Quick Backdrop
The daily grind was named just that for a reason. Through the course of a day, it’s easy for our frustrations, temptations, anxieties and pressures to grind us down to a nub, leaving nothing but the bad side of ourselves. Before long, we are defined more by our bad sides than by our good sides.
Sometimes we need reminded of who we are.
The What
Below are phrases lifted straight from Scripture. In all cases, they are directed toward followers of Christ in each verse’s immediate context (when the words were first spoken or written) and in their current context (which is now). Most likely, one of these phrases is exactly what you need to hear. As you read these words, write down your immediate reaction. Here are some possible knee-jerk responses you might want to use (or improve upon):
Ahhhhhhh
Wow!
Thank you!
I forgot about that!
“For we are God’s handiwork” (Eph. 2:10).
“I have called you friends” (John 15:15, Jesus speaking).
“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37).
“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29).
“In Christ you have been brought to fullness” (Col. 2:10).
“So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir” (Gal. 4:7).
The So What
Look at the passages that gave you a wow-type of reaction. Write a note to yourself that helps you pinpoint why the phrases generated that reaction. Then do this for other reactions, as well.
Of all six of these phrases, which speaks the loudest to you right now?
Take a minute to read these phrases again on behalf of your friends. As you read, run each phrase through these questions:
1. What specific issues does this phrase speak to that teens face today?
2. Which of your friends would most benefit from this verse?
Seal the Deal
If we were to stop here, we could be committing a Bible study no-no: lifting a phrase out of its context and applying it without much background. So, let’s not stop here. While one simple phrase from Scripture is certainly capable of delivering transformation in all aspects of life, a phrase of Scripture becomes more powerful when we explore its context.
So, try this: Grab your Bible or favorite Bible app and look up the phrase that you noted speaks the loudest to you right now. Once you find the phrase in the Bible, use the questions below to look around and find a little more background on the phrase.
1. Is this phrase part of a letter or a conversation?
2. To whom were the words directed? (If the phrase is part of a letter, you may need to look at the first chapter of the book.)
3. Who wrote the words? (Again, if it’s a letter, you may need to look at the first chapter of the book.)
4. Is the phrase inside a bigger point? Is there a bigger issue that’s being addressed?
5. What other things do you see in the chapter containing the verse? Promises? Commands?
6. Now that you know a little more about the verse’s home, to what other life situations might it minister?
Close your time by writing a prayer expressing your commitment to be identified by the truth of these verses rather than by the daily grind of your week. When you find yourself thinking you are deficient in some category or aspect of life, call to mind any of these phrase. It’s hard to grind down rock-solid truth, such as: In Christ, you have been brought to fullness!
