you believe God is calling you to take in your walk with Him? I am learning that these steps of faith do not always look the same (based on the different seasons of our lives), but they always seem to require a deliberate response to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
If we have learned anything through this Bible study, we have learned that we are at war. Indeed, “We are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere” Ephesians 6:12, AMP. In defense, we are told to be strong in the Lord, to draw our strength from Him, and to put on the armor of the Lord that we may be able to resist the enemy. Ephesians 6:10-13.
If you have made a personal commitment to post on our discussion page each week, tell us two things this week. First, tell us something that you learned through study this week. Second, (as this Bible study wraps) tell us about your next step of faith. How do you plan to be deliberate in taking that next step of faith? Where is God directing you from here?
This week, we’ll be watching the final group session 6 video (click the link below). The corresponding viewer guide is on page 148 of your workbook.
http://www.lifeway.com/product/005094030/?cs=1
You girls have made this my favorite online Bible study to date. Thank you so much for your friendship. Your active participation on the blog was a blessing to me.
Also, if anyone is interested in leading this group in another study while I am on “maternity leave” please send me an inbox. Catie, your post last week was so great (thanks again). It was really neat to see what the Lord is teaching my “little” sister. You might have to come out of the shadows and step into a leadership role yourself Miss C. The Lord is definitely speaking to you, and other people (like myself) want to hear more of what He’s saying. I love you very much.
Your friend, Amy
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