Last week we were in1 Timothy 4:1-5. Hear thesermon here. The text brought to light the damage of legalism (our human effort to gain God’s acceptance through our performance). Legalism says: “Thank you for dying on the cross Jesus, love that you did that, but I’m going to add to it with other things because I don’t believe you fully completed the job.” Legalism could be the ever so subtle shift from keeping our eyes on Jesus to other less important man-made requirements and precepts – making all the difference in how we view ourselves in relation to God. How then can we remedy legalism? Extinguish its lies with truth. Replace sinful legalism with gospel truth. Remember: ALWAYS GOSPEL FIRST, THEN OBEDIENCE. Christianity is the one world view where it’s God work first, then our response. Once God’s grace is extended to you through the work of Christ, it’s finished – you can do nothing to merit more or advance from JV to varsity. Let that bring freedom and assurance to your hearts and mine.
This week we’re in 1 Timothy 5:3-16. We’ll hear as Paul encourages Timothy to charge the Ephesian church to not shirk their responsibilities at home to their families, but rather, to first show godliness and care towards them.
Here’s what we’re singing:
by Ajay Thomas
Ajay lives in Philadelphia with his wife Shainu and their kids Hannah and Micah. He is responsible for preaching and vision as a pastor at Seven Mile Road.