Once in a while I thought I'd post some Bible study notes on here for all of you to "mull" over. So read, research, study, and of course leave a comment!
Mark 7:32-37 is the story of a man who was deaf and dumb and was healed by Christ. But the part that I fixated on was verses 34-35. "Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be open." Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly."
Those verses started me thinking. Without Christ what do we truly have?
What wisdom do we have? Save by the mercy of God.
What joy do we have? Save through Christ's sacrifice and grace.
What mercy can we truly show? Without first receiving mercy for our unforgivable wrong toward our Creator.
What love can we have for others? Without the example of Christ for the unlovable.
So how can anyone have wisdom without God who is the fountain of wisdom?
How can anyone have joy that's not based on worldly possessions, without having Christ as their eternal joy?
How can anyone truly have mercy on others around them unless they first receiving mercy for their sin?
How can anyone show love toward others unless Christ, the God of the universe showed it first toward those who didn't deserve it?
We our sinful nature rebels against anything good or just. All our "good deeds" are as worthless as plastic coin. Our selfishness and pride are so deeply ingrained in our souls that nothing we do or say would be truly good or just without Providence and His word. Incapable we truly are without God first changing us to be more like Himself, who is the only One who can do all things right.
Here are some references that I found:
Wisdom ~ Colossians 2:2-3, 1 Corinthians 1:24-25, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Exodus 31:3, Ephesians 1:17.
Joy ~ John 15:11, Job 20:4-5, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 35:9, Psalm 51:12, 1 Thess. 2:19-20, Isaiah 12:2-3, John 16:22, Rom. 15:13, Gal. 5:22-24.
Mercy ~ Matt. 5:7, Psalm 31:7, Psalm 57:10, Psalm 103:8, Gen. 39:21, Psalm 100:5.
Love ~ Gal. 5:22-24, Col. 3:14, John15:9,12, Isaiah 63:7-9, Jeremiah 9:24.
I know there are many more verses that would apply as well so feel free to share what you find! I'd love to hear about it!
Mark 7:32-37 is the story of a man who was deaf and dumb and was healed by Christ. But the part that I fixated on was verses 34-35. "Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be open." Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly."
Those verses started me thinking. Without Christ what do we truly have?
What wisdom do we have? Save by the mercy of God.
What joy do we have? Save through Christ's sacrifice and grace.
What mercy can we truly show? Without first receiving mercy for our unforgivable wrong toward our Creator.
What love can we have for others? Without the example of Christ for the unlovable.
So how can anyone have wisdom without God who is the fountain of wisdom?
How can anyone have joy that's not based on worldly possessions, without having Christ as their eternal joy?
How can anyone truly have mercy on others around them unless they first receiving mercy for their sin?
How can anyone show love toward others unless Christ, the God of the universe showed it first toward those who didn't deserve it?
We our sinful nature rebels against anything good or just. All our "good deeds" are as worthless as plastic coin. Our selfishness and pride are so deeply ingrained in our souls that nothing we do or say would be truly good or just without Providence and His word. Incapable we truly are without God first changing us to be more like Himself, who is the only One who can do all things right.
Here are some references that I found:
Wisdom ~ Colossians 2:2-3, 1 Corinthians 1:24-25, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Exodus 31:3, Ephesians 1:17.
Joy ~ John 15:11, Job 20:4-5, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 35:9, Psalm 51:12, 1 Thess. 2:19-20, Isaiah 12:2-3, John 16:22, Rom. 15:13, Gal. 5:22-24.
Mercy ~ Matt. 5:7, Psalm 31:7, Psalm 57:10, Psalm 103:8, Gen. 39:21, Psalm 100:5.
Love ~ Gal. 5:22-24, Col. 3:14, John15:9,12, Isaiah 63:7-9, Jeremiah 9:24.
I know there are many more verses that would apply as well so feel free to share what you find! I'd love to hear about it!
