To God Alone Be the Glory
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Tim Chang
Sermon Series: Reformation Sunday
1 Timothy 1:15-17 (ESV)
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Sermon Outline
How do we give God alone the glory?
1. We need to see ourselves more clearly
v. 15-16: The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. [16] But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost…
2. We need to see God more clearly
v. 15: The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world…
v. 15: … Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…
v. 16: But I received mercy…
3. We need to see the world more clearly
v. 16: But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
v. 17: To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Heavenly Father, we confess that we do not always give you all the glory. Too often, we seek our own glory. We do not see ourselves as the foremost of all sinners because we believe we are not as terrible as we think we are. We need rescue from the bondage of comparison. By the power of your Spirit, help us to see ourselves more clearly that while we are sinners, we are your beloved children. Help us to see you more clearly that you sent Jesus to the world not to condemn, but to save us. And may we see the world more clearly where your perfect patience is displayed. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What connected with you from the sermon or the passage?
How is possible that the Apostle can refer to himself as the greatest sinner ever?
Why do we compare ourselves with others and how can this lead to exhaustion?
How is it good news that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners? How is this a helpful summary of Christianity?
What practice of beholding splendor do you need more of?
How can giving God alone the glory affects our witness to the world?
What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?