Good Work - Day 16
Day 16 - Monday, October 7
Read Ephesians 6
Highlight
We are pre-exposed to think of slavery in the context of the horrific Atlantic Slave Trade of the 1500s-1800s. Or the grotesque sexual slave trade that is currently running rampant in our world today. While both of those are views of slavery it is not the context of slavery the Bible speaks about.
In Harrison’s sermon at our Henderson Campus this weekend, he explained the context of slavery in the ancient world and the context that Paul was speaking into. This is what he said:
“In the ancient world, slavery was a broad spectrum. Slavery could be the result of one group of people being dominated by another group through war, while some became slaves as a means of survival. Some slaves were treated horrendously, while others were practically considered part of the family. Although slavery was considered the lowest class in society, many of them were also highly skilled and educated and even sought after for those skills.
On this spectrum, depending on the culture or country, slavery could mean a host of different things. However, what is clear is that slavery was a universally accepted part of society in the ancient world. It was as common and expected in their daily lives as our expectation as access to the Internet. It was just the way it was. And it was into that culture that Paul wrote something counter-cultural.”
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 Ephesians 6
Highlight
We are pre-exposed to think of slavery in the context of the horrific Atlantic Slave Trade of the 1500s-1800s. Or the grotesque sexual slave trade that is currently running rampant in our world today. While both of those are views of slavery it is not the context of slavery the Bible speaks about.
In Harrison’s sermon at our Henderson Campus this weekend, he explained the context of slavery in the ancient world and the context that Paul was speaking into. This is what he said:
“In the ancient world, slavery was a broad spectrum. Slavery could be the result of one group of people being dominated by another group through war, while some became slaves as a means of survival. Some slaves were treated horrendously, while others were practically considered part of the family. Although slavery was considered the lowest class in society, many of them were also highly skilled and educated and even sought after for those skills.
On this spectrum, depending on the culture or country, slavery could mean a host of different things. However, what is clear is that slavery was a universally accepted part of society in the ancient world. It was as common and expected in their daily lives as our expectation as access to the Internet. It was just the way it was. And it was into that culture that Paul wrote something counter-cultural.”
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)
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