Looking Beyond

Looking forward verses 25-3128. Be on guard and shepherd the church.  How? “Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 1 Timothy4:13-1629. Beware of the wolves! Especially for those who come among you as wolves in sheep’s clothing. “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;” Philippians3:2 ““Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Jesus, in Matthew 7:15 Looking beyond verses 32-3632- entrusting them to God and to the Word of His Grace!Mercy and grace definitionsMercy in OT : 45 – in NT: 60Grace in OT: 8 – in NT: 122 (gracious in OT 64 and in NT 5)The richness of God to show mercy, but the “boundless riches of Grace”Mercy is not getting what we deserve, while Grace is receiving gifts beyond measure!  Definitely not deserved or earned. Ephesians x2  We are introduced to grace through faith! Not lacking in any gift! What we receive in this world now is more than we deserve and what we will receive in heaven has not been seen or heard about. 1 Cor 2:933-35 a Model to imitate. Remember my way of life among you! “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians11:1 - also 1 Cor. 4:12; Eph. 5.1; 1 Thess. 1:6 and 2:14Finally, he prayed for them.Verse 32 Looking Beyond: I entrust you to God! And the Word of His GraceThis brings results!Follow my example: care for the poor, be generous (offering for the saints in Jerusalem)Prayer and anointingThe application: do we understand God’s purpose for us, both individually and as a church? Are we beginning to see God move with clarity in our hearts?  How do we both individually and collectively live out the will, purposes, and counsel?