This is a book that, although it is not “hard to read” (i.e. complicated vocabulary and tons of footnotes) is a book intended for you to reflect and pray; go to God’s Word and ask, “how to I apply and obey what I am learning?”
Each week I will post a reading suggestion (?) with some Scripture references and some points to consider. You are welcome to leave comments on what you are learning.
If there is sufficient interest, I would be happy to have one or two “live meets” online, in my zoom room. It would be a chance for us to have an interactive discussion. Let me know in the comments 🙂
A caveat before we begin:Â any discussion on identity will get personal. Merriam-Webster defines identity as 1a : the distinguishing character or personality of an individual : individuality. b : the relation established by psychological identification.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 ESV – 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. (emphasis mine)
That does not mean ignore, minimize, rewrite history; or pretend, posture, condemn. It means, when something “strikes a nerve” to step back and look at it honestly: am I believing a lie because of my experience? what does God’s Word say?
For this week (July 2-8) read pages 1-26, chapters 1-3.
Study the Word: Read 2 Corinthians 2. Why did Paul say hard things to the Corinthians? What was his goal?
Read Colossians 2. In v. 8, what are we supposed to beware of? How is Jesus the solution to vain philosophy?
What philosophy (or more than one) have I had the most interaction with? How do I take these thoughts captive to obey Christ?
Remember, these are just discussion starters; what are your thoughts about these chapters?
Plea for Grace 
I am so excited to read/study this along with you Bev! I’ve been eagerly awaiting the day ….
I’m excited to get started. You are good at asking those “getting started” questions, much like the story starters I used to give the kids when were were homeschooling 🙂
Sounds like a good read for this summer. Looking forward to getting into this book while waiting for my Precept class to get started.
Good morning all, I started reading – at least the first few pages and hope that you won’t mind some pretty frequent comments from me. I retain information much better if I write down (or in this case, type out) my thoughts regarding a particular part of material read. I am reading on my iPad with the Kindle app, so not sure if page numbers correspond correctly with the printed book but I just loved her grandpa’s quote — “Soft teaching makes hard hearts and hard teaching makes soft hearts.” Oh Lord, may I sit faithfully under and submit to hard teachings so that I will have a soft heart …. a heart that yearns more and more for you.
frequent comments are wonderful 🙂
I think often of Psalm 119:26, when I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes. So often I don’t even know what I am thinking is a lie, until I look God’s Word square in the face . . and decide to believe that God’s Word is true, much as I may “want” my current belief to be true . . .
Deborah,
I started reading this morning and was impressed with this saying. I can see where times my heart is hard and it is not something I want.
I think it is a good idea to comment not only for yourself, but lol of us that needs to hear (or read) again.
Thanks for sharing
Deanna Stokes
In reading 2 Corinthians 2 this morning, I was struck particularly by verse 4: “For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” Paul was willing to write and say the hard things to the Corinthians because of the abundant love he had for them. His desire was to see them come to repentance for their sinful ways and return to the Lord.
Am I willing to say the hard things to someone — not because I want to be right, or “Bible bash” them so to speak, but because I love them? Or even better yet, am I willing to hear what God says about my sin and my person because of the love He has for me?
My consistent prayer, God, I adjust my life, my thoughts to You; I can’t expect You to adjust to me. Sometimes I have to say that out loud. . .to others. . .
The first read of the first chapters of this book was very thought provoking. I learned a while ago that we need to read something three times to really digest it. The second read of this book was even better than the first. I am now starting the third read through and am going to take some notes. I have this book on ebook but think I need a hard copy to mark up.
Deanna Stokes
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I have had multiple reads as well . . . lots to think about