Summary of December 9 Care Group

Thanks to Kristi for the warm brownies and caramel swirl ice cream!
We began with ITim 1:15-17 "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." We discussed how there is a balance between seeing our standing as "the worst of sinners" and "treasured children" of God. This requires that we ponder His holiness in light of our sin and then His mercy toward us.

Then we went to Gal 1 and discussed how God set Paul (and us) apart. None of us can know exactly how He treasures us, nor all the plans that He has for us. We are by nature pre-occupied with ourselves, so the challenge is for us to saturate our minds with thoughts of God. God's affections and reactions toward us are measured by the gospel. Amazing!! The Old Testament imagery is beautiful where God describes how He has "engraved us on the palms of His hands" and how He wanted to "gather His children like a mother hen gathers her chicks."

We must remember to emphasize God and His work in our lives and not over-emphasize our sin, as if it's the most important thing. The whole purpose of our lives and marriages is God's glory. When we understand that our sin is first against God, not any human being, then we can truly come to Him for help and repentance. The "hidden gift" we receive as we come to understand this is HUMILITY. Paul was a student of his own heart. We would do well to pay attention to our hearts and track the cravings and desires so that we can come more effectively under God's control.