I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. 1 TIMOTHY 1:12-17 NLT
The power of our mission is found…
In joining God where he already started working
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. 1 TIMOTHY 1:12 NLT
But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” JOHN 5:17 NLT
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 1 TIMOTHY 1:15 NLT
In telling my story as a display of God’s mercy
But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 TIMOTHY 1:16 NLT
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. PSALM 51:10-13 NIV
In remembering the Holy Spirit changes hearts
…then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life 1 TIMOTHY 1:16b NLT
My Notes
Personal Reflection Guide
Take some time to slow down, offering any burdens or distractions to God. Prayerfully consider your personal inadequacies as it relates to living a “missional life”. When you consider that God chose Paul to be a leader even though he was the “worst of sinners”, what feelings surface? How can God use Paul’s story as an encouragement to you? Are there any past sins you need to accept God’s total forgiveness for? If so, ask God for his help in releasing these fully to him. Next, ask God to show you opportunities to share Jesus’ message of reconciliation with others. Ask him for the courage to set aside your own feelings of inadequacy and instead rely on God’s spirit to guide you in the conversation. Thank God for his ability to change hearts (yours and others), writing down your reflections in the space below, and sharing with the group if you feel comfortable.
Discussion Questions
- PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin group time by completing the Personal Reflection Guide, (link found on the top of sermon notes). Use this time to process your own obstacles to living a missional life. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
- REAL WITH SELF: Assuming that everyone is “on a mission,” whether stated or not, what would you say is your mission in life? What would your actions/lifestyle say is your mission?
- REAL WITH GOD: What would it look like to embrace your inadequacies as it relates to telling others about Jesus? How might this process glorify God in and through your life?
- REAL WITH OTHERS: Take time to share your story with the group: How has God demonstrated his mercy in your life? (Leader’s Note: Be willing to spend plenty of group time here.)
- TAKE ACTION: Who in your life do you need to be intentional about demonstrating God’s mercy to this week? Perhaps it is someone in your current friend or work circles? Or perhaps God is nudging you toward serving in the church? Share with the group how you can take next steps and how they can be a source of encouragement for you in this.
