"Because of His own Purpose and Grace"

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,” (2 Timothy 1:8-9 ESV)

Paul's profound love for Timothy, akin to a father’s love for his son, is beautifully evident in 2 Timothy. This love is a testament to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in Timothy's life. In today’s verses, we can discern several significant aspects, all of which are equally visible in today’s believers.

In the preceding verse (7), Paul urges Timothy not to succumb to fear but to 'fan the flame of God' within him. Despite Paul's laying of hands on Timothy, filling him with the Holy Spirit, Timothy's nature was one of timidity. Paul's exhortation to Timothy to be bold and embrace the fire of God within him is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. This leads us to verse 8 of our reading.

Paul's reminder to Timothy, and by extension to all of us, is clear-we should never be ashamed of our faith in Christ. We are called to openly speak of Jesus, the scriptures, and the saints who wrote them under the inspiration of God. This is a task that not everyone undertakes, often due to various reasons. However, as Paul reminds us, the Spirit of Christ resides in us, not the Spirit of fear.

Paul also reminds Timothy not to be ashamed of Him. Remember, Paul had been in prison countless times, lashed, beaten, scourged, and tested in his faith. Paul was in a Roman prison when this Epistle was written.  I love the phrase Paul used when he referred to himself as a prisoner of Christ. This was Paul’s way of describing his level of devotion. Paul had bound himself to Christ with the sole purpose of his life to deliver the gospel to the lost. Paul was eventually beheaded for his dedication.

Today, modern saints are persecuted, and many are beheaded. The freedom of our expression is already being labeled as hate, prejudice, and other false names. I was recently made aware that certain social media censors images of the cross, Christ, and other Christian symbols, comparing them to ISIS and other terrorist and hate organizations. This narrative will continue as the control of the “prince of the power of the air” increases over society. Some ask me how you can speak so boldly, so openly about Christ and your faith; are you not afraid of the violence that can come from those who oppose the gospel? They carry the fear Paul reminded Timothy God had not given him, nor given us.

It is refreshing when we speak openly about the Lord, and those around acknowledge they, too, are believers after hearing our private fellowship, which we do not hide. Do not be afraid of who you are in Christ. Be bold and let the fire of the Lord consume you. If something happens, we will, by the power of God, share in the suffering of Christ just as Paul reminded Timothy.

What I find so important in today’s reading is that we were called to God. We did not stumble our way to him by accident, nor was it an accident that we were enabled to hear and understand the truth of the gospel. The key to Paul’s words in verse 9 is that our holy calling was given to us not through our works. We did nothing; the call came from God, and we answered it. A call that was sent out before the beginning of time. Even more crucial is that our calling was not because of us, but because of the grace God gave us, and the purpose He planned for us. A purpose found in Christ that existed before time began. If you truly read the scriptures, the apostles tell us with no uncertainty that unconditional election is found in their texts. It is undeniable.

So, in our reading today, we find these things that are important to the modern Christian:

Total Depravity. It is not by our works or actions that we are saved. It is by God’s grace and the purpose of God that we are found in Christ before time. I love how Paul phrased this for Timothy.

Unconditional Election. God has his elect, those who come to Christ were elected before the ages, just as Paul wrote—a choice not of clairvoyance, but of sovereignty.

Limited atonement. Not all will receive the call to Christ, but those chosen for the grace and purpose of God will receive the fire of the Lord in their soul. Be bold and share that fire, embrace the cross just as Paul, a prisoner of Christ, did.  

Perseverance of the Saints. Like Paul, we will suffer with Christ. Our suffering may not be to the extreme, but in today’s society, under the control of the enemy, we will all experience something. I do not doubt this. However, like Timothy, we are to be bold in our faith. Openly speaking the gospel and furthering the calling of the elect. One time, just one time, that you openly speak about the gospel, might be the time that God uses your words to open a heart to salvation.

Hmm, Calvin did get it right, did he not?

The battle has already been won; Christus Victor has defeated death, and the saints look forward to eternal life.

Grace and Peace.