2 Timothy 2:1-7

Vs. 1 “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

The Apostle Paul’s emphasis on grace here is harkening back to what he said in verses nine and ten about God saving and calling us with a holy calling, not according to our works (as if we deserve it, or are somehow disqualified from His salvation and service based on our past sins or lifestyle) rather God saved us and called us with a holy calling according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. Therefore rather looking at ourselves we should steadfastly be looking at Christ and what He has done to both save and qualified and Spirit equipped us for His purposes. Being strong in grace allows one to do that to always see themselves and others in the light of the cross and what Jesus has done to justify us through it. For there will be distracters both outside and within who will seek to discourage you. Not to mention the Accuser of the brethren who so delights in finding fault and stirring up others to do likewise so as to undermine not only ones own sense of peace and security, but also the unity of Spirit in the bond of peace. Therefore be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and you will overcome him by the shed blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11).

Now regarding grace it is foundational to both the individual believers redemption as well as the churches well being. For there are two fundamental errors that every generation faces: dedication to the Law as if our righteousness comes through ourselves (Gal. 2:19-21). While the other extreme is the propagation or permitting of sin under the guise of living by grace (Rom. 6:1-14). Nonetheless God’s grace that is in Christ Jesus only saves us by Jesus' atoning work on the cross, and having saved us from our sins and the judgment to come we should walk in newness of life with Him (Rom. 6:4). A newness of life, which entails our putting to death by the Holy Spirit the sinful deeds of our flesh (Gal. 5:16-21). For nothing comes to us through Christ’s salvation because we deserve it (vs. 9) or have earned it (Rom. 4:4-5). All that we have and are comes to us only by the righteousness and grace of God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:21-26). Now as we grow in our understanding of God’s grace dealings with us, we will become more graceful in our dealings with others as well. Since it is only God’s grace that is given to us in Christ Jesus that makes us to stand and withstand all that we will have to overcome in this life. Therefore unless your foundation is justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone (Rom. 5:1); then obeying His commandments as an essential part of being His disciple, you'll be building on sand (Matt. 7:21-29).

Vs. 2 "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

The Apostle Paul having commended Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus now commands him to commit the things that he has heard from him among many witnesses to faithful men who will be able to teach others. For just as the Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the Lord Jesus Christ’s testimony declaring the Lord’s life; death, resurrection and ascension in the presence of many others; so must Timothy unashamedly declare and commit Christ’s Testimony and Words to faithful men who can teach others as well. For there is an ever present danger in every generation of believers of drifting from the churches most important mission given us, which is to go and make disciples of all nations. The Lord Jesus Christ said: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matt. 28:18-20

Therefore though there are many just and worthy social causes in this world, the most pressing need of humanity is always to hear, believe and obey the gospel. For if that is addressed first, all other problems in the human sphere of sins, problems and conflicts can be peaceably and justly resolved.

Vs. 3 "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."


The Apostle Paul now commands Timothy that he must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Just as all of us who believe in and seek to faithfully follow Jesus Christ in discipleship will have to endure hardships. Not just life’s afflictions and hardships, but also hardships and sometimes evils and injustices specifically for Jesus Christ and gospel’s sake; for union with Christ assures us all as much (Phil. 3:10). Yet it is by these that our faith is being perfected (Col. 1:24). For every believer must share in Jesus Christ’s sufferings if they expect to share in His consolation and glories (John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom. 8:17-18; 2 Cor. 1:3-7; Col. 1:24; 1 Peter 4:12-13). Therefore “…if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved,

Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God

commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:16-19

Now it is because of believers universally suffering troubles from the world, Satan (John 15:18-25; 1 Peter 5:8-9) and even from the children of Hagar i.e. "religious people" of works (Gal. 4:21-31) that the Body of Christ must take note of such and be the heart of God towards them and comfort them

when they do (Isaiah 40:1; 1 Cor. 12:18-26; Rom. 12:15; 1 Thess. 5:11).

Vs. 4 "No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier."

