SWHW Bible Reading Plan: October 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Jess Hatton:

We should all be as quick as Paul to remember that we were once ignorant sinners and enemies of God.  Only because of His mercy and grace are we saved by faith in Jesus Christ.

We are surrounded by criticism from every angle. I can’t name a time when I was  listening to the news or on social media that someone was not critiquing, criticizing, or downright insulting someone else or their actions or beliefs. This kind of pervasive attitude does two things:  

1. It gives us the illusion that we have a right to judge one another.  
2. It surrounds us with an oppressive air of division.  

The church more than anyone else, should be above this kind of conduct, but far too often the church is found right in the middle of ridiculing others. This kind of behavior does not differentiate us from the world! 

In 1 Timothy 1:12-15 Paul talks openly about his ignorant unbelief before coming to know Christ. In his sinful nature he was like the rest of the lost world. He makes it very clear to his readers that it was only through God’s mercy and grace that he was judged faithful and appointed to the service of Christ. It is this very grace that is to differentiate believers from the rest of the world. 

As a life that is changed by the gospel, we are to first and foremost make prayer for all people be our priority. Too often prayer is a last resort defense when it should be the Christian’s offensive priority. Paul reminds us to pray for the salvation of others and specifically emphasizes civil government leaders. This is because God’s desire is for all to be saved, but also because Paul knew that Christians in leadership would allow for a more peaceful spreading of the gospel. 

So rather than joining in with criticism of non-believers, of whom we used to be, let’s start by earnestly thanking Jesus for His saving grace in our own lives in which we used to be enemies of the cross.  Then let’s pray for their salvation and for the Lord’s will to direct their thoughts, emotions, and actions. 

Jesus, I thank You for Your mercy and grace that You gave us. Thank You for saving us as sinners and for declaring us righteous and holy. I ask that we would be humble and set apart in our display of love and in our outpouring of love for others who are lost. I ask You to guide the thoughts, emotions, and actions of those in leadership for Your will and that they would come to know You.  Amen.