Lesson 9 | Takeaways: discerning the key teaching points
Look for the anchors
In the sea of uncertainty that is the world in which we live, our lives need firm and sure anchors—solid-as-bedrock truths that we can stake our lives upon. God has richly and abundantly supplied such anchors in his word.
Earlier in this lesson, we used the first three chapters of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians as an example of an extended passage with little to no explicit commands. The first major command comes in chapter four. Then in the final three chapters, there are forty imperatives! The point is this: consider how much truth Paul teaches in the first half of his letter in order to provide a firm footing for all the commands in the second half. And this is not an exception but a distinct pattern among biblical writers. We need these truths that ground our faith and obedience, truths that provide a stable platform from which action can be taken, truths that form a firm foundation upon which we can confidently build our lives.
Specifically, look for…
Truths about God
Eg. He is a shield around me—therefore I can walk in this world without fear.
But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. —Psalms 3:3-6 ESV
Truths about man
Eg. The heart is deceitful—therefore I should not just follow my heart wherever it wants to go.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? —Jeremiah 17:9 ESV
Gospel truths
Eg. Christ has purchased my life—body and soul—therefore I ought not give either over to ungodly passions.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. —1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
Let me unpack this example a bit further. Paul’s instruction concerning sexual immorality (e.g.) in 1 Corinthians 6 is thoroughly rooted in gospel truths—Christ’s resurrection, our future resurrection, our union with Christ, and finally, the reality of our redemption in Christ. Our redemption is not to be spiritualized into a meaningless vapor. It is a reality that has significant implications for our bodies.
It is the Holy Spirit who works to bring about life transformation in you. He wields the word of God as a sword, piercing and discerning the very thoughts and intentions of your heart. So as you look for the takeaways, look for the commands… and look for the means, the motivations, and the anchors for those commands. And finally, look to other believers for wisdom and counsel.