Slices
Prepare
‘Worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness’ (Psalm 96:9). Write down or declare out loud characteristics of God that make him worthy of our worship.
Bible passage
Instructions on worship
2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle – I am telling the truth, I am not lying – and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing – if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
Explore
Timothy is to instruct the church to worship in a way that is pleasing to God. This isn’t about what songs to sing or how to arrange the chairs. It’s about being clear who we worship (vs 3–6) and about ensuring our corporate worship facilitates the spread of the gospel.
Worship must include prayer for the spread of the gospel, and we must ensure we are doing nothing that will hinder the spread of the gospel. There must be prayer for all people, especially those in authority (vs 1,2), so that they can be ‘saved and come to a knowledge of the truth’ (v 4). Paul then draws attention to unhelpful attitudes of the Ephesian believers, men (v 8) and women (v 9), which prevent them providing an example of the transforming work of Christ.
Verses 11–15 reveal Paul’s knowledge of the Ephesian church and its context as he speaks to correct specific issues in that setting. These verses raise very complex issues, which we cannot explore here, but they pose helpful questions for all of us. Are we good learners, open to instruction and listening well (v 11)? If we teach, do we have a domineering authoritative attitude or do we humbly present the Scriptures to be considered by all (v 12)?
Respond
Consider who is in authority in your community and country. Pray for them, for wise decision-making and for an encounter with the Lord Jesus.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ruth 3,4; Psalm 45
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray that, as the Mission Events team prepares for the summer, all essential safety checks will be completed without issue. Ask that each team is able to fill every required role, and that all the necessary land and venue hire agreements for the beach missions are successfully finalised.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.
