TruthFilled - Bible Study Book

by Ruth C Simons

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." —Colossians 3:16a Many of us want God’s Word to dwell richly in us, but life can get in the way. We’d never intentionally write chapters of confusion, failure, loss, pain, conflict, or suffering into our stories. No one plans to wrestle with her identity in Christ, to struggle to love her husband, to feel lonely in ministry, or to feel helpless in motherhood. Yet we often find ourselves in these seasons, struggling to embrace the gospel hope we need to fill our discouraged souls.  Join Ruth Chou Simons in this 7-session study of the Book of Colossians as she leads us through a practice of preaching gospel truth to ourselves by studying Paul’s example. In every changing season of life, we can rest in God’s character, rehearse our identity in Christ, respond in faith, and remember God’s provision for us. In today’s culture, there’s no shortage of self help, easy fixes, and worldly advice, but only the truth of God’s Word was meant to fill you up and satisfy you fully.

Note that video access is not included with the purchase of this Bible Study book. To view the seven enriching teaching videos for this study (approximately 10 minutes per session), please purchase the TruthFilled leader kit.

Genres: Faith, Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity, Spirituality

160 pages, Paperback

Published November 2, 2020

Reviews

[Shana OkieCozyReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based on the idea of learning to preach truth to yourself.

She references a quote from Martyn Lloyd-Jones’s book:

“Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them, but there they are, talking to you. They bring back the problem of yesterday. Somebody’s talking. Who’s talking? Your self is talking to you. Now this man’s treatment in Psalm 42 was this: instead of allowing this self to talk to him, he starts talking to himself, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” he asks. His soul had been depressing him, crushing him. So he stands up and says: ‘Self, listen for a moment, I will speak to you.’”

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Ruth writes, from her previous devotionals (my favorite is Beholding & Becoming) to her insightful Instagram posts. Now she has written her first Bible study, which is a seven-week deep dive into Colossians, which she uses to teach readers how to preach God's truth to yourself in any circumstance. This study has video accompaniments that can be rented or purchased from the publisher, and I rented the first few, but stopped after I felt most of what was in the videos was already mentioned in the book. She breaks down Colossians in the first five weeks, then uses the last weeks for putting it all into practice. She outlines Colossians into five parts: an introduction (Col. 1:1-14) resting in God's character (Col. 1:15-2:3), rehearsing who you are (Col. 2:4-23), responding in faith (Col.3), and remembering God's provision (Col. 4). I did it on my own, but it would probably have been even more fruitful if done as a group because of all the discussion questions (that I discussed with myself, lol). Her explanations of the verses were really solid and her application sections were incredibly helpful to me. It was mainly comprised of studying a verse or section of scripture (mostly psalms) and then following a three-part model, in which you 1) identify the care (what's the issue you're currently struggling with?), 2) Tell your soul what to do (put your hope in God through the specific verses being studied), and 3) embracing gospel hope (preaching to yourself by applying the truths of the Scripture you read to your specific situation). It was a powerful practice that I plan on continuing regularly since it has been so calming and encouraging for my often weary and anxious heart to take my worries to Him and grasp onto His hope, truth, and love of His Word. Lest I forget, the Bible study, as all her other books, are full of her masterful watercolor paintings and calligraphy, which just adds such beauty to the study.

[Tara O'Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had previously heard Ruth speak and really enjoyed her talks! This is my first of her books to go through, and we walked through the study and videos with a small group this summer. The material was light enough for the busyness of the season, but had opportunities to dig in for more meat. I started the study using it as an opportunity to gather more tools for the different seasons of life, but as the study ended really had to start preaching the Truth to myself. Very helpful study! And of course her beautiful artwork just adds an extra touch! ❤️

[Courtney Lyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those studies that came up just when I needed it most. It's so easy to get overwhelmed by the lies of the world, the lies we tell ourselves that we desperately need a way to preach God's truth to our own hearts as she says.

[Sadie Clark]

✨NO RATING✨

[Kierstin O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study is absolutely wonderful for teaching the practice of preaching God’s Word to our hearts. It is practical, rich, and steeped in grace as all things Ruth are.

[Watermarked Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love Ruth Chou Simons’ writing and I’m happy she’s started writing Bible studies. That said, I could tell this was a first study, as it needs a bit more tweaking. Some of the questions are pretty vague, and steps two and three of her “preaching a sermon to yourself” method seem like the same thing. Our group agreed that we wanted more questions for discussion time (which usually only included around three questions from the homework). It would also be helpful if the questions were numbered so it was easier to tell people what question you were referencing.

Most of all, we all agreed that we loved the content of the study and wanted it to be LONGER! The teaching videos were only 5-8 minutes long (and only one per week). They felt like fantastic introductions to a teaching lesson, but every time they ended we felt like we’d been cut off. We wanted more! Honestly I’m not sure the videos were worth the price, which is a shame because Ruth is such a warm and wonderful teacher. I really hope she’ll write more studies and do 30-45 minute teaching sessions. Speaking of wanting more, the study definitely could have been divided into more like 12 weeks instead of 7.

Structural challenges aside, our group said the study made them think of things they never considered, and it was enjoyed by newer and older believers alike. Please write more, Ruth!

[Victoria Su · Rating 2 out of 5]

The central message of this Colossians study was that Christ is sufficient in my weakness, that the gospel alone makes us whole and we do not have to believe the critical negative self talk that makes us doubt our value. It was a good reminder overall and I benefited from engaging in discussions with my small group, but the questions and general content of the book did not really help us to engage as deeply in the word as other Bible study books I’ve used. I wish there had been a deeper focus on understanding the text rather than the more general, surface level applications that did not seem wholly connected to the scriptural context. It works as a sweeping overview of the book of Colossians, but not so much as an exegetical study.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

First time reading one of her books/studies. I will preface by saying this is not a Bible study on Colossians. This is a tool she is teaching us to use with the book of Colossians. Beautiful eye candy workbook although some of the cursive fonts are very hard to read. I like that she doesn't indulge in fluff or emotions and really points readers back to God's word.

