The effects of sin are ravaging our world. Like the devastating locusts stripping the land bare in the book of Joel, we are stripped of meaningful worship owed to Father God. Let Andrew Ripp’s song “For The Love Of God” remind you of God’s love and his call to action displayed in this minor prophet book.
And let the text lead us to action in our own devastated land.
In this episode, I discuss the following:
- Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week’s Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Share with a friend
- Read the text out loud
- Read in context
- Consult section headings
- Make observations
- Make a list
- Consult an overview
- Pray
- The Episode Guide for continued self-study
- Overcoming the obstacle of feeling inadequate when it comes to discussing Scripture
- Read the text together
- Get your bearings of the context using section headings
- Make some observations
- Write down any questions
- Pray and ask God to reveal what He wants you to see
- Learn from trusted outside resources
- Taking advantage of the “now”
- The Bible Project Overview of Joel – YouTube Video
- The importance of using even devastating circumstances as launching pads to share with our children – Joel 1:3
- How tragedy impacted worship – Joel 1:9
- The symbol of drink offerings – Holman New Testament Commentary – Amazon Paid Link
- The symbol of grain offerings – GotQuestions.org Article
- How Joel paralleled the joy of the people drying up like the land drying up – Joel 1:12
- The action words God uses toward His people found in Joel 1
- Rescue coming through repentance
- The references to the “day of the Lord” in Joel
- Joel 1:15
- Joel 2:1
- Joel 2:11
- Joel 2:31
- Joel 3:14
- What Peter teaches about the “day of the Lord” in 2 Peter 3
- People will deny that the day of the Lord will come
- Christ has delayed his return so people can respond to the message of salvation
- We must stay ready for the day of the Lord by living holy and godly lives
- The lyrics from our inspiration song remind us of what we’ve studied
God’s Word is interconnected in ways we’ll never come to the end of. But rather than being discouraged by that, let’s reframe it as endless opportunities to explore.
Enjoy the official lyric video of the song below.
More Than a Song Playlist
Additional Resources
- Lyrics to “For The Love Of God” by Andrew Ripp – NewReleaseToday.com
- Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible – Amazon Paid Link
- ESV Expository Commentary: Daniel–Malachi (Volume 7) – Amazon Paid Link
- My new favorite Bible Study Software – Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link
This Week’s Challenge
Follow my game plan to interact with the book of Joel. Read all three chapters of Joel. Make observations and write down any questions that jumped out to you. Pray and ask God to help you see what He wants you to see as you read and interact with Joel. After you are familiar with the text, access outside resources to shed light on your questions and illuminate what you have not yet seen.
