Lord’s Day Message
Topic: To charge others in the serving from love and to help others to live a life of faith (to experience God’s economy / stewardship)
Bible Verses:
1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope. 2 I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
3 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 4 Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. 5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently. 8 We know that the law is good when used correctly. 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God. (1 Tim. 1:1-11, NLT)
Outline & Main Burdens
1. Introduction
Some call the epistles of first and second Timothy and Titus as the “Pastoral Epistles.” However, these epistles not only indicate the principles of serving, but also the truth that all Christians should know and the living we all should testify.
2. How should we help others by charging and commanding
The books of the gospel end with a demand from the Lord that we should testify for Him, and proclaim the repentance for forgiveness (Luke 24:46-48). Therefore, how we speak is a very important thing.
When we speak and testify we may face various situations, sometimes even some oppositions from unbelievers and some lack of knowledge in faith of the saints. This is the reason that the serving ones need to learn how to charge or command others in a proper and healthy way.
3. Knowing God is our saviour and Christ our hope
In serving we must first know God is our saviour, who is the only source of our salvation. Secondly, we also need to know salvation not only helps us get rid of the punishment and the bondage of sin, but also helps us to grow into His stature. That is our hope.
4. Helping others to live a life of faith (to know and experience God’s work/economy)
When we speak for the Lord, especially in charging and commanding, the purpose is not for us or even just for the right or wrong in doctrines. It is to help others to know and experience God’s plan in faith.
The word “work (NIV)” also translates as “economy, godly edification, administration of God, stewardship from God, to live a life of faith, etc.). It indicates the plan, supply and work of God upon men, as well as the cooperation, experience and realization from men.
In other words, when we speak for the Lord we shall not boast our own knowledge, nor to benefit ourselves, but to help others to grow in faith and to experience God’s full salvation.
5. The purpose of commands is love
Love should be our initiation of the serving as well as its result. Our serving or speaking must be carried out with love, bringing others into God’s love.
To manifest such love, the serving ones need to be a right person, which is shown by a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith, as indicated by Paul. These describe a condition of a serving one who is simple, pure and healthy.
6. Entrusted with the glory of the gospel
When people speak of law it is very easy to be without reality. However Paul knows how to properly apply the law. What people actually need is not only what to do, but a supply of reality from the gospel. The gospel will bring us to a glorious manifestation.
Next Topics: 1 Tim. 1:12-20
Church Meetings/Time/Place
Home Meeting: 20/1 Mon. 7:30pm, Patrick & Lily’s
Young Professionals Meeting: 21/1 Tue. 7:30pm, Meeting Hall
Prayer Meeting: 22/1 Wed. 7:30pm，Meeting Hall
Young People Meeting/Pursuing for Adults：25/1 Sat. 7:30pm, Olsen & Likun’s
Announcements:
- We welcome all who join us today. We also hope you can leave your feedback and information that we may contact you in the future.
- On Feb. 1st (Sat.) 11 am the church plans to have BBQ/picnic at Bobbin Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. We welcome all to join. Please contact Brother Patrick Li for details.
- On February the church plan to have baptism. If any gospel friend is willing to receive the Lord and be baptized, please contact Brother Yulin Wang to arrange the lessons and date for baptism.
- On April 18~21 (Friday night to Monday noon) the church plans to have a conference for both young and adults at the Collaroy. We hope many brothers and sisters can separate out the time and participate together. For details, please contact Brother Richard and Sister Lamee.
Intercession:
- Please pray for the gospel friends among us so that our Lord can open their hearts to see God’s salvation and be willing to accept the Lord to become the member in God’s family.
- Pray for brothers and sisters who are travelling this holiday season. May the Lord give them peace and joy in their trips.
Serving Next Week: (Jan. 26)
- Sharing: Olsen Yu & Raymond Young
- Breaking the Bread: Raymond Young & Patrick Li
Serving Bread and Cup: Olsen Yu, Patrick Li & Sean Dong
3. Pianist: Nelson Chen
4. Cleaning: Jason & Susan Family, Andy & Anne Family, Rebecca Li, Chuan Ma & Maggie Family, Steven Wang, BenChu Guo
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