New Heart Community Church

Series:  Doing Church God’s Way

I Timothy 1:12-17

Sunday, February 17, 2008

What’s the big deal about grace?

Food for Thought

For the week of February 18, 2008

(Questions and Scriptures for further study)
 

1. We saw this weekend that God still used the Apostle Paul despite his colorful past. God has a long history of using less than perfect instruments for His purposes. In each of the following passages identify what or who God used to accomplish His purpose.

·         Numbers 22:22-35

·         Joshua 2:1-22, 6:22-25 (read Matthew 1:5 for the rest of the story)

·         John 4:4-17, 28, 39-41

Based on these stories, what kind of people can you expect to not only meet at church but see involved in serving?

What encouragement do these stories give you regarding God’s willingness to use you?

2. Paul was not only well aware of his own past but also the past of the various people in the churches he planted. Read the passages below and describe the kinds of people who were in these churches.

·         1 Corinthians 6:9-11

·         1 Corinthians 1:26-31

·         Ephesians 2:1-8

·         Titus 3:3-7

List the things God did for these people despite their tainted past.

As a follower of Jesus, God has done the same things for you as He did for those believers. Which of those things are most meaningful to you? How can what God did for you motivate you to serve Him?

3.  Neil mentioned that if you don’t feel like praising God, then you’ve either forgotten who He is and what He’s done for you or where you’ve come from. Take some time to praise Him for who He is, what He’s done for you, and His desire to use you to serve others.

Adapted from North Coast Church