Press On!

Scott Beyer
11/24/23 - Bulletin

“I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor.  Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” (1 Timothy 1:13)

God will not forever overlook ignorance, but He does recognize it as a legitimate barrier to righteousness.  Paul did many horrible, sinful things, but he did them because he believed they were good things.  As Paul himself said, he was ignorant, and even his bad behavior was done in good conscience (see Acts 23:1).

God’s grace is that He gives us time to overcome our ignorance.  Eventually, repentance is required (see Acts 17:30), but God in His mercy allows us time to learn and grow through the Scriptures, so we might approve of what is good and act accordingly.

It is quite likely that right now there are things you are doing that five years from now, you will cease to do (and be horrified that you once practiced!)… this is normal.  Pursue maturity and with it the ability to discern between good and evil (see Hebrews 5:14).

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-20

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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