[Christina Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The study did a great job with prompting face to face time with scripture while still being topical. The main concept was practicing specific truths to yourself for each personalized struggle you have in different seasons of life. She compared these seasons to physical seasons and characterized each with different aspects to focus on in our walk of faith. All very strong concepts, so it was difficult to keep each in it’s own lane throughout the study.

I felt Ruth’s words and scripture choices impact my thinking and train my head into better focus. I’m in a different spot than I was at the beginning of the study, which is the process of life, but I think the study was a useful tool in that growth.

The videos were great and helpful with the study and group discussion.

Personally, I wish girl-oriented bible studies weren’t so girly (filled with random graphics and artwork and fonts) but you can’t fault anyone for that. Ruth’s artwork is very beautiful, but the overall combination of visuals wasn’t my style!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes God uses circumstances to weave together multiple books, people, sermons, and truths together all at one time to bring us to an "Aha" moment. This book was one of those pieces for this season of my life. Ruth's concept of "preaching truth to ourselves" is not a new one, but I truly resonated with her presentation and her eye for beauty in the changing seasons of our lives. I appreciated her repeatedly reminding the reader/viewer that this is a "practice." This was not an easy practice for me to do and I believe that the more we practice preaching truth to ourselves, the more truth will flow out of our minds and mouths.

[Rebekah Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent study of not only God’s Word, but also how to practice preaching God’s Word to ourselves. Simons starts in Colossians to point out truths about God and ourselves that we can rehearse to remember God’s provision in our lives. After developing the rhythm of preaching to ourselves, she helps us apply that practice to other passages of scripture. The book itself is beautiful, with artwork, photography, and calligraphy from Simons, but the best characteristic is its consistency in sharing the gospel (not pithy sayings or self-help slogans) and its ability to completely change how we view God, ourselves, and our lives, if we let it. Well done; I highly recommend.

[Mandie Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went through this book for a Bible study with a couple of other girls. The book focuses mainly on the book of Colossians. It really humbled me, and I appreciated how the focus was on what God can do through me rather than what I can do myself. It was both convicting and uplifting. The pages are so pretty, and the activities were very enjoyable. I would recommend it to just about any Christian teen girl looking to grow in her faith.

[Shannon Gutowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Bible Study! Done with my Sunday school class. The author uses gardening and the seasons to demonstrate our walk with God. Rest, Rehearse, Respond & Remember. Not a brief study. Requires time commitment. Worth it! The book itself is beautiful! The photography and art work (also done by the author) is stunning! Highly recommend this study on your own or with a group.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always greatly encouraged by Ruth Chou Simons and her writing online, and since I've been spending a great deal of time in Colossians recently, I was excited to pick this up. The meat of the study is in the book (as opposed to the videos), and I appreciated the opportunity to practice telling my heart what to believe.

[Marika Lenee Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good bible study to do with a group. Truthfilled goes through the seasons and how it changes for people. Ruth C Simons does short videos to go along with your homework. This study was very peaceful and full of love of the bible and how it can help you through hard times and good times. I definitely want to do this study again in the future and see what else I can get out of it.

[Amanda Halsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful and beautiful Bible study! It has been such an inspiration to me and has really helped me to change my mindset and the way I talk to and see myself. I completed this with a group of ladies at my church, but it would also be wonderful for someone looking for a Bible study to complete independently. I will definitely revisit this again in the future.

[Erin Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a practical help and encouragement! It gave specific examples/tools of how to study and apply God’s Word, as well as reminders on how to be faithful, grounded, and growing in every changing season of life! It’s a good book to use for individual study, and even better to use for a small group Bible study.

[Chrissie Kenaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional was fantastic. It goes so deep into the truth of who God is and how He keeps His promises. It takes a realistic approach to how you can remember these truths and preach them to yourself!

[Chanover55 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not what I expected but still a good study. I had problems with the concept of speaking truth to myself; not that I
don't think we should, but this is just not where I am in my life. I'd do another study with her.

[Gabrielle Houweling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall more of a good bible workbook, rather than a deep bible study. The main basis was preaching truth to yourself, though it was quite repetitive. I would enjoy a study that goes deeper into what the text is saying. Each session was only 3-4 days so I was able to do 2 a week

[Christy Chance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures. I’d call this “Bible study lite”. It’s not an in-depth study, but perfect for busy seasons of life when you don’t have time to delve deep. The videos are fairly worthless, but the scenery and her home were gorgeous!

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great Bible study. Very practical. Reminding me to preach truth to my soul in every situation. Loved it so much!

[Lisa Jo]

Used in small group at church. The book itself is beautiful. Beautiful paintings. Beautiful pictures. Beautiful calligraphy by the author. Just a beautiful book to hold in your hand.

[Melissa Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preaching truth to yourself can be hard. But it's something I need to do to grow in my relationship with the Lord. I'm gonna keep on rehearsing.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a creative soul, I was drawn to her gorgeous artwork. There are frame-worthy pieces in this book.

The study itself was rich and meaningful to my spiritual growth.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't able to be as involved in this study as I normally am, but I really appreciated Simons model of preaching truth to yourself and this will be a tool I continue to use.

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This Bible study was not very good. It was accurate enough just not very deep and kind of vanilla.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of soul searching, lots of love and affirmation. This probably should be read twice a year - Fall into Spring and Summer into Fall

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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