The Apostle Paul then having exhorted Timothy (and us) to endure hardships as a good solider of Jesus Christ now warns us that: “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” The Apostle Paul’s exhortation here should not be misunderstood as disengagement or isolation from this life, it's problems and or our responsibilities in it (Consider 1 Cor. 5:9-10; 1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Thess. 3:10 etc.). Conversely the word the Apostle Paul uses that is translated entangled means to "fill up". That is to have ones time filled up with the affairs of this life. Being busy with this life's affairs is not necessarily being fruitful for the Kingdom’s sake. The Lord Jesus’ parable of the Sower is a warning to us all about this (See Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23; Mark 4:1-9, 13-19). Therefore as believers we need to strike a balance in our lives and not become Christian "isolationists" as past generations of various denominational stripes have mistakenly done utterly removing themselves from greater society; neither than should we become so engaged and focused on this world's affairs as to forsake our true calling and purpose. Therefore engagement in all areas of life yes; entanglement in this life's affairs, no.

Vs. 5-7 "And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.  7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things."

To make his point about this the Apostle Paul gives a series of metaphors drawing an analogy of the believer following Jesus Christ in discipleship with that of a preserving solider who endures hardships to please the one who enlisted him (vs. 4); an athlete who competes according to the rules in order to be crowned (vs. 5); and a hard working farmer who is rewarded at the harvest by being first to partake of the crops (vs. 6). These three characteristics: Perseverance under trial (John 16:33); obedience and personal discipline in life (1 Cor. 9:27); and diligence in serving Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:11; Titus 2:14) are foundational to the Christian who desires to be fruitful in his endeavors for the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore like a solider duty bound to serve in his post so must we remain faithful in whatever calling Jesus Christ has called and equipped each of us to do if we hope to please our Commander and Chief. The Apostle Paul concludes by saying to Timothy to consider what he has said asking that the Lord give him understanding in all things. Just as He gives understanding to all who truly seek to know Him and obey Him. The Lord Jesus said: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matt. 7:7-8


Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Timothy 1:13-18

Devotional

The Apostle Paul's exhortation to hold fast the pattern of sound words given through him is not not just an exhortation to blindly adhere to sound doctrine as if one grows spiritually mature by merely publicly reciting it, or assenting to it. But rather Paul's exhortation is personal, and is commending us all to adhere to sound doctrine in faith and love. For without faith, the Word of God will not profit you (Heb. 4:2). And without love; doctrine (even sound doctrine) can quickly become a catalyst for making lifeless and loveless legalistic Pharisees (consider Luke 11:42). Therefore though sound doctrine is crucial, how it is presented, received, and applied is also crucial.

Now in regards to the Apostle's doctrine please consider that the Apostle Paul universally taught the same gospel and doctrine everywhere (1 Cor. 4:17). Sound words given him through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:3). Which we, like Timothy must hold fast to in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus if we hope to grow and mature, not only Spiritually, but also in every aspect of our person's and lives (1 Peter 2:2). For it is through sound doctrine and soundly adhering to it, that not only the church and believer individually grows, but we also avoid spiritual peril as well (2 Cor. 11:3-4; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 John 10; Rev. 18:3-4). That good thing committed to Timothy then is a reference to not only to the gospel (i.e. the Biblical Apostle's gospel; Rom. 2:16; 16:25; 2 Tim 2:8 etc.). But also all of Jesus Christ’s commandments given for us in the gospel, as well as His commandments through the Apostles writings in the N.T. all which are given for that expressed purpose (i.e. our sanctification). Therefore we must all strive to keep our doctrine and ourselves pure by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us all who believe. For grace and the pursuit of holiness are not mutually exclusive ideas.

Vs. 15-18 The Apostle Paul now reminds Timothy that all those in Asia (that is Ephesus) have turned away from him. In this two individuals are mentioned: Phygellus and Hermogenes. Were not told why they did, only that they did. And that is the real issue. For the Apostle Paul also mentions the household of Onesiphorus, and requests that they all be granted the Lord’s mercy since Onesiphorus often refreshed Paul and was not ashamed of his chain. That is of Paul being imprisoned for his faith In Jesus Christ. For when Onesiphorus arrived in Rome he was very zealous in seeking Paul until he found him. That is why the Apostle Paul requests that Onesiphorus be granted the Lord’s mercies in that Day. A reference to when Jesus will personally return to both gather all who believe to Himself with the rest of the saints (i.e. those who believe, but have already died and now gone on to be with the Lord, see 1 Thess. 4:13-18). But also Jesus will personally reward each person according to their own faithfulness to Himself, which is often demonstrated by our faithfulness to each other (consider Matt. 25:31-46). Therefore though this section (vs. 15-18) is brief, and thus may be overlooked by some. It is an important one, since it reminds us all of our responsibilities towards each other, not to abandon each other in our hour of need. The Apostle then closes by reminding Timothy that Onesiphorus even ministered to him at Ephesus as well. And so what will be the legacy that each of us leave here on earth towards our Christian brethren, when we go home to be forever with Jesus Christ? May God guide and direct our steps into His heart and love, so that it may be known to all.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Timothy 1:8-12

