2 Timothy 1:1-2

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Relationships are one of the most precious gifts we enjoy on this earth.  We have relationships with our family members as well as friends, neighbors, and co-workers.  The most important relationship any of us have is with God.  That relationship impacts all the other relationships around us and is intended to make them more profound and meaningful.  The relationship between Paul and Timothy enjoyed that kind of depth due to their mutual commitment to the Lord.

PAUL: A FATHER IN THE FAITH: Paul introduces himself in this letter as an apostle of Christ by God’s will according to the life he received in Christ.  Paul was born and sinner and continued to live as a sinner even after his salvation.  However, because of God’s sovereign plan in his life, this sinful man became a representative of Christ because he received new life in Christ.  We must all recognize that all of us are who we are because of the will of God and the eternal life we receive through faith in the work of Christ on the cross.  This is why Paul became a father in the faith to Timothy and so many others.  The reality is that all of us who have come to faith in Christ and then had the privilege of leading others to faith can only do so because of God’s gracious work in and through us.

TIMOTHY: A CHILD BY GOD’S GRACE: The recipient of this letter is Timothy who was Paul’s spiritual child.  However, as stated above, this salvation by which we become sons of God is only available because of the grace, mercy, and peace that is available through Christ.  We are born as enemies of God due to our sin and rebellion.  We naturally deserve eternal condemnation.  However, God extends His grace by loving the undeserving, demonstrates mercy by removing our condemnation, and makes peace with us through the shed blood of Christ.  Because of Jesus, we are at peace with God and can experience the peace of God.  This truth is what allowed Timothy and all who have believed to be children of God.

APPLICATION: Praise God for the will of the Fathers that granted to us the promise of life through Jesus.  Proclaim the message of grace, mercy, and peace to all.

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