Prayer Guide for the week of January 18th

1 Timothy 1:12-20 John 4:1-45 Monday, January 18 Former Manner

Read: 1 Timothy 1:12-14; Acts 26:1-18

Meditate: What are some ways that Paul described his life before Christ? How does this description compare with his testimony before Agrippa? What do the words “blasphemer,” “persecutor,” and “insolent opponent” imply?

Pray: Thank God for the mercy He has shown you to rescue you from your former, sinful way of life.

Respond: Take a few moments to write out a concise, honest description of your sinful way of life before Christ.

Tuesday, January 19 Grace Overflowed

Read: 1 Timothy 1:12-14; James 4:4-6; John 1:14-18

Meditate: How does grace differ from (and complement) mercy? How does Paul describe the manner in which he received grace? What two things did God’s grace result in?

Pray: Thank Jesus for the overflow of grace that He has shown you. Also thank Him for specific results of that grace in your life.

Respond: Take a few moments to write out a clear and concise description of your salvation experience, not just what happened, but the spiritual dimension as well. Wednesday, January 20 Christ Jesus Came

Read: 1 Timothy 1:15-17; John 1:1-13; Philippians 2:5-7

Meditate: What is implicit when Paul writes that Jesus came? (Why not say, “Jesus was born to save sinners?) How do other authors describe this momentous step of condescension?

Pray: Praise Jesus for his willingness and humility to set aside the glory of heaven, coming as one of creation.

Respond: Read www.gotquestions.org/incarnation-of-christ.html for more information on this critical doctrine of the faith

Thursday, January 21 Save Sinners

Read: 1 Timothy 1:15-17; Romans 5:6-11; Luke 19:10

Meditate: What was Jesus’ purpose for coming into the world? What does the Bible tell us about our natural condition? Why is it shocking that God would save sinners?

Pray: Confess to God any known sin. Seek the Spirit’s conviction of sin. Praise Jesus for the forgiveness that He so freely offers.

Respond: What emotions do you have as you consider the grace and mercy of God in saving you, a sinner?

Friday, January 22 An Example

Read: 1 Timothy 1:15-17; Romans 3:21-26

Meditate: In what way is Paul an example of God’s “perfect patience”? In what way does Paul view himself as the foremost of sinners? How does this give hope to us?

Pray: Praise God for the proof of His patience and grace in Paul’s life that gives assurance of the grace that will overflow to us.

Respond: How can you use this (or your own testimony) as an encouragement to an unbeliever when witnessing?

Saturday, January 23 Faith & Good Conscience

Read: 1 Timothy 1:18-20, 1:5, 4:1-4; Acts 23:1

Meditate: What is Paul referring to when he urges Timothy to hold fast to “faith”? How does this serve as an objective measure? What is the role of the conscience for the believer? What happens when we begin to reject our conscience?

Pray: Commit, by the help of the Spirit, to walk in accordance with the gospel, in all good conscience.

Respond: In what ways have you violated or sinned against your conscience?

Sunday, January 24 Handed Over to Satan

Read: 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5

Meditate: What did Paul do to Hymenaeus and Alexander? What does it mean to “hand over to Satan”? How is this an act of grace? What is the purpose of Paul’s actions?

Pray: Ask the Spirit to guard your steps so that you do not shipwreck your faith or the faith of others. Pray and ask that He keep you from having to personally experience such “severe grace.”

Respond: If you know someone who is wandering from the faith, what will you do to rescue them (James 5:19-20)?