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 2 Timothy 1:1-7 - Grace, Mercy, & Peace

        Jesus promises life.  New life, grace, mercy, and peace through faith in Christ Jesus.

        Let’s take God’s promise seriously.  God’s promises and decrees are certain.  Abraham knew that.  As did Moses.  They worshipped God in faith.  Paul tells us that the ancient believers in God worshipped God with clear consciences (1:3), just as Paul did.  Let that sink in.  It is so important for you and me to guard our consciences and to worship in spirit and truth with clear consciences.  We do that today via repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ.

        Like John, one thing that comes through this chapter and that you can hear in everything Paul writes is love.  Paul genuinely loved Timothy and all of his brothers and sisters in Christ.  That kind of love can only come from a born-again heart, from someone who’s been transformed by the grace and love of Jesus Christ.

        Yes, Paul’s message is to his protege, Timothy, but it has direct application to all of God’s people.  God has only one people, one tree of faith, one baptism, and one hope.  There is only one way to the Father.  The way to life immortal is only through Jesus Christ.

        This chapter is so encouraging.  It is a bright reminder that God gives us a spirit and mindset of power, love, and self-discipline.  Through Jesus Christ, we are saved.  Jesus broke the power of death.  And God illuminates the way to life and immortality.  The world offers all sorts of things.  But God offers more.  He offers the real thing, the genuine good life.  Don’t ever be ashamed of the truth, the Good News of Jesus Christ.

        Paul did his part.  As did Timothy.  We stand in the place where God’s Kingdom has grown immensely since Christ’s ascension.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the growth of your Kingdom.  Thank you for your patience with us.

        Who will tell of God’s great promise of eternal life today?  I trust God.  He always has His people everywhere.  Right now God is preparing the next generation of those who will lead and serve.  Make no mistake, they will be genuine believers with clear consciences who trust His promise. 

        I’m thankful for you today, my daughter, my sons, my grandsons, my wife, and my friends.  I’m thankful for everyone with whom I share genuine faith in God’s promise.  I am but a sinner, saved by Jesus.  I’m so thankful to be part of God’s family.

        Let us thank God today and be attentive to His promises.

        A true friend in the faith is a precious gift from God.  Timothy and Paul had that godly friendship.  I dare say it seems rare.

        True friends remind each other to fan into flames the spiritual gift that God gives us.  God provides us with spiritual gifts - superpowers.  But, like faith in Christ, we have the free will to neglect our gifts.  As you and I can attest, we seem to rarely use our resources to their potential.

        God’s superpowers are life-changing.  Through the Holy Spirit, we have a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.  Thank God.  Walk in confidence in that spirit today.

        Lord Jesus, please help us to be bold and strong in you today.  And please help my family and friends, my brothers and sisters in Christ, to be self-disciplined,d powerful, and loving today.  May we be pure, innocent, and wise.  In thought and in our actions.  Let us not hesitate to take action to show our love for others.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your grace, mercy, and peace.  Amen.


Kari and me (circa 1992)

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