The is the sixth installment of “Crafting Definitions.” You can find previous posts here and here and here and here and here.
In preparation for sermons, I often craft personal definitions. I do this in an effort to exposit the word of God and make things “rememberable” for the people of my congregation. Here are some newly crafted definitions pulled from a Bible study over 1 Timothy 1:1-2.
In 1 Timothy 1:2, Paul provides this blessing, “To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I pray grace, mercy, and peace over you as well.
Grace: God’s unmerited favor toward sinners exemplified by the forgiveness of sin through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Grace is God giving what we don’t deserve.
Mercy: God’s unmerited compassion toward sinners exemplified by withholding punishment and consequence. Mercy is God not giving what we do deserve.
Peace: Freedom from anxiety, worry, and fear, flowing from a right relationship with God.
Jeff Gravens 