Experiencing God - Day 01
Day 01 - Monday, February 5th
Read John 13
Highlight
Justification and sanctification. Large words with impactful theological meaning. Justification is “the act by which God moves a willing person from the state of sin (injustice) to the state of grace (justice).” When someone first comes to know God and makes the first declaration of faith and is forgiven of all sins. Sanctification is “the state or process of being set apart.” This is the daily asking for sins to be forgiven and the daily request for the Holy Spirit to transform you to be more like Jesus.
While Jesus washed His disciples feet, He explained to Peter this concept. Peter says “no, you should never wash my feet” (v. 8) because the process of washing feet in those days was given to the lowest servant. It was the job no one wanted, but Jesus humbled himself and set the example for us to do the same. Yet, Peter protested being served because he knew who Jesus was and did not think it was Jesus' job to serve him. Peter thought he could do things on his own in his own way. But Jesus is quick to correct, “unless I wash you, you have no part with me…those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean” (vv. 8, 10). Jesus is reminding Peter that he is already walking with Him. He has already been justified in front of God, but now Peter needs the work of sanctification. Peter needs to humble himself and allow Jesus to serve him, in order for Peter to serve others. This is justification and sanctification.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read John 13
Highlight
Justification and sanctification. Large words with impactful theological meaning. Justification is “the act by which God moves a willing person from the state of sin (injustice) to the state of grace (justice).” When someone first comes to know God and makes the first declaration of faith and is forgiven of all sins. Sanctification is “the state or process of being set apart.” This is the daily asking for sins to be forgiven and the daily request for the Holy Spirit to transform you to be more like Jesus.
While Jesus washed His disciples feet, He explained to Peter this concept. Peter says “no, you should never wash my feet” (v. 8) because the process of washing feet in those days was given to the lowest servant. It was the job no one wanted, but Jesus humbled himself and set the example for us to do the same. Yet, Peter protested being served because he knew who Jesus was and did not think it was Jesus' job to serve him. Peter thought he could do things on his own in his own way. But Jesus is quick to correct, “unless I wash you, you have no part with me…those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean” (vv. 8, 10). Jesus is reminding Peter that he is already walking with Him. He has already been justified in front of God, but now Peter needs the work of sanctification. Peter needs to humble himself and allow Jesus to serve him, in order for Peter to serve others. This is justification and sanctification.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Experiencing God