Slices
Prepare
Give thanks for the part of the church that you belong to, remembering that it is ‘God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives among you’ (1 Corinthians 3:16).
Bible passage
Reasons for Paul’s instructions
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing to you with these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
4 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Explore
Now in the middle of his letter, Paul spells out his reason for writing to Timothy (v 14): to ensure there is correct behaviour in the church. The church is the household of God; it is where God can be found and where truth should be encountered (v 15). Our behaviour will facilitate or hinder others discovering that.
How can we exhibit the correct behaviour? The world will try to convince us it is through human endeavour and legalism (4:1–3). But this is deception and lies: the work of the enemy to distract us from the goodness of God (4:1,4). Paul wants Timothy to have no doubt, godliness is not obtained through rule-following and determination. The only way to develop a godly character is a relationship with Jesus (3:16): the one who became human and was declared righteous by the Holy Spirit, whose ministry was witnessed by angels and whose offer of salvation was for Jews and Gentiles; the one who is at work transforming lives and is seated at the right hand of the Father (v 16). When we know Jesus, godliness will follow.
Respond
Read verse 16 aloud. Allow yourself to pause after each line, reflecting on who Jesus is and what he has done. End by saying, ‘This is truth’.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Samuel 7–9; Mark 11
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray that the children and young people supported by Mission Partner Bridgebuilder in Milton Keynes will truly experience God’s love. Also, pray for the ongoing success of Hope Unite, which brings young Christians together, and remember the schools’ workers (Carol, Luke and Pete) in your prayers.
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.
