Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 7.22.10.

THURSDAY — Blessed Assurance.
Today’s Big Point: God expands our abilities and resources when he calls us into ministry (All believers are called to be ministers). This happens in spite of our doubts, as it did with Gideon.

     Many churches are filled with people working hard to escape rejection from friends, bosses, family, and even rejection from God. Some people work their entire life trying to appease this desire, but the fear of rejection can never be escaped by religion, or, in other words, trying to do the right thing, follow the right rules, and perform the right works. Acceptance can only be found through faith.
     Martin Luther understood “the just shall live by faith” when he posted his belief statement on his door and shook the Catholic church for centuries. He did not experience a new faith. He came to know and experience the faith of the spiritual giants of centuries past. His faith was the same as New Testament warriors such as Paul, Peter, John, and Old Testament heroes like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and yes, even Gideon. True faith is simply our acceptance of His acceptance of us based on what Jesus did on the cross.
     Old Testament believers found acceptance by looking forward to the Messiah. We find our acceptance by looking back to the cross. One word gushes forth from the cross…grace. We are worthy to be called because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Rejection flees when the word “grace” is spoken. When you ask Jesus to be Lord and Savior of your life, you are accepted and called!

READ…What does the Bible say?
Judges 6:16 (New Living Translation)
16 The LORD said to him, “I will be with you.”

Matthew 28:20 (New Living Translation)
20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

2 Timothy 1:9 (New Living Translation)
For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

THINK…Find the answers
How did Gideon know that God was going to be with him as he set out to fulfill God’s calling?

How did Jesus’ disciples know God was going to be with them, and how would their disciples know?

How do we know that God is with us, and who do we give credit to for our acceptance?

LIVE…What will you do now?
Sin separated us from God. But God entered human history uniquely through Jesus. He crashed through the wall of sin that separates man from God. Jesus made it possible to be accepted by the Father. We have already been accepted! That should cause us to commit to full devotion to Him. We have been accepted by Him and that is all that matters. Knowing you are accepted by God through His son, Jesus Christ, and knowing that He will be with you always…what is keeping you from committing your life to full devotion?

In what ways are you rejecting the grace that God has provided through his son Jesus?

PRAY…God, what do you want me to know & do?
Dear God, I commit my life today to be fully devoted to you. I purpose to live out your calling on my life. Thank you for sending your son to die for me.

DAILY BIBLE READING COMMENTARY:
Luke 18-1:8 The story about the widow who receives justice through perseverance is associated with a rabbinic style called “lesser to greater” argument. If the widow’s persistence resulted in a justice from an evil judge, then how much more will our persistent prayers be answered by a loving God.
Luke 18:5 The judge’s words “she’s wearing me out” carry the literal meaning of “strike the eye” or give someone a black eye. She was literally wearing the judge down like a boxer wears down his opponent with continuous blows.
Luke 18:9-14 All of the world religions, except for Biblical Christianity, teach that the way we approach God is through good works. The Pharisees were admired for their devotion to the law; however, their devotion was the source of their self-righteousness and pride. While the Pharisee’s prayer seems to be humble, his heart attitude was clearly prideful.
Luke 18:13 The tax-collector’s prayer reflects King David’s prayer in Psalm 51.
Luke 18:21 The rich young ruler thought that his lifetime of good works would give him a pass and allow him to hold onto his material wealth and comfort. He would walk away from the gospel message because his heart was not willing to leave the affections of his wealth.
Luke 18:25 Some commentators think Jesus is referring to a small gate in Jerusalem called “Needle’s Eye.”  However, there is some controversy as to whether or not that exact location existed. The point of Jesus’ illustration was that is impossible to trust in our worldly wealth and secure an eternity with God.
Luke 18:35-43 The blind man’s healing outside of Jericho is an example of Jesus’ compassionate heart, but also sets the stage for Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.