Spiritual exercise: Thematic Word Study
Do you yearn to know God, understand who He is, and how He is loving and pursuing you?
“In the Bible God gives us revelations of himself which lead us to worship, promises of salvation which stimulates our faith, and commandments expressing his will which demand our obedience. This is the meaning of Christian discipleship” —John Stott
Acts 17:38 “In Him we live and move and have our being”
Thematic Word Study Outline
REDEMPTION
Begin with a prayerful reading of Isaiah 43:1
Christ redeems us —Romans 3:24, Col. 1:13-14
The ransom paid was his blood—Eph 1:7, 1 Peter 1:19, Rev 5:9
The ransom paid with his death—Mk 10:45, Heb 9:15, 1Tim 2:6
The purpose of Redemption
To justify us before God—Romans 3:24
To free us from wickedness—Ro 6:7, 22, Titus 2:14
To free us from the law—Gal 4:5
To free us from the curse—Gal 3:13
The results of Redemption
We are forgiven—Eph 1:7, Col 1:14
We can now live free lives—Gal 5:1, 13
We can now serve God—1Peter 2:16
We await our final redemption—Luke 21:27-28, Romans 8:23, Eph 1:14
Invitation. This month I invite you to join me in the Scriptures with an open heart to what God longs to reveal to us.
This is a suggestion of a slow reading, prayerful and responsive study for God to form, renew, and transform our hearts and living for His name’s sake and glory. You may even wish to do this with a friend or small group.
Often there is a word that I notice has been surfacing in my thoughts, and even in my words (writing and speech). Recently it is the word redemption.
With this, I begin to revisit its meaning, and wonder what God, through His Spirit may be stirring in me to notice. One of the ways, I have found helpful to unravel or follow this thread is through Thematic Word Study using the Scriptures and a Bible outline to begin.
There are a variety of tools you’re welcome to explore. One of the suggestions is to begin with the 5 W’s (who, what, when, where and why) and then to write down five specific questions you come up with that will guide some of the study. I like this idea of some grounding questions and reflective questioning.
I offer you, a Thematic Word Study outline. You may wish to use this as a daily guide. Read a theme and verse or verses each day.
Below are some questions that have come to surface for reflection:
How is redemption a part of consolation in Scripture? in my own life? What am I noticing for “now” in my life? How is God calling me to respond to His loving redemption in my life?
Preparation. Find a quiet and comfortable place to be still with God. Begin with silence and asking God to open the places of your mind, heart, and soul to hear from Him through His word.
Rest, and enjoy your study of God’s redemption.
Some materials: a Bible (or two if you’d like to compare translations), journal or notebook to write your noticing down, optional commentary or thematic study guide
