Sunday Recap 10-9-11

Morning: The sermon, "The Marks of a Good Servant," focused on 1 Timothy 4:6-10. In this passage, Paul urges Timothy to pursue godliness in order to be a good servant. Having warned Timothy of the realities facing him, Paul now turns back to Timothy's task. Timothy must make people aware of the truth even though many will resist him. Jesus said, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19, NIV). Timothy has to shine a light in the darkness, and warn the people not to run. A good servant of the Lord will have these marks:

1. They must point out the truth, and urge people to walk in it.

2. They must point out error, and warn people not to walk in it.

3. They must nourish themselves with the "truths of the faith" and "good teaching."

4. They must ignore myths and legends.

5. They must train themselves for godliness.

6. They must put their hope in the living God.

Evening: The message, "Things Excellent and Profitable," focused on Titus 3:3-8. In this brief, but deep, reflection on the gospel, Paul reminds Titus on the things that are excellent and profitable for all people. The gospel has not only brought forgiveness, but it has changed us as well. Paul begins by looking at our life before Christ, then he moves to our life in Christ, and then he encourages us to live life for Christ.

1. Life before Christ

• foolish
• disobedient
• deceived and enslaved to every kind of passion and pleasure
• living in malice and envy
• hated and hating everyone

2. Life in Christ

• We enter this life not through our work, but through God's mercy.
• It comes through the washing of the rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
• It makes us heirs with Christ.

3. Life for Christ

• We must recognize the importance of the gospel.
• We must be careful to devote ourselves to doing good.