Hello Friends,
This week’s Prepared
Hearts comes to us from Andy Sass, who will be delivering the word this Sunday:
This week, we will be
moving back to the lectionary, reading from Paul’s first letter to
Timothy. The text is below, followed by
some starter thoughts.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me
strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was
shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord
was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in
Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full
acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the
worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst
of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for
those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King
eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and
ever. Amen.
STARTER THOUGHTS:
In this text Paul
reiterates the Good News of the Gospel – that even sinners are shown
mercy. When have you been shown mercy?
Paul talks about his
history as a persecutor of the church, and says that, even so, God shows him
mercy, gives him strength, and appoints him to His service. Despite your failures or flaws, has God
called you to his service? When? How?
How did you respond?
Paul talks about his
having been a “blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man,” and goes on to
say that, because of who he was, God showed him mercy, so he would be an
example, for the honor and glory of God.
In doing this, Paul is using his prior failings to give honor to
God. Have you ever done the same? Are you willing to give God whatever God asks,
for God's glory? Even if God asks you to give him your failures? Your sin?
We know that Paul
repented, and followed God’s will for his life, that he paid a price, according
to this world, for his choice. Have you
paid a price for your decisions to be Christ’s disciple?
Feel free to email Andy or I your thoughts or post a comment here.
Peace,
Pastor Amee
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