The With-ness of our God

Do you realize that the Triune God offers us a relationship that encompasses every dimension, every direction, every angle, every aspect, every nuance, every everything, and every everyplace? That’s right, our God longs that we know the reality of His loving Presence totally cocooning us in His Son by faith.

To explore this awesome truth, we go to the Holy Scriptures, to some small words that we could quickly gloss over. Don't let these little words fool you. These words, called prepositions, are power-packed with truth for our minds, hearts, and lives.

Lest you fear that you must know grammar to do this study, please put that fear to rest. In each chapter, the author explores one of the prepositions in some key passages of Scripture. Then the reader is guided through seven days of study and reflection on the truths unveiled. Three different levels of study are suggested so as to fit into any lifestyle, no matter how busy.

So please join us in this journey through the unfathomable treasures of the Scriptures as we catch a fresh glimpse at our relationship with the Living God…all through some verbal treasures called prepositions.

Overview of our Study:

There is a spiritual logic to the order in which we explore these gems called prepositions. So let’s look at an overview of this journey together by means of our prepositions:

In chapter 1, we look at prepositions in general -- what they are and how they are used in Scripture. We do that by exploring two beloved psalms and our own favorite passages. After this general look, we delve into the key prepositions for our study in chapters 2 through 9.

The first key preposition is with. In chapter 2, we discover the three levels of with-ness expressed in the three major Greek prepositions. This is so significant and encourages our walk with our Lord, Emmanuel, God-with-us!

Next, we meditate on the monumental truth wrapped up in the preposition for – Christ died for us, on our behalf, in our place. The implications of the cross of Christ are staggering! That’s in chapter 3.

Then in chapter 4, we revisit in-depth one of the Greek prepositions for with. This one expresses “life union with the risen Christ.” So we spend time studying and rejoicing in Him who is our Life indeed!

In chapters 5 and 6, we look at the rest preposition in. There are two chapters because of the two aspects of union with Christ: “in Christ” and “Christ in me.” This is holy ground and truly life-changing. Many of us say that when we truly began to get it, it was like being born again, again! The security and the benefits of being in Christ are astounding. And then the intimacy and enabling of Christ in me – oh my!

Chapter 7 brings us to the motion preposition from, out of. We see how our doing comes out of His life-giving doing when we walk by faith and surrender.

Chapters 8 and 9 explore two crucial aspects of our relationship with our Lord: faith (to, toward) and prayer (into). Looking at these mysteries as invitations can simplify our walk as believers in this world.

And finally, the short conclusion, A Final Word, pulls it all together as we come full circle.

From Chapter 1, “Prepositional Truth”

God uses many prepositions to reveal different dimensions (aspects) of our relationship with him and the benefits of that relationship.

As Christians, we may know a lot of what we call “propositional truth,” doctrinal truth as found in the Scriptures. And know the truth we must. But how well do we know “prepositional truth,” the truth that captivates our minds with the depth of what God has done and is still doing for, with, in, and through us? And all of this is because of our life union with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I would like to piggyback off of an insightful quote from Leonard Sweet in his book Nudge.

I believe the lifeblood of evangelism [and perhaps Christianity] is not in propositions, but prepositions. For God to do something through us, God must be doing something in us … it is usually as God’s grace courses through us to someone else that we become aware of God’s love in and for us (emphasis mine).

So put aside any hesitations or mental blocks toward grammar, and let’s talk about these little power-packed words called prepositions as they appear in Scripture. But first, take a look at a beautiful example of the way prepositions depict various aspects of our relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ. It’s an ancient hymn called “St. Patrick’s Breastplate.”

St. Patrick’s Breastplate

This Celtic hymn, usually attributed to St. Patrick, is sung around his feast day (March 17). There are many variations to this hymn, but the one I have selected (and adapted) is a beautifully simple one that includes the same lyrics as in most other versions…Pray this as a celebration of the relationship that is yours as a child of God by faith in his glorious Son.

Christ is beside me, Christ is before me,

Christ is behind me, King of my heart;

Christ is within me, Christ is below me,

Christ is above me, never to part.

Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand,

Christ all around me, shield in the strife;

Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting,

Christ in my rising, light of my life.

Christ is beside me, Christ is before me,

Christ is behind me, King of my heart;

Christ is within me, Christ is below me,

Christ is above me, never to part.

Leonard Sweet, Nudge (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2012), 28.