ADORATION – Reflect on God’s Greatness
GOD IS SOVEREIGN God approves and determines every action necessary for the existence and activity of himself and all creation.
Scripture frequently indicates God’s will as the final or most ultimate reason for everything that happens. Paul refers to God as the one “who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11). The phrase here translated “all things” (ta panta) is used frequently by Paul to refer to everything that exists or everything in creation (for example, Ephesians 1:10, 23, 3:9, 4:10; Colossians 1:16, 17; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians. 8:6, 15:27–28). The word translated “accomplishes” (energeō, “works, works out, brings about, produces”) is a present participle suggesting continual activity. Paul’s statement might be more explicitly translated, “who continually brings about everything in the universe according to the counsel of his will.”
Praise God because He is Sovereign
Praise God because He sees every action. Praise God that He is the one who reigns over every action and over all of the universe. Praise God that He is constant in His sovereignty.
CONFESSION: Confess your sins to God and receive his continued mercy.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
THANKSGIVING: Giving thanks to God for his specific blessings in our lives.
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100
SUPPLICATION: Bringing our requests to God.
- Bring your personal prayer requests to God.
- Pray for your friends who do not know Jesus. Ask God to strengthen your friendships and give you opportunities for gospel conversations.
SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Timothy 2:1-10 New Living Translation
Instructions about Worship
2 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For,
There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.
This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.
8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.
9 And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 10 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION:
Timothy didn’t have it easy. He had to deal with controversy, false teachers, and people who wanted to undermine his leadership. Paul is, throughout his letters, simultaneously instructing Timothy and encouraging him. Timothy needs courage to carry out his calling. So do you, we all do. You are probably not called to be a pastor, but in whatever God has called you, he wants you to live and tell the truth as you have opportunity. This will require courage. You will likely encounter opposition from various people in whatever you do. This is the norm, not the exception. You must be sure of your calling. What is it? To be a full-time follower of Jesus in all you do, everywhere you go. What will this require of you? A commitment to Jesus as Lord and to the truth of the gospel as the core reality of your life. To live this out faithfully will surely mean that you will encounter difficulty and even opposition. When this happens do not think something is wrong. This is your opportunity to be of good courage. This is your opportunity to be shaped by the truth and not by circumstances or oppositional people. Be encouraged. Be of good courage.