1. Prayer as priority: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people…” (v1)
2. Prayer that paves the way: “…for kings and all who are in high positions…” (v2a)
3. Prayer that pleases God: “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (v3-4)
Message on 1 Timothy 1:1-11
Introductory message to the teaching series on the book of 1 Timothy.
Easter Sunday message from Pastor Richard van Lieshout.
Jesus and the raising of Lazarus.
Good Friday message from Pastor Richard van Lieshout
Final message from Pastor Richard van Lieshout in our “Rule of Life” Series on habits to fortify and form you faith.
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” Hebrews 13:2
Principle
Instead of isolating ourselves in our family units, Christian circles & social tribes we intentionally meet the ‘stranger’, and invite them into relationship.
Habit 12
We commit to opening a space at the table once a week for a ‘stranger’
Prayer
Jesus help us to model your warmth, initiative, and sacrifice which allowed us to fellowship at your table. Help us to see the ‘stranger’ you have placed in our midst, and walk towards them
“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45)
Principle:
Instead of falling into the tidal waves of self-seeking, self-promotion and self-glorification, we actively practice self-sacrifice and serving, in our homes, workplaces & community.
If we find ourselves in positions of authority then we use the power gifted to us to generate possibility for those who have less access to opportunity.
Habit:
Habit 9: We commit to the monthly observance of communion, as a solemn remembrance of the gospel of Jesus.
Habit 10: We commit to actively looking for daily acts of service in our workplaces & neighbourhoods.
Habit 11: We commit to generating possibility for someone with less access to opportunity by actively recruiting, developing and mentoring them.
Prayer:
Jesus may your life, death and resurrection be enfolded into our daily living that we might die to self, and live not to be served, but to serve, and so live in closest proximity to your glory.
“The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:3-4)
Principle:
Instead of individual autonomy in making decisions, we actively seek the will of God. This means:
Habit:
Habit 7: As a baseline, we commit to daily prayer, and at times of major decisions, making every effort not to proceed until we have actively submitted our own desires about the decision fully to the will of God.
Habit 8: Fasting as a regular discipline, and especially at times when we need discernment and guidance.
Prayer:
Jesus our King we renounce our autonomy and self-sovereignty and submit our dreams, desires and ultimately our will to yours. Help us to live our ordinary daily lives in accordance with your will, by teaching us to know your voice, and granting us the courage to obey
Principle:
We recognise that the information age, despite its numerous advantages, also has detrimental effects on our pursuit of truth, meaningful relationships and overall physical & mental wellbeing. Therefore:
Instead of uncritical embrace, we practice great discernment.
Instead of unrestrained engagement, we practice great discipline
Habits:
Habit 5:
We commit to reading Scripture at the beginning and end of the day, rather than starting and ending our day with our devices.
Habit 6:
We commit to disengaging from screens of all kinds for one hour a day, and one day a month.
Verse:
Romans 12:1-2
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”
Prayer:
“God we recognise you as our ultimate authority, and your words as the ultimate source of truth in our lives. Help us to live wisely in our information world, be discerning in our engagement with media, and be connected deeply to the people you’ve placed in our care”
Principle:
Recognising our tendency to fulfil our sense of security, self-worth & significance through a relentless vocational pursuits, we re-orient our lives around a sacred rhythm of rest & worship.
Habit:
Habit 3: We commit to take one full day every week for complete rest from our daily work, and to make Sabbath possible for those around us.
Habit 4: We commit to pausing once in the middle of the day for a ‘Selah’ moment of prayer and reflection.
Verse:
Matthew 11:28-30:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Prayer:
“God through two deliberate salvation acts in history you released us from bondage: from the relentless slavery of modern life, as well as the eternal bondage of misplaced identity.Help us to develop the skill of truly living in the freedom that you purchased for us”