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God’s Purpose – Week 45 / November 4th
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of
Our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me
In the suffering for the Gospel according to the power
Of God, who 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, but now has
Been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus
Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and
Immortality to light through the Gospel, to which I
Was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher
Of the Gentiles. For this reason I also suffer these
Things; 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.”
2Timothy 1:8-12
A. The eternal purpose of God. (V8-9)
The eternal purpose of God for each one of our lives is:
1. Holy- that is, we should become like God in character. (2Peter 1:4)
2. Unique-Jesus has something incredible in mind for us; not merely in the present but in the eternal future. The fullness of this destiny is hidden from us but it will unfold when we reach the eternal shores of Heaven. (1John 3:2-3)
3. In Christ-Jesus is the door for each of us to the eternal purpose of God. To live one’s life without Him and to die without Him is to relegate one’s life to the garbage dump of the universe. Many have chosen this broad road to destruction. (Matthew 7:13)
4. Eternal-the plan that God has for our lives began before time began and will unfold after time has disappeared. This is amazing and beyond our ability to fully understand. (Ephesians 1:3-6)
B. The eternal focus of God. (V10)
Is Jesus! Who, being the eternal pre-existent God:
1. Became flesh. He appeared amongst us; displaying completely what God the Father is like. (John 1:18) I often hear people praying, “Lord Jesus teach us about your Father.” This is a pray that should be, “Lord Jesus teach us more about yourself!” Phillip made this self same petition when he said, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus then answered, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me?’ (John 14:7-9)
2. Abolished death!!! This is incredible. Just think; the fear, dread and darkness that death holds over the human race has been removed from over our lives in Jesus. Thank God.
3. Brought life and immortality to us. This life is ours now and, according to Jesus, will be abundant and filled with joy if we truly follow Him. (John 10:10; 16:24)
C. The eternal call of God. (V11-12)
God is ever looking for “vehicles” that will be prepared to carry His eternal purpose message into the world. Is it at all possible that God, this very day, will appoint you a preacher? Obedience to the call of God will involve you in suffering, trial and faith. You may lose your freedom and reputation but you will never be ashamed and lose your eternal reward! An eternal Day is coming when you will be the recipient of all that which you have committed to Him. God is faithful and will not fail you, just as He did not fail Paul.
Malcolm Hedding.
©Malcolm Hedding Ministries
2012Devotional