Vs. 8 Therefore since God has given us all who believe in Jesus a spirit of power, love and sound mind (vs. 7) Timothy need not be ashamed of his faith in Jesus Christ. The same things apply also to us who likewise believe in Christ. For think about what you once were and what Jesus has done for you, setting you free from your sins and the judgment to come and giving you eternal life. Therefore do not ashamed of Him or the glorious gospel but always be thankful. As the Apostle Paul here encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, nor the Apostle Paul His prisoner, but rather to “…share with him in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.” vs. 8 For ultimately this is each and every believers destiny to suffer for Jesus Christ and the gospel's sake. For some it may mean rejection and ridicule by their friends and peers for their confession and obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. For others it may mean that the closest of family members will turn against them for their faith in Christ (Matt. 10:34-39). Whatever the scenario each and every believer will suffer rejection, ridicule and persecution of whatever sorts from this lawless and evil world just as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did (John 15:18; 1 John 3:13-15). And just as Jesus had to endure temptations and trials from Satan, the god of this world, so must we (1 Peter 5:8-9; Rev. 12:17). Now don't be overwhelmed by all of this. For truly this is what each and every believer has gone though down through the centuries, and will continue to go through until the Lord's return and His Kingdom's establishment on earth. Nonetheless as Jesus has said He has not left us as orphans in this world until that Day. But has given us His Spirit until His return, and thus it is by the Power of God that we can likewise overcome. For it is God’s Spirit's Power working through us who not only preserves our souls (Eph. 4:30) but also makes us bold and fruitful in our witness for the Lord Jesus Christ (Consider Matt. 10:16-20; Luke 12:11-12; Acts 1:8). That is why the Apostle Paul can be so positive about this; even inviting Timothy (and us all) to share in the sufferings for the gospel according to the Power of God. For being In Christ means we are not only eternally secure (2 Cor. 1:21, 22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13-14), already having all our sins forgiven (Col. 2:13) but it means we are guaranteed the victory over this world and it's god, by our faith in Jesus (1 John 5:4). Therefore believers are never to be ashamed of the testimony; nor the Word of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Mark 8:38; Rev. 21:8).



Vs. 9-10 Therefore since it is God who has both saved us and called us with a holy calling into Christ's Kingdom and service; not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began we should not be tacit about our faith in Jesus. 

Timothy then must not doubt the Apostle’s or his own calling, nor should he be shaken by Paul’s or his own sufferings for the gospel; since all believers are not only called to believe in Jesus Christ the Lord but again we are going to suffer for Him (John 15:19). Now when we are hated by the world we should not be discouraged but rather rejoice for being counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake. For Jesus has already said: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matt. 5:11-12

