The Lectionary text that I have chosen as my sermon text for this week is 1 Timothy 2:1-8. In this passage Paul goes back to the Shema which reads, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-6 NRSV)
Both of these passages were written to people who lived in a polytheistic culture (many gods) encouraging them to remain true to the One God. Today, things are no different. We too live in a polytheistic culture. The only difference is that our “gods” or idols are different. Today there are lots of things that take the place of God. Things like sports, TV, sleeping in on Sunday morning and so on. Still, there are many things which take the place of God. Paul encourages Timothy to hold fast to the teaching that there is only one God and one mediator between God and humanity – Jesus. It is Jesus who allows us to come into a close and personal relationship with God—a relationship that is without fear! Today, because of what Jesus did (his birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension) we can come boldly to God with all our problems, no matter how big or how small. I believe the most important part of this passage is in verse 8 when Paul writes, “I desire then, that in every place the men (and women) should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.” That last phrase, without anger or argument is so important. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus places anger in the same category as murder! Now I will be the first to admit that I become angry sometimes—we all do. But we cannot allow our anger to consume us, to control our actions and our thoughts. In Christ we must come together, all in one mind and one body. God demands that we do just that! Amen. 9/16/2016 04:19:20 am
I believe that if we truly love the Lord with all our might, heart and soul, we are willing to give it all for him. We should devote our time and strength to God. Fortunately, he doesn't demand anything from us. But it is our duty to obey his commands. We should always know his will through the Bible. We should also love our neighbors as a reflection of our love to him. Always remember that he will remain the God of all the earth without us but we are nothing without him. Comments are closed.
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This blog consists of reflections written by the minister each week for the Sunday bulletin. We hope that you enjoy the musings! Archives
January 2020
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