Here’s a couple of serious questions: Do you want what’s best for the church? And do you realize you have a part to play in the church, not just everyone else? I imagine you know this, but in reality, there can be a disconnect when it comes to actually living it out. Because of our sin and selfishness, doing our part, just as Christ calls us to, can sometimes be anything but easy. We need Christ's strength and guidance through it, as we grasp what doing our part demands from us: intentionality, effort, responsibility, and sacrifice. Are we really willing to make that kind of a commitment for the good of the church?

It can get tricky here, because we often prefer being served over doing the serving, even though we’re all part of the same family of God and the church Christ gave his life for. We can slip into a mindset that expects others to step up instead of doing so ourselves.

For example, maybe you find yourself hoping someone else will volunteer in Harvest Kids, in Production, or on the Welcome Team, so you don’t have to. Maybe you’re counting on others to give financially to support the church’s mission and needs. Hosting your Life Group sounds like work, especially because the thought of cleaning the house for weekly gatherings sounds like a real chore (literally). Or how about when someone else is going through a hard time, we sometimes tend to keep our distance, yet we all know how much it hurts when others don't show up for us when we’re struggling.

Again, stepping up may not always be easy, but when we do our part, it’s in service to God and for the good of HIS church. So, why wouldn’t we do it?

This Sunday, as we walk through 1 Timothy 5:1–16, we’ll see Paul present clear and practical instructions for us as the church as we aim to continue moving forward for God and on mission. And we’ll also see that when we truly care for the church, willing to do our part, it is pleasing in the sight of God.

Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy)
Patrice Charade
Message 13: Pleasing in the sight of God
Harvest Barrie
Text: 1 Timothy 5:1-16
July 20, 2025

1 Corinthians 12:27

As I seek the good of the church, I will…

…build up (v. 1-2)

…lift up (v. 3-5, 9-10)

…stir up (v. 6-8, 11-15)

Idleness is a great evil. It is the mother of every sin and leads the soul to ruin.
- Basil the Great

Hebrews 10:24 b

…own up (v. 16)