June 19, 2005
"The Weakest Link"
A Call To Faithfulness—Part 2
1 Timothy 1:12-20
How the weakest link becomes strong:
1. Never forget your source of strength for service.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
—1 Timothy 1:12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
—Ephesians 6:10
...grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! All this energy issues from Christ...
—Ephesians 1:18-19 (MSG)
2. Never forget where you came from.
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.
—1 Timothy 1:13
But don't take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God's ways had no idea of any of this, didn't know the first thing about the way God works, hadn't the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God's covenants and promises in Israel, hadn't a clue about what God was doing in the world at large.
—Ephesians 2:11-12 (MSG)
Leadership Principle: "The more leaders mature, the more humble they become."
—John Maxwell
3. Never forget what changed your life.
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
—1 Timothy 1:14
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
—Ephesians 2:8-9
But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy.
—Titus 3:4-5 (NLT)
4. Never forget Jesus' mission.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
—1 Timothy 1:15
...Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
—Mark 2:17
..."There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
—Romans 3:10-12
5. Never forget the example of your spiritual journey.
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
—1 Timothy 1:16
6. Never forget to give God praise.
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
—1 Timothy 1:17
Lifework
We are the weakest links. God does not say, "Good-bye." He says, "Hello!" There is great hope for you. The question is, will you say hello to his divine mercy? Will you say hello to His gift of grace? Will you say hello to a new beginning of service and love? The Bible says, God helps you in your weakness and God's power is made perfect in your weakness. Therefore, you can rejoice in our weakness so that Christ's power can rest you. (Romans 8:26 and 2 Corinthians 12:9) Where are you weak today? Will you accept His strength in exchange for your weakness?
Prayer: Dear God, I am guilty of pride and unbelief. I neglect to seek your strength for my daily life. Lord, subdue my weaknesses and give me your grace to live above them. Deliver me from every evil habit, every thing that dims the brightness of your grace. Thank you for showing me your mercy and unlimited patience in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
A Call to Faithfulness—Week 2
Personal and Group Study
Getting Started
- Who in your group or home holds the record for the most speeding tickets?
- Complete this sentence: I think the purpose of the church is...
Digging Deeper: Read 1 Timothy 1:12-20
- How does Paul establish his authority and humility? How has Christ changed Paul? How would this example affect Timothy, who is thinking about throwing in the towel?
- What does Paul teach about the Lord in this section? How can these truths help keep Timothy on the right course in the face of opposition?
- To whom does the local church minister? What basic doctrines does every believer need to know? What do I have a right to expect from my church? What does my church have a right to expect from me?
- What will teaching sound doctrine produce in believers' lives? What does false doctrine always produce?
- Contrast false doctrines taught in Paul's day with false doctrines propagated today? Why are false teachers so dangerous?
Applying It To My Life
- Paul presents himself as the weakest link. What other examples do you have of God using someone in a mighty way who might have been considered a "weakest link"?
- What word would you use to describe your life before you became a Christian? What word would you use to describe your life since then? How does that explain to you God's patience?
- What causes you to know God has a plan for your life?