Directive #39
October 6, 2014
Scriptures:
“To Timothy, my dearly beloved son; Grace, mercy, and peach, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 2 Timothy 1:2
“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, “ 2 Timothy 3:14
Also refer to 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Explanations and Exposition:
Tough times come to everyone. Determined believers do not have to make it through on their own. In each time of temptation, test or trial, the Lord provides “mercy” to help the believer along the way.
Timothy was facing insurmountable odds. Timothy was pastor at Ephesus. Believers were being persecuted by the Roman Nero, etc. Many believers were leaving the church.
Paul wrote a special word to Timothy. That word was “mercy”. Normally when he wrote a greeting, he used the words “grace” and “peace.” He only deviated in all his epistles three times. These were 1st Timothy, 2nd Timothy, and Titus. These felt overwhelmed. In these, Paul added the word – “mercy”.
Other Scriptures:
• I Timothy 1:1-2
• Titus 1:12-13
• II Timothy 1:6-7
Statement of Faith:
“Isn’t it good to know that when God calls you to do something difficult – something that overwhelms you or makes you feel inadequate – He inserts extra mercy between the “grace” and the “peace.” Rev. Rick Renner
Prayer Points:
1. Reflect on times of mercy in the past.
2. Reflect and notice acts of mercy in the lives of others.
3. Reflect on the miracles of Jesus
4. Reflect on the miracles in the book of Acts.
5. Reflect & pray on the great needs of our individual lives.
6. Reflect & Pray on the needs of our culture.
7. Practice Mercy to others – “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
Have you ever been overwhelmed? God has a remedy – MERCY.
D. Chris Thompson
Vice-Chairman
Executive Director, EVUSA