Slices
Prepare
Ask God to shine his light into your life, allowing you to see areas of sinfulness you need to repent of and inviting him to transform you.
Bible passage
The Lord’s grace to Paul
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The charge to Timothy renewed
18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Explore
Paul recognises that his life is an example to others (v 16). He is not claiming that his behaviour is an example for others to follow, rather that his life is an example of God at work (vs 13,14). Paul is honest about his sinfulness allowing God’s mercy to be seen (v 13). He acknowledges the wrongs he committed demonstrating the necessity of a saviour (v 15). His story of transformation from sinner to servant reveals a patient, forgiving and generous God (v 16).
Paul urges Timothy to recall God’s work in his own life knowing this will help him in the hard task ahead of him (v 18). Remembering the work of God and giving thanks for it is a spiritual weapon. It will help Timothy, in contrast to others who have abandoned their faith (vs 19,20), to stand firm on the gospel.
We can provide the same example as Paul for those around us. Are we willing to be honest about our sinfulness and need of a saviour? If we recall and share the story of the work of Jesus in our lives, we will be strengthened (v 18), reveal God to others (v 16) and give God glory (v 17).
Respond
Think about how God has worked in your life. What is your story that will reveal God’s patience, forgiveness and generosity? Who can you share that story with?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ruth 1,2; Mark 8
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Beth Gomm and Wayne Dixon of Mission Partner Christian Connections in Schools, working in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead. Pray that the recent Easter Cracked presentations involving approximately 50 local schools and around 2,500 pupils will have a lasting impact.
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.
