Friday 26 July 2013

Read: Philemon 1:8-21

It's a classic scene—the kids are in the park playing a team game, and the two sides begin to form. Naturally, their closest friends are chosen. The bigger, stronger, faster kids are next. And then, the small and timid ones are left. The selection begins to waver and the decisions are slower to come.

 

The great irony of God's ways continues to amaze me. He quickly and firmly sets his eyes on the weak, timid, unseemly, and the unsightly of this world and makes them into amazing stories of power, authority, and transformation. This is the story of Onesimus.

 

A runaway slave, belonging to Philemon (v. 15-16), ends up in the presence of the apostle Paul. During his time with Paul, he encounters the life-transforming love of Christ, and gives his life to Christ (v. 10). Furthermore, Paul takes him on as one of his ministry partners! (v. 11-13) Imagine going from slavery to working alongside the apostle Paul!

 

Over 2000 years and God's ways haven't changed. In fact, they are very much the same. He takes the weak and overlooked people of this world, and transforms them into powerful tools for the Kingdom. John Piper in person is scrawny shadow of a man (with all due respect), but preaches and teaches with passion and fire, his ministry reaching the ears of an international audience.

 

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. — 1 Corinthians 14:27—29

 

In the same way, look around you and see if you notice where God is most at work. Don't look towards the front of the church or the names listed in the ministry teams, look around and see if you can see the servants of the Kingdom: the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the quiet who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted (Matthew 5:3-10).

 

If you ever doubted your place in the Kingdom, do so no more. God's plan for you is perfect, He chose you to be on His team, and you may not see it now, but continue to be faithful and trust that He will use you in awesome ways.

 

Prayer:

Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

 

Adoration:

 

Confession:

 

Thanks:

 

Supplication:

Praise God that He has a plan and a place for you and each member of the church community. Pray that He would give you wisdom as you seek the best way to serve others in the church. Pray that He would show you opportunities to encourage other members of the church body.

Pray for all those members of the church congregation who are sick. Pray that they would find their comfort and peace in God at this time. Pray that they would be healed from their illness by God’s spirit and that they would be restored to strength. Pray that God would raise a spirit of compassion and service in the hearts of the congregation towards these people.

 

My Additional Prayer Points.

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2/.

 

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. Spend some time discussing God’s great grace to us. Share with each other how you came to know Jesus.

2. Are there situations in your life where you do not forgive others? Share those with the group.