Verse Breakdown 101
Verse: writing arranged with a metrical rhythm, typically having a rhyme.
Breakdown:an explanatory analysis, especially of statistics.
Anna’s Verse Breakdown: To get to the meaning and depth of Bible passages, verses, and ideas that give me a multitude of perspectives, concepts, and a deeper understanding of God & the Bible that I can apply to my life & beliefs.
*I use dictionary definitions and personal definitions in following verse breakdown
I love to breakdown a verse piece-by-piece! There is something so fascinating about phrasing, diction(word choice), the sincerity, and raw emotion that is behind literally every word. I love to go deep in God’s word, it is so empowering to see God’s character and how he is portrayed through the Bible. And in people and being a witness to their love, hope, commitment, and immense passion to share God’s story and their testament of Him in their lives.
For my first Verse Breakdown I chose to look at my favorite verse, Acts 20:24.
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24
“However, I consider: think carefully about (something), typically before making a decision
1. To me the word “consider”is such an interesting word to use. To consider as above is a decision. In a Christian point of view, to give ones life to God is a decision. We lay down our lives and surrender to His will and live as a testament of who he is through our choices and DECISIONS! Yes repetitive I know but it’s so true. Every act we do there is a slight moment we “consider” before do it, even in quick, hasty moments the thought runs through our heads. And with every decision I know for me I struggle asking God for help. It’s okay to go to him and ask for advice. He loves to hear and talk to you, no matter how big/small the decision is he will sustain you.
my life worth nothing to me: not anything; no single thing; having no prospect of progress; of no value.
2. Not anything, not a single thing….the thought to me is so profound. I could go on and on about what it would be like to have nothing, to think nothing, to be nothing. But having something to live for, to be a follower, daughter, and disciple of God makes me want to give up everything, to think of how God gave his life for my sins and provided for me even in my toughest times. In Matthew 19:21 the verse says; “Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” And we as followers should want to give up everything for our Lord and Savior. This is what the process of the World Race is teaching me, to give up my money, to abandon my insecurities and fears, to leave my comfort zones, to fully commit.
,my only aim is to finish the race: have the intention of achieving; a purpose or intention; a desired outcome.
3. Like a sporting event or a task the ideal goal to finish is intended. Me in particularly being an OCD, task-oriented, and an uber organization freak love this concept of “aiming”. This verse is so relevant to me aiming to go and finish the World Race, achieving a goal to travel and explore, the aim to go out for my calling to mission work. In 2 Corinthians 5:9 it says; “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” Just like this verse we should aim to make it our goal to please him whether its doing missions work, outreach locally, evangelism, church work ,etc.
and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–: having all the necessary or appropriate parts; finish making or doing.
4. Like aiming, completing the task is vital in so many ways but with so many obstacles it seems like a daunting thing. For me the preparation is fundamental to the task. Preparation includes prayer, advice/counsel, knowledge and understanding, and being equipped overall. Also with completing a task is the willingness to get it done. I think the most rewarding task have been the ones I actually wanted to do. Yes I know you must be thinking well obviously a wanted task is a good task but think of something you’ve done and how the results may have been varied based on your motivation to do it. I am SOO excited for this “task” to go out and do the World Race. The motivation for me is through the roof and I am excited to begin and then look back at it a year from now. “Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.” 2 Corinthians 8:11
the task of testifying:serve as evidence or proof of something’s existing or being the case
5. Whenever I hear the word testify I start singing Avalon’s song “Testify to Love”. Such a catchy tune but the words run so true:
[Chorus:]
For as long as I shall live,
I will testify to love.
I’ll be a witness in the silences
When words are not enough.
With every breath I take,
I will give thanks to God above.
For as long as I shall live,
I will testify to love.
Like the song says for as long as I shall live I will testify, be a witness, and give thanks. Testify of my great God’s work, the salvation and redemption He has given all who come to him , His never ending love for us, and how he will never leave us. To be a witness through my life and the things I say and do. And give thanks for everything!
to the good news of God’s grace.”:simple elegance or refinement of movement; (in Christian belief) the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
6. God’s grace. Grace is my favorite word that has been known to describe God. From the song ‘Amazing Grace’ to the deep times in my life that God has shown mercy and grace on me, a connection and study has always drawn me closer to this concept. Like the definition there is something so elegant and pure about grace. I mean for me I still have a hard time trying to fathom how God can be so merciful and graceful when I am so undeserving. At camp we had verse for the children to learn was 2 Corinthians 12:9; “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” I love how it says His power is made perfect in my weakness. I am a weak person. Like everyone we have our strong suits but weaknesses as well. Grace is such a blessing from God,
His grace and love saves me each and every day!
SUM IT UP!
1. Consider the decisions you make, pray and ask for help
2. Abandon yourself & lay everything down at God’s feet
3. Aim high
4. Finish the task at hand
5. Testify. Be a witness. Give thanks
6. God’s Grace is the greatest blessing!