Therefore these things should not dampen our resolve to witness and serve Jesus Christ but rather affirm to us that our calling and purposes are unmistakably intertwined with His (See 1 Peter 3:13-18). The other point, which is equally important, is this did not come to us because of us. Being both called and saved by the grace of God begins with God (Rom. 9:11; 1 Peter 1:2). Therefore the individual who feels utterly unqualified then is amazingly qualified because of what God has done through Jesus to qualify us all (Rom. 3:19-28). For only those sinners who see their need for Jesus Christ will enter His Kingdom (Luke 18:9-14). Consider then the Apostle Paul’s self-renunciation of his own pedigree and personal achievements in regards to having any efficacy, both in regards to salvation and his standing as a believer (Phil 3:4-10). Therefore everyone who hopes to attain to everlasting life must first make a personal decision for Jesus Christ, resting their hope fully upon Him. For nobody comes into God’s family and Christ's Kingdom any other way (John 1:12; 3:3-5; 14:6; Rev. 3:20). Those then who grew up in the faith are no more deserving or qualified then those came to faith In Jesus Christ later in life, Jesus’ parable about the hired workers makes that abundantly clear (Matt. 20:1-16). Therefore the Apostle’s mentioning Timothy’s mothers and grandmother’s faith was not making faith in Jesus Christ a generational issue. It was to encourage Timothy that the true faith he saw in them, he also saw in Timothy as well. And since we all stumble, we will all need to be reaffirmed at various times in our lives with Christ (2 Cor. 2:5-11; Gal. 6:1-2). Now God does not call us all at the same time, or through the same types of life circumstances. But God does call us from, and often out of, a diversity of life’s experiences. So that our faith is not in ourselves, but in God who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through Jesus Christ’s gospel. For it wasn’t until Jesus Christ appeared resurrected from the dead that God’s abolishment of death for those who believe was fully revealed and ennacted (vs. 10). Therefore as each person in each generation comes to believe in the crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus Christ so God’s designs for them begin to unfold according to His own predetermined plans and purposes.

Vs. 11. Therefore the Apostle says after having been saved by the grace of God, he was also appointed by that same grace to be “…a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”

Three essential things that God has appointed and equiped the Apostle Paul to do: to preach; to lead; and to teach. And that is why you are Holy Spirit equipped the way you are; all which has nothing to do with your having done something to deserve salvation or whatever Spirit gifts you have. For as in salvation it has everything to do with God’s own purposes for us, given to us, in Christ Jesus before time began. For it is God out of His immeasurable love for us who has both saved us and called us “…with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” vs. 10

Vs. 12 Therefore it is for this reason that the Apostle Paul is suffering these things, that is persecution and imprisonment because he is being obedient to his calling as a preacher, an Apostle and a teacher of the gospel, and thus Paul's sufferings are not for sinful or evil acts, but for Christ's and the gospel’s sake. Just as the Apostle Peter commands us all “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” 1 Peter 4:15 Therefore the Apostle Paul though being imprisoned for the gospel knowing his own calling and purposes are In Christ declares: “nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” The Apostle Paul then was not discouraged by his trying circumstances, just as we should not to be by ours if we are obeying the Lord in whatever calling He has placed on our lives, though things may not be all that we think they should be. Since our standing with God does not change when these do.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982,

2 Timothy 1:3-7

The Apostle Paul having bestowed God's three-fold blessings on Timothy (and us all) now to encourage Timothy to live a life worthy of his calling, recalls his own faith heritage, a faith that is rooted in serving God with a pure conscience as his forefathers did (vs. 3). For those who have genuine faith in God always seek to purify their lives (1 John 3:2-3). God’s grace, mercy and peace does not annul that when He brings us into a relationship with Himself through faith in His Son (John 5:24). But grows our hunger for it. Yet this is not accomplished by works of the law (Rom. 9:30-33), which only leads to Phariseeism (Matt. 16:5-12; Luke 12:1-3) and or self righteousness (Luke 18:9-14), but by grace and truth which is exclusively found in Christ Jesus and His gospel and is exemplified by our living out the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives, rather then the old selfish and sinful nature (Gal. 5:16-23). Therefore the Apostle’s Paul’s exhortations here are not given as a cold and disconnected law removed from the realities of life, but are born out of a love and concern for Timothy. Just as a loving father admonishes his son so that his life might be all that it can be, so it is here. This is self evident for Paul says: “I thank God…” (for you) and “…without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” vs. 3-5
Even while writing bound in chains from a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul's heart and faith was not chained. Which is very important for us all to take note of because our faith and effectiveness for the Lord Jesus is never bound to our own life's circumstances, unless we let it be so. Therefore Paul's focus and concern was not on himself and his circumstances, rather Timothy's and the churches. Just as they are in all of the Apostle’s epistles (i.e. letters) being filled with a heart of love and concern for both (2 Cor. 11:28-29). For that is the true mark of Christ’s disciples, our love for each other (John 13:35). Therefore to emphasize one above the other is only to be out of balance. For both the Body and the individual believer are deeply loved by the Lord Jesus and thus should be by us all as well (Consider Matt. 18:12-14; Luke 15:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4). For the Apostle Paul’s own Holy Spirit guided and inspired teachings tell us that each and every member of Christ's Body is a loved, valued and needed member of the Body and thus nessecary for the Body to grow and function well as a whole (1 Cor. 12:12-27). There is then within Christ’s profound love for His bride the church, His profound love and concern for the individual believer (Matt. 25:31-46). That is the heart of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, that none of His children be forgotten (Isaiah 48:15), abandoned (Heb. 13:5), or made to stumble (Mark 9:42). And so Paul becasue of Christ's love within him remembers Timothy in his prayers. As well as Timothy's own tears drawing comfort from them (though they are separate for a time), knowing that his affections and concern for him are mutual. 

