Continuing in Acts, Morning Praise

In one paragraph

This was Father's Day at First B, and the message centered on a short passage from 1 Timothy where Paul addresses Timothy as his "true child in the faith." The preacher drew a line between what Paul offered Timothy and what fathers are called to offer their own children. It was a brief, direct word aimed at the fathers in the room and at everyone who knows God as a heavenly Father. Paul opens 1...

Read together

1. 1 Timothy 1:1-2 Read aloud to illustrate the father-son-like relationship between Paul and Timothy, and to encourage fathers to extend grace, mercy, and peace to their children

Talk about it

1. Paul describes his relationship with Timothy as that of a father and child in the faith. Who has played that kind of spiritual parent role in your life, and what did that relationship mean to you?
2. The opening prayer asked God for 'clean hands' and forgiveness before coming into His presence. What does it look like practically for you to prepare your heart before worship?
3. Paul's blessing to Timothy was 'grace, mercy, and peace.' The sermon suggested fathers think about extending those three things to their children. Which of the three do you find hardest to consistently offer to the people closest to you, and why?
4. The sermon pointed out that on a 'crazy Sunday morning where we are all trying to get ready fast,' showing grace, mercy and peace to our families is actually difficult. Where does everyday busyness most get in the way of how you want to treat the people you love?
5. The congregation was reminded that God, as our heavenly Father, wants to offer us grace, mercy and peace regardless of whether we are parents ourselves. How does thinking of God in that fatherly role shape the way you relate to Him?