A condemned man stands before the firing squad when a messenger runs into the square with a pardon, that moment changed the whole of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s later life. Paul lived with something similar: he called himself a blasphemer and a persecutor, and yet he received mercy (1 Timothy 1). The sermon speaks about a past that does not disqualify anyone from serving, and about the gratitude that nine of the ten healed men forgot. Listen if you have concluded that you are no longer good for anything.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Paul calls himself a blasphemer, a persecutor and a violent man. Why does he revisit his past so openly when writing to his younger coworker?
- Paul writes that he received mercy so that Christ could display His patience in him as an example for those who would believe (v. 16). What does this tell us about the purpose of God's grace in his life?
- The sermon said we often hide our past, live with guilt and believe our failures disqualify us. What in the way you see yourself most holds you back from putting your life at God's disposal?
- Of the ten who were healed, only one Samaritan came back to thank Jesus. Why is it easier for us to ask God for help in hard times than to thank Him when things go well?
- The speaker stressed that God, not we, is the hero of our story. How does the way you tell your own story change when you put God at the center?
- The sermon said the testimony of a life speaks louder than the loudest words. Who can you show your gratitude to God to this week, and in what concrete way?