Now Timothy grew up with two Godly influences; a mother named Eunice and a grandmother named Lois who like the Apostle Paul were Jewish and thus worshipped the one true God according to what was prescribed for the nation of Israel at that time. They then taught Timothy the basic moral precepts that are universal to Jew and Christian alike having their origins in the Ten Commandments. And thus though faith is not generational i.e. you don't pass onto your children saving faith; you can most certainly model it, teach it, and thus lay a solid ground work for it to take root in their own lives as well. And that is what Timothy's mother and grandmother did for him. Yet they like the Apostle Paul having come to faith In Jesus Christ they didn't have their hope in their own obedience to law, as if they could save themselves through that or anything else. Rather on Jesus Christ who fulfills the law for us all and imputes His righteousness to us, whether Jew or Gentile, when we believe in Him (See 2 Cor. 5:21; 2 Peter 1:1). That is why the Apostle Paul can say of them and of Timothy. That the genuine faith he saw in them he also saw in Timothy as well, for they were a Godly family no doubt, but they were not living their lives independent of God's Righteousness (consider Rom. 3:19-28). Rather they were trusting in Him through His Son Jesus Christ for their salvation. Therefore their lives were reflecting the choice they had made to follow and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord.
The Apostle Paul then having reminded Timothy of his own faith legacy to strengthen his faith now exhorts Timothy to stir up the gift of God within him that came through the Apostle Paul by his laying his hands on Timothy (vs. 6). A gift, it appears, to assist Timothy in overcoming his timidity in his preaching for Jesus Christ and the gospel. As the Apostle Paul says “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” vs. 7  Paul’s encouraging Timothy then was to help him see that through Christ we can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13). For Timothy was not just a Pastor, rather he was called to do the specific work of evangelism (2 Tim. 4:5). Not because he was a gifted speaker; or well educated man; but because God called him to do so; that is why the Apostle Paul and other church elders laid their hands on him (1 Tim. 4:14). Therefore God had a plan and a purpose for Timothy and Timothy needed to be leaning on God for His Holy Spirit wisdom and power to be His witness. Just as we are when God calls us to overcome by His power and serve Him in whatever capacities He calls us to serve and witness for Christ in as well (Rev. 3:21). Which again so often has little or nothing to do with natural abilities, but rather Spirit giftedness. Now it is our privilege to not only believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thus be saved by the grace of God; but also to suffer for Him (Phil. 1:29). For suffering the reproach of Jesus Christ is every believer’s privilege and destiny (John 15:18-25).

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Timothy 1:1-2

Vs. 1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus” 

The Apostle Paul begins his epistle by introducing himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus. Now God’s promise of life is not just for Christ’s Apostle’s; nor is it stated just for Timothy to whom Paul is writing; God’s promise of life is for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ God's only begotten Son, (John 3:16). Now Paul’s declaration of his being an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God indicates God’s prerogatives in all such matters. For it is God by His Sovereign Will who not only elects us to salvation (John 1:13; Rom. 9:11), but also to His service (John 15:16). Therefore at salvation, at the moment we believe in Jesus Christ the Lord (Eph. 1:13-14), God sends the Holy Spirit into us who first effects our regeneration (Titus 3:4-7), or our being born again (John 3:3-5). But He also endows each believing individual with whatever Spirit gifts they are to have in the Body of Christ, (1 Cor. 12:4-11). Now this is in accord with God the Father having first established a priority for His Spirit given gifts and their execution in the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:28-31). For it is God who has set each member in the Body of Christ just as He pleased (1 Cor. 12:18). And so just as God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son appoints us to salvation (Acts 13:48). So it is that the Holy Spirit according to His will equips each one of us with whatever Spirit gifts we are to have (1 Cor. 12:11). And that is why each member of Christ's Body is a vital member and is nessecary to make the whole function well (1 Cor. 12:12-18). For no believer (and thus no gift) in the Body of Christ is either unnessecary or an independent entity of any other member. All members are necessary for the Christ's Body’s functioning well as a whole (1 Cor. 12:19-25).

