Word, Service, Sacrament & Order

Sermon preached on 2020-02-16 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen. Worship series, "Odd and Wondrous Calling." Sermon, "Word, Service, Sacrament & Order ." Scripture, 1 Timothy 4:1-16.

"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

Reflection questions:

• Paul challenges Timothy to “train yourself for godliness.” (4:7) How are you doing this? What else could you do? What help do you need?
• When Paul challenged Timothy to “let no one despise you for your youth” (4:12) why would a person disrespect someone for their youth? What would cause an older person to disrespect a younger person? What characteristics does Paul challenge Timothy to develop in order to give no one the opportunity to disrespect him simply for being young? What is gained with age and what can be learned with training?
• Can the church help people ponder the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
• What role does the church play in determining a person’s career path? What role do you think it should play?
• How have you heard God’s call in your life? How have you responded?
• Have you ever found yourself resisting God’s call? What kept you from heeding God’s voice?

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