#497: "By His Wounds" by David Leonard

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What happens when we take a phrase or a verse in God's Word out of context? We may misinterpret the meaning altogether, which is awful, but by doing so, we may miss out on the real, rich meaning God intended all along. David Leonard's song "By His Wounds" sent me to God's Word to see how to properly interpret the phrase "by His wounds we are healed." There's a lot more there than I realized.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: 
  • Read in context
  • Repetition
  • Follow the cross-references
  • Meditate on God's Word
  • Historical context
  • Make observations
  • Make a list
• Episode Guide
• Focus verse that sent us to consider all of 1 Peter - 1 Peter 2:24
• "Christology forms the indispensable basis of his {Peter's} paraenesis" - translated "The study of Christ forms Peter's indispensable basis of Peter's advice for believers" - The Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament - Amazon Paid Link
• 1 Peter is full of allusions and quotes from the Old Testament, giving us plenty of cross-references to explore 
  • Compare 1 Peter 1:1-2 to Exodus 24:3-8 - the promise of obedience ratified by the sprinkling of blood
• 1 Peter is a letter written to people who are suffering - 1 Peter 1:3-8
• Peter reminds the believers they are the chosen and elect people of God who are chosen for trust and obedience - consider Exodus 19:3-6
• The type and shadow in the Old Testament with the Hebrew people as the chosen people of God finds its complete fulfillment through Christ in us - 1 Peter 2:9-12
• Our focus verse in 1 Peter 2:24 references Isaiah 53, that I teach on in Episode 370
• Peter's advice to slaves can be applied to us - 1 Peter 2:21-25
• Making a list of Jesus' example
• John Piper's "A Look at the Book: 1 Peter 2:24-25" - YouTube Video
• Jesus' substitution is the basis of the illustration - 1 Peter 2:18-25
• The purpose of Christ's suffering 
  • that we might die to sin and live to righteousness - 1 Peter 2:24
  • that Christ might bring us to God (thus healing our ultimate wound of separation from Him) - 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 2:25
• We are born again. So why do we walk in death? We are healed. So why do we live wounded?

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• The story behind the song "By His Wounds" by David Leonard - New Release Today Article
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read 1 Peter for yourself. Remember, we are born again, but we walk in death. We are healed and restored to our relationship with God but live wounded. Allow Christ’s example to transform the way you live. Study it closely. Meditate on His example more than your suffering. He is a loving Shepherd and a faithful Overseer of your sou

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