Now if someone professes faith in Jesus Christ yet they cannot discern having any Spirit given gifts then they are disqualified from serving Jesus Christ and the church in any Spirit gifted roles. That is why the Apostle’s Paul’s initial declaration is being looked at here so deeply. For Paul was called by Jesus Christ and equipped by the Holy Spirit to be an Apostle. Paul didn’t just decide to be an Apostle after his conversion on the Damascus road. It was something God called him to be even before he was born, but was not revealed to him until then (Gal. 1:15-17). Therefore as the Scripture declares it is God, not man who decides whom God has chosen, and whom God has equipped, and how we are to serve Him. For man always looks at the outward appearance, i.e. degrees, diplomas, similar personal histories, or likes and dislikes etc. but it is God who always looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). And thus He chooses whom He chooses to bring glory to Himself (1 Cor. 1:26-31).

Now Paul’s Apostleship by the will of God is not an independent entity but is “…according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus.” Therefore before Paul became an Apostle of Jesus Christ He had to first enter into Christ's life by receiving His promise of life that is given to all who believe in Him. And thus far above and exceedingly more important than Paul’s Apostle status is the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. For this promise of life is offered to all and given to all who believe in the crucified and Risen Lord Jesus Christ. That is God’s promise of everlasting life that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself declares in John 3:16. And thus is brought to us by Jesus Christ’s crucifixion death, resurrection from grave and ascension back to heaven, by which the Holy Spirit’s outpouring came into the world and thus it is He who then indwells everyone who believes (John 7:38-39). And so it is the Holy Spirit of God who brings this promise of life to all who believe in Jesus Christ the Lord (Eph. 1:13-14). Therefore God’s promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus, is universal, excluding no one. But it is in no way universally applied. It demands a response from each of us to either repent and receive God’s gift of life through faith in Jesus Christ and be saved from our sins and the judgment to come (Acts 2:38-40). Or to remain spiritually dead in ones trespasses and sins separated from God and all the life that is in Christ Jesus the Lord (Eph. 2:1-10). That is the reality of us all apart from the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus. Yet as we read further into Apostle Paul’s epistle we soon discover that this is not the will of God for anyone to be dead in their sins and transgressions, separated from Him, but rather that all should come to know Christ and thus experience His life within us.


Vs. 2 “To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy,and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Three blessings from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord the Apostle Paul now bestows on Timothy whom he calls his beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace. These salutations also appear in 1 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4; and 2 John 3 and encompass what happens to us in our standing with God when we come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ the Lord. That is we become children of God no longer alienated from God, but become recipients of His grace, mercy and peace (John 14:26-27). That Paul calls Timothy a beloved son is not literal, rather Timothy was a young man whom Paul had discipled but who had no father in his life; though he had a Godly mother and grandmother (vs. 5). Now these blessings, grace, mercy and peace are again gifts of God’s ongoing love for us when we believe in Jesus Christ His Son. That is the sole condition for being eternally forgiven and entering the Kingdom of Heaven, and thus having them, ones trust in Jesus Christ the Son of God which then brings us into God's family and thus makes us receipients of His grace, mercy and peace. And so as God's children we should strive to be and live like people of grace, mercy and peace. So lets look at them.

First grace: Grace theologically as defined by Webster’s Dictionary is “the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.” Now God's grace is freely offered to everyone because of Jesus Christ’s having come into the world as a Man and suffered death on the cross for all our sins. That is why God's grace is now availible to us all. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be
saved." John 3:17-18
God’s grace then does not come to us because we deserve it, or have earned it (vs. 9). On the contrary God’s grace comes to us because of His love for us and His seeing that there was no other way for us to be saved from our sins and eternal damnation, but by Him. Therefore God’s grace must be received as a gift of His love for us by our personally believing in, then confessing the crucified and Risen Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; 13). For it is God’s Son Jesus Christ who took all our sins upon Himself and suffered sins penalty on the cross for us all, so that if anyone looks to His suffering death on the cross, trusting that as payment for all their sins, they will have forgiveness of them and everlasting life (John 3:15-21). Grace then is what distinguishes the New Covenant from the Old. “For the Law was given through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

The second blessing the Apostle Paul bestows on us is mercy. Mercy is why Jesus came into the world to be, and to bring, God’s mercy to everyone broken by their sins (Matt. 5:3; 9:9-13). Mercy then is foundational to the Lord Jesus’ Mission of Redemption, which is to redeem believing humanity from sin and death. Which involves not only His sinless obedience to the will of God so that His righteousness can be imputed to everyone who puts their trust in Him (2 Cor. 5:21). But it also required His death on the cross to pay for the sins that we all have committed (Rom. 3:23). For the Scripture says,“…without the shedding of blood there can be no remission.” Heb. 9:22
Therefore God's grace and mercy is inseparably linked to what He has first done in order to save us through the death and resurection of His Son Jesus Christ. Now God’s mercy requires our repentance towards God and our faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21). That is how we receive it (Pr. 28:13; Jer. 36:3; Luke 18:9-14; Rom. 5:1). In this repentance is essentially a change of mind about oneself, ones sins, and quite possibly even God Himself God (Luke 15:11-32). Therefore God’s grace initiates salvation for us; “For in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8 But His everlasting mercy is given only to those who repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15).


The third blessing the Apostle Paul bestows on us is peace. Peace is what the angels heralded across the heavens at Jesus birth. “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14 For with Jesus’ birth the fullness of God came to humanity to restore the Peace of God that was severed from creation when sin entered the world through Adam and Eve. And thus Jesus Christ came to end the horrible enmity that exists in creation, and that creation itself has towards God our Creator. Now in this there is a progression of restoration. First there is the restoring of sinful humanity to the life; love and peace of God, that is paramount. And that is why Jesus Christ is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). For apart from the life, love and peace of God, both individuals and creation itself is like waves on the unsettled seas. And thus people strive with others, and within themselves, because their is no lasting peace apart from God. Even creation itself so clearly manifests the brutal cruelty and enmity that exists in this world because of its alienation from God. Therefore the first step in God's plan of Redemption is to restore as many as will believe in His Son Jesus Christ to Himself and thus too a state of peace. Jesus Christ then serves as the only Mediator between a Holy God and sinful humanity (Heb. 4:14-16). Then when that is fulfilled God Himself will remake all of creation with a new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells and thus a world and people and creation devoid of all enmity and sin and all of the effects thereof (Isaiah 65:17-25; 2 Peter 2:13; Rev. 21:1-8). Now that's something to sing praises to God about!

Experiencing peace with God then begins not by trying harder to please God (Rom. 4:4-5; Heb. 4:9-10). Rather by admitting that one is morally and spiritually bankrupt before God and thus incapable of making oneself acceptable in His sight. Then receiving the only solution for our sins which separate us from Him and His peace by believing in Jesus Christ crucified and Risen from the dead which then brings us into a personal relationship with God the Father and restores His peace in us (Titus 3:4-7). Therefore as a child of God, born again by the Spirit of God, fully under the grace of God we experience the peace of God in our lives, as Jesus’ promises for all who believe in Him (John 14:26). Not only by Divine impartation but also as we keep Christ’s commandments which His Spirit guides us to do, to resist the sinful desires of the flesh and rather live by the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). That is what it means to be a disciple or follower of Jesus Christ. You first receive Him unconditionally then you seek to follow Him in discipleship. For you’ll never experience peace with God as long as you shut Jesus Christ out of your heart and try to go it on your own. God’s peace is inseparably linked with ones relationship to Him through His Son (John 14:6). Again the first step of obedience towards God is to confess oneself a sinner and receive the only solution for our sins, which is to believe in Jesus Christ crucified and Risen from the grave which brings the Holy Spirit into ones life, who then brings us to life (Eph. 1:13-14). For this is the Scriptures testimony: “…God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:11-